Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

The vermilion gate of the Lin family's residence was tightly shut. Two servants stood at the door, watching passersby with serious expressions. They were dressed in black uniforms, holding long sticks and with sheaths at their waists, looking very majestic.

Passersby couldn't help but slow down their pace when they saw this scene, looking curiously toward the Lin family. Someone whispered, "I heard that the Lin family's old lady hasn't been feeling well lately, so they're temporarily not receiving guests." Another person nodded in agreement, "Yes, in this situation, the Lin family must take care of their own affairs first." Someone else said worriedly, "I hope the old lady recovers soon."

Meanwhile, in the inner courtyard of the Lin Mansion, Old Lady Lin, Lady Wang Zisheng, Wang Xifeng, and others were sitting together chatting. Upon learning of Lin Ruhai's decision, Wang Xifeng smiled and said to the nanny beside her, "Since mother is in poor health, I will stay and serve her." The nanny smiled and replied, "Madam, you are truly filial. I know what to say."

Before long, the Jia and Xue families sent invitations to Wang Xifeng, inviting her to a banquet. However, when Nanny received these invitations, she politely declined them. She told them that Wang Xifeng needed to stay home to serve her mother-in-law and would not be able to attend the banquet. Upon hearing this, a hint of displeasure crossed Wang Xifeng's face. Although they felt a little unhappy, they couldn't force anything. In the end, they could only reluctantly accept the outcome.

While the Jia family reveled in their joy, the situation in the imperial palace deteriorated. The retired emperor's health deteriorated rapidly, and he slipped into a dangerous coma. Although the emperor, as his son, sometimes resented the retired emperor's excessive obsession with power, blood was thicker than water, and he remained deeply concerned. Therefore, he ordered the Imperial Medical Bureau to make every effort to save the retired emperor's life and issued a notice summoning renowned doctors from across the country for a consultation.

Due to the Emperor's critical condition, all singing, dancing, and banquets were banned throughout the capital. The Emperor, deeply concerned about his condition, dared not provoke him at this moment. The court officials fell silent, refusing to offer any advice. Even the idle and troublemaking sons of officials were sternly warned by their elders not to cause trouble during this sensitive period.

In such a tense atmosphere, the Jia family finally realized the seriousness of the situation. They were terrified and did not dare to take any action rashly, for fear of angering the emperor and bringing about a fatal disaster.

Meanwhile, the retired emperor's condition, despite the various precious medicinal herbs used, continued to deteriorate. Despite seeking out several renowned local healers, the emperor's condition remained unresolved. As time passed, his condition worsened, and he spent much of his time in a coma. After repeated research and discussion among the imperial physicians, they reached a depressing conclusion: the retired emperor's time was approaching.

When the Emperor learned of this, he fell silent. A moment later, he decisively ordered the preparation of all necessary supplies for the Emperor's passing. At court, the Empress led by example, personally caring for her father-in-law, the Emperor, as a daughter-in-law. Even the Emperor himself withdrew from court for several days, remaining at his father's bedside, wholeheartedly devoted to his father's care.

However, despite the loving care of his daughter-in-law and son, the emperor's life was still slipping away. His fate seemed to have been predetermined, and the faint flame of life was about to be extinguished, entering his final moments.

The palace where the retired emperor lived became extremely crowded at this moment, filled with royal relatives and ministers of the court.

As the Minister of Personnel and a first-rank official, Lin Ruhai was naturally among them.

His gaze fell quietly on the floor covered with gold-plated carpet, and his eyes revealed an indescribable complex emotion.

The retired emperor was the monarch he had followed for a long time, and he himself was the third place in the imperial examination chosen by the retired emperor himself, and was also the retired emperor's most trusted minister.

Now the retired emperor was in his twilight years, his life fleeting like a candle in the wind, poised to die at any moment. Facing his former master, Lin Ruhai's heart surged with emotion, a tidal wave of emotion, mingled with endless regret. He recalled the past years, those former glories and honors, now reduced to the dust of history.

Just as he was immersed in memories of the past, he suddenly heard the retired emperor forcing himself to speak with the current emperor. Although his voice was weak, every word seemed to carry a heavy weight.

The Emperor had abdicated many years earlier. Although he had been less involved in court affairs in the past two years due to illness, he was well aware of his son's ruthless methods. He knew his son possessed a strong will and decisive decision-making ability. He would not be swayed by emotion, but would govern the country with reason and wisdom.

Of all his sons, the Crown Prince was his favorite. However, as he grew older and more outstanding, he grew increasingly wary of him, ultimately driving him to death. The current Emperor is his fourth son, originally intended to be a wise prince and minister to the Crown Prince, but unexpectedly ascended the throne. His temper was too rigid, easily broken, and the retired Emperor was deeply concerned about him.

The retired emperor's heart felt like a whirlwind of emotions. He stared at the emperor, his lips trembling slightly as he continued to mutter, "Fourth Brother, you are far too strong and righteous. You need to understand that excessive rigidity can easily break. You must not act so rashly and impulsively in the future. You should learn to be tactful and diplomatic. As a ruler, you should govern the world with benevolence..." His words were halting, as if he had used up every last ounce of his strength.

Tears rolled down the emperor's eyes, and he said in a choked voice, "Your son will follow your father's instructions."

The retired emperor continued with difficulty: "I will hand over this kingdom to you..." However, before he finished speaking, he slowly closed his eyes and left this world forever.

In an instant, sad cries were heard throughout the palace.

Lin Ruhai silently watched the scene unfold before him, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He clearly understood that the Emperor's passing marked the end of an era. This Emperor was a legendary figure. During his thirty-year reign, his most notable achievement was eliminating the corrupt officials who had seized power, thus securing his own firm grip on power. He then campaigned throughout the land, conquering significant territory.

He eradicated treacherous ministers and rebels to rectify the government; built buildings that benefited the people to reassure them; constructed river embankments to control floods to protect people's livelihood; and suppressed rebellions and eliminated evildoers to stabilize the country.