Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Even before she married, Jia Min began to have a difficult relationship with her sister-in-law, Lady Wang. Deeply versed in poetry and literature since childhood, and bolstered by her beauty, Jia Min held a self-esteem, believing herself superior to the average person. Naturally, she looked down on Lady Wang. As a daughter of the Wang family, Lady Wang's family rule, "A woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent," prevented her from focusing on her studies, leaving her only able to read a few words. Jia Min believed such a woman was unworthy of her brother. Furthermore, Jia Min, doted on and expert in every aspect of daily life, was forced to marry the "hypocritical" Jia Zheng, who was barred from inheriting the title, in order to strengthen family ties. Consequently, Jia Min's resentment towards Lady Wang grew.

After returning to the Wang family, Mrs. Wang was short-sighted and had a grudge against Jia Min, so she did not intend to ask questions properly. She went straight to the main hall and did not even bow to her second sister-in-law. She asked directly: "Why was Fengge arranged to marry Lin Ruhai? Didn't you agree with my second brother before that Fengge would marry Jia Lian after she reached the age of 15?" Mrs. Hu responded expressionlessly: "A marriage arranged by the royal family is definitely a great thing." After that, she stopped talking and lowered her head to drink tea. Mrs. Wang talked a lot, and when no one responded to her, she was so angry that her face turned pale. She stood up and was about to go to Wang Ziteng to complain.

Wang Ziteng was in his study discussing Wang Xifeng's arranged marriage with his staff when Madam Wang barged in, sobbing, "Brother, I just wanted to ask why Brother Feng was arranged to marry Lin Ruhai, but my sister-in-law ignored me. She must not welcome me back. I'm sobbing non-stop." Seeing this, the staff hurriedly excused themselves. Wang Ziteng rubbed his forehead and said, "Your sister-in-law doesn't know how to answer you." "Did the old lady of the Jia family ask you to come back to find out the news?" Upon hearing this, Madam Wang could only nod dryly and say yes. "Brother, you promised me that you would marry Feng into the Jia family," Wang Ziteng snorted coldly, "Marrying her into the Jia family so that she can use the dowry to fill the hole in your Jia family? Don't think we don't know how my sister fell into the water and was saved by Master Xue. It's only because Master Xue is a handsome man and treats my sister well that he didn't settle the score with you. You better behave yourself." With that, Wang Ziteng had Madam Wang sent out. Compared with the vicious Mrs. Wang, Wang Ziteng likes his niece who grew up with him more.

Mrs. Wang returned to the Jia residence feeling frustrated. She told her mother, Jia, about the incident, expecting comfort. Instead, she rebuked her for being impatient and told her to avoid embarrassing herself at the Wang residence. Mrs. Wang felt wronged, but she could do nothing but return to her room.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and she decided to find a way to vent her anger at the Jia family.

It happened that Jia Lian came to pay his respects, and Mrs. Wang took the opportunity to find fault and scolded Jia Lian severely.

Jia Lian groaned inwardly, but he dared not argue, so he could only nod and agree. After hearing Jia Lian's words, Mrs. Wang's face showed a hint of dissatisfaction, but she still pretended to smile nonchalantly. She sighed softly, and then said in a tone that was a bit divisive, "You and Feng girl grew up together, you can be said to be childhood sweethearts. Your two families are well-matched, and you should be a match made in heaven. It's a pity..." At this point, she paused deliberately, observing Jia Lian's reaction.

Jia Lian frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He looked at Mrs. Wang, waiting for her to continue.

Mrs. Wang raised the corners of her mouth slightly, and continued, "Feng girl is as beautiful as a flower, with outstanding looks; and Lian'er, you are also handsome and elegant. Two people who are so well-matched, but because of your ex-uncle's interference, this happy marriage has become a bubble. It's such a pity!" She shook her head gently, as if feeling sorry for this fruitless relationship.

Hearing this, Jia Lian couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. He thought of Wang Xifeng's charming face and couldn't help but feel a little regretful. However, he soon realized that his emotions were wrong. Jia Lian felt a little uncomfortable when he heard Mrs. Wang say this, but he couldn't get angry, so he quickly covered it up and said, "But I don't feel there is anything to regret. After all, they have now been married by the emperor and have become other people's wives. No matter how much I think about it, it's useless!"

In reality, Jia Lian was deeply afraid of the strong bullying the weak, and he was afraid of the strong. Although he had some feelings for Wang Xifeng, they were simply because of her beauty. As for his feelings, he didn't invest much in them. Now that the emperor had granted him a marriage, he naturally didn't dare to disobey his will and could only hide his inner dissatisfaction. Moreover, his feelings for Wang Xifeng were not that deep, but rather a possessive desire. Therefore, when faced with the emperor's marriage, he could only choose to accept the reality and dared not resist in the slightest.

Mrs. Wang smiled and nodded, saying with satisfaction: "Well, as long as you can think it through, nothing else matters. But, if you miss a beauty like Feng Yatou, I'm afraid it will be difficult for you to find a woman with a prominent family background, good character and appearance like her in the future." After saying that, she looked at Jia Lian deeply again, as if hinting at something.

Jia Lian understood what Lady Wang meant. He smiled slightly and responded, "Thank you for your concern, Auntie. I believe that fate is predestined and that what is meant to come will always come. Moreover, I believe that my family will definitely find me a wife of both good character and appearance."

Mrs. Wang nodded in satisfaction. Because Wang Xifeng wouldn't marry in to fill the financial shortfall, Mrs. Wang had to keep the Jia family's facade of splendor more and more, acting more and more arrogantly and domineeringly, even disregarding Lady Jia. Others in the Jia family had complaints about her behavior, but because of her special status, they could only dare not speak out.