Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

The next morning, just after daybreak, before the sun had fully risen, the servants in the Lin Mansion were already busy. Wang Xifeng got up early and ordered her maid to send some apology gifts to the Eighth Prince's Mansion and pass on a message.

The maid received the order and quickly arrived at the Eighth Prince's Mansion. After presenting the gifts, she conveyed Wang Xifeng's apology to the princess: "Our mistress said that she was so kind to you and invited her to enjoy the flowers. However, her health is not good. When she woke up this morning, she felt a severe headache and it was difficult for her to keep the invitation. So she apologized to you."

After hearing what the nanny said, the Eighth Princess's face flashed with displeasure, but she still maintained a smile and said, "Since you are not feeling well, let your wife rest well. By the way, last time at Madam Lin's banquet, I saw the second young lady from your mansion and I liked her very much. Why don't you bring her over to play with us today?"

When the nanny heard this, she felt a little nervous and hurriedly explained, "Your Highness, our madam originally wanted the girl to go out and make some friends, but the girl was worried about us and insisted on staying with us to take care of her. There was nothing we could do." After saying that, the nanny bowed her head.

The Eighth Princess nodded slightly and said in a gentle tone, "Miss Lin Er is such a filial and good child. I like her every time I see her, but I am not blessed enough to have such a caring daughter."

Upon hearing this, the nanny felt relieved and quickly responded, "Your Highness, your Highness is blessed with great fortune. Your wishes will naturally come true."

The Eighth Princess smiled and said nothing more, while the nanny continued, "It has been a while since I left. I have to go back and report to our lady. I'm leaving now." With that, the nanny bowed again and then walked quickly towards the gate of the mansion.

Looking at the figure of Mammy walking away, the Eighth Princess seemed lost in thought, wondering what she was thinking about...

The Eighth Prince came out from behind the screen and said, "Mrs. Lin Ruhai is really cautious! I wanted to take this opportunity to adopt that little girl as my adopted daughter and force the Lin family to join my family. But it seems that won't work. I can only rely on the Jia family."

The emperor's mind was as clear as a mirror, and he could see through the Eighth Prince's thoughts. This Eighth Prince was trying so hard to win over the Jia family. Wasn't it because he was interested in the connections of the four princes and eight dukes behind the Jia family?

Although the Jia family is no longer what it used to be, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse! In the court, there are still Jia She, a general of the first rank, and Jia Zhen, a general of the third rank, to support the situation! Don't underestimate these official positions. Although they look like empty positions on the surface, they are actually titles earned by real military merit! Moreover, as long as the critical moment comes, these positions can be converted to regular positions at any time. On the battlefield, the generals who lead the army to fight are usually lords, so that they can keep the situation under control. Otherwise, which emperor would support a group of useless people in vain? In the final analysis, it is just like raising soldiers for a thousand days and using them for a moment.

More importantly, the Jia family still wielded considerable influence within the military. Not to mention the students and friends of the Ning and Rong brothers, the Shi family alone boasted two marquises wielding military power. Who dared to underestimate them? So, upon seeing the Eighth Prince's various overtures toward the Jia family, the Emperor couldn't help but sneer. "Hmph, don't you, Eighth Prince, enjoy winning over people? Sure, who wouldn't be able to pull that off?"

And so, like a whirlwind, news of the emperor's deep favor for Consort Xian De spread through the capital. Like blossoming flowers in spring, the news spread with incredible speed, spreading through the streets and alleys, among the nobility and nobles. For the better part of a month, the emperor, as if drawn by a mysterious force, would head to Fengzao Palace daily without hesitation. Each time he stepped through the palace's threshold, his steps seemed filled with an endless tenderness and longing, as if the palace held the world's most precious treasures, captivating him endlessly. And with the emperor's frequent visits to Fengzao Palace, gifts poured out from the depths of the palace, like countless stars pouring down from the Milky Way. These gifts, whether magnificent clothing, dazzling jewelry, rare antiques, or precious spices, each one demonstrated the emperor's love and favor for Consort Xian De. The entrance to Fengzao Palace was often piled high with exquisite gift boxes, towering like a small mountain, drawing envious glances from passersby. Throughout the capital, it was widely known that the Emperor's favor for Consort Xiande reached the pinnacle, practically unrivaled among the six imperial concubines. Under this favor, Consort Xiande was like a peony blooming in the clouds, her beauty and grace radiating unparalleled, making her the most captivating figure in the entire capital.