Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Xifeng and her nephew Wang Yi were at the main gate when they heard a servant running in, announcing, "Miss, Young Master Sun, Second Master, and Second Madam are almost at the gate." Wang Xifeng led Wang Yi outside, just in time to see Wang Ziteng and his wife disembark from their carriage. Wang Xifeng and Wang Yi quickly bowed, "Greetings, Uncle, Aunt, and Second Grandfather." Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Uncle, Aunt, you're exhausted from the journey. Go home and wash up first, and then we'll catch up." Wang Xifeng led Wang Ziteng and his wife to a prepared courtyard, settled them in, and then said goodbye.

At dinnertime, Madam Wang sent a maid to the courtyard where Wang Ziteng and his wife were staying. They had already finished their rest and were sitting there enjoying tea. The maid respectfully said, "Second Master, Second Madam, Madam asked me to invite you to the front hall for dinner." Wang Ziteng replied, "Go tell my sister-in-law I'll be there soon." After a moment, Wang Ziteng straightened his clothes and walked towards the front hall with his wife.

Mrs. Wang and Wang Xifeng were chatting. When they saw Wang Ziteng coming, they hurriedly stood up to greet him.

After everyone was seated, Madam Wang said with a smile, "Second brother, sister-in-law, you've had a hard journey. You should stay a few more days this time."

Wang Ziteng bowed and replied, "Sister-in-law is right. I'm here, firstly, to attend Feng'er's wedding, and secondly, to discuss something important."

Upon hearing this, Wang Zisheng looked at Wang Ziteng and asked, "I wonder what the important matter is? Feel free to tell me."

Wang Ziteng looked around, and Madam Wang understood and waved her hand to let the maids in the room leave.

When only the family was left in the room, Wang Ziteng spoke, "The situation in the court is very unpredictable right now. I've heard that His Majesty intends to recruit young talents to strengthen the court. I thought, if there are any suitable candidates among our sons and nephews, we might as well give them a try."

After hearing this, Wang Zisheng said, "Let's have dinner first." The whole family was in harmony at the dinner table, talking and laughing. After dinner, Wang Zisheng and Wang Ziteng, the two brothers, came to the study. Wang Ziteng couldn't help but ask, "Brother, why did Feng'er suddenly marry that old gangster Lin Ruhai? It's really unfair to Feng'er." Wang Ziteng couldn't help trembling his eyebrows when he heard this: "Second brother, be careful with your words. The emperor's marriage is a gift to the Wang family." Then he opened the window and said, "I don't know why. Feng'er only told me that she met Lin Ruhai when she stopped at Suzhou for supplies on the way back to Jinling." Wang Ziteng said anxiously when he heard this, "Isn't this just lust at beauty! Logically speaking, Lin Ruhai is also... He is not that kind of person!" The two of them discussed for a while but had no clue. Wang Zisheng said again: "Second brother, you know why I resigned and returned to Jinling. Now the emperor has opened an imperial examination, which is an opportunity for our Wang family, but it is unstable because the emperor is still here! I want the children in my family to wait for a few years. After all, we were the disciples of the deposed prince on the surface, but we also helped the emperor who was still a prince. "Wang Ziteng nodded in agreement. Although Wang Ziteng is the leader of the Wang family on the surface, in fact, Wang Ziteng listens to his elder brother Wang Zisheng on major matters. Back then, Wang Zisheng was the prince's companion, and he was a well-known figure. If the prince had not been framed by his own confidants, maybe Wang Zisheng would be the youngest cabinet minister now.

"And this time, the special examination is probably not just about selecting talents." Wang Zisheng said with a deep look in his eyes.

"Brother, what you mean is..." Wang Ziteng frowned slightly, as if he had thought of something.

"The former emperor is getting older, and the throne of His Majesty is unstable. This special examination may be an opportunity for His Majesty to observe the forces of all parties. We, the Wang family, must respond with caution and must not act rashly." Wang Zisheng said in a serious tone.

Wang Ziteng nodded. "Brother, what you said is absolutely right. So what should we do?"

"Stay calm while controlling movement," Wang Zisheng said slowly. "Let my nephews and nieces concentrate on their studies and improve their abilities. At the same time, they should also pay attention to the dynamics of the court and secretly observe the movements of other forces. As for Feng'er's marriage, since it was granted by the Emperor, it is an unchangeable fact. We can only accept it and strive to gain benefits for it." Wang Ziteng thought for a moment and said, "Brother, I understand. We cannot act rashly, lest we arouse His Majesty's suspicion."

"That's right." Wang Zisheng nodded. "In addition, we must strengthen our ties with other families to jointly deal with this change."

"But, as for Feng'er, ah..." Wang Ziteng sighed.

Wang Zisheng patted his shoulder and said comfortingly, "Feng'er is a smart child. She will understand the family's situation. Besides, this marriage may not be a bad one. Lin Ruhai has a distinguished family background and is a brilliant writer. He is a good match for Feng'er."

"I hope so." Wang Ziteng was still a little worried.

"The most important thing right now is to ensure the stability and development of the family. As long as our foundation is solid, we will not be afraid of any storms," Wang Zisheng said with a firm look.

Wang Ziteng nodded slightly in agreement. The two discussed some specific matters and then left.