Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Upon hearing this, Jia Yuanchun's eyes flashed with a cold light like lightning. She clearly understood the profound interests involved in this marriage. If she could successfully facilitate this, she might actually gain some unexpected personal benefits. However, changing the stubborn old lady's mind was definitely not an easy task, and the difficulties and obstacles involved were imaginable. She frowned slightly and fell into deep thought, constantly calculating how to deal with this difficult situation...

"I'll do my best," Jia Yuanchun replied earnestly, her expression serious. "But you need to give me time." The Eighth Prince nodded slightly in approval. The two discussed the details for a moment, and then the Eighth Prince quietly departed, just as he had arrived.

The Eighth Prince sits as steady as a bell, his mind calm and cunning, each move meticulously calculated. He is well aware of the unpredictable dynamics of officialdom and the unpredictable nature of human nature. Every decision seems meticulously calculated, solely to secure a secure position within the complex landscape.

By this point, the Jia family had already begun to take action. Grandmother Jia, the most authoritative figure in the Jia family, issued an order, and the entire Jia family was like a calm lake being stirred, rippling. She resolutely decided that Yingchun's marriage must be finalized as soon as possible, without a single moment's delay.

Grandmother Jia said gravely, "My children, do not insist on seeking out a family as distinguished and prestigious as ours. Although our Jia family enjoys all the splendor and wealth of this world, the human relationships and social customs behind it are extremely complex and dizzying. My second daughter, Yingchun, is as gentle as water, and such a delicate nature is not suitable for a family as complex as ours. It would be better to seek out a family of upright scholars, even if their family background is a little lower. As long as the house is simple and unpretentious, and the mother-in-law is kind and amiable, then it would be a good thing."

Jia She, the master who usually paid little attention to his children's affairs, was actually moved when he heard what Jia Mu said. He had always cared little about his daughter Yingchun, but now he heard what Jia Mu said, and he felt that it made sense. So he nodded and echoed what Jia Mu said.

However, only Lady Xing and Lady Wang had a slight objection. As a second wife, her family had long since fallen into decline, and she had no children to rely on. Although Lady Xing felt resentful of Lady Jia's decision, her social status forced her to hold back. She simply pondered, giving up the prestigious position of concubine in the royal palace for a lesser family was a loss. Furthermore, if word of this were to spread, it would be a disgrace to the Jia family.

Mrs. Wang pondered inwardly, how could such a beautiful thing be left to the eldest wife alone? She narrowed her eyes slightly, a glint of cunning in them, as her mind raced with thoughts. Mrs. Wang paused for a moment, carefully considering her next move. She raised her right hand and gently stroked her sleeve, as if this would help her think more clearly. Then, her gaze slowly drifted off into the distance, as if she were recollecting something. After a moment, as if suddenly remembering something, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile.

She thought of her own daughter, the current emperor's imperial concubine. Lady Wang took a deep breath, straightened her already dignified back, raised her chin high, and a determined glint in her eyes. She secretly resolved to seize this opportunity and pave the way for her Baoyu.

"The second young lady is a bit dull and doesn't know how to please others, so naturally she's not popular." A hint of disdain lingered in Mrs. Wang's tone, her brows furrowed slightly. "On the other hand, the third young lady, Tanchun, is incredibly clever and intelligent, with a sharp tongue and a clear, coherent speech that compels admiration. Furthermore, she's the Imperial Concubine's younger sister, and has known Baoyu since childhood, forming a close bond. If she could enter the palace, with the Imperial Concubine's favor and her own talents, she would undoubtedly be deeply loved and valued by the Prince. She would surely establish herself within the palace and bring honor to our Jia family." Mrs. Wang's voice rose involuntarily as she spoke, her eyes gleaming with pride.

Looking across the entire capital, it was a truly bustling scene! What family could be so lucky, to have a concubine after having a noble concubine? Such an honor was simply astonishing! On weekdays, when they went out, the princes, nobles, and dignitaries would fawn over them, and who would dare not give them some face? It was as if they were the most influential people in the capital, and their every move attracted everyone's attention.

The emperor's heart was like a mirror, seeing the Eighth Prince's twisted thoughts clearly and distinctly. The Eighth Prince racked his brains and put forth every possible effort, intent on winning over the Jia family to his side. Was it simply because the Jia family still held some prestige? Of course not. He clearly had his eye on the Jia family's extensive network of connections, a treasure trove left behind by the four princes and eight dukes.

While the Jia family's current situation is drastically different from its former glory, the saying "a lean camel is bigger than a horse" is vividly exemplified here. At court, Jia She, a First Rank General, still presides. His imposing presence, like a mountain, evokes an air of unshakeable power. And so does Jia Zhen, a Third Rank General, who exudes a unique aura of authority. Don't underestimate these official positions. While they may seem mere titles, devoid of real power, they are noble titles earned by our ancestors through bloody battles on the battlefield, their lives and blood shed. Moreover, at crucial moments, these positions can be instantly transformed into positions of true power. Upon reaching that point, the Jia family's influence will undoubtedly rise again, and their position at court will become even more prominent. On the battlefield, the generals leading the troops were usually nobles, so that they could maintain control. Otherwise, which emperor would support a group of useless people for nothing? In the final analysis, it is just like raising troops for a thousand days and using them for a moment.