Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

More crucially, the Jia family's influence within the military could not be underestimated. Not to mention the protégés and friends of the Ning and Rong brothers in the military, the Shi family alone boasted two marquises wielding military power. Who would dare to underestimate them? Therefore, when the emperor witnessed the Eighth Prince's overtures toward the Jia family, a sneer welled up in his heart. "Hmph, aren't you, Eighth Prince, keen on winning over people? Well, who wouldn't be able to do that?"

This sent shockwaves through the capital, as word of the emperor's unwavering favor for Consort Xian De spread like wildfire. Like blossoms in spring, the news spread with astonishing speed, through the streets and alleys, among the nobility and nobles. For much of the month, as if driven by a mysterious force, the emperor would journey to Fengzao Palace daily without hesitation. Each time he entered the palace, his steps were filled with an endless tenderness and longing, as if Fengzao Palace held the most precious treasures in the world, captivating him deeply. And with the emperor's frequent visits to Fengzao Palace, gifts poured out from the depths of the palace like a tide, like countless stars pouring down from the Milky Way. These gifts, whether magnificent clothing, dazzling jewelry, rare antiques, or precious spices, each one was a testament to the emperor's deep 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 Xian De had reached its peak, unrivaled among the six imperial concubines. In this state of favor, Consort Xian De was like a peony blooming in the clouds, delicate and charming, displaying her peerless elegance and grace, becoming the most recognizable figure in the entire capital.

Upon hearing the news in the palace that Yuanchun was favored, Jia's mother ordered Mrs. Wang to act secretly and transport all the items previously deposited by the Zhen family to the Eighth Prince's Mansion and hand them over to the Eighth Prince's wife.

After receiving this item, the Eighth Prince and Princess knew that the Jia family was trying to distance themselves from them. The Eighth Prince couldn't help but think to himself: How could this be so easy?

Do you think that the Jia family can rest easy just because they have an empress? In reality, this is nothing but illusion! Let's wait and see!

Just as the Eighth Prince was troubled by the Jia family's betrayal, a mysterious woman suddenly appeared. Like a messenger from the unknown, she delivered the key to the Jia family's downfall into his hands. The secret contained in that handle was like a sharp blade, piercing the Jia family's vitals, filling the Eighth Prince with an inexplicable excitement and anticipation.

In the past, Jia Zhen, like a vicious wolf, cruelly administered an abortifacient drug to You Erjie to satisfy his selfish desires, resulting in the premature death of her unborn child. Then, like a demon, he ruthlessly imprisoned You Erjie, her mother, and her younger sister in a secluded courtyard within the garden, cutting them off from all contact with the outside world. He strictly forbade them from leaving the compound, a captivity that lasted for three long years. During these three years, You Erjie's body and mind gradually sank into endless pain and suffering, succumbing to the devastating loss of her child and the despair of being confined to the courtyard without leave. Day after day, year after year, these torments eroded her will, ultimately leading to her death in a state of depression and grief.

Witnessing the passing of her beloved second daughter, Old Lady You was overwhelmed by grief like a surging wave. Unable to bear the crushing blow, she herself collapsed on her bed. Third Sister You, distraught, immediately ordered servants to fetch a skilled physician and dispatched a messenger to summon Jia Zhen. However, the servants of the Ning residence, known for their servility, saw the You sisters' fall from favor within the Jia household and retreated, fearing even the slightest taint of trouble. Third Sister You, faced with this predicament, was filled with helplessness and indignation. Knowing she was now isolated and helpless, she could only stir up a scene to attract attention. Finally, upon hearing of the incident, Lady You arrived to investigate. At that time, Jia Zhen and Jia Rong were escorting the coffin back to their home in Jinling, leaving all matters in the Ning Mansion to Youshi's sole decision. Youshi had always harbored resentment towards the two sisters, but today, seeing that her second sister had passed away and her mother was terminally ill, she felt a slight sense of relief, and the resentment that had been pent up in her heart for years seemed to be released at this moment.

He had intended to ignore the mother and daughter's life and death, but a lingering unease lingered in his heart, fearing that Jia Zhen would harshly rebuke him for his inaction upon his return. So, he hurriedly buried his second sister, as if he were simply completing a task, completely disregarding her experiences and emotions. He then casually invited a seemingly mediocre doctor to treat Old Lady You. The doctor gave her a perfunctory look, prescribed some common medicine, and left without further comment. He then immediately turned and left, as if the matter had nothing to do with him and would never again concern himself with it.

The servants in the house knew very well that their mistress was quite cold towards them and their daughter. Now that they saw their mistress acting like this, they felt that there was no need to care about her. Gradually, they became lazy and paid less and less attention to them and their daughter.

Not long after, Old Lady You finally succumbed to illness and passed away. Upon hearing the news, Mrs. You, just as she had with her second sister, arranged a simple funeral without a trace of grief. As for Third Sister You, she remained heartlessly confined to the quiet garden, forbidden from leaving or entering freely, as if she had been forgotten by the world.

Since then, You Sanjie has fallen into endless loneliness. She is alone and imprisoned in this small courtyard. Day after day, year after year, the pain and resentment in her heart grow like weeds.

It was also at this time that You Sanjie's hatred for Jia Zhen and the Jia family had taken deep root in her heart, as indelible as her bone marrow. She secretly vowed to make those who had hurt her pay a heavy price to avenge this blood feud.

It was not until several months later that Jia Zhen returned from Jinling after attending the funeral. Seeing this, You Shi reported to Jia Zhen everything about the death of her second sister and You Lao Niang, without much emotion in her words.

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