Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Seeing this, Jia Baoyu also hurried forward and greeted the eunuch. The eunuch nodded slightly, a subtle look flashing in his eyes, and then said, "The prince wants you to come in." After saying this, he turned and walked towards the palace, leading the three people forward.

The three men exchanged a glance, their hearts agitated, and followed the eunuch into the palace. Passing through two heavy gates and around a magnificent hallway, they finally reached the majestic inner palace gate. Upon reaching the gate, they all paused, a sense of inexplicable awe welling up in their hearts. The eunuch then quickly stepped forward, entering first to inform the prince that they had arrived.

At this moment, the young eunuchs at the door came forward one after another, greeting them with smiles on their faces. These young eunuchs were dressed neatly, and their manners revealed a well-trained elegance that complemented the atmosphere of the palace.

For a moment, everyone stood there in silence, awaiting the eunuch's message. A tense and delicate atmosphere hung in the air, as if every second seemed to stretch uncontrollably. Finally, the eunuch reappeared at the doorway, a faint smile still on his face, and softly whispered, "Please." The three of them immediately gathered their thoughts and respectfully followed the eunuch into the inner palace, stepping towards their unknown fate.

The Eighth Prince, dressed in a gorgeous formal attire, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, and had already arrived at the palace porch with a beaming smile. His magnificent attire shone brightly in the sunlight, seemingly illuminating the entire palace.

Jia Zheng's heart tightened slightly, and he hurried forward to pay his respects, his face a look of respect and humility. Jia Zhen followed closely behind, his steps steady, his eyes revealing a hint of nervous anticipation. Finally, Jia Baoyu, despite his youth, possessed a unique demeanor. He also respectfully paid his respects to the Eighth Prince.

The Eighth Prince's eyes gleamed with a look of relief. He took Baoyu's hand and said, "I haven't seen you for a long time, and I've been thinking about you. How have you been recently? Have you encountered anything interesting?" Baoyu was very pleased to hear this and quickly bowed and replied, "Thanks to your blessing, everything is fine. Thank you for your concern."

The Eighth Prince looked at Baoyu with admiration in his eyes and said to him, "I don't have anything good to offer you today, but it would be nice for us all to chat." As he spoke, several eunuchs in neat uniforms expertly raised the curtain. The Eighth Prince slightly leaned aside, gestured "please," and then stepped into the hall first. His posture seemed to have an innate majesty. Seeing this, Jia Zheng and others all bowed and followed cautiously, fearing the slightest impoliteness.

Jia Zheng approached the Eighth Prince and earnestly invited him to accept his greeting. The Eighth Prince quickly waved his hand and offered a few humble words. However, Jia Zheng had already knelt on both knees to show his respect for the Eighth Prince. Then, Jia Zhen and the others followed suit, each one performing the same gesture with meticulous precision, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

After completing his formalities, the Eighth Prince gently waved his exquisite folding fan, his movements graceful yet dignified, as if looking down upon an ant. Then, narrowing his eyes slightly, he slowly and deliberately instructed, "Will you lead us all to our seats?" The Eighth Prince remained silent, his gaze fixed on Baoyu, the handsome and distinguished figure before him. His expression gradually grew serious, as if under an invisible pressure. His lips, once slightly raised, gradually tightened, his eyes revealing a deep and solemn expression. Inadvertently, he slowly opened his mouth, his deep and magnetic voice like the gurgling of water entering Baoyu's ears: "Yesterday, the Governor Wu came from afar to the capital to meet with the emperor. During the conversation with the emperor, he specifically mentioned the deeds of your father when he was the former education commissioner. He was truly a model! He always maintained a fair and selfless attitude, and handled every matter impartially, never showing favoritism to any party. This behavior is truly popular. Your father's character and noble morals are well-known in this huge capital. "Everyone, from high officials to common people, has praised him highly. When he met the emperor, the emperor was also quite concerned about this and asked about the relevant situation many times. When he answered the emperor's questions, he was also unequivocal, truthfully telling the emperor about your father's achievements and excellent qualities, and strongly recommending your father. This is undoubtedly a great omen for your father's family. It will surely prosper and bring endless blessings in the future." Baoyu listened quietly to the Eighth Prince's words, his heart like a surging ocean wave, an inexplicable sense of pride welling up. Although he usually disdained the affairs of the officialdom, even a little disgusted, he could not resist others' praise, especially coming from someone as noble and handsome as the Eighth Prince. At this moment, hearing the Eighth Prince praising his family in such a way, Jia Baoyu naturally thought that their Jia family's style of doing things has always been so upright and honest. Now that he could receive such praise from the Eighth Prince, his heart was even more happy than words could express. He couldn't help but reveal a bright smile on his face. That smile was like a blooming flower, emitting endless brilliance.

After hearing this, Baoyu's anxious expression became even more obvious. He quickly stood up and replied respectfully, "This is indeed the prince's great grace, and it is also the kindness of Lord Wu. Baoyu will definitely remember this kindness in his heart, and if there is an opportunity in the future, he will definitely repay it with all his heart."

Speaking of the Eighth Prince, he was truly scheming and ruthless, with no tolerance for any injustice. He was a vindictive man. If anyone offended him, even the slightest offense, he would remember it and seek revenge.

A few days ago, for unknown reasons, the Minister of Works suddenly submitted a memorial to the Emperor. It stated, "Some time ago, the former Minister of Works of our department, due to his advanced age, voluntarily retired and returned home. This position has since become vacant. Your Majesty, please provide your instructions on how to arrange a successor."

So, at the next morning court session, the emperor asked several of his ministers for their opinions on the matter. Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, and before anyone could speak, the Eighth Prince, as if already having a plan in mind, deliberately mentioned Jia Zheng's name.