Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Jia Zheng is truly a remarkable figure. When Jia Daishan passed away, the late emperor, moved by his contributions to the court, bestowed upon him the title of Director of the Ministry of Works, a fifth-rank official. Yet, to this day, he remains a mere fifth-rank Deputy Director of the Ministry of Works. A closer look reveals that over the course of twenty long years, Jia Zheng has only risen half a level. A more ordinary person, leveraging such connections, would have soared to prominence. Take, for example, Wang Ziteng, now a powerful and influential official. But Jia Zheng, seemingly stymied by fate, has remained mired in the whirlpool of officialdom, unable to achieve the brilliance and success he deserves. This is because, despite his diligent attitude, his achievements are mediocre, his rigid and prudish demeanor lacking any remarkable qualities.

The emperor was truly a man of profound practicality, possessing unique and precise insights and judgments on matters of state. He devoted his energy wholeheartedly to the governance and development of the nation, and he harbored a deep dissatisfaction and contempt for those who merely engaged in empty theoretical discussions, clinging to outdated institutions, and yet achieved no practical results. Such pedantic, muddle-headed officials, yet still held high positions and lived off their wealth, would have long been ruthlessly dismissed from their posts and expelled from the court were it not for the late emperor's kindness and grace.

Now, the Eighth Prince had dared to publicly recommend Jia Zheng in public. This action, seemingly abrupt, was actually scheming. The Eighth Prince knew the Emperor's temperament perfectly, knowing full well that he loathed those who achieved nothing but fame. His recommendation was clearly a deliberate attempt to embarrass the Emperor, to test his decision when faced with such a controversial candidate, one who lacked both real talent and experience. Perhaps the Eighth Prince saw this as a way to gauge the Emperor's true attitude toward state affairs, or perhaps to demonstrate his own strategies and tactics, hoping to gain a more advantageous position in future court struggles.

As the Eighth Prince finished speaking, Prince Zhongshun's eyes flashed with anger like a firecracker, and then he mercilessly rolled his eyes at him. Then, Prince Zhongshun shouted, "I don't know what's wrong with you, or what's got you thinking? You've said such absurd things! Someone who didn't know would think Jia Zheng had some dirty laundry on you! If it weren't for your habit of lying openly, everyone in the capital would know your reputation as a 'hypocrite.' Are you deliberately trying to embarrass the Emperor with your actions today?"

At this time, other confidants like Lin Ruhai, who had extremely close relationships with the emperor, although they appeared calm on the surface, as if the surface of a lake was still, were actually surging in their hearts, and they all cursed the Eighth Prince in secret.

The Emperor listened quietly to Prince Zhongshun's words, then coughed softly, forcing a smile onto his face, as if trying to stifle laughter. After a moment, the Emperor slowly spoke, "Zhongshun, alright, alright. I believe the Eighth Prince was simply confused this time, and didn't do it intentionally." As he spoke, a sharp gleam suddenly flashed in the Emperor's previously gentle eyes, piercing the Eighth Prince like two sharp swords. He spoke word by word, "I will seriously consider your proposal."

After saying this, the Emperor cleverly changed the subject and began talking about other, less important matters. Seeing this, the Eighth Prince, though somewhat unwilling, could only curl his lips in frustration, knowing that continuing to argue would only put him in a more disadvantageous position. So, he silently closed his mouth and stopped talking.

A few days later, as if the day had been meticulously planned, it was truly a coincidence. Governor Wu, dressed in official uniform, wearing a jade pendant at his waist, and accompanied by a large entourage, arrived in the capital to report on his work. Just as he was about to enter the palace to meet the emperor, he unexpectedly arrived at the renowned Eighth Prince's Palace to pay his respects.

The moment he cautiously stepped into the Eighth Prince's Mansion, his originally straight back seemed to bend instantly, and his respectful posture was fully revealed, just like a bent bamboo. Every movement revealed his respect for the Eighth Prince; and that slightly flattering smile was like the brightest sunshine in spring, warm but a little false, as if he was deliberately trying to please the Eighth Prince, just to seek a little protection in this complicated officialdom.

After exchanging pleasantries with the Eighth Prince, Governor Wu slowly explained his purpose. It turned out that, besides reporting on his duties as per custom, he had another important purpose in mind when traveling thousands of miles to Beijing: a generous gift. This gift felt so heavy, as if it carried all his hopes and ambitions. He wanted to present it to the Eighth Prince in exchange for his support and consideration.

The Eighth Prince sat upon the magnificent throne, his heart already secretly filled with joy, yet he feigned composure. His eyes, like the depths of a lake, were unperturbed. He asked calmly, "Oh? I wonder what this generous gift is that took you so much trouble to bring it to me?"

Seeing this, Governor Wu was secretly pleased. With a chuckle, he leaned over to the Eighth Prince's ear like a cunning fox and whispered something softly. The voice was deep and mysterious, as if carrying some kind of magic, reaching the Eighth Prince's ears. Upon hearing this, a flicker of greed suddenly crossed the Eighth Prince's previously calm eyes, like a star twinkling in the darkness, fleeting but unnoticed by the attentive. However, he quickly returned to normal, a faint smile still plastered on his face, as if nothing had happened.

"Very well, then. I will certainly speak well of you to the Emperor." The Eighth Prince nodded with satisfaction. That nod, seemingly casual, was actually loaded with meaning, as if conveying a promise to Governor Wu, a promise that could change his fate. Governor Wu thanked him profusely and then rose to take his leave. After he left, the Eighth Prince immediately ordered the gift to be brought into the palace and carefully opened and examined.

However, when he saw the true appearance of the gifts, he couldn't help but be stunned - inside were boxes of gold ingots! The Eighth Prince looked at the gold ingots in front of him and was secretly happy.

So, when Governor Wu met the emperor the next day, his face brimming with anticipation, he immediately inquired about the crucial matter of Jia Zheng's appointment as academician. Upon hearing this question, Governor Wu's face, already composed from his experience in officialdom, now tinged with a hint of pride. He puffed out his chest slightly, cleared his throat, and began to lavishly praise Jia Zheng. He recounted Jia Zheng's numerous strengths and excellences, from his profound knowledge to his integrity, his ability to govern the region to his devoted care for the students. He praised Jia Zheng as a rare paragon of virtuous talent. Furthermore, he enthusiastically recommended Jia Zheng, his words filled with conviction and confidence, as if with the emperor's approval, Jia Zheng would surely flourish in his new position.

At this moment, Governor Wu was completely immersed in his own praise and recommendation. He kept his head down, his voice rising with increasing passion, as if pouring out all his admiration for Jia Zheng. However, he was completely oblivious to the fact that the Emperor, seated on the Dragon Throne, was silently observing him. The hidden meaning in his gaze was like a faint light in the dark night, deep and elusive, like a pool of cold, bone-chilling water, silently gazing at him, as if through his words and actions, peeping into his true thoughts and intentions...

After a moment's silence, the emperor slowly said, "My dear minister, you are absolutely right. Jia Zheng is indeed a rare talent." After hearing this, Governor Wu's face became even more proud. He kowtowed to express his gratitude and was secretly happy in his heart.

However, the emperor changed the subject: "However, I have also heard some other things about Jia Zheng..." Governor Wu's heart tightened, and he asked hurriedly, "Your Majesty, what is it?" The emperor narrowed his eyes slightly and said calmly, "Someone reported Jia Zheng for soliciting prostitution and oppressing the people. I wonder if you have heard anything about it?"

Governor Wu suddenly broke out in a cold sweat. He realized that he had become too proud of himself, but he still pretended to be calm and said, "Your Majesty, this must be a rumor. Jia Zheng has always been honest and upright. How could he do such a thing?" The emperor sneered and said, "Of course I will not make a conclusion based on one side of the story. I will send you to investigate this matter. If this is true, I will never tolerate it." After that, the emperor waved his hand and signaled Governor Wu to leave.