Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

The Eighth Prince was enjoying a lively conversation with Jia Baoyu when a young eunuch approached with slow, delicate steps. He bowed respectfully to the Eighth Prince and said softly, "Your Highness, the banquet prepared for Master Bao is now ready."

When the Eighth Prince heard this, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a gentle smile. He nodded gently and turned to Baoyu and said, "You should follow this young eunuch first. Don't delay the meal."

After hearing this, Baoyu quickly stood up, straightened his clothes, and followed the young eunuch, passing through corridors and turning corners, until he finally arrived at a small and exquisite courtyard.

Entering the courtyard, the first thing that caught his eye was a banquet filled with delicious food. The aroma permeated his nose like wisps of silk, making his mouth water. Baoyu sat down at the table with great joy, savoring each delicacy carefully, his heart filled with gratitude for the Eighth Prince's kindness.

After dinner, Baoyu once again respectfully approached the Eighth Prince and bowed deeply to express his gratitude. The Eighth Prince gazed tenderly at the young man before him, his eyes gleaming with endless fondness. He smiled and said to Baoyu, "The jade you wore last time was truly interesting. When I returned to the palace, I immediately had one crafted in that style. Since you're here today, I'll give it to you. Take it home and enjoy it." He raised his hand and motioned for the eunuch beside him to fetch the jade.

Soon, the young eunuch came to Baoyu, holding the beautiful jade in his hands. Baoyu carefully took the jade and examined it carefully. The jade was warm and delicate, and its color was crystal clear, as if it contained endless mysterious power. Baoyu couldn't help but feel a warm current in his heart, knowing that this was not just a piece of jade, but also a token of the Eighth Prince's deep affection for him. He solemnly thanked the Eighth Prince, then carefully placed the jade in his arms and left the Eighth Prince's residence with deep emotion.

The young eunuch quickly presented the jade, and the Eighth Prince personally took it and handed it to Baoyu. Baoyu held the jade in both hands, thanked him gratefully, and slowly withdrew. The Eighth Prince then sent two young eunuchs to escort Baoyu out and bring him to Jia Zheng.

They returned to the Jia Mansion, where Jia Zhen returned to his own residence. Baoyu then told Jia Zheng what the Eighth Prince had said about Governor Wu's recommendation to the Emperor.

For a while, Jia Zheng was incredibly busy, shuttling between official circles and managing various relationships, his busy figure rarely stopping. Jia Baoyu, on the other hand, seemed completely unaffected by the outside world, wandering the garden as he pleased, unfettered and uninhibited. He would stroll along quiet paths, feeling the gentle breeze caress his face; then he would pause in a blooming garden, carefully admiring the delicate blossoms, as if the whole world had nothing to do with him. Thus, precious time was truly wasted, and the years slipped by unnoticed.

One day, just when Jia Baoyu was feeling incredibly bored, Cui Mo suddenly tiptoed in. She carefully held a piece of delicate floral paper in her hands, and respectfully handed it to him. Baoyu took the paper with a puzzled look on his face, and slowly unfolded it. On it, he saw a clear message in beautiful handwriting: "Sincerely, my dearest sister, I sent this to you. The sky cleared the night before yesterday, and the moonlight was as bright as a mirror. Because I cherish such a rare and beautiful scene, I couldn't bear to go to bed. The clock struck three times, and you were still lingering under the tung tree railing, not prepared to be deceived by the wind and dew, which led to the danger of collecting firewood."

Yesterday, I received your personal care and advice, and you sent your maidservants to inquire about my health several times. You also gave me fresh lychees and your calligraphy. How deep is your love for me!

Now, as I lie on my bed in silence, I think of how the ancients, in the arena of fame and fortune, always set aside some remote areas, inviting those far and near, throwing their reins and climbing the shafts. I must gather two or three comrades to linger there, or set up a poetry forum, or start a poetry club. Even if it is just a momentary inspiration, it will become a great talk for all eternity.

Although Di is not talented, she secretly shares the same aspiration of living among springs and rocks as Dao, and she also admires Xue Lin's skills.

It is a pity that there is no banquet for poets in the wind-blown courtyard and moon-lit pavilion; perhaps the apricots and peaches under the curtains and stream are a place where one can get drunk and recite poems.

Who says that the talents of the Lotus Society are only for men? It is just that the elegant gatherings in Dongshan are given way to the rest of the women.

If you arrive in the snow, I will sweep flowers and prepare a feast for you. "This is a gift to you."

Baoyu's face blossomed with joy as bright as a spring flower after he had seen her. He could not help clapping his hands and laughing out loud, saying, "Oh, look at these three sisters! They are indeed very elegant. I will go and discuss this matter with them right away."