Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Li Wan's face was filled with pride at this moment, with a cunning light flashing in her eyes. She took a sip of tea and said slowly: "Baoyu, you are really quick. You got the red plum in such a short time. This red plum is just as I expected, with a unique charm." After that, she nodded slightly, her eyes full of satisfaction.

Baoyu's face flushed red, beads of sweat oozing from his forehead. He wiped his brow with his hand and said with a simple smile, "It would be wonderful to make Auntie happy. These red plum blossoms are truly lovely; I think they would add a touch of elegance to a vase."

The maid carefully took the red plum blossom and placed it in the vase, her movements gentle and delicate, as if she feared damaging the delicate flower. Everyone gathered around, leaning in to admire it closely. The plum blossom swayed gracefully within the vase, like a fairy dancing. From the trunk, only about two feet tall, the five or six foot long branches sprouted like a magical arc, embellishing the entire scene with extraordinary vividness.

Among those crisscrossing branches, some are winding and circling like a coiled dragon, as if they will take off at any time; some are coiled on them like dead worms, giving people a sense of simplicity and mystery; some are solitary and straight like a pencil, stretching straight into the sky, as if to write down the mysteries between heaven and earth; some are densely clustered like a jungle, layer upon layer, extremely lush, making people marvel at the wonders of nature.

The blossoming plum blossoms were as vibrant as rouge, their crimson so intense and captivating, as if plucked from the horizon like a wisp of sunset light. Their fragrance emanated from the air, filling the entire room, surpassing even the delicate fragrance of orchids and irises, intoxicating and lingering. Everyone chatted, each one praising the red plum blossom with endless praise, some praising its beauty, others its rich fragrance. For a moment, the room was filled with laughter and joy, as if the red plum blossom brought not only visual and olfactory enjoyment, but also spiritual joy and comfort.

The New Year arrived in a flash. Xifeng had to take care of Jingchen, manage the household chores, and arrange festival gifts for various families. She also had to receive stewards from various farms who came to pay tribute. She really wished she had more time to spare, as she was a little overwhelmed.

Jiaojiao watched Xifeng, busy as a tireless machine, and couldn't help but feel an indescribable pang of heartache. That pang was like a fine thread, tightly wrapped around her heart, making her unable to sit idly by any longer. So she said softly, "Mother, seeing you so busy and non-stop, I feel so bad. Besides, I've been learning the ways of managing a household from you for a while now, and I think I've gained some experience. In my opinion, why not let me take care of my younger brother and the management of the inner courtyard, so that you can have a little rest."

Xifeng's heart blossomed with joy at Jiaojiao's words. She gazed quietly at her expectant and resolute face, her eyes gleaming with admiration and recognition. She nodded slightly and spoke earnestly, "My dear daughter, you've truly grown up. You now understand and appreciate your mother's hard work. Since you're so thoughtful, I'm naturally confident in leaving all the household responsibilities in your care. But you must understand that managing the inner courtyard is no easy task. The chores are numerous and complex, and you must be meticulous and conscientious in your care. You absolutely must not be careless. If you encounter any difficult problems in the future, feel free to come to me. I'll do my utmost to help you." As she spoke, Xifeng gently patted Jiaojiao's shoulder, a touch that seemed to convey endless strength and encouragement.