Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Seeing her like this, Xifeng agreed, but gave several useful wives to Jiaojiao and concentrated on taking care of the New Year's affairs.

Jiaojiao's face was filled with joy as she replied solemnly, "Thank you, mother, for your trust in me. I will definitely not let you down and will do my best to take care of the affairs of the inner courtyard!"

From that moment on, Jiaojiao resolutely took over the important responsibility of taking care of Jingchen and managing the inner courtyard. She seemed to have transformed herself into a rigorous and meticulous housekeeper, studying hard all day long and handling every matter in the inner courtyard in an orderly and well-organized manner. As a result, Xifeng was freed from the tedious affairs of the inner courtyard and had more time and energy to devote herself to important external affairs.

Soon, time flew by like a fleeting arrow, and in a blink of an eye, it was the special day of the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month. By this time, every item was ready, and every corner of the mansion was filled with a festive atmosphere, welcoming the New Year. New door gods had been installed throughout the mansion. Each one was so lifelike that it seemed as if they could keep evil spirits out and bring peace and good fortune to the entire residence.

The couplets, meticulously chosen and executed with flowing strokes, each imbued with beautiful meaning, shone brightly above the porch. The plaque was also brand new, intricately carved with patterns that embodied the family's dignity and honor. The newly added peach charms added a touch of festive spirit, their vibrant red color striking and giving the entire mansion a fresh, new look, as if imbued with new life.

The main gates of the Lin Mansion, including the ceremonial gate, the main hall, the warm room, the inner hall, the inner third gate, the inner ceremonial gate, and the inner side gate, all the way to the most solemn main hall, were wide open, as if warmly welcoming the arrival of the New Year. At the foot of the steps on both sides, large, uniform vermilion lanterns were neatly arranged. The lights swirled and danced like two agile golden dragons, illuminating the entire passage and the people's anticipation and joy for the New Year.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the clouds, shimmering across the earth. Lin Ruhai, dressed in the court robes prescribed for his rank, appeared energetic and radiant. Beside him, Xifeng, also dressed in her finest attire, walked together into the palace to attend the ceremony. With awe in their hearts, they approached the court, offering their most sincere blessings to the Emperor.

After returning from the palace banquet, their faces still beamed with satisfaction. Back home, they gathered with their loved ones, gathered around the table, and enjoyed a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner. The table was overflowing with dishes, the aroma filling the air and making everyone salivate. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food, laughing and chatting, spending this warm and unforgettable New Year's Eve together. On this night, time seemed to stand still, the family's hearts tightly connected, looking forward to the arrival of the new year, hoping that the family would prosper, and that everyone would be safe, healthy, and happy.

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Lin Ruhai and Xifeng brought their children to the Wang family to pay New Year's greetings.

The atmosphere at the Wang family this New Year was slightly different from previous ones. First, Xifeng's nephew had passed the provincial examination, and the metropolitan examination in March was just around the corner. If he could win, the Wang family would surely rise to prominence and become a prominent figure. Second, Wang Ziteng's term was coming to an end, and he would need to return to Beijing to report on his work after the New Year. Given his achievements over the past few years, it was no surprise that he would remain in Beijing.

After a long day of bustle, the clamor seemed to linger in the air. Lin Ruhai and Xifeng walked side by side, followed by a group of servants, as they slowly set off on their journey home with their children. Everyone could sense the weariness and helplessness emanating from Lin Ruhai, while Xifeng periodically comforted the children beside her, her eyes filled with concern.

Finally, they returned to the Lin family mansion. Instead of heading directly to the study as usual, Lin Ruhai trudged towards Xifeng's room. His face was so gloomy it looked as if water could drip from it, and his eyes revealed an unpredictable emotion.

Seeing Lin Ruhai like this, Xifeng couldn't help but feel uneasy. She knew Lin Ruhai was usually calm and reserved, but now he was acting so strangely, he must have encountered something difficult. Although his face remained stern, the slightly furrowed brow and the tightness of his mouth made Xifeng aware of his current bad mood.

Xifeng turned and gently said to her daughter, "Jiaojiao, take your brother to rest for a while. Mother and your father have something to discuss." Jiaojiao nodded obediently. Although she was young, she could sense that the atmosphere between her parents was a little strange. She bowed respectfully to Lin Ruhai and Xifeng, then took Jingchen's hand and gently left the room.

As the door gently closed, the room fell into silence. Lin Ruhai stood there silently, staring blankly ahead, as if the whole world had left him. Xifeng walked over to him and asked softly, "Husband, what happened? Why do you look like this?" Lin Ruhai sighed slightly and slowly said, "I encountered some trouble outside today, and I'm very upset. I wanted to discuss it with you." Xifeng heard this, and her heart became more and more worried. She took Lin Ruhai's hand and whispered to him, "Don't worry, let's think of a solution together." Lin Ruhai looked at Xifeng's concerned eyes, and his irritation seemed to ease a little. He held Xifeng's hand tightly, and the two of them looked at each other silently, as if searching for answers in this silent room.

Xifeng watched her children disappear into the distance, then turned her gaze to Lin Ruhai, who was standing beside her. With a look of concern on her face, she asked, "Husband, you looked so grim just now. What terrible thing happened?"

Lin Ruhai frowned slightly and said slowly: "Today, Yier came to tell me something. After listening to it, an uncontrollable anger suddenly surged in my heart. Guess what it was? Baoyu in the Jia family did something outrageous! He actually spread the poems that Daiyu and her sisters carefully wrote in the boudoir without any scruples." At this point, Lin Ruhai's face was already filled with deep anger, and his eyes were flashing with anger.

"What's even more infuriating is that not only did he spread these poems, he also allowed those playboys to comment on them at will, as if these poems were like goods on the street that could be flaunted at will. Where does he place the reputation of his sisters? Doesn't he know that the writings of these ladies in the boudoir are the sustenance of their inner world and must not be easily shown to outsiders? If it gets out and those gossips spread throughout the capital, wouldn't these girls be so ashamed that they would become nuns?" Lin Ruhai became more and more angry as he spoke, and his fists clenched unconsciously.

When Xifeng heard this, she was also greatly surprised. She widened her eyes with an expression of disbelief and said, "How could such a ridiculous thing happen? Wasn't it because of a similar reason before that Jia Zheng gave him a severe lecture? He is a young man from a wealthy family after all, how come he doesn't even understand such basic principles? The talent and writing of the young ladies in the boudoir should be treasured in their hearts, but now he has ruined them like this. It's really hateful!" After saying this, Xifeng sighed softly, with a hint of helplessness in her eyes.

"Master, you are absolutely right," Wang Xifeng agreed. "This matter is indeed very irritating. Baoyu is so ignorant of the seriousness of the matter! It's a pity that Daiyu and the others are his cousins. In my opinion, he must be severely punished so that he will remember this lesson."

Lin Ruhai nodded in agreement. He thought to himself that this time, Baoyu must not be let off easily; he must make him realize his mistake. At the same time, he also decided to strengthen the education of the children in the mansion to prevent such incidents from happening again.

"However, the most urgent task now is to find a way to make up for this mistake." Lin Ruhai said in a deep voice, "Those poems that have been leaked must be recovered as soon as possible. Don't let them circulate in the market and tarnish the reputation of my daughter."

Wang Xifeng nodded repeatedly. Her eyes rolled as she came up with a plan: "How about this? Let's spread the word that those poems were written by Baoyu. That way, we can divert everyone's attention. And Baoyu is well-known for his talent, so I think those people will believe it."

After hearing this, Lin Ruhai thought about it for a moment and felt that this plan was feasible. So, the two of them discussed and decided to handle the matter according to this method.