Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

However, since the Wang family lacked a leader in the capital at the time, despite their overwhelming joy, they could only dispatch servants to their relatives' homes throughout the capital to announce the exciting news. They were cautious not to publicize it, and not even the sound of celebratory firecrackers was heard. Upon hearing of this, those who were interested in establishing friendly relations with the Wang family flocked to the Lin household to offer their congratulations. However, Xifeng, too busy with her duties, was unable to attend, so she instead prepared a sumptuous banquet at her own home to entertain the guests.

Despite the Wang family's extremely low-key and cautious approach, the news that the eldest grandson of the Wang family had achieved top honors in the provincial examination spread like wildfire throughout the capital's upper-class society. Many families eager to connect with him seized the opportunity to visit and offer their congratulations. Even some wives with daughters of similar age eagerly inquired with Xifeng about whether the newly crowned champion had already secured a marriage. Upon learning that the new champion hadn't been engaged, their eyes suddenly lit up, as if they saw endless possibilities.

The Wang family, a renowned clan, was known as "When the East Sea lacked a white jade bed, the Dragon King invited the King of Jinling." As the eldest grandson of the Wang family, Wang Yi had been considered the future pillar of the family since childhood, shouldering the heavy responsibility of carrying on the family business and bringing honor to the ancestors.

Even if he never achieved imperial service, Wang Yi's family's wealth and extensive connections alone guaranteed him a life of prosperity and wealth. However, Wang Yi, not only from a prominent family, was also exceptionally gifted and diligent. After years of arduous study, he ultimately passed the imperial examination, a prestigious title, thanks to his exceptional talent.

While the competition for the Imperial Examination was fierce and difficult, even if Wang Yi failed this time, he could still secure a government position with his Juren status. However, if he could continue his success in the Imperial Examination and achieve Jinshi, his future would be like a carp leaping over a dragon's gate, boundless! After all, the Wang family also had the support of the powerful Wang Ziteng and the closely connected Lin Ruhai. With these two supporting him, Wang Yi's rapid rise in officialdom would surely be a piece of cake.

During this brief period, Wang Yi remained completely oblivious to the fact that he had already become a household name in the capital, appearing on the highly anticipated list of ideal husbands. Even more astonishingly, he topped the list, firmly occupying the top three spots, becoming the ideal husband-to-be that many women coveted.

Among the many who came to offer their congratulations, one woman, surnamed Liu, was the most enthusiastic. Her daughter was in her prime, beautiful and talented in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Mrs. Liu was determined to marry her daughter to Wang Yi, so she used the opportunity to offer her congratulations to Xifeng, repeatedly hinting at her daughter's merits. Xifeng, ever the most astute, naturally understood Mrs. Liu's intentions. While she remained calm on the surface, she was secretly pondering. The Wang family was undoubtedly wealthy and powerful, but the choice of a daughter-in-law was a matter of profound importance, a matter of profound consideration. Putting aside Miss Liu's beauty and talent, her family background alone—whether it was a good match for the Wang family—was a matter of considerable consideration. After all, in a marriage, the importance of equal status was paramount. Just as Xifeng was pondering this, another woman, Mrs. Li, arrived to visit. She too had come to discuss her own daughter's marriage...

On this day, sunlight filtered through the clouds, and a gentle breeze caressed the streets of the capital. Jia Zheng, dressed in official uniform and with a solemn expression, returned from the court. Entering the mansion, he hurriedly changed out of his court attire for casual clothes, then headed straight for Jia's mother's room.

Arriving at Grandmother Jia's door, Jia Zheng knocked gently, and waited for a response from within before pushing the door open and entering. Inside, he saw Grandmother Jia sitting upright on the couch, holding a string of Buddhist beads in her hand, her eyes closed, resting. Jia Zheng stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Mother, how are you?"

Grandmother Jia opened her eyes slightly, a kind smile on her face, and gestured for Jia Zheng to stand and sit down. After thanking his mother, Jia Zheng couldn't wait to speak, "Have you heard, old lady? The son of the Wang family won the imperial examination and won the title of Jieyuan. Many dignitaries in the capital have come to congratulate him!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Mu's originally languid expression instantly became energetic. She sat up straight and asked in surprise, "Oh, that's really great news! I vaguely remember that this boy seems to be less than twenty years old now? It's not easy for him to achieve such achievements at such a young age!" After a brief pause, Jia Mu seemed to suddenly remember something and asked, "Did the Wang family send anyone to tell your wife the good news? After all, your wife is Wang Zisheng's sister. Besides, your second uncle Wang Ziteng is currently on a mission outside and has not returned yet. Wang Zisheng and his wife have also returned to their hometown in Jinling. Where are those people who went to congratulate you going?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly said, "Mother, you don't have to worry too much about this matter. Perhaps my brother-in-law's family has been busy with many things recently, and he might have forgotten about it. I'll personally write a letter and send it to remind him." After hearing this, Jia Mu nodded slightly in approval and said slowly, "That's good. After all, we are all close relatives. We should visit each other more often and keep in touch. I just don't know if this new champion has already been engaged. If not, he and the girls in our family are really a perfect match!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng's heart was moved. He naturally knew what Grandmother Jia was thinking. If they could successfully form a marriage with the Wang family, it would undoubtedly be a great thing for the Jia family. However, he also knew that such things could not be forced, and they had to think carefully and make long-term plans before taking any action. So, Jia Zheng thought for a moment before responding, "Mother, you are absolutely right. However, marriage is, after all, related to the lifelong happiness of two people, and it requires the willingness of both men and women to achieve a happy marriage. So let's observe for a while and see how the situation develops. When the time is right, it won't be too late to make the final decision." Seeing Jia Zheng say this, Grandmother Jia didn't say anything more, but just said lightly, "Okay, in that case, then this matter will be handed over to you, and you will make all the decisions."

Looking back on his life, Jia Zheng's favorite thing was reading. Unfortunately, when he was young, he failed to achieve a good result in the imperial examination, and for many years he was confined to the company of scholars. His two sons now, one with vulgar behavior and the other greedy for pleasure, were both of no avail.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help feeling a little depressed.

When Lady Jia saw Jia Zheng's expression, she knew what he was thinking.

However, although Grandmother Jia was known for her worldly wisdom and shrewdness, she could not conceal her doting love for her precious grandson, Jia Baoyu. Even though she knew that Jia Zheng had his own agenda, she pretended not to know.

At this time, Jia's mother had a kind smile on her face and slowly said, "Since the matter has been settled, when your uncle comes back, you and the eldest brother should go to the Wang family together. After all, we are related by marriage!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng hurriedly smiled and replied, "Mother, you are absolutely right! You are really wise!" After a slight pause and a few words, he continued, "I have another idea, which is to take Baoyu with me on this trip. Firstly, he can get some pointers from his uncles; secondly, it will allow him to exchange knowledge with Yi'er." As he spoke, Jia Zheng carefully observed Lady Jia's expression, fearing that his suggestion would make his old mother unhappy.

Grandmother Jia gazed at Jia Zheng's cautious face and, after a moment's reflection, felt that what he said was not entirely unreasonable. Besides, her own Baoyu was destined to achieve great things in the future and possess great potential. How could he possibly succeed without studying hard and learning rational things? Thinking of this, Grandmother Jia nodded slightly, indicating her agreement.

Seeing Grandmother Jia nod in agreement, Jia Zheng couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. But then he sighed softly and turned to leave Grandmother Jia's room silently. He was thinking to himself that he should first send someone to find out more about the new scholar, and at the same time, take this rare opportunity to observe whether his two sons had made any progress.

If they could truly achieve significant academic breakthroughs, then it would be wise to consider seeking some fame for them. This would bring honor to the family and bring glory to the clan. Jia Zheng sat in his study, stroking his chin, pondering this inwardly. He knew that achieving this goal would be difficult, but in order to restore the Jia family's former glory, he had to rack his brains to find an effective way.