Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Prince Zhongshun slowly raised his head, his gaze calmly meeting the emperor's commanding gaze, his face devoid of any sign of panic. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile that seemed casual and relaxed, yet concealed a deeper meaning. Then, Prince Zhongshun gently cupped his hands and bowed towards the emperor, then said in a slightly flattering tone: "In reply to your Majesty, I have always been loyal to you and have never had any second thoughts! This time, I really have an important matter that I would like to ask you to open your mouth and grant me a favor." At this point, Prince Zhongshun paused for a moment, with a glimmer of expectation and desire in his eyes, and then continued: "Since I accidentally met the second lady of the Jia family, I have been deeply attracted by her talent and appearance, and I can't forget her. Now I dare to ask your Majesty to show mercy and give the second lady of the Jia family to me as a concubine. If your Majesty can fulfill my wish, it will be a blessing that I have cultivated for several lifetimes! I thank you in advance!" After speaking, Prince Zhongshun bowed respectfully to the emperor again.

"I know the character of the Eighth Brother intimately. He has always behaved improperly and harbored ulterior motives. Back then, he even went ahead and proposed marriage to the Jia family. His motives were clear—he simply hoped to leverage the Jia family's vast network to consolidate his power. However, I simply cannot tolerate seeing him so complacent and arrogant. Therefore, I have been secretly plotting a surprise attack on him, to make him suffer. As for what the Jia family will ultimately decide? Will they choose the Eighth Brother, a mere prince, or will they lean towards me, a prince of such high rank and power? All this remains to be seen, but I believe the final outcome will not disappoint me."

Upon hearing this, the emperor was furious, his face turning blue with rage. He glared, "Concubines are different from other wives and concubines. There are clear regulations and limits on their number. If you insist on marrying a woman from the Jia family as a concubine, wouldn't that be a waste of a precious position?"

"Oh, my Royal Brother, you are truly perceptive! That's why I feel I've suffered a great loss this time! But it doesn't matter. As long as my Royal Brother can show some appreciation by rewarding me with some gold, silver, treasures, or rare treasures, it would be considered a small compensation for me!"

The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze coldly fixed on Prince Zhongshun, who stood below him. He saw Prince Zhongshun with a scoundrel-like expression, a smile that made one want to slap him. Seeing this, the emperor felt a surge of inexplicable anger, and his hands began to itch. He really wanted to slap him hard, so that he would learn the meaning of etiquette.

However, just as the emperor was about to explode, he suddenly changed his mind and thought to himself: "Although Zhongshun's actions are somewhat rogue, the method he proposed is not completely without merit." Thinking of this, the emperor could not help but narrow his eyes slightly and fell into deep thought.

The difference in status between a prince's concubine and a county prince's concubine was quite significant. Anyone with even a little common sense could clearly discern the relative importance of one over the other. Even if the Jia family remained ungrateful and unwilling to accept this gift, all they would ultimately lose was a concubine's position. For the imperial family, disposing of such a small family like the Jia family would be a piece of cake.

After pondering this, the emperor decided it was feasible. With a gentle wave of his hand, he signaled the eunuchs beside him to prepare a decree granting the marriage. Meanwhile, the emperor secretly thought: Well, if that's the case, let the Jia family enjoy this so-called glory for a while! When the time is right, I'll slowly settle the score with them.

Not long after Princess Zhongshun left, as expected, the imperial decree granting the marriage, symbolizing supreme authority and favor, arrived at the Jia residence like a thunderclap. For a moment, the entire mansion was buzzing with the sudden news.

Upon hearing the news, Lady Jia and the others didn't show much joy on their faces; instead, a hint of worry lingered. After all, this marriage involved so many complex issues, and the pros and cons were difficult to discern immediately. However, at this moment, only one person stood out from the crowd—Madam Xing. She was so delighted, as if she had found a rare treasure, she couldn't stop smiling, as if nothing in the world could be more exciting.

It turned out that the marriage granted by His Majesty was to make Yingchun, a concubine, a concubine of the Jia family. For the eldest wife, who had always held a lower position within the Jia family, this was undoubtedly a matter of great joy. Those who had always treated the eldest wife with cold eyes and looked down upon her would no longer dare to show any disdain. Thinking of this, Madam Xing felt a surge of pride.

Besides Madam Xing, the numerous servants in the Jia Mansion were also beaming with joy and pride. They whispered among themselves, discussing the glory this marriage brought to the Jia Mansion. Looking across the entire capital, what other family could boast the Jia Mansion's success, first producing an unparalleled imperial concubine, then welcoming a highly anticipated concubine? From then on, whether out on business or interacting with others, the Jia family would be met with adulation and flattery, and others would be expected to show them respect.

As the saying goes, "Everything that rises must fall." As the ancients often said, "To destroy something, you must first drive it mad!" If we look at the actions of the Emperor and Prince Zhongshun in modern society, wouldn't they be a brilliant example of "praising to death"? While seemingly bestowing endless glory and favor upon the Jia family, what deeper meanings and calculations lie behind this? Perhaps only those high above, those controlling the imperial power, could truly understand...

This strategy for dealing with the Jia family was truly the perfect solution! After careful consideration and meticulous planning, the Emperor and Prince Zhongshun promptly set the date for the wedding two months from now, to avoid any unexpected complications or trouble. While this seemed a bit rushed, fortunately, since this wasn't a marriage to a principal consort, the associated rituals could be streamlined considerably.

As soon as the imperial edict was issued, the Jia family sprang into action, like a high-speed machine, intensively preparing for various matters. However, at Prince Zhongshun's residence, everything was calm and peaceful, with no fanfare or fanfare. This was because such important matters as the marriage of a royal family member were usually handled solely by the Imperial Household Department, who simply sat back and enjoyed the fruits of their labor.

The emperor's decree was like dropping a boulder on a calm lake, instantly roiling it. The first to be affected was the Eighth Prince, who, upon learning of the incident, was so enraged that he smashed a priceless Ding kiln teacup on the spot. Besides the Eighth Prince, the remaining members of the "Four Princes and Eight Lords" each harbored their own concerns: some worried about potential losses, while others speculated about taking advantage of the situation.

Meanwhile, those close to the emperor were secretly speculating, trying to discern the emperor's true intentions behind the apparent events. For example, at the Lin residence, Wang Xifeng sat across from Lin Ruhai, discussing the matter with a solemn expression. Wang Xifeng's brow furrowed, and she said with deep worry, "My dear husband, this situation is becoming increasingly perplexing. I simply cannot fathom the true meaning behind it!"

"Is Your Majesty using the Jia family to challenge the Eighth Prince?" Xifeng asked doubtfully.

"Your Majesty's confiscation of the Zhen family is equivalent to cutting off the Eighth Prince's arm. How could the Eighth Prince let this go?

"Of course we need to find a few more capable helpers!" Lin Ruhai frowned and analyzed carefully.

"Alas, what a pity, the Eighth Prince's wishful thinking has completely failed this time. Originally everything was arranged perfectly, but who would have thought that Prince Zhongshun would suddenly appear and interfere. In this way, all the previous plans and deployments have been disrupted, and it seems that we have to plan again." At this point, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but shook his head and sighed.

Meanwhile, within the Jia Mansion, everyone was busily and joyfully preparing for Jia Yingchun's wedding. However, in stark contrast, the courtyard where Lady Wang lived was filled with the piercing, sharp sound of shattering porcelain. The maids, each pale with fear, stood trembling in the courtyard, not daring to breathe, let alone enter.

The room was in a state of disarray, as if ravaged by a violent storm. Broken porcelain pieces littered the floor, as if hinting at a fierce argument or conflict.

Mrs. Wang sat on the chair with an angry face. Her face was as blue as iron and her eyes were wide open like copper bells, burning with rage. The flames seemed to devour everything around them. At the same time, her heart was filled with resentment and hatred, like volcanic magma about to erupt, which could burst out at any time.

"Hmph! What merits and abilities did Jia Yingchun possess? She could have secured such an excellent marriage so easily! Our Second House has put so much thought and effort into helping that maid Tanchun successfully connect with a powerful family! But what is the final result? Still nothing! On the other hand, the maid from the First House was able to become a princess without any effort. This is so unfair! How can I swallow this!" Lady Wang said indignantly, her mouth spitting, every word seemed to be squeezed out from between her teeth, filled with endless resentment and anger. At the same time, she slammed her right hand hard on the table beside her, making a crisp and loud sound.

Seeing this, the trusted maid standing nearby knew something was amiss. She quickly stepped forward and carefully counseled, "Madam, calm down. Don't let this get you hurt. While the current situation doesn't look favorable for us, the world is unpredictable. Who can guarantee there won't be a sudden turnaround in the future? So, calm down for now, calm down and think carefully. The best strategy is to take a long-term approach."

Mrs. Wang snorted coldly with a gloomy face and said in a cold tone: "Turning point? Humph! The imperial edict has already been issued, how can there be any turning point!" As she spoke, she frowned worriedly.

At that moment, Tanchun, like a lithe butterfly, cautiously and lightly stepped into the house. Her figure was graceful, and her steps were gentle, as if she was afraid to disturb the tranquil atmosphere of the house. As she approached, Tanchun bowed slightly, gracefully saluting. Then, her red lips parted, and in a voice as soft and sweet as a yellow oriole's, she spoke slowly, "Madam, now that the matter has developed to this point, in my humble opinion, why don't we make some other plans? Consider this: Prince Zhongshun is deeply favored by the Emperor, and he holds immense power and authority. Although our second sister is marrying into his family, there's no guarantee that this relationship will bring many benefits to our Jia family in the future."

However, upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang seemed to have been offended. She suddenly raised her head and shot a sharp gaze straight at Tanchun, her eyes filled with anger and reproach. Then, she snorted coldly and scolded, "You little brat, how much do you know about the ways of the world? Prince Zhongshun has always looked down on our Second House and has often made things difficult for us. Take, for example, the last time Baoyu was there. He had only a brief encounter with a minor actor in his mansion, but they summoned him and had the master brutally beat him, leaving him covered in bruises and blood!" At this point, Mrs. Wang couldn't help but sigh with grief. Her once well-maintained face was now filled with deep helplessness and heavy worry.

In stark contrast to this scene, the rest of the Jia family was in a joyous and lively atmosphere. They seemed oblivious to Mrs. Wang's displeasure, or perhaps simply ignored it and didn't care. They were all excitedly imagining the many benefits and advantages that this marriage would bring to the family.

Some, unable to contain their excitement, began secretly pondering how to fully utilize the Zhongshun Prince's powerful influence to further elevate the Jia family to new heights and enhance their social status and influence. Others, on the other hand, were furiously busy planning various celebrations and events, determined to ensure that this marriage was a grand and spectacular affair, no matter the cost.