Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

At this time, Jia She on the side raised his head slightly, coughed lightly, cleared his throat, and then said slowly: "The daughters of our Jia family are like golden branches and jade leaves. They have been pampered and cared for since childhood. If anyone dares to let them suffer a little bit of grievance, humph, even the high and mighty royal palace will not be able to get away with it!" Although his voice was not loud, it was filled with unquestionable majesty and momentum.

When the lady standing next to Jia Lian heard this, she nodded in agreement and said, "Master, you are absolutely right! How can the girls in our family endure such humiliation?" Her face was full of agreement.

At that moment, a loud and noisy commotion suddenly erupted from outside the door. Everyone turned their gaze towards the entrance, where they saw groups of elegant and splendidly dressed ladies entering. These ladies came from various mansions in the capital and had long-standing friendships with the Jia family.

Each of them was dressed in gorgeous brocade clothes, embroidered with exquisite patterns and designs; their heads were adorned with dazzling pearl and jade hair ornaments, which swayed gently as they walked, shimmering with dazzling light. These ladies of the imperial family were all graceful, their steps light, and their every gesture and movement revealed the demeanor and grace of a lady from a noble family.

They walked into the room with smiles as bright as spring flowers, and their mouths seemed to open up as they unleashed a stream of auspicious and joyful blessings. Some said, "Congratulations, congratulations, this is such a great joy!" All kinds of beautiful blessings echoed one after another, filling the entire room and making people feel warm inside.

Even more unexpected was that even some people who didn't normally interact with the Jia family, upon hearing the news, rushed over like cats smelling blood, eager to join in the fun. They were either all smiles or fawning, trying every possible way to gain connections with the Jia family. In an instant, the already spacious house became incredibly crowded, crammed with people everywhere.

The entire room was filled with laughter, a sound like a joyful symphony, rising and falling without stopping. People were whispering to each other, sharing their joy, while others burst into laughter, their laughter resounding through the air. At this moment, the atmosphere was so intense that it seemed to be blowing the roof off the floor. It was truly a scene of joy, peace, and joy!

Smiling, Grandmother Jia gracefully greeted each and every one who came to offer her congratulations. Her kind and gentle smile was like the warm spring sun, making people feel very close. However, beneath this seemingly relaxed and cheerful appearance, Grandmother Jia secretly pondered in her heart: This happy event could actually attract so many guests, it was truly beyond imagination!

Time flew by, and in a blink of an eye, it was the next day. The sun was shining brightly, the breeze was gentle, and it was the auspicious day for Yingchun's wedding. Although Yingchun was marrying into the Zhongshun Prince's mansion as a concubine, the wedding ceremony, while not as grand and lavish as the marriage of a principal wife, was still a testament to the Jia family's status and prestige, and the scene was filled with great excitement. After all, all of this was at the emperor's command.

Since the emperor is already interested in promoting the Jia family, why not strike while the iron is hot and offer a few generous gifts to further enhance this honor? The deeper meaning behind this is nothing more than the emperor's usual tactics of winning over the hearts and minds of the people. However, in this palace where power struggles are intertwined, who can truly master these tactics and match the emperor's wisdom?

The morning after Yingchun married into Prince Zhongshun's mansion, she rose early at dawn, meticulously dressed, and accompanied Prince Zhongshun and his wife to the palace to pay their respects. Since the marriage was personally arranged by the Emperor, Yingchun had to go to the palace to express her gratitude. Of course, given her status, she was not allowed to meet the Emperor in person. Therefore, Yingchun could only cautiously follow Princess Zhongshun to pay her respects to the Empress first.

The Empress, in obedience to the Emperor's orders, treated the newly arrived concubine with exceptional kindness and warmth. Furthermore, she generously gifted Yingchun with numerous precious gifts and treasures. Faced with this generous gesture, Princess Zhongshun and Yingchun both knelt respectfully in gratitude, declaring their eternal gratitude.

After leaving the Empress's residence, Yingchun cautiously followed Princess Zhongshun back home. Princess Zhongshun remained silent and expressionless, which made Yingchun increasingly uneasy. She wondered if she had said or done something inappropriate in front of the Empress, causing such displeasure.

Just as Yingchun was lost in thought, a palace maid suddenly came hurriedly from the side of the road. She quickly came before Princess Zhongshun, bowed respectfully, and shouted loudly, "Long live the princess!"

Princess Zhongshun stopped in her tracks and took a closer look at the maid before her. She felt she looked unfamiliar, clearly not from the Queen's household. So, she simply nodded in response.

Yingchun glanced at the palace maid indifferently. In an instant, a sense of déjà vu came to her mind, but she couldn't remember where she had seen this person.

Seeing that Princess Zhongshun didn't seem to care much about her and didn't speak to her, the maid bowed again and said softly, "Your Highness, I serve in the palace of Consort Xian De. My queen knew that the princess and her concubine had come to the palace to pay their respects to the empress today, so she specifically asked me to wait here for a while. After the princess and the concubine have paid their respects to the empress, please proceed to Fengzao Palace for a chat."

After hearing this, Princess Zhongshun and Yingchun were stunned for a moment, then looked at each other with a look of sudden enlightenment in their eyes. They finally understood the reason for this palace maid's visit and knew her true identity.

At this moment, Yingchun once again cast her gaze upon the maid, examining her carefully. She had a graceful figure, a beautiful face, and a vaguely familiar look between her eyebrows. Yingchun pondered and recollected her past, when suddenly a flash of inspiration struck her, and she finally remembered who this maid was—she had been her sister Yuanchun's personal servant before she entered the palace. Her name was Baoqin.

Thinking of this, Yingchun couldn't help but pat her forehead and said self-deprecatingly: "Oh, look at my memory. I actually forgot such an important thing."

Princess Zhongshun, who was standing by, saw this and smiled slightly. She said, "I forgot that the imperial concubine is originally from the Jia family. Since the empress has summoned you now, please lead the way, aunt!" After that, Princess Zhongshun nodded slightly to Baoqin.

So, the group followed Baoqin and slowly walked towards Fengzao Palace. Along the way, the palace was majestic and the corridors were winding, which was a magnificent sight. Soon, everyone arrived in front of Fengzao Palace.

As soon as he entered the palace, he saw Jia Yuanchun, already dressed in gorgeous attire, sitting at the head of the main hall, waiting with all her bearing. Her hair was adorned with pearls and jade, and she wore a richly embroidered brocade gown, which made her appear even more noble, elegant, and graceful.

Princess Zhongshun, smiling, hurried forward, leading Yingchun. Her graceful demeanor and elegant demeanor were evident. As she approached, she bowed slightly, performed a respectful, standard salute, and whispered a greeting. Yingchun, beside her, followed suit, her movements a bit reserved but still dignified.

Seeing this, Jia Yuanchun, who was sitting above, stood up quickly, a smile as bright as a spring flower blooming on her face, and said kindly: "No need to be polite, please take a seat!" After that, she waved her hand gently, signaling the maid beside her to quickly prepare tea and snacks to properly entertain the two distinguished guests.

After everyone had taken their seats, Jia Yuanchun turned her gaze to Yingchun, her eyes filled with joy and affection. A smile played on her lips as she spoke softly, "Second sister, you are truly blessed to have found such a happy marriage with Prince Zhongshun! You should know that Prince Zhongshun is highly regarded by His Majesty, holding a high position of power and influence, and enjoying a far-reaching reputation. As for our sister, the princess, she is renowned in the capital for her kindness, generosity, and generosity. Upon hearing this joyful news, I am truly delighted for you!" As soon as she finished her words, Jia Yuanchun couldn't help but let out a sweet, clear laugh, like a spring breeze blowing across a lake, bringing a sense of joy.

Hearing Yuanchun's praise, Yingchun hurriedly stood up, bowed deeply to Yuanchun again and expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your care!" Her voice was soft and melodious, as beautiful as the sound of a yellow oriole singing in a valley.

At this moment, Yuanchun turned to Princess Zhongshun and spoke earnestly, "My sister has always been quiet and reserved, not particularly talkative, but she possesses a truly kind and pure heart. If there are any shortcomings in her etiquette in the future, I hope you will forgive her and refrain from harsh criticism." After this, Yuanchun looked at Princess Zhongshun with an expectant gaze, hoping she would grant her small request. "Your Majesty, you are so kind! As a concubine, like you, we both come from a distinguished family, so naturally, the etiquette is the most thorough. Furthermore, this is a marriage personally decreed by His Majesty. Of course, I will treat her like a sister, and how could I dare to criticize her in the slightest?" Princess Zhongshun replied with a smile and a respectful tone.

"Having said that, if she does anything inappropriate in the future, Princess, you must take the trouble to teach her and never let her break the rules of the palace!" Yuanchun nodded slightly, looked at Princess Zhongshun seriously and warned her.

Princess Zhongshun quickly nodded in agreement, promising to follow the Imperial Concubine's instructions. Yuanchun then turned to Yingchun, who was standing nearby, and asked her about the Jia family's recent situation. However, since Princess Zhongshun was present, Yuanchun's remarks were mostly insignificant and superficial.

Princess Zhongshun's eyes flickered, silently observing the expressions and reactions of those around her, especially Yuanchun's. As she keenly sensed the tension in the atmosphere, she instantly realized it wasn't appropriate for her to remain there any longer. She gracefully stood, bowed slightly, and spoke in a gentle and respectful tone, "I'm honored to see Your Majesty and the concubines gathered together today. Your Majesty is so joyful, and I shouldn't have been so rude as to disturb their joyous atmosphere. However, since entering the palace, I've unknowingly lingered here for quite some time. I can't help but worry that Your Majesty might be waiting anxiously outside. If this continues, He might grow impatient with my absence. Therefore, I truly and truly beg Your Majesty to show mercy and allow me to take my leave. I hope Your Majesty will be magnanimous and forgive my impertinent behavior on this occasion!"

Yuanchun, hearing Princess Zhongshun's earnest words, naturally understood their rationale and couldn't force her to stay. She nodded gently, then raised her hand slightly to Baoqin beside her. Baoqin understood and hurried forward, holding an exquisite tray on which lay the precious items Yuanchun had prepared for Jia Yingchun.

Upon seeing this, Princess Zhongshun bowed again in thanks and carefully accepted the gift. After all the handovers were completed, Yuanchun smiled warmly and said softly, "Since Princess has urgent matters at home and needs to return in a hurry, I will naturally not hinder her. When you have some free time, you are welcome to visit the palace again so we can renew our friendship." With that, Yuanchun turned and instructed her attendants to escort Princess Zhongshun and Yingchun safely out of the palace.

Princess Zhongshun, dressed in a gorgeous brocade gown, moved gracefully and elegantly as she carried Yingchun, slowly and leisurely towards the family's lavishly decorated and magnificent carriage. Her steps were light, and each one seemed to carry an innate elegance and nobility.

Looking up, I saw Prince Zhongshun standing before the carriage, his hands behind his back. He was tall and straight, like an unshakable mountain. However, his handsome face now showed a hint of impatience, his brows slightly furrowed, and his eyes were a little anxious.

Fortunately, Princess Zhongshun was incredibly thoughtful and farsighted. Even before setting off, she anticipated the possibility of keeping Prince Zhongshun waiting for a long time, so she had her maid go ahead and inform him of the situation, telling him to wait patiently for a moment. Otherwise, given Prince Zhongshun's impatience, he would have been unable to contain his impulsiveness and would have simply abandoned everyone and headed straight for the Queen's palace to search for her.