Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Yingchun was currently accompanying Princess Zhongshun. Gazing at the Jia family banquet not far away, she felt a mixture of emotions. That had once been her home. Although her time at the Jia residence hadn't been easy, now that she was truly far away, she couldn't help but miss the old days.

Princess Zhongshun followed Yingchun's gaze and snorted softly, "Is that the Jia family's banquet? It looks quite lively." Yingchun quickly averted her gaze and whispered, "Your Highness, it is." Princess Zhongshun smiled and said, "You are from the Jia family, why don't you see anyone from there looking over here? Perhaps they have forgotten about you." Yingchun's face turned pale and she bit her lip, saying, "I am now solely devoted to serving Your Highness. There is no need to speak of the past."

Despite this, Yingchun couldn't hide her loneliness. Princess Zhongshun raised her eyes slightly and looked at Yingchun. After a moment, she said slowly, "I can't stand those who are heartless. Now that you have entered my palace, I will protect you from now on. There is no need to think about those who don't remember our past." Yingchun felt a warm feeling in her heart when she heard this. She knelt and saluted, saying, "Thank you, Princess, for your consideration." Then she secretly made up her mind to serve the princess well and make up for her kindness.

After New Year's Eve, it's the New Year again. The imperial court has stopped writing, and every household is celebrating the New Year at home.

The Jia family had a new relative from the Zhongshun family this year, so they carefully maintained this relationship. Yingchun was currently accompanying Princess Zhongshun. Gazing at the Jia family's banquet not far away, she felt a surge of homesickness. ...

After New Year's Eve, a new year arrived. The imperial court had already closed its doors, and every household celebrated the New Year at home. Taking advantage of this festive occasion, Grandmother Jia had Lady Wang prepare a generous gift and send it to Prince Zhongshun's mansion. Lady Wang arrived with the gift, but was only allowed in after being escorted by a servant. Upon meeting Princess Zhongshun, Lady Wang beamed and saluted, saying, "Greetings to the Princess, and a happy New Year. Our ancestors have specially prepared these small gifts, and I hope you will accept them." Princess Zhongshun smiled faintly and allowed the gift to be taken.

At this time, Yingchun sat aside with her head bowed, silent. Lady Wang glanced at Yingchun, a flicker of embarrassment flashed across her face, and then she pretended to be affectionate and asked, "Second Miss, are you getting used to living here?" Yingchun bowed and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Auntie. Everything is fine." Princess Zhongshun saw this and sneered inwardly.

Afterwards, Princess Zhongshun said, "The Jia family is really thoughtful. But Concubine Jia is with me, and I will take good care of her. You don't have to worry too much. It's just that Concubine Jia didn't seem to be treated well in the Jia family in the past, right?" Mrs. Wang's face changed and she hurried to explain. Princess Zhongshun was impatient to listen and interrupted her directly, "Okay, go back after the things are delivered. It's good for Concubine Jia to stay here." Mrs. Wang had to leave in disgrace. Princess Zhongshun turned her head to look at Yingchun and said softly, "You don't have to worry about it. Just stay by my side." Yingchun was grateful and became more determined to follow Princess Zhongshun.

Mrs. Wang returned to the courtyard in anger, muttering to herself, "What a bitch! I'm just a concubine, and you dare to watch others scold me like this!" The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and her face became gloomier and uglier.

Baoyu happened to hear about this and hurried to Lady Wang's room, anxious to find out the whole story. Lady Wang's anger was instantly ignited when she saw Baoyu enter, and she launched into a barrage of abuse: "Now that Yingchun has climbed up the social ladder, she has completely forgotten her duty. She has caused me to lose face and suffer humiliation in front of Princess Zhongshun!"

Baoyu was filled with confusion when he heard this, for he had always known Sister Yingchun to be gentle and kind, and she would never intentionally do something to embarrass his mother. So, he quickly and softly tried to persuade her, "Mother, please calm down. Sister Yingchun is always gentle and docile, and she would never do such a thing on purpose. Perhaps Princess Zhongshun is deliberately making things difficult for you, and you are helpless and unable to do anything in that situation."

However, Mrs. Wang didn't listen to Baoyu's explanation at all. She just snorted coldly and said, "What do you know, kid? Don't look at Yingchun who is silent and appears dull and honest on weekdays. In fact, she is more cunning than anyone else!" After that, she glared at Baoyu fiercely.

Baoyu saw his mother's face, a rage blazing like a raging fire. He knew that even his eloquence and persuasion would be inadequate to quell her fury. Yet, a deep-seated resentment drove him to try once more, hoping to change her mind even slightly. So, Baoyu steeled himself and took a few steps forward, softly saying, "Mother, calm down. I simply feel there's still room for maneuver..."

Before he could finish his words, Mrs. Wang suddenly raised her hand, waving it impatiently. At the same time, she raised her voice and shouted, "Enough! Stop chattering away! Go back to your room! You're not making me more upset!" Faced with his mother's resolute attitude, Baoyu swallowed all he had to say. He lowered his head helplessly and slowly turned away, his steps heavy. As he walked, he pondered how to properly resolve the fierce conflict before him.

Meanwhile, far away in Prince Zhongshun's mansion, a completely different scene unfolded. Yingchun, a clever and well-behaved young woman, deeply loved and favored by the princess, who personally instructed her in the many etiquette and social conventions of the palace. Yingchun, naturally intelligent and diligent, made rapid progress in her mastery of these subjects. In just a few days, she had grown from a somewhat awkward newcomer to a noblewoman, radiating elegance and grace in every gesture.

One day, Prince Zhongshun returned to his residence after attending to court affairs. As he entered the courtyard, he immediately spotted Yingchun, seated in the pavilion. Dressed in a pale pink gown, Yingchun stood gracefully. Her head bowed slightly, a scroll clutched in her hands, her expression focused and serious. A gentle breeze caressed her hair, making her look like a fairy descending from the heavens. Prince Zhongshun paused, his eyes shifting as he recalled the emperor's instructions.

It was a sunny day, but Jia Zheng was feeling rather heavy-hearted. He had just returned from attending to some business outside, and his steps were slightly weary. Just then, a clever servant came rushing towards him, saying respectfully, "Second Master, the Second Mistress is searching for you!" Jia Zheng, without much surprise, continued his leisurely pace, asking, "Did you tell me what the matter is?" The servant quickly replied, "Second Master, according to what Sister Zhou said, it seems to be a matter of great urgency, and it concerns the palace."

Hearing this, Jia Zheng's originally calm pace suddenly quickened a bit, and a trace of worry could not help but well up in his heart. He hurried towards the inner courtyard and soon saw Mrs. Wang, who looked anxious.

As soon as Mrs. Wang saw Jia Zheng arrive, she immediately stood up and walked quickly to him. She said anxiously, "Master, I just heard a rumor that the palace has summoned a royal physician and two officials from the Imperial Hospital to see a patient. In my opinion, the patient who is ill this time is probably not just an ordinary palace maid or servant. Has there been any news from our queen's palace in the past few days?" Jia Zheng shook his head and replied, "No news at all."

Mrs. Wang frowned and continued worriedly, "Master, why don't you go and ask the eldest master and Zhen'er from Ningguo Mansion yourself? Perhaps they know something about the situation. If that doesn't work, shouldn't we send someone to the Imperial Hospital to inquire? I don't know why, but my right eyelid has been twitching non-stop since this morning, and I feel uneasy. I'm really worried that something might happen to our Yuanchun!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng quickly agreed and, with a serious expression, ordered his attendants to rush to the Imperial Hospital to invite a doctor for treatment. Then, he hurried towards where Jia She and Jia Zhen were.

Just as he had stepped out of the door and walked a few steps, he saw Jia She walking quickly towards him. Jia Zheng was delighted and hurried forward to tell him everything that had just happened.

After Jia She heard what Jia Zheng said, his brows, which had been relaxed, instantly furrowed tightly, as if they were twisted together by an invisible hand. He remained silent, just standing there with his head down, thinking. After a long while, Jia She slowly raised his head, looking at Jia Zheng with a flickering look in his eyes, pretending to be helpless and evading the issue: "Second brother, it's not that I don't want to get involved in this matter, but you know my temper, and I'm not very proficient in such matters. In my opinion, this matter has to be discussed and solved by you and Zhen Ge'er together." After that, he patted Jia Zheng's shoulder lightly, turned around and left, leaving Jia Zheng standing there alone, looking at his receding figure, and couldn't help but sigh secretly.

Jia Zheng said solemnly, "If it is really the Princess Yuan, I am sure there will be news eventually." As he spoke, he paced back and forth anxiously, looking at the door from time to time, hoping that the person sent out to inquire about the situation would return as soon as possible.

However, at this moment, before the inquiring people returned, the doorman of the mansion ran in hurriedly and reported to everyone: "My lords and ladies, there are two ministers from the palace outside the door asking to see the master!" Upon hearing this news, everyone in the house was shocked, and they secretly wondered whether it was related to Concubine Yuan.

Jia She hurriedly responded, "Please come in!" The doorman nodded and turned to lead the two eunuchs into the mansion.

Jia She did not dare to neglect and hurried out of the second gate to greet them. After seeing the eunuch, he first bowed respectfully and asked the queen how she was, and then accompanied them to the main hall. Along the way, Jia She spoke carefully to the eunuch, his words full of concern.

Once inside the hall, Jia She hurriedly invited the eunuchs to take a seat and ordered the servants to serve them fragrant tea and snacks. The eunuchs, unfazed, sat down on the chairs, took a sip from their teacups, and then slowly began to speak, "The Imperial Concubine has been feeling unwell recently. Yesterday, His Majesty issued a special decree, summoning four of her relatives to the palace to visit and pay their respects. Each relative may bring one maid, and no other outsiders are allowed to enter the palace. The male relatives may only present their names and positions outside the palace gates, pay their respects to the Empress, and wait for further information. They are strictly prohibited from entering the palace without permission. The visit is scheduled for tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. to enter the palace and 7:00 p.m. to leave."

After hearing the eunuch's instructions, Jia Zheng and the others stood up and bowed again, expressing their obedience to the emperor's command. After resuming their seats, everyone's mood grew increasingly heavy, worried about the condition of Concubine Yuan. The eunuch, however, leisurely sipped his tea, rose, said goodbye, and left.

Jia Zheng personally escorted the eunuchs to the gate and watched them go away. Then he hurried back to the courtyard where Jia Mu lived to report the matter to the ancestor.

Jia Zheng hurried along, his expression abrupt, and soon arrived at Grandmother Jia's room. As soon as he entered, he saw Grandmother Jia seated on a couch, surrounded by people with solemn expressions. Not wanting to waste a moment, Jia Zheng hurried forward, bowed respectfully, and then earnestly explained his purpose.

After hearing what Jia Zheng had said, Grandmother Jia's hands, which had been resting steadily on her lap, began to tremble slightly, and her eyes were instantly filled with deep worry. She murmured to herself in a trembling voice, "My Yuanchun, such a miserable child! What could have happened to her that she ended up like this..." Everyone around her couldn't help but sigh as they heard this.

After a moment's silence, Grandmother Jia took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down and said, "Since things have come to this, the women in the family will be me, the first wife, the second wife, and Feng girl, who will go together. As for the men, you brothers can discuss and arrange it yourselves." Jia She and Jia Zheng hurriedly bowed in response, then left the room and began to discuss the specific matters.

After careful consideration and weighing the pros and cons, they decided to send Jia Lian and Jia Rong to stay home and guard the gate. In addition, all male members of the Jia family, from the Wen family down to the Cao family, were to be dispatched. Immediately afterwards, they quickly instructed their servants to prepare four beautifully decorated green sedan chairs and more than ten spacious carriages, with instructions to ensure they were ready at the mansion at dawn the next day.

The next morning, while it was still dark, the maids and servants in every room of the Jia Mansion had already risen and lit the lamps. By the time the eastern sky was just beginning to turn pale, the wives had finished washing and dressing, and the gentlemen had also finished getting ready. Once everything was in place, Madam Wang took the lead, carefully supporting Lady Jia and leading her out of the room. The rest of the group followed closely behind, each accompanied by a personal maid, and the group slowly and leisurely advanced towards the gate.

At the same time, the Jia family's sons, from the Wen generation to the Cao generation, either boarded carriages or mounted steeds, and, surrounded by numerous servants, followed closely behind, embarking on this unknown journey. Soon, they arrived outside the palace gates.