Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

In the blink of an eye, the leaves turned yellow, and the weather grew colder, like a grand variation, playing the melody of winter. Because the master's wedding had just taken place, Xifeng, the mistress of the Lin family, followed custom and gave each servant an extra set of winter clothing to celebrate. Life was tough for the servants, and an extra set of winter clothing added a touch of warmth to the home, like lighting a warm lamp on a cold winter's day.

The owner of Suzhou's most famous tailor shop sat in the Lin family's main hall, waiting to be measured for new dresses for several of their wives. A moment later, a graceful woman in white slowly entered. It was Lin Daiyu. The tailor quickly stood and respectfully greeted her, "Hello, Miss Lin." Turning to Wang Xifeng, he said, "I've never seen such an otherworldly beauty as Miss Lin. Today has been truly eye-opening. Madam, you are also so beautiful, like a divine concubine." Wang Xifeng couldn't help but laugh. "Our Yu'er is indeed beautiful. Come, Yu'er, come and choose some fabrics and patterns. We need to make some new dresses. The Suzhou prefect's family is getting married next month, and we're going to be their guests." Lin Daiyu, expressionless, approached the fabrics and carefully selected them. She first picked up a piece of white satin, gently stroking the grain, then looked at a piece of plain cotton cloth next to it. Finally, she picked out a few pieces of white cloth and set them aside. She said to Wang Xifeng, "Madam, old lady, Daiyu has finished her selection." Old Lady Lin and Wang Xifeng both looked up at the white expanse before them, their faces instantly darkening. They thought, this is someone's wedding banquet. Even if she doesn't want to steal the spotlight and wear bright red, she can't be dressed in white from head to toe! This is simply a deliberate attempt to find fault. Xifeng glanced at Old Lady Lin, whose face was distorted with anger, and quickly stood up and said with a smile, "The cloths that Yu'er picked out are quite plain, just right for wearing at home!" As she spoke, she picked out a piece of pink brocade from among the many cloths, examined it carefully, then looked at Lin Daiyu and said softly, "Yu'er, I think this piece of cloth suits you very well." Seeing this, the tailor shop owner nearby also quickly agreed, "Madam, you have excellent taste. This material is very suitable for young ladies." However, in his heart, he couldn't help but secretly complain, "This... "What kind of quirk does Miss Lin have? She actually makes clothes out of white cloth that should be used for decoration. It's unheard of. What kind of weird person is she?" Mrs. Lin saw this and felt a surge of anger in her heart, but she suppressed it, forced a smile on her face, and said gently: "Yu'er, your mother is right. The delicate pink color is just right for little girls like you. If you really like these white ones, you can make clothes out of them and wear them in the courtyard." As she spoke, she pointed to a few pieces of lively colored cloth and told Daiyu that these were all prepared for her.

Xifeng looked at Daiyu after she finished choosing clothes, and said to her with a smile, "Yu'er, go back to your room first. I will send you the new clothes when they are ready." Daiyu nodded obediently and turned to leave.

After Daiyu left, the remaining mother-in-law and daughter-in-law continued to select fabrics. As they chose, they commented on the texture and color of each piece of cloth, and the atmosphere was very harmonious. Finally, Mrs. Lin picked out three pieces of cloth that she liked, and Xifeng also picked out three pieces. Afterward, they instructed their maids to send the tailor shop owner away.

Old Lady Lin sat in a chair, feeling somewhat down. She gently took Xifeng's hand and said slowly, "Feng'er, I really don't know how to teach my granddaughter. She's beautiful and talented, and she's as literate as any boy. But I've told her about her character and manners at least eighty times, but she just can't remember. It's so frustrating!" Xifeng consoled her, "Don't worry, old lady. Yu'er is still young, so just teach her slowly. Besides, she's been like this for a long time, so changing her won't be easy."

Madam Lin sighed: "I know, but I'm afraid that she will suffer in the future because of her temper."

Xifeng thought for a moment and said, "How about finding an opportunity to let Yu'er go out and see more of the world? Maybe she'll change."

Madam Lin nodded: "Well, that's a good idea. When the mansion is less busy in a few days, I will ask her to accompany me to the temple to burn incense."

Xifeng continued, "By the way, Madam, I heard that the girls in Suzhou often hold poetry gatherings. Why not let Yu'er go and have some fun with the other girls?"

Madam Lin's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea. Yu'er likes reading and writing, so she'll definitely enjoy the poetry gathering. Feng'er, I'll leave this matter to you to arrange."

Xifeng replied, "Don't worry, old lady, I will definitely make arrangements."