Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Jia Min gently stroked Daiyu's head and said tenderly, "Yu'er, now that you've been adopted out because of your mother's burden, and now you have a mother with a shattered reputation, it's almost impossible for you to marry into a wealthy family in the future. Do you still remember your cousin Baoyu, whom your mother told you about?" Daiyu remembered her grandmother and mother's talk of arranging a marriage for the two of them, and suddenly she felt as shy as a frightened little rabbit. She whispered, "Mother, what are you talking about? I'm still young..." Jia Min continued, "Yu'er, don't be shy. My daughter is so beautiful, like a blooming flower, and she's more than suitable for Baoyu. There's just one thing: my second sister-in-law, your second aunt, has always been at odds with me, and I'm sure she wouldn't approve of your marriage to Baoyu. But as long as you can win Baoyu's heart, everything will be fine."

Jia Min held Daiyu's hand tightly and said solemnly, "Yu'er, mother knows this is a little difficult for you, but since we are in the Jia Mansion, we still have to learn how to be politically savvy. Baoyu has a simple and kind character. You must seize the opportunity to win his heart. Baoyu went to the family temple to burn incense today. I think he will be back soon. Come on, Yu'er, mother will dress you up and we will go to your grandmother's house."

Daiyu was wearing a white brocade flowing fairy skirt, a white gauze draped over it, her hair combed into a flying bun, and a pearl hairpin in her hair. She walked towards Mrs. Jia with steady steps.

The old lady was sitting on the kang, listening with great interest to the maids' stories of the marketplace. At this moment, Jia Min and Daiyu came in. The old lady's face lit up at the sight of Daiyu, and she quickly hugged her tightly, calling her her "darling" and calling her "my dearest."

Just as everyone was enjoying themselves, the maids quietly announced, "Baoyu has arrived!" It turned out that Baoyu was born with a beautiful jade in his mouth, so Mrs. Jia named him "Jia Baoyu." However, worried that he would not be able to bear this blessing, Mrs. Jia specifically instructed the maids and servants to call him "Baoyu" on a daily basis.

As the words fell, a boy in rich attire stepped into the room. He wore a purple gold crown inlaid with gems, a golden headband emblazoned with two dragons fighting for a pearl, and a scarlet sleeve emblazoned with two-colored golden butterflies and flowers. He wore a long, tasseled sash with a multicolored silk knot at his waist. Over his waist, he wore a dark blue Japanese satin jacket with eight patterns and tassels. He wore small, pink-bottomed court boots made of green satin. His face was as fair as the Mid-Autumn moon, and as rosy as the delicate blooms of a spring morning. His temples were neatly cut, his eyebrows thick as ink, his features delicate as peach blossom petals, and his eyes as clear and bright as autumn water. Even when angry, he wore a smile, and even when scolding, his eyes were filled with affection. Around his neck, he wore a golden dragon necklace and a five-colored silk sash tied with a crystal-clear jade.

When Jia Baoyu came in, he didn't even say hello. He threw himself into the arms of the old lady Jia, twisting his body like a twist, and said, "Old lady, Baoyu missed you so much!"

Mrs. Jia smiled and said, "You little naughty monkey, hurry up and get up. You're still acting like a spoiled brat even though you're so old. By the way, haven't you been clamoring to see your cousin? You finally got to see her today."

Upon hearing this, Jia Baoyu immediately climbed out of Mrs. Jia's arms and asked excitedly, "Where is she? Where is she? I want to see my cousin!"

Mrs. Jia smiled and pointed at Lin Daiyu and said, "This is your aunt's daughter, your sister Lin."

Lin Daiyu stood up shyly, lowered her head, and did not dare to look at Jia Baoyu.

Jia Baoyu looked at Lin Daiyu, his eyes lit up, and he said with a smile, "What a beautiful cousin! More beautiful than the fairy in the painting!" As he spoke, he reached out to hold Lin Daiyu's hand.

Lin Daiyu was startled and quickly pulled her hand back, her face flushing all the way to her ears. She whispered, "Please respect yourself, brother."

Jia Baoyu didn't take it seriously and continued to laugh and say, "Don't be shy, cousin. We are a family from now on and can play together!"