The Good Grandson of the Red Chamber

Chapter 42: Love at First Sight, A Blessed Marriage

The young lady's eyes lit up the moment she saw Lin Ruhai, and she was instantly smitten.

One of her maids suddenly called out sweetly, "Young master, look here!"

Lin Ruhai looked up at the sound and met the gaze of the young lady upstairs.

The young lady upstairs, like a startled deer, hurriedly lowered her head, her face flushed with embarrassment, and quickly raised her sleeve to cover half of her delicate face.

The most tender thing is that bowed head, like a water lily shyly trembling in the cool breeze.

Although Lin Ruhai, the newly crowned third-place scholar, has long since passed away, his shy and demure yet stunningly beautiful face still lingers in my mind, impossible to forget.

He was filled with melancholy for a long time. He didn't know the name or whereabouts of the woman he had just glimpsed, nor did he know if he would ever have the chance to meet her again in this life.

Upstairs, several young maids chattered excitedly, "Miss, Miss, the top scholar is here to see you!"

"Hehe, look at him! The third-ranked scholar is so captivated by the young lady that he's become a complete idiot!"

"This young scholar and lady are a match made in heaven, don't you think?"

"I bet you're just a little slut who's taken a fancy to her and wants to be part of her dowry, aren't you?"

"Hey, what nonsense are you spouting? You're asking for it! I'm not letting you off this time."

The maids made a fuss for a while, then realized that their young mistress seemed not to have heard what they were saying, looking completely distracted.

The women exchanged glances and realized that their young mistress had probably really taken a liking to that third-ranked scholar!

After the parade on horseback ended, the young lady put on a veil and, surrounded by maids and servants, boarded a carriage and went straight back to her residence.

Soon, they returned to the Rongguo Mansion.

It turns out that this young lady is Jia Min, a legitimate daughter of the Rongguo Mansion.

After returning to the Rongguo Mansion, they went to Rongqing Hall to see Old Madam Shi.

Old Madam Shi asked, "Min'er, you went out to take a look. Did you see anyone you liked?"

This old lady Shi doted on her youngest daughter, cherishing her like a precious jewel, treating her with utmost care and affection.

Her youngest daughter was not only beautiful but also exceptionally talented. So many suitors came to propose marriage that they practically wore out their doorstep.

However, Old Madam Shi did not find anyone she liked, feeling that it would be unfair to her daughter.

Therefore, for this parade, Old Madam Shi asked her youngest daughter to go and observe, to see if there was anyone she liked.

Upon hearing Old Madam Shi's question, the image of the third-ranked scholar immediately appeared in Jia Min's mind.

But how could a girl like her say that?

She blushed, lowered her head, and refused to speak.

When Old Madam Shi saw this, she knew that her daughter probably already had someone she liked.

She felt a mix of emotions and asked her daughter's head maid, only to learn that her daughter had taken a liking to Lin Tanhua.

Old Madam Shi asked, "Min'er, are you truly interested in this Scholar Lin? Once you've ascertained his family background, how about sending a matchmaker to propose marriage?"

Jia Min's heart was pounding wildly, like a deer in a trance. She said softly, "It's all up to Mother to decide."

After saying that, she covered her face with her fan in embarrassment and quickly ran out of the house.

Old Madam Shi sent people to investigate the background of this Lin Tanhua, and they quickly found out.

It turns out that this Lin Tanhua was from Suzhou, and his ancestors had held the title of Marquis.

The title was originally passed down for three generations, but due to the emperor's extra favor, it was passed down for another generation, including Lin Ruhai's father, making it a total of five generations.

This Lin Tanhua had lost both his parents, and the only elder in his family he had left was his uncle, who had no children.

This Lin Tanhua, because he has been observing mourning for his parents, has not yet been engaged.

With such a background, he could be considered a golden catch, extremely satisfying.

When Grandmother Jia mentioned this matter to her husband, Duke Rongguo, Jia Daishan, he was very satisfied and delegated the task to Old Lady Shi.

Old Madam Shi sent a matchmaker to propose marriage, and soon learned that many young ladies in the capital had their eyes on this Lin Tanhua!

This time, the top scholar, despite his good looks and background, was paraded through the streets on horseback, but he was already married.

The third-ranked scholar was not engaged, but he was of rough appearance and was not favored by them.

Only Lin Ruhai, the third-ranked scholar, seemed to be born into their aesthetic ideals, so suitors came to his door in an endless stream.

Lin Ruhai refused to comply, saying that his elders were not home and that they would need to come before they could discuss the matter further.

Upon hearing this news, Jia Min inevitably felt anxious and depressed.

Grandmother Jia comforted Jia Min and assured her that the marriage would definitely go through.

For her daughter's sake, Grandmother Jia was truly going all out. She changed into her official robes and headed straight for the palace.

Before long, she was invited into Kunning Palace, where the Empress personally received this Dowager Shi.

It just so happened that Xia Chengzong was with the Empress, talking to her.

The Empress adored her incredibly beautiful grandson, and just then, her family sent over several boxes of peach blossom pastries made from freshly picked peach blossoms.

The Empress then thought of Xia Chengzong and summoned him.

This time, Xia Chengzong was able to meet this Old Madam Shi.

This Old Lady Shi is none other than Grandmother Jia from the Jia family in Dream of the Red Chamber.

Meanwhile, during this period, Old Madam Shi heard quite a few stories about the third grandson of the emperor.

The outside world has already spread the word about this third grandson of the emperor to the point of considering him a divine figure.

Now that Old Madam Shi has seen him, she has to admit that this third grandson of the emperor is indeed exceptionally handsome.

She had always been fond of well-born younger generations, and upon seeing Xia Chengzong, she felt a surge of joy.

Grandmother Jia's positive emotions +1 +1 +1

Old Madam Shi laughed and said, "I've heard countless tales of the Third Young Master at home."

"Today's meeting reveals you to be a truly divine being! Unfortunately, I didn't bring any gifts with me."

"I have a string of red musk beads here. Third Young Master, please don't find it unappealing. It would be good to give it to the servants as a reward."

Xia Chengzong hurriedly said, "Thank you for your generous gift, Madam."

A palace maid took the red musk bracelet and put it away for him.

Xia Chengzong then sat down next to the Empress and listened to them talk.

Before long, Madam Shi revealed her purpose.

It turns out they came to ask the Empress to act as matchmakers.

Now that the Empress is getting old, she is very keen on arranging marriages for people.

Upon hearing this, the Empress became interested and hurriedly asked what kind of matchmaker was needed.

Then Old Madam Shi revealed that her youngest daughter had taken a liking to the newly appointed scholar, Lin Tanhua.

Lin Tanhua was not engaged and was of similar age, making them a perfect match.

Xia Chengzong, standing nearby, was dumbfounded.

He never expected that Lin Ruhai and Jia Min's marriage would be formed in this way.

Although it wasn't exactly a case of choosing a son-in-law based on the imperial examination results, it was very similar.

Upon hearing this, the Empress quickly smiled and said, "I've met your Min'er a few times; that little girl is like a fairy descended from heaven."

"If there weren't no suitable women of the right age, I would love to marry one!"

At this point, the Empress looked at Xia Chengzong and smiled, "If my grandson were a few years older, I would betroth him to him; that would be good."

"Now this Lin Tan Hua is really lucky. Don't worry, I'll guarantee this match!"

"I will issue an imperial decree to facilitate this marriage, which will be considered an act of good karma and will also fulfill your wishes!"

Grandma Shi was overjoyed upon hearing this and thanked her profusely.