After Lin Ruhai led Hongtun to pay his respects to everyone, they went to the front hall for a meal.
Meanwhile, in the front courtyard's flower hall, Jia Zheng and the others had already received the news and were eagerly awaiting their arrival.
Upon seeing Lin Ruhai and Hongtun arrive together, everyone quickly stood up to greet them.
Although Lin Ruhai was the Governor-General of Jiangnan, he was very approachable and his demeanor was refined and elegant.
Seeing his humility, Jia Zheng respected him even more and personally poured him tea.
"Brother-in-law, it has been many years since you last visited my humble abode. Your presence today is truly an honor," Jia Zheng said with a smile.
Lin Ruhai nodded slightly: "Brother, you are too kind. Yu'er has been well taken care of by your family since childhood. Now that she has returned, it is only right that she pays her respects to her elders."
Jia She, who was standing nearby, also stepped forward with a big smile: "Brother Ruhai, you are now in a high position and have great power, yet you still remember our old friendship. It is truly rare. I wonder how long you will stay in Jinling this time? If you have free time, you might as well come to visit us more often."
Lin Ruhai smiled calmly: "I am preoccupied with official duties and cannot stay long. However, Yu'er's wedding is imminent, and I would appreciate it if the Jia family could grace us with their presence."
At this moment, everyone's attention turned to Hong Tun.
Hongtun bowed to Jia Zheng and the others, saying, "This junior greets all the elders."
Jia Zheng quickly returned the greeting, his gaze sweeping over Hong Tun. Seeing his extraordinary bearing, he secretly admired him: "As expected of a member of the royal family, truly a dragon among men."
Jia She, Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, Jia Rong, and others also praised it repeatedly, their words full of flattery.
Taking the opportunity, Jia Zhen toasted Hongtun: "Your Highness has come from afar, I, Jia, would like to offer you a toast!"
Hongtun politely declined, saying, "Thank you for your kind offer, but I am not a good drinker and I am afraid I would be impolite."
Jia Zhen smiled awkwardly and had no choice but to give up.
Hongtun remained calm and composed, responding appropriately without appearing arrogant or losing his dignity.
He picked up his teacup and took a sip. Suddenly, he noticed a gaze fixed on him. Turning his head, he saw a handsome young man standing under the eaves outside the hall, staring at him intently.
The young man had a handsome face and exquisite features, but his expression was dazed, as if he were both happy and sad.
Hongtun's mind raced, and he guessed the man's identity. He smiled slightly and nodded in greeting.
Jia Zheng followed Hongtun's gaze and saw that it was Baoyu. His face immediately darkened: "You wretched child! Who gave you permission to come out? Go back now!"
Baoyu then came to his senses, but ignored his father's reprimand. Instead, he stepped into the hall and looked directly at Hongtun: "You are the heir?"
Everyone in the hall was shocked, and Jia Zheng was furious: "Insolence! Get out of here!"
Hongtun raised his hand to stop him and said gently, "It's alright."
He stood up and bowed to Baoyu, saying, "This must be Second Master Bao? I've long admired your name."
Seeing his humility, Baoyu felt even more conflicted.
He carefully examined Hongtun and saw that the other man was tall and straight, with a commanding presence between his brows, and his every move exuded masculinity, completely different from himself.
For a moment, Baoyu felt somewhat ashamed of himself.
"Your Highness is too kind," Baoyu said softly, but his gaze couldn't help but linger on Hongtun.
Hongtun seemed oblivious to his odd behavior, and his smile remained gentle: "I've heard that Second Master Bao is exceptionally talented, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved."
Baoyu smiled wryly: "Your Highness flatters me. I am but a mediocre person, how can I compare to Your Highness's demeanor?"
Seeing that the conversation between the two was relatively peaceful, Jia Zheng breathed a slight sigh of relief, but was still worried. So he said to Baoyu, "Now that you're here, sit down and keep the guests company. Don't be impolite."
Baoyu nodded silently and sat down at the end of the table, but he remained absent-minded.
His gaze sometimes fell on Hongtun, and sometimes looked towards the direction leading to the backyard, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
Lin Ruhai saw everything and understood, so he deliberately changed the subject: "I heard that the eldest daughter, Yuan Chun, is now in charge of the household. I wonder if it is going well?"
Jia Zheng sighed, "Yuan Chun is a steady and sensible child, but the affairs of the household are complicated, and she inevitably has a hard time."
Upon hearing this, Hongtun replied, "Sister Yuanchun has experience in the palace, so she should be able to handle things with ease. If there is anything I can do to help, I am willing to do my best."
Jia Zheng waved his hand repeatedly: "Your Highness is too kind. How could I dare to trouble you with such trivial matters in the manor?"
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Jia She suddenly suggested, "It's a rare occasion for us to gather here today, so why don't we move to the garden, enjoy the scenery, and chat?"
Lin Ruhai nodded in agreement, and the group got up and headed to the garden.
Baoyu followed at the back, his steps heavy.
He watched Hongtun's retreating figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions: This man had an extraordinary bearing and treated people kindly; he was indeed worthy of Lin Daiyu.
But the thought of Daiyu becoming his wife made Baoyu feel as if his heart was being torn apart.
In the garden, everyone took their seats according to their status as guests and hosts.
The maids served tea and snacks. Baoyu sat to the side, silently observing Hongtun's every move. Seeing that he spoke elegantly and treated people with impeccable manners, Baoyu felt increasingly gloomy.
Just then, a colorful butterfly flew by and landed on Hongtun's shoulder.
Hongtun gently raised his hand, and the butterfly, unafraid of people, hovered on his fingertip for a moment before fluttering away.
Baoyu was so captivated by the sight that he couldn't help but ask, "Does the young master also love these flowers, birds, insects, and fish?"
Hongtun smiled and said, "All things have a spirit, and all things can be approached. It's just that I'm usually busy with government affairs with my father, so I rarely have time to appreciate them."
Baoyu sighed, "The young master has the world on his mind, so naturally he has no time to concern himself with such trivial matters."
Hongtun shook his head: "Second Master Bao, you are mistaken. The great things in the world are revealed in the details. For example, this butterfly, though seemingly insignificant, is the messenger of spring and can bring a sense of openness and joy to people's hearts."
Baoyu was taken aback upon hearing this, as if he had realized something.
He suddenly realized that the person in front of him was not only outstanding in appearance, but also insightful in his heart.
Perhaps Lin Daiyu would truly be happy with a man like that?
Thinking of this, Baoyu's pent-up frustration dissipated somewhat.
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