Striving in the Red Mansion.

Summary

In early winter, Zheng Yuan Jian, a salt merchant from Yangzhou, arrives in Jinling to seek help after offending Inspector Sha, which jeopardizes his business and family. He meets his friend Lu Yuan Wai at the Shanxi Merchants Guild Hall, discussing the dire situation of Zheng's imprisoned son and the need for influential connections. They consider involving Jia Huan, a young scholar with ties to Sha Futai, to mediate. Meanwhile, Jia Huan receives an invitation to a banquet, where he learns of Zheng's plight and is asked to intercede on his behalf. The narrative explores themes of power dynamics, friendship, and the complexities of merchant life in a bureaucratic society.

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