Striving in the Red Mansion.

Summary

Hua Chun informs his father, Hua Mo, about Marquis Shi Nai sending his niece as a concubine, who was later taken by Jia Huan. Hua Mo, frustrated with his son's lack of political acumen, advises him to suppress the incident but ultimately decides to use the Shuntian Prefecture's yamen to arrest Jia Huan's guards, seeking to maintain honor without escalating the conflict. Meanwhile, Jia Huan's guards express their dissatisfaction with being sent away from the capital. As the New Year approaches, the Jia household faces unexpected visits from yamen officers, leading to negotiations. In the palace, officials greet Emperor Yongzhi, who reflects on his reign. Tensions rise as Qi Chi confronts Wei Qi Hou about the costs of war in the Western Regions, highlighting the loss of noble descendants and the shifting power dynamics within the court.

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