The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Seeing Daiyu throwing a tantrum, Jia Lian chuckled, forcibly pulled her onto his lap, and coaxed her:

"Alright, what's there to be angry about?"

Since you and your sister Bao are such good friends, if I ask her to do something for me, isn't that the same as asking you for help?

For example, if your older sister encounters difficulties or is unable to do something, and asks you for help, wouldn't you help her?

"I'm not angry."

After struggling for a while, Daiyu reluctantly accepted Jia Lian's explanation.

Seeing that it was effective, Jia Lian continued, "Besides, I'm going to be busy soon, and I was thinking that I'll have less time to spend with you in the future, so I thought I'd find you something to do so you won't be lonely."

You should understand your sister Bao's abilities without me having to explain.

I feel very reassured that she has taken over the management of my business.

However, as the saying goes, one person's plan is short, but two people's plans are long.

Since you're free anyway, why don't you assist your sister Bao? With sisters working together, not only will the results be twice as good, but it won't be too boring either, wouldn't that be great?"

Seeing that Jia Lian was holding her so tightly, Daiyu stopped struggling.

Anyway, there are only three maids here: Qingwen, Zijuan, and Ying'er, so it can be considered that there are no outsiders.

Besides, Baochai had already been hugged, so it wasn't too shameful for her.

As for what Jia Lian said, she could actually accept it.

After all, we all grew up in the same garden, so we all know each other's temperament and abilities.

They also knew that Baochai was tactful and patient than them when it came to managing the household and handling tedious affairs.

Although she understood in her heart, Daiyu retorted with considerable displeasure, "Since you said you were going to find something for the two of us to do, why does it have to be me assisting Sister Bao, and not Sister Bao assisting me?"

Daiyu's words contained a trap.

Generally speaking, it is people of lower status who assist people of higher status.

She could serve as an assistant, but Jia Lian had to explain why she should serve as an assistant.

If she doesn't explain it well, not only will she refuse to do it, but Jia Lian will also suffer her wrath for several days.

However, Jia Lian was naturally not going to fall for Daiyu's little linguistic trap. Hearing this, he pretended to laugh and said, "It's not that it's not a problem to have her assist you, but others may not know you, but I do."

You lazybones, I won't scold you for your little habit of sleeping in.

Tell me about that year when I asked you to make a fan pendant for me. How long did it take you to make it?

If you want to be a full-fledged employee, then from now on you need to cure your procrastination and come to work on time every day. Can you do that?
Otherwise, if the subordinates come to see you once, or twice, they'll only see the adjutant sitting in the main hall. You, the head of the household, won't lose face, will you?"

Jia Lian's scolding made Daiyu blush.

Fortunately, she herself had no intention of competing with Baochai for this job.

So she seized the opportunity and raised an eyebrow, asking, "So, according to you, the one in charge doesn't have to come to work on time?"

"It's natural."

Upon hearing that she could work sporadically, Daiyu hadn't yet expressed her opinion, but Qingwen, who was standing nearby, chimed in.

"Second Master is worried that Second Madam Lin and the others are lonely. I stay at home all day and have nothing to do. Why don't you find me something to do?"

Jia Lian said irritably, "Aren't you going to play cards anymore?"

"People rarely play cards anymore, okay..."

Qingwen twisted her body, looking as if she had been wronged.

Jia Lian chuckled, "Alright, stop pretending."

If you really want to find something to do, go ask Xue Yiren for help.

She made me the CEO, so she'll definitely need manpower. If you perform well, she might let you work as a helper by her side.

Qingwen glanced at Baochai, then at Jia Lian, pouted, and remained silent for the time being.

In the brief moment that Jia Lian and Qingwen were talking, Daiyu took advantage of Jia Lian's inattention, twisted her body, and slipped out of Jia Lian's embrace.

Baochai pondered for a while and then said very seriously, "If my husband is too busy with official duties to attend to this matter, I am willing to share his burdens."

However, I'm afraid I won't do a good job.

Another reason is that I'm worried Sister Feng might overthink things.

Baochai knew that managing the business was very important to her.

Just as a man cannot be without power for a day, a woman confined to the inner quarters cannot be idle either.

Not taking charge means having no power to exercise and no one to rely on.

It means that no one will be afraid of you or respect you.

Just like Wang Xifeng in the original novel, she knew she was unwell and exhausted, but she still wanted to perform well in front of Grandmother Jia and others, and firmly grasp the power of managing the household.
Isn't it just about wanting to realize her own value and ensuring that no one can look down on her?

Previously, Baochai was just a young girl, and even though she had a wealth of talent, she had nowhere to use it or was unable to use it.

She is now married, but her husband is still a powerful and influential figure.

Therefore, whether it was to share Jia Lian's burdens or to realize her own value, she did not want to stay in the Grand View Garden forever, like a caged bird.

She knew even better that Jia Lian's arrangement was also to give her an opportunity.

She was very grateful.

Out of gratitude, she didn't want to put Jia Lian in any difficult position.

To share Jia Lian's burdens was, strictly speaking, Feng Jie's duty.

If she were to step forward, she feared that Sister Feng would overthink it and think she was trying to seize power.

She wanted a peaceful life in Jia Lian's harem, wanting him to have a good husband and not wanting any conflicts to distract him from his family affairs while he was busy with important matters outside.

Compared to the earth-shattering things Jia Lian did outside, her talents as a woman were insignificant and could be discarded.

Whether you do a good job or not, I will see for myself.

Even if we take a step back and assume the worst, it's just a business deal worth a hundred thousand taels of silver. Even if you mess it all up, your husband can afford the loss.

As for your Sister Feng, you don't need to worry.

Although she had a strong desire for official positions, she had little ambition.

She would be perfectly content to be a housekeeper, managing the food, clothing, housing, and transportation of the entire family.

So you don't need to worry about her having any opinions.

On the contrary, she'll probably feel relieved that the two of you are openly helping me manage the business.

I feel that neither of you has the energy to compete with her for control of the household.

In Jia Lian's mind, Fengchai and Daiyu had very different personalities and were suited to different environments.

Although Sister Feng is very skilled at social interaction, her lack of education limits her potential.

No matter how talented a person is, their abilities are ultimately limited.

If we cannot draw nourishment from the wisdom of our predecessors, we cannot reach a higher level.

Moreover, Sister Feng's personality has its flaws, and Jia Lian doesn't dare to let her get involved in external affairs, otherwise this woman might really get arrogant.

As for Daiyu, although she was highly intelligent and had a clear mind, she was still very intelligent.

However, she was physically weak, had a proud and aloof personality, and was also very sentimental.

Whether her health can support her career is another matter.

To build a career, you need to meet more people, all kinds of people.

Jia Lian was genuinely afraid that Daiyu might be driven to tears by some fools and idiots while she was doing her work…

Therefore, all things considered, only Baochai possesses both the necessary qualities and the necessary skills to be a virtuous wife.

Having Baochai manage his business was just the first step, a way of training her.

If Baochai can truly develop her skills in the future, Jia Lian wouldn't mind letting her take on some government affairs.

Hmm, the chief administrative officer?

Currently, the most likely source of conflict in his harem triangle is between Baochai and Fengjie.

Now that he has Baochai in charge of external affairs, he can directly avoid conflicts between the two over interests.

As for Daiyu, let her enjoy herself on her own.

If she's willing to go out and do something to help herself grow, that's fine too.

She happens to have a lot of money at her disposal, so she can become an angel investor or a major shareholder, and then find fault with Baochai whenever she has the chance.

Baochai could also tell that Jia Lian had indeed thought things through carefully, otherwise he wouldn't have answered so decisively.

“If we were to manage the business for our husbands, we would inevitably have to come into contact with outsiders. Given our status, I’m afraid that would be inappropriate…”

Baochai continued to ask questions.

That's just her personality; she likes to "speak the unpleasant truths upfront" to avoid future troubles.

Jia Lian was getting annoyed and said impatiently, "What's this? I'm not that narrow-minded. Just because I married you doesn't mean you can't see outsiders. If you're worried about me being jealous, you can just keep a veil behind the curtain."

Baochai felt a little embarrassed by Jia Lian's words.

I've made up my mind that when setting up the office, I must install several curtains.

This wasn't to prevent Jia Lian from getting jealous, but rather for her own sake.

Baochai had no more worries at this point and was determined to take on the task.

Fortunately, she still had a large dowry that her parents and brother had given her, which she might be able to use this opportunity.

So Baochai began to inquire about some specific details of the business.

Daiyu listened for a while, but found it uninteresting.

After the two rested for a while, she interjected, "Sister Bao, let's go take a look at that room over there. We can think about how to decorate this 'office'."

Baochai was startled to realize that she had been embraced by Jia Lian again without her noticing.

Although she wasn't sitting on his lap, Jia Lian had her between his legs in a very intimate manner.

Knowing that Daiyu was also reminding her to step back.

At this moment, Jia Lian took the initiative to let go of her, stretched, stood up and said, "The office matters are not urgent."

After talking for so long, my back is aching.

"Let's go, let's rest in the back."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, Baochai and Daiyu immediately blushed with embarrassment.

Zijuan and Ying'er also had different expressions.

Jia Lian's large study was a labyrinthine space.

Not to mention anything else, the inner room behind this study is quite large. It's fully equipped; you could easily mistake it for a bedroom.

At this point, Jia Lian suggested that they go to the back to rest, and his intentions were obvious.

Qingwen, on the other hand, stared at Baochai and Daiyu with a rather tempted expression.

She had seen the beautiful bodies of Feng Jie and Qin Keqing, but she had never seen the bodies of Baochai and Daiyu.

She wanted to see what magic these two people possessed that made the Second Master favor them so much!

"Tch, I knew you were up to no good. Sister Bao, let's go, don't pay any attention to him."

When Daiyu saw Jia Lian walking towards her, she quickly tried to pull Baochai away to avoid him.

Jia Lian chuckled and grabbed her: "How am I up to no good? I'm just tired and want to rest in the back."

By the way, didn't you want to ask me what happened this morning?
"Come on, let's go to the rocking chair in the back, and I'll explain it to you in detail."

Knowing that Daiyu was shy, Jia Lian bent down and picked her up in his arms.

Then, he looked at Baochai until she lowered her head in embarrassment, confirming that she would not run away, before carrying Daiyu and striding towards the back hall.

Jia Lian's study was similar in layout to the inner study next to the main hall, only more grand.

The inner room where he rested also contained a huge rocking bed.

The difference is that the inner study has a real rocking bed that can be used as a swing.

The cradle here is made of eighteen yellow, blue, and green colored silk ribbons, which connect directly to the crossbeams from all directions.

It is not only larger, but also more stable.

He walked to the bedside and tossed Daiyu's slender body onto it.

As force is applied, the entire rocking bed begins to sway slightly.

Daiyu rolled over and sat up, glaring fiercely at Jia Lian.

Jia Lian walked over, sat on the edge of the bed, and asked with a smile, "Why are you glaring at me?"

"fraud!"

Jia Lian chuckled, "How am I a liar? We've finished discussing the important matters."

"Color embryo!"

"Hehe, you're a lady, you're not allowed to swear."

Daiyu, still angry, kicked Jia Lian again.

Taking advantage of the situation, Jia Lian grabbed her small feet and removed her snow-white silk stockings.

As for the embroidered shoes, they had already fallen off on the road while she was struggling earlier.

Daiyu's small feet were as delicate as her body.

Fair and tender, smooth as jade.

The five toes were as vibrant as snow silkworms.

Overall, it's small and very tempting.

Daiyu's ankle was grabbed by Jia Lian, who then removed her silk stockings. Jia Lian stared at her small feet in a daze, his eyes gleaming with lust.

Feeling deeply ashamed, he kicked out with his other foot without thinking, attempting to rescue her.

The result was obvious: the stocking on the other foot was also removed.

As the two were struggling, they noticed Baochai walking in, carrying a pair of embroidered shoes, which belonged to Daiyu.

Daiyu dared not look directly at him, so she quickly kicked Jia Lian away and rolled to the other side.

Jia Lian wasn't worried that she would run away.

In fact, he dared to do this because he was confident in his abilities.

Without the groundwork laid beforehand, it would have been extremely difficult to bring Daiyu and Baochai together.

It’s as difficult as climbing to heaven.

However, there were the wedding night, the day they returned to their parents' home, and several other times that brought them together.

It's fair to say that he's already very skilled at this.

Although Daiyu and Baochai were still shy, it was just a facade.

After so many rounds of getting to know each other, not only the women themselves, but also the people around them had become accustomed to them serving Jia Lian together.

In other words, now that they are all their own people, it is only natural for Jia Lian to enjoy the blessings of having multiple wives, and there is not much difficulty in doing so.

Today, the only difference is that Qingwen is by my side, so the difficulty level shouldn't be too high.

This can be seen from the fact that Baochai, despite having the opportunity to leave, obediently followed him in.

So Jia Lian ignored Daiyu for the time being, sat on the edge of the bed and beckoned to Baochai.

Baochai sighed helplessly, stepped forward and placed Daiyu's embroidered shoes by the bedside, and then advised, "My husband loves us dearly, and Lin Daiyu and I are naturally grateful."

However, my husband should cherish his own health and not indulge himself excessively.

Jia Lian chuckled, about to speak, when he was kicked in the butt again.

Then Daiyu said indignantly, "Sister Bao is right. Don't think we don't know. When we went to look for you just now, you were doing something bad."

Now he's bothering us again, what a lecherous reincarnation!

Jia Lian laughed and said, "Sister Lin is right to scold me, I am a lecherous ghost reincarnated."

If bearing this infamy means I can be with you all every day, then I'd rather be a lecher for generations to come.

"My husband is talking nonsense again."

Jia Lian pulled Baochai to sit beside him and said with a smile, "I'm not talking nonsense."

You have no idea how charming you yourselves are.

Moreover, as Lin Daiyu said, "You ruined my plans before, shouldn't you make it up to me now?"

Jia Lian wasn't just making things up.

He had just been enjoying the attentive service of Xiao Hong and his cousin Xi Ren.

In that dressing room filled with silks and brocades, the two pretty maids, concealed by the various robes, truly created a unique and charming atmosphere.

The arrival of Baochai and Daiyu interrupted his plans.

"Husband~"

Before Baochai could say anything, Jia Lian had already kissed her impatiently, silencing her before she could finish her sentence.

Although Daiyu, who was lying on the other side, frowned repeatedly, she did not get out of bed and run away.

Just as Jia Lian had calculated, many things become second nature through habit.

There's nothing I can do about it, even if I'm not used to it. After going through so many times, those who need to know know, and I've already lost face.

Who told Jia Lian to be their husband, and to be so wicked?

In this life, she and Baochai have truly fallen into the hands of this villain. (End of Chapter)