The Second Master of the Red Chamber

No. 87 Gulou West Street, just two streets away from Rongguo Mansion.

This place used to be a large teahouse, which was later bought and renovated.

The people in the neighborhood were initially curious about what kind of business the new owner was going to do, but they didn't hear any news for a long time.

Later, it was even completely shut down for more than a year.

However, this closed teahouse seems to have become active again recently, and there are signs that it is about to reopen.

Some of those who are paying attention inevitably have certain expectations.

Jia Lian and his personal guards came here after leaving the palace.

"Second Master..."

Having received the notification, Jiang Yun stood at the door to greet them.

After dismounting, Jia Lian nodded to her, then looked up at the plaque above the gate:
Women's Music Ensemble.

These words are in his own cursive script.

Jia Lian was not a particularly arrogant person; he knew that his calligraphy was not very good.

However, in the hands of a skilled engraver, these words were carved with an extraordinary air of grandeur.

He stepped towards the gate, while his attendants, led by a servant from the music hall, led the horses to the backyard.

"How's the interior setup going?"

"Reporting to Second Master, the music hall was fully decorated at the beginning of last year. Now it's just a matter of cleaning it inside and out and changing some things, so there's not much to decorate."

As for the rooms on the third floor where Miss Gu and Miss Shen live, they said they wanted to decorate them themselves, so they are still empty.

The entire building of this music hall is a three-story courtyard house.

The architectural style is relatively ordinary, but the decoration is exquisite and the style is elegant. As soon as you walk in, you can tell that it is an elegant place.

At this moment, twenty or thirty women had gathered in the middle of the courtyard.

At a glance, Jia Lian saw about twenty young and beautiful women and about ten women in their thirties and forties.

Even the women were all beautiful and dignified, none of them old or ugly.

Seeing Jia Lian scrutinizing her, Jiang Yun immediately explained, "They are the servants and attendants of the music hall."

Among them were eighteen maids responsible for receiving guests and serving tea. Because the Second Master required that each of them be beautiful and dignified, most of the eighteen maids were redeemed from the brothel.

The other ten women responsible for cleaning and the kitchen were mostly selected from the two households.

In this era, maids and servants were needed, and they were usually purchased from brokerage firms.

However, Jia Lian wanted young and beautiful women, and such women were rare finds everywhere, making it difficult to collect a sufficient number at once in the brokerage business.

The Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) was different.

Most of the people inside were the families of officials who had been convicted of crimes.

The overall quality is unmatched by any other dental clinic.

Ordinary people, of course, do not have the qualifications or the courage to go to the brothel to select beauties.

However, this was clearly not the case for Jia Lian.

The officials of the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution) were eager to curry favor with Jia Lian.

Upon hearing that Jia Lian needed young and beautiful maids, she immediately said that she had plenty and told Jia Lian to come and choose whatever he wanted.

Indeed, in the past year alone, Ningkangdi has confiscated countless properties.

In addition, Jia Lian sent back a large number of young Jurchen women from Liaodong.

Those with potential in color and art were all assigned by the imperial court to the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) for training.

Therefore, the current Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution) is probably the time when it has the most abundant supply of geishas.

However, Jia Lian did not choose them himself; he let Jiang Yun do it.

Given his current situation, there are some implications, and we still need to be careful.

As for servants, although they could be hired from outside, those trained by the Jia family were obviously more reliable.

Anyway, there are so many servants in the two mansions, might as well use them.

They would feel honored to be used by him.

Without exchanging many words with the curious and excited women, Jia Lian continued walking upstairs.

Jiang Yun followed beside him and continued to introduce the situation of the music hall.

"Because the Second Master said that the music hall only entertains women from high-ranking noble families in the capital, there are no male servants or pageboys in the music hall."

Even the twelve guards and servants selected from the mansion could only work outside the building, protecting Miss Gu and the nobles.

As for the second floor and above, they are strictly prohibited from setting foot there.

"The third floor contains the boudoirs of Miss Gu and others, as well as a few luxurious private rooms."

The second floor has more than a dozen private rooms and booths.

Besides the tea room, the first floor mainly served as a resting place for the maids and attendants of the noble ladies.

"After my initial consideration, the only ways for the music hall to make a profit are the tea fees for noble ladies and the fees for lessons in music, dance, calligraphy, painting, and chess."

Jiang Yun spoke, somewhat hesitantly.

Although she had been appointed as the head of logistics for the music hall, she didn't really understand Jia Lian's intention in opening this unconventional music hall.

It doesn't seem like they can make money.

Most of the socialites and wealthy women of this era rarely leave their homes.

Even when they moved around, it was only between the residences of different families, relatives, and close friends.

Why would they come to your place to drink tea and listen to music?
Let's listen to a woman sing!

As a former courtesan, Jiang Yun naturally knew their skills and limited appeal to women.

What would attract noble ladies to the male disciples of the Peking Opera, those world-renowned stars?

For example, Liu Xianglian in the past, and Jiang Yuhan who is still very popular now.

As Jia Lian surveyed the overall layout of the music hall, he responded to Jiang Yun with a few disjointed words.

"The decoration is very nice; you're becoming more and more organized in your work."

In the initial stage, just focus on building the reputation of the music troupe according to my instructions. As for making money, you don't need to worry about that.

When Jia Lian first bought this place, he planned to open a women's music troupe, simply to keep the Four Beauties from getting bored.

To be honest, it's ridiculous that four such beautiful young girls were kept in a secluded mansion.

He felt a little guilty that he couldn't visit them often, so he wanted to find something they liked and were good at doing.

Moreover, talented women like Gu Qingyi, who are truly capable of creating beautiful music, have allowed her works to be passed down through generations.

This is a good thing, both for her personal value and for the development of culture and entertainment in the capital.

Not to mention, Jia Lian also selected several pieces of music that would later become famous and taught them.

With such support, Jia Lian easily believed that it would not be difficult to elevate Gu Qingyi and others into world-renowned, even legendary, talented women.

In the middle of the period, the whole country mourned the death of the Dowager Consort.

As Emperor Ningkang's most loyal minister, Jia Lian naturally shared the emperor's sorrows.

Therefore, he suspended the project.

Now that his status has risen to the top, this project has become dispensable.

Because he discovered that Gu Qingyi and the other three beauties were quite comfortable staying at Tianxiang Tower.

Perhaps they had gotten used to lying flat, and they no longer had much interest in the music hall that Jia Lian had once used to amuse them.

However, Jia Lian thought that since everything was already done, it would be a waste not to use it.

Moreover, there is one point that Jia Lian cannot ignore.

That is, this project may also have political uses.

Jia Lian never underestimated the influence of these socialites and noblewomen in the capital.

Putting everything else aside, if we can lure them over and get real-time information about their husbands or fathers from them, wouldn't that be equivalent to controlling the upper echelons of the empire to a certain extent?
If that's the case, its effects are self-evident.

Gu Qingyi will truly become another sharp sword in his hands, following Princess Zhaoyang and Yuan Chun.

Finding suitable positions for his women and making them as useful as possible was something Jia Lian was happy to do.

Whether this music ensemble can attract those socialites and wealthy ladies depends on how it's handled.

As long as the music hall can truly prevent men from entering, it will be absolutely safe.

Combined with an elegant and private environment...

This is practically a high-end private women's club. Putting everything else aside, bored housewives could easily enjoy gossiping and chatting with their girlfriends in this place free from the constraints of elders.

Therefore, as long as Jiang Yun, Gu Qingyi, and the others have a little bit of brains, they can make some progress.

As for the music troupe's profit model...

Jia Lian never worried.

Firstly, they don't care at all; secondly, if they really attract those socialites and wealthy women, they'll be able to make money.
Upon arriving on the third floor, Jiang Yun walked ahead of Jia Lian and pushed open several room doors.

"These are Miss Gu's rooms. Since they haven't moved in yet, there are only some simple furnishings."

Jiang Yun spoke, but after a long while, she did not hear Jia Lian respond.

Turning his head, he noticed that Jia Lian's gaze was somewhat lowered.

It was probably shot at her shapely buttocks.

Regarding the allure of her ample hips, more than one lecherous man, including Zhao'er, has said that they are so beautiful they seem otherworldly.

Could it be that even the Second Master is not immune to this?
The thought that she and Jia Lian were the only ones on this huge third floor, unlike at Tianxiang Tower where Gu Qingyi and others obscured her beauty, made her heart start to race.

What should I do? If Second Master is serious about getting back at me, should I obey or not...?

Lost in thought, she feigned shyness and asked, "Sir, what are you looking at?"

Jia Lian withdrew his gaze and commented quite objectively, "Nice butt, looks good when it wiggles."

"Oh dear, you're the master, how can you speak to a servant like that..."

Jia Lian coughed lightly, glanced at Gu Qingyi's room, and said, "Let's go, there's nothing to see here."

Seeing Jia Lian turn around and walk back after speaking, a hint of resentment appeared in Jiang Yun's eyes. Then she sighed and quickly followed.

On the way downstairs, Jiang Yun suddenly asked a question:
"I heard that Second Master hired Xue Yiren to manage all business affairs, and she is now also in charge of the study."

After this music hall is established, will I also have to report to Lady Xue about it?

Jia Lian nodded: "Of course."

Jiang Yun asked with some surprise, "Isn't Second Master afraid that Lady Xue will become suspicious and jealous?"

Jiang Yun felt that Jia Lian was spending so much effort on this obviously unprofitable business simply to please Gu Qingyi and the other beauties, and to splurge money for fun.

Perhaps there is an even deeper meaning that cannot be spoken of to others.

The Second Master has his eye on those noble ladies. He wants to gather them together through this method and have her help him pick out the beautiful and easy-going ones so that it will be easier for him to take action later.

In either case, it seems inappropriate for Xue Yiren to know.

Everyone knows that Jia Lian treats Xue Yiren and Lin Xiangjun differently, regarding them as wives like Feng Jie.

"Jealous?"

Jia Lian was somewhat puzzled, then said irritably, "What's there to be jealous about?"

If you manage to run the music hall well and make it a gathering place for noble ladies in the capital, perhaps even your second mistress will come here to relax and have tea.

So you don't need to overthink it, just tell President Xue what's going on.

Her family has been in business for generations, and she's quick-witted; she might even be able to come up with some ideas for you.

"Yes, I have remembered this."

……

Tianxiang Tower remains as beautiful as ever, teeming with beauties.

And with the arrival of spring and the revival of all things, the beauties have also shed their heavy clothes and put on light spring garments.

This made the entire Tianxiang Tower even more vibrant and fragrant.

When they heard that Jia Lian was coming, all the beauties and maids, as long as they were qualified to enter the palace to serve him, were all in a frenzy.

Upon arriving at the familiar main hall and passing through the screen, Jia Lian was indeed already standing inside.

The sisters who had arrived early were helping Jia Lian change his clothes.

"Take them all off, and bring me a robe."

Upon hearing this, the maids, both shy and quick, stripped Jia Lian naked.

Other sisters had already brought a clean gray robe from the side room and put it on Jia Lian from back to front.

With a gentle tug on her left and right hems, her nimble little hands tied a knot at Jia Lian's waist, and that was it.

Then, whether they were the Four Beauties or actresses and maids, none of them felt their faces flush and their hearts race.

With Jia Lian's fit physique and handsome appearance, such a loose-fitting robe on his body was like poison to these women.

Many beauties unconsciously swallowed hard, wishing they could rush up immediately, peel Jia Lian apart, and devour him.

Jia Lian, however, paid no attention to the beauties' reactions. He turned around and sat on the flattened cool bed, looking at the group of beauties surrounding him, and said with a smile, "Let's listen to a song first today. Is there anyone who would like to volunteer? If not, I'll call on someone."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately turned their attention to Wan Qiyun and Lingguan.

If we're talking about vocal prowess, these two are undoubtedly the best.

"What does Second Master want to hear?" Lingguan asked first.

"Let's start with 'The Butterfly Lovers.' You can find someone to perform with you."

"Alright, then please wait a moment, Second Master."

Since submitting to Jia Lian, Lingguan, who has always been proud and arrogant, has become even more eager to win favor than others.

Compared to her, those clueless young actors were simply blockheads.

While Lingguan was preparing, Jia Lian said to Gu Qingyi and Shen Pan'er, "You two, come over here and massage my shoulders."

This large, flat lounge chair, though laid out like a bed, ultimately lacks railings and offers no support.

But it doesn't matter, since there are no bed rails, he can use a beautiful woman as a screen.

After Gu and Shen sat down behind him, he took the opportunity to lie down in their arms, using their bodies as a support.

He adjusted his position; although the soft, fragrant body behind him was warm and inviting, his arms still felt somewhat empty.

Then his gaze swept over the young actresses who were clearly a head shorter than the Four Beauties.

It's not that beauties like Wan Qiyun aren't appealing, but rather that there's limited space in one's arms.

If it's convenient, it's better to let the pretty girl crawl in.

After looking at them for a while, Jia Lian still ordered the large double and the small double.

There was no way around it; these two were both slender and young, perfect for being held in one's arms.

When Da Shuang and Xiao Shuang skillfully took off their outer garments and climbed onto the cool couch together, they were about to lie down in Jia Lian's arms on either side.

Jia Lian unbuttoned his robe and laughed, "Aren't you cold wearing so little? Why don't you take it all off and come in? It'll be warmer."

Upon hearing this, Da Shuang and Xiao Shuang immediately took action. Feeling embarrassed under everyone's gaze, they asked, "Can we keep the undergarments and bibs?"

Jia Lian was very fond of her weak tone and innocent, delicate face.

It's like seeing Qingwen and Xiangling from back then.

So he nodded and said, "Okay. From now on, I won't ask you to take them off; you can keep these two pieces to cover yourselves."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, not only the Da Shuang and Xiao Shuang sisters, but also the other beauties were secretly grateful.

They felt that although the Second Master was frivolous and absurd, he still respected them and would not easily embarrass them.

Of course, being a womanizer is certainly not a flaw of Jia Lian. If Jia Lian weren't a womanizer, then what would be the point of their existence?

As the petite Shuang'er sisters nestled into Jia Lian's arms, Shen Pan'er conscientiously pulled Jia Lian's open robe back together and fastened it.

Jia Lian, however, had already looked at the other twenty-odd beauties, and said with a smile, "Let two of you come up and massage my legs. The rest of you who are fine, go and change into the clothes that Madam Qin has prepared for you."

Change into the same clothes I asked you to last time, don't wear the wrong ones.

Although Qin Keqing is not here today, the uniforms she had made are all left here for Jia Lian to use and admire at any time.

As for why the beautiful women around him weren't also dressed in uniforms.

To be honest, those things appearing in this era are certainly novel.

It is also very entertaining.

However, it lacks practicality and is not as practical as women's clothing of that era.

For items to keep close at hand and play with, clothing from this era is more convenient to handle.

Jiang Yun went back to her room to change her clothes and rushed over, only to find Jia Lian surrounded by beauties.

After thinking for a moment, she withdrew to prepare a pot of fine wine for Jia Lian.

A beautiful woman is essential, but fine wine is equally important; only then can one match the Second Master's refined taste. (End of Chapter)