The Second Master of the Red Chamber

"Second Master, did you really look closely at the clothes I was wearing just now...?"

On the way back to the Grand View Garden, Qingwen followed closely beside Jia Lian, asking shyly.

Jia Lian laughed and said, "I've seen it, and it's really good, better than anyone else's!"

"Hehe, no way, Second Master is just teasing me..."

Although she didn't believe it, Qingwen's wide smile and the way she couldn't help but jump up showed how happy she was at that moment.

Jia Lian stopped and glanced at her, feeling quite pleased.

At sixteen, Qingwen was at the peak of her beauty.

Besides, she was naturally beautiful.

Although Jia Lian had many beauties around him, very few could be described with that title.

With her stunningly beautiful face, youthful and lively body, and slender figure, she would be the epitome of a top-tier school beauty in a modern school uniform.

Very charming.

If Jia Lian hadn't already done it when she arrived, he probably would have devoured her right then and there.

He patted her head and was about to return to the Grand View Pavilion when Qingwen reminded him, "When I went to find Master just now, Miss Lin also came to the study to find Second Master. Shouldn't Second Master go and take a look first?"

Although most people now refer to Daiyu as Second Madam Lin or Lady Lin, those like Qingwen still habitually call her Miss Lin in private.

As for why Qingwen would proactively remind Jia Lian and Daiyu to look for him...

If she had initially felt a little annoyed by Jia Lian's apparent favoritism towards Daiyu and Baochai, she would have felt a little resentful.

But ever since she peeked at Baochai and Daiyu in the inner room of the study that day, she has been convinced.

They are all truly beautiful, each one stunning.

It is breathtakingly beautiful and flawless.

Both plump and slender women have their own merits.

Even if the legendary figures Ehuang and Nüying were reborn, they probably wouldn't be able to give the Second Master the same enjoyment.

Although she and Xiangling were a powerful alliance, their social statuses differed so much, not to mention that.

Now, even in terms of their most prized asset—their looks—they can no longer find any advantage.

Perhaps they're not convinced?
Although Qingwen was proud, she was still able to let go of things easily.

She respected both Daiyu and Baochai quite a bit, at least more than she respected Fengjie.

In her eyes, it would even be a good thing if either Daiyu or Baochai kicked Fengjie out of the family.

At least these two are genuinely cultured and knowledgeable, unlike Sister Feng who is loud and boisterous and always targets her.

As expected, upon hearing Qingwen's reminder, Jia Lian immediately changed course and went to the main study.

Seeing Baochai and Daiyu whispering to each other, it seemed they were discussing something.

The two stunningly beautiful women together resembled twin lotus blossoms in a traditional Chinese New Year painting.

Jia Lian almost couldn't bear to say anything that would ruin this beautiful moment.

"Oh, are you two busy?"

The two women, who were originally engrossed in their business, reacted differently upon hearing the news and seeing Jia Lian.

Daiyu glanced at him but made no comment.

Baochai put down the book, walked around from behind the chair on the other side, and greeted Jia Lian.

She skillfully straightened Jia Lian's clothes and said, "I heard that today is the Crown Prince's enthronement ceremony. My husband must be exhausted after a busy day."

Even though Jia Lian was used to Baochai's virtuous and gentle nature, he still couldn't help but blush when he returned at noon and spent the afternoon playing at Tianxiang Tower.

Daiyu, who had also stood up at this moment, pouted slightly.

If she had seen Baochai like this before, she would have definitely cursed her for being hypocritical and pretentious.

Knowing full well how much Jia Lian must have done at Tianxiang Tower, yet still saying such things…

But now that the two sisters have opened their hearts to each other, she knows that this is precisely Baochai's way of being tolerant and always leaving room for others to save face.

No wonder Second Brother likes Sister Bao so much.

That's true. If I were a man, I would be very happy to have such a considerate wife who always takes care of my feelings.

I understand it in my heart, but I definitely won't learn it.

In short, I cannot do it.

In particular, as soon as he approached Jia Lian, he could smell a strong odor of alcohol on him.

It also had a faint, lingering fragrance of cosmetics.

Without even asking, it's obvious that this guy has been drinking, and he's been drinking with prostitutes!

Jia Lian caught a glimpse of Daiyu's eyes and knew that this little girl, who was even more perceptive than a cat, must have noticed something.

So he felt embarrassed to accept Baochai's words: "I wasn't too tired, it's just that after the ceremony, I went to pay my respects to various places in the palace."

After returning home, seeing that it was still early, I went to Tianxiang Tower to listen to some music to relax…

When had Qingwen ever seen Jia Lian look nervous? Seeing this, she chimed in:
"It's true, Second Master wasn't lying."

Lin Xiangjun, don't disbelieve me. When I arrived, I saw Second Master playing cards with several beauties while having young actors sing songs on the side. He was having a great time.

He didn't do anything else.

Qingwen chuckled as she explained. It was unclear whether she genuinely wanted to exonerate Jia Lian or was deliberately trying to provoke Daiyu into asking more questions.

Daiyu looked at her and said, "Oh, didn't you say you had an upset stomach and went back to rest?"
Why did you go to Tianxianglou again?

Qingwen's smile froze on her face.

Oh no, I got so excited I forgot about that.

"That was it Second Madam who told me to go find Second Master..."

"Oh, why did Sister Feng ask you to find him?"

"This, this..."

Seeing Qingwen speechless, Jia Lian picked up Daiyu and laughed, "Why are you so diligent today? You actually came over to help your sister Bao manage the business?"

Daiyu didn't want Jia Lian to hug her at this moment, but Jia Lian held her tightly.

She twisted her body and then said in a sweet voice, "I have to be more diligent, otherwise someone will find me even lazier."

"They might remove me from my post at any time, and then I'd have nowhere to turn to cry."

The term "CEO" exists in this era, and its general meaning is similar to that of later generations.

It means to be in charge of and make decisions on all matters.

Baochai is now the president of the business, with Daiyu as her deputy.

"How could that be! Even if I were to lay off myself, the big boss, I wouldn't dare lay you off."

You are a super-rich man with hundreds of thousands of dollars in your pocket. As long as you are happy, just invest a little money in our business, and it will be hard for you not to grow big and strong.

So, in that sense, your sister Bao and I have become the ones doing things for you.

"You're our big boss."

Daiyu blushed slightly at Jia Lian's exaggerated words.

Although she was not good at business, she knew that for a business to grow, it needed strong financial support.

She happened to have so much property and money that she and Zijuan combined couldn't count it all, so she thought of using it to support Jia Lian's business development.

Baochai shared the same idea, so she approached Jia Lian and expressed her desire to use money to get things done.

They were initially worried that Jia Lian would be unhappy.

After all, Jia Lian didn't seem to be short of money at all, and the business had a large amount of silver that hadn't been used yet.

Unexpectedly, Jia Lian seemed to have anticipated their suggestion.

He simply smiled and said yes.

However, he also pointed out that even between husband and wife, accounts should be kept clear.

They can contribute money, but not as a gift; they can invest in him.

Based on the estimated value of Jia Lian's current businesses, which are worth approximately 100,000 taels of silver, the amount they invest will determine their shareholding.

And they themselves manage and decide how to use the money that is invested, and where to use it.

After all, Jia Lian himself really didn't have the time or the desire to manage the business.

To be honest, both Daiyu and Baochai were quite surprised by Jia Lian's request.

What kind of married couple splits their finances?

After some private discussion, the only explanation they could come up with was that Jia Lian still wanted to help them establish a foundation.

As long as the business truly grows larger and larger in the future, reaching a pivotal position.

As partial owners of the business, they naturally wield considerable influence at home.

Seeing that Daiyu was shy, Jia Lian pulled Baochai over and said with a smile, "Ladies, it's almost time for dinner."

Let's go to the inner hall.

Just like last time, we had the maids bring the food, and we ate it sitting on the bed.

After Jia Lian finished speaking, he tried to pull Daiyu and Baochai towards the back door.

The back corridor of the president's hall connects to Jia Lian's study, providing direct access to the inner room behind Jia Lian's study.

Upon seeing this, Daiyu immediately knew what Jia Lian was planning to do.

Daiyu pushed Jia Lian away forcefully and scolded, "Don't even think about it. You stink to death right now, so you're not allowed to touch us."

Baochai smiled and said, "Husband, why don't you go back and take a bath first?"

Jia Lian said rather displeasedly, "Fine, fine, since you don't want to go to my inner room, then we can eat here, okay?"

Honestly, everyone says it's just about eating.

"There's absolutely no trust between people." Jia Lian said, instructing Qingwen and the others to arrange for the meal.

Then, leading Daiyu and Baochai to the tea room next door, there was a kang (heated brick bed) and a table, which was perfect for setting out meals.

While chatting over dinner, Jia Lian suddenly suggested, "Why don't you two good sisters visit each other tonight? I'll come over to find you."

Don't worry, I'll take a good shower and wash off all the smell of alcohol before I come back.

With no one else around, Daiyu and Baochai weren't so embarrassed.

Baochai gave Jia Lian a coquettish look and asked shyly, "My husband has so many beautiful women around him, why do you always insist on bothering me and Lin Daiyu..."

Baochai's main point was that it was awkward to always have her with Daiyu.

Jia Lian sighed, took the hands of Daiyu and Baochai together, and looked at the two women with deep affection.

"What else could it be? Didn't I already say that you and Lin Daiyu are my ultimate dream?"

Now that I've finally achieved this, of course I should cherish and enjoy it.

What if I wake up from this dream one day?

A deep blush rose on Baochai and Daiyu's faces.

Although it wasn't the first time they'd heard it, every time Jia Lian said it like that, they would blush and their hearts would race.

They had to admit that their husbands were really good at sweet talk, and they almost couldn't resist agreeing to Jia Lian's unreasonable demands.

Fortunately, Daiyu was good at refusing unreasonable demands.

She steeled herself and pulled her hand away, pretending to be fierce as she said, "Pah, don't even think about it."

Tonight, you can only choose one: me or Bao-jie!

If Jia Lian really just let them visit each other, or even take advantage of them to get something before letting them go, then that would be fine.

But she knew Jia Lian's true nature very well.

If he were to corner them both in the house late at night, he certainly wouldn't let either of them leave.

So whether she went to Hengwu Garden or Baochai went to her Xiaoxiang Pavilion and left the next day, wouldn't everyone know that they were "Ehuang and Nüying"?
Although this was how it was on our wedding night, it was out of necessity.

Although I was tricked a few more times later, it was always in a secret place where no one knew about it.

Well, maybe some people know that.

But at least it wasn't done openly and openly, making it known to everyone.

Moreover, they were all passive.

If she were to go to Hengwu Garden, or Baochai were to come to Xiaoxiang Pavilion, and the two of them were to serve the emperor together, it would seem as if they were trying to curry favor and using such means to secure the emperor's favor.

Therefore, Daiyu could not agree.

Baochai chimed in, "Husband, please rest in Lin Daiyu's room tonight. There's no need to come to my place; it's not convenient for me..."

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian and Daiyu both looked at her.

Daiyu was stunned for a moment before she realized what Baochai meant.

Jia Lian, however, asked in disbelief, "Why are you here again? I remember there were still some days left, right?"

"It's been these past two days..."

Jia Lian wanted to say it was fine, he could just be a background character.

In the end, I didn't dare to say it, because I knew I would be criticized and scorned.

I had no choice but to temporarily abandon the plan.

……

After having dinner with Daiyu and Baochai, Jia Lian returned to the Grand View Tower.

After taking a bath, Jia Lian was about to go to Xiaoxiang Pavilion when he was stopped by Feng Jie.

"Your birthday is in a few days. This morning, my wife asked me to ask you if you have any thoughts on it?"

"I've already discussed this with the master, so I won't be holding it this year."

We just had a promotion banquet a few days ago, and now we're having a birthday party. Anyone who didn't know better would think our family is deliberately trying to get free gifts from others.

Although this is Jia Lian's first birthday after the mourning period, it's acceptable to celebrate.

However, Jia Lian found it too troublesome.

There are so many things to do in a big family; today is your birthday, tomorrow is mine.

In addition, there are countless birthday banquets hosted by relatives and friends.

If you add in weddings, funerals, housewarmings, promotions, and other celebrations, those who like to be on the go really don't have many days to rest throughout the year.

"Does Madam mean that even if we don't have a big celebration, we shouldn't invite any relatives?"

"No need to invite anyone. Just our family and I will have some fun."

"Alright, then I'll send someone back to your wife."

Sister Feng didn't say anything. Anyway, she was heavily pregnant, so whether or not to hold a ceremony didn't really concern her.

"Oh, by the way, my brother sent a message saying he wants to come and visit you..."

As Feng Jie spoke, she glanced at Jia Lian with some caution.

She knew that her husband disliked her brother.

Sure enough, Jia Lian's face naturally turned much colder: "What does he want to visit me for?"

"He didn't say that, but he said he wanted to visit you and asked me to ask if you had time."

Hey, why are you making that face?

He's my brother, after all. He hasn't done anything to wrong you. Can't you at least be a little more polite to him for my sake?

Jia Lian snorted, "I'm not free tomorrow."

"And then what about the next child?"

"You can make the arrangements, we'll talk about it when he comes."

Wang Xifeng only had one older brother, Wang Ren.

Unfortunately, in Qiao Jie'er's judgment, there was a glaring word: "cruel uncle and treacherous brother."

The "treacherous brother" in question may not necessarily refer to anyone in particular, since Qiao Jie'er doesn't have a biological brother, so it can only be her cousin.

There are so many fourth-generation male members in the Jia family; the scope is too broad.

But the "ruthless uncle" definitely refers to Wang Ren.

Wang Ren means "forgetting benevolence."

Unfortunately, Jia Lian could not explain this reason to Feng Jie.

Feng Jie had previously pleaded with him on Wang Ren's behalf, and Jia Lian, thinking that keeping him under his watchful eye would make him easier to supervise, appointed him as a patrol officer in the military headquarters.

As a result, whether they looked down on them or felt insulted, they simply declined to go.

Jia Lian was too lazy to pay him any attention.

Later, I heard that he had asked Prince Teng to give him the position of granary manager.

There are no ranks.

He was a good-for-nothing, and it seemed that Wang Ziteng didn't like him very much. Otherwise, with Wang Ziteng's abilities, he could have easily forced him into an official position.

Feng Jie did not continue arguing with Jia Lian about this old, tired issue; instead, she focused her attention back on Jia Lian's earlier statement that he was unavailable the next day.

After thinking for a moment, I still asked, "Are you going to celebrate the princess's birthday tomorrow?"

Jia Lian laughed, sat down, and asked, "How come you even remember her birthday?"

Sister Feng rolled her eyes: "People say you learn from your mistakes, and I'm not stupid."

Someone like her, competing with me for a man, how could I not pay close attention to her?

Jia Lian took Feng Jie's hand and asked with a smile, "Didn't you two reconcile a long time ago?"

"What reconciliation? It was just her unilateral suppression of me, forcing me to submit!"

"Hehehe..."

Jia Lian wondered if it was because Feng Jie had been with him for so long that her conversations had become increasingly interesting.

"They're all the same."

They never targeted you again after that. When they mention you to me, they only speak well of you.

Sister Feng raised her eyes, looking incredulous.

Jia Lian said, "You haven't seen her often, so you're not familiar with her."

She's actually a really good person; you have to trust my judgment.

If she truly harbored ill intentions towards you, I would have already taken steps to protect you; there would be no need for me to arrange for you to meet.

Feng Jie agreed with Jia Lian's words.

Indeed, he was heartless towards his women, yet he was devoted to each and every one of them.

Look how spoiled his two cousins ​​have been in this past month.

They were constantly finding ways to build a strong backing and foundation for them, as if they were about to deal with the demons once they gave birth to their children.

His thoughts returned to the relationship between Jia Lian and Princess Zhaoyang, and the words he was about to say fell from his lips.

She and Jia Lian now have a better understanding of each other, and there's nothing they can't talk about openly anymore.

The only taboo subject was the eldest princess, and she dared not inquire about it.

What's the point of asking?
He was advised to break up with the princess as soon as possible to avoid gossip.

Judging from the situation, it's clearly unlikely.

Oh well, he's so smart anyway.

He wasn't afraid of getting into trouble with the emperor, so why should I be afraid? (End of Chapter)