The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Seeing that Grandmother Jia and the others were about to leave, Madam Xing couldn't sit still any longer and asked:
“Um, Lian’er…”

Now that you've acknowledged the Empress as your mother, what about Ying'er and Cong'er?

Mrs. Xing wanted to say what she would do.

But feeling embarrassed to say it that way, she asked Yingchun and Jia Cong instead.

Jia Lian glanced at Madam Xing and said, "His Majesty has bestowed upon me a royal residence, but I have no plans to move there yet."

"When we need to move in the future, my wife and Cong'er can come with us."

This was clearly not what Madam Xing wanted to hear.

She hurriedly asked, "Um, Lian'er, you've already returned to your ancestral home and acknowledged your ancestors, so shouldn't your father also...?"

Jia Lian understood what Madam Xing meant.

She wanted to ask whether Jia She should also be included in the imperial family genealogy along with him.

In that way, she could rightfully become a member of the imperial family and a noblewoman.

If the royal family were more generous and posthumously conferred upon Jia She a princely title, she could have become a princess...

Forget about becoming a princess.

In fact, Jia Lian also didn't quite understand why Emperor Ningkang was unwilling to acknowledge Jia She's identity.

If Jia She's status as a member of the imperial clan was not recognized, then Yingchun and Jia Cong would naturally not be recognized either, let alone Madam Xing.

Jia Lian and Princess Zhaoyang also discussed Emperor Ningkang's considerations, but ultimately failed to reach a definite conclusion.

Just assume that Emperor Ningkang disliked Jia She and was unwilling to acknowledge his identity.

To be honest, Jia Lian is now the Empress's son and has no relation to his biological parents.

Therefore, Jia She's mantle should now be passed on to Jia Cong.

Therefore, it was Jia Cong's responsibility to take care of Madam Xing.

But let's not even talk about the fact that Jia Cong is still young and doesn't have the ability.

Even if they were, Jia Lian could not possibly completely sever ties with his biological parents.

He naturally didn't care about Jia She, but he carefully maintained his relationship with the original owner's birth mother.

His maternal uncle's family has provided him with considerable assistance over the years.

He could never be an ungrateful wretch.

Since it's impossible to shake him off, taking the initiative to shoulder the responsibility will only highlight his loyalty and compassion.

At worst, when Jia Cong grows up, we can prepare some household items for him and give him Madam Xing as a bonus.

Yes, she wasn't a bonus; she was his legal mother from the beginning.

"Madam, you don't need to think too much."

My father was never mentioned in the palace from beginning to end.

Clearly, my father was not recognized by the retired emperor during his lifetime. Now, His Majesty the current emperor will not recognize him either.

But your wife doesn't need to worry.

At least the palace has no intention of revoking my father's title, so my wife's title of First Rank Lady will not be lost.

When Cong'er grows up in the future, I might be able to persuade the palace to grant him a title or official position.

At that time, my wife and son Cong'er will be able to live a good life.

If the lady insists on aligning herself with the imperial family, and offends the palace, I don't know what will happen.

I hope you will reconsider, Madam.

Jia Lian's meaning was that if the palace didn't say anything, you should pretend you didn't know, and everything you have now can be preserved.

If you actively try to curry favor with someone, it will remind people of Jia She's despicable behavior, and you won't even be able to keep your current position.

Grandmother Jia, fearing that Madam Xing might do something foolish, also reminded her: "Since the prince has said so, you should listen to him."

Does the palace intend to acknowledge him as their father? Why wouldn't he tell you?
Don't you think about it? If the palace really wanted his father to be recognized as a member of the imperial family, would they have ignored him for more than 50 years, and let his father die without ever knowing his true identity?

Everything the prince has now is the result of his own hard work.

If you want to benefit from his fame, you have to see if you're lucky enough to have it!

Furthermore, don't even think about using your status to ask the prince for anything.

The prince is now the empress's only heir, and his parents are the current emperor and empress. You have no say in his affairs anymore.

The fact that he still calls you "wife" shows he still cherishes the past.

Don't make things difficult for the prince.

Women really do understand women best.

With just a few words from Grandmother Jia, Madam Xing's face fell.

She wondered to herself, when did she say she wanted to take care of Jia Lian?
Apart from the first few years, since Jia Lian grew up, when has she ever taken care of Jia Lian?

However, Jia Lian and Grandmother Jia's words dispelled her other thoughts.

Since they can't rely on connections in the palace, preserving their current status becomes crucial.

Despite not being highly respected in the Rongguo Mansion, her social status was still quite impressive.

Being a first-rank lady is the ultimate dream for countless women in the world.

……

When Grandmother Jia and the others left, they not only did not allow Jia Lian to see them off, but also gave instructions to the group of women and girls gathered outside.

They told Jia Lian that he was busy and that they should not disturb him too much.

Some obeyed and dispersed, while others, considering their close relationship with Jia Lian, accepted the order but refused to follow it.

First and foremost is Qingwen.

She had initially hidden in the inner room of the study with Xiangyun and several maids, waiting for Grandmother Jia and the others to leave before emerging.

At this moment, Qingwen walked up to Jia Lian with her hands behind her back and tiptoed, looking up and asking, "Second Master... are you really going to become a prince?"

Upon seeing how incredibly cute these girls were, Jia Lian couldn't help but pat their heads.

So they did it.

But he didn't answer Qingwen's question immediately; instead, he looked at the other people who entered the study.

The main group consists of the three sisters, including Sanchun, as well as Baochai and their respective maids.

Not seeing Daiyu, Jia Lian asked.

Tan Chun quickly replied, "Second Brother only has eyes for Sister Lin... She thought we were too noisy, so she came over once before, but when she heard that you and the old lady were discussing something, she went back."

Jia Lian smiled, released Qingwen's hair which he had ruffled, turned and sat down, addressing everyone:

"Since there are so many of you, I won't greet you all individually. Please find a place to sit down."

Jia Lian's words were meaningless; the sisters ignored the stools the maids had brought and crowded around him, eagerly asking:

"Second brother, you really became a prince and even recognized the Empress as your mother?"

"Um...that's right."

"Then, second brother, when you address the Empress and the Emperor in the future, will you address them as 'Father Emperor' and 'Mother Empress' like the other princes do?"

"um, yes."

"Then should we also change our address to Your Highness? And what about Second Sister? She's a Princess now?"

Faced with one question after another from her sisters, Jia Lian answered them all with a smile.

Finally, after being asked the same questions so many times, he said:

"Okay, I know you all have a lot of questions."

If you keep asking questions like this, it'll be dark by then.

Just then, the old lady said she had prepared a banquet for me, which would be held in the main hall.

"My dear sisters, why don't you all go back first? I'll continue answering your questions at the banquet later, okay?"

Upon hearing this, everyone realized that they had indeed been clinging to Jia Lian too much.

After giving an embarrassed smile, he said a few more words before reluctantly taking his leave.

Baochai was about to leave when Jia Lian stopped her.

"What are your orders, my husband?"

Baochai walked up to Jia Lian. Every move she made perfectly embodied the ideal wife.

Looking at the cool and bright face in front of him, Jia Lian thought that he finally had the chance to talk to her alone after all this time in the palace, so he took her hand and pulled her closer.

He noticed that Qingwen was still standing beside him, with her lips slightly pursed.

She was clearly somewhat dissatisfied with Jia Lian's neglect of her and his closeness to Baochai.

Jia Lian didn't indulge her, and pouted, "I have something to say to your Second Madam Xue. Go and guard the door for us, and don't let anyone else in to disturb us."

Upon hearing this, Qingwen said irritably, "There are so many people here, why do you need me to guard the door for you?"

Besides, who would dare to barge into the Second Master's study?

Even so, Qingwen still turned and went to wait on the main porch.

The other two maids, seeing that Qingwen had gone out, naturally went outside to serve her as well.

So Jia Lian no longer needed to worry, he placed Baochai on his lap and lowered his head to kiss those irresistible red lips.

After feeling triumphant, he looked up and saw Baochai with her almond-shaped eyes slightly narrowed and her red lips glistening.

She was truly as beautiful as a peony.

Forcing himself to immediately punish her on the spot, Jia Lian asked with a smile, "Just now they were all vying to ask me questions, why didn't you ask any?"

Upon hearing this, Baochai became more alert, quickly sat up straighter from Jia Lian's lap, wiped her lips, and softly replied, "It's rare for the sisters to see you, so naturally they're eager to ask you questions."

"It's not like I have a hard time seeing my husband, why should I compete with them for this rare opportunity?"

"Makes sense."

"To commend my daughter for being so sensible and generous, I have decided to treat her well."

As Jia Lian spoke, he lowered his other hand to reach under her knees.

Baochai knew perfectly well that Jia Lian wanted to pick her up in a princess carry and take her to the inner room to torment her.

So he quickly grabbed her hand, shaking his head and advising, "No, it's almost dark. There's a banquet later..."

Jia Lian hesitated for a moment: "But, I can't help myself when I touch my hairpin, what should I do?"

Baochai rolled her eyes at Jia Lian, thinking to herself, what can I do? I'll just stop letting you touch me from now on!
Seeing that Baochai remained silent, Jia Lian seized the opportunity to make a request:

"I can let you go now. But you have to promise to rest in Lin Daiyu's room tonight, and then I'll come and talk to you."

Baochai was both embarrassed and angry, and couldn't help but ask, "Why is my husband so insistent on having me with Lin Daiyu? It's so embarrassing."

"Isn't it the same whether I, Ying'er or I, serve you?"

Baochai spoke very softly, clearly afraid of being overheard.

Jia Lian chuckled, one arm around Baochai's waist, the other stroking her smooth thigh, all the while chatting amiably:
"How can I explain this to you?"

Although Ying'er is also very cute, she is just your maid. In your presence, she is completely overshadowed.

But Lin Daiyu is different; you and she are like peonies and hibiscus, each with your own unique charm.

They can both stand on equal footing and complement each other.

Don't you think you and Lin Daiyu are a perfect match made in heaven?

Baochai wouldn't listen to Jia Lian's words at all, and upon hearing them, she simply said, "That's utter nonsense."

Jia Lian didn't care and continued his offensive (PUA):
"Moreover, you and Lin Daiyu are the best gifts God has given me, so I naturally cherish them even more and try my best to spend more time with you."

But reality rarely allows it.

Like now, in just two days, I'll be leading my troops into battle, and then who knows how long it will be before I see you all again.

The embarrassment on Baochai's face slowly faded, and she looked up at Jia Lian with a puzzled expression.

Jia Lian then briefly explained that the Japanese invaders had invaded Korea and that he needed to lead troops to their rescue.

Baochai listened, and although she was somewhat reluctant, she saw that Jia Lian was only stating things and not expressing any doubts, so she knew that Jia Lian was just informing her, not discussing it with her.

She didn't know what to say.

After all, she's only been married for a month, and it's the honeymoon phase.

Therefore, disappointment is inevitable.

The cunning Jia Lian, seeing that he had successfully stirred up Baochai's emotions, sighed, "I feel very guilty that I cannot stay by your side for a long time."

So, when I'm with you all like this, I wish I could see you every single moment.

But I only have one body. If I accompany you, I can't accompany Lin Daiyu.

Having spent time with Lin Daiyu, I'll have to neglect you.

That's why I hope you and Lin Daiyu can be as close as sisters, and that's why I want to hold you both as I fall asleep every night.

Because of this, I can spend at least twice as much time with you.

Do you understand how I feel?

Jia Lian took Baochai's hand and placed it on his heart, letting her feel the warmth of his chest.

Baochai immediately blushed and her heart pounded.

In truth, given her intelligence, she wouldn't be deceived by such clumsy language.

However, Jia Lian went to great lengths to marry her and Daiyu, and to make her and Daiyu get along well.

In the month since he married them, he has kept his promise and shown them the utmost kindness, so much so that he is not afraid of others being jealous or gossiping.

Under such circumstances, even Baochai would find it hard not to believe that Jia Lian had a special fondness for her and Daiyu.

It was precisely because of this premise that Baochai believed to some extent Jia Lian's statement that she was with Daiyu so that she could spend more time with them.

Baochai already found it difficult to refuse Jia Lian's requests, and now she had a reason to convince herself.

So, after some thought, Baochai made a suggestion that puzzled Jia Lian.

"If, my husband, you really want Chai'er and Lin Daiyu to keep you company, then let them sleep in separate rooms from Sister Feng..."

"Ok?"

Jia Lian was stunned. For a moment, he thought Baochai was imitating him and taking the opportunity to make demands.

"What do you mean by that, Chai'er?"

Baochai said, "Now that my husband is a prince, he should naturally have his own bedroom."

Right now, it's just me and Lin Daiyu.

"In the future, when my husband has many wives and concubines, it will inevitably be inconvenient to live with Sister Feng again."

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian began to ponder.

In fact, Jia Lian also sensed this.

Although he used to have affairs outside, he never married any of them, so living with Sister Feng didn't have much of an impact.

But as he began to systematically marry his women, he knew that sooner or later he would have to sleep in separate rooms from Sister Feng.

Take this month for example, it's only thanks to Sister Feng being pregnant that she can't have sex.

That's why he can sleep in Xiaoxiang Pavilion one day and Hengwu Garden the next without any restraint.

But Sister Feng will give birth sooner or later.

After she finishes her postpartum confinement, will he still be able to act the same way?

My husband came home today, and I happily helped him change his clothes and take a bath, but he turned around and wanted to stay somewhere else for the night.

The same will be true tomorrow.

If this happens too often, even a good person will get suffocated.

However, the situation will be much better once rooms are allocated.

If Jia Lian had his own bedroom, he wouldn't have to return to Feng Jie's side every night.

So, visiting her room even occasionally is considered a favor.

Just like the emperor. The emperor never stayed in the palace of any one concubine for a fixed period of time, it's the same principle.

Although Baochai's suggestion made sense, from her perspective, it inevitably implied a desire to target Fengjie and compete for favor.

Seeing that she hadn't finished speaking, Jia Lian decided to let her continue.

"And if my husband has his own residence, it will be much more convenient for him to sleep in whichever sister's room he chooses to stay with, or to summon which...which sisters to serve him in bed..."

Jia Lian froze, then his eyes lit up. (End of Chapter)