The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Li Wan was the first of the sisters to return to the Grand View Garden.

Because she was ordered to prepare a family banquet.

After finally getting everything arranged, she returned to Daoxiang Village to rest for a while.

But he didn't see his son, Jia Lan.

Upon inquiry, the maid replied, "Reporting to Madam, Lan-ge'er has been summoned by Master and Madam."

Li Wan seemed slightly surprised.

After all, Jia Zheng and his wife usually focused their attention on their son Jia Baoyu, and didn't seem to care much about their grandson Jia Lan.

It's quite rare for Jia Lan to be called over alone like this.

"Do you know why the master and mistress summoned him over?"

"The people in the lady's room didn't say anything, only that they had something to tell her."

Li Wan hadn't intended to press the matter, but then an old woman approached and whispered, "Madam, I just came from Madam's room and heard..."

"Just say what you want to say, don't be sneaky, like you're hiding something."

Li Wan lazily stretched out her shapely and voluptuous body, letting the maids undress her.

The old woman gritted her teeth and said, "I heard from people over there that now that the prince is the empress's son, he is considered a member of the royal family."

In that case, the Prince naturally doesn't need the title of Rongguo Mansion.

With the family title now vacant, it was natural to choose someone to inherit it.

I also heard that the family is going to choose Lan Ge'er to inherit the title.

It seems to be the prince's intention!

Li Wan was completely stunned and turned around to stare intently at her.

Although Li Wan was happy for Jia Lian's ennoblement as a prince, she did not consider the possibility that Jia Lian would return the title to the Jia family after being ennobled.

Perhaps in her heart, that title had nothing to do with her son at all.

Even if they were to be returned, it wouldn't be their turn.

"Is what you said true?"

Meeting Li Wan's gaze, the woman dared not show off, and said only, "The person who spoke only heard about it. I had something to do, so I didn't dare to stay any longer."

However, I have also heard that Master Lian intends to adopt Lan Ge'er as his godson?

Does Grandma know about this?

Li Wan nodded: "The prince mentioned this to me, and I agreed."

The woman then laughed and said, "Then it's pretty much a definite answer."

Our son Lan has always been highly regarded by the Prince, who even personally taught him martial arts.

Now that the prince no longer needs the family's title, he naturally needs to choose someone to inherit it.

Grandma, think about it, if the Prince were to choose, who else could he choose besides our Lan-ge'er?"

The woman's tone was inevitably agitated.

If what she heard and guessed was true, then those of them who had been serving Li Wan were about to become rich.

The future of Rongguo Mansion will definitely change.

The young master in their courtyard will be the second true dragon in the family after Jia Lian.

Facing the woman who was so excited she was practically kneeling down to congratulate her, Li Wan took a deep breath and instructed her, "This is a matter of great importance; do not speculate recklessly."

Even if the family were to choose a successor to the title, it should be decided by the master, mistress, and even the prince.

You must not speak of it outside before they announce it.

As a widow, Li Wan was always very cautious.

Even though she was in turmoil, she didn't want to show it too obviously before things were settled.

She was terrified of feeling lost.

But deep down, she felt that what the woman said might very well be true.

Given Jia Lian's current status, it's highly unlikely that the matriarch, master, and mistress of the household would go against his wishes.

Therefore, if Jia Lian wanted to, it was entirely possible for him to pass the title to Lan'er.

Although everyone knows that the elders in the family like Jia Baoyu the most.

She even once thought that the family business would belong to Jia Baoyu in the future.

But who could have predicted that such an uncontrollable variable as Jia Lian would occur?

As for whether Jia Lian liked Jia Baoyu...

Well, I'm afraid no normal person would think that way.

Although Jia Lian never did anything excessive to Jia Baoyu from beginning to end.

They usually seem very friendly towards them.

He even gave Jia Baoyu the most luxurious courtyard in the Grand View Garden besides the main hall—the Yihong Courtyard.

That was merely because Jia Lian was magnanimous and had the demeanor of an elder.

In fact, it was only because Jia Baoyu repeatedly pestered Daiyu, even after Daiyu was engaged, that he still didn't give up.

It's impossible for Jia Lian to like Jia Baoyu.

As long as Jia Lian eliminates Jia Baoyu, then his own Lan'er is indeed the undisputed heir of the family!
The only thing that made Li Wan hesitate was...

Why didn't Jia Lian mention such a big thing to her from beginning to end?

Is he really that calm?
Thinking of Jia Lian's handsome face, imposing figure, and the formidable strength that even she and her two sisters-in-law, Lady You, couldn't withstand together, Li Wan felt her heart pounding.

She thought that if Jia Lian really helped her take over the family's assets, including a title she had never dared to dream of before.

How can she repay his kindness?

Thinking of Mo Ming, a blush rose on her beautiful face.

But it quickly dissipated, and I subconsciously glanced at the bronze mirror beside me.

She'll be twenty-nine soon, approaching middle age.

Although she was confident that her looks hadn't faded yet, she figured she definitely couldn't compare to the attractiveness of young girls to men.

Moreover, my second uncle was never short of beautiful women around him.

In particular, there are women like Hengwu Jun and Lin Xiaoxiang, who possess both beauty and talent, as well as knowledge and personality that are exceptionally beautiful.

To think that one could repay such a debt with one's own humble appearance is rather presumptuous.

Su Yun Bi Yue, who was helping Li Wan change her clothes, noticed that after the woman left, her mistress started to lose focus, her face turning red and white intermittently, which she found very strange.

However, they listened to what the woman said.

I thought it would be wonderful if it were true.

Not only has Grandma finally made it after all these years, but they can also benefit from it!
……

Inside the Daguan Pavilion, all the doors in front of the main hall were wide open, and bright red lanterns hung high.

Countless maids and servants came and went.

Some of them stood in rows holding fine wine and delicacies, while others stood in rows in front of the corridor and on the platform.

Every face wore a bright, genuine smile.

When Jia Lian walked into the main hall from the back hall, everyone, including Grandmother Jia, stood up and shouted in unison:

"Welcome, Your Highness."

Jia Lian waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities, and then walked to the front steps and sat down at the only seat.

"Since it's a family dinner, everyone doesn't need to be so formal. Just relax and make yourselves at home."

As Jia Lian spoke, seemingly to set an example, he didn't make any opening remarks.

He glanced at the table in front of him, which was full of dishes, and then looked at Baochai and Daiyu sitting side by side below. He beckoned and said, "You two come up and sit with me."

It's quite lonely being here all by myself.

Upon hearing this, everyone smiled and looked at Daiyu and Chai, which naturally made them a little embarrassed.

He secretly resented that even after becoming a prince, Jia Lian was still so lacking in self-respect and dignity.

I cannot refuse, nor can I take the initiative.

Of course, they didn't need to take the initiative. Ping'er, who was standing next to them, immediately told the maids to move the table for Chai and Dai up.

Jia Lian waved his hand: "There's no need to move the table. Just bring their chairs up and put them next to me."

Anyway, I have everything on this table; I can't possibly eat it all by myself.

Upon hearing Jia Lian's order, the maids all stopped carrying the table and looked at the still seated Daiyu and Baochai. No one went up to tell them to get up so they could move chairs.

With a glance from Ping'er, a maidservant in the corner brought over two more low stools and placed them on either side of Jia Lian.

Jia Lian laughed and said, "What, are you shy? Do you want me to go down and help you up myself?"

Seeing this, Baochai and Daiyu knew they could no longer maintain their composure.

After exchanging a glance, they stood up, apologized to the elders, including Grandmother Jia, and walked to Jia Lian's side.

Seeing that Jia Lian had moved their chairs closer to him as they sat down, they realized that once they sat down, it would be practically the same as sitting right next to him.

Daiyu glared at Jia Lian and moved the stool back.

Seeing this, Baochai had no choice but to follow suit and move aside as well.

Otherwise, it will be asymmetrical and not aesthetically pleasing.

After the two were seated, Jia Lian glanced at his own stunning beauty from left to right, and decided not to do anything out of line in front of everyone. He then raised his cup and invited everyone to drink together.

After Jia Lian drank the first cup, he indeed ignored everyone else and focused on enjoying the fine wine and food, occasionally whispering private words with Baochai and Daiyu.

Jia Zheng below quickly searched with his eyes and finally spotted Jia Lan, who was being lectured by his mother, in the right corner.

He immediately raised his hand to greet them.

Jia Lan had his back turned and didn't see it, but Li Wan did.

He quickly gestured to Jia Lan and instructed her, "Remember what I said. When you kowtow later, be sure to do it solemnly and make a loud sound."

"Yes, I understand, Mother."

Watching Jia Lan bow and then jog towards Jia Zheng, Li Wan smiled happily before heading to her seat.

Jia Zheng then gave Jia Lan some instructions and was about to speak.

Unexpectedly, Jia Lian, who was in high spirits, put down his wine cup first and said, "Since everyone is here today, I have three things to say."

"Your Highness, please speak..."

"First, Feng is about to give birth."

If her child is a son, he will be the heir to the royal family.

If it is a daughter, she will be a county princess.

Furthermore, after she gives birth to her child, for the sake of her health, she will no longer serve as a housekeeper.

"The household management should be left to my eldest sister-in-law and third sister."

A royal palace can have many sons, but there can only be one heir.

Furthermore, the title of Crown Prince is a legitimate one, and like the Prince, he enjoys the support of the Imperial Clan Court.

In other words, a royal palace could have two people receiving titles and stipends.

However, the other princes and noblemen received no additional privileges beyond their status.

Of course, this refers to before the age of 18.

After reaching adulthood, one can participate in the examination at the Imperial Clan Court.

Based on the assessment results, the Imperial Clan Court will grant different levels of status.

Of course, these positions are usually low-level, and the treatment is generally poor.

In short, he is worlds apart from the Crown Prince.

But the princesses of the prefecture and the princesses of the county are different.

Just like Daiyu's initial title of Lady of the Township, women with titles generally did not receive any fixed benefits.

Aside from receiving some gifts from the Empress during festivals, these titles were merely symbolic representations of status.

After all, it is a patriarchal society, and women can only depend on men to live.

Therefore, compared to the sons of princes, the daughters of princes had no pressure at all.

As long as they don't make any mistakes, they can probably obtain the status of a county princess or a county head.

Because they were so easy and common to obtain, the titles of Princess and County Princess were more like a specific reference to the daughters of princes and dukes than a title of nobility.

Jia Lian's statement that Feng Jie's son would be the heir apparent and her daughter the county princess was perfectly reasonable.

Even if Sister Feng is criticized for some things, as long as Jia Lian doesn't strip her of her status as the principal wife, her first son is the legitimate heir, without any controversy.

As for Jia Lian saying that he would no longer let Feng Jie manage the household, that's easy to understand.

First of all, Jia Lian is no longer a member of the Jia family, either in fact or in name.

How can you let your own daughter-in-law manage the Rongguo Mansion?

Although the Rongguo Mansion's own people were willing, Jia Lian was clearly not.

Therefore, the path for Sister Feng's comeback was blocked in advance.

Secondly, everyone, including Grandmother Jia, knew that Jia Lian had his own mansion, and that their small Jia family could not contain him.

We'll break up sooner or later.

Therefore, Jia Lian was also laying the groundwork for the future.

"We will obey the Prince's decree."

Wishing Your Highness a blessed birth of a son, and that he may be formally appointed as the heir apparent.

Suppressing the congratulations from Grandmother Jia and the others, Jia Lian continued, "The second matter."

Since I am a prince, in addition to making Feng Yatou my princess consort, Xue Yiren and Lin Xiangjun should also be promoted to the rank of concubine.

From now on, the titles of "village head" and "princess" will no longer apply.

People should address them as Princess Xue or Princess Lin.

Of course, those who can't change their address can continue to call her Second Madam Xue and Second Madam Lin.

Most people can understand Jia Lian's decision to appoint Daiyu and Baochai as concubines.

However, it seems inappropriate to have everyone call her Princess.

The more accurate title would be Consort Xue, or Consort Lin, named after her surname.

Even if we omit the word "side" for the sake of sounding better, it should still be Consort Xue or Consort Lin.

Although he had some doubts, seeing that Jia Lian was stating a fact and clearly leaving no room for questioning, he didn't say anything more.

Fortunately, she had her surname before "Princess," which distinguished her from Sister Feng's "Princess" status.

At the same time, they both realized that Baochai and Daiyu held a higher position in Jia Lian's heart than they had previously guessed.

So they all stood up and bowed to Baochai and Daiyu, saying, "Greetings, Princess Xue; greetings, Princess Lin."

When Daiyu saw that Grandmother Jia had stood up, she quickly stood up to return the greeting.

The concubine's status was noble because the prince's status was noble.

In reality, the concubine's rank was only third grade. In terms of status alone, she was not even comparable to Grandmother Jia or Lady Xing.

However, what women compare is never their social status.

Just like the concubines in the imperial palace, none of them were people that an ordinary noblewoman would dare to offend.

"The third thing. I will be leaving the capital for a while."

During this period, until the princess gave birth to a child and recovered her health, all matters, large and small, in the Pingliao Prince's mansion were left to the final decision of Princess Xue.

No one in the Prince's residence may disobey him.

Jia Lian said this while looking at Jia Yun and a few other people sitting below.

He specifically said "Pingliao Prince's Mansion" instead of "Mansion", clearly excluding the Ning and Rong Mansions.

This marks another instance of Jia Lian severing ties with the Jia family.

In other words, from this moment on, Jia Lian and Jia Zheng had effectively separated their households.

Jia Zheng and the others all knew that Jia Lian's mention of leaving the capital referred to the matter of rescuing the Korean state.

Since Jia Lian had not made any explicit statement, they could not say anything such as wishing Jia Lian a triumphant return, and could only say that they would obey the prince's decree.

The most excited person was Aunt Xue, who was sitting with Grandmother Jia.

She was already overwhelmed with excitement when she heard that Jia Lian had made Baochai his concubine.

Now, Jia Lian has even handed over the power to decide on matters of the Prince's Mansion to Baochai.

Isn't this tantamount to a concubine exercising the power of a princess?
What would she be considered in the imperial palace? A Noble Consort!
Sure enough, I knew from a young age that Baoya was destined for greatness.

Now, fate has finally brought this to life.

Like Li Wan at this moment, Aunt Xue had no idea how to repay Jia Lian's kindness. (End of Chapter)