The Second Master of the Red Chamber

"Then, in your opinion, what should we do?"

Jia Lian frowned slightly, tapped the table lightly, and said slowly, "As it stands, only you, me, the Emperor Emeritus, and his old eunuch Feng Cheng know the contents of the will."

The retired emperor knew his days were numbered and that the resentment between him and His Majesty was hard to quell.

Even when they meet, the father and son may not be able to exchange more than a few words.

So, as long as we can get rid of that old eunuch, or at least get him to cooperate.

The contents of the Emperor Emeritus's will can then be written by us at will.

Jia Lian's voice was calm and wise, carrying a convincing weight.

Princess Zhaoyang pondered for a moment and then understood Jia Lian's meaning.

"Does Your Highness mean to tamper with the imperial edict?"

Seeing Jia Lian nod, Princess Zhaoyang felt her heart leap into her throat.

But she also felt that Jia Lian's words made a lot of sense.

Compared to concealing the will from her and only crossing out the clause about her grandmother being buried alive with her, the risk of exposure was indeed much, much smaller.

As long as she doesn't speak, Jia Lian doesn't speak, and the old eunuch by the Emperor Emeritus's side doesn't dare to speak, then who could know that there was actually such a clause in the Emperor Emeritus's last will and testament?

"What if Father finds out we've altered it..."

Princess Zhaoyang, having grown up in a society dominated by monarchical and patriarchal power, instinctively believed that altering the imperial edict was a heinous act.

Jia Lian took Princess Zhaoyang's hand: "What we are doing is not alteration, but setting things right."

The retired emperor was old and confused, and it was inevitable that he would make mistakes.

We cannot stand by and watch him act recklessly and bring disaster to the country.

Has Qingran forgotten her duty?

Your father not only put you in command of the Imperial Guards, but also appointed you as the Prime Minister, thus entrusting you with the heavy responsibility of safeguarding the country.

If you lack your own opinions and blindly obey your elders, then you are not worthy of your father's trust and will fail to live up to his expectations.

Think about it. Putting aside the fact that the Empress Dowager is your closest relative, she has done nothing wrong for the court and the country over the years.

Is it in accordance with natural law and human nature to strip her of her empress position and force her to be buried alive with him?

If we actually let this happen, what will the Bai family think?
If the Bai family rebels because of this, causing national turmoil and damaging the strength of the court, wouldn't that be our fault?
Therefore, we must do this.

It's not out of selfishness, but because doing it this way is the right thing to do.

"I will pass this will on to you."

Find an opportunity to control Feng Cheng, whether by coercion or bribery, and make him rewrite it and then pass it on to Father Emperor for me.

I believe in Qingran's abilities; she will definitely be able to protect your grandmother.

Princess Zhaoyang picked up the imperial edict blankly, then suddenly nodded heavily.

She was not an indecisive person; Jia Lian had explained the pros and cons to her, so she naturally knew what to do.

And she's come to terms with it.

Even if Emperor Ningkang eventually finds out about this, he probably won't be truly angry, considering that she was trying to protect the Empress Dowager.

After folding the imperial edict and putting it in her sleeve, Princess Zhaoyang walked around the table, went to Jia Lian's side, and nestled into his arms.

Seeing her listless expression, Jia Lian asked with a smile, "What's wrong?"

Princess Zhaoyang sighed, "It's nothing, it's just that I feel life is really meaningless."

"Ok?"

Jia Lian lifted Princess Zhaoyang's chin and looked at her with a puzzled expression.

Princess Zhaoyang was a little embarrassed and turned her head away.

"I'm not talking about myself, I'm just feeling sorry for my grandmother."

You tell me, she was such a good person, why was God so unfair to her?

Jia Lian was speechless in response to Princess Zhaoyang's sentiments.

She became empress in her teens and empress dowager in her twenties, becoming the most noble woman in the world.

If this is considered unfairness from heaven, then what about all the other women in the world?

Princess Zhaoyang was clearly unaware that Jia Lian could not empathize with her; she lay in Jia Lian's arms, still sighing.

"Second Brother, you may not know, but my grandmother was incredibly beautiful when she was young."

Moreover, even today, she is only thirty-four years old, and her life is not even halfway over.

Thirty-four?

Jia Lian subconsciously voiced his doubt.

Although he knew the Empress Dowager was young, he didn't actually know her exact age.

Princess Zhaoyang looked up at Jia Lian, noticing his surprise, and explained softly:

"My imperial grandmother was my mother's aunt, but she was actually four years younger than my mother."

When I was seven years old, my mother passed away.

After that, I was taken to Kunning Palace to be raised by my grandmother. Later, when she became Empress Dowager, we moved to Weiyang Palace.

It was precisely because of my grandmother's special love for me that I was able to grow up carefree, from a motherless child into the most beloved princess of the royal family.

Jia Lian gently patted Princess Zhaoyang's head with affection.

Princess Zhaoyang then shifted into a more comfortable position in Jia Lian's arms, and suddenly became resentful.

"I originally thought that although my grandmother was wronged when she married my grandfather, at least my grandfather loved her very much."

Unexpectedly, it was all fake.

Brother Wang, why is Grandfather so selfish and heartless?
My grandmother was so young, how could he be so heartless as to demand that she be buried alive with him?!

Jia Lian sighed.

Let alone emperors, there have been far too many rulers throughout history who have not been human.

In comparison, the retired emperor is considered relatively normal.

It was precisely because of this understanding that the more he got to know Emperor Ningkang, the more he felt that this emperor was extremely rare.

That's why she protected him so much.

Otherwise, do you really think he's so easy to gain loyalty?

Princess Zhaoyang continued speaking, but when Jia Lian did not respond, she looked up to see his expression.

Seeing that Jia Lian also seemed quite moved, she suddenly remembered something, sat up, looked at Jia Lian, and asked earnestly:

"Brother Wang, do you think that those who sit in that position will eventually become like my grandfather?"

Will Ling'er become like that in the future?

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian, fearing that Princess Zhaoyang might get stuck on the issue, quickly reassured her: "Don't worry, as the saying goes, 'It's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature.'"

The Crown Prince is naturally pure and kind-hearted; he would never do such a thing.

Princess Zhaoyang nodded, somewhat relieved about her unfortunate younger brother.

But that wasn't what she really wanted to ask.

"What about Erlang?"
I mean, if, if one day Erlang were to sit in that position, would things change too?

Jia Lian was taken aback and looked directly into Princess Zhaoyang's eyes.

My brain was spinning at that moment.

Princess Zhaoyang's importance to him is self-evident.

He didn't want his relationship with her to rely on something else to maintain it, like he did with other people.

Between him and Princess Zhaoyang, they were always honest with each other, exchanging sincerity for sincerity.

So Jia Lian laughed and said, "Is Qingran testing me? Does she suspect I have ulterior motives?"

Princess Zhaoyang also laughed: "I already said it was a hypothetical."

In my memory, Erlang is not a cautious person. In front of me, does he not even dare to make a hypothetical scenario?

You said it yourself, no matter what you say, I won't be angry with you.

Jia Lian hugged the waist of the person in his arms, his gaze becoming deep, and after a long while said, "No one can predict what the future holds."

All I can tell Qingran is that no matter what I become in the future, I will never do anything to hurt her.

If Heaven does not grant me a long life, I will go before you.

All I can do is pray to God that you can live longer, live better, and be happier.

I ask for nothing more.

Jia Lian spoke while looking to the side, but Princess Zhaoyang was looking directly at him.

Hearing Jia Lian's simple yet incredibly pure expression, Princess Zhaoyang felt her heart flutter once again.

She stared at Jia Lian intently.

Until Jia Lian turned around and looked at her.

She quickly wiped her mouth and then laughed to cover it up, saying, "It sounded quite touching at first, but then it suddenly turned into 'you guys'."

Erlang is such a blockhead; he can't even say sweet nothings properly, and he let it slip so easily.

"Boring."

Jia Lian also laughed: "It's because I know that my Qingran is indulgent towards me that I don't hide anything from her."

"If it were someone else, I would naturally say the same thing to different people."

"Hmph, that sounds nice, but you just think I'm easy to bully."

Princess Zhaoyang playfully pinched Jia Lian's waist, then suddenly laughed and said, "Second Brother doesn't seem to be in a hurry to go back at all, and is still chatting with me here?"

Aren't you afraid your two beautiful ladies will get impatient waiting?"

Jia Lian's expression shifted, becoming somewhat unnatural. He wasn't surprised at all that Princess Zhaoyang knew about his taking a concubine today.

"No rush. It's more important than anything else to have a good chat with Qingran like this."

"Liar."

Princess Zhaoyang stood up from Jia Lian's arms and said sweetly, "Second Brother has such good taste and such good fortune."

I've met those two sisters from the You family; they're both stunning beauties, each more beautiful than the last.

Erlang, you should go back and keep her company.

Otherwise, if the beauty gets impatient and refuses to let Erlang onto the bed, Erlang will lose face.

Jia Lian gave an awkward smile.

Fortunately, he had heard these kinds of jokes many times before.

Knowing that continuing the topic at this point would not benefit him, he stood up and changed the subject:

"Qingran, please take good care of the matter concerning the will."

Furthermore, the method I discussed with Qingran is not foolproof.

Qingran needs to be prepared for what to do if things are exposed.

Princess Zhaoyang naturally knew that Jia Lian was deliberately changing the subject, but since it involved the imperial edict, she immediately nodded: "Don't worry, Erlang, even if Father finds out that I did this in the end, he shouldn't be too angry."

Jia Lian was not worried about Princess Zhaoyang.

After dealing with the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, Emperor Ningkang clearly focused all his attention on Princess Zhaoyang and her siblings.

The several powers that Emperor Ningkang granted to Princess Zhaoyang were, in effect, a way of putting her in charge of the country.

Under such circumstances, even if Princess Zhaoyang were to alter the Emperor Emeritus's will, or even his imperial edict, as long as she could explain the details, Emperor Ningkang would probably not hold it against her.

Moreover, Princess Zhaoyang was doing this to protect the Empress Dowager.

Jia Lian wondered what Emperor Ningkang would think if he knew the truth.

However, according to Jia Lian, Emperor Ningkang probably wished that the former Crown Prince or the Third Prince could have protected him in the same way that Princess Zhaoyang protected the Empress Dowager.

"What I'm worried about isn't Qingran, but the Empress Dowager."

When Qingran was in the palace, she could naturally protect the Empress Dowager.

I'm afraid that when the incident happens, Qingran will be distracted by other things.

If, in a fit of anger, Father Emperor were to order the execution of the Retired Emperor's dying wish, wouldn't Qingran then be filled with regret?

Princess Zhaoyang was taken aback upon hearing this, and a sudden sense of fear welled up in her heart.

Yes, if she were here, she would be confident that she could persuade or even stop Emperor Ningkang.

If she were not present, Emperor Ningkang would be furious because of her deception and directly issue an edict to carry out the late Emperor Emeritus's dying wish.

What should she do then?
Seeing Princess Zhaoyang looking at him for help, Jia Lian knew that she was confused because she was worried.

He immediately offered his advice: "The Emperor Emeritus could pass away at any time, so Qingran must be prepared at any moment."

Inside and outside Weiyang Palace, it is necessary to arrange enough trustworthy people to protect the Empress Dowager's safety.

"The best course of action would be to bring the Empress Dowager to your princess residence. That way, even if the truth comes out, Qingran will have a chance to intervene."

Princess Zhaoyang nodded: "I've remembered what Erlang said."

……

After seeing Jia Lian off, Princess Zhaoyang returned to find the Empress Dowager with a sour face.

Princess Zhaoyang quickly stepped forward and comforted her, "Grandmother, what's wrong?"

The Empress Dowager said, "Didn't I tell you that you're not allowed to bring him into Weiyang Palace anymore? Why won't you listen to me?"

Princess Zhaoyang smiled awkwardly upon hearing this.

It turns out that after the Empress Dowager secretly watched the two of them having an affair, although she didn't want to expose them, she still gave Princess Zhaoyang a good scolding after Jia Lian left.

He also warned her not to bring Jia Lian to Weiyang Palace again.

However, Princess Zhaoyang, relying on the Empress Dowager's favor, never took her threats to heart.

Moreover, given the suddenness of the incident, Weiyang Palace was the best and closest place to talk.

"Oh, Grandmother, I know I was wrong."

Besides, we really had something very important to discuss and needed to find a place to talk; it's not what you think.

The Empress Dowager's face immediately turned red, and she scolded, "Pah! What did I mean...?"

Princess Zhaoyang blinked, looked at the Empress Dowager, and smiled maliciously.

The Empress Dowager was immediately angered.

She understood perfectly well; this was clearly an experienced person mocking a naive girl.

The Empress Dowager was so angry that she almost couldn't help but hit someone.

That little devil is getting more and more audacious and daring.

It's all my fault. Why did I have to play matchmaker and cause this tragic relationship?

My good girl has become like this; it must all be because of that brat's instigation.

Thinking of how Jia Lian bullied her precious child in the Qin Pavilion that day, she felt an intense hatred.

The Empress Dowager was so angry that she didn't realize that her face, which was even more beautiful than a peony, showed such a shy expression, which was so beautiful that people dared not look directly at her.

Princess Zhaoyang was stunned.

She had always known that her grandmother was beautiful, but she never imagined she could be so breathtakingly beautiful.

If that scoundrel saw this, he'd be green with envy.

Princess Zhaoyang bit her chin hard, feeling that she couldn't let the Empress Dowager continue to be prejudiced against Jia Lian.

Because she genuinely felt that the Empress Dowager's place was the best place for them to meet.

Sending Jia Lian directly to her princess's residence would be far too blatant.

With the Empress Dowager's protection here, things are much better.

Moreover, she was also very curious as to why the Empress Dowager suddenly disliked Jia Lian so much.

She wanted to find out if it was really as she thought.

So he pulled the Empress Dowager into the inner chamber, dismissed the palace maids, and ordered his own men to guard the door to prevent anyone from eavesdropping.
The Empress Dowager was very puzzled by her mysterious appearance.

She was completely stunned when Princess Zhaoyang solemnly produced the imperial edict.

Seeing the Empress Dowager's incredulous expression and her rapidly deteriorating complexion, Princess Zhaoyang felt extremely distressed.

She quickly hugged the Empress Dowager and comforted her, saying, "Grandmother, don't worry. My brother and I will protect you and make sure you are not harmed in any way."

Then, Princess Zhaoyang told the Empress Dowager everything about Jia Lian's plan.

However, the Empress Dowager did not react, as if what Princess Zhaoyang said had nothing to do with her.

This did frighten Princess Zhaoyang, who began to regret showing her the imperial edict.

If the Empress Dowager were to have a change of heart, wouldn't that be counterproductive?

"Grandmother, what's wrong? Say something, don't frighten Qingran..."

The Empress Dowager was awakened. Looking at the concerned young face in front of her, she couldn't help but reach out and touch it. Suddenly, she smiled and said, "My Qingran, you've really grown up. You know how to protect your grandmother now."

Seeing the lingering worry on Princess Zhaoyang's face, she comforted her, "Don't worry, I'm fine."

Let's do as you say.

Even if it doesn't work out, Grandmother won't blame you.

You are all good children.

Princess Zhaoyang sensed the Empress Dowager's despondency and even her suicidal thoughts. She couldn't help but throw herself into the Empress Dowager's arms and cry, "It's all my fault. It's Qingran's fault. Qingran shouldn't have told you about this."

"Waaah, Grandmother, if anything happens to you, Qingran doesn't want to live anymore..."

The Empress Dowager smiled gently, put her arm around Princess Zhaoyang, and began to coax her, just like when Princess Zhaoyang had nightmares as a child, using kind words to comfort her.

That night, Princess Zhaoyang insisted on staying at Weiyang Palace because she was worried.

The Empress Dowager couldn't refuse, so she had no choice but to let this little rascal sleep next to her.

However, the Empress Dowager, who had been calm and serene for so many years, had a nightmare tonight, which was quite unusual.

She dreamt of Consort Li, who had been dead for over a year, leading a group of vengeful ghosts carrying white silk ribbons to claim her life.

She ran desperately, and suddenly saw Jia Lian and Princess Zhaoyang appear in front of her.

"Qingran, Prince Pingliao, save me..."

She called out again and again, but the other person seemed not to hear her and continued to laugh and talk.

Until she felt the suffocating sensation disappear and was woken up by someone pushing her, she heard Princess Zhaoyang's anxious voice:

"Grandmother, what's wrong? Wake up!"

The Empress Dowager opened her eyes, and in the darkness, she could vaguely see Princess Zhaoyang's concerned expression.

"I'm fine, I just had a dream."

Upon hearing that the Empress Dowager had finally woken up, Princess Zhaoyang said with self-reproach, "It's all my fault. I must have held you too tightly and pressed on you, which is why you had a nightmare."

The Empress Dowager raised her hand and touched her head, smiling, "Alright, it's alright now, go to sleep."

Pressed down by the Empress Dowager and nestled back in her arms, Princess Zhaoyang dared not wrap her hands and feet around her again this time.

She nestled quietly beside the Empress Dowager, listening to her steady heartbeat.

But in her heart, she had already made up her mind.

A determination she had long ago, but had hesitated to act upon.

Just now, the Empress Dowager called out the names of two people.

Among them, the Prince of Pingliao had more than Qingran. (End of this chapter)