The Second Master of the Red Chamber

The temporary palace that Joseon arranged for Jia Lian was not far from the royal palace.

The house occupies a large area, with lush flowers and trees, and exquisite buildings, sharing many similarities with traditional Chinese gardens.

It must have been the residence of some important figure in North Korea in the past.

At the entrance to the backyard, two female soldiers under Sister You's command stood guard in full armor.

They, who should have been meticulous, kept glancing towards the back hall in the courtyard.

Following their gaze, one could see a dozen or so young, beautiful women with fair skin kneeling by the window.

Each of them wore only a thin gauze trousers around their waist and hips, covering their long, beautiful legs.

Her upper body was completely naked; she could only use one hand to support herself against the window and the other to cover herself.

Because it was afternoon, the sunlight slanted into the hall, illuminating those flawless white backs, making them shine and dazzle.

Jia Lian was wearing a loose robe, revealing his broad chest.

He stood behind the beauties, using their beautiful backs as paper, and wrote with his pen.

When Sister You San came in, she saw this scene and couldn't help but purse her lips, feeling a little jealous.

After all, it was she who inspired Jia Lian to create this game.

The days on the ship to get there were boring, and she had this unusual experience.

Therefore, filled with excitement and gratitude, they tried every means to please Jia Lian.

On one occasion, when Jia Lian was pressing her against the windowsill of the cabin to have his way with her, he noticed that her beautiful back was as smooth as paper. So he ordered someone to bring him pen and ink, and immediately wrote a poem on her back:
"The yellow flowers are crushed and scattered all over the ground; the Jade Mountain has fallen and can no longer be propped up."

She didn't quite understand what it meant, but it was probably a compliment on her appearance.

Anyway, Jia Lian seemed quite satisfied.

This seems to have sparked Jia Lian's strong interest in practicing calligraphy.

Her beautiful back alone wasn't enough to satisfy Jia Lian, so he summoned some female soldiers who were free to fill the gap.

Who would have thought that Jia Lian would now be using these Korean vixens to his advantage again.

She glanced at them a few times, and even though she wasn't interested in these foreign beauties, Sister You had to admit it.

The beauties that Joseon sent to Jia Lian were indeed all quite attractive.

At least this dazzling white screen, pieced together from beautiful backs, has softer lines and a more graceful form than the one made up of her female soldiers.

Thinking about these things, and seeing that Jia Lian had temporarily stopped writing, she quickly stepped forward and said with a smile, "Master's writing skills have improved even more."

'Glorious autumn chrysanthemums, flourishing spring pines…' Is this a new poem by Master? It certainly seems different from his other poems.

Jia Lian placed the pen on the pen holder on the tray that the kneeling maid had been holding for a long time.

"When you have free time, you should read more books so that you don't know anything and make a fool of yourself."

As soon as Sister You heard this, she knew she was wrong.

She didn't care about her lack of education; she just smiled and hugged Jia Lian's arm, looking at his work while saying coquettishly, "What does it matter if I don't understand? As long as you do, I'll listen to you, won't I?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian smiled and tapped her delicate nose, then led her back to sit down at the table.

Seeing Jia Lian leave, all the beauties stood up, walked over shyly, and then turned around in unison so that Jia Lian could better appreciate... no, check their own manuscripts, find omissions and make improvements.

Jia Lian put his arm around You Sanjie's petite body and looked at the slender, well-proportioned beauties in front of him, who seemed to have been carved from the same mold.

It's clear that Jin Shijia and the others really put in a lot of effort to please him.

These beauties were all young and beautiful virgins, and they were all about the same height and weight.

However, after Jia Lian obtained Daiyu and Baochai, he no longer had the same urge to indulge in lust.

While he still doesn't reject beauties of a certain caliber, he has shifted his focus more towards nurturing and appreciating them.

These past few days have been quite boring, as we've been putting up a test of willpower with North Korea.

Remembering that Emperor Ningkang enjoyed practicing calligraphy, I couldn't help but feel the urge to practice my own handwriting.

Practicing calligraphy alone can be quite boring, and it would be a waste to leave these beauties unused, as they could easily cause trouble. That's why.

After reviewing his improved handwriting and admiring the beautiful backs of all the women, Jia Lian laughed and said, "Alright, those with writing on their bodies are not allowed to wipe it off before their bath tonight."

Now put on your robes and dance for me.

"Well done! I will reward you."

Upon hearing the leader relay Jia Lian's instructions, all the beauties turned around, bowed in unison, and responded with utmost humility and obedience.

From the moment they entered this place, they knew that their future master would be Jia Lian.

It can only be Jia Lian.

If they fail to complete the task and are sent back by Jia Lian, their fate will likely not be good.

They were initially somewhat apprehensive, fearing that this nobleman from the superior country would be as difficult to serve as those legendary, eccentric nobles.

However, after actually meeting Jia Lian, they not only felt somewhat relieved, but many of them also had other ideas.

Firstly, Jia Lian was not only gentle in temperament, but also not tyrannical or cruel.

Moreover, he was young and handsome.

Secondly, everyone knows that Jia Lian possesses unparalleled power and status, and even the high-ranking councilors have personally instructed them to serve him well.

If one can stay by the other's side, it will be considered a great achievement, and one's parents and clansmen will receive the kingdom's care and preferential treatment.

Therefore, it's not that Jia Lian only had them act as writing boards.

Even the most shameful things, they are willing to do.

Therefore, when the maids who had prepared veils came forward to dress them,

Many beauties abandoned their feigned shyness and boldly removed their hands from their breasts, hoping to attract Jia Lian with their unique features.

The sunlight outside the hall was bright, and the veils worn by the beauties were light enough.

So thin that the ink-black characters on their backs were clearly visible even when they swayed and danced.

Sunlight filtered through the gauze dress, sometimes dimming, sometimes blinding.

Even Sister You San couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the allure of the scene.

While inwardly cursing these North Korean women for being so seductive, she also secretly observed Jia Lian's reaction.

Seeing that Jia Lian's gaze was calm and even his breathing didn't change much, You Sanjie became a little curious.

So he quietly shifted his position, deliberately trying to rub against Jia Lian.

Jia Lian frowned immediately, grabbed her body, and slapped her on the buttocks.

Despite being beaten, Sister You Sanjie actually smiled.

With a coquettish laugh, she stuck out her little tongue and licked Jia Lian's face, then said with a smile, "Since you seem to be in the mood, why don't I leave first and let you enjoy yourself here?"

Jia Lian raised an eyebrow: "That's great."

You Sanjie immediately rolled her eyes at Jia Lian, but instead of doing as she had said, she quietly lay in Jia Lian's arms and began to observe the methods of the women in front of her.

"Why aren't you leaving again?"

Hearing Jia Lian's teasing, You Sanjie twisted her body and laughed back, "Why should I leave?"
Am I supposed to be shy?

I've heard these beauties are all virgins. I'd like to see how you treat them.

Back then, I showed her absolutely no mercy, causing her a lot of pain.

As Sister You spoke, her voice was sweet and shy.

Jia Lian, whose emotions had already been stirred up by You Sanjie, recalled how bold that girl had been back then.

She seduced him on horseback the first time.

As a result, he was indeed not very chivalrous towards women at the time.

A feeling of tenderness arose in his heart, and he embraced her small body, gently stroking her as he watched the beauty dance.

When it comes to dancing, these North Korean beauties aren't actually that great.

Apart from the exceptionally skillful dance performed in the main hall that day, the rest were rather ordinary.

She is completely incomparable to the four beauties, including Shen Pan'er.

However, when Jia Lian appreciates dances, he never appreciates the skill of the dance itself.

Therefore, they will not be overly critical.

As the dance continued, the beauties were only slightly sweaty, while You Sanjie in Jia Lian's arms was panting heavily.

She tilted her head back, intending to make advances towards Jia Lian. Unexpectedly, Aqin walked in at the most inopportune moment.

"Your Highness. The Left State Councilor of Korea has come in person to invite you, saying that their Queen is hosting a banquet in the palace and has invited you to attend."

Although she was annoyed by Aqin's interruption, upon hearing Aqin's words, You Sanjie couldn't help but look up and ask, "Queen? Is their queen beautiful?"

Aqin glanced at You Sanjie, who was in Jia Lian's arms, disheveled and alluring in a pink dress, blinked, and did not answer.

"Jin Shijia came in person?"

"Yes. He is currently outside the manor and has even prepared a carriage for the prince."

Jia Lian then released You Sanjie, straightened his trousers and robe, and stood up.

He knew why Jin Shijia had come.

Xie Jing had already reported to him that morning, and he had conveyed his attitude to the other party as he had requested.

So the groundwork has been laid, and it's time to close the net.

Otherwise, continuing in this stalemate would be pointless.

With tens of thousands of troops stationed in and around the unfamiliar capital of Korea, problems were bound to arise over time.

As for the queen...

Although Jia Lian had told people about it, and his words were quite exaggerated, he didn't pay much attention to it.

One possibility is that it's just North Korean subjects flattering and spouting empty words.

Secondly, he didn't share Prime Minister Cao's hobbies, which included picking up what others had left over.

So even if outsiders rave about it, he has no intention of investigating further.

However, since she was, after all, a queen, Jia Lian naturally did not object to meeting her.

Just consider it an eye-opening experience.

He got up to leave, but Aqin stopped him: "Your Highness, are you really going to wear this?"

Jia Lian looked down and realized that his current outfit was indeed too casual.

However, I'm too lazy to make a special trip to exchange it.

Firstly, he himself was a king, and an angel of the Kingdom of God, whose status was no less than that of the queen, so there was no need for him to deliberately flatter her.

Secondly, his casual demeanor actually benefits the negotiations that follow.

After all, in negotiations involving interests, whoever gets anxious first will be at a disadvantage and will have to make more concessions.

So he said, "Since the Minister of State has come to pick us up in person, we shouldn't keep them waiting. Let's leave it at that."

Aqin smiled and naturally didn't comment on Jia Lian's decision.

She simply bent down and slipped her delicate hand inside Jia Lian's robe to carefully straighten his posture, lest he lose his composure in front of others.

At the same time, he raised an eyebrow at Sister You San, whose peach blossom eyes were slightly open.

My dear wife, even if I gave you a chance, you wouldn't be able to use it.

Sister You understood the look in her eyes and glared angrily at Aqin.

At the same time, I couldn't help but reflect on my own actions.

No wonder the two sisters were taken everywhere by the prince; there must be some tricks she didn't know.

It seems that if I want to occupy an irreplaceable position by the master's side, I still need to learn more from this stinky Ah Qin.

"All right."

Ah Qin tightened Jia Lian's belt one last time, and after confirming that everything was alright, she said something to Jia Lian.

Jia Lian smiled, said nothing more, and strode towards the front yard.

……

It's still the same palace, still the same grand hall.

However, there were no other North Korean ministers or officials present today.

Inside this hall, although attendants still surrounded the room, there were only three seats.

Jia Lian's gaze involuntarily fell on the steps, on the bright yellow throne, which he couldn't tell was made of pure gold or gilded.

If Jia Lian remembers correctly, there was no throne here on the day he entered the capital.

So he couldn't help but look at Jin Shijia.

"Your Majesty, please."

Jin Shijia pretended not to see Jia Lian's gaze and led Jia Lian to the left side of the throne, to a seat that was a step lower.

Jia Lian then laughed.

Clearly, these Koreans were afraid he would sit on their throne, so they deliberately moved it away.

The reason for moving back today is clearly because the Queen is attending an event.

I don't mean to dwell on this.

After all, according to the ceremonial system of the Great Wei, the King of Joseon was a registered prince, which was indeed one rank higher than him.

Seeing that Jia Lian did not take the opportunity to find fault, Jin Shijia secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He inquired about the Queen's whereabouts from the messenger, then walked to the lowest seat, the only ordinary seat, and sat down, bowing to Jia Lian.

"Please forgive us, Your Highness, our Queen will be there shortly."

"It's alright. The Queen is of noble status, so it is only right that I wait a little longer."

Seeing Jia Lian's sincere smile, Jin Shijia couldn't help but think to himself.

Why is it that such a refined and easy-going prince has such arrogant and unruly subordinates?
No, no, I can't let him fool me.

My sister is right. Today's situation is all a conspiracy by this seemingly easy-going prince.

Every detail shows that he harbors designs on North Korea!
He raised his cup, inviting Jia Lian to share a drink, and then Jin Shijia asked with a smile, "I wonder if Your Highness has been settling in well in the capital these past few days? Has anything foolish offended Your Highness?"
"If there is any wrongdoing, Your Highness, please speak of it. This humble official will punish such individuals severely without leniency."

"Your Excellency is overthinking this."

Your country is a wonderful place to live; its culture and environment perfectly suit my taste.

On the contrary, I have heard that some of my soldiers are disrespectful and are causing trouble in the city.
"I hope I haven't caused the Councilor too much trouble?"

"No no.

The prince's soldiers were all battle-hardened veterans, well-mannered and reasonable.

On the contrary, some of our subjects are ungrateful and have offended your soldiers.

Jin Shijia wasn't just being polite; he genuinely felt that way.

He felt a deep sense of admiration, even fear, for this.

Originally, Jia Lian had prepared for potential trouble when he brought his army into the city.

Unexpectedly, after so many days, not only did the Wei soldiers outside the city remain unmoved, but they also did not harass the surrounding people.

Even the 10,000-strong army in the city only had a few conflicts with the city's residents.

Of these incidents, except for one caused by a radical youth being instigated to provoke the Wei army, the others were mostly caused by language or cultural barriers, rather than by the other side deliberately causing trouble.

This is very puzzling.

He couldn't understand why the Wei army had such good discipline.

He had inquired about it and everyone said that Jia Lian had strict military orders.

But can military orders really keep soldiers in check?

He also held military power and was well aware of the customs and practices within the military.

He couldn't even imagine what kind of behavior the soldiers would have if he led an army to help a small state repel an invading enemy and then stationed himself on their territory.

He even thought that as long as the Wei army didn't do too many heinous things and cause chaos in the entire capital, he would be fine.

Even when it comes to the occasional bullying of men and women, he can help cover it up.

In dire circumstances, this could be used to bargain with Jia Lian, or even to downplay the Wei army's role in saving the country to the people...

Now that Wei Jun has not committed any offenses, he is at a loss for what to do.

But he understood even more clearly in his heart that the Wei army was invincible.

Under these circumstances, he had no idea how many people would support him if he called on the entire nation to oppose the Wei army. (End of Chapter)