The Second Master of the Red Chamber

The mausoleum of the retired emperor was built over twenty years, with interconnected palaces and overlapping bronze doors.

It resembles a huge underground palace.

When the mourning period ended, the coffin of the retired emperor was carried into the jade hall in the very center of the imperial mausoleum.

It is called the Jade Palace simply because the floor and walls of the main hall are inlaid with the finest jade, making it look magnificent and luxurious, full of imperial grandeur.

The three kneelings and nine kowtows were performed with solemnity.

After the lengthy eulogy was finished, all the burial items were sealed away.

Even Jia Lian couldn't help but breathe a long sigh of relief.

Just as he was about to order the Imperial Guards to clear out all the people in the underground imperial tomb, the Fourth Prince stopped him.

"Wait a minute."

In front of a group of royal princes and court officials, the fourth prince strolled up to Jia Lian.

He looked at Jia Lian mysteriously for a long time before saying, "Your Majesty's safe burial is all thanks to your hard work and great contributions, brother."

"I am here, on behalf of my father, the Emperor, and all the officials of the imperial clan, to express my gratitude to my elder brother."

After speaking, he clasped his hands in a respectful gesture and bowed.

Jia Lian hurriedly returned the greeting: "Your Highness is too kind. This is simply our duty."

Besides, the Crown Prince has probably put in just as much effort as I have these past few days.

The fourth prince shook his head.

He would take turns on duty with Jia Lian every day, and all other matters were arranged by Jia Lian and officials from the Ministry of Rites.

Logically speaking, as the crown prince, he should naturally be responsible for such an important matter.

But he's been watching closely these days.

Jia Lian was indeed far more adept at handling these complex and varied matters than he was.

I still remember the days when his elder sister pretended to be sick and dumped everything on him, leaving him in a state of constant anxiety and confusion.

Perhaps this is why the Emperor entrusted Jia Lian with the responsibility of escorting the coffin.

There is no doubt that his elder brother is more capable than him.

So, he had nothing to miss.

He smiled at Jia Lian, then turned to face the assembled elites of the empire and said loudly:

“The Prince of Pingliao is my elder brother, and also the prince whom my father and mother trust and love the most.”

His abilities are evident to all.

His achievements need no further elaboration.

I have been the Crown Prince for more than half a year now.

I deeply feel that my talents are insufficient and my virtue is not commensurate with my position.

Therefore, with everyone here today, I solemnly announce that I am resigning from the position of Crown Prince, and that the position will be taken over by the Prince of Pingliao, who is also my elder brother.

What do you, my esteemed ministers, think?

Those who could stand before the coffin in the Jade Hall were all people who held a place in the imperial court.

Most of them had heard of the Crown Prince's speech in the Southern Study that day.

They were even witnesses themselves.

Therefore, many people were not too surprised when the Crown Prince brought up the old topic again.

Although I was mentally prepared, I still found it hard to suppress the shock and reverie in my heart.

More than half a month has passed since the Crown Prince made the statement about "abdicating the throne".

Many people who were initially hesitant, thinking that Jia Lian was being put on the spot by the Crown Prince, have largely changed their minds.

Many people know about Emperor Ningkang's reaction at the time.

Although no decree was issued to change the crown prince, it was clear that the emperor tacitly approved of the crown prince's intention to abdicate.

Otherwise, as a mature emperor, he should have reacted long ago after such a long period of time.

He knew in his heart that Jia Lian's ascension to power was almost certain.

Now that the Crown Prince has made his statement again on such an important occasion, it is clear that he intends to fully observe the rituals of the pre-Qin period.

In light of this, even the conservative Kong Si and others were unsure whether they should continue to oppose it.

After all, opposing it now won't change the Fourth Prince's mind, and it will also offend the future ruler.

Zhao Dongsheng, the chief minister of the cabinet and the head of all officials, remained in the capital.

All the remaining cabinet ministers exchanged glances and knelt down in unison, saying, "Please, Your Highness, reconsider."

The cabinet serves as a model for all officials, and other officials naturally follow suit.

Seeing this, those members of the royal family who were originally eager to express their loyalty to the new master also calmed down.

He also knelt down and said, "Please, Your Highness, reconsider."

Jia Lian was a beat slow to react, but he still immediately knelt down and said, "Please, Your Highness, retract your decree."

I, your foolish elder brother, have received great kindness from the Emperor and am deeply grateful for the Crown Prince's virtuous character.

He will follow the Crown Prince for life and assist him in achieving great things.

Besides that, I have no other intentions.

The Crown Prince's actions have placed my foolish brother in an unjust position.

The Fourth Prince smiled and helped Jia Lian up: "As the saying goes, one should not shirk one's duty, so please do not refuse, Brother."

After saying this, the Fourth Prince turned to face the officials and said, "There's no need for 'thinking it over' anymore. I've already thought it through very clearly."

Moreover, even the Emperor has already agreed to this matter.

Therefore, you should not harbor any other thoughts in your hearts. After you are ready, assist your elder brother well.

I believe this is a good thing for me, for everyone here, and for the entire Great Wei.

I trust my own judgment.

The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment.

The Fourth Prince speaks too bluntly.

He's already gone this far, how are they supposed to respond?

The civil officials still cared about their dignity and were embarrassed to openly change their allegiance.

However, for the princes of the royal family, there were not so many rules.

Prince Duan took the lead, turned around and knelt down, bowing to Jia Lian and saying, "Your Highness is benevolent and virtuous, emulating the ways of Yao and Shun."

The Prince of Pingliao is of high moral character and great prestige; he is the chosen one by Heaven, and we earnestly hope you will not refuse his post any further.

Prince Duan was the father of "Wei Xian the child".

He was a descendant of the founding emperor and one of the few members of the imperial clan who, despite not being of the same bloodline as the retired emperor, still retained the throne.

To ensure the continued glory of the Prince's Mansion to this day, the ability to assess the situation and act accordingly is an essential quality.

In fact, the Prince Duan's mansion was the last to want Jia Lian to take the position.

After all, we had a falling out in the past.

Therefore, when the Crown Prince first expressed his intention to abdicate, he hinted to his son Wei Xian to lead the group of other members of the imperial clan to persuade the Fourth Prince at the Crown Prince's residence.

However, the final feedback left him very disappointed.

The attitude of Emperor Ningkang towards this matter, in particular, chilled him to the bone.

He began to realize that the tide of history was irreversible.

This is why he is acting this way now, disregarding propriety and rules, and prioritizing expressing loyalty.

He figured that the conflict was nothing more than a childish squabble.

Moreover, it was the Prince Duan's mansion that suffered the loss.

His son was beaten so badly that he couldn't get out of bed for half a month.

Although Jia Lian was exiled to the army by Emperor Ningkang, he unexpectedly benefited from the misfortune and began to distinguish himself.

Therefore, since it's not a deep-seated hatred, as long as one is sensible, and unless Jia Lian is extremely petty, he shouldn't hold a grudge about this.

With one person taking the lead, the other members of the imperial clan immediately rushed to express their opinions, afraid of being a step behind others and failing to leave an impression on Jia Lian.

"enough!"

Jia Lian reprimanded the members of the imperial clan, then said to the fourth prince with gratitude, "Your Highness is kind and benevolent, and I am very grateful."

However, I have already said this.

You are the Emperor's biological son, and the position of Crown Prince rightfully belongs to you.

The matter is settled. For the sake of stability in the court, I hope the Crown Prince will not retract his previous statement.

After saying that, Jia Lian gave the order: "Now that the funeral of the Emperor Emeritus is over, everyone has worked hard."

Everything is settled now, please go back.

After a short rest, we'll set off back to Beijing early tomorrow morning.

Seeing Jia Lian's righteous and stern words, the princes of the imperial clan who had already expressed their opinions inevitably looked embarrassed.

However, many officials realized the implication and knew that now was not the right time to express their opinions, so they bowed and responded. Those who were to disperse dispersed, and those who were to perform their duties went to do so.

After the others had left, the Fourth Prince said with displeasure, "Brother, this is no fun."

Jia Lian's expression softened, and he patted the Fourth Prince on the shoulder: "I understand the Crown Prince's intentions."

However, the position of crown prince is a matter of legitimacy and cannot be taken lightly.

"Where did I joking around? I was very serious, okay!"

Jia Lian smiled, said nothing more, and looked at Princess Zhaoyang who was walking over.

"How are things on the Empress Dowager and the Empress Mother's side?"

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager and the Queen Mother have both returned to their palace to rest."

"Well, thank you for your hard work."

"What hardship have I endured? It's Brother Wang who has suffered the most."

Princess Zhaoyang exchanged a few words with Jia Lian, and seeing the Fourth Prince beside her looking bitter and resentful, she couldn't help but glare at him.

"You, just now when I heard you speak in front of all the officials, I thought you had grown up."

Why are you acting like a child again?

Since you sincerely want to give up your position to your brother, show your sincerity.

I believe that one day, Brother Wang will see your sincerity.

"He might accept it then."

The fourth prince snorted: "Isn't this sincere enough?"

Do you know how long it took me to come up with those few lines?

"This is exhausting, you know?"

Seeing that Princess Zhaoyang was just smiling, he didn't bother arguing with her and instead said to Jia Lian, "Anyway, we've already agreed."

This is the second time.

I will make my statement again when I return to Beijing.

If you keep doing that, I'll... hmph.

Seemingly unable to think of any effective words to threaten Jia Lian, the Fourth Prince snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves, and left.

Afterwards, Jia Lian inspected and explained the various locations, and then led Princess Zhaoyang out of the underground imperial mausoleum.

As they reached the fork in the road, Princess Zhaoyang moved closer and whispered, "We're returning to the capital tomorrow. Tonight will be our last night at the imperial mausoleum..."

Princess Zhaoyang spoke, looking at Jia Lian with a meaningful gaze.

Jia Lian nodded: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I understand."

Princess Zhaoyang smiled sweetly.

This is the person she likes; he knows what she's going to say with just a glance.

After glancing at her attendants on either side, Princess Zhaoyang said nothing more, gave a polite bow, and walked into the courtyard.

Jia Lian stood there for a moment, then returned to his own courtyard to rest.

After midnight, halfway through the hour of Chou (1-3 AM).

Inside the east wing of the Empress Dowager's villa.

In the darkness, Jia Lian leaned against the bed railing, cushioned by pillows, his arms around the Empress Dowager's slender figure, feeling utterly content.

Perhaps because of the increased frequency of intimate interactions, the Empress Dowager was no longer so cold and aloof.

She lay obediently on Jia Lian's chest, tracing circles on his chest with her delicate fingers as she whispered, "I heard that at noon, the Crown Prince announced at the underground imperial mausoleum that he wanted to abdicate in your favor, but you refused?"

Yes, that's true.

"What are you really thinking? Don't you really want to be emperor?"

The Empress Dowager's voice was unusually anxious.

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian smiled and lifted her delicate chin: "What, does Your Majesty the Empress Dowager really want me to become the Emperor?"

The Empress Dowager did not speak again.

How could she not want to?

Only when Jia Lian becomes emperor will her wonderful little girl no longer have to hide in the shadows.

Only when Jia Lian becomes emperor can she feel more at ease and boldly commit these wicked acts.

Just as he was pondering this, Princess Zhaoyang's laughter came from below: "Grandmother, you don't need to worry about this for him."

Brother Wang is very shrewd.

He had already discussed it with Ling'er, and they decided to follow the example of the ancients by offering three concessions.

This is only the second time, so of course he won't agree.

He won't agree until at least the third time, am I right, Brother Wang?

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager blushed, even in the darkness.

This shameless little girl not only pulls these kinds of tricks, but she also has the audacity to interrupt.

Jia Lian sighed: "Actually, I have no interest in being an emperor."

How exhausting it is to handle all the affairs of a country!
However, if Ling'er is truly willing to give that position to me...

For your sake, I have no choice but to reluctantly take on this role.

This was the first time Jia Lian had openly acknowledged his thoughts. Princess Zhaoyang smiled and was about to speak.

"Hehe, if you're not happy, brother, you can let the Empress Dowager continue. Anyway, I wasn't the only one who lost just now."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager wished she could pinch the girl's mouth shut.

Ever since that day when the operation went wrong, allowing Jia Lian to easily capture them all.

Jia Lian became addicted and came over every night for the next two nights.

After this happens many times, even the most reserved person will become familiar with you.

So when they were flirting, they made a bet that whoever surrendered first would grant the other a reasonable request.

The result was obvious: she and Xiao Nizi lost.

However, she was outwardly convinced but inwardly disagreed, because she felt that Jia Lian had cheated.

Although she was dissatisfied, she might have agreed if Jia Lian's request hadn't been so unreasonable.

What's even more infuriating is that while she was being unreasonable, her own daughter was very straightforward.

The only requirement is to blow out the lamp.

This makes her seem very unfriendly.

Noticing that Jia Lian had tightened his embrace around her and turned his head to stare at her, she immediately shouted, "Don't even think about it."

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian sighed, "It seems that the Empress Dowager still considers herself superior and does not regard Qingran and me as friends."

Forget it, let's try to play games with her less often from now on.

After all, their social statuses are different, so they can't really get along.

"Hehe, Brother Wang is right."

Listening to these two scoundrels singing in unison, even though she knew they were deliberately trying to provoke her, the Empress Dowager felt somewhat embarrassed.

Because in her heart, she was very grateful to her little girl.

He also felt that he had taken a great advantage of the girl.

After all, her man only has so much energy; if he shares some, there's less left.

This can be proven by the fact that, in order to accommodate her, the little girl had only eaten half a meal the previous few nights.

So why should I hold back when my own little girl is willing to do the same thing?
Is it really as Jia Lian said, that she is presumptuous and thinks too highly of herself?

No, no one knows better than her how little she cares about this identity.

She even felt that this identity was a shackle around her neck.

If it weren't for her status, she might have offered herself to Jia Lian the moment she saw him.

Instead of trying to find a way to make him the prince consort of a young lady.

Thinking back on the wonderful nights, the Empress Dowager pondered the matter and ultimately decided not to spoil the atmosphere.

"Just... just this once..."

Jia Lian had already given up and was having a private conversation with Princess Zhaoyang on his left.

Suddenly, he heard the Empress Dowager's weak voice. After a moment of surprise, he immediately nodded excitedly: "Okay!"

Hearing Jia Lian's excited response, the Empress Dowager pinched his waist in annoyance before mimicking what Princess Zhaoyang had done at the beginning.

Princess Zhaoyang, on the other side, noticed her actions and was also stunned.

She hadn't expected that her grandmother would actually agree.

What should I do? I really want to light a lamp, but that would definitely scare the other person.

I couldn't help but regret it; I shouldn't have turned off the light just now out of embarrassment.

Indeed, every gain comes with a loss. (End of Chapter)