The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Princess Zhaoyang spent only one night with Jia Lian before returning to the capital with the Empress Dowager the next morning.

Jia Lian then returned to Yunhai Wangyue Manor.

A few days later, the vacation came to an end.

In the main hall of the villa, on a warm bed, Jia Lian leaned comfortably against the bed railing, cushioned by pillows.

Sister Feng nestled obediently in his arms as the couple chatted idly in the early morning.

"In these ten days, you've only been concerned with enjoying yourself. You haven't taken care of your son, and you've even pushed all your sisters and wives and concubines onto me to take care of."

He said he'd take me on vacation, but I've ended up being his personal housekeeper.

Jia Lian sensed that Feng Jie had some complaints about him, and thought to himself that if he didn't let her get involved in these matters, she would probably be even more unhappy.

He also knew that what Sister Feng was dissatisfied with was definitely not what she was saying.

She was probably still complaining that he had been too busy enjoying himself these days and rarely came to her room to rest.

He then tightened his grip on her waist and laughed:

“You are my wife, if I don’t entrust these things to you, who else can I entrust them to?”

You promised Mother I would make sure I took a proper vacation.

Now that I'm acting on imperial orders, you're unhappy about it?

Sister Feng pouted, about to argue with Jia Lian, when she heard Jia Lian continue, "Besides, this might be the last time I have some peace and quiet."

The imperial court has been urging me to return as soon as possible for the past two days.

Upon my return, after the investiture ceremony concludes, I will formally assume the regency.

At that time, I don't know how many things will be swamped with me.

Speaking of which, I should tell you this in advance.

If that were the case, I might not be able to go back to my residence every day, and would most likely have to stay in the capital.

So thank you so much for taking care of things at home.

Jia Lian looked down at Feng Jie and raised his hand to pat her head.

Upon hearing this, Sister Feng was startled and suddenly realized what was going on.

Previously, she only thought that after Jia Lian officially became regent, he would be in great glory, and she would be able to become the rightful crown princess.

They were so focused on glory that they overlooked this crucial detail.

Based on Jia Lian's previous conscientious and responsible attitude when he was in charge of supervising the construction of harbors and ships.

This time, as regent, he is in charge of all affairs of the world. How could he not be extremely busy?
At that time, returning home might truly become a distant dream.

Thinking of this, Sister Feng no longer cared about her recent grievances and quickly said, "In that case, let's move into the capital city together so that we can take care of my husband's daily life."

"Whatever you want. But moving is a big deal, so it's best to make sure everything is in order before you proceed."

Moreover, the "imperial city" I'm referring to might not be the former prince's residence; it's quite possible that they'll end up staying directly in the palace.

Jia Lian did not recommend that Feng Jie and the others move into the Imperial City now.

He didn't really like that palace.

Perhaps it's because it's small, or perhaps it's because it used to be the Prince Yun's residence.

Previously, he was just a prince, and that palace was more than enough for him.

But now that he is the Crown Prince, and soon to be the Emperor, that royal palace is no longer worthy of him.

He wanted to move to a better place to live.

He himself wasn't picky about the location. But he had to consider his many beautiful concubines.

Of course, he himself couldn't easily express such thoughts; it was best to wait for someone else to bring them up for him.

Or perhaps there's no need to change it at all; maybe it can be moved directly into the palace later.

Although Sister Feng did not know what Jia Lian was planning, she could tell that Jia Lian did not want them to move into the capital.

She immediately began to think.

He thought to himself that although the prince's mansion was luxurious and grand, it was only limited to the front yard.

The backyard is actually just so-so, and not very spacious.

If it were just for her, it would be more than enough.

However, Jia Lian had many concubines, and if they were to move there together, there really wouldn't be enough space.

It would be better to live in the spacious and comfortable Grand View Garden.

This is one.

The second thing she thought of was that, given her status as the future Crown Princess, even if Jia Lian lived in the capital, it would be very easy and perfectly legitimate for her to visit him.

At that time, she would be able to leave Jia Lian's other concubines behind and serve Jia Lian alone.

So it seems better not to move than to move.

Thinking of this, Sister Feng nodded silently, her gaze falling on Qin Keqing, who was staring at them from below.

"What are you looking at? Hurry up and get on with your work, or I won't be able to plead for you when he punishes you!"

Sister Feng reached out and gently pinched Qin Keqing's nose.

Qin Keqing immediately lowered her head and continued to serve him skillfully.

Feng Jie looked at her and saw her graceful figure kneeling in the center of the bed, her raised back supporting her favorite peony-patterned brocade quilt.

As she moved rhythmically, the silky quilt slid down her beautiful back, revealing her fragrant shoulders, jade arms, and even more of her snow-white skin.

Even she found this scene beautiful, let alone Jia Lian?

She quickly turned to look at Jia Lian's expression, and sure enough, he had his eyes slightly narrowed, and one hand gently moved to Qin Keqing's head, unconsciously stroking it, clearly enjoying himself immensely.

Seeing this, she hesitated for a moment.

Not wanting her best friend to steal the spotlight, she leaned forward and kissed Jia Lian.

As expected, she drew Jia Lian's attention to herself, gave him a flirtatious wink, and then slowly kissed her way down his chest.

She pushed aside the peony brocade quilt and rode alongside Qin Keqing.

……

The first important matter after returning to the city was the enthronement ceremony of the crown prince.

Having witnessed the Fourth Prince's ceremony, the process was quite simple for Jia Lian, and there were no mishaps.

Of course, Jia Lian could also clearly feel that this ceremony was more grand and solemn than the last one.

Even the civil and military officials seemed to cooperate more actively.

At the same time, a group of eunuchs and palace maids from Kunning Palace, carrying an imperial edict stamped with the Empress's phoenix seal, arrived at the Crown Prince's residence on Ningrong Street to bestow titles upon Feng Jie'er.

"Your Highness, the Empress said that once you move into the palace, she will formally register your marriage."

The Empress also said that you only need to come to the palace to pay your respects to her once every three days, and you don't need to come every day.

Taking good care of the Crown Prince's daily life at home and helping him manage the harem are her primary responsibilities.

Sister Feng knelt beneath the archway of Daguanlou, her expression revealing her overwhelming excitement.

She raised her hands, which were still trembling despite her best efforts, and took the imperial seal from the old palace maid.

Upon hearing this, she quickly held the imperial edict and kowtowed again, saying, "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's decree."

"Your Highness, please get up."

"Congratulations, Crown Princess! Congratulations, Crown Princess!"

After the ceremony was completed, the eunuchs and palace maids rushed forward to curry favor.

This is the future empress of the harem; it's good to see her face beforehand.

Sister Feng stood up with a beaming smile and immediately instructed Ping'er and the others to lead the palace servants to a side hall for tea.

After the crowd dispersed, Baochai led Daiyu, You Erjie, and You Sanjie forward, and they all knelt down to pay their respects.

Among them, Sister You Er was supported by her maid.

"We, your humble servants, pay our respects to the Crown Princess."

Sister Feng stood firmly while they were moving, but as soon as they bowed, she immediately put on a warm smile, helped Baochai and Daiyu up with one hand each, and said with a smile, "Alright, alright, get up quickly."

We're all sisters, why be so formal?

"You two, get up quickly too."

After Baochai and the others got up, the servants and maids also stepped forward to kneel and pay their respects.

Then the sisters came forward and pestered Sister Feng to congratulate her.

As Sister Feng responded with a smile, she noticed that on the opposite bank, Grandmother Jia and her entourage were also heading this way with a large group.

Sister Feng quickly said, "Alright, alright, I've had Ping'er prepare tea and snacks. Let's talk in the main hall."

After saying that, Sister Feng led a large group of people toward the main hall.

Daiyu disliked such noisy occasions, so she slipped away from the group when no one was looking.

They avoided Grandmother Jia and the others, and returned to Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Although Zijuan and the others noticed that Daiyu was somewhat downcast, they didn't say much. "Sister Zijuan, where is Sister Lin?"

Upon hearing Yu Huan's voice, Zi Juan, who was looking out from the doorway, quickly turned around and bowed.

"Reporting to Miss, our young lady is inside."

Zijuan went with Daiyu to "catch the adulterer" that day.

In the end, their own daughter stayed in Jia Lian's room from afternoon until night, and finally came out hand in hand with her love rival...

Although she didn't know how Jia Lian had done it, it didn't stop her from being certain that Zhen Yuhuan was indeed Jia Lian's woman.

So even though the other person still called her "sister," Zijuan dared not accept it at all.

Seeing Zhen Yuhuan say "Oh" and enter the room, Zijuan also quietly went behind the wooden screen to listen to what was happening.

"Why did you follow me here?"

"I couldn't find my sister, so I looked for her."

What do you want with me?

"Hehe, there are too many people at Sister Feng's place, I don't like it, so I came to talk to you."

"..."

"Is your sister in a bad mood?"

"How did you get the idea that I'm in a bad mood?"

“My sworn brother once said that Sister Lin and I are more like sisters than blood sisters, so we naturally have a tacit understanding.”

So I know what Sister Lin is thinking.

Zhen Yuhuan clung to Daiyu's arm and acted coquettishly, making it impossible for Daiyu, who was pretending to read, to maintain her posture.

Reluctantly stopping, I asked with a smile, "Oh, so tell me what I'm thinking right now?"

"Hmm, let me see... Ah, Sister Lin, I was wrong, please don't hit me, okay?"

Zhen Yuhuan stared at Daiyu's face for a long time, then suddenly covered her face with her hands, pretending to be scared.

Daiyu was amused by her: "When did I say I was going to hit you?"

You wretched girl, you learn nothing good, and you're becoming more and more shameless like your sworn brother.

After scolding her, Daiyu, still furious, tapped Zhen Yuhuan's forehead.

Just like when Baochai would ask her to do something.

I thought to myself, it's actually not so bad to have a younger sister to bully me.

Seeing that Daiyu's expression brightened, Zhen Yuhuan hugged Daiyu's arm again, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "Sister Lin, are you unhappy because Sister Feng was made Crown Princess?"

Daiyu's smile froze upon hearing this. She glanced at Zhen Yuhuan but said nothing.

Zhen Yuhuan quickly hugged Daiyu's arm tighter and comforted her, "Sister Lin, I think you really don't need to worry about this too much."

Although because Sister-in-law Feng entered the family early, her sworn brother bestowed most of the glory upon her.

But your sworn brother has given all his affection to you, my sister.

I can tell that in my sworn brother's heart, the one he likes and loves the most is still Sister Lin.

Sister, have you forgotten? Your sworn brother promised you a favor before, he was even willing to divorce you, sister.

Imagine if Sister Feng made such a request to her sworn brother, would he agree?

No, even Sister Feng probably wouldn't dare to reveal such thoughts.

She was afraid of her sworn brother.

Daiyu initially didn't care about Zhen Yuhuan's lecture, but when she heard her talk about the wish Jia Lian had granted her, she couldn't help but blush.

She hasn't forgotten how she got this wish!
"Pah, no wonder you were so easily fooled by him, you're such a naive girl."

Do you really think he'd be willing to divorce Baochai for me?

Zhen Yuhuan replied matter-of-factly, "My sworn brother is a man of his word. If Sister Lin really asks for it, he will definitely do it!"

Daiyu rolled her eyes at Zhen Yuhuan, too lazy to argue with her.

Having spent so many years with Jia Lian, she probably understood why he dared to make such a promise to her.

They're just taking advantage of her soft heart...

However, Zhen Yuhuan did touch on one point that resonated with Daiyu.

Even Feng Jie and Baochai were afraid of Jia Lian.

None of them dared to offend him.

She was the only one who felt completely at ease in his presence. And he never got angry or gave her the cold shoulder.

She knew it wasn't because she had any great influence, but because Jia Lian couldn't bear to see her cry.

So, what this girl said was that her second brother gave all the glory to Sister Feng, but only gave her his favor.

Is that really the case?

Seeing that Daiyu was still in low spirits, Zhen Yuhuan hesitated.

She glanced around the room to make sure no one else was there before leaning close to Daiyu's ear and whispering, "If you really care about social status, I have a way to help you."

Daiyu looked at her strangely.

"My sworn brother is destined to be emperor."

I've read in ancient books that there were emperors in ancient times who appointed multiple empresses.

If Sister Lin really wants to, she can keep this wish and bring it up later when her sworn brother's throne is secure.

I believe my sworn brother will definitely make it happen!

Daiyu was startled upon hearing this.

She never expected this situation.

Although she felt a little wronged every time she had to bow down to Sister Feng.

But she never thought of competing with Sister Feng or even trying to seize her position.

Zhen Yuhuan's words undoubtedly pointed her to another path.

She felt a flutter in her heart for a moment.

It wasn't that she had much ambition for the position of empress.

Instead, Jia Lian had always claimed to love her the most, and she chose to believe him because he had always done so well.

However, Jia Lian ultimately did not grant her the title of principal wife, nor did he grant her the status of a wife with whom he had a long-standing bond.

Even though she understood that Jia Lian had a thousand reasons for his predicament.

But the facts speak for themselves.

She thought, what if... what if she really made such an excessive request, and Jia Lian was truly willing to defy the world and forcibly make her empress?

This is insufficient to prove that Jia Lian never lied to her from beginning to end.

If possible, he is truly willing to do anything for himself.

Conversely, are they all just deception?
Daiyu's mind was in turmoil, and she thought about many things.

However, after staring at Zhen Yuhuan's eyes, which were just as bright as hers, for a long time, she finally shook her head.

That's enough, why make things difficult for him?

Although Daiyu was driven by emotions, she always liked to test Jia Lian's sincerity in various ways.

However, she knew how much trouble it would cause Jia Lian if she did that.

She couldn't help but wonder, if she really caused trouble for Jia Lian and even the world for her own selfish reasons, would she still deserve Jia Lian's special treatment?

Wouldn't she become a wicked concubine who brought disaster to the country and its people in history?

Although Daiyu didn't speak, Zhen Yuhuan could tell from her eyes that Daiyu had rejected her suggestion.

I feel a little regretful.

She genuinely hoped that Daiyu could have a higher status.

She loved her sworn brother so much that she was willing to risk everything, even to the point of humility.

However, she also knew that there were too many outstanding girls around her sworn brother.

Given their shared destiny, she and Daiyu were naturally on the same side.

Only when Daiyu's position is more secure will she and Daiyu have more opportunities to stay by their sworn brother's side.

In other words, what if Daiyu had already been made empress?

Then her status as Daiyu's adorable adopted sister, who is just like her, wouldn't be bad either.

While feeling regretful, I also admire Daiyu even more.

As a woman, she understood the allure of the empress's position.

Only Daiyu would choose not to seize an opportunity when given the chance.

Perhaps this is why my sworn brother loves Sister Lin so much. (End of Chapter)