The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Chapter 887 Sequel (Part 4)

Behind the screen, Baochai wiped away Tanchun's tears and comforted her, "Alright, now you can rest assured."

Tan Chun shook her head and said tearfully, "What do I have to worry about?"

This is all their own doing.

Fortunately, both Brother Lian and Master are kind-hearted people; if it were any other family, they would not have been so easily forgiven!

Seeing how fiercely Tan Chun spoke, everyone felt sorry for her.

Having such a mother and brother, Tan Chun really had a tough time.

Xiangyun asked, "I think Brother Lian has always been fond of you. If you had gone out to plead for him just now, he might have softened his heart and given you a lighter sentence."

Tan Chun said bitterly, "Why should I plead for them?"
They deserve to be punished for what they did.

If I were to plead for them, not only would I lose face, but I would also put my second brother Lian in a difficult position.

If someone in the family commits a crime in the future, the first thing that comes to mind is to ask someone to plead for leniency. If this continues, how will the family be managed?

In my opinion, the punishment for Second Brother Lian was too lenient.

Tan Chun spoke heartlessly, but who knew the helplessness and hatred in her heart?

She just wanted to be a respectable young lady from the Duke's mansion, but unfortunately, her birth mother and younger brother would always cause some embarrassing trouble every now and then, which would implicate her.

Unfortunately, they were all unreasonable people. If she didn't act ruthless and distance herself from them, she would have to be more ruthless.

Even if outsiders don't bully her, those two will be the first to bully her!
Although I felt a deep sense of disappointment and frustration, they were still family, bound by blood.

How could she possibly stand by and watch someone die?

During the crisis just now, she almost rushed out to plead for them.

But she held back.

She knew that if she pleaded on his behalf, Jia Lian would be in a difficult position.

This is not what she wanted to see.

Secondly, she also felt that Jia Huan had really gone too far this time, daring to fabricate such rumors to frame his own brother.

If no punishment is imposed, what will happen in the future?
Therefore, unless it truly endangers the lives of Aunt Zhao and Jia Huan, she must endure it.

Besides, she knew in her heart that no matter what, Jia Lian would consider her feelings... at least he wouldn't really harm Jia Huan's life.

And indeed, that was the case; Jia Lian's handling of the matter pleased her greatly.

In particular, the fact that Jia Zheng assigned more governesses and caregivers to Jia Huan made her feel that Jia Lian was definitely doing this for her sake and wanted to bring Jia Huan back to the right path.

if not?
Given Lian Er Gege's status, what does it matter to him whether Huan'er is good or bad?

Although Jia Lian was kind to his family, they could still discern his true feelings and preferences.

Take the younger brothers and nephews in the family for example, Lian Er Gege (Second Brother Lian) obviously doesn't like Huan'er very much.

In comparison, Lian Er Gege treated Lan'er much better. He not only frequently gave her instructions but also had her train with his personal guards.

They treated him like a son.

The sisters had been hiding behind the screen, eavesdropping and peeping for a while.

Seeing that the matter was over, they prepared to slip back to the inner hall to avoid being scolded by Grandmother Jia and the others when they came in.

Before they could even leave, they suddenly heard new news.

This immediately made them stop in their tracks, and they all looked at Baochai with strange expressions.

In the outer hall, after Jia Zheng left, the atmosphere eased considerably.

Jia Lian turned around, glanced at Jin Chuan, and suddenly said to Grandmother Jia and Madam Wang, "Grandmother, Madam, what should we do with this girl?"

Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang both breathed a sigh of relief as the situation calmed down.

Only upon hearing this did they notice Jin Chuan, who was still kneeling there blankly.

Grandmother Jia immediately frowned.

However, I didn't think too much about it. Anyway, he wasn't her person, so it wasn't her business to worry about him.

So he said to Madam Wang, "She is your person, and she has served you for so many years."

Whether you take it back or not, it's up to you to decide.

Even though they are servants, don't treat them too badly.

If you cause any more trouble, you'll ruin your reputation.

Madam Wang responded politely, but inwardly she began to calculate.

Although she said before that she "planned to bring him back in a couple of days," it was just talk.

Jin Chuan not only seduced Jia Baoyu, but also instigated him to do some crooked things, which had already crossed her line and was absolutely unforgivable.

Otherwise, given her temperament, she would never have acted so decisively.

Moreover, given how things have turned out, if they were to take him back, wouldn't it be awkward for the master and servant to see each other every day?

It's just asking for trouble.

But if they turn around and deny it, not to mention the reprehensible act of breaking their promise.

This girl really has a big temper.

Just because I slapped her, she not only jumped into the well, but she also specifically chose to jump into my outer courtyard.

It's clear that he's vengeful.

Therefore, taking it back is absolutely out of the question.

Then there's only one option left: to pay a price to appease everyone and save face for all.

Jia Lian, who was standing nearby, seemed to notice her predicament and smiled at the opportune moment:

"Madam, are you unsure how to deal with this girl?"

If that's the case, I have a suggestion.

Seeing that Lady Wang was looking over, Jia Lian continued:

"Bao'er only has three maids around her right now, including all the big and small ones."

I've wanted to choose two maids for her to serve for a long time, but unfortunately I haven't been able to find any good ones.

Although this girl is a bit fiery, I've always thought these two sisters were quite outstanding.

Therefore, if Madam is willing, she might as well give her, along with Yuchuan, to Baoya.

This way, I won't have to go out of my way to look for them.

What does Madam think?

Although Jia Lian spoke naturally, Lady Wang secretly smiled to herself.

Well, no wonder he was so enthusiastic today, coming all the way to seek justice for Baoyu. It turns out he's taken a liking to the Bai sisters.

Although she understood Jia Lian's ulterior motives, Lady Wang did not object at all.

First, giving the person to Baochai is indeed a good solution. Second, Jia Lian has already spoken; if they don't give her the person, who knows if Jia Lian will be unhappy and hold a grudge to take revenge on her in the future.

Third, no matter what, Jia Lian did teach that mother and son a lesson today, and vented her anger.

It's just a way of returning the favor; giving her a maidservant is nothing.

Yes, just one.

Jin Chuan even handed over her indenture to her mother, so strictly speaking, she's no longer considered her maid.

As for the jade bracelet.

After all, they were members of the Bai family, and after this incident, they inevitably had some thoughts in their minds.

If she is to remain loyal, some other form of compensation must be offered to win her over.

Since Jia Lian wants it, we might as well give it to him.

Having thought it through, Madam Wang nodded and said, "That is indeed an idea."

I also felt that Bao Yatou had fewer servants around her.

Since you've taken a liking to it and asked, I have no reason to refuse.

After saying this, she beckoned to Yu Chuan, and after Yu Chuan knelt down, she gave the order:

"Did you hear what was just said? From today onwards, you and your sister will go to Hengwu Garden to work and wait on Bao'er's orders."

Although you don't talk much, I know you are a law-abiding and sensible person.

Bao Yatou is my sister's daughter, and I treat her like my own daughter.

So when you get there, you'll need to be even more careful and attentive in serving me. Don't take advantage of your birth here and become disobedient, understand?

Yu Chuan was a little confused about how things were going. How did she end up being dragged into this all of a sudden?

Seeing that Madam Wang had already begun to make arrangements for her affairs, it was clear that it was a foregone conclusion that she would be serving Miss Bao. She then glanced at her own sister.

Seeing that her sister remained unmoved, she could only agree and then kowtowed several times to Madam Wang.

Seeing this, Madam Wang nodded and said no more.

They completely ignored Jin Chuan.

Seeing this, Jia Lian knew his goal had been achieved. But seeing Jin Chuan's blank expression, he still said to her:
"What do you mean? Do you want to stay with Madam, or go and serve Miss Bao, or do you want to leave Rongguo Mansion and move back home?"

"Just tell us what's on your mind, we won't force you."

Jin Chuan never expected that Jia Lian would actually care about her opinion.

She had already decided that if Madam Wang really wanted to keep her, she would refuse, even if it meant offending Madam Wang again and being labeled as ungrateful.

Unexpectedly, Jia Lian asked her to serve Baochai.

If it were someone else, she might have refused immediately.

But she couldn't find a reason to refuse Baochai.

Everyone says that Miss Bao has a good personality; she is mature, steady, and kind to others.

Look at her maid Ying'er, a maid who acts like a young lady, carefree all day long.

Besides, Jia Lian himself asked for her.

Although she was there to serve Baochai, who didn't know that Baochai was Jia Lian's third wife after Fengjie and Daiyu?
So, does Second Master Lian like me?

The reason I reminded myself before was because I cared about myself.

The girl's previously lifeless heart suddenly came alive again.

Without much hesitation, she immediately kowtowed to Jia Lian and said, "In reply to Second Master, this servant is willing to serve Miss Bao, and from now on I will obey Miss Bao's every command until death!"

As expected of a girl who dared to jump into a well, she speaks as if making a vow at this moment.

"Hehehehe..."

Grandmother Jia suddenly burst into laughter.

Seeing that everyone was looking at her, Grandmother Jia stopped a little and still smiled and said, "What are you two still kneeling for? Why don't you go in and pay your respects to your new master?"
"Bao'er is inside."

"Yes."

Yu Chuan was quick-witted. She responded and helped her sister, who was clearly still hesitant, to her feet. She then bowed to Lady Wang and Grandmother Jia, and pulled her sister into the inner hall to find Baochai.

Grandmother Jia then smiled at Jia Lian and said, "You little monkey, I knew you wouldn't do anything without a profit."

I thought you were so kind, coming all the way here to seek justice for your brother Bao.

So that's what you were planning—to please your wife so you could get something from her!

As soon as Grandmother Jia said this, the other maids and servants who had also noticed something amiss started to laugh as well.

Jia Lian quickly replied, "Grandma, you're joking. It's not like that at all."

I only suggested it because I saw my wife was in a difficult position.

It's a win-win solution.

I don't think my wife suspects anything, yet you say this, clearly indicating you don't want her to appreciate my kindness.

Hearing this, Madam Wang couldn't help but laugh.

Good heavens, he just took away two of my top maids, and now I'm the one who should be grateful to him?
Grandmother Jia was overjoyed and laughed, "Oh? Or have I misunderstood you?"

"of course."

"Hehehe. Alright, I misunderstood you. You really do care about your wife."

But I am curious.

You just moved there. The area is vast with many houses, so logically you should be short-handed.

Since you fancy these two girls, why don't you take them into your own room instead of letting Baochai benefit from them?"

Jia Lian said, "That's not appropriate, that's not appropriate."

Feng Lazi is a jealous person; if I really did that, she might suspect my intentions.

She's pregnant again now, and I don't want to cause trouble for her.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall beamed with joy, dispelling the gloomy atmosphere that had permeated the mansion since noon.

When Grandmother Jia saw this, she knew in her heart that Jia Lian had done it on purpose.

I felt very gratified.

As for Jia Lian's words, Grandmother Jia scoffed at them.

Everyone knows that if you get close to Bao Yatou, you'll benefit from it in the future.

However, this also demonstrates Jia Lian's prudent approach to things.

If he were to directly ask to enter his own room, it would inevitably give people the impression that he was taking advantage of someone's misfortune and that his motives were too obvious.

However, it would be perfectly reasonable and justifiable for Lady Wang to give her maid to her niece.

(End of this chapter)