The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Chapter 894 Secret Talk Between Husband and Wife
Within the imperial city, west of the inner moat.

When Jia Lian dismounted and entered the military camp gate, it immediately caused a stir.

The first to arrive at Jia Lian's side was Liu Xianglian.

"This humble servant, Liu Xianglian, greets Your Excellency, the Duke."

Liu Xianglian knelt on one knee, looking at Jia Lian with utmost reverence.

If it weren't for Jia Lian, he would still be just an idle wandering knight, and he wouldn't be where he is today, having become a captain in the Imperial Guard.

Not to mention, he had a three-year contract with Jia Lian, so strictly speaking, he was Jia Lian's retainer.

Jia Lian was observing whether there were any changes in the firearms battalion when he heard this and looked at the person in front of him.

"Get up."

"Yes."

Looking at Liu Xianglian, whose face was solemn and resolute, completely unlike the charming and graceful Liu Xianglian he once was on stage, Jia Lian asked as he walked in, "How did the firearms battalion fare after I left?"

Liu Xianglian automatically followed a step behind Jia Lian and respectfully replied, "Since Commander Su took over the firearms battalion, all the systems and training of the firearms battalion have remained the same as before. Commander Su has hardly made any changes."

By the way, many brothers were lost at Iron Net Mountain, but Commander Su made up for them all under the arrangement of the imperial court.

The musketeer corps still numbers three thousand. The newly joined brothers, under the intensive training of Commander Jia Yu, are now proficient in using muskets.

Jia Lian nodded.

The biggest advantage of firearms over bows and arrows is that they can form a stable fighting force with simple training.

Arriving at the place where he used to sit in court, Jia Lian immediately took the seat of honor.

Before all the key personnel had arrived, Jia Lian inquired about some other matters.

For example, there may be new progress in the development of firearms or artillery.

Jia Lian didn't care when he learned that there wasn't much progress.

In any case, the flintlock muskets and Zhenyuan cannons that he has improved are certainly no less advanced than those of any Western country.

It would be more than enough to take down a group of "primitive tribes" that haven't fully opened up yet.

Before long, Su Keguang, Jia Yu, Feng Ziying, Xie Jun, and other key members of the firearms battalion arrived. Jia Lian looked around and, seeing their somewhat questioning gazes, said in a deep voice:
"Gentlemen, the opportunity to make a name for yourselves has arrived."

……

The main building and main hall of the Grand View Garden.

In the two days since being stripped of her power as housekeeper, Sister Feng has had an unusually leisurely time.

Since she went to pay her respects to Grandmother Jia yesterday morning and was scolded by her, she has not left the main building at all.

He's either taking care of his daughter or pruning flowers and plants.

Life was... incredibly boring.

And so, she finally understood what Jia Lian meant: she really was a woman who couldn't sit still!

She's already getting restless after just two days.

But she had no choice; for the sake of the child in her womb, she had to endure it.

Although she herself never went out, she secretly arranged for her maid to inquire about how Li Wan and Tan Chun managed the household.

Whenever she learned of their predicament, she would secretly chuckle to herself, feeling a sense of smug satisfaction.

This became her greatest pleasure.

As usual, she inquired about Li Wan's daily life as a player and gave her some comments before obediently staying in the room to wait for Jia Lian to come home.

But no matter how long they waited, Jia Lian still didn't return.

A sense of unease crept into his mind: "Could it be that Jia Lian has fallen asleep in one of the fox's little houses again?"

Ping'er went out to inquire and found out that Jia Lian had not returned home since going to court that morning.

This is quite rare.

For some reason, Sister Feng felt a vague unease in her heart.

……

When Jia Lian returned to the mansion, it was nearly midnight.

He stayed in the outer study for a while, then went to Xiaoxiang Pavilion to see Daiyu before returning to the main building.

As she was undressing, Sister Feng came over, took the clothes from the maid, and asked, "Why are you so late today?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian hesitated for a moment before replying, "I went to see my maternal grandfather this afternoon, and my uncle and aunt insisted on inviting me to stay for dinner, so it took a while."

Sister Feng thought to herself that it was neither a holiday nor a festival, and even if her uncle's family had invited her to stay for dinner, they might not stay until this time.

So he casually remarked, "I heard that the peace negotiations with the court today are not progressing smoothly?"

Jia Lian turned around and glanced at Feng Jie with surprise.

Seeing this, Sister Feng became even more certain of her guess and asked, "You wouldn't have gone to the palace again to request permission to go to Liaodong, would you?"

Seeing the worry and suspicion in Feng Jie's eyes, Jia Lian thought about it and realized that he really shouldn't hide this from her.

So he said to the maids, "You may all leave now."

After Ping'er and the others had all left, Jia Lian walked to the high couch and sat down. He patted the side of him, gesturing for Feng Jie to sit down.

Sister Feng did as she was told, but when she sat down, her eyes were brimming with tears.

Clearly, from Jia Lian's solemn actions, she had already guessed what was going on.

Jia Lian calmly said, "You guessed right. I went to the palace today to ask His Majesty for permission, and His Majesty has already granted it..."

I'll probably have to leave tomorrow afternoon or early the day after tomorrow.

Sister Feng remained silent, only shedding tears.

Jia Lian took her hand and coaxed her, "Why are you crying? It's alright."
This isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Back then, you used to love criticizing me for being unambitious and useless.

I'm now developing in the direction you hoped for.

"Don't you want to elevate your title of Third-Class Duchess of Rongguo to the same level as the Old Madam, or even become a princess?" Fengjie cried, "What princess? I don't care. I only hope you'll be safe and sound, and watch our second child be born..."

Looking at his wife, whose voice was mournful and whose eyes were pleading, Jia Lian was somewhat surprised and moved.

It's rare to see a woman who craves power and status say something like that.

It seems she is satisfied with this aspect now.

So he pulled his wife's head close and comforted her in his arms, saying, "Alright, don't you trust me?"
Not to mention that I've been on the battlefield several times over the years and have plenty of experience, so it's not so easy for me to get into trouble.

Speaking for myself, I'm someone who values ​​my life very much.

After all, I can't bear to part with you and Ping'er.

So, I dare not say much else, but I am certain that I will be able to return unscathed.

Just wait at home; I might return victorious in a few months.

Feng Jie didn't hear what Jia Lian said after that. She looked up at Jia Lian blankly and asked, "Can't it be changed?"

Jia Lian shook his head: "The Emperor's will has been made, and it cannot be changed."

Sister Feng wiped away her tears, thought for a moment, and said, "Then... you must remember your words, you must be well and come back safely."

She had actually been mentally prepared for this, and now that the situation was already set in stone, she could only pray that Jia Lian would continue to be successful and that he would turn misfortune into good fortune.

Seeing Jia Lian nod with a smile, she hesitated before adding, "How long will you be gone this time? Can you come back soon...?"

You weren't by my side when Qiao'er was born.

"I want you to be there for our child as he is born..."

Sister Feng had a strong premonition that her baby would be a boy, Jia Lian's eldest son.

She wanted Jia Lian to see what he looked like at birth.

Moreover, it also contains her expectations.

If Jia Lian is able to return to the capital to witness the birth of the child, it will naturally mean that Jia Lian has returned safely!
The war is dangerous and perilous; every day spent in Liaodong brings more danger.

She wanted to use this as a pretext to get Jia Lian to return home as soon as possible and not linger on the battlefield.

Faced with his wife's eager gaze, Jia Lian calculated the time and realized that the child would probably be born early next year.

If everything goes smoothly, it should be enough time.

So he smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay, I promise you."

Feng Jie finally smiled and buried her head back in Jia Lian's arms, asking him for details.

For example, when to leave, who to arrange to accompany them, and what preparations she can help with.

Jia Lian had already put his arm around her and told her, "My trip to Liaodong needs to be kept secret for now."

No one else in the family knows this except you.

So don't tell anyone else yet, just say I went to Tianjin on official business.

Once news gets back from outside, everything will be fine.

Sister Feng agreed.

Jia Lian was exhausted after a long day of running around.

However, after holding Sister Feng's slender waist for a while, he couldn't help but have some fantasies.

So he lifted her pretty face, stared into her almond-shaped eyes, and teased, "I won't go to the study tonight, I want to sleep with you in my arms."

Upon hearing this, Sister Feng instinctively wanted to refuse.

How could she not know Jia Lian's tricks? If they slept together, who knows how he would tease her.

This is also why she has been determined to make Jia Lian sleep outside these past few days.

But before he could utter the words of rebuke and refusal, he suddenly realized that if Jia Lian were to leave tomorrow, tonight would be his last night at home.

After tonight, I don't know how long it will be before I can be intimate with Jia Lian again.

So he hesitated.

Knowing his worries, Jia Lian laughed and said, "I promise I'll just hold you while we sleep, and I won't do anything else."

Sister Feng didn't believe a word of it: "I know you too well, you're like a wild ox, how could you possibly stand it?"

She pushed away Jia Lian's hand that was supporting her chin, a hint of mockery on her face.

However, she quickly added, "I'll leave Ping'er and the others in the room tonight. They can go to bed after you've had your fun."

Although Jia Lian felt that Sister Feng was becoming increasingly insightful, he still found her somewhat uninteresting:
"Why go through all that trouble? Just let them all sleep together. Your bed is so big now, you can fit a few more people in..."

"No."

Sister Feng gave a stern look and refused.

What a jerk! He doesn't know how to be considerate of her at all.

She has endured this for so long for the sake of her child.

They actually wanted her to watch a live sex show!

Thinking about it, he punched Jia Lian in dissatisfaction.

Jia Lian grabbed her delicate hand, held it to his heart, and continued to tease her: "What's wrong with that?"

You don't trust me, but you don't trust Ping'er either?
It's perfect for her to serve you...

I refuse to believe you haven't been enduring a lot these past few days.

Jia Lian's words made Feng Jie feel extremely embarrassed, and she raised her hand to cover Jia Lian's mouth: "Stop talking... If you say another word, you can go to the study to sleep."

"What's there to be shy about? Just treat her like Little Qin Shi, I don't care. You... um~..."

Before Jia Lian could finish speaking, Feng Jie forcefully covered his mouth, then stood up and said solemnly to the outside, "Xiangling, come in and escort your second master to take a bath..."

　It's so frustrating! It itches in waves, and the more I scratch, the itchier it gets. It's so inexplicable. Does anyone have any great tips for getting rid of eczema? Please recommend some; I really can't stand it anymore.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)