The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Chapter 928 The Triumphant Return of the Royal Army
The news that Jia Lian's army, which had been pacifying Liaodong, was about to return to the capital immediately caused a stir in the court and among the people.

The threat from the Jurchens came and went, troubling the imperial court for decades.

Unexpectedly, this time, Jia Lian quelled the rebellion in one battle.

This is an achievement destined to be recorded in history, and countless people will envy and be jealous of it.

In the Southern Study, Emperor Ningkang summoned Prince Teng and ordered him to coordinate with the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works to prepare one thousand cargo wagons.

Prince Teng asked in confusion, "May I ask Your Majesty, why prepare so many carriages?"

Emperor Ningkang said expressionlessly, "It's all because of your good nephew-in-law. He said he had a gift to give me and asked me to send at least a thousand carriages to Tongzhou Bay to load it."

"Uh……"

Wang Ziteng, having commanded troops before, immediately asked, "Is it the spoils of this battle?"

Emperor Ningkang could no longer hide his smile. He nodded and said, "That boy said that he heard that recently some people in the court and the public have been attacking me for no reason, so he plans to use his spoils on the battlefield to bolster my prestige."

Although I don't need it, I'm curious about what he might have gained and how much prestige he could give me, since he speaks with such conviction.

Since he wants a thousand carriages, I will give him a thousand.

"Hmph, if he can't keep up the act, I'll punish him."

Emperor Ningkang was clearly holding back, because Jia Lian explicitly told him that tens of thousands of weapons and armor, as well as countless cattle, sheep, warhorses, and other valuables, had been seized from the Jurchens.

Emperor Ningkang knew almost without thinking that what Jia Lian said was true.

Imagine the sensation caused when a thousand horse-drawn carriages laden with goods were transported from Tongzhou Bay to the capital.

At that time, who would dare to oppose this capable ruler who has won great victories abroad?
Jia Lian always manages to surprise him at crucial moments, how could he not be happy or dislike him?

"In addition, that kid did resolve the military turmoil in Liaodong and quell the Jurchen invasion, which can be considered a great contribution to the court."

Now that he has returned to the capital in triumph, the court cannot remain silent.

You will represent me and be fully responsible for arranging this reception.

"You must make sure to spread the word about the military might and prestige of the army that pacified Liaodong."

Prince Teng smiled and said, "Your subject obeys the decree."

……

Liaodong Bay, also known as Bohai Bay, has a waterway that connects directly to the Grand Canal and then to the capital.

Emperor Ningkang had long expressed his desire to inspect the Zhenyuan, a ship that had cost him so much money to build, but unfortunately, he had been delayed by other matters.

Since we need to transport a large amount of spoils of war back to the capital, why not sail the Zhenyuan and other large ships back to the capital and let Emperor Ningkang, the big boss, see whether he has taken the money and done nothing?

At the new-style military port of Tianjin, Shui Rong came to Jia Lian to resign.

Next comes the glorious moment for Jia Lian and his army to conquer Liaodong, and the imperial court will surely hold a grand welcoming ceremony for them.

If he were to mingle among them, he would inevitably be suspected of stealing the limelight.

Moreover, given his poor performance in Liaodong, remaining invisible is most advantageous for him at this time, so he naturally won't seek attention.

Faced with Jia Lian's attempt to persuade him to stay, Shui Rong smiled and said, "The General will surely be very busy with affairs next. I am just a commoner, so I will not delay the General's military affairs."

However, once the General returns to the capital, remember to visit the Prince's residence; do not make excuses as you have before.

Looking at Shui Rong's sincere face and the seemingly melancholy and resentful Green Ivy beside him, Jia Lian cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness's command, this humble official will remember it."

Shui Rong hesitated for a moment, then said nothing more, cupped his hands in greeting, and left with the beauty.

After Shui Rong had walked away, Aqin laughed and said, "This Prince Shui is really interesting. Every time he comes to see me, he brings that beauty with him. I wonder what he's thinking."

Although Ah-Qin said this, his tone was sarcastic, and he clearly had some of his own guesses.

"Alas, it's all my fault for being so weak. In my opinion, if you were more generous and just asked for it directly, maybe the prince would have given the beauty to you."

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian turned around and tapped her on the head.

But at the same time, his vigilance rose to a new level.

Although he couldn't understand Shui Rong's true intentions, this guy would bring his beautiful concubine to him every few days.

But they didn't offer to see me off.

Does this feel more like pure fishing?
As the saying goes, showing courtesy for nothing is either cheating or stealing.

This is also why Jia Lian frequently showed goodwill towards Shuizhong, yet kept his distance.

"General, the people from the imperial court have arrived. They say they want to discuss with you the specifics of returning the troops to the city."

Su Keguang ran over to report.

Jia Lian nodded and headed towards the yamen (official government office).

……

The momentous event of the imperial army sweeping away the Jurchens, recovering Jianzhou, and returning in triumph was widely known thanks to the court's deliberate propaganda.

The three ducal mansions on Ningrong Street had naturally received the news long ago.

The women in the house were overjoyed, and they were all practically counting on their abacuses, planning the day Jia Lian would return home.

Early that morning, officers from the Five Cities Garrison were dispatched to clear the streets and spread incense ash and red carpets over a considerable distance outside the imperial city.

Everyone knew that today might be the day the victorious army would return.

In the main hall of the Grand View Garden, Sister Feng was already showing signs of pregnancy.

She wore a fleece-lined brocade robe, a mink scarf around her neck, and her features were striking, adorned with luxurious accessories.

Her physical limitations did not make her listless; on the contrary, her languid demeanor accentuated her beauty and elegance.

Lai Wang's wife walked in with a smile and reported, "Second Madam, we have found out that today is the day Second Master returns to the capital in triumph."

A large number of civil and military officials have gathered outside the South Gate, and it is said that the Grand Secretary is leading the welcoming ceremony.

The streets from the city center to the south had long been cleared by soldiers, and countless ordinary people spontaneously gathered on both sides to admire the glory of our Second Master.

Every tavern and teahouse in the city was filled with discussions about the heroic and glorious deeds of our Second Master.

"Not to mention Grandma and the mistresses, even we servants feel incredibly honored when we go out now; no one disrespects us."

Lai Wang's wife, who was Wang Xifeng's maid, was quite talkative. After a few words of laughter, Wang Xifeng, whose face was already rosy, became even more radiant.

She helped Ping'er sit up a little and smiled, "Is that really so? Did Second Master send someone back to tell him when he can come home, so that the family can arrange a welcome banquet for him?" "It seems not."

It seems that the Second Master didn't bring any servants or attendants this time. Even Zhao'er, who used to follow us everywhere, didn't come along. We also had no way of finding out about the Second Master's itinerary.

However, judging from the court's actions, the Second Master will definitely have a lot of official business to hand over, and even if he returns to the city, he probably won't be able to return to his residence for a while.

But Second Madam, don't worry. I've already spoken to my husband about this. He's been instructed to gather as much information as possible about the Second Master and report back to you immediately.

Sister Feng nodded, praised Lai Wang's wife, and then dismissed her.

Then Sister Feng could no longer hide the joy on her face, patted Ping'er's hand and laughed: "Ping'er, did you hear that? Your second master is really coming back."

That heartless woman, she's been gone for almost half a year, I wonder if the baby in her belly will still recognize its father.

Ping'er also had a happy expression on her face.

Seeing that Sister Feng was stroking her belly, seemingly with a hint of resentment, she quickly squatted down and said with a smile:

"Look at what Grandma is saying. If the baby in Grandma's belly knew that he had such a great hero as his father, he would definitely feel proud and honored."

"That's what you said."

So the master and servant touched hands and laughed like two lilies blooming side by side.

……

Similar joyous scenes were also taking place throughout the Grand View Garden.

In Hengwu Garden, in Baochai's room, Aunt Xue was sitting and talking to her daughter.

They were well aware of the excitement outside.

Aunt Xue looked at her beloved daughter with a big smile and said, "Your second brother Lian is already a man of extraordinary abilities. Now he has won a great victory in foreign wars. I can't even imagine what he will achieve in the future."

Now you know why I promised you to him so early, right?

"Silly girl, you weren't willing at first."

Baochai didn't care about her mother's words about taking credit; she was currently experiencing a flutter of excitement.

Is there anything in this world that would excite and delight a woman more than her beloved returning safely from the battlefield, and in great glory?

Even someone as strong-willed as her was deeply impressed by her lover when she heard the court's praise of Jia Lian's military achievements, studied his strategies and plans for the battle, and heard the news of his ultimate victory.

Jia Lian's decision to go on this expedition can be described as a volunteering act during a time of national crisis.

With an unprecedented strategy, they divided their troops into two routes: one marched normally to attract the enemy's attention, while the other advanced by sea, penetrating deep into the enemy's territory.

By employing a strategy of striking at the enemy's base, they devastated the enemy's stronghold, forcing the enemy's main force to return to reinforce it.

Then, through skillful maneuvering and swift movement, they lured the enemy's main force to the battlefield they had prepared.

Use your strengths to attack their weaknesses and achieve victory in one battle.

These are all the strategies and tactics that the imperial court publicized regarding Jia Lian's battle.

Although many details were not made public, the general outline of how Jia Lian won is known to everyone in the court and among the public.

Only in this way can the court and the public be convinced that the royal army has indeed achieved an unprecedented victory in Liaodong!
Baochai is also a woman, and a woman with ambitions that ordinary women do not have.

She was also proud of the husband she had chosen.

Baochai was filled with excitement, while Aunt Xue continued her incessant chatter.

I don't know what Aunt Xue was thinking, but she was about to speak.

But then he remembered that this wasn't home, so he sat closer and whispered to his daughter:

"You didn't get pregnant before, it's your own fault for not being lucky enough."

But now that Lian'er is back, you'd better live up to her expectations.

Even before, many women were vying for Lian'er's attention. It's easy to imagine how many women, even daughters of prominent families, will be after Lian'er returns to the capital.

He is about to finish his mourning period.

You need to be more careful; don't let someone else take the lead when you're in a great position.

Upon hearing this, Baochai felt shy, but after thinking about it, she felt that what her mother said wasn't entirely wrong.

So she blushed and nodded.

However, deep down, Baochai wasn't in a hurry.

As for Sister Feng, she's got the upper hand even if she didn't.

There's no need to consider Lin Yatou's situation.

Daiyu, who was two or three years younger than her, was in poor health.

Regardless of whether she could have children, even if she could, Jia Lian certainly wouldn't allow it in the next few years.

Back when she was in Tianjin and Jia Lian's honeymoon phase, she had already subtly inquired about it and learned that Jia Lian had not yet made a move on Daiyu.

It was obvious that he felt sorry for her.

Besides these two, there was also a princess.

Although Baochai had not yet figured out the specific situation of Jia Lian and the princess, in her opinion, there was a huge barrier between them in terms of their social status, so there was definitely no threat to them.

The rest are just some second-rate competitors.

Baochai naturally wouldn't take the You sisters seriously.

Therefore, considering all aspects of the situation and Jia Lian's affection for her, Baochai felt that she was definitely the one with the best advantage besides Fengjie.

Moreover, these things are secondary.

The bad guy is coming back; who knows how he'll bully me again.

She thought of how Jia Lian tricked her into going to the Lin family's villa and took her virginity in Daiyu's boudoir. She thought of that month in Tianjin... and how Jia Lian even took the time to torment her before leaving.

Baochai felt both ashamed and happy.

At the same time, my heart started pounding.

Almost half a year has passed, and she has begun to miss the feeling of being favored by Jia Lian.

(End of this chapter)