The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Inside the palace, after seeing Jia Lian off, Princess Zhaoyang instructed her maids to prepare a banquet.

Although it was still early before dark, she and Jia Lian both needed to get back to the city, so if she wanted to have a meal with Jia Lian, she had to set up the feast in advance.

He then summoned Liu Rushi to play the pipa, and had several skilled dancers perform a dance.

She sat alone on the high couch, slowly sipping fruit wine while enjoying music and dance.

Although there were several charcoal braziers burning in the room, the space was too large, and after a while, she, who was only wrapped in a phoenix robe, still felt a chill.

Upon seeing her instinctively cross her arms, a maid stepped forward and suggested, "Your Highness, please change your clothes."

Princess Zhaoyang hesitated for a moment, then shook her head and refused.

She dressed up like this on purpose, just for Jia Lian's benefit.

Judging from Jia Lian's previous reactions, he was indeed very receptive to this approach.

"Go down, it's not necessary for now."

Soon, the maids placed some snacks on the table. Princess Zhaoyang saw a plate of beautifully made jujube cakes and subconsciously bent down to pick up a piece.

Just as she was about to put the pastry in her mouth to taste, she remembered how Jia Lian had forced her to kiss him, and silently put it down.

She now regrets telling that lie.

Otherwise, she and Jia Lian might already be entwined in tender affection on this soft couch...

Just then, the curtain at the door was lifted by a maid outside, and Jia Lian's tall figure walked in.

Princess Zhaoyang immediately stood up and laughed, "Why didn't you soak a little longer? You're back so soon?"

"Could it be that the maids are not serving you satisfactorily?"

As she spoke, Princess Zhaoyang glanced at the two maids who had followed Jia Lian in.

"It has nothing to do with them. I just thought it was rare for me to see you, and I wanted to spend more time with you."

As Jia Lian spoke, he glanced around the inner palace, which had been decorated with a rather bourgeois ambiance by Princess Zhaoyang, and said to the maids inside and outside, "You may all leave."

The maids did not question Jia Lian's order, and responded in unison with a "Yes," before filing away.

Seeing Liu Rushi in the corner behind the screen, also holding her pipa and preparing to leave, Jia Lian said, "You stay."

Since Princess Zhaoyang had already asked her to serve him before, he probably wouldn't mind having another one.

Liu Rushi glanced at Princess Zhaoyang, and seeing that Princess Zhaoyang did not react, she obediently sat back down.

Jia Lian walked to the bedside and looked at Princess Zhaoyang, who was tall and slender, dressed in a Tang Dynasty-style open-shoulder phoenix robe, exuding majesty. He asked with some reproach, "Why did you lie to me?"

However, at this moment, Princess Zhaoyang's attention was not on Jia Lian's question at all.

Her gaze was already fixed on Jia Lian's figure.

It was only because the current Jia Lian seemed to be imitating her, with no clothes underneath, just the outer robe he had worn when he arrived.

Although his outer robe was not as gorgeous and solemn as her phoenix robe, and did not have much of a contrasting effect, it still held a great deal of allure for her, simply hanging loosely over Jia Lian's slender figure.

She even unconsciously reached out and touched Jia Lian's chest, asking with eyes full of surprise, "How come you also..."

Jia Lian glanced down and laughed, "What, you're allowed to dress like this to seduce me, but I'm not allowed to dress like this to seduce you?"

"No... Erlang looks very handsome and good-looking dressed like that."

Princess Zhaoyang smiled and secretly slipped her delicate hand into Jia Lian's clothes to touch his chest muscles.

Jia Lian refused: "Don't touch me. You haven't answered my previous question yet. Why did you lie to me?"

Princess Zhaoyang withdrew her hand, gave an embarrassed smile, and said, "It's all because Erlang was so impatient and strong. I had no choice but to say that. Who knew Erlang would actually believe it?"

How did Erlang know I lied to you?

"Never mind how you knew. You lied to me like this, so tell me what I'm supposed to do?"

Princess Zhaoyang didn't care at first, after all, she had indeed lied to Jia Lian, but in the end, Jia Lian went off to have fun with the beautiful maids, leaving her alone here feeling miserable.

But when she looked up and saw Jia Lian's feigned seriousness, the perceptive woman immediately changed her tune, replying in a slightly guilty, coquettish voice:
"They didn't do it on purpose... Erlang, what should we do?"

"I'm going to punish you."

"Okay... how should we punish them?"

Jia Lian was initially quite pleased with Princess Zhaoyang's understanding, but now, seeing her expectant look, he was speechless.

Isn't this going a bit too far?

However, since she liked this style, Jia Lian was naturally happy to play along.

Then, with a flippant gesture, he hooked Princess Zhaoyang's chin with his index finger and laughed, "To be honest, the moment I saw you, seeing how noble and dignified you were dressed, I wanted to torment and humiliate you."

I, the Duke, long to see the noble Princess groveling at my feet.

So, do you know how I'm going to punish you?

Although Jia Lian's voice was not loud, Liu Rushi, who was in the corner preparing to pluck the strings, still heard it.

She was shocked. She thought to herself that although the princess liked Jia Lian, she was, after all, a princess of high status. How dare Jia Lian speak to her like that?
Aren't you afraid the princess will turn on you?

However, things turned out differently than she expected.

Princess Zhaoyang was visibly taken aback after hearing Jia Lian's words.

Then, instead of getting angry, her beautiful eyes welled up with tears.

In an instant, Liu Rushi felt that Princess Zhaoyang's temperament had changed.

The princess was still the same princess, but suddenly she seemed a little fragile.

Meeting Jia Lian's gaze, she said softly, "It was originally someone else who was in the wrong, and they are willing to accept Erlang's punishment."

They were willing to grovel at Erlang's feet, to be his little slave girl, and to let Erlang humiliate them.

But……"

Princess Zhaoyang looked at Jia Lian with some grief and indignation: "But she is your sister."

Jia Lian almost stumbled.

Liu Rushi was secretly laughing so hard she almost choked.

As expected, the princess is truly formidable. Her pitiful expression revealed just how speechless Rong Gong was.

At the same time, Liu Rushi finally began to understand the way the princess and Duke Rong interacted.

Seeing that he couldn't gain the upper hand verbally, Jia Lian simply went all out.

He raised his hand and untied the belt that was barely holding his outer robe together, then flung the left and right sides of the robe over his body, revealing his strong physique and imposing figure.

Princess Zhaoyang immediately forgot about acting and fixed her gaze on Jia Lian's figure.

Even though Liu Rushi, who was in the corner, had seen and even tasted such things before, she still turned her head away in embarrassment when she suddenly saw such a wild scene.

Jia Lian turned and sat down, ordering, "Kneel down."

"Oh."

Princess Zhaoyang was extremely envious, and now she did whatever Jia Lian said.

As for dignity, it wasn't that she didn't care; she just knew this was a little game Jia Lian played to entertain her, just like when she had Jia Lian blindfolded and guess the maid before. It wasn't meant to humiliate her.

So she obediently knelt down in front of Jia Lian and looked up at him expectantly.

At that moment, she seemed to have truly become a little slave girl longing for her master's forgiveness.

Jia Lian was taken aback by Princess Zhaoyang's obedient cooperation and was momentarily dazed, unsure how to continue the story.

It was an impromptu idea, and we didn't plan out much of a plot.

He didn't even think Princess Zhaoyang would cooperate so readily at first.

Princess Zhaoyang waited for a moment and saw that Jia Lian was hesitant, obviously because he had not yet come up with a good idea.

Having been craving it for so long, she wouldn't hesitate any longer.

"Master, please don't be angry. Let this little slave girl serve you and help you calm down."

As she spoke, Princess Zhaoyang knelt down and crawled two steps, then lay on Jia Lian's lap, obediently serving him.

Therefore, Jia Lian no longer needed to think about his lines.

He subconsciously placed a hand on Princess Zhaoyang's head and looked down at the princess in front of him.

Her beautiful face goes without saying, but her boldly open phoenix robe was even more revealing when she lowered her head. From his perspective, the partially obscured beauty was truly captivating.

The long, flowing phoenix robe should have exuded nobility and majesty.

At this moment, with its owner prostrating himself on the ground, it also became a symbol of stimulating Jia Lian's spirit.

Jia Lian was infinitely satisfied. He affectionately touched Princess Zhaoyang's face, then raised his head and looked down at the country like a king.

There was no land or territory to speak of; one couldn't even look out of the inner palace.

That's when their eyes met.

Liu Rushi was once again deeply shocked.

Although she had served Jia Lian alongside Princess Zhaoyang before, she never imagined that the noble princess would be so devoted to Jia Lian.

Are you really willing to let him humiliate you?

Looking at Princess Zhaoyang, who was kneeling before Jia Lian in an extremely noble phoenix robe, Liu Rushi suddenly felt relieved.

When she first met Jia Lian, Princess Zhaoyang ordered her to kneel down and serve him, which made her feel somewhat wronged.

But now she doesn't think that way at all.

If even the princess is like this, what is she compared to Jia Lian?
She should even feel honored.

Thinking that she might have to serve Jia Lian with the princess later, Liu Rushi's heart began to pound.

Just as she met Jia Lian's meaningful gaze, she lowered her head shyly and began to carefully pluck the strings, providing music for Princess Zhaoyang.

……

On the carriage back to the city, Princess Zhaoyang nestled happily and contentedly in Jia Lian's arms.

She was still wearing the same phoenix robe, but underneath she had put on light yet warm clothing.

Princess Zhaoyang pinched Liu Rushi's cheek twice as she knelt on the carpet, trying to dispel Jia Lian's irritation. Then she sat up slightly and said to Jia Lian:
"Second Brother, you have won a great victory in Liaodong this time. Do you know how Father will reward you?"

Jia Lian held Princess Zhaoyang in his arms and shook his head.

Princess Zhaoyang then began to ponder: "I have heard that since Chen Ke's death, Father has not appointed a new military governor of the capital garrison."

The Ministry of War submitted several memorials on this matter, but the emperor rejected all the recommended candidates.

Do you think it's possible that Father Emperor reserved this position for you?

Jia Lian was taken aback, then began to think seriously.

Although the position of Military Governor of the Capital Garrison was almost a special post created by Emperor Taizu specifically for the Jia family, this tradition had long been broken after the tenures of Wang Ziteng and Chen Ke.

Given Emperor Ningkang's ambition, it was impossible for him to relinquish the power he had so painstakingly regained back to the Jia family.

Moreover, he is not a member of the Jia family.

"Unlikely," Jia Lian said.

Although the military governor of the capital was only a second-rank official, the position was extremely important.

It can be said that among military officers, few can rival him in terms of real power and confidential matters.

If we say that he lacked sufficient seniority and merit in the past, and was therefore unqualified for the position, then his current achievements in annihilating the Jurchens and recovering Jianzhou make him worthy of this position.

However, Emperor Ningkang would never give him this position.

Isn't he afraid that this will become a basis for rebellion against him?

Emperor Ningkang was clearly not entirely at ease with him, otherwise he would not have stripped him of his positions in the Military Affairs Department and the Firearms Battalion.

Princess Zhaoyang felt somewhat regretful.

She has now also taken on the position of deputy commander of the Imperial Guard Battalion, which means she has established a foothold in the Imperial Guard.

If Jia Lian can successfully take office as the military governor of the capital, then the two of them, one inside and one outside, will have a great chance of ensuring that the fourth prince can successfully ascend to the throne.

Thinking of the Fourth Prince, Princess Zhaoyang suddenly felt a headache coming on.

"There's something I want to tell you..."

"Ling'er seems to really not want that position."

"He and I have argued about this several times."

"I really don't understand, Erlang, tell me, are there really any men in this world who are not tempted by that position?"

Princess Zhaoyang slowly began her narration, and at the end, she looked at Jia Lian.

Although it was a question, there was clearly a hint of probing in his eyes.

Jia Lian pretended not to see it and replied, "Perhaps, the Fourth Prince knows that position is not easy to hold, and he is not yet ready to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the country."

Or perhaps, he simply doesn't want to follow our arrangements.

Give him some time.

He'll understand.

Princess Zhaoyang nodded, snuggled back into Jia Lian's arms, and continued to study Liu Rushi's performance while murmuring, "Speaking of the country and its people, I really admire my father."

You have no idea how much your father has done during the six months you've been away on campaign.

The policy of clearing up farmland has been restarted and has been officially announced to all prefectures and counties.

He also halted all unnecessary projects undertaken by the retired emperor in his later years, concentrated funds and provisions, and reformed the military system.

It looks like the pro-independence camp is going to be eliminated.

Furthermore, many important tasks, such as eliminating corrupt practices and purging official corruption, are being carried out in an orderly manner.

As a result, his father faced opposition from many people.

Some people even incited scholars from all over the country to go to the capital to protest, causing great trouble for the emperor.

So, although my father didn't say it, I know that he was really worried during the period when the war in Liaodong was still unresolved.

Fortunately, you won, and won big.

This undoubtedly relieved a great deal of pressure on my father.

Princess Zhaoyang's words also revealed her admiration for Jia Lian.

Jia Lian, however, did not care about that. Instead, he heard the key point in Princess Zhaoyang's words.

He couldn't even enjoy the service of the beautiful women. He lowered his head and solemnly said to Princess Zhaoyang, "Don't you think His Majesty is doing these things too hastily and taking too big a step?"

What are the measures to clear up farmland, reform corrupt practices, and clean up official corruption?

These are all major events that have far-reaching consequences. Even an ordinary emperor would have to be extremely cautious when undertaking such an undertaking, and it would generally take years to achieve results.

But Emperor Ningkang, is this a case of trying to do everything at once?

Princess Zhaoyang could understand Jia Lian's meaning. She shook her head and said, "There is no way. Father has been holding back for many years and has long wanted to realize his plans."

I would also like to offer some advice.

But I know that at this moment, he probably won't listen to anyone.

If you insist on giving advice, he might think you are opposing him.

Moreover, I always felt that my father was eager to accomplish these great deeds; he knew what he was doing.

When Jia Lian heard this, he realized that even Princess Zhaoyang, one of his children, couldn't offer advice, so what could he do?
All I could say was, “Yesterday when I entered the palace, I saw that His Majesty had even more white hair on his head, perhaps due to overwork.”

As His Majesty's princess, Qingran, I'm sure he'd be willing to listen to some of your words.

When there's nothing else to do, Qingran can pay more attention to His Majesty's daily life and diet, and prevent him from overworking.

"Ah."

After discussing these heavy topics, Princess Zhaoyang looked at Liu Rushi, who had been earnest and hardworking from beginning to end without slacking off or complaining of being tired, and felt great admiration for her.

So she looked up at Jia Lian and smiled, "Second Brother, tell me, is it more comfortable when I serve you, or when she serves you?"

Jia Lian smiled and patted her head affectionately: "If you want to know, why don't you go down now and compete with her?"

Princess Zhaoyang pursed her lips, though she was somewhat tempted.

However, considering that the carriage was about to enter the city, she and Jia Lian had to separate in advance, and there was no time left.

There was no other option but to give up. (End of Chapter)