The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Just as the head maid Yuanyang was falling deeper and deeper into Jia Lian's trap, a voice suddenly came from behind a large rock about ten paces to the left:

"Who?"

Immediately following was a flurry of footsteps and pleas for mercy.

Yuanyang awoke as if from a dream, only then remembering that when she saw Jia Lian earlier, there were two shadows following him like a shadow.

She simply disappeared without a trace, causing her to subconsciously ignore it as her heart was already fluttering with excitement.

Hearing the noise, he quickly dropped his hand and hurriedly pulled up Jia Lian's trousers.

Almost as soon as she finished these actions, someone came stepping on the grass from her left.

Only when they got closer did the mandarin ducks see the situation clearly.

Besides Jia Lian's two personal guards, there were actually two other people.

She recognized the tall, strong woman among them; she was Siqi, the head maid in Yingchun's room.

The other person with a sword to their neck was... a man?
Yuanyang was both shocked and ashamed, and her soul seemed to flee.

After all, compared to the dead of night, the fact that a strange man had broken into the Grand View Garden, which was full of young ladies and women, meant that her secret rendezvous with Jia Lian was nothing.

Aqin threw Siqi on the ground and replied to Jia Lian, "Just now when we were patrolling the surroundings, we heard a noise over there, so my sister and I went up to check and found these two people."

Jia Lian had long since transformed from the playboy who had been flirting with Yuanyang into the demeanor of a duke.

He looked indifferently at the two people in front of him.

The two, who were already ashen-faced and trembling like leaves, felt their fear intensify under Jia Lian's gaze.

As the head maid in Yingchun's room, Siqi was naturally familiar with Jia Lian.

She could even talk to Jia Lian before.

But at this moment, in such circumstances, she didn't say a word.

Jia Lian watched for a while, then seemed to remember something, and said coldly, "Tell me, what are you two doing here so late at night?"

Although it was a question, Jia Lian's tone clearly indicated that he had no doubts.

Indeed, what could a maid from the inner courtyard and a servant from the outer courtyard possibly do during a late-night rendezvous?
Unlike Yuanyang, Jia Lian remembered the man who had met with Siqi in secret.

He was a servant boy at the second gate of his side, only sixteen or seventeen years old.

Even if he didn't remember him, just by seeing him appear here with Siqi, Jia Lian could guess his identity.

Clearly, neither Siqi nor Jia Lian could utter a word in the face of Jia Lian's interrogation.

"To remain silent is to forfeit the opportunity to explain and leave oneself to be dealt with as one pleases."

Jia Lian's voice remained calm, but everyone present could hear the anger and even murderous intent within it.

Yuanyang and Siqi were both servants of the Rongguo Mansion, and since they were of similar age, they had known each other since childhood.

Although she guessed that Siqi had made a grave mistake, she couldn't bear to see her suffer utter ruin. Therefore, she quietly tugged at Jia Lian's sleeve to plead for her, and then immediately said to Siqi:

"Siqi, speak up! Who is he?"

Perhaps it was the winks Yuanyang kept giving her, or perhaps it was the memory of Jia Lian's gentle kindness towards Yingchun, but a glimmer of hope rose in Siqi's heart.

With a look of guilt and remorse, she replied, "He... is my cousin."

"Oh, you..."

Yuanyang gave Siqi a disappointed look, wanting to say something.

Then she remembered that she had also met with Jia Lian here late at night, so she didn't seem to have any grounds to criticize him.

But that's not the case.

Even if we disregard the fact that she had already been assigned to Jia Lian by Grandmother Jia, let's say she wasn't.

As a maid in the Jia family, her secret rendezvous with the men in the household is not a big deal as long as the Second Mistress doesn't make a fuss.

But Siqi is different.

She was a maidservant who served a young lady, yet she had an affair with a servant in the outer courtyard. This was a serious crime that violated family law, national law, and the law of propriety.

If it were just stealing and not being discovered, that would be fine, but they were caught red-handed.

It was still within the Grand View Garden.

He wouldn't be unjustly beaten to death!
The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became, and Yuanyang herself was in a state of panic.

Jia Lian took Yuanyang's hand, looked at her with affection, and then looked at Siqi, who had explained her identity as a man and then said nothing more.

It seems the truth is right before your eyes; you can see it clearly even without me saying anything. There's no point in saying more.

Jia Lian naturally didn't ask any more questions and looked at the trembling man beside him.

"Your name is Pan Youan?"

Pan Youan was surprised that Jia Lian actually knew his name, after all, he was just a servant at the second gate.

"Yes...yes, I am a servant..."

"Is there anything else you'd like to say?"

Hearing Jia Lian's words, which sounded like an ultimatum, he, already terrified, immediately kowtowed repeatedly.

"This servant deserves to die, please forgive me, Second Master, this servant deserves to die, please forgive me, Second Master..."

It's perfectly normal to be unable to speak coherently when gripped by fear.

Jia Lian said coldly, "Do you know that servants and lackeys are not allowed to enter the inner courtyard without permission?"

"This servant knows, this servant deserves to die, please forgive me, Second Master..."

"Did you know that Siqi is the Second Miss's personal maid?"

Pan Youan was most afraid of Jia Lian asking this question.

If it were said that he had trespassed into the inner courtyard, Jia Lian might still have been able to forgive him.

However, given how much Jia Lian cares for his younger sister, he certainly cannot forgive the maid who secretly meets with the young lady.

This is also why he was so frightened when Aqi grabbed him and held a sword to his neck that he wet himself.

The regret and deep fear he felt even made him have an impulse to kill himself by touching a sword for a moment.

After all, death would end everything, and one wouldn't have to face any judgment.

Although Pan Youan did not answer the question, the expression on his face revealed his true feelings.

Jia Lian then asked, "Tell me, how did you get in?"

The Grand View Garden is nestled between two mansions, both of which are strictly guarded by servants and housekeepers, with stewards and maids patrolling in shifts at night.

It's not easy for anyone to sneak in.

Pan Youan whispered, "This servant came in from the Yihong Courtyard, by climbing...climbing over the wall..."

Jia Lian smiled; having frequently climbed over walls, he naturally understood.

The Grand View Garden is located in the southeasternmost corner, and it is also the place closest to the outer courtyard.

He was a servant in the mansion, so it wouldn't have been difficult for him to sneak over the courtyard wall once he got close.

"Are you guilty?"

"This servant knows his crime and begs for mercy, Second Master..."

Jia Lian said coldly, "Some favors can be shown, but some cannot."

If everyone were to follow your example and sneak in at night to meet with the maids of the young ladies, would the reputation of my Jia family still be intact?

Aqi.

"exist."

"Kill him, Shenxi."

Aqi was slightly taken aback, but still replied with a "yes" and made a gesture to do as instructed.

Pan Youan turned pale and immediately kowtowed, begging for mercy.

Yuanyang hurriedly called out, "Second Master~"

Jia Lian remained unmoved.

Seeing her cousin about to die tragically under the sword, Siqi suddenly stepped forward, pushed Aqi aside, hugged Pan Youan, and said to Jia Lian:
"It's my fault, I'm sorry, I'm shameless, it's all my fault."

If you want to kill or torture someone, do it all to me. I only beg you to spare his life, considering the past kindness I showed you when I served the young lady.

"In my next life, I will be your ox or horse to repay your kindness, Second Master."

Seeing Siqi clinging to him tightly, Pan Youan was deeply moved, and the two embraced and wept bitterly.

For a moment, the mandarin ducks were so moved that tears welled up in their eyes.

Jia Lian silently watched the ill-fated couple, lost in thought.

After a while, she said, "Are you really willing to do anything for him?"

Siqi looked at her cousin, who was pale with fright in her arms, wiped away her tears, and replied earnestly, "Yes, as long as Second Master can spare his life, this servant is willing to go through fire and water."

"Alright, in that case, take off your clothes."

Siqi was taken aback by Jia Lian's request and was stunned. Just then, the commotion attracted the attention of the maids on duty at the garden gate, who came to investigate.

Ah Qin quickly went outside.

The two old women on the main road only saw Aqin come out, and knew that Jia Lian was inside.

He thought to himself that he must have run into some pretty maid who coaxed him to the stream for some excitement on such a cold day.

So they all quickly withdrew, and couldn't help but think to themselves.

Since Master Lian has such a taste, why not have our daughter dressed up beautifully and stroll around the garden? Who knows, she might catch his eye and rise to a high social status...

Now, let's talk about the stone in front of Xiangshan Mountain, under the big osmanthus tree.

Being asked to undress in public was naturally a source of shame for Siqi.

But compared to life and death, especially the life and death of her lover, this shame seems insignificant.

She suddenly felt a pang of self-mockery.

If it were any other time or place, before she got together with her cousin, she wouldn't even feel this much shame.

After all, none of the maids in the garden didn't want to get into Jia Lian's bed.

Thinking that since Jia Lian wanted to vent his anger by humiliating and tormenting her, she might as well do as he wished.

What does one's pride matter if it can save one's cousin's life?
She turned and glanced at Pan Youan, her eyes filled with a love that was even more intense than usual.

Without hesitation, she raised her hand and peeled off the clothes she had just put on...

"No, Siqi, no, cousin..."

Pan Youan watched this scene with pain, shaking his head repeatedly at Siqi.

But his legs remained firmly planted on the grass, and he dared not move an inch.

Yuanyang, feeling a pang of pity, looked up and begged, "Second Master..."

She felt that Jia Lian shouldn't be the kind of person who would take advantage of someone in distress.

Given Jia Lian's status, what kind of woman couldn't he have? Let alone a mere maid like Siqi.

Why resort to such methods?

Jia Lian glanced down at the beauty in his arms, then slapped her on the buttock with the hand around her waist, signaling her to be quiet.

At this moment, Siqi was only wearing a bodice that was either light green or dark green, and Jia Lian glanced at Pan Youan on the ground and continued, "Kneel down and crawl over here..."

Jia Lian's order shattered Si Qi's last psychological defenses.

At this moment, she had already resolved to die.

"Siqi, no..."

Pan Youan's voice woke her up.

She glanced back at her childhood sweetheart cousin, her lover with whom she had only shared a night of passion.

In his pale, fearful eyes, there was also a yearning for life.

Suddenly, she mustered her courage, lay down on the ground, and crawled toward Jia Lian like a cat or dog.

Seeing this, Pan Youan closed his eyes in despair.

After a while, he heard Jia Lian's devilish voice: "Do you know how to serve a man?"

He was devastated.

He couldn't bear the sight of his cousin, whom he had longed for for years, with whom he had shared a deep and abiding love, and with whom he had even just had a one-night stand, being wantonly humiliated by another man right in front of him.

At this moment, even death seems insignificant.

His face flushed and paled in turns, and finally he shouted out the cry in his heart: "No, let her go!"

He finally opened his eyes and angrily rushed towards Jia Lian.

At this moment, the fear of the master and the power had disappeared.

He was willing to give everything for this woman who was willing to do anything for him, even his life.

Aqi had actually already sheathed her sword, but hadn't put it back in its sheath.

Seeing that Pan Youan dared to make such an offensive move, she was startled and was about to take action.

Seeing this, Ah Qin quickly stopped him.

As a result, her sword only barely grazed Pan Youan's shoulder and neck, drawing a line of blood in the dark night.

But Pan Youan seemed oblivious. He rushed towards Jia Lian at lightning speed, intending to die together with Jia Lian.

"don't want……"

Siqi quickly stopped Pan Youan from his suicidal behavior.

However, impulse is beautiful, but reality is cruel.

Pan Youan, rushing forward in a fit of rage, was no match for Jia Lian, who was well-prepared.
Before he could even see the situation clearly, he felt something trip him up.

Then, the harder he charged, the harder he fell.

Before he could recover from the shock of the fall, he felt a boot step on his face with a vicious stomp, preventing him from struggling.

Jia Lian's voice, which he hated so much, rang out again: "Not bad, you finally dare to fight like a man."

Then, what seemed like praise sounded like endless mockery and insult to Pan Youan at that moment.

He struggled incessantly, but could not get up, so he posed no threat to Jia Lian.

Siqi originally wanted to step forward to help, but she stopped after being given a cold look by Jia Lian, and a thoughtful expression appeared on her face.

She's not stupid.

Although at first I really thought Jia Lian wanted to take advantage of her.

But once she regained her senses, she suddenly realized that if Jia Lian wanted to defile her, why would he have waited until today?

Just as many maids admired Jia Lian, she was actually quite similar.

As the chief attendant to Yingchun, she had more opportunities to get close to Jia Lian than others.

But gradually she naturally realized that Jia Lian didn't seem to have any feelings for her.

She even witnessed Jia Lian secretly teasing Xiu Ju, touching her little face and spanking her little bottom.

But he never harmed her in the slightest.

Having heard others talk about Jia Lian's many romantic escapades, she naturally realized that Jia Lian probably didn't fancy her.

This is also why she felt at ease seeking other opportunities.

Her cousin, Pan Youan, was her childhood sweetheart. The two grew up together and had feelings for each other.

Before their feelings for each other could blossom, they both entered the household as servants when they were a little older.

From then on, one stayed at home and the other worked away from home, so they naturally had fewer opportunities to meet.

It wasn't until last year, when they returned to their respective homes and the two families visited each other, that they had the opportunity to get closer again.

By this time, they had all grown up, and they were naturally attracted to each other.

Given their childhood friendship, they naturally clicked.

The emotions of young people are intense and passionate.

Pan Youan couldn't help but miss her, so he spent some money to bribe the gatekeeper at the back gate of the Grand View Garden to deliver "love letters" and other items to Siqi every few days.

Although Siqi felt it was inappropriate, she couldn't resist her longing for her beloved and began exchanging things with Pan Youan.

However, the exchange of letters is always rather pale.

Pan Youan tried several times to arrange a meeting with Siqi, but to no avail.

Although both of them had holidays, Pan Youan knew that Siqi's mother had always looked down on his family.

Even if you go home, you may not get what you want.

And so we waited until the New Year was just around the corner.

Thinking that today is New Year's Eve, and everyone in the Jia family will be staying up to welcome the new year, there will surely be no one in the garden at that time.

In this way, perhaps we can meet in the garden.

Although they bribed the old woman guarding the gate, it was only enough to pass on a token or something.

If he were to sneak in on his own, he wouldn't dare let anyone else know.

So, after obtaining Siqi's consent, they carefully planned their route, climbed over the wall from outside the Yihong Courtyard, and agreed to meet in this secluded spot.

Little did they know that their luck would be so bad, and they would happen to run into Master Lian teasing Yuanyang.

And it just so happens to be the same place they chose.

This meant that even though they discovered Jia Lian and his companion first, they had nowhere to hide, so they could only temporarily hide behind a rock, planning to leave after Jia Lian and his companion had left.

Little did they know that Jia Lian had two female guards with him, and that they were so vigilant.

Even though they were extremely careful and dared not make a sound, they were still discovered and captured. (End of Chapter)