The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Baochai eventually fell into Jia Lian's hands, where he held her on his lap and took liberties with her.

However, when Jia Lian tried to strip her clothes off, she immediately stopped him.

Jia Lian coaxed, "Good girl, don't worry, your aunt will keep watch for us."

Baochai felt even more embarrassed upon hearing this, and pressed Jia Lian's hand tightly against her chest, shaking her head and saying, "If you continue like this, the promises people make to you will no longer stand."

Uh, Jia Lian almost didn't realize for a moment what Baochai had promised him.

After thinking about it, his eyes lit up.

"If you hadn't reminded me, I would have almost forgotten."

"Or, if you keep your promise now, I'll promise not to take your clothes off."

"Pooh."

Baochai spat and made a move to get up.

Jia Lian noticed that Baochai, who had been sober from his kiss, was almost fully sober, and knew that she really couldn't accept it.

It seems that the environment has a significant impact on her.

So if I want to have my way today, I need to find an opportunity to go to her room.

However, there was still some time before mealtime, so Jia Lian naturally wouldn't let her get away so easily.

So he hugged her and laughed, "Alright, alright, I won't force you anymore."

However, I haven't smelled the fragrance of lotus flowers in a long time; you have to let me taste them.

Is that too much to ask?

What do you mean by "this is not excessive"?

This is clearly going too far.

"Don't worry, I'll only loosen it a little bit, I won't take off your clothes."

"You're facing away from the door, so even if your aunt comes in, she won't notice anything. Besides, there's no way she could come in."

Baochai was so bothered by Jia Lian that she had no choice but to give up.

She truly could not accept that she and Jia Lian were naked and behaving indecently in her mother's room.

Especially before marriage, because it would make her feel a deep sense of guilt.

But she wasn't so opposed to just regular intimacy.

After all, Jia Lian had done things that were overly intimate with Aunt Xue more than once in front of her.

Moreover, judging from the little tricks that Aunt Xue taught her behind her back to secure Jia Lian's favor, Aunt Xue also wished for her to be more intimate with Jia Lian.

"Then...you absolutely must not take off other people's clothes."

Without making a sound, Baochai placed her hand on her shoulder and neck, gripping her collar tightly, her intention quite clear.

That means you are allowed to loosen it slightly, but you are absolutely not allowed to peel it off.

Seeing this, Jia Lian smiled and thought that Baochai could be quite cute at times.

However cute he may be, it doesn't stop him from wanting to take advantage of her.

As he had said before, what usually impressed people about Baochai was her snow-white skin and thick, shiny black hair.

But only Jia Lian, who could remove all her clothes, knew that the most beautiful and eye-catching part of her was the fragrance of white lotus flowers that she exuded.

While most young girls are quite good in this regard, it is still extremely rare to find someone as beautiful as Baochai.

Thinking about it, Jia Lian was already getting impatient.

With one arm around the beautiful woman's slender waist, he held Baochai in his arms, gently peeling lotus leaves and lowering his head to savor the fragrance of the lotus.

This tranquil and enchanting atmosphere lasted for an unknown amount of time before a satisfied Jia Lian finally embraced the slightly panting beauty and whispered sweet nothings to her.

"After I get drunk, I'll take a nap at your house."

My aunt will definitely arrange for you to take me back to my room, so you're not allowed to make any excuses to refuse.

Upon hearing this, Baochai thought to herself, "Who talks about their plans after getting drunk before even taking their seat?"

It's obvious that their real intentions are not what they seem!
However, she was also feeling uneasy, so after only a moment's hesitation, she gently nodded her head, which was buried in Jia Lian's chest, and hummed in agreement.

Baochai was a traditional woman.

Perhaps she wasn't as foolish as other women; she might not have believed in the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, or the Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues.

But she will strictly adhere to it.

This is a way of life that recognizes the insignificance of individual will in the face of the world, and that when one is absolutely powerless to resist, submission is the best choice.

It is also the best choice for oneself.

Since she adhered to etiquette and propriety, she would not truly disobey her husband, which is why Jia Lian was able to break through her defenses time and time again.

I still remember the first two years after she arrived in the capital, Jia Lian had already shown his brilliance, captivating all the sisters in the family, but he rarely even spoke a few words to Baochai.

Let alone getting close.

It was precisely because he had not yet assumed the righteousness and title of "husband" at that time.

However, since last year, after Aunt Xue betrothed her to him, Baochai's heart and soul have submitted to him.

He couldn't refuse Jia Lian's intimate requests.

According to the rules of etiquette, serving one's husband well and meeting his needs is also one's duty and responsibility.

Although Jia Lian always liked to borrow money in advance, which left her feeling quite helpless.

Jia Lian was very satisfied to have confirmed that Baochai had understood his arrangements.

With nothing else to do, he struck up a conversation, saying, "I originally planned to bring Baoqin along to celebrate your birthday as well."

But if I bring her along, I can't avoid talking about Xiangyun.

If we bring them all along, I'm afraid Sanya and the others won't be able to stay behind.

After thinking it over, I decided against it.

Anyway, you'll be moving back in a few days, then we can just ask them to give you the gifts later.

Baochai said, "You were right not to bring her."

I told Qin'er early this morning not to come back for my birthday and not to disturb anyone else.

She understands reason.

A girl's birthday is something that can be celebrated or not, especially at such a crucial time.

If you celebrate your birthday in a grand and extravagant way, you're putting the cart before the horse.

That's why she told her mother not to invite Grandmother Jia or Lady Wang at all.

In any case, both of them are well-versed in etiquette and know their considerations, so they won't take it to heart.

"Baochai, call your second brother Lian out, we're about to start the feast."

Aunt Xue's voice came from the doorway, startling Baochai so much that she sat up abruptly.

"Okay...okay, Mom."

Seeing Baochai get off her lap and hurriedly straighten her clothes, Jia Lian smiled, walked over and took her hand.

Baochai gave him a reproachful look, but still handed him her smooth, delicate hand, and then they left the inner room together.

Aunt Xue was waiting at the outer door. When she saw the two of them come out, her eyes first fell on their clasped hands, and then turned to her daughter's face.

Noticing her daughter's radiant complexion and rosy glow, she felt a surge of curiosity.

Did they both succeed, but we haven't heard any news yet...?

When Aunt Xue looked at her like that, Baochai quickly broke free from Jia Lian's large hand and went to Aunt Xue's side.

Aunt Xue then let her go and smiled at Jia Lian, saying, "I didn't know you would be here today, so I didn't prepare any fancy ingredients. Please don't blame me for being unfriendly." "Aunt, you're too kind. As long as it's prepared by you, even if it's just simple food, I'll love it."

"Hehehe..."

Jia Lian had eaten a lot at the Xue family banquet, but this time there was an extra fat man.

However, the fat man was easy to deal with. Without Jia Lian having to exert any effort, Xue Pan, who had just seen the light of day again, got himself drunk in less than half an hour.

Of course, it's also possible that he had been exercising too much and had expended too much energy.

Watching his son still muttering about wanting to drink with Jia Lian and Xue Ke, yet unable to even sit still, revealing his rather unsightly behavior.

Aunt Xue immediately ordered someone to drag Xue Pan away.

After she settled Xue Pan, she turned around and found that Jia Lian was also lying on the table, which surprised Aunt Xue.

If she remembers correctly, Jia Lian has a very high alcohol tolerance.

Although she had doubts in her heart, she didn't hesitate on the surface.

“Bao’er, what are you standing there for? Your second brother Lian is drunk, why don’t you help him down to rest?”

Seeing that everything was exactly as Jia Lian had arranged, Baochai felt both helpless and admiring.

Seeing that Xue Ke was about to step forward to help her up, Baochai said, "No need. You've had quite a bit to drink. Go back to your room and rest. Ying'er and I can help you."

"Okay, cousin."

Xue Ke was very sensible. He stepped aside, bowed to Aunt Xue and Baochai, and then turned around and went back to his own courtyard.

Ying'er and her mistress carried the large Jia Lian back to his room. After helping Jia Lian lie down, Ying'er volunteered, "Miss, I'll go and make some hangover soup for the Second Master."

The girl ignored her and just looked behind her.

Ying'er seemed to sense something, and when she turned around, she was almost startled.

Jia Lian had actually sat up in bed and was looking at her meaningfully.

"Second...Second Master, weren't you drunk?"

"Yes, I'm drunk, intoxicated by you two, master and servant."

"Alright, no need for the hangover soup. Go and fetch some hot water to serve me and your daughter."

"Oh, okay..."

Ying'er glanced at Jia Lian, then at the girl who had already lowered her head, and felt that she understood. So she happily went to do her business.

……

Since Baochai's birthday, Jia Lian has devoted all his energy to preparing for the wedding, except for occasionally keeping an eye on the political situation in the court.

He was determined to have a grand and spectacular wedding.

It wasn't just for the sake of Daiyu and Baochai.

He had been in seclusion for three years due to the mourning period.

There have been no major social activities for three years.

But these three years were also the most important three years of his rise to power.

Their status and achievements have reached a considerable level.

Therefore, this is also a key opportunity for him to demonstrate his strength and further enhance his reputation.

"Father, this is the list of distinguished guests and dignitaries who have replied and indicated that they will personally attend the ceremony on that day."

This was originally a list of names prepared because of unforeseen circumstances, but it was indicated that nephews, nieces, or the steward would attend the ceremony.

In the main study, Jia Yun respectfully handed two booklets, one thick and one thin, to Jia Lian.

While Jia Lian was browsing through the booklet, Jia Yun said with a smile, "Also, all the red carpets that Father requested have been bought. There are enough to cover the main streets of both mansions, from Ningrong Street all the way to the Lin and Xue families."

Furthermore, all twenty frames of newly built copper coins have been exchanged back.

The son has already arranged for people to throw confetti along the streets on the wedding day, so that the people along the street can share in the joy.

The master has also arranged for someone to make contact with the military command.

The military command has agreed to arrange officers and soldiers to maintain order on that day..."

As Jia Lian listened to Jia Yun's report, he casually instructed, "It's not too late to start laying the red carpet on the day itself; try not to disrupt people's normal travel too much."

"Scatter the new coins after the wedding procession has passed, to avoid causing chaos and unnecessary trouble for the brothers in the military command."

"Yes, son will remember."

After discussing some formalities with Jia Lian, Jia Lian then sought out Jia Zheng to discuss the reception of guests for the day before returning to the Grand View Garden.

First, they went to the bridal chamber behind the main hall, only to find Qin Keqing leading a large group of people working overtime to paste paper-cut window decorations and arrange the new bed. Even Li Wan and the three sisters were there.

"Look, the groom is here."

I don't know who started it, but now any maid with some status dares to jokingly call him "the groom" to his face.

Jia Lian was naturally not offended. After all, the more lively these people were, the more smiles they had on their faces, and the more atmosphere they added to the day he had carefully prepared.

"How's the setup going?"

Jia Lian walked over with a smile and casually touched Xi Chun's hair bun.

This is a habit formed over many years, and they don't care that Xichun is now over ten years old and a shy girl.

"Second brother, look for yourself! See? We even contributed to this!"

In response to Jia Lian's question, Tan Chun smiled first.

Jia Lian looked around the entire bridal chamber and nodded unconsciously.

As expected, these women had an advantage in doing delicate work. The place, inside and out, was decorated in bright red and purple, exuding wealth and joy, and was even better than he had anticipated.

"Great job, thank you for your hard work."

"Hehe, we're just filling in. The one who really worked hard is Rong'er's wife. Second brother, you should thank her properly."

Jia Lian looked at Qin Keqing, who simply smiled at him and then went on to instruct the young wives to do their work.

A moment later, she came over and said with a smile, "By the way, Uncle, the instructors and young actors at Tianxiang Tower know that you are getting married, so they have specially prepared several programs to perform on the day."

If Uncle isn't too busy, it would be best if he went over there later to see which programs would be suitable for performance as a gift.

The sisters were the first to get excited when they heard there was a show to watch.

Xiangyun immediately said, "Second brother, take us with you later, we also want to watch the show."

Before Jia Lian could speak, Qin Keqing smiled and said, "Good aunts, since this is a program they have prepared for the day of the grand ceremony, it should naturally maintain a sense of surprise."

Besides, if you see it beforehand, what will you see on the day of the grand event?

Although Qin Keqing's words made some sense, Xiangyun and the others were still somewhat unconvinced.

"Then why was Lian Er Gege allowed to see it first?"

Qin Keqing laughed and said, "Uncle was going to consummate the marriage that day, how can you compare to him?"

"oops!"

Qin Keqing's words made the girls who hadn't spoken feel embarrassed.

Li Wan glared at Qin Keqing, feeling that she was becoming increasingly audacious, daring to make such jokes with unmarried elders.

Qin Keqing, however, remained oblivious and continued to smile, saying, "So, Uncle can see it in advance. If you see it in advance, you won't be able to see it on the day of the grand ceremony."

Without Qin Keqing reminding them again, the sisters showed no intention of following them.

Jia Lian realized that Qin Keqing was doing this on purpose when she stopped Xiangyun and the others from going.

Therefore, he naturally wouldn't refuse, nodding to indicate that he would come over later. (End of Chapter)