The Second Master of the Red Chamber

The slight swaying of the carriage and the soft sound of its wheels actually had a sleep-inducing effect.

When these things suddenly disappear, it's unsettling, a moment of clarity.

Jia Lian lowered his head, looking at the beautiful and graceful women in his arms, even in their rest, and smiled slightly. Then he asked the two maids in the corner who were tidying their clothes, "Didn't you two sleep last night either?"

The two maids felt a little embarrassed upon hearing this, simply because the atmosphere inside the carriage had been too quiet.

The two mistresses leaned against Jia Lian's arms and slept peacefully. Jia Lian was also resting with his eyes closed. They couldn't resist taking a nap against the pillar of the carriage.

Fortunately, Jia Lian didn't seem to blame her. Zijuan replied, "Thank you for your concern, Second Master. We all took turns sleeping in the outer room last night."

Jia Lian nodded: "Well, that's alright then, they're not too stupid."

The two maids were moved by what they heard, feeling very lucky to have a master like Jia Lian.

After all, some masters have strict requirements for their subordinates, and they must be meticulous when on duty.

While Jia Lian seemed to be teasing them, he was actually praising their flexible shift work and not advocating for rigid, wait-and-see attitudes.

"My lord, we have arrived at Xihua Gate."

"understood."

Xihua Gate is the west gate of the imperial palace.

Although Jia Lian was granted special permission by the emperor to ride a horse into the palace, today he was bringing Baochai and Daiyu into the palace in a carriage, so he naturally could not swagger into the Forbidden City.

So they got out of the carriage, and together with Daiyu, her maids, and a small number of attendants, walked along the palace road to the front of Daming Palace.

Male attendants were no longer allowed to enter through the Linjing Gate.

Jia Lian then led only Daiyu and their maids down the white stone steps to the front gate of the Daming Palace.

Seeing that Baochai and Daiyu were both a little nervous, Jia Lian combed Daiyu's hair, which had been messed up in his arms, and said with a smile, "Don't worry, the Emperor and the Empress are both kind elders. You both met them last night, didn't you?"

"And with me here, you just need to follow me."

Jia Lian's reassurance finally put the two women, who were entering the palace for the first time, at ease.

Upon arriving at the palace gate, he asked a eunuch to announce his arrival. A moment later, a senior eunuch came out and replied, "His Majesty has just woken up from a nap and has summoned the Duke of Rongguo to the Hall of Mental Cultivation for an audience. As for Lady Lin and Lady Xue, they can wait in the side hall."

Jia Lian first led the four women—Chai, Dai, and their servants—to a side hall, and then followed the eunuchs to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The Hall of Mental Cultivation was the emperor's daily resting place, a relatively private place, but Jia Lian was already very familiar with it.

At this moment, Emperor Ningkang was lying on the dragon bed in the palace, receiving medicine while being served by Princess Zhaoyang.

Several other princes and princesses were also present nearby.

"You all go down."

Upon seeing Jia Lian enter, Emperor Ningkang waved to the group of princes and princesses.

This was originally Emperor Ningkang's usual action, which naturally carried the aura and majesty of a superior.

Unfortunately, at this moment, it seems to have a listless and weak appearance.

"Yes... Father, please take good care of yourself. I will come to see you again later."

"Ah."

Emperor Ningkang waved his hand impatiently again, and only then did the Third Prince and the others bow, turn around, glance at Jia Lian, and leave the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Your subject Jia Lian pays his respects to Your Majesty and wishes Your Majesty good health."

Emperor Ningkang did not respond. He finished the rest of the medicine from Princess Zhaoyang's hand before saying to Jia Lian, "You may get up."

"I disrupted your wedding banquet yesterday. You don't blame me, do you?"

"Your Majesty is too kind. I am deeply grateful that Your Majesty could take time out of your busy schedule to attend my banquet."

On the contrary, it was my negligence that caused Your Majesty to faint at my residence, for which I am deeply apprehensive.”

Emperor Ningkang paused for a moment, then asked, "What brings you to the palace today?"

"Your Majesty, the main reason I am here today is because I am concerned about Your Majesty's health. I cannot rest easy until I see it with my own eyes."

Another matter is that yesterday, His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress bestowed generous rewards upon my concubines, therefore I have brought them to the palace to express my gratitude for this imperial favor.

Emperor Ningkang nodded, his expression seemingly much more relaxed. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "In my current state, it is not convenient for me to see them."

Judging from the Empress's demeanor last night, she seemed to quite like the two children.

Since you have this intention, then take them to the Kunning Palace for an audience. The Empress just recently returned from my residence.”

"Yes, thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

"Go."

Jia Lian suppressed his urge to look at Princess Zhaoyang and respectfully turned and left the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Princess Zhaoyang withdrew her gaze somewhat disappointedly, only to find Emperor Ningkang staring at her. Her face flushed instantly, and she said coquettishly, "Father, why are you staring at me like that..."

Emperor Ningkang's gaze was deep and unfathomable as he calmly asked, "Is he really that good?"

Princess Zhaoyang was taken aback, and the blush on her face slowly faded.

He glanced cautiously at Emperor Ningkang's eyes before saying, "Father, there's no need to test me. There's nothing between him and me anymore."

Otherwise, how could I have stood by and watched him marry those two women in such a grand and lavish manner, without doing anything in return?

Seeing that Emperor Ningkang still had doubts in his eyes, Princess Zhaoyang did not want to continue the topic and hurriedly said, "Father, do you feel better now? Do you want to continue to handle state affairs?"
Since I am here, I will have Dai Quan read it aloud, and I will write it down for Father.

"Let's finish dealing with the rest as soon as possible, so Father can rest."

As Princess Zhaoyang spoke, she also felt a pang of sympathy for her father, the Emperor.

Her father was incredibly diligent in his duties.

Despite being ill last night, I woke up this morning still reading aloud the memorials sent by the Ministry of Justice.

He instructed Dai Quan to move all the memorials to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where he set up a small table on his sickbed to review them.

Princess Zhaoyang and the Empress arrived early. Feeling sorry for him, they persuaded him to let the Empress read the memorial to him. He gave his opinions, and Princess Zhaoyang wrote it down.

Even so, Emperor Ningkang was exhausted and fell asleep shortly afterward.

Emperor Ningkang shook his head and said, "You don't need to worry about state affairs; I've already made arrangements."

You don't need to be afraid of my questions. I don't want to, and I'm not capable of, interfering in your private affairs right now.

I only have one thing to say…

Princess Zhaoyang hurriedly replied, "Father, please speak. Your subject will certainly remember it."

"No matter what, remember that you are my child, the eldest princess of the Great Wei."

This is your identity, and this is your responsibility.

……

Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Jia Lian called out to Dai Quan, who was about to turn back.

"How is His Majesty's health?"

Dai Quan's face fell, and he said in a low voice, "After returning last night, I fainted twice more. The imperial physicians were busy all night, and I only got better in the early hours of the morning."

Seeing Jia Lian's silence and apparent contemplation, Dai Quan cautiously glanced around, and only when he realized no one was paying attention did he lean closer and say in an even lower voice, "Therefore, I hope that Lord Rong will make plans as soon as possible..."

Dai Quan felt somewhat uneasy.

After all, his status and position were entirely granted by Emperor Ningkang.

If Emperor Ningkang were to pass away, it would be incredibly difficult for him to retain his status and power as the Grand Chancellor.

If he had to choose between two adult princes, he would naturally prefer the younger, less established fourth prince.

After all, Prince Yun had already come of age, and there was already a group of eunuchs in Prince Yun's mansion who had gained his trust.

Once Prince Yun ascends the throne and becomes emperor, his power will inevitably be shattered by this group of people.

Of course, as the head of the eunuchs, he certainly wouldn't step forward to take sides now; that would be courting death.

Therefore, subtly reminding Jia Lian was already a sign of his sincerity.

Jia Lian smiled at Dai Quan's sincerity, but seemed unsatisfied. He cupped his hands and said, "I have naturally made preparations, but I still need Chief Steward Dai's strong assistance."

Dai Quan said unhappily, "Lord Rong is joking. What help can a mere eunuch like me offer Lord Rong?"

Jia Lian was not offended by the other party's attitude and calmly said, "Steward, there is no need to worry. I do not intend for you to do anything difficult or disobey His Majesty. I only hope that you can lend us a helping hand at a crucial moment."

"The steward should know perfectly well what kind of person that prince is."

He had long regarded me as his mortal enemy.

Over the years, thanks to the care of Chief Steward Dai, even His Majesty knows about our relationship. How could anyone not know?
The steward only needs to consider whether the new leader would tolerate him if he were to take over.

After Jia Lian finished speaking, seeing that Princess Zhaoyang still hadn't come out, he stepped back, cupped his hands to Dai Quan, and turned to leave.

Dai Quan stood there for a moment, pondering, then turned and walked back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Jia Lian walked back to the side hall, only to find the Fourth Prince standing under the eaves outside, looking sneaky and embarrassed, as if he wanted to go in but was too shy to.

Upon seeing Jia Lian, he immediately ran over and said with a smile, "Jia Lian, I heard you brought your new bride to the palace. Is she one of those two inside?"

Jia Lian frowned and asked, "Why are you asking this?"

The fourth prince was slightly taken aback, then said irritably, "Why are you so nervous? I'm just curious."

I saw them last night, but I didn't see their faces, and I don't know if they're good-looking or not, or if they're worth all that effort and grand gesture to marry them.

Seeing that Jia Lian remained silent, the Fourth Prince was somewhat displeased: "Fine, if you don't want me to see, so be it. What's the big deal? I'll find two beautiful wives for you to see too."

As the fourth prince spoke, he angrily turned to leave.

Jia Lian said, "Take care. You want to see other people's wives but you don't even have the patience. No wonder you can't find a wife."

As he spoke, he walked into the side hall.

The fourth prince hesitated for a moment, then immediately ran back sneakily. After catching up with Jia Lian, he laughed and said, "Who says I can't find a wife? I am Prince Xiao, and countless young ladies from noble families in the capital want to marry me."

I'm not thinking about finding a wife yet.

Women are such a hassle.

As they were talking, they walked into the hall and immediately saw four delicate-looking women inside.

Undoubtedly, the two in the middle, dressed in more luxurious clothes, are the main characters.

The fourth prince was immediately stunned when he saw it.

Baochai and Daiyu were about to greet Jia Lian when they saw him return.

Suddenly noticing a boy standing next to him, he immediately stopped in his tracks.

Baochai was somewhat better off, thinking that this young man in the deep palace, who didn't seem to be a eunuch, must be someone of status.

Therefore, it was not impolite for Yingying to stop and wait for Jia Lian to introduce her.

Daiyu didn't think too much about it. When she saw a strange man, she instinctively lowered her head and hid behind Baochai.

Jia Lian smiled and said, "This is Prince Xiao, also known as the Fourth Prince, and he is also the younger brother of your sister Qingran, born of the same mother."

"Greetings, Fourth Prince."

Baochai gave a graceful bow, and Daiyu reluctantly copied her.

The Fourth Prince was very satisfied with Jia Lian's introduction, first as Prince Xiao, and then as a prince.

He was curious about the last part: Did Jia Lian's two beautiful new brides actually know his older sister? When did that happen?
Without thinking too much, he smiled broadly at Baochai and Daiyu and said, "Hello, sisters-in-law. I am Wei Ling. Please take care of me in the future."

As he spoke, the young man winked at Jia Lian, as if to say: "Brother, your wife is really beautiful. Where did you find her? Find me a couple too!"

Jia Lian ignored him; he wasn't someone who couldn't take a joke.

Although this kid looks shifty, he was still standing obediently outside before I came over, and didn't rush in to disturb me, which shows that he is still a polite person.

Jia Lian felt very uncomfortable when he first came into contact with the Fourth Prince.

Not to mention Baochai and Daiyu, how could they have ever seen such a person?

If Jia Lian hadn't said he was a prince, they would have thought he was some street urchin.

So the two of them simply nodded politely and said nothing more.

Jia Lian said, "We are going to Kunning Palace to pay our respects to the Empress. Are you going?"

"Let's go to Kunning Palace."

The fourth prince hesitated, after all, given his personality, it was difficult for him not to be afraid of his elders.

But after glancing at Baochai and Daiyu, he immediately made a decision: "Go ahead, it just so happens that I haven't visited the Empress Dowager at Kunning Palace in a long time."

Come, I will show you the way.

The fourth prince actually disliked talking to women.

The main problem is that the voices of those well-bred young ladies are so faint they're barely audible, like mosquitoes.

That's not all. Sometimes when he greets them, they blush and turn their heads away, which is inexplicable and shows a complete lack of manners.

So he only played with boys from the royal family from childhood to adulthood.

However, these two people in front of me are an exception.

First of all, they were Jia Lian's women, and judging from Jia Lian's attitude, they were clearly not ordinary concubines.

Therefore, it's important to build good relationships, so that you might be able to ask for their help in the future if anything comes up.

Most importantly, he also inquired about the backgrounds of Jia Lian's two new wives and learned that they were Jia Lian's childhood sweethearts who had lived together since they were young.

Since they live together, they must know Yingchun very well.

We might even be able to learn some news about Yingchun from them.

……

The Empress was delighted to see Baochai and Daiyu in their true forms.

He personally pulled the two women aside, showing concern and asking them all sorts of questions, making Baochai and Daiyu feel a little embarrassed.

It seems that if the emperor hadn't been unwell, she would have kept the two women to have lunch with her.

And so, near noon, Jia Lian led Daiyu and their servants out of the palace.

As soon as they got into the carriage, seeing the relieved expressions on their faces, Jia Lian smiled and asked, "How are you? Are you tired?"

Baochai shook her head: "I'm not tired, but I didn't expect Her Majesty the Empress to be such a kind person."

Even Daiyu nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

It was clear that the Empress's kind attitude had indeed made the two of them feel somewhat flattered.

Jia Lian said, "The Empress is certainly a good person, but not everyone is worthy of her treating them with such kindness."

"You two, you're only doing this because of me."

Baochai smiled and said, "Yes, if it weren't for my husband, how would we be qualified to see the Empress?"

Many thanks to my husband for introducing us today.

Jia Lian became increasingly smug, but he didn't tell them that the Empress had once wanted to adopt him into her family.

Although Emperor Ningkang did not agree at the time, he did not explicitly object either, so it is hard to say whether the Empress did not have this intention.

Therefore, her current view of Daiyu and Baochai is probably not much different from how she views her daughter-in-law.

Otherwise, even if Daiyu and Baochai were beautiful and had lovely voices, the Empress really didn't need to be so affectionate with them, since they were not related.

Are you tired?

"Why do you ask that, my husband?"

"If you're not tired, I'll take you to visit our two important elders along the way."

Upon hearing this, both Baochai and Daiyu hesitated.

However, she slept for an hour in the morning, and then she also slept for a while in Jia Lian's arms in the carriage.

After touring the solemn and majestic palace, they were no longer sleepy.

Baochai said, "Since they are important elders and it's on the way, then we'll follow my husband's arrangement."

Although Daiyu was somewhat reluctant, she thought that such social engagements would be necessary in the future.

Since Jia Lian was leading them today, they could learn and observe more, so they nodded in agreement. (End of Chapter)