The Second Master of the Red Chamber

The grand performance ended, and the officials dispersed.

Before leaving, everyone couldn't help but glance at Jia Lian.

No one dared to approach and strike up a conversation.

Even those who were once on good terms with Jia Lian.

The things that happened to Jia Lian are just too legendary.

One case after another, they were too numerous to count.

Many people can't help but wonder, if Jia Lian had agreed to the Emperor Emeritus's request to restore him to the throne when the Emperor Emeritus was still alive, would he now be the Crown Prince and the legitimate heir to the empire?
They didn't know the answer, but they did know that the relationship between Jia Lian and Emperor Ningkang was becoming increasingly mysterious.

This can be seen from the fact that Emperor Ningkang just coldly dismissed Jia Lian with a thousand taels of gold.

A thousand taels of gold is a lot, but when placed on the Duke of Rong, and on the matter of bombarding the palace gates and protecting the emperor, it seems like nothing at all.

Although everyone has seen Jia Lian's loyalty to Emperor Ningkang from today's events.

However, it's useless for them to see this; it has to be Emperor Ningkang who can see it.

Wang Ziteng patted Jia Lian on the shoulder and gave him an encouraging look.

Prince Bei Jing looked at him with both admiration and worry.

None of them left.

With such a major event occurring, it was impossible for Emperor Ningkang not to summon these important officials.

Sure enough, Dai Quan came over shortly afterward.

He shook off the dejection of the previous two weeks and became arrogant again.

However, when he approached Jia Lian, he lowered his posture and said, "Duke Rong, His Majesty summons you."

Putting aside their personal relationship, even if Jia Lian and he were political enemies.

Given Jia Lian's current high merit and the mysterious relationship between him and Emperor Ningkang, no one dares to step on Jia Lian before Emperor Ningkang makes a statement.

Of course, I wouldn't dare to praise it.

……

Passing by the eunuchs who were scrubbing the floor, Jia Lian followed Dai Quan into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Emperor Ningkang had just washed his hands, and after Jia Lian paid his respects, he snorted in response to Jia Lian's curious gaze:
Are you mocking me, saying I'm faking illness to deceive you?

"Your Majesty is safe and sound; that is the best news for me."

Emperor Ningkang paused for a moment, then said, "My illness is real."

Jia Lian asked in astonishment, "Isn't His Majesty perfectly fine now?"

Emperor Ningkang said nothing more, but instead asked, "I heard that in the main hall earlier, the Emperor Emeritus wanted to appoint you as the Crown Prince?"

"There is such a thing."

There were too many witnesses at the time; denying it was pointless.

Emperor Ningkang's tone turned stern: "Why not agree? With the strength of the Firearms Battalion, if you had supported the Retired Emperor back then, I'm afraid I might not have been your match."

“Your Majesty is mistaken. The firearms battalion is Your Majesty’s firearms battalion. The reason I can command the firearms battalion is because I am loyal to Your Majesty.”

Jia Lian spoke these words with utmost seriousness, neither feigning fear nor displaying arrogance.

Emperor Ningkang's expression softened somewhat, but he still continued to question: "At that time, I was critically ill, the Third Prince had already fallen into your hands, and the Fourth Prince had almost no foundation. From your perspective, I cannot understand why you refused."

Jia Lian, could you give me a reason I can understand?

Jia Lian took a deep breath, looked at Emperor Ningkang, and slowly said, "Does Your Majesty want to hear the truth or a lie?"

Emperor Ningkang raised an eyebrow.

Since he ascended the throne, very few ministers have dared to speak to him in a questioning tone.

At this moment, Dai Quan had already led several eunuchs to bring him water to wash his feet in a golden basin.

He put his feet in and, while washing them, casually said, "Tell me a lie."

"Your Majesty, I am utterly loyal. Even if the Emperor Emeritus wanted to make me the Crown Prince, or even if he wanted me to become the Emperor, I would not be tempted in the slightest."

"Heh, the truth?"

"The truth..."

Jia Lian raised his head, his gaze intense, almost reverent, as he looked at Emperor Ningkang.

"In my heart, Your Majesty is not only a wise ruler, but also my elder."

I simply didn't have time to think too much at the time.

Your Majesty, I simply feel that a good emperor as diligent and loving as Your Majesty should absolutely not die at the hands of petty villains.

Therefore, I must go and rescue Your Majesty.

As for the Emperor Emeritus's suggestion...

Because the retired emperor had deceived us, his grandchildren, several times.

First the former crown prince, then the third prince.

Now that it's my turn, I simply can't believe that the Emperor Emeritus is speaking from the heart.

Even if it's the truth.

At that time, I had only one thought: regardless of whether it was true or false, I had to see Your Majesty first.

Only when Your Majesty's safety is assured can I have the mind to attend to other matters.

Otherwise, I would be heartless and ungrateful, unworthy of being a son!

Jia Lian's voice, without any feigned sob, was calm with a hint of relief.

He seemed pleased with himself for making the right choice.

Emperor Ningkang was slightly moved.

Jia Lian's answer was simple, sincere, and consistent with the true reaction of a person under emergency conditions.

However, Emperor Ningkang immediately realized his loss of composure, gave a feigned snort, remained indifferent, and said sarcastically, "You dare to say that."

Are you implying that once you're certain of my death, you'll turn around and support the Retired Emperor's restoration so you can become your imperial grandson?

Jia Lian quickly shook his head: "Your Majesty has misunderstood."

I admit that when the Emperor Emeritus said those words, I was momentarily stunned.

But now I have thought it through.

As the saying goes, if the name is not correct, the words will not be proper. Even if Your Majesty had actually met with misfortune at that time, I would not have dared to do such a rebellious thing.

Although I don't know why the Emperor Emeritus said those things back then, whether he wanted to trick me into using the troops under his command like he did on Iron Net Mountain, or whether he genuinely liked me.

I am ultimately just a bastard, and in terms of nobility, I am far inferior to the Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince.

Needless to say, I have already clearly pledged my allegiance to His Highness the Fourth Prince.

If he were to betray his principles at this point, such a fickle and treacherous person would not only be unable to covet a high position, but would likely find it difficult to even have a peaceful end.

Furthermore, the retired emperor is eighty-two years old this year and is no longer able to preside over state affairs.

If we were to support his restoration, wouldn't that create unexpected obstacles in the succession of imperial power?

This is an act of disregarding the state of the nation and the people for personal gain, and it is a disastrous act that harms the country and its people.

I dare not do it, nor can I do it.

Finally, those who accompanied me to the palace to rescue the emperor included several thousand guards and soldiers led by the Princess.

If I were to have any disloyal intentions, I fear even the Princess might not agree.

The courtiers will certainly not tolerate me.

Therefore, even if Your Majesty were to encounter some misfortune, there is only one correct and best choice for me.

That is to work with the eldest princess to invite the retired emperor back to Chonghua Palace to recuperate, and then respectfully invite the fourth prince to succeed to the throne and continue the imperial line.

This is both what everyone hopes for, and it is also my way of not failing Your Majesty's grace.

Later, the historians would record that I was a loyal minister who knew how to repay kindness, was devoted to the emperor and loved my country, not a treacherous and self-destructive villain who coveted power.

Emperor Ningkang carefully examined Jia Lian's face and listened to his account, but ultimately did not question him further.

He sighed and said slowly, "Jia Lian, do you know why I pretended to be sick?"

"Your Majesty's profound meaning is beyond my comprehension."

"Hmph, don't think I don't know. You guessed long ago that I wanted to establish Prince Xiao as the new king."

However, King Xiao was unruly from a young age, and his ministers did not respect him.

If I were to rashly appoint him as crown prince, not only would the court officials object, but I fear even his ruthless and cunning brother would not tolerate him.

Therefore, if I do not take this opportunity to eliminate potential threats to him as much as possible, how can I feel at ease? Emperor Ningkang finally admitted that the one he wanted to establish was the fourth prince.

That's true, there's no need to hide it anymore.

The third prince is completely useless. If the fourth prince is not appointed, should the fifth prince, who is not even ten years old, be appointed instead?
"His Majesty's deep affection for the Fourth Prince will surely make the Fourth Prince very happy to know."

"is it?"

"But I am still not at ease."

Jia Lian asked, "Now, Prince Yun and his cronies have almost all come to light."

"Your Majesty only needs to eliminate them one by one, and no one will be able to threaten the Fourth Prince's position as Crown Prince. I wonder why Your Majesty is still not at ease."

"because of you."

"minister?"

Emperor Ningkang stared straight at Jia Lian.

Jia Lian's heart tightened slightly, and he quickly said, "Your Majesty, I am utterly loyal to the Fourth Prince. Why are you so worried?"

"I believe in your current loyalty."

I know that Prince Xiao needs your support to secure his position.

However, I do not believe in Prince Xiao's ability to control you.

Ling'er was uneducated and unskilled from a young age, but she was naturally innocent and kind.

If I were to pass the throne to him, sooner or later he would still be usurped by you.

If you can still maintain your loyalty at that time, that's fine; he will only lose power.

If you ever change your mind, I'm afraid his life will be in danger.

Therefore, for the sake of long-term considerations, I might as well pass the throne to you directly.

In this way, at least Ling'er's life can be saved. What do you say?

"I am terrified."

Jia Lian was so frightened that he knelt down.

"Of course, I have another option, which is—to kill you."

At this time, all the extra eunuchs in the Hall of Mental Cultivation had been dismissed by Emperor Ningkang.

The emperor and his minister were both soaking their feet, looking quite relaxed.

A person knelt on the cold floor tiles, shivering.

"What's wrong? Aren't you supposed to be eloquent? Why are you afraid to speak?"

Jia Lian looked up at Emperor Ningkang and said after a long while, "Your Majesty, I think you are wrong."

"Oh, I was wrong?"

"In my opinion, Your Majesty has underestimated the Fourth Prince."

Although the Fourth Prince is kind, he is also intelligent, brave and decisive.

I dare not say that I will surpass His Majesty in the future, but I will at least be a capable ruler.

Moreover, he has the protection of the eldest princess and the ministers carefully selected by His Majesty to assist him.

Therefore, let alone me, even if there were someone ten times smarter than me, they might not be able to usurp the power of the Fourth Prince.

But I cannot defend myself in this matter.

If Your Majesty truly cannot trust me, I am willing to resign from all my posts and peacefully enjoy wealth and comfort at home.

Jia Lian's reply was exactly what Emperor Ningkang had expected.

He asked with great interest, "Are you really willing to stay at home and be a wealthy idler?"

Jia Lian rolled his eyes: "Just as I know Your Majesty, Your Majesty should also know me."

I have never been a person of pure heart and few desires.

At home, I still have more than ten beautiful wives and concubines.

Even if I can no longer serve the country faithfully for the rest of my life, with them by my side, I don't think I'll be too lonely.

His words, spoken so matter-of-factly, amused Emperor Ningkang.

Just then, Dai Quan walked in and whispered to Emperor Ningkang, "Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Zhao, Prince Bei Jing, and the Eldest Princess are requesting an audience outside the hall."

"Understood. Have them wait in the South Study."

"Yes."

After dismissing Dai Quan, Emperor Ningkang looked at Jia Lian with a dark expression and scolded, "How dare you say that? I warned you long ago not to be so obsessed with women at such a young age."

If it weren't for the fact that you usually do your job quite diligently, I would have skinned you alive long ago.

Since you've willingly given up your position, don't regret it.

Okay, you can go back now.

Uh, Jia Lian looked up, looking at Emperor Ningkang with some confusion.

It seems to be asking: Is that all?
Emperor Ningkang glared at him: What else do you want?

Jia Lian understood and suddenly smiled, "Um, Your Majesty, would you like me to wipe your feet?"

Jia Lian saw that Emperor Ningkang had picked up his feet and placed them on the edge of the foot basin, clearly indicating that he had finished washing them, and wanted to curry favor with him.

Emperor Ningkang snorted, "You know how to serve people? Don't think I don't know that you have no fewer than dozens of maids and wives serving you in your mansion."

Okay, enough rambling, get lost.

"Oh, alright, Your Majesty, please take care of your health."

"understood."

"By the way, next month is the Empress's birthday. Remember to prepare a generous gift. She always speaks highly of you."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I have remembered."

Watching Jia Lian turn and leave, Emperor Ningkang's expression of disdain gradually faded, and his brows furrowed.

He wasn't just trying to scare Jia Lian; he was genuinely worried that the Fourth Prince wouldn't be able to control Jia Lian in the future.

His feigned illness, or rather, his feigned death, was not only to remove obstacles for the Fourth Prince, but also to test all other potential threats.

This includes the retired emperor and Jia Lian.

It seems that the retired emperor is truly out of options.

They even resorted to deceiving his son.

The thought of the Third Prince chilled Emperor Ningkang's heart.

He had considered that the Third Prince might not be able to hold back and would take action, but he still didn't expect that the Third Prince would actually dare to send troops to kill him.

As for Jia Lian...

He didn't believe the idea that he would resign from all his positions and become a wealthy idler at home.

With his exceptional talent and temperament, Jia Lian was no longer someone who could simply choose to retire.

If, after his death, the succeeding ruler encounters a problem and wants to ask him to come out of retirement, will he or she agree?
Therefore, as long as Jia Lian isn't killed, he can only be used.

Emperor Ningkang could not bring himself to kill Jia Lian.

Not to mention that the Fourth Prince also needs Jia Lian, his most powerful and capable right-hand man, to assist him.

Even he himself couldn't bear to kill, and didn't dare to.

As emperor, there were only two things he cared about most.

The first priority is naturally his country and its people.

Secondly, there is his posthumous reputation.

Jia Lian's abilities and loyalty have reached a point that has astonished even the emperor.

Moreover, this applies to the ministers and the people of the world.

Zhao Gou killed Yue Fei, and he is still despised by people hundreds of years later.

For him, Jia Lian's achievements were no less than Yue Fei's, but he was even more loyal.

Yue Fei was not necessarily loyal to Zhao Gou, but Jia Lian was loyal to Emperor Ningkang from beginning to end.

The retired emperor twice offered him great rewards to turn him against his cause, but he remained loyal to him both times.

Such loyalty shines as brightly as the sun and moon.

Under such circumstances, if he killed Jia Lian simply because he feared that future emperors would not be able to control him, how should the historical records describe him?
How should the court officials and the people of the world view him?
If we can't kill them, how can we use them?
Emperor Ningkang fell into deep thought. (End of Chapter)