The Second Master of the Red Chamber

After nestling in Jia Lian's arms for a while, Princess Zhaoyang remembered the important matter and said in a somewhat excited tone:
"Guess what my father bestowed upon me?"

"What did they seal off you for?" Jia Lian smiled.

Just now in the Golden Palace, Emperor Ningkang only hastily bestowed a thousand taels of gold upon him and Princess Zhaoyang respectively.

Jia Lian knew that this was Emperor Ningkang's doing, meant to make him uneasy.

Strictly speaking, Princess Zhaoyang was dragged down by him.

It is only natural that Emperor Ningkang would bestow special honors upon Princess Zhaoyang.

I just don't know if he'll get a share.

Princess Zhaoyang pulled herself out of Jia Lian's arms, looked up and laughed, "My father has appointed me as the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guards, giving me complete control over all the Imperial Guards!"

"The Imperial Guard... the Grand Commander?" Jia Lian was startled.

If he hadn't known that Princess Zhaoyang wouldn't joke about such things, he would have suspected that she was deliberately teasing him.

The imperial guard system of this dynasty is somewhat similar to that of the former Song dynasty.

The Imperial Guards were quite powerful, and could even directly represent the strength of the imperial court.

Perhaps to prevent the emergence of generals like Zhao Kuangyin, the commanders of the various camps of the Imperial Guards were the highest-ranking generals, directly under the command of the emperor.

Now that Emperor Ningkang is in poor health, in order to protect the fourth prince, he actually created this position and gave it to Princess Zhaoyang.
Thinking of how Princess Zhaoyang had suddenly become the most powerful person in the entire empire, even though she was his woman, Jia Lian couldn't help but feel a little jealous.

Well, it's true that children are always the best.

Although Emperor Ningkang had always treated him like a nephew, he could never compare to his own daughter.

Thinking back on the past five years, I realize how much I have done for him.

As a result, not only was he threatened every few days, but he also occasionally became suspicious of me.

Even if you want to transfer troops, you have to shamelessly go to your old subordinates to get them to do it...

Princess Zhaoyang keenly sensed Jia Lian's shock and jealousy, and she smiled happily.

"Oh dear, he was just the deputy commander of the guard battalion before, and now he's suddenly become the commander-in-chief. I really don't know what to do."

I wonder if the current seven commanders will submit to me...

Princess Zhaoyang's feigned nervousness was nothing short of Versailles.

If the location weren't so inappropriate, Jia Lian would have liked to hold her down and give her a good spanking.

“What are you afraid of? Don’t you have your father, the Emperor? If anyone disobeys you, just go to your father and replace the disobedient one.” Jia Lian said deliberately in a jealous tone.

"Giggle..."

Princess Zhaoyang reached out and touched Jia Lian's face, laughing, "Look at you, such a grown man, still jealous."

"Your father hasn't forgotten you either; he's given you an official position."

"Oh? What is it?"

Seriously, with the Commander of the Imperial Guards ahead of him, Jia Lian had absolutely no interest in being granted an official position.

Princess Zhaoyang, with an expression that seemed to have anticipated his reaction, offered no explanation, and directly took out the imperial edict from her sleeve, saying solemnly, "Duke Rongguo, Jia Lian, receive the edict!"

"Uh...it's just the two of us here, is there a need to be so formal?"

"Hey, be serious, kneel down and receive the imperial decree!"

Princess Zhaoyang stamped her foot and urged them repeatedly.

She knew the contents of the imperial edict, so naturally she had to be more solemn to create a sense of ceremony.

"Ok."

Jia Lian sighed helplessly, knelt down before Princess Zhaoyang, and said, "Your subject Jia Lian receives the imperial decree."

Imperial Edict:
He was appointed as the Duke of Rongguo, Jia Lian, the military governor of the capital region, in charge of the troops and to protect the safety of the capital.

I hope you will work diligently and not slack off.

Admire this. "

After Princess Zhaoyang finished reading, she looked down at Jia Lian.

Seeing that Jia Lian did not react, he laughed and said, "Duke Rongguo, why don't you accept the imperial decree and express your gratitude?"

Jia Lian took a deep breath, accepted the imperial edict with both hands, and said loudly, "Your subject Jia Lian thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

"Second Prince, are you satisfied with the reward bestowed upon my father?"

Jia Lian opened the imperial edict and read it himself, then replied to Princess Zhaoyang, "Your Majesty... is so trusting of the two of us?"

Jia Lian still found it somewhat unbelievable.

Whether it was appointing him as the military governor of the capital garrison or appointing Princess Zhaoyang as the commander-in-chief of the imperial guards, both were exceptional honors.

Any order sent to the imperial court would cause a huge uproar.

Did Emperor Ningkang do it all at once?

This means that most of the military power in the capital and its surrounding areas has been handed over to the two of them.
That was quite unexpected!

Princess Zhaoyang sighed, "Now it seems that when Chen Ke was killed last year and the position of the military governor of the capital garrison was vacant, my father must have intended to reserve this position for you."

As for me, the commander of the Imperial Guards, it was probably my father's idea on a whim.

Ling'er has no power base in the court, and his father is worried about him. That's why he appointed the two of us to such important positions, with the aim of helping Ling'er to secure his position.

Now, you no longer doubt my father's trust in you, do you?

Jia Lian nodded.

As long as Emperor Ningkang does not rescind these two appointments, Jia Lian will certainly not have any further doubts.

What are you still doubting?
He and Princess Zhaoyang were able to control most of the troops in the capital region and outside the imperial city.

One of them could even command 100,000 Imperial Guards!
It can be said that as long as these two men have a little bit of ability, once they secure their positions, they will have the final say on who should sit on the throne!

Even if they were to attack Emperor Ningkang's territory, there would be a good chance.

If this isn't considered trust, then Jia Lian doesn't even know what trust truly is.

Originally, Jia Lian harbored some resentment towards Emperor Ningkang for frequently giving him a warning.

But now it has vanished in an instant.

So that tapping earlier was the final test.

In that case, I'll reluctantly forgive him.

Seeing that Jia Lian was also in a daze, just like she had been in the South Study, Princess Zhaoyang smiled and gave Jia Lian time to think. She then squatted down and helped Jia Lian brush the dust off his knees.

The black python robe was covered in obvious dust stains.

Jia Lian tucked the imperial edict under his arm and helped Princess Zhaoyang up with one hand: "Now you're showing me concern, even though you insisted I kneel before you just now."

"Where is it for me..."

Princess Zhaoyang was about to say that she wasn't going to kneel before her, but then she suddenly remembered something and laughed, "I'm going to make you kneel..."

Seeing that Jia Lian chuckled and didn't seem to care, she tiptoed and whispered in his ear:
"They've knelt before you so many times, and you're not satisfied with just one kneel?"

Because the weather was still a bit chilly, Princess Zhaoyang gently exhaled musk, which tickled her ears and neck, leaving a cool, tingling sensation.

Jia Lian was instantly invigorated. Without a word, he hooked his arm around the beauty's neck and planted a deep kiss on her fresh, red lips.

Looking up, he saw the beauty's eyes sparkling with spring, her gaze filled with tears. Jia Lian couldn't help but gently pat her head.

Princess Zhaoyang blushed immediately. Knowing what Jia Lian was trying to do, she immediately said coquettishly, "No, the soldiers guarding the city will see us."

Jia Lian was about to say that with Hu Jin guarding the area, no one would dare to come over.

However, she then remembered that Princess Zhaoyang was now the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Guards, and if this were discovered, it would indeed damage her prestige.

He then pulled Princess Zhaoyang into his arms again: "Then remember, you owe me one. Next time at the princess's residence, I want you to serve me inside the railing on the third floor of Tingyu Pavilion."

Listening to the Rain Pavilion is the largest and tallest pavilion in the Princess's residence.

Although it doesn't offer the same expansive view as this place, standing inside the outer railing on the third floor still allows you to take in half of the imperial city.

Princess Zhaoyang secretly rolled her eyes, but still cooperated: "Then thank you for your understanding, Duke Rong. I understand."

Jia Lian laughed heartily, embraced the princess's delicate body, and looked down at the western city.

After a few breaths, Princess Zhaoyang said without looking up, "I should go back now; I still have many things to take care of."

"Yes, I'll go with you."

Princess Zhaoyang said, "You don't need to go to the palace. Your father specifically instructed you to go to the military governor's office as soon as possible to take up your post and familiarize yourself with the affairs of the capital garrison. You don't need to go to the palace to express your gratitude."

"You don't need to worry. If anything happens in the palace, I will inform you as soon as possible." Upon hearing this, Jia Lian gave up his plan to go to the palace again.

Since Emperor Ningkang preferred to give him benefits behind his back and didn't care about his gratitude in person, he wouldn't force him.

After all, being too quick to offer greetings can sometimes be annoying.

He had originally planned to visit Emperor Ningkang's harem to see Yuan Chun and the Empress.

Most importantly, we should see if it's appropriate to visit the retired emperor.

Although the Emperor Emeritus almost tricked him again today, the old man's desire to make him the Crown Prince was ultimately a heartfelt wish.

At his advanced age, to fall into the hands of Emperor Ningkang once again, I'm genuinely worried he won't survive.

"Um, does Qingran know what Her Majesty the Empress likes?"

"What do you ask for this?"

"His Majesty said that next month is the Empress's birthday and asked me to prepare a thoughtful gift."

I'm asking you because I'm clueless.

Princess Zhaoyang smiled and said, "It seems that the Empress Dowager doesn't have anything she particularly likes, but she is a Buddhist, so Erlang might as well start from that point."

Jia Lian nodded to indicate that he understood, and then suddenly asked, "Um, is Qingran going to the palace today? If it's convenient, could you please visit the Emperor Emeritus on my behalf?"

I'm afraid he won't be able to handle the blow.

As you know, given the current situation, it's really not convenient for me to go to Chonghua Palace.

Although Emperor Ningkang granted him permission to visit the retired emperor, he still needed to be mindful of his actions.

The retired emperor not only stirred up trouble today, but also claimed he would make him the crown prince.

It was indeed inappropriate for him to go and see the retired emperor at this time.

Upon hearing this, Princess Zhaoyang's excitement faded considerably.

From childhood to adulthood, her grandfather doted on her.

"Don't worry, I was going to visit him even if you didn't tell me."

Having received Princess Zhaoyang's promise, Jia Lian said no more. He whispered a few words to her, arranged the time for their next meeting, and then they parted ways.

……

After leaving the capital, Jia Lian first went to the Linzi Earl's residence.

Such a big thing has happened in the palace; we should inform the old man.

"What? Quickly, bring me the imperial edict so I can see it!"

Old Master Zhang suddenly stood up from his chair, his eyes sharp as an eagle's.

Jia Lian then took the imperial edict appointing the official title from his sleeve and gave it to the old man.

"Tsk tsk tsk, you kid... if I remember correctly, you're only twenty-four years old this year, right?"
A twenty-four-year-old second-rank military governor of the capital garrison is a rare find throughout history!

After reading the imperial edict, even the proud old man looked at Jia Lian with a shocked expression, his tone tinged with envy and jealousy.

I vaguely remember that when he was twenty-four years old, he was still a sergeant in the army.

It's really annoying to compare people to each other.

Jia Lian chuckled: "This is all thanks to my maternal grandfather's guidance."

"I'll cultivate my ass."

The old man returned the imperial edict to Jia Lian with a hint of annoyance, but then he chuckled to himself.

"You've been promoted several ranks in one go, and now your official rank is even higher than your uncle's."

No doubt about it, this is a very happy occasion.

"Stay for lunch, I'll have a couple of drinks with you."

Jia Lian hesitated for a moment: "This, I..."

"What are you babbling about? I know you're busy, but even if you're busy, it won't take long."

"You wait, I'll have your second aunt prepare some nice snacks for us!"

Seeing the old man's attitude, Jia Lian stopped refusing.

He did indeed have many preparations in mind before taking office.

However, according to Princess Zhaoyang, this imperial edict was only recently issued. It would take some time for the emperor's intention to be conveyed to the relevant departments, and then from the departments to the Beijing Garrison and the military and government offices under its command.

Therefore, there's no rush for him to take office.

While waiting for lunch, Jia Lian went to rest in the side room that the Zhang family had prepared especially for him.

As his status in his maternal grandfather's family rose, the Zhang family prepared a separate side room next to the old man's courtyard for him to rest in.

After dismissing the two maids, Jia Lian lay listlessly on the bed, pondering how to quickly and effectively take over the military power of the Beijing garrison.

Suddenly, he heard very light footsteps. Jia Lian turned his head and saw that it was his little cousin tiptoeing over.

Seeing that she had been discovered, Zhang Yan stuck out her tongue, walked to Jia Lian's bedside, and said with a smile, "Cousin, are you going to sleep?"

Jia Lian sat up and shook his head, saying, "No, I was thinking about something."

"Oh, what are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking, our Yan'er is getting more and more beautiful. She's grown into a graceful young lady, I wonder which rascal will end up with her."

Jia Lian looked at his real cousin with a smile.

A fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, she truly exudes youthful vitality.

In addition, with her beautiful appearance, supple skin, and graceful figure, she is indeed very likable.

"Oh dear, you naughty cousin, if you keep talking like that, people won't talk to you anymore."

As Zhang Yan spoke, she deliberately turned her back to hide her blushing face.

Jia Lian chuckled, took her hand, and helped her sit down on the edge of the bed. He asked with a smile, "What brings you here? Is dinner ready?"

"It won't be that fast."

This wasn't the first time Zhang Yan had been teased by Jia Lian, so she quickly moved on from the earlier incident.

She tilted her head and scrutinized Jia Lian for a while before saying, "Cousin, I heard from Grandpa and the others that you have become the military governor of the capital garrison."

"How high a rank is this Military Governor of the Capital Garrison?"

"Yes, that's a very high-ranking official."

"Just how big is it?"

Jia Lian looked at Zhang Yan, who had a curious expression on her face, and pinched her little face with a smile, saying, "Let me put it this way, he is three ranks higher than your father."

"Wow, that's amazing..."

Zhang Yan's beautiful eyes immediately revealed a look of admiration.

She knew that her father was already a very high-ranking official.

I never expected Jia Lian to be so much taller than his father. My cousin is really amazing.

Suddenly remembering what her mother and sister-in-law had said to her, Zhang Yan's heart began to race, and she dared not look Jia Lian in the eye.

"what happened?"

Just as Jia Lian was about to pinch that smooth little face again, Zhang Yan suddenly stood up.

"Cousin, you get some rest. I'm leaving now."

By the way, my second brother just returned home; he might be coming to see you.

After saying that, Zhang Yan ran away with small, quick steps before Jia Lian could respond.

Seeing her energetic demeanor, Jia Lian smiled like an aunt.

Come to think of it, he has quite a few cousins.

Besides the official one, there are also Baochai, Daiyu, Xiuyan, and others.

These are all people he has had a lot of interaction with.

If you include those who rarely leave their homes and have little chance to meet, the number would be even greater.

Having too many cousins ​​is already a problem, let alone the fact that they're all so beautiful.

Sigh, why is it so hard to just be a cousin? (End of Chapter)