Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 457 Too Depraved
The banquet given by the emperor after the grand court meeting was just a symbolic gesture. Few people really came here to drink and have fun, but it was a good thing because they could pack up and take it back.

The emperor did not give out New Year gifts this year, mainly because he spent too much from the treasury last year and he felt sorry for the money.

After the banquet started, the emperor came out and toasted his ministers. Then he left with a group of ministers, and they went to another place to drink and talk. Not long after the emperor left, before all the dishes were served, some officials stood up and left the table, carrying the packed dishes in their hands, as a way of giving the emperor some face. The imperial chef's cooking skills were not bad, and taking the dishes back was also a way of letting the family enjoy the emperor's favor.

Jia Lian sat patiently for half an hour before getting up and leaving, without even packing up the food.

Many people were watching his actions. When they saw Jia Lian stand up, a group of young officials left their seats, followed Jia Lian, and surrounded him as they went out.

This ruined Jia Lian's plan to leave quietly. These technical officials felt somewhat underappreciated in their daily work in their respective yamen.

Ever since Jia Lian launched the so-called Jia's practical learning, they have found an organization.

Jia Lian didn't really try to win them over. He just gave them space to display their talents, and this group of people unconsciously regarded Jia Lian as the core.

They were all young people, making a lot of noise together and saying they wanted to go out and have some drinks.

It's the New Year, and Long Jinwei also has to celebrate the New Year, so he won't come out to generate income. Even if he is caught, it's only fifty taels per person. Everyone has money now, and it's legal income.

Liu Chuan, who had made a fortune, patted his chest and said that he would treat everyone and pay the fine if they were caught.

Jia Lian really didn't want to think about it, and this guy really couldn't refuse.

Where to go? Jumei Pavilion! This place was the most popular last year.

Not everyone can open a brothel in the capital. There must be a big boss behind it.

Jia Lian was still wondering who was the big boss behind Jumei Pavilion. When he arrived at the place, he found the gatekeeper looked familiar. He came forward to greet him and said he would go and inform Ni Er.

Ni Er is the big boss behind Jumei Pavilion, so who is behind Ni Er?
That's not me? It turns out I'm the mastermind!
Jia Lian was a little confused. A group of people had already entered Jumei Pavilion and were shouting for the prettiest girl to come out to receive them.

Liu Chuan waved his hand and booked two courtyards for a day, letting everyone have fun as they pleased, and he would pay for it. He looked like a nouveau riche.

Jia Lian stopped thinking about it and sat down. A group of girls came in and each of the young officials was assigned one. A face flashed behind the curtain. Why did it feel a little familiar?

Before Jia Lian could think much, the atmosphere had already been set, with people playing music, singing songs, and toasting. He didn't have time to think about it and just enjoyed himself.

Jia Lian soon discovered that most of these people were reserved and shy. Most of them seemed a bit inexperienced and it was obvious that they were not the kind of people who frequented romantic places.

Some shy ones even ask the girl to grab his hand and hold it on her hand before he dares to touch it.

Liu Chuan was undoubtedly an old hand. He hugged a girl and even put his hand inside her.

"Are high-end brothels so direct? Shouldn't they?" Jia Lian asked curiously. Liu Chuan beside him explained, "It depends on the person. If ordinary girls don't take the initiative, how can men be willing to spend money? Only popular prostitutes like Miss Wanqing would be so reserved and spend dozens of taels of silver to drink a cup of tea and listen to some music. There are so many people in brothels, and they also have to make a living. There are only three or five such prosperous places in the whole capital, and there are only three or five popular top girls."

Jia Lian nodded to show that he understood. This place is a KTV. If the money is paid, you can make an appointment. The top stars like Miss Wanqing are from the Evergrande Song and Dance Troupe. Even if you have money, you may not be able to have sex with her.

So, Liu Chuan's generosity was justified. Today's expenses could be covered with two thousand taels. Liu Chuan made five thousand taels from selling cement, so he really had no pressure.

During the banquet, Jia Lian appeared to be a very gentleman. The girls around him tried every means to talk to him, but Jia Lian just responded politely without any unnecessary movements with his hands.

The girl was getting anxious and started to rub against him. Jia Lian quickly made an excuse to go to the bathroom and avoid her for a while.

When he came out of the toilet, a girl came up with hot water and helped him wash his hands. Jia Lian was stunned because the girl looked familiar.

"You are not the one next to Zhen Huan..."

"Bitch Caiyun, did the Second Master recognize me?" The girl was not shy at all and admitted it generously.

Jia Lian wiped his hands with a hot towel before asking, "Why are you here? Where is your daughter?"

Caiyun sighed, her face full of sorrow: "We are also in this place, and we have fallen into prostitution together. When I saw you just now, I thought I was seeing things."

Just as he was about to ask a few more questions, Ni Er came in. He looked at the girl and was surprised. It was obvious that this was the first time he saw her here.

Jia Lian motioned Caiyun to leave, and as he walked away he asked Ni Er, "Why are your people guarding the house and the yard for the business here?"

Ni Er was surprised and asked, "All brothels must be licensed. Isn't this the rule you set? If you want to get a license, you have to use the Black Tiger Gang to guard the place. Isn't this the rule you set?"

After going around in circles, he still came back to himself. Jia Lian really didn't remember that he made such a decision in the first place.

"Is your charge reasonable?" Jia Lian had to find a way to make up for it.

"Of course. Considering their size, this family earns 500 taels a month. I have arranged 20 good men to guard the house. In the past, other gangs would charge at least 1,000 taels for guarding the house."

Jia Lian thought the Black Tiger Gang was already very evil, but he didn't expect there were even more evil ones.

Ni Er continued: "Like those brothels that only deal in sex, and those that operate alone with their doors half closed, they only charge one or two taels of silver a month after getting a license. The gang protects them from being bullied by the customers."

When Ni Er set up the Black Tiger Gang, Jia Lian did not stop it, nor did he think that it would flourish so much and collect so much protection fees.

"Who is behind this store? Have you found out?"

Ni Er was also very depressed after hearing this: "This young man has really been investigated. He should be the follower of the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Several managers in this store all have southern accents. Do you want to investigate carefully?"

Jia Lian shook his head and said, "Forget it. It's easy to offend people. For the time being, it's better to avoid trouble."

Ni Er asked again: "What happened just now?"

Jia Lian waved his hand: "Of course it's not true." In fact, Jia Lian had some guesses in his mind. He had never found out the background of this woman Zhen Huan, so he decided to leave it alone and wait for her to reveal her secrets.

After sending Ni Er away, Jia Lian returned to the banquet. Before he entered the house, he was stopped by Caiyun: "My girl wants to see you!" When they met again, Jia Lian looked at each other carefully. Looking at Zhen Huan standing at the door, looking shy and timid, he secretly marveled at the lethality of her expression. Unfortunately, it was of little use to him.

"Miss Zhen Huan, what is the purpose of inviting you?" Jia Lian had no intention of getting close to her. She told Jia Lian directly that this woman was a little dangerous.

"I am just a nobody, and have fallen to this point. I would like to borrow some of the favor I have done in the past and ask Lord Jia to take care of me. Is that okay?" Seeing Jia Lian's wary look, Zhen Huan gritted her teeth and clenched her fists in her sleeves in anger.

"Not really. As long as you run your business legitimately and pay taxes according to the law, no one will make things difficult for you, and no one dares to make things difficult for you." Jia Lian spoke in an official tone. This thing is legal, what can you say?
Seeing that he had no sympathy at all and did not pull himself out of the "sea of ​​suffering", Zhen Huan became even angrier. If he had known earlier, he would not have met him. Seeing him made him so angry.

"I have prepared a glass of light wine, Lord Jia, would you please do me the honor?" Zhen Huan's expression changed slightly, with a bit of sadness. Normally, a man would not be able to resist after seeing her eyes.

But Jia Lian is not a so-called normal man. Beauty is useful to him, but it depends on the person.

If it was Baochai or Daiyu, Jia Lian would sit down and drink without saying anything. But as for Zhen Huan, Jia Lian felt that she was evil.

"I appreciate your kindness, Miss. I came here with my colleagues, so it's not convenient for me to attend the appointment alone. For the sake of our past friendship, if you have any problems in the future, please let someone report to the Military Affairs Department." Jia Lian still left a button, how to say it, I always feel that there is a follow-up. This mystery in his heart will always entice him until it is solved.

After saying this, Jia Lian left. Zhen Huan forced a smile and said, "Farewell, Lord Jia!"

By the time Jia Lian left the yard, Zhen Huan's lips were bitten.

The person in charge of the Jumei Pavilion, the so-called Pavilion Master, quietly appeared in front of him and whispered, "Just received news that the Left Envoy has been contacted and has come out of Shangluo Mountain. Last winter, there was little snow at the junction of Henan, Shaanxi, and Hubei provinces. If there is no rain or snow after the spring, there may be a locust plague. Then it will be a good opportunity. The Left Envoy hopes that the Saint can support him with some money."

The thought that had been broken off had suddenly come back to him. Zhen Huan angrily wiped the shadow of Jia Lian from his mind and said, "How can I afford to give him money? Stay put and wait until I can contact the leader."

The White Lotus Sect is actually a loose alliance. After all, it is an organization that has been suppressed by the government for a long time. The management below is naturally secretive and loose. The organization is not strict enough. The envoys from all over the country are all local lords. When there is something going on, they respect the leader or the saint. When there is nothing going on, who wants to have more ancestors above their heads?

Of the four great envoys of the White Lotus Sect, only this one can be contacted now. If he can really make some noise, it won't be too late to support him. However, Zhen Huan is not very optimistic, mainly because there was drought in several prefectures in Shaanxi and Gansu last year. The court's relief was timely, and it is hard to say how it was implemented in detail, but it was relief at least.

Ordinary people will only take the risk of rebellion when they can no longer survive. Otherwise, they would rather go to the mountains and become bandits than engage in such a beheading business as rebellion.

During the banquet, officials kept getting up and leaving. Some came back after a while, some did not come back, and most of those who came back were in low spirits.

Liu Chuan also disappeared, and it was said that he left with the two girls.

Seeing this, Jia Lian left a word and went back first, letting everyone have fun.

Before leaving, Jia Lian went to the accounting office and left a note for two thousand yuan, telling the manager to deduct it first. If it was not enough, he should let him know when he sent someone to pay the difference, and he would make up the difference then.

In short, since the opportunity has come, Jia Lian must seize it. He cannot let Liu Chuan be the scapegoat. The money is worth spending.

On the way back, Jia Lian also lamented how depressed these people were in their daily lives, and how they couldn't wait to drink wine on New Year's Day.

I will definitely come to places like this in the future, so I might as well set this place as one of the reception locations.

Thinking of the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, I wonder if he will be affected when Zhang Tingen reorganizes the Ministry of Personnel after the new year.

Probably not. At the level of the Minister of Personnel, they would not easily touch him unless there was a serious problem. Even the Prime Minister could not do whatever he wanted. If they had to touch him, they would transfer him away.

It was already afternoon when he got home, and Jia Lian was actually a little hungry. He had attended the court meeting early in the morning and had not eaten much at the banquet. He had only drunk in Jumei Pavilion. Surely he would be hungry.

Thinking about today's gathering, several imperial censors should be afraid of breaking the law, so they didn't go, which is understandable. After all, Jian Renda didn't go either.

He had someone prepare a bowl of noodle soup. When he held it in his hands, Jia Lian sighed, "Another year has passed!"

Xiangling said distressedly, "My master is out there, and I can't even eat properly."

Xiren was busy picking up food and bringing it to Jia Lian's mouth, so she didn't say anything at this time.

Qingwen was preparing hot towels, and the three maids were as beautiful as flowers. Jia Lian suddenly felt that such a day was indeed good, but it was too demoralizing.

After eating and drinking, Jia Lian was about to get up and walk a few steps to digest the food when the door pillar came: "A visiting card from Lord Gu, the Imperial Censor of East City!"

"On the first day of the new year, you come to deliver the visiting card in the afternoon? You don't burn incense on normal days, but you come to pray at the last minute!" Jia Lian twisted his mouth. What kind of news did this guy receive?
"Reply. I will be free after the fifth day of the New Year." Jia Lian did not say that he disappeared. He wanted to tease him first. If there was someone behind the scenes, he would naturally jump out.

There were no important figures in the Wang family in the capital, so Wang Xifeng did not want to go back to her parents' home on the second day of the New Year. Jia Lian first went to the Zhang family to pay New Year's greetings, and then went to the Lin family.

On the third day of the New Year, officials with whom Jia Lian had good relations came to pay New Year's greetings one after another. Liu Chuan also came and complained that Jia Lian did not give him face and rushed to pay the bill.

Jia Lian just laughed it off and no one cared. However, Liu Chuan told everyone about Jia Lian's invitation to drink wine.

This day was also the day for female members of the family to enter the palace. Lady Jia, Lady Wang, Lady Xing, and Wang Xifeng, as they had imperial edicts, were qualified to go.

Jia Lian did not need to keep any food for the friends who came to pay New Year's greetings in the morning, after all, everyone had many homes to visit.

No one came in the afternoon, and at noon, You came to invite them.

Jia Lian went to the East Palace. Youshi's courtyard was quite remote, and the people around her were very tight-lipped, so there were no rumors. The main reason was that when Jia Zhen was here, there was nothing to say, let alone now.

People who talk too much won't live long in Dongfu.

When Youshi sat on Jia Lian, she could not help but complain that Jia Zhen had not given her an imperial decree, and on a day like today, she was not qualified to enter the palace to see the world. With the current situation in the East Palace, she was afraid that there was no hope for the future. It all depended on whether her son could work hard to earn her an imperial decree.

Jia Lian was thinking, it's okay for his son now, but it's not good to keep the relationship when he grows up, otherwise it will be exposed, and the same goes for Qin Keqin. In the future, he must not mess around at home, go to Shuiyue Temple, there is Miaoyu there. No, Miaoyu must be moved to another place, Xuanzhen Temple is a good place.

Thinking of Xuanzhen Temple, Jia Lian thought of Jia Jing taking away the things from the Zhen family. If there were any, they could be safely taken out after some time.

On the fourth day, Jia Lian did not return home and spent the night at the Ruyan sisters' place. On the fifth day, he stayed at the You sisters' place. Everywhere was filled with tenderness and pleasure. This life was too decadent and he could not continue this way.

(End of this chapter)