Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Just as Jia Lian was about to tease Daiyu, Tan Chun and the others walked over with smiles on their faces.

Tan Chun took the lead, making a show of bowing to Jia Lian as a subordinate greets his superior, and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Second Brother Lian! From now on, Second Brother Lian is a general. Please take good care of your little sister!"

Yingchun and the others laughed when they saw how realistic her performance was.

Jia Lian shook his head and said seriously, he could not yet be considered a general in the narrow sense.

Because in the imperial court, only those of the fourth rank and above were truly considered military officers! For example, the lowest-ranking generals, the lieutenant general and the assistant general, were all of the third rank or above.

In other words, to be honest, people can only call him "Sir" now, and it's not appropriate to call him "General".

Of course, in a broad sense, any military leader can be called a general. For example, when he was stationed at the border, his subordinates addressed him and his deputy commander as generals.

Jia Lian didn't explain this to Yingchun and the others. He just smiled and replied, "Whether you take care of them or not is another matter. You all need to keep your maids and servants in check and tell them not to go out at night. Otherwise, if I catch them, they'll be punished."

Upon hearing this, Yingchun and the others immediately began asking a barrage of questions, inquiring about Jia Lian's specific duties and powers, hoping that if they encountered him in the future, he could offer them special treatment...

After the others had seen the wonders, Grandmother Jia returned to her seat at the head of the table. Seeing her sisters chatting and laughing around Jia Lian in a harmonious and friendly manner, she felt even more relieved.

She turned her head and said to Granny Lai, "Don't laugh at me, but I used to think he was just an average kid, and that he would be only slightly better than his father."

Unexpectedly, now that he's grown up, he's completely changed. Not only has he learned to be ambitious and become an official, but he also knows how to get along with his siblings, which makes me very happy. Two years ago, even if I told others, they might not have believed me.

The old women all smiled and agreed, saying, "Master Lian has indeed improved a lot in the past few years."

Grandmother Jia turned her head again, subconsciously wanting to show off to Aunt Xue, but suddenly realized that the Xue family hadn't come today, and felt a pang of disappointment. So she could only turn her head and call out, "Lian Er, come up here. Don't just talk to your sisters, tell me and your mistress what exactly your official position entails."

Jia Lian stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Grandma, you flatter me. There's nothing you don't know. I'd like to ask you for some guidance."

Grandmother Jia laughed. She had started as a granddaughter-in-law in the Duke's mansion and now she was a great-granddaughter-in-law. In the past fifty or sixty years, she had indeed seen all the world's sights.

Seeing that Jia Lian had become a high-ranking official but was not arrogant or complacent, he smiled and said, "I do know some things. Since you asked, I will tell you."

Your government office is rarely quiet all year round.

Take the curfew for example. Which wealthy and powerful family doesn't have an emergency that requires them to go out at night to deliver a message or something? If you catch them, do you think you'll care or not? And then there are the gatekeepers. They're all imperial relatives and nobles from the capital, coming and going. They're all used to being arrogant and domineering. If you deal with them often, it's easy to offend them.

There are other things, but I won't go into detail. You'll find out when you take office. That's why there are rumors that your department is a place where people are bullied, and if the head and deputy don't know how to handle people, they won't last long.

Hearing Grandmother Jia's words, the sisters became worried again. Xiangyun, outspoken and quick-witted, immediately exclaimed, "Oh no! Isn't Second Brother Lian doomed?"

Grandmother Jia pulled Xiangyun in front of her, patted her hand, and said with a smile, "But that's for ordinary officials. For families like ours, there's not so much to worry about."

Even those royal mansions, out of respect for the older generation, would treat our family with some courtesy.

He was an official appointed by the emperor himself, so presumably no one would make things too difficult for him.

All the officials on record throughout the country were appointed with the emperor's approval, while officials like Jia Lian, who were promoted directly without going through the various selection processes of the court and were parachuted in, were all handpicked by the emperor.

Everyone was relieved, and Jia Lian flattered Grandmother Jia, saying, "Grandmother is truly insightful and perceptive. Your grandson has learned a lot."

Grandmother Jia looked at Jia Lian and sighed inwardly.

It's said that men change as they grow up and experience life, but this grandson has changed too quickly, making her, the old lady, very uncomfortable.

Then he thought again, from now on, looking at the entire Jia clan, no one will hold a higher official position than him.

A fourth-rank official, in charge of a military office, already held a considerable position and authority.

It's her. From now on, I'm afraid I can't treat him the same way I used to. Sigh...

In any case, the Jia family now has a successor, and she, as the matriarch, should be happy. In the future, she can give an account to the two generations of dukes.

"Starting today, you'll be even busier. I don't have much to tell you. You're a grown man now, you should know what to do."

Let's take everything home and show it to Fengya, so she can be happy too.

"That monkey, usually the first to run at the first sound of news, why is it nowhere to be seen today, for such a joyous occasion?"

Hearing Grandmother Jia's question, Lady Wang smiled and said, "I heard that Miss Xiao caught a cold. She must be busy preparing medicine in her room, which is why she didn't come."

Grandmother Jia then nodded.

Jia Lian also noticed Lady Wang's expression. It must be said that Lady Wang had played a significant role in ensuring that Jia Zheng and his wife could firmly control the family business and prevent Jia She and his brother from daring to say a word.

Not only did he have a powerful older brother to help suppress the rebellion, but he also never gave anyone anything to say about his actions.

Just like his promotion, Madam Wang didn't have any unusual reaction from beginning to end. She was all smiles, and anyone who didn't know the situation would have thought she was genuinely happy for her nephew.

……

Back home, Wang Xifeng was indeed busy with her daughter's affairs. On the veranda of the courtyard, a group of old women and maids were all waiting obediently, ready to be ordered around.

This is also one of Sister Feng's strengths; once something happens, the servants dare not slack off.

After having Qingwen and Xiangling take the things into the house, Wang Xifeng, who was personally holding her daughter and trying to lull her to sleep, immediately widened her phoenix eyes upon seeing Jia Lian and asked, "I heard you got promoted??"

Jia Lian nodded and stepped forward to glance at his daughter.

The newborn baby didn't look very pretty yet, but Jia Lian knew that, judging by the timeline, this girl was probably Qiao Jie'er. Since she was Qiao Jie'er, there was no reason for her not to be pretty; she would definitely grow up to be a great beauty!

"How is she?"

"Much better than last night, just fell asleep..."

Wang Xifeng was eager to see Jia Lian's new equipment in the hands of Qingwen and the others, so she handed the swaddled baby to Ping'er, went up, picked up the items, and began to look through them.

"Commander of the Western City Garrison? Fourth rank?" Wang Xifeng's eyes widened, filled with astonishment.

Upon seeing Jia Lian nod, she immediately bowed deeply and said, "This servant greets Your Excellency!"

"No need for formalities."

Jia Lian, of course, was not one to be outdone and accepted the greeting with great composure.

"Heh," Wang Xifeng laughed, and then said, "You're so smug now. From now on, I'll never dare to offend you again, or I might get arrested as a thief one day."

In Wang Xifeng's eyes, the West City Military Command was only in charge of catching thieves.

The more she looked at the official robes and hats in the sandalwood tray, the more beautiful and imposing they seemed. So she picked up one of the robes, raised an eyebrow at Jia Lian, and said, "Want to try it on?"

Whether clothes are good or not can only be known by wearing them, especially for someone with such a heartless physique, who is born to wear shirts.

Jia Lian smiled slightly, said nothing, and simply opened his arms.

Wang Xifeng scolded Qingwen and Xiangling: "What are you all standing there for? Do you expect our master to do it himself?"

"Oh, oh." Qingwen and Xiangling nodded quickly, freeing their hands to help Jia Lian undress, change into new clothes and hat, and hang on his waist tag, waist knife, and other items.

Because they had never worn official robes before, the two young maids were rather flustered, and it was only with Wang Xifeng's guidance that they were able to successfully help Jia Lian put on his robes.

Then, Wang Xifeng stepped back a few paces and began to admire her husband's good looks.

Jia Lian flicked his sleeve in front of his waist with one hand, then spread his arms, took a step, and asked, "How is it?"

Wang Xifeng didn't speak, but the light in her eyes said it all.

Both Qingwen and Xiangling stared wide-eyed at their second master, their eyes sparkling. At this moment, they weren't afraid of their second mistress getting jealous.

Even Ping'er, who was holding the child, couldn't help but take a few steps and look at it from a different angle.

Jia Lian tapped Qingwen on the head and laughed, scolding, "Alright, now that I'm a new official, do you expect me to act like a monkey for you? Go away, go away."

Wang Xifeng and the others then laughed sheepishly.

Jia Lian didn't want to show her for free, so he grabbed Feng Jie's wrist, pulled her closer, and tried to collect money.

Wang Xifeng was unwilling to comply, twisting and turning her head to refuse.

Seeing this, Ping'er picked up the little girl and went into the inner room.

Xiangling tugged at Qingwen, who didn't want to leave, and the two of them went to the guest room outside.

Finally, Jia Lian kissed Feng Jie's red lips, then held her and sat her on the kang (a heated brick bed), where they were deeply affectionate.

Wang Xifeng retorted angrily, "You're becoming more and more outrageous. You're doing this even in front of the maids. You're deliberately making things difficult for me, so that I won't be able to control them in the future and they'll get their way."

She had clearly misunderstood Jia Lian. Jia Lian was both casual and wanted to make the sisters closer, which was why he didn't shy away from the topic.

Jia Lian put his arm around her and asked, "You still can't let go of your resentment and don't like them?"

Wang Xifeng gave "nonsense" a look, then said self-pityingly, "Who told me to be born into the wrong family, a woman, and to meet someone as lecherous as you? What can I do if I can't let them go? I'd like to send them away, but I'm afraid you'd fight me to the death!"

She used to deny being jealous because she wanted to sabotage things behind people's backs. Now that she's given up on those tricks, she's openly admitting her feelings.

Jia Lian couldn't help but laugh when he heard how amusing her story was.

Wang Xifeng rolled her eyes at him. "I've figured it out. I can't control you anyway. All men are the same! Rather than letting you have affairs outside and cause some shameful things in the future, it's better to bring them under my nose and teach them manners myself!"

Wang Xifeng's words were somewhat deliberately meant to show her magnanimity. If it weren't for Jia Lian's growing success and his self-control, she would never have been able to understand why he hadn't harmed those two young maids for so long!

She used to be strict with him, and Jia Lian would come home hungry every day. Now that she can't control him, he gets to eat meat at every meal...

Even a fool knows to change tactics.

Jia Lian then embraced her tightly, his hand caressing her soft waist, savoring her unique fragrance, and shamelessly said, "You're right to think that way. Look at this world, the more powerful and influential a man is, the more beauties he has in his room. This is a bad habit of our time."

As a man, I'm helpless too.

"hehe."

Wang Xifeng raised her head, wishing she could punch Jia Lianjun in the face.

Jia Lian lifted her face and gave her a forceful peck, silencing her only after she was completely subdued. Then he chuckled and said, "I know you're not happy about it, but I still think you should just accept your fate in this life. In the next life, you can be this man, and I'll be your wife, okay?"

"Pah, you're getting more and more inappropriate..." Wang Xifeng blushed, but ultimately felt that the suggestion suited her perfectly, and couldn't help but retort sarcastically, "I'm afraid you won't be happy about it later."

"No, I'll accept my fate then. One-on-one, then we'll be even," Jia Lian said with a smile.

Wang Xifeng snorted, though she didn't quite believe Jia Lian's words, she felt much better.

Seeing that the empty promise had successfully fooled Wang Xifeng, Jia Lian wanted to laugh but was too embarrassed to do so, so he had to hold it in.

Having once again indulged his brotherly desires, Jia Lian stood up.

Sister Feng hurriedly said, "You're so busy, it's not too late to go after you've eaten."

She assumed Jia Lian was busy taking care of Jia She.

Jia Lian shook his head. "Serving as the emperor is no easy task. I need to prepare myself properly these next two days and then set up my business at the yamen as soon as possible."

So that's why. Wang Xifeng supported Jia Lian's diligence and quickly got up to help him take off his new official robes and change into ordinary clothes.

Please remember the original domain name of this book: _wap.