Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

After escorting the two back, Yingchun was still waiting in the hall.

Upon seeing him return, she came over to greet him and asked, "Brother, did you call me out today to introduce me to Princess Sister and Prince Xiao?"

Jia Lian nodded, looking at Yingchun, who was now standing tall and graceful, fully grown into a young woman.

He suddenly realized that it was indeed time to start thinking about this girl's future marriage.

So he countered with, "What do you think of the two of them?"

"Yes, it's fine."

The eldest princess was friendly and generous, and also very beautiful.

Prince Xiao... well, he's a pretty good person."

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian smiled and said, "It's just that it's pretty good, no other comments? I saw you two chatting quite well while you were playing chess."

"It's not that great, it's just that Prince Xiao is a very nice person, very polite... He's very courteous to me, like an older brother."

Jia Lian's heart sank, and he asked, "Do you like him?"

Yingchun was taken aback. Meeting Jia Lian's scrutinizing gaze, a blush appeared on her delicate skin.

She is the same age as Baochai, and is seventeen this year, which is also the age for her to get married.

In ordinary times, I have heard the elders mention her marriage, saying that as Jia Lian's younger sister, I wonder what kind of man will be worthy of her in the future.

Just now, she was actually wondering why, if Princess Zhaoyang and her brother had come to recognize their relatives, she was the only one who was seen and not Cong'er.

Also, why did my brother leave with the Princess, leaving her and Prince Xiao alone?

Could it be that my brother meant that?

This won't do. Isn't he my cousin?

Yingchun's mind was in turmoil, and she subconsciously turned around: "Brother, what nonsense are you talking about? What do you mean by liking...not liking?"

Jia Lian smiled, stepped closer, and said:

"You're all grown up now, and it's time to talk about marriage."

But unlike others, your brother doesn't decide your life's most important matter based solely on his own preferences.

In this matter, I want to hear your own opinion.

If I were to find you a husband now, what kind of man would you prefer?

Just tell me your requirements without hesitation. As long as you can name a man, I can find him for you.

Yingchun had turned her back because she was shy.

To her surprise, Jia Lian talked on and on, making her stamp her foot in exasperation: "Oh dear~ Brother, please stop, it's so embarrassing..."

"Hehehe."

Jia Lian raised his hand and gently ruffled Yingchun's hair, smiling as he said, "Men should marry when they are of age, and women should marry when they are of age. What's there to be shy about?"

Yingchun remained silent; as a young lady confined to her quarters, she was certainly ashamed to discuss this matter.

However, feeling the warmth of Jia Lian's hand and thinking of the man behind her, who was her greatest support and reliance in life, she finally mustered up her courage:

"Does my brother want me to marry Prince Xiao?"

Jia Lian was taken aback, then realized that it must be today's situation that had caused her to misunderstand.

However, Jia Lian didn't immediately explain; instead, he nodded and asked, "If that's the case, are you willing?"

"That won't do. He... he's a prince, practically someone's older brother..."

Seeing Yingchun's shy rebuttal, and her expression seemingly genuine, Jia Lian was greatly pleased.

That's right, that's what a good younger sister should be like, with such principles.

Unlike that little beast, the Fourth Prince, who knew Yingchun was his sister but still dared to harbor evil intentions.

Given this, Jia Lian will naturally feel no guilt about refusing in the future.

At worst, we can conquer Japan later and send him a few more Japanese women to repay his kindness in refusing the crown prince position.

Although Yingchun had no such intention, since someone was eyeing his younger sister, Jia Lian decided to find a good family for Yingchun as soon as possible and marry her off.

Just as he was about to ask Yingchun for more specific requests, he saw Yingchun turn around and glance at him somewhat guiltily.

"Brother, do you really think that Prince Xiao... do you really think that given our relationship, he can marry me?"

Jia Lian opened his mouth, but was speechless for a moment.

Yingchun quickly glanced around to make sure no one was around, then, her face flushed crimson, she said, "If... if brother thinks that Prince Xiao is willing to marry me, then... could I... like Princess Chang, like that..."

Yingchun's voice grew softer and softer as she spoke, and she lowered her head.

When it came to the very end, he was so embarrassed that he couldn't even utter a sound.

But she felt that, having said all that, Jia Lian should be able to understand what she meant.

Although Jia Lian did not fully understand Yingchun's feelings, he could guess what she hadn't finished saying just by looking at her expression.

My mind was in complete turmoil.

He didn't even dare to ask Yingchun what she hadn't said, afraid he wouldn't be able to face her.

Admittedly, he has always been arrogant and conceited, believing that there is no shackle in the world that can hold him back.

Even regarding his relationship with Princess Zhaoyang, he was able to face it calmly and without fear of any rumors or gossip.

However, Yingchun and Princess Zhaoyang are different after all.

Although he never acknowledged that he was Jia She's son, and did not even consider himself a person of this era.

But Yingchun is, after all, this body's half-sister!

Therefore, even though he was interested in Tan Chun, and even though he was watching Xi Chun grow up year by year and become more and more lovely and charming, he felt that it was not impossible to take her in in the future.

However, he always treated Yingchun as a real younger sister and loved her dearly.

He hadn't known Yingchun's feelings before, and hadn't wavered much.

After all, he couldn't possibly force Yingchun into his harem just for the sake of collecting all four springs or the twelve beauties of Jinling.

That's too selfish.

He has never been a selfish person.

He treated all his female confidantes with the utmost respect, especially ensuring their basic rights.

Moreover, it is the time to welcome spring.

Just like when he questioned the Fourth Prince, even if Yingchun liked him, how could he guarantee that Yingchun could withstand the gossip and slander from the outside world?

In other words, even if he can protect her.

What will happen to the children in the future?

Should we simply strip her of her right to be a mother?

This is so unfair to Yingchun.

Therefore, after Jia Lian discerned Yingchun's intentions, he only hesitated for a moment before regaining his composure.

He pretended not to understand Yingchun's meaning, rubbed her head again, and laughed, "Little girl, you've really grown up. You're still hiding things from me."

Alright, since you think Prince Xiao is unsuitable and are too ashamed to say it, then I'll make the decision myself.

"I'll ask you again after I've found you a good family, okay?"

Yingchun's face was burning hot, and she cursed herself for daring to say such things.

She was mentally prepared to be rejected or even scolded by Jia Lian.

Hearing Jia Lian say this, I couldn't help but feel relieved that my brother hadn't noticed!

After the initial relief came a profound sense of regret.

Because she knew that if she missed this opportunity, she would never dare to express similar feelings to Jia Lian again in the future.

But I made myself so clear just now, how could my brother not understand?

Can't he really tell?

She glanced up at Jia Lian discreetly and saw that his expression was as warm as ever, but there was a hint of pity in his eyes.

Suddenly, it dawned on me.

Yes, with my brother's intelligence, how could he not understand?

He pretended not to notice in order to avoid embarrassing himself.

So, was I rejected by my brother?

Thinking of this, Yingchun felt both ashamed and sad.

She, who was always gentle and sensible, suddenly felt a rebellious thought.

She shook her head, looking at Jia Lian with teary eyes: "Brother, are you in such a hurry to marry me off because you think I'm a burden and don't want me anymore?"

Normally, she would never have said that.

Because following the arrangements of her elders is her habit.

But now, she doesn't want to follow Jia Lian's arrangements, even though she knows that Jia Lian is genuinely concerned for her.

Jia Lian had no idea why Yingchun was like this. Seeing her crying, he quickly reached out to wipe her tears and comforted her, saying, "Silly girl, how could your brother abandon you?"

It has always been the case that men should marry when they are of age and women should marry when they are of age.

Are you going to stay by your brother's side forever and never get married?

The two were standing very close at this moment, and Jia Lian raised his hand to wipe away her tears, so Yingchun easily threw herself into Jia Lian's arms and hugged Jia Lian's waist tightly.

"As long as I can stay by my brother's side, I would rather never get married."

Unless my brother doesn't want me anymore... Waaah...

Holding the girl in his arms and feeling her sobbing, Jia Lian felt quite helpless.

"Alright, alright, if you don't want to marry me, then don't. Honestly, how old are you, still crying like that?"

Jia Lian gently patted Yingchun's back to comfort her.

But he was actually very uncomfortable.

After all, Yingchun is already seventeen years old.

Moreover, she had a similar figure to Baochai and You Erjie, soft yet shapely, making it difficult for him to maintain a calm mind.

If he was like this, then Yingchun must have been even more so.

Yingchun only dared to hug Jia Lian because Jia Lian was easygoing and doted on her.

Almost immediately after Jia Lian spoke up to comfort her, she had no time to react in any other way.

Even her slight sobs were deliberately maintained, with the aim of preventing Jia Lian from letting go of her too quickly.

She's a good girl, and today she finally managed to achieve her wish by using her cunning.

This was also the first time I experienced the benefits of being clever.

Therefore, my mind was exceptionally clear.

She knew that if she remained silent, Jia Lian would soon push her away, so she continued to whisper in a sobbing voice against Jia Lian's chest:

"Sister Bao, Sister Lin and the others are so lucky to be able to stay by Brother's side all the time."

Ying'er wants to stay by her brother's side forever. Brother, please don't marry Ying'er off, okay?

Jia Lian was even more helpless.

He was always used to receiving favors from beautiful women.

He truly didn't know how to handle Yingchun's soft pleading.

But he knew he couldn't let Yingchun hold him like that forever.

Perhaps Heaven sensed his predicament, for Baochai's gentle voice suddenly came from outside the hall: "Is Second Master inside?"

"Reporting to Princess Xue, the Second Master has just finished receiving guests and is now speaking with the Second Miss."

Hearing the noise outside the door, Yingchun quickly released Jia Lian and took a step back to straighten her clothes.

Jia Lian turned around, looked at Baochai who was walking into the hall, nodded, and sat down next to her.

"Sister Bao..."

Although Baochai had already married Jia Lian, she still used the old way of addressing Yingchun and others.

Baochai smiled and said, "I was in the study just now when I heard outside that the Crown Prince had returned, so I came to see him."

I didn't expect to see you here, Yingya.

"My brother asked me to come over to meet a guest, so I came out."

"Sister Bao, if you and your brother have something to say, I'll head back now."

Yingchun lowered her head, not daring to look at Baochai at all. She greeted her and quickly left.

Baochai stared at her footsteps, but when she turned around, her expression was already normal.

She walked over to Jia Lian, picked up a new cup, and poured him tea while asking, "I heard that you brought guests back, husband?"

Jia Lian nodded, took Baochai's fair and flawless hand, and let her sit halfway on his lap.

"You've met the eldest princess and the fourth prince before."

They've come today to see Yingchun.

"I see."

Baochai hesitated for a moment, then said, "I noticed that Yingya seemed to be in a bad mood when she left just now..."

Jia Lian smiled upon hearing this.

Yingchun's unusual reaction just now was so obvious that even a normal person, let alone Baochai, would have noticed something was wrong.

To avoid Baochai misunderstanding that he had bullied Yingchun, or even suspecting him of being a pervert who had designs on his younger sister, he pretended to sigh and then explained the situation to Baochai.

Basically, he was planning to find Yingchun a marriage partner, but Yingchun thought he didn't want her anymore, which is why she cried.

His words did not conceal the fact that Yingchun had special feelings for him.

Baochai's expression turned serious upon hearing this.

Jia Lian already has Princess Zhaoyang as a precedent, which has drawn criticism.

If rumors of something between him and Yingchun were to surface again, his private morality would be thoroughly condemned.

From her perspective, she certainly didn't want this to happen.

Seeing that Jia Lian looked relaxed and could calmly tell her, she knew that Jia Lian had a plan in mind and was not irrational.

So she first touched Jia Lian's face and said with a smile, "It's all because your husband is so radiant and takes such good care of the sisters around you that everyone likes you."

Jia Lian chuckled, knowing that Baochai was just beginning her speech, before she could finish.

Sure enough, Baochai immediately changed her tone and sighed, "However, we must be careful about the matter of welcoming the maid."

Since she doesn't want to get married yet, then she shouldn't get married for the time being.

Anyway, she's only seventeen; it won't matter if she looks for a husband in a few more years.

Jia Lian understood what Baochai meant: she wanted him to take his time, give it a few years, and then Yingchun might come to her senses and be willing to get married.

Jia Lian neither confirmed nor denied this.

When asked if all preparations for tomorrow's trip were complete, Baochai replied that Fengjie was handling the arrangements, so it seemed to be going well.

He then asked Baochai if she was alright, and after receiving an affirmative answer, he smiled and said, "I was just planning to go to the Green Bamboo Nunnery. Why don't you come with me, Baochai?"

Upon hearing this, Baochai suddenly stood up from Jia Lian's lap and said tactfully, "Since my husband is going to see Sister Miaoyu, he should go by himself. I won't go."

I need to go back and take care of some things I need to clarify before I leave.

Baochai did not want to travel with Jia Lian.

Rather, she knew that Jia Lian went to the Green Bamboo Nunnery to invite Miaoyu out of the city for a vacation.

However, in her opinion, given Miaoyu's personality and status, she probably wouldn't agree.

If that's the case, Jia Lian might spend more time at the Green Bamboo Nunnery to make up for Miaoyu and the like.

At that time, it will not only be inconvenient for her to be there, but she might also be dragged along by Jia Lian.

She knew her husband's character all too well.

Seeing that Baochai was unwilling, Jia Lian did not force her. He walked with her to the main study, paused to kiss her, and then headed into the garden. (End of Chapter)