Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

A secluded meditation room, with brightly colored silk curtains.

Jia Lian, wearing only a loose outer robe, sat upright on the edge of the bed, watching the beautiful woman dancing gracefully on the carpet in front of him.

Gu Qingyi's movements were graceful.

While diligently performing their newly choreographed "Farewell My Concubine" dance before the emperor, they also watched Miaoyu prostrate before the bed.

His long, black hair, as shiny as a waterfall, cascaded down Jia Lian's thighs.

With the rhythm, like the surging of ocean waves, it is truly enviable.

As if sensing something, Jia Lian lowered his head and parted the hair that was covering the beauty's eyes, revealing her stunning face.

Miaoyu, Gu Qingyi, and even Baochai and the Empress Dowager—these beauties share common characteristics.

That is, a cool and aloof temperament.

So serving him like this gives him a kind of blasphemous pleasure.

Seeing the beauty glance up at him, Jia Lian smiled and patted her head to comfort her before continuing to look up and admire the dance.

Watching Gu Qingyi dance is indeed a pleasure.

It wasn't because of her exceptional dancing skills, but rather because of her stunning beauty and her tall, well-proportioned, almost otherworldly figure.

With her temperament and physical attributes, she might not be suited to dancing energetic or sexy dances.

But this slow, melancholic dance is undoubtedly a perfect fit.

Every move she made was filled with a cool and refreshing beauty.

After the dance ended, Gu Qingyi slowly walked to the bedside and said softly, "I have made a fool of myself. Please judge me, sir."

Jia Lian laughed heartily, pulled the beauty's delicate body closer, kissed her fragrant lips, and then said to her with a smile, "Of all the beauties in the world, none can surpass the dance of the woman in green."

No wonder people say you are the most talented woman in the world.

Gu Qingyi was a little embarrassed: "These are all compliments from others. I, Qingyi, am not worthy of this title."

Moreover, Qingyi's fame is all thanks to Master, who gave her those beautiful melodies.

Gu Qingyi was known as the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan and was the undisputed number one courtesan in Jiangnan.

Although she later became Jia Lian's lover, many of her admirers were heartbroken, and her reputation suffered greatly.

However, with the release of some of her later works, especially after her public appearance in the Women's Music Ensemble that year, her reputation seemed to rebound from rock bottom and soar to new heights.

Perhaps this is the nature of gaining and losing.

The men in the world might not bother pursuing her because she is already taken.

However, because of Jia Lian's lofty status and unparalleled reputation, she was treated differently by countless women.

Women both inside and outside the capital believed that a famous courtesan who could win Jia Lian's favor must have something extraordinary about her.

Moreover, she was indeed skilled in music and could compose lyrics and music.

Therefore, the socialites in the capital, from initially liking her works to later chasing after her to the music hall to see her in person, were eventually captivated by her talent and beauty, and went crazy promoting her fame.

The way the socialites and noblewomen acted naturally influenced the men in the capital to a great extent.

Unfortunately, this is a women's music troupe; men are not allowed to enter.

Jia Lian shook his head at Gu Qingyi's modesty.

Although Gu Qingyi's fame is partly due to his own factors.

But the key lies with her.

Her looks and public persona are naturally designed to make her a star.

Otherwise, as a courtesan he kept, Shen Pan'er's appearance and figure were similar to hers, and Shen Pan'er's dancing was so enchanting that she was almost like a succubus, so why was her reputation so much worse than hers?

It is simply because it is irreplaceable and cannot be replicated.

Thinking about it, he couldn't help but peck her cool face again, causing the beauty to lower her head in embarrassment.

Seeing the two being intimate, Miaoyu quietly pulled Jia Lian's robe closer to the center to cover him up, and then stood up.

Seeing this, Jia Lian put one arm around Gu Qingyi and pulled Miaoyu to sit on his other lap, laughing, "Your sister Qingyi has finished her performance, now it's your turn."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's request, if Qingwen were as cunning and deceitful as she is, she would immediately argue that she had already "performed" and therefore refused to comply.

But despite her stubbornness, Miaoyu was actually quite honest.

Therefore, although she was a little embarrassed, she thought about it and said shyly, "But I'm not very good at dancing yet. How about I play a piece for you... so that Sister Qingyi can give me some pointers."

"Can."

Jia Lian readily agreed and released the beauty.

So Miaoyu stood up again, took down her most beloved guqin from the wall, placed it on the low table at the foot of the bed, and began to tune it with her back to Jia Lian and the other man.

Gu Qingyi subconsciously sat up straighter, ready to listen.

Although Miaoyu was very talented at playing the zither, she, like Daiyu, was self-taught.

Unlike Gu Qingyi, who had been taught by famous teachers since childhood and practiced diligently, Miaoyu and Daiyu were far inferior to her in terms of skills.

She is also qualified to comment on and instruct Miaoyu.

However, how could Jia Lian allow such a fine occasion to turn into a pure music seminar?

He gently patted Gu Qingyi's bottom, and when she looked over, he smiled and gestured.

Miaoyu rarely taught Xiao, so it's normal that he gave up halfway.

Although Jia Lian did not force the issue, he would not compromise himself either.

Sensing the man's intentions, Gu Qingyi didn't hesitate much and bent down.

Since Gu Qingyi was so sensible, Jia Lian naturally didn't hold her responsible for not getting out of bed to save trouble.

With his left hand skillfully resting on her waist and hips, he gently lifted his right hand and removed her gold hairpin, letting her long black hair fall down as it had before Miaoyu.

His gaze shifted slightly, meeting Miaoyu's eyes, and Jia Lian smiled at her.

Miaoyu turned around shyly, thinking to herself that she didn't have to kneel to receive his caresses. She would definitely have to try it next time.

She swept her hair back, took a deep breath, and cleared her mind of all distractions before following her memory to skillfully play the piece she was best at.

After a long while, Miaoyu, having finished playing a piece, sat down on the other side of Jia Lian.

Looking at Gu Qingyi, whose hair was disheveled, face was flushed, and beautiful eyes were filled with tears, he frowned deeply.

"Young lady in green, you..."

Gu Qingyi tucked the handkerchief into her sleeve and propped herself up on the edge of the bed.

Facing Miaoyu's concerned expression, she forced a smile, silently sat down next to Jia Lian, and nestled into his arms.

Noticing that Jia Lian's neck and chest were still sweating, she lightly touched her sleeve and raised her hand to wipe it away.

Her gentleness only fueled Miaoyu's resentment. She slapped Jia Lian, standing up for justice: "You're so mean! How could you bully Sister Qingyi like that!"

"Ha ha."

Jia Lian pulled Miaoyu closer, then looked down at Gu Qingyi and gently kissed her forehead.

As one of the women he frequently favored, Jia Lian was confident in her level of acceptance.

Therefore, he doesn't need to explain.

He didn't explain, but Gu Qingyi, fearing that Miaoyu would misunderstand, quickly said, "Sister Miaoyu, please don't misunderstand. This...this is all normal. You'll understand as you serve Master more in the future..."

Miaoyu was speechless upon hearing this, and pondered to herself.

Could it be that this girl is showing off her favor, implying that he has served her less often than she has?

What a heartless person! I was just anxious to help her find a spittoon.

Miaoyu completely misunderstood Gu Qingyi.

If you really think about it, Gu Qingyi probably didn't serve the emperor as many times as she did.

It's just that the environment is different.

Gu Qingyi could tell at a glance that Miaoyu was still relatively naive, and that Jia Lian clearly had many tricks up his sleeve that he hadn't yet used on her.

As a close friend, she wanted to give her a heads-up so that when it was her turn, she wouldn't be unprepared and act recklessly, thus upsetting Jia Lian.

"Haha, okay, I'm very happy today."

"Both of you are stunningly beautiful, capable of softening steel with your gentle touch. I am very pleased."

Jia Lian embraced the two stunningly beautiful women on either side and presented his case.

Miaoyu and Gu Qingyi were both embarrassed and delighted upon hearing this.

Nothing is more gratifying than receiving praise from your loved one after hard work.

Thinking about it this way, even cooperating with others is nothing special.

Anyway, the other person is a decent person.

Thinking of this, Miaoyu and Gu Qingyi looked up at each other at the same time, and then turned their faces away at the same time.

Jia Lian, who was looking down, caught the two beauties' little interaction. He happily pecked each of them on the cheek, then let go of them, stood up, and tore off his robe.

Seeing this, the two beauties knew that Jia Lian was about to leave.

Although she was a little reluctant, she still got up very sensibly, found Jia Lian's personal clothes, and helped Jia Lian put them on one by one.

During this time, Jia Lian said to Gu Qingyi, "If you have nothing else to do, come with us out of the city tomorrow."

"Yes, invite Shen Pan'er and the others too. Don't worry about having too many people; Jiang Yun will arrange the transportation."

This trip was originally an official leave, and how could a beautiful woman with talent like Gu Qingyi be absent?

After Gu Qingyi nodded in agreement, Jia Lian asked Miaoyu, "Are you really not going?"

Miaoyu had mentioned during a previous tea party that she wouldn't be going.

In the end, she couldn't let go of her pride and was too embarrassed to face the young ladies of the Jia family.

Miaoyu was initially hesitant when she saw that Gu Qingyi was also going to go.

However, when Jia Lian actually asked her again, she still shook her head.

Given her current status, it is indeed inappropriate for her to stay by Jia Lian's side.

But she's not as insecure as she used to be.

Jia Lian is now the crown prince and will be the emperor in the future.

To the emperor, what did her status mean?

Besides, Jia Lian has already promised her that he will make her an imperial concubine in the future.

Having gained confidence, one naturally won't care about gains or losses in the short term.

After bidding farewell to his two beauties, Jia Lian leisurely descended the mountain.

After passing through Qinfang Gate, Jia Lian went to Aojingxi Pavilion to see Sister You Er.

However, they found that the two sisters were busy directing the maids to pack their clothes and luggage.

It turned out that Sister Feng was worried about her son and wanted to give up the opportunity to travel and stay at home to take care of him.

Jia Lian then said, "If you're not going, and she's not going either, then nothing will happen."

So they told her to bring her son along too.

We can just bring more servants.

Sister Feng listened to her advice, but then thought it would be inappropriate for her to be the only one carrying such a burden.

So he suggested that the You sisters go together as a family.

Jia Lian did not object and let her make her own arrangements.

So when they met in the morning, after being persuaded by Sister Feng and others, the You sisters, who were not really keen on being absent, easily agreed.

Back home, Sister Feng was also busy preparing for her trip.

However, upon seeing him return, she immediately dropped what she was doing and chased after Jia Lian to report her arrangements.

Jia Lian also took the opportunity to tell her that Gu Qingyi and others would also be accompanying them, but she didn't need to worry about their arrangements.

"Understood. Second Master might find it boring taking all of us women out to play, so we should bring these entertainers along as well, that way we'll have more fun."

Seeing that Jia Lian smiled and didn't argue, Feng Jie leaned closer, about to continue speaking, when she suddenly asked, "What's that smell?"

"What does it taste like?"

Jia Lian subconsciously raised his sleeve and sniffed it, but apart from a faint smell of sweat on his body, he couldn't smell anything else.

So he frankly said, "I did some boxing outside when I got back and worked up a sweat, so I asked Qingwen and the others to prepare a bath."

Jia Lian believed his explanation was flawless.

After all, when he was being intimate with Miaoyu, he wasn't wearing these intimate items.

The outer robe was taken away by Qingwen and the others to change into after they entered the room.

He didn't think that Sister Feng could detect anything unusual about him.

But Sister Feng rolled her eyes when she heard this: "Practicing boxing? The scent of that vixen on you is almost suffocating."

As she spoke, Sister Feng herself laughed.

"You're really unlucky. I was planning to give you a surprise tonight."

"In that case, I'll send someone back."

Jia Lian was initially puzzled as to what Sister Feng was muttering about.

As she spoke, Xiangling, who had been quietly sitting beside Sister Feng, suddenly revealed a sorrowful and pitiful expression.

When he looked over, she stared at him expectantly.

Jia Lian pondered for a long time before saying, "Since she's already here, why send her back?"

"Tch~"

Sister Feng chuckled but didn't insist any further.

She had no other choice but to resort to the same old trick.

During the month of the funeral procession, she saw Jia Lian every day, but she didn't have many opportunities to get close to him.

Having finally returned to the capital yesterday, Jia Lian stayed at Xiaoxiang Pavilion again.

But she just couldn't find the words to say.

After all, compared to her, Baochai and Daiyu had been separated from Jia Lian for a longer period of time.

To prevent Jia Lian from going to Hengwu Garden tonight, she detained Xiao Qinshi when she came to see her today.

She refused to believe that with Qin Keqing around, Jia Lian could possibly run off somewhere else.

Of course, there are countless ways to win favor.

The reason I chose this method is not only because it's the simplest and most effective, but also because I wanted to consider my best friend's feelings.

She sent him to her man's bed in order to win him over.

We can't just use it and then throw it away.

It's been so long, it's time to let this poor girl taste the sweetness of life.

Best friends should share happiness and sorrow. (End of Chapter)