Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

After a short rest, the carriages and horses resumed their journey.

Before long, the dense forest dissipated, and the view suddenly opened up.

What comes into view is a relatively flat area of ​​ground.

Upon hearing the sound, everyone got off the car and saw gray walls and red tiles, with a tall archway in the middle.

Through the archway, one can see lush greenery and upturned eaves within the enclosure, creating a vivid and solemn atmosphere of a royal garden.

"Sister Lin, look... 'Cloud Sea Gazing at the Moon Manor,' what an elegant name."

Tan Chun pointed to the plaque hanging on the archway and said.

The sisters all looked up and watched intently.

At this moment, the eunuchs and palace maids in the manor were already kneeling by the roadside to welcome them. The leading eunuch ran over at the right time to greet Jia Lian and the others.

Jia Lian said, "I will probably stay here for ten days. Please serve me well, and I will reward you afterwards."

If there is anything beyond your capabilities, you may consult me ​​or Chief Steward Cao; do not act on your own initiative.

Alright, now you will act as our guide and show us around the mountain resort.

The head eunuch of the manor repeatedly agreed, then bowed and invited the masters into the manor.

The resort covers a large area and has numerous scenic buildings.

Everywhere you look is a beautiful scene.

Most of the people were seeing such a royal garden for the first time and couldn't help but marvel at its beauty.

Following the main road, before long, a lake with clear water and clean, beautiful railings appears to the side.

The steward, Sun Cheng, quickly introduced: "This is Yunhai Lake."

Because there are several springs on this mountain, warm water flows out all year round, and some of it flows into this Yunhai Lake, which causes the lake water temperature to remain constant throughout the year.

In winter, when the weather is bitterly cold, a vast expanse of white mist forms over the lake, resembling a sea of ​​clouds when viewed from a high vantage point, hence its name.

The group suddenly understood and asked, "Then what is the meaning of 'Gazing at the Moon' in the name of the villa?"

"Reporting to my lords, although Longyin Mountain is a famous resort, in terms of location, our place is undoubtedly the best."

The main building of the resort is located high on the mountain peak.

Therefore, when the moon is full, there is no need to find another place to enjoy the moon.

That's how it got its name.

Everyone understood immediately.

Below this is Yunhai Lake, where you can admire the moon. No wonder it's called "Yunhai Wangyue" (Gazing at the Moon from the Sea of ​​Clouds), it's quite fitting.

The mountain resort was extremely large, and the group of people and their carriages had been traveling for most of the day, so they were quite tired.

Therefore, upon arriving at the main hall, the group was not in a hurry to visit other places and requested to stay and rest first.

So, based on the palace where they were to stay, they selected courtyards and rooms, and each person tidied up.

These matters naturally did not require Jia Lian to handle personally. He summoned Sun Cheng and inquired about the unique features and attractions of the mountain villa.

"The most distinctive feature of our resort is naturally the hot spring."

Legend has it that the reason this mountain resort was chosen was because of the several hot springs on the mountain.

The weather is perfect for a hot spring bath right now, would you like to try it, Master?

Sun Cheng's "Wen Tang" refers to a hot spring, and Jia Lian naturally wanted to try what this ancient hot spring was like.

Although there is a hot spring bath at home, it was carved out by human hands and lacked a sense of naturalness.

"Let's call it a day. It's getting late, so let's not make a fuss."

"Without making a big fuss, there is a hot spring pool in the northeast corner of the resort, called the Hot Spring Palace."

It is a palace built by directly encompassing a relatively flat hot spring.

"The hot spring is inside the palace. Shall I lead you there now, Master?"

As the manager of the manor, Sun Cheng naturally understood the importance of pleasing Jia Lian.

Therefore, as soon as they received the news that Jia Lian was coming to take a vacation, they began to make full preparations.

He was afraid of missing the chance to show his face in front of Jia Lian, so he seized the opportunity to recommend him.

Hearing him say that, Jia Lian stopped refusing and let Sun Cheng take him to see the so-called hot spring palace.

Starting from the main hall, after circling around the resort for about 15 minutes, a separate palace appeared before us, named "Hot Spring Palace".

Upon entering the palace, one is greeted by layers of lush curtains, silver screens adorned with colorful paintings, and decorations and furnishings of the utmost luxury.

However, upon closer inspection, the hot spring palace is actually not very large, consisting mainly of a front hall and a back courtyard.

The hot spring pool was also located in the backyard.

The backyard is predominantly white, with a small circular pond in the center.

Judging from its size, it is only a little over half a zhang (approximately 1.3 meters).

Not to mention comparing it to the Hanfang Hall in the Grand View Pavilion, it is even slightly inferior to the bathhouse behind the flower hall in Sister Feng's courtyard back then.

However, being a natural hot spring, it is not only shrouded in a light mist in this late autumn season, but also allows one to see the clear spring water bubbling up when one gets closer.

With such a luxurious environment, it really makes one want to go for a soak.

Sun Cheng smiled and said at the right moment, "We knew the masters were coming, so we tested the water temperature, and it's just right."

"My lord, you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you go for a soak now? It will help relieve your fatigue."

"Alright."

"Dele, your servant will arrange for someone to serve you right away."

Seeing Jia Lian nod, Sun Cheng quickly smiled and withdrew.

However, when he called over a group of palace maids he had carefully selected and instructed them to serve him attentively, he was blocked by a stunningly beautiful maid who had always been by Jia Lian's side.

"They don't need to go in. I'll let you know if they need anything."

"Yes……"

Although Sun Cheng did not know Qingwen, as the saying goes, even a minor official has to serve the prime minister.

Judging from the girl's appearance and the fact that she dared to issue such orders, she must be someone not to be trifled with.

So he told the palace maids to stay outside and wait for his orders, and respectfully asked the woman in front of him to tell him that he was going to prepare dinner and that if he needed anything, the palace servants could call him at any time.

The woman merely nodded aloofly, then waved her hand at him before turning and leaving.

"Second Master..."

When Qingwen returned, Jia Lian had already entered the hot spring with the help of the palace maids on either side.

Hearing Qingwen's sweet, coquettish voice, he asked without turning his head, "Who were you whispering to over there just now?"

"No one, it's that old eunuch. He said he went down to prepare dinner and told the Second Master that he could send someone to call him anytime if he needed anything."

Qingwen did not honestly explain that she had kept those palace maids outside.

Anyway, since it wasn't Jia Lian who gave the order, how could just anyone get close to our master?

What if there's an assassin?

However, since she had sent away the servants, Qingwen naturally understood that she would have to work harder herself.

So Yingying knelt down by the pond and massaged Jia Lian's shoulders from behind.

"Second Master, this really is a natural hot spring! Look, water is still bubbling out."

"Second Master, is this warm bath comfortable? How's the water temperature?"

Qingwen bent down, reached out and scooped up a handful of hot spring water, sprinkling it on Jia Lian's shoulder.

Jia Lian ignored Qingwen's gossip.

He had long noticed that Qingwen was very talkative in front of him.

I reckon only Xiangyun could compare to her.

However, she is somewhat different from Xiangyun.

Xiangyun is naturally optimistic and talkative, and she gets along with almost everyone.

This girl is only talkative in front of him; in front of others, she is rather aloof.

He also likes to speak with a sarcastic tone.

After a while, noticing that Qingwen had stopped talking, he asked, "Why is it that only you came along? Where are Xiangling and Yuanyang?"

"Aren't they busy tidying up the house for the master?"

"So you're the only one who slacked off and came along?"

"It's not slacking off, it's just that Second Master can't be left alone."

Jia Lian smiled and then said, "Go and tell them that there's no need to pack. Let them move all their things over. We'll stay here for the next few days."

Although this hot spring palace is in a remote location, it is both simple and luxurious.

Jia Lian was quite satisfied when he looked at it just now.

The key is this steaming hot spring. After playing with Sister Feng and the others every day, soaking in it is indeed very attractive.

For the sake of propriety, it was inconvenient for him to stay at Hanfang Pavilion at home.

But when you're on vacation, you don't have to worry about those things.

Do whatever makes you comfortable.

Qingwen was delighted to hear Jia Lian's words and immediately instructed Tanyun, who was standing beside her, to convey Jia Lian's message.

Before long, Xiangling, Yuanyang, and the others also arrived.

Looking at the hot spring pool, the two women were secretly amazed.

However, when they saw Qingwen, who was also in the hot spring pool, playfully teasing Jia Lian, they couldn't help but blush.

Since you're soaking in a hot spring, it's natural not to wear extra clothes, and it's common for some skin to be exposed. Anyway, it's a private place, and no outsiders will be able to see it.

What truly sparks the imagination is Qingwen's overall condition.

Her already radiant skin became even more rosy and glowing after being soaked in the spring water, but her hair was also disheveled and completely soaked.

Some strands of hair clung to her rosy little face, still dripping with water droplets.

Xiangling was fine, but Yuanyang was inevitably suspicious. She thought to herself, "Soaking in a hot spring isn't like taking a bath, so why did you get your hair all wet?"

Even Second Master's hair was dry.

Before her doubts were fully dispelled, Yuanyang couldn't help but feel envious, thinking that Qingwen was truly beautiful and pure.

If one were to choose a fitting image from the book, it would undoubtedly be a lotus flower emerging from clear water.

Yuanyang glanced at Xiangling, who was equally beautiful, and felt a little sad.

She understood that perhaps among the three maids, she was the most ordinary one.

"What are you all standing there for? Come down, let's soak together and chat."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's greeting, Yuanyang quickly cast aside her distracting thoughts and her romantic desires returned.

Going into the water inevitably means undressing, and this pool is so small that with four people squeezed together, touching is bound to be unavoidable—how embarrassing…

However, Xiangling wouldn't give her time to think.

Xiangling is just not very expressive; she's not stupid.

The second master told her to go down and soak in the hot spring, which was a reward, so she readily complied.

Seeing that Xiangling had taken off her outer garments and started folding them up and putting them aside, Yuanyang, though shy, had no choice but to turn to the side, raise her slender hands, and slowly undress herself.

Jia Lian turned his head at the opportune moment to observe the two maids undressing.

It must be said that the three beautiful maids he received were truly like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each with their own unique charm.

Needless to say, Qingwen was exquisitely beautiful, with a nimble figure, and could be described as absolutely gorgeous in every way.

Perhaps the only thing she lacked compared to Xiangling was that her skin wasn't as fair.

If whiteness is Xiangling's defining characteristic, then sexiness, a word he rarely uses to describe the women around him, undoubtedly belongs to Yuanyang.

The three maids were not significantly different in height, but Qingwen was the shortest.

Yuanyang is a little taller than Xiangling.

However, Yuanyang was very slender. According to Jia Lian's estimation, her weight was probably not much more than Qingwen's... but definitely lighter than Xiangling's.

Normally, it's not so noticeable when she's dressed, but now that Yuanyang has removed her extra clothing, her straight legs and slender back immediately reveal her physical advantages.

Jia Lian immediately noticed the word "sexy" about her, a quality that neither Qingwen nor Xiangling possessed.

In other words, Yuanyang grew up by Grandmother Jia's side from a young age, which fostered her refined and reserved temperament.

If she were to learn some seductive techniques from Aqin or Shen Pan'er,

With her natural advantages, her charm level is bound to rise sharply.

Like Qingwen, the two maids also left themselves their undergarments and underpants, and then walked over barefoot.

They exchanged a glance, then squatted down, each sticking out one foot first.

As her fair, jade-like legs slowly sank into the water, they became ethereal and indistinct due to the refraction of the water waves, contrasting with the pristine whiteness on the shore, appearing and disappearing, sometimes near, sometimes far.

For a moment, it gave people the illusion of being in a fairyland.

Jia Lian couldn't help but laugh and moved his body to the side.

Because of her shyness, Yuanyang gave up the opportunity to get close to Jia Lian to Xiangling, and ran to the opposite side of Jia Lian, which was the furthest place.

But she didn't consider that the pool was only so big, how far could it possibly go?

With a simple lift of his foot, Jia Lian could easily place his toes in her lap.

On the contrary, by shrinking to the opposite side, she made it easier for Jia Lian to admire her female figure.

After all, compared to the two maids, Qing and Xiang, she was a newcomer and naturally more likely to attract Jia Lian's attention.

"You wicked second master, you're up to no good again!"

Jia Lian was enjoying Yuanyang's shy demeanor when he suddenly heard Qingwen's coquettish voice beside him. He subconsciously looked at Qingwen.

Following Qingwen's gaze, he easily understood why she had scolded him.

The three maids had clothes to cover their private parts, but he didn't.

The spring water is crystal clear and reflects the underwater scenery.

It was obvious that Qingwen noticed something amiss when he was leering at Yuanyang.

Xiangling and Yuanyang also turned their gazes over at the same time, and then, like Qingwen, they became shy and bashful.

"Hahaha... A beautiful lady is sought after by a gentleman, what kind of bad idea is this?"

"If I were surrounded by three beauties like you, completely naked, and I could remain unmoved and unaffected, you'd really be crying."

Jia Lian felt no shame whatsoever. He wrapped his arms around both of the pretty maids, kissed one of them, and then whispered a few words in Xiangling's ear.

He did the same thing again, leaning close to Qingwen's ear and whispering a few words.

"Why did Second Master suddenly ask me to call her over?"

Qingwen was clearly not as composed as Xiangling; she immediately asked about her doubts.

"You don't need to ask any more questions, just do as I say, and I'll reward you handsomely later."

"All right."

Qingwen glanced suspiciously at the other two. Having already soaked for quite some time, she didn't linger. She tossed her hair as she got up and went ashore.

Xiangling was like that.

Yuanyang, who was sitting opposite with her arms crossed, was already very curious because Jia Lian, Qingwen, and Xiangling were whispering to each other.

Seeing that they were about to leave, he couldn't sit still any longer.

"Don't move, stay and talk to me."

Yes~

Yuanyang dared not move, but she was very nervous.

Looking at the empty hot spring pool where only the two of them remained, she was speechless, her usual quick wit completely gone.

Seeing her adorable reaction, Jia Lian simply gazed at her without making any further moves.

Time ticked by, and it was Yuanyang who couldn't bear the awkward silence any longer, stammering, "What did Second Master ask them to do? Who did he call over?"

You'll find out soon enough.

Yuanyang remained silent for a moment, then said, "Then let me massage Second Master's arms."

Yuanyang couldn't stand Jia Lian's gaze any longer; she felt as if he were about to devour her.

So, suppressing her shame, she prepared to move over to serve Jia Lian, so that at least she would have something to do and wouldn't be so quiet and frightening.

"Hahaha……"

Seeing that Yuanyang couldn't take it anymore, Jia Lian stopped teasing her.

He braced himself against the bank with both hands and stood up from the pool with a splash.

The pool is only as deep as his legs, so even if there are many people crowding in, the excess water will overflow instead of increasing the water level.

At this moment, the hot spring pool had been filled with people who had left, and the water level had not yet recovered.

One can imagine the scene of Jia Lian standing up.

The mandarin ducks, who were just about to move over, were so frightened that they covered their eyes with their hands.

Her reaction was entirely within Jia Lian's expectations; in fact, because she didn't scream, Jia Lian thought she was quite composed.

Looking down at the sexy beauty hidden in the water, Jia Lian didn't hesitate at all.

He bent down and entered the water, and easily pulled her out of the water while she pretended to struggle.

"What are you going to do...?"

At this moment, Yuanyang naturally didn't bother to cover her eyes. Lying in Jia Lian's arms, she innocently asked a question.

Jia Lian glanced down at her, then at the few palace maids who stood by with their heads bowed, and said with a smile, "Hold me tight."

After saying this, he stepped onto the steps in the pond, and with the mandarin ducks in his arms, he nimbly climbed ashore.

He then completely ignored the palace maids who were stealing glances at him, looked at the cool couch beside him, hesitated for a moment, and then, still carrying the soaking wet mandarin ducks, headed towards the inner chambers. (End of Chapter)