Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

After their lovemaking, Jia Lian carried Daiyu into the study, where Baochai stood to grind ink.

Jia Lian took out a floor plan of the palace and pointed to the palaces on the left and right sides of the Kunning Palace behind the Daming Palace, saying, "From now on, Chai'er, you will live in the Yongning Palace on the east side, and Lin Meimei will live in the Yikun Palace on the west side."

Upon hearing this, Baochai paused.

As a concubine, she naturally understood the structure of the imperial harem.

The main palace complex of the imperial harem consisted of the Eastern and Western Six Palaces.

Yongning Palace, in terms of status, should be the head of the six eastern palaces.

Although she knew she shouldn't be surprised, at this moment, Baochai's gaze towards Jia Lian was still full of affection.

Daiyu peeked at the map, then pouted and said, "Why are you making me stay in Yikun Palace?"

Jia Lian laughed and said, "This Yikun Palace is the most important of the six western palaces. Besides you, who else is qualified to live here?"

Daiyu blushed slightly and asked again, "Then why does Sister Bao live in Yongning Palace, while I live in Yikun Palace?"

"Because you are Xi Shi, it is natural for you to sit in the west, which is in line with your character."

Your sister Bao has the beauty of Yang Guifei, so it makes perfect sense for her to live in the east.

Daiyu looked up at Jia Lian speechlessly.

Baochai smiled gently and said softly, "If Lin Daiyu likes to live in the east, I can switch places with you."

Although there is no definitive rule on which of the six palaces, East or West, has a higher status, many people would subconsciously feel that the East Palace has a higher status than the West Palace if they were to discuss it in detail.

Baochai thought that Daiyu cared about this.

Seeing that Jia Lian remained silent, Daiyu gave a soft snort and continued to press, "How is the position of head of the six palaces determined? Is it because the palace is better built than others? Or because the area is larger?"

Jia Lian shook his head: "None of that. It was mainly determined by the status of the concubines who had lived there before."

"Wherever you reside, Lin Daiyu, your status in that palace will be higher."

Daiyu nodded, then pointed to a location on the map and said, "I'll stay here."

Jia Lian and Baochai looked over and saw that Daiyu was referring to Chang Le Palace, and immediately understood.

Yongning Palace and Yikun Palace are on the same horizontal line as Kunning Palace (the residence of empresses throughout history), and can be said to be in the middle of the six palaces in the east and west.

However, if we consider the distance from Daming Palace, then it is not the case.

Of the six western palaces, Changle Palace is the closest to the sleeping quarters of Daming Palace.

Clearly, Daiyu preferred to be closer to Jia Lian than to consider the grandeur of a palace.

Seeing that Jia Lian and Baochai had both seen through her thoughts, Daiyu felt a little embarrassed but forced herself to remain calm: "Why, is it not allowed?"

"sure."

Jia Lian smiled. He couldn't be happier if Daiyu wanted to be closer to him.

Fortunately, she is physically weak, so this way she can usually walk less.

After determining the palaces for Daiyu and Baochai, Jia Lian, amidst their warm and fragrant presence, discussed the accommodations for the other guests with them.

For the You sisters, and even Tan Chun and the Li sisters, there were no surprises for Daiyu and Baochai.

They all knew about Tan Chun's situation.

Even the Li sisters understood.

After all, the mother and her two daughters traveled a long way to the capital and have been living in the Grand View Garden. Anyone with eyes can see what that means.

However, when Daiyu saw Jia Lian discussing Xiangyun and Xichun's living quarters with them, she couldn't bear it any longer.

"You... I can forgive Yun girl, but you even went after Xichun!"

Daiyu pinched Jia Lian's waist hard.

Jia Lian quickly grabbed her hand and shamelessly laughed, "We're all sisters who grew up together, and we're all members of the Begonia Society. How can you bear to leave Xichun here alone?"

"I'm doing this for your own good. Moving everyone to the palace will make it easier for you sisters to reunite; it'll be lively and fun with so many people, won't it?"

"Is that really all there is to it?"

"Uh-huh."

Daiyu stared at Jia Lian speechlessly; she couldn't possibly believe such an explanation.

They've already been brought into the harem by him, how could they possibly escape his grasp?

Baochai then asked with a smile, "If that's the case, then Sister Xiuyan is definitely indispensable?"

Jia Lian quickly took Baochai's hand and said, "Chai'er understands her husband best. Xiuyan is also a member of the Begonia Society, so naturally we can't leave her out."

Baochai shook her head without answering, but silently picked up her pen and wrote down the names of these people on the paper.

After arranging the accommodations for all the ladies of the Grand View Garden, Jia Lian led Daiyu and Baochai out of the study.

As soon as they entered the garden, Baochai and Daiyu made an excuse to go back and change their clothes, thus separating themselves from Jia Lian.

Jia Lian knew they were shy.

After all, the fact that the three of them spent an entire afternoon in the study is quite intriguing.

She went to the Aojingxi Pavilion to see her second son... Last December, when Emperor Ningkang was at his sickest, Second Sister You gave birth to a son at home.

By the time they returned to the main hall, it was almost dark.

Sister Feng was busy preparing for the banquet.

After all, it was the last banquet in the Grand View Garden, and it represented bidding farewell to the past and moving towards the pinnacle of life. Feng Jie, who always valued a sense of ritual, was naturally very serious and responsible.

Upon seeing Jia Lian return, she put down what she was doing and greeted him warmly as she led him to the back.

Once the crowd thinned out, she asked with a smile, "Are Bao and Lin so fragrant? With them around, you don't think about anything else?"

I haven't seen anyone all afternoon!

Jia Lian shirked his responsibilities and left everything to Feng Jie, so it's only right that she complains a bit.

Therefore, he did not retaliate, but silently went into the inner room and had Hu Yuanyao and others change him into the dragon robe that he had brought out of the palace.

Sister Feng took the initiative to lead the way.

Her delicate hand caressed the dragon robe, feeling its silky texture. Gazing at the black and gold five-clawed dragon engraved on it, a symbol of supreme imperial power, she couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

Suddenly remembering the key point, he asked, "I heard that you came back today to formally take us back to the palace."

"The palace has strict rules, and there are so many of us. Have you arranged where the sisters will stay?"

After tidying himself up, Jia Lian had Hu Yuanyao bring out the list that he and Daiyu had prepared and handed it to Feng Jie.

When Sister Feng opened the book and glanced at it, she saw the delicate handwriting and immediately guessed that it was Baochai's handwriting.

I couldn't help but feel a little jealous.

If Jia Lian made the decision himself, and Baochai merely wrote it on his behalf, that would be fine. But if it was a decision made in consultation with them, without even consulting him…

Without even checking, a quick glance revealed he couldn't find his name on the list, and he blurted out, "My name isn't on it, where do I live?"

Jia Lian turned and sat down in the armchair, asking in return, "Where else would you like to stay?"

Sister Feng immediately realized what was going on.

Indeed, I heard that the Empress Dowager has moved to Cining Palace, leaving Kunning Palace empty.

As the empress, she naturally has to live in the Kunning Palace!

With that thought in mind, he no longer cared about Baochai's handwriting.

He gave Jia Lian a simple smile, and walked towards him while carefully observing Jia Lian's arrangements.

His brows furrowed deeper as he looked, then he looked up and laughed, "I can understand others, but why is Sister Yingchun coming to the palace with us?"

"Cong'er is still young, and the First Madam has such a temperament. I'm not comfortable leaving her outside the palace."

"Let her come to the palace with us. With you as her sister-in-law, I can rest assured."

This explanation is reasonable, Sister Feng nodded.

Seeing that the onlookers had all left, she put down the booklet, sat on Jia Lian's lap with a smile, and hooked her arms around his neck, saying, "Look at your arrangement! You've swept up all the sisters in our garden, not a single one is left!"

Faced with Sister Feng's teasing question, Jia Lian put his arm around her slender waist and laughed, "It's all your fault."

"Blame me?" Sister Feng blinked, indicating that she couldn't understand.

"If you hadn't been so critical of me and forced me to improve myself, I wouldn't have had the chance to become an emperor."

If you had indulged me back then, I might still be sleeping around in some brothel right now.

So even if I wanted to wipe you all out, I wouldn't have the ability, would I?

Tell me, is it your fault?

Jia Lian looked at Feng Jie with a smile.

Sister Feng looked embarrassed and said weakly, "Nonsense..."

Although she knew Jia Lian was making excuses for himself, she couldn't help but wonder what would have happened today if she had really indulged Jia Lian and hadn't provoked him.

Then again, I didn't really provoke him. Or rather, it was true that I disliked him in the first place, but he always acted like he wouldn't budge, letting my words go in one ear and out the other.

He clearly had a sudden epiphany on his own; what does it have to do with me?

Hehe, it would be nice if it really concerned me.

He became emperor, and she became empress.

Xiao Bao can become the crown prince in the future.

This deal is worthwhile no matter how you look at it.

……

As the banquet began, the sisters from the Grand View Garden, as well as the main members of the two mansions, arrived one after another.

The Jia family members sat on the right, while Jia Lian's concubines and sisters sat on the left.

Each person has their own seat.

Everyone was very reserved, and they took their seats according to the arrangements made by Hu Yuanyao, Qingwen, and others.

"His Majesty and the Empresses have arrived!"

Accompanied by the sounds of bells and chimes, Jia Lian led Feng Jie, Baochai, and Daiyu out from the back hall.

Everyone rose from their seats and knelt on the ground, chanting: "Long live His Majesty! Long live His Majesty! Long live His Majesty!"

Jia Lian led Feng Jie to the center of the high seat and gestured for Daiyu and Baochai to sit on either side.

After the four of them were seated, Jia Lian waved his hand and said, "Rise and take your seats."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Seeing that everyone stood up and hesitated to sit down, Jia Lian smiled and said, "Today is a family banquet, so you don't need to be too formal. Just relax and be at ease, so as not to disappoint my original intention in holding this banquet today."

"Master Jia, please have everyone sit down."

"I will obey Your Majesty's decree."

After Jia Zheng bowed to receive the imperial decree, he invited Grandmother Jia and the others to take their seats.

Just as he was about to speak, Dai Quan quickly walked in and reported from the side: "Your Majesty, a woman outside the hall who calls herself Miaoyu requests an audience."

Everyone remained silent upon hearing this, except for Jia Lian, who smiled and said, "Please come in quickly."

A moment later, a woman dressed in a bright white dress, with an ethereal air, slowly walked in from outside the hall.

She had bright eyes and white teeth, and her skin was as white as snow.

Her hair reached her waist, and her body was as if sculpted.

Wearing a white dress that fluttered as she walked, she looked like a celestial being.

Most of the people in the hall had seen Miaoyu before, but in the past, Miaoyu had usually appeared in front of them in plain black robes.

This was the first time they had ever seen her dressed like this, in a white dress, looking like a well-bred young lady.

Unexpectedly, this Buddhist nun who practices with her hair intact is so beautiful that it's almost unbearable to look at her directly.

Everyone in the hall was amazed by her beauty, but Miaoyu herself was very flustered.

She lived in the Grand View Garden, so naturally she knew about Jia Lian's return.

She had been wondering whether Jia Lian, now the emperor, would still remember her or come to see her.

She then received a message from Jia Lian instructing her to attend a banquet at the main hall of the Grand View Pavilion at the beginning of the Xu hour (7-9 PM).

She was initially very conflicted and hesitant, but standing on the mountain, she watched wave after wave of people gathering towards Daguanlou.

She eventually decided to go down the mountain to check on the situation.

She is still very smart.

Knowing that Jia Lian had invited her to the banquet, she probably wanted to announce her identity to the world.

So she specially changed into her most beautiful white dress.

She thought that even if she couldn't surpass Sister Feng and the others, she certainly couldn't let people look down on her.

But now, she doesn't know if everyone is underestimating her, because she hasn't dared to look closely at the expressions on everyone's faces.

Facing the hall filled with gold and jade, and a huge crowd of people sitting there, she felt flustered, and even her feet felt light on the ground.

Having finally reached the palace, she gracefully bowed and said, "Miaoyu greets Your Majesty and all the ladies..."

In such a formal occasion as a court audience, one is required to kneel and bow.

But she didn't, whether it was because she didn't understand, forgot, or something else.

Fortunately, no one complained about it, and Jia Lian smiled warmly, saying, "Why are you late? Please take a seat."

If it were anyone else, they would probably have offered a fearful and trembling explanation in the face of Jia Lian's questioning.

But Miaoyu didn't feel that way. She felt like countless eyes were staring at her, making her feel very uncomfortable.

Therefore, he didn't even dare to look up at Jia Lian, and just nodded, trying to blend into the crowd.

A quick glance revealed that the left side of the main hall was filled with women, with only two seats remaining near the entrance.

I did notice that there was an empty seat at the very front of the first row.

But she wouldn't just sit on it rashly.

After all, she saw it; the You sisters were the ones who would strike from that position.

The You sisters are among the few women in Jia Lian's harem who currently have official titles.

Among them, Sister You Er even gave birth to a prince for Jia Lian.

She wouldn't rashly place herself above him.

What if this seat was reserved for someone of higher status? Wouldn't it be a joke if she sat in it?

Although she felt a little wronged to be seated at the very back, she still turned around.

There are too many people now, so I need to maintain my pride.

I'll confide in him privately when I have the chance and see how he responds!

Unexpectedly, Jia Lian said, "You sit there, that's your seat."

Miaoyu turned around.

Upon confirming that Jia Lian was referring to the seat in the first row and first column on the left, facing Grandmother Jia on the right, Miaoyu's bright face immediately flushed red.

After hesitating for a moment, she softly hummed in agreement, walked to the front, and slowly sat down.

Only then did everyone slowly shift their gaze away from her.

He thought to himself that this beautiful fairy must hold a special place in His Majesty's heart.

That's true, this person's appearance is indeed extraordinary, breathtakingly beautiful.

Jia Lian sat at the head of the table and witnessed Miaoyu's reactions throughout. He felt a secret sense of satisfaction, thinking that he had completely grasped the beauty's little thoughts.

Unexpectedly, a small hand reached out from below his left waist and gently pinched him.

Jia Lian knew what was going on without even turning around, so he didn't bother to turn back and raised his cup to invite everyone to drink together. (End of Chapter)