Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

In the Southern Study, Jia Lian had just returned to the palace when Shui Rong came looking for him.

"Your Majesty, with the opening of the Nanjing branch, many wealthy merchants and nobles have successfully exchanged banknotes from the head office for silver in Nanjing, which has undoubtedly greatly increased the public's trust in the national bank."

Over the past two months, people have been depositing money into the national bank.

Now, the combined silver deposits in the two capitals of Beijing and Nanjing are close to 10,000 households, with a total deposit of more than 18 million taels of silver!

The head office alone held over fifteen million taels.

Shui Rong looked extremely excited.

It's not that he's short-sighted, but rather that he achieved this result in just over half a year after being given the task last autumn!

Although this money does not belong to the imperial court, and the imperial court will even have to pay a lot of interest on this money every year.

However, Jia Lian once said that as long as the court's credibility does not collapse, this money belongs to the court!

More than 18 million...

He finally understood what it felt like when Jia Lian had generated over ten million taels of silver for the court in a single instance two years ago.

Cool.

Faced with Shui Rong's good news, Jia Lian appeared unusually calm.

Although it was difficult to set up the national bank at first, with the right to mint coins and the full support of the imperial court, what could private money shops do against it?

If water-soluble materials can't achieve any results, then they're just a complete waste.

Putting aside everything else, the nobles and wealthy merchants residing in the capital alone had to give the court face and deposit some money into the system.

Not to mention, as soon as the Nanjing branch was established, Jia Lian transferred the millions of silver dollars that should have been transported from the south to Beijing last year into the treasury of the Nanjing National Bank.

Of course, it wasn't given away for free; instead, an equal amount of silver was transferred from the head office into the national treasury at the same time.

This would reduce the losses from sending millions of taels of silver to the capital, and also allow the credit of the national bank to be established as quickly as possible.

After all, most of those who deposited silver at the head office in the early days were well-known wealthy merchants and nobles in the capital.

They were also the main users of silver in both the north and south.

Encouraging them to complete an exchange as quickly as possible is the best and fastest way to build trust and set an example.

"You did a good job."

But that's far from enough.

When the one-year term expires, those ordinary people and merchants who were the first to deposit their money into the fixed-term account receive their promised interest, which marks the beginning of the national bank's complete establishment of its credit.

Therefore, I request that you, in the coming months, do your utmost to open branches in the eighteen provincial capitals, except for remote areas such as the General's Office and the Protectorate General's Office.

No matter the size, you must have at least one.

"I want all the silver in the world to have more than just being buried underground."

Shui Rong was secretly alarmed upon hearing Jia Lian's words.

He had already gained much inspiration from Jia Lian regarding the way of banking.

Therefore, just from Jia Lian's words, he could sense the young emperor's exceptional vision and boundless ambition.

If what Jia Lian said is true, and people who hold large amounts of silver no longer choose to bury it underground, but instead deposit it in the national bank, what kind of scene would that be?

How powerful the court will be then!

"Your Majesty, I have received your order and will certainly fulfill the mission entrusted to me, contributing my humble efforts to Your Majesty's grand cause."

Shui Rong knelt down to show his determination.

After being woken up, he suddenly changed his tone.

"I have recently acquired a jar of fine wine. I wonder if Your Majesty would do me the honor of visiting my humble abode for a taste..."

Jia Lian was busy reading other memorials when he heard this and said dismissively, "I've been very busy lately, let's talk about it later."

Shui Rong leaned closer and whispered, "Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state and should not have any expectations."

Unfortunately, Green Ivy has already asked me about His Majesty's situation several times.

"I can see that she misses Your Majesty very much..."

Jia Lian naturally still remembered Shui Rong, his beloved concubine who was skilled in ventriloquism.

After all, she was a stunning beauty, scoring over 90 points, and no man who saw her could forget her.

Because he had a good relationship with Shui Rong, he couldn't bear to take it away.

Surprisingly, water-soluble substances are actually being marketed.

Therefore, he laughed and said, "If Your Highness is like this, aren't you afraid that I might become greedy and take away what you love?"

Shui Rong also smiled and said, "A gentleman helps others achieve their goals. If she is truly fortunate enough to follow Your Majesty, it will naturally be a better opportunity than if she were to stay by my side. I will not and dare not stop her."

Shui Rong was naturally reluctant to part with her, after all, she was a stunning beauty he had finally found.

But if Jia Lian really wanted it, he was indeed willing to offer it up.

However, he and Jia Lian had known each other for many years, and he was quite familiar with Jia Lian's character.

They didn't seize it before, and it's unlikely they will seize it now.

If it's just about sharing, he would be more than willing.

He was a romantic and famous man.

He had previously bestowed some ordinary concubines or those who had lost his favor upon some young and talented men he admired.

Now that it's the emperor he admires, he's definitely the one who benefits.

Jia Lian was naturally aware of the aristocratic manners of people like Shui Rong, so even his desire to hunt for women diminished somewhat.

He waved his hand and said, "I understand your intentions."

However, I really haven't had time these past few days.

Let's talk about it in a few days.

Shui Rong opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but when he saw Cao Zhong walk in and say that the Zhen family and the Zhang family had arrived, he vaguely realized something and then gave up the idea and took his leave.

Sure enough, before they even left the South Study, they saw eunuchs leading two pairs of mothers and daughters inside.

He glanced at it briefly during the brief moment they brushed past each other.

He recognized one of the two women; she was the matriarch of the Zhen family in Jiangnan and often accompanied the Empress Dowager.

The other person, though unfamiliar, appeared to be of similar status, judging from their attire and demeanor, and since they appeared at the same time as Mrs. Zhen.

Most importantly, each of them was accompanied by a young girl.

Recalling the news of Jia Lian's lavish bestowal of titles upon concubines last night, Shui Rong couldn't help but wonder if these two were among those who had come to express their gratitude.

This made him frown.

Does His Majesty prefer something so delicate and tender, and find the green ivy too old?

That shouldn't be the case; Green Ivy isn't even eighteen yet.

……

Inside the Southern Study, Jia Lian followed the same procedure, having Cao Zhong read aloud the imperial edict of investiture.

As for Zhang Yan, although his maternal uncle's family had already expressed their intentions to him, he and his cousin Yan'er were still innocent, so there was no need to rush.

But Zhen Yuhuan was different.

This girl is completely devoted to me, absolutely devoted.

Hearing that so many of her sisters had been made imperial concubines, but not her, she would probably have many thoughts in her heart.

So after Jia Lian returned to the palace, he simply sent someone to the Zhen family to summon them to the palace and bestow honors upon them in person.

Since rewards were already being bestowed, why not settle it all at once? So they brought their cousin Yan'er along as well.

"Your Highness Consort Zhen, according to His Majesty's decree, you shall take up residence in Yikun Palace."

"Your Highness, Consort Xiao, you are now the master of the Palace of Bliss."

"Entering the palace" means taking control of the main palace.

Even if there are other concubines in the palace, she should still be respected as the master.

Both Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Zhen were quite satisfied with the result.

Especially my second aunt.

She knew that Yikun Palace used to be the main palace of the Western Six Palaces.

His Majesty placed Yan'er here and even made her a palace mistress, which shows how much he values ​​her, or rather, the Zhang family.

After expressing their gratitude, Jia Lian instructed Cao Zhong to personally escort the two pairs of mothers and daughters to the inner palace for resettlement.

Although, in principle, even the mother of an empress or concubine should not be allowed to freely enter or leave the inner palace.

However, these two are a bit young, and it's better for them to be in an unfamiliar place with their mother's help in taking care of and comforting them.

Zhen Yuhuan refused to leave.

She moved closer to Jia Lian and said, "Second Brother, I wish to live with Sister Lin..."

"Huan'er, don't talk nonsense."

Mrs. Zhen was very anxious.

She knew that the Lin sister her daughter spoke of was Jia Lian's favorite woman, who had now been granted the title of Imperial Concubine.

If the daughter lives with him, she will inevitably be under his control.

Why not become the ruler of a palace yourself?

Jia Lian looked at Zhen Yuhuan, whose little face looked aggrieved, reached out and patted her head, and said with a smile, "Your sister Lin likes peace and quiet and is not used to living with others."

"No, she didn't look down on me at Xiaoxiang Pavilion before."

Jia Lian chuckled inwardly, thinking that this girl had a good personality and looked just like Daiyu.

This is why Daiyu was more tolerant.

When Xiangyun and Daiyu lived together, the two younger girls would quarrel from time to time.

Xiangyun was so angry that she fell in love with someone else.

"Alright. The Palace of Bliss is right next to your sister Lin's Palace of Eternal Bliss."

It will be very convenient for you to visit her in the future.

Jia Lian patted Zhen Yuhuan's head, signaling her to leave.

Seeing that there was no way to change the situation, Zhen Yuhuan had no choice but to go with her mother.

She was still young, and her heart was set on the man she loved, so she never considered power or freedom.

The reason she wanted to live with Daiyu was not only because she also liked this sister who looked exactly like her.

There's also a little something hidden inside.

She felt that being with Sister Lin would have a synergistic effect on Jia Lian, where one plus one equals more than two.

Last year at the Cloud Sea Moon Viewing Villa, when he coaxed me and Sister Lin to serve her together, I was so happy and excited.

After Zhen Yuhuan and Zhang Yan left, Jia Lian was thinking of going to the inner palace to check on the situation.

Before he knew it, he received a secret report from a palace servant.

"You're saying the Empress Dowager issued an imperial edict ordering the Ministry of Rites to select candidates for the imperial concubine selection?"

Jia Lian suddenly felt a headache coming on.

He just appointed so many concubines, and now he's holding another selection of consorts.

Daiyu had no choice but to conclude that he was a lecherous man, and she ignored him for several days.

So he took a few of his trusted confidants and went to the Cining Palace in the west to see the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager was as pleased as ever with his arrival.

"You are busy with state affairs, so there is no need for you to come to Cining Palace every day."

"If I ruin your health, how can I face the late Emperor?"

Jia Lian shook his head: "It's just a few steps, how could I be so tired?"

Jia Lian habitually squatted down and massaged the Empress Dowager's legs.

After exchanging a few words of pleasantries, he casually inquired, "I heard that the Empress Dowager has instructed the Ministry of Rites to select a consort for me. Is that true?"

The Empress Dowager laughed and said, "It's true. You've been on the throne for several months now, it's time to enrich your harem."

Since you are so busy with state affairs, it is only natural that I should take care of these trivial matters for you.

Jia Lian said helplessly, "But Father Emperor has only just passed away not long ago. Is it really appropriate for me to be in such a hurry to choose a consort?"

The Empress Dowager rolled her eyes at him, thinking to herself, "So you know it's not good?"

I don't know who it was, but last night they bestowed the title of ten concubines in one go!

Someone just reported that two more have been added.

"What's wrong with that? You only have two sons."

That's far too little.

It should be understood that if the imperial lineage is not strong, the foundation of the state will not be secure.

"I am doing this on behalf of the royal family and the court. Even if the late emperor knew, he wouldn't have blamed me."

"Your subject is still young..."

"It is precisely because we are young that we should pay more attention to this."

"If you don't have children now, are you going to wait until you're old to have them?"

He was rendered speechless by the Empress Dowager's words.

Jia Lian hesitated for a moment, then said, "Since Mother insists on choosing a consort for me, I dare not disobey."

"May I make one request?"

"Of course, you are my son, and everything your mother does is for you."

"Don't even mention a single request; I'll grant you whatever you ask for, no matter how many."

When the Empress Dowager saw that Jia Lian no longer objected, she immediately showed her "goodwill".

Jia Lian said, "It's not a difficult matter, it's just that after the young ladies enter the palace, could I choose them myself?"

Jia Lian didn't want his harem to be filled with a bunch of "virtuous and talented" cronies in the future.

Looks are secondary.

What if some troublemakers sneak in and disgust your precious bunch?

He must personally oversee the process; he doesn't trust anyone else.

The Empress Dowager smiled upon hearing Jia Lian's words.

They thought Jia Lian was simply lustful and wanted to choose whoever he liked.

She didn't seem to care much about it, and laughed, "If you have time, of course you can choose for yourself. What kind of request is that?"

"Thank you for your kindness, Mother."

"Hehehe..."

After bidding farewell to the Empress Dowager, Jia Lian went directly to the inner palace.

With so many masters entering all at once, the entire harem is now in chaos, with people moving around and carrying things everywhere.

Throughout the journey, Jia Lian raised his hand countless times to signal the palace servants to dispense with formalities.

My hands were getting sore by the end, so I just ignored all the random passersby.

Perhaps this is why people who are truly in high positions often appear aloof and distant.

Maintaining politeness and a smile while being in a high position is really tiring!

After looking around, we finally arrived at Yongshou Palace.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Seeing the four women bowing gracefully before the hall, Jia Lian waved his hand to signal them to get up, and then walked directly into the hall.

Behind them, Li Wan and Aunt Li quickly gestured for Li Wen and Li Qi to follow and serve.

"My sister-in-law and aunt have also come over. I have a few words to say to you."

Upon hearing this, Li Wan and Aunt Li's hearts skipped a beat. They couldn't help but exchange a glance, both seeing the shame and trembling deep in each other's eyes.

Not daring to let the palace servants notice anything amiss, he responded and then followed them into the hall.

Sitting down on the kang (heated brick bed) in the main bedroom, Jia Lian first looked around at the room's layout and decoration.

After the four Li women entered, they asked, "How is it? Are you satisfied with this place?"

Coco Lee and Li Qi were young and shy, and didn't know how to answer, so Aunt Li quickly answered for them:

"I wonder what kind of good deeds they must have accumulated over many lifetimes to receive such favor from the Emperor and be allowed to live in such a palace."

Aunt Li didn't actually know whether Yongshou Palace was good or not, but she did know that it was one of the Six Western Palaces.

Her own daughter was the principal wife of Yongshou Palace.

In this way, at least he wouldn't have to worry about his daughter being bullied in the palace.

Jia Lian shook his head: "In the past few years, the highest rank in Yongshou Palace was only that of a Noble Lady, and it has not been repaired for a long time."

But don't worry.

"I will have the Imperial Household Department renovate and decorate this place as soon as possible."

The more Jia Lian toured the harem, the more he felt that Emperor Ningkang was only kind to the Empress, but too harsh on his other women.

The six palaces in the east and west are practically two different places compared to the Chonghua Palace of the retired emperor in the east.

I heard that in many places, even the palace maids and eunuchs were not fully staffed. They were transferred from Chonghua Palace by the Empress (the current Empress Dowager) after the death of the Emperor Emeritus.

Of course, it is also possible that it was originally taken away by Chonghua Palace.

Hearing Jia Lian's words, and receiving frantic pleas from her mother and cousin, Li Wen and Li Qi knelt down with slightly flushed faces and kowtowed in gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

Looking at the two adorable little girls in front of him and listening to their crisp voices, Jia Lian felt a sweet warmth in his heart.

He bent down and lifted their arms, pulling them closer to examine them. The more he looked, the more he liked them.

The girl's skin was smooth, delicate, and flawless.

The girl's shyness is like a pool of spring water, making her all the more endearing.

I couldn't resist looking down and giving that rosy little face a peck.

"Ah~"

Although she had witnessed Jia Lian and Zhen Yuhuan's passionate kiss in the carriage last year, the naive young Li Qi was still shocked when this happened to her in person, and immediately stepped back.

Her reaction made Aunt Li and Li Wan secretly worried, fearing that she might displease Jia Lian.

Fortunately, Jia Lian didn't. After laughing, he saw Li Wen standing to the side, looking at him with her clear, big eyes full of expectation.

He couldn't help but pull her over, sit her on his lap, and give her a real kiss.

As expected, this girl was more sensible than her younger sister. Although she didn't cooperate, she didn't pretend to be coquettish. She just blushed and let Jia Lian do as he pleased.

After inhaling the girl's sweet fragrance, Jia Lian released her and said with a smile, "Alright, you two can go now. I need to say a few words to your mother and sister."

Yes~~

Still reeling from the embarrassment of being ambushed by Jia Lian and her sister's intimacy with him in front of their mother and others, Li Qi obediently turned around, wishing she could escape from Jia Lian, this monster who made her blush and her heart race.

On the contrary, Coco Lee, despite her shyness, keenly noticed the slight awkwardness that flashed across her mother's and sister's faces after Jia Lian dismissed them. (End of Chapter)