Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Looking at the little ones of different sizes, all of whom were very cute and lively, gathered in the middle of the hall, Jia Lian felt a deep sense of emotion.

Before he knew it, he had fourteen children.

This was even when he was consciously trying to restrain himself.

Although not to the extent of his reign before ascending the throne, he certainly did not engage in rampant sowing.

He did not want to impregnate someone as young as Xiangyun.

However, there are also unexpected events, such as Tan Chun.

When Tan Chun was pregnant, he was quite nervous for a while.

Fortunately, in the end, both mother and daughter were safe.

I already have so many children in just a few years. I wonder how many I will have in another ten years.

It is now known that the account in the Book of Han that Liu Sheng, the Prince of Zhongshan, had more than 120 sons may not be false.

Perhaps finding the children's chatter too noisy, Sister Feng instructed the wet nurses and nannies to take the children away, and then said to Jia Lian:

"Today is His Majesty's birthday. The Dowager Lady Shi and the young couple Baoyu also wish to come and kowtow to His Majesty. I wonder if His Majesty will summon them?"

Feng Jie now addresses Grandmother Jia as Old Lady Shi, not because she has become arrogant and turned against her.

On the contrary, she is actually more sentimental than most people.

However, nowadays there is an Empress Dowager at the top of the palace, and an Empress Dowager in the middle.

If she continues to address Grandmother Jia as "old lady," it will seem as if she has not properly recognized her place.

Jia Lian asked, "Now?"

The birthday celebration lasted for three days, with its own set of procedures, giving officials, relatives, and ladies of the court the opportunity to kowtow to him.

"Yes. They just came to Kunning Palace to pay their respects to me, and I brought them here on the way. They are waiting outside the palace gate now."

If Your Majesty is not in a hurry to do other things, you might as well grant me a favor.

If Your Majesty has other matters to attend to, then I will let them return first.

Of course, Sister Feng knew that there would be an opportunity for Grandmother Jia and others to kowtow at the birthday banquet.

But at that time, there were so many noblewomen, both inside and outside the court, that it was hard to say whether they could even show their faces in front of Jia Lian, let alone exchange a few words and earn any special respect.

That's why Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and others were so eager to curry favor with her and ask for her help in getting an introduction.

Sister Feng has never had the habit of taking money and not doing the job.

Since you've promised, you should do your best to keep it.

"Since we're already here, let's meet up."

With Jia Lian's approval, a short while later, led by Grandmother Jia, a group of the main female members of the two Jia families, including Jia Baoyu, appeared in the hall.

After exchanging greetings, Jia Lian noticed the little girl being led by You Shi looking at him hesitantly, so he smiled and waved to her.

Upon seeing this, Jia Heng disregarded her mother's instructions and ran towards Jia Lian, calling out brightly, "Your Majesty, Second Uncle~"

"Hey~"

Jia Lian laughed, picked her up, and placed her on his lap.

When the princes and princesses kowtowed to him just now, he thought of the two little ones, Jia Heng and Jia Wu.

Now that I see it, I naturally like it very much.

In fact, besides Jia Heng and Jia Wu, he also had a daughter who lived far away in Nanjing.

Aside from a few important matters, the main purpose of this southern tour was to take his concubines out for a stroll and to bring back his daughter, whom he had never met before.

He certainly didn't want a day when a dirty little girl would appear outside the palace gates, timidly telling the guards that she was looking for her biological father...

Jia Lian pinched Jia Heng's delicate, fair cheek and asked with a smile, "Why are you the only one here? Where's your brother?"

"My younger brother didn't come; Mother made him study at home..."

Jia Heng turned around and glanced at her mother with some fear.

In response, Madam You could only glare at her helplessly.

Lady You knew that perhaps Jia Lian felt indebted to the two children, so every time she saw them over the years, Jia Lian showed them extra care.

Especially Jia Heng.

This wasn't the first or second time she'd run into Jia Lian's arms and act all cute like this.

Such pampering naturally caused the rumors that had disappeared in those years to resurface and circulate again.

She guessed that Grandmother Jia and the others had probably heard about it as well.

That's why she tried her best to restrain the urge to bring her children to the palace to see Jia Lian.

Although she knew that even if she didn't restrain herself, Grandmother Jia and the others wouldn't dare to say anything.

Grandmother Jia and the others naturally saw Jia Lian's fondness for Jia Heng, and they smiled at it, secretly marveling at the little guy's good fortune.

Some people are even more convinced of the rumors that Jia Heng and her brother are of imperial lineage.

Those like Bao Er's grandmother (Xia Jingui), who were unaware of the situation, could only speculate in secret.

Could it be that this little girl will grow up to be an imperial concubine?

After all, it is obvious to all that the current emperor favors the women of the Jia family.

Jia Lian teased Jia Heng, then put his arm around her, gesturing for a seat for Grandmother Jia while inquiring about the Jia family's situation.

Grandmother Jia and the others all gave respectful replies.

Immediately, Jia Lian looked at Jia Baoyu and suddenly asked jokingly, "Brother Bao, how have you been these past few years?"

Perhaps because it was this saint who acted as matchmaker, the Jia family attached great importance to the marriage alliance with the Xia family.

Immediately after the death of Emperor Ningkang, arrangements were made for the two families to get married.

However, I've heard that their married life wasn't very harmonious...

Of course, the so-called disharmony does not refer to Xia Jingui causing trouble in the Jia family as she did in the Xue family in the original novel.

On the contrary, Xia Jingui, who had been Bao Er's wife for two years, behaved quite well in the Jia family, and some people even praised her as virtuous!

This surprised Jia Lian, who had heard about it.

Upon closer reflection, it seems reasonable.

First of all, the Jia family was not comparable to the Xue family at that time.

The Jia family today has six imperial concubines (the four Spring sisters, the fourth sister, and Xiluan, the latter two being concubines). If Qin Keqing is also considered a member of the Jia family, then there are seven.

Not to mention, there were also Jia family relatives and daughters such as Xue Linshi!

Based on this alone, the Jia family was undoubtedly the most prestigious family in the world.

It is also the place where the dragon rose to power.

The Xia family was merely a small imperial merchant family, and in comparison, Xia Jingui naturally dared not act arrogantly in the Jia family.

Second point.

The reason why Xia Jingui dared to disregard Aunt Xue in the Xue family was not only because Aunt Xue herself had a weak temper.

Furthermore, the Xue family had fallen into decline, and at that time, the Jia family, the Xue family's biggest backer, was also in its twilight years, barely able to take care of themselves, let alone others.

That's why they dare to be so arrogant.

But what about the Jia family?

Between Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, who is easier to deal with?

If Xia Jingui dares to cause trouble in the Jia family, these two will teach her a lesson in no time.

It's possible that he's already been secretly punished for his evil deeds, but outsiders are unaware of it.

Faced with Jia Lian's concern, Jia Baoyu merely glanced at him blankly, showing no intention of speaking.

Upon seeing this, Grandmother Jia and the others quickly said, "Thank you for the Emperor's concern, Baoyu is doing well."

Jin Guiren is also filial and virtuous.

She had only been married for two years and still hadn't been able to conceive.

However, Musk Moon is quite capable; she has already given birth to a son for Bao Yu.

Now, your brother Bao has a successor.

We and his father are relieved.

Jia Lian did not intend to pursue the matter of Jia Baoyu's "contempt" for the emperor's authority.

There is no greater sorrow than a broken heart.

How could anyone be happy when faced with their "enemy" who had taken away all his sisters and cousins ​​from his garden?

To be honest, Jia Lian still thinks it's a miracle that Jia Baoyu hasn't chosen to become a monk.

As the complete victor, it would be too much to bully the other party if I continued to target them with my words and actions.

It also makes one seem narrow-minded.

Upon hearing that Jia Baoyu had a son, and that the son was born to Musk Moon.

Jia Lian thought for a moment and said to Grandmother Jia, "Although I have been away from the Jia family for many years, I have always regarded the Jia family as my old home."

Treat the Bao brothers as my own brothers.

When I was at home, I thought that Mushe was a good girl.

None of the maids in Brother Bao's room can compare to her.

Upon hearing Jia Lian say this, Grandmother Jia and the others quickly echoed his sentiments.

However, I couldn't help but feel resentful in my heart.

Musk Moon is indeed good, but to say that no one can compare to her is to lie through one's teeth.

Isn't there someone who completely outclasses her?

However, she was already one of the five imperial maids of the Daming Palace. Not only did she hold the title of concubine, but she also gave birth to a prince, making her status extremely high.

Jia Lian, naturally unaware of the inner thoughts of Grandmother Jia and the others, continued:

"Now that she has given birth to a son for Brother Bao, she can be considered a great contributor to the family."

As the elder brother, I should naturally commend him in one or two ways to show my appreciation.

"By imperial decree, she is hereby granted the title of Lady An, and is ordered to diligently educate her children so that they may serve the country when they grow up to be capable."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, Grandmother Jia and the others were startled, but then overjoyed.

They all knelt down and kowtowed to express their gratitude for the emperor's grace.

Although Anren was only a sixth-rank official, she did not meet the standard for entering the palace to pay homage to the Empress.

But for Musk Moon, a concubine who started as a maid, this was already an immense honor.

After all, Jia Baoyu himself is still just a commoner!

Thinking of this, Madam Wang couldn't help but sigh inwardly at Jia Lian's stinginess.

He may appear indifferent, but he is certainly still bothered by Baoyu's affection for Lin Yatou.

That's why he was incredibly generous to everyone else in the family, but extremely stingy with Baoyu.

It was also clear that Jia Lian intended to suppress Jia Baoyu, so the family had given up on the idea of ​​taking a shortcut to get Jia Baoyu an official position.

All hopes were pinned on Jia Baoyu passing the imperial examinations.

After all, Jia Lian himself had said that as long as Jia Baoyu passed the imperial examination with flying colors, he would definitely give him an important position.

His words are law, and he would certainly not deceive them.

Unfortunately, Jia Baoyu could hardly appreciate their good intentions.

Seeing that Jia Zheng was pressuring him too hard, Jia Baoyu became listless and emaciated.

While Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang were secretly helping her, they couldn't help but think:

Actually, this is quite good.

Right now, they are protecting him. Even if they pass away in the future, he will still have so many sisters and cousins ​​in the palace to take care of him.

A life of wealth and honor should not be difficult to attain.

Just as the Jia family members were thanking the emperor and getting up, a strange phenomenon suddenly appeared.

The usually docile Xia Jingui did not rise with Lady Wang and the others. Instead, facing everyone's gaze, she kowtowed to Jia Lian above and loudly proclaimed, "Your Majesty, I beg you to grant me justice!"

This scene was abrupt and eye-catching.

Even the imperial concubines who were quietly watching the commotion on both sides of the main hall looked over in surprise.

Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang frantically tried to signal Xia Jingui with their eyes, but when that failed, Lady Wang glared at her with a stern and warning look.

Unfortunately, Xia Jingui ignored all of this, and just looked up at Jia Lian with a pitiful expression and tears in her eyes.

Jia Lian was stunned upon seeing this. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "Oh, what grievance do you have? Tell me, and if it is reasonable, I am not powerless to help you."

Although Jia Lian didn't care about Xia Jingui, she was, after all, the matchmaker he had personally arranged.

Although my intentions were impure at the time, there was still a cause and effect.

In terms of demeanor, one should not be too indifferent.

Seeing that Jia Lian had indeed agreed, Xia Jingui's eyes filled with tears.

She first glanced at Jia Baoyu, who seemed slightly surprised but otherwise unconcerned, then kowtowed deeply to Jia Lian, tears streaming down her face, and said:

"I implore Your Majesty to make the right judgment."

As the old lady just said, I have been unable to bear any offspring for the Jia family.

If it's only my fault, then so be it; I simply consider myself unlucky.

But……"

Grandmother Jia and the others were almost in tears.

On one hand, she tried to stop Xia Jingui, but she was also afraid to act rashly because Jia Lian and the imperial concubines were around. She could only be like an ant on a hot pan.

Seeing this, Xia Jingui felt even more confident and simply finished speaking in one breath:

"However, my inability to bear children is not due to my own fault, but rather..."

Since their marriage, Master Bao has barely touched his concubine more than a few times!

Waaah, I originally thought it was because I did something wrong and couldn't please the Second Master.

However, I have tried my best to fulfill my duties as the mistress of the Second Prince, but I still cannot win back his heart.

I humbly request Your Majesty to clear my name.

I also ask that you, Second Master, tell the truth in front of the Emperor and all the ladies today.

"What is it that I have done wrong, Second Master? Just tell me, and I will definitely change... Waaah!"

Xia Jingui's heartbreaking and aggrieved words evoked sympathy in many of the women present.

If the occasion weren't so inappropriate, they would have all wanted to come down and comfort her.

Jia Lian also straightened up a bit, shifted his daughter's legs to the other side, and leaned over to ask, "Didn't you let the old lady and the others make the decision for you on this matter?"

Xia Jingui glanced at the silent Grandmother Jia and Madam Wang beside her, and then said, "Of course, please."

The old lady and madam also made arrangements on my behalf, and had someone force Master Bao to stay overnight in my room.

But... Waaah, even when we're in the same room, Master Bao would rather sleep with his head on the table than get into my bed.

I tried to reason with him, but he hit me... Waaah!

Xia Jingui's tearful lament was truly heartbreaking, bringing tears to the eyes of all who heard it.

Especially after hearing that Jia Baoyu had hit someone, many girls in the audience seats had completely sided with Xia Jingui.

Jia Baoyu has a history of hitting women!

He once kicked Consort Xi (Xi Ren), and it's rumored that she coughed up blood that night.

In other words, both Jia Lian and Consort Xi were magnanimous and did not retaliate afterward.

Therefore, Shi Xiangyun immediately stood up upon hearing this.

If Tan Chun hadn't stopped her in time, she would have instinctively spoken up for justice.

Jia Lian, however, found it amusing.

He was probably the most understanding person present regarding Jia Baoyu's refusal to touch Xia Jingui.

After all, this person is the kind of person who, even while guarding the "pure snow of a hermit in the mountains," still feels "uneasy about the situation."

If this is how they treat Baochai, how much more so would they treat Xia Jingui?

From this point of view alone, Jia Lian felt that he was inferior to Jia Baoyu.

Moreover, given Xia Jingui's own character, she might be able to deceive others, but could she really deceive her husband, Jia Baoyu?

Jia Lian never thought that Jia Baoyu was a fool.

On the contrary, in terms of judging people alone, Jia Baoyu is far superior to a complete fool like Xue Pan.

It's likely that he had already discerned from his interactions with Xia Jingui that she was not a kind person, and thus disliked and distanced himself from her.

After all, judging from Xia Jingui's words, it wasn't that Jia Baoyu never touched her from the beginning.

Rather, it's because they touch it less often.

Clearly, at first, Jia Baoyu might have been able to accept her.

As for what happened next that caused Jia Baoyu to completely ignore her, perhaps only the couple knows.

Despite his inner thoughts, Jia Lian still feigned displeasure on the surface.

He looked at Jia Baoyu and questioned, "Baoyu, is what your wife said true?"

Jia Baoyu glanced at Xia Jingui kneeling in the middle with utter disgust, his aversion to this young woman reaching an unprecedented level.

This woman is always putting on airs and saying one thing but meaning another.

She even dared to accuse the other party first.

He has always doted on his daughters; he has never laid a hand on a woman.

It was clearly her who wanted to force herself on me.

If it weren't for the fact that I am slightly stronger than her...

He simply couldn't bear to imagine what had happened that night.

Even so, how can this be explained to outsiders?

He was almost raped by his own wife? If word got out, it would be utterly ridiculous!