Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

However, after entering the palace, Grandmother Jia and the others went through many twists and turns, spending most of their time waiting. The time they were actually summoned by the nobles was not long.

After finally meeting the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager, and the Imperial Concubines, and completing the formalities, Grandmother Jia and the others finally had the opportunity to meet with Yuan Chun in private.

After Yuan-chun entered the palace, she rarely had the opportunity to see her family again.

When they gather together at this time, it is inevitable that grandparents and grandchildren, mothers and daughters will have tears in their eyes and weep bitterly in each other's arms.

After finally calming down and finishing her casual conversation, Yuan Chun was comforted to learn that everything was alright at home and that her beloved younger brother, Bao Yu, was growing up healthy and strong.

Yuan Chun knew that her current honor and status were not entirely due to her looks and character.

Having served the Empress Dowager for many years, she knew that the current emperor was not a man who cared much for women. The sudden and generous bestowal of honors upon her must be closely related to the political situation in the previous dynasty.

At this time, she had risen to become one of the four imperial concubines, holding the highest rank of first grade, and was now capable of supporting her family.

The strength of her family also helped solidify her position, so after the family gathering, it was inevitable that they would discuss serious matters.

First, he inquired about his uncle, Wang Ziteng, and then turned to ask about Jia Lian.

Grandmother Jia and the others knew that it must be because Jia Lian's reputation had grown so much in the past two years that even Yuan Chun, who was in the deep palace, had heard of him, which was why they asked him about it.

Then he also gave a summary of Jia Lian's situation.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chun sighed, "When I left home, Brother Lian was just a child. I never imagined that so many years would pass, and he would not only grow up but also become so accomplished. He supports the family business and serves as an official in a region. Good, good..."

This shows that the world is ever-changing, and things can change drastically, making them truly unpredictable.

Yuan Chun had lived in the deep palace for a long time. Although she occasionally corresponded with her family, she only cared about a few people, such as her parents, grandmother, and younger brother Bao Yu. She only had a superficial understanding of the other relatives.

It is precisely because of this lack of understanding that Jia Lian's current outstanding performance does not feel abrupt or difficult to accept.

From an outsider's perspective, everything seemed to fall into place: Jia Lian's actions, from beating the Prince of Duan's heir to being punished by the emperor and sent to the border, to his meritorious service and subsequent promotion.

Yuan Chun was well aware of the family's situation. The conflict between the two branches of the family had been going on for a long time, and now that her eldest uncle had died, the attitude of the Lian brothers was especially important.

So she inquired carefully about Jia Lian's character and conduct, and learned from Grandmother Jia that Jia Lian was also wholeheartedly committed to maintaining harmony and unity in the family. She couldn't help but feel a little more favorably disposed towards Jia Lian.

She naturally hoped for harmony within the family, but fearing that her mother and others might not understand Jia Lian's importance to the family, she solemnly admonished them, "Although I am in the palace, I know that Brother Lian is now highly regarded by His Majesty."

Now that he has established himself in the family business, Grandmother and Mother should rely on and trust him more, and not look at him with the same eyes as before. If he becomes like my eldest uncle, disloyal and alienated from us, it would be a misfortune for the family.

Yuan Chun's words were a warning to Grandmother Jia and others not to treat Jia Lian the same way they treated Jia She.

Although Jia She had a noble title, he had no official position, no imperial favor, and his own moral character was also low. Therefore, he could not do anything about the suppression by his grandmother, father, and others.

But Jia Lian was different; she was afraid that her mother and others would think she had been made a concubine and become arrogant and complacent.

Sure enough, Lady Wang immediately asked, "Does His Majesty truly value him highly? What makes you say that?"

Yuan Chun looked at her mother knowingly and replied, "When I was serving in the palace of the Dowager Consort, I heard the Emperor and the Dowager Consort talk about the Lian brothers. They greatly admired the Lian brothers' passionate and daring personality."

It was because of this that the Empress Dowager began to look at me differently, and yesterday bestowed me upon His Majesty…”

Yuan Chun's words are not entirely true.

Given the status of the Dowager Consort, why would she care so much about a young man from the Xun Gui family? If she didn't know that Yuan Chun had other uses for the Emperor, why would she deliberately promote her?

Moreover, the emperor did mention Jia Lian once when he paid his respects to the Empress Dowager, but his original words were, "I never expected that such a wealthy and honorable family as the Jia family could produce someone useful to the court."

When she heard this, she was quite alarmed. Clearly, the emperor did not have a good impression of the Jia family!

Lady Wang was unaware of Yuan Chun's specific considerations, and only listened to Yuan Chun's words, so she couldn't help but be shocked.

Could it be that my daughter's success today is due to Lian'er's influence? That's absolutely impossible! It's simply too hard to accept.

Yu Shi and Li Wan, who were standing by as bystanders, were secretly shocked.

Uncle Lian is too amazing. If this is the case, who in the family will dare to disrespect him in the future?

Unlike Lady Wang, Grandmother Jia quickly believed Yuan Chun's words and agreed, "Don't worry, that child is not like his father, nor is he a suspicious person. He respects your father very much and is very easygoing at home. Our family is more harmonious now than ever before."

Yuan Chun nodded and let the matter drop.

As dusk approached, although reluctant, Grandmother Jia and the others had no choice but to leave the palace before the gates were closed.

Just before getting into the sedan chair, Grandmother Jia deliberately called Lady Wang closer and instructed her, "Have you heard what Her Highness said clearly? If you have, you should know what she means and what to do in the future."

Madam Wang curtsied and replied, "Your daughter-in-law understands."

Grandmother Jia nodded slightly to her, and then, with the help of the maids, she entered the sedan chair and hurried home.

……

In the evening, Rongqing Hall was filled with a joyous atmosphere.

Although Grandmother Jia and others did not hold a banquet or play, they still showed great favor by bringing out box after box of silver and distributing it to everyone in the mansion, symbolizing a family celebration.

Although Sister Feng did not see it with her own eyes, she knew about this joyous occasion.

Therefore, when serving Jia Lian to go back to his bed, she dismissed the idlers and said to Jia Lian, "No matter how capable you are, you would never have imagined that our eldest daughter would one day be made a concubine, would you?"

"Fine, from now on I'll give up any hope of being the mistress of this household. I'll just wait until after the master's funeral and then settle down as a titled lady."

There were people everywhere during the day, so Sister Feng kept these words to herself and deliberately waited until night to argue with Jia Lian.

Jia Lian leaned against the headboard and scoffed, "Our dignified Second Madam Lian, a heroine among women, is this all the grit you've got? You're already convinced? Besides, how do you know I didn't foresee our eldest sister's fate?"

Sister Feng was not annoyed and replied with a smile, "I am not as capable as you, but I would like to know how you will fight against Master and Madam from now on."

Now that the master and mistress have the Empress's backing, even if the old lady passes away, would you dare to drive the Empress's parents out of the house?

Aren't you afraid of offending the Empress, and that she might complain about you to the Emperor, making your life miserable?

Sister Feng doesn't actually have much ambition anymore, because Jia Lian has given her enough surprises.

All she hopes for now is to keep everything she has and live a peaceful life as a second-rank imperial consort.

Because she could sense that everyone in the household now treated her with increasing respect and even awe. Even Madam Wang no longer had the commanding attitude she used to have towards her. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe Madam Wang as gentle and kind these days.

Her vanity had been greatly satisfied, and she didn't want Jia Lian to do anything risky again.

She felt that things were fine as they were. She was more than twenty years younger than Lady Wang, and even if they lived to be the same age, she would still have time to enjoy being the matriarch of the old lady after both Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang passed away!

Actually, she's not in a hurry to be able to truly take charge of things.

Of course, she also absolutely adored Jia Lian's current ambitious demeanor.

Seeing that Jia Lian remained silent, she moved further into the quilt, nestled against him, and, recalling his earlier words, asked with a smile, "Oh, did you perhaps foresee that Miss would become an imperial concubine?"

At noon, although everyone saw that Jia Lian knew in advance that Yuan Chun would be made a concubine, Wang Xifeng only thought that Jia Lian had just gotten the news from elsewhere a little earlier than them.

Holding the somewhat docile woman in his arms, even Jia Lian himself couldn't believe that this was the same rude woman who had glared at him and pushed him down the steps when he first transmigrated.

Knowing that his previous methods of discipline had worked, Jia Lian continued to use them, saying, "Have you forgotten that in the third year of Ningkang, I was beaten by the master, and you wouldn't let me into the house..."

Wang Xifeng initially thought Jia Lian was going to bring up old grievances, and her face flushed slightly. She immediately retorted, "You're blaming me? Don't you even remember the filthy things you did back then... Hmph, I've always felt that you and that Mei woman weren't clean. I was even fooled by you before, and I almost believed your lies!"

Jia Lian smiled inwardly, knowing that this was Feng Jie's passive skill.

As soon as they are in a slightly unfavorable situation, they will activate their self-defense mode and seize every detail that can turn the tide and turn defeat into victory.

Without arguing with her further, Jia Lian avoided the main point and said, "If you have a good memory, you should remember that I told you back then that a great joyous event would soon be coming to our family."

What do you think I was referring to at the time?

Upon hearing this, Sister Feng's mind raced. She immediately sat up and looked at Jia Lian, her face full of shock. "Could it be that you were referring to this matter back then? How is that possible! If you could even foresee this, are you some kind of reincarnated deity?"

Jia Lian's expression turned serious, and he looked at Feng Jie with a meaningful gaze, remaining silent for a long time, which made Feng Jie feel uneasy. "Tell me quickly, how did you guess?"

"Didn't you say you're a reincarnated deity? What's so surprising about you knowing this...?"

"Pfft, nobody would believe you."

Unlike Xiangling, Fengjie doesn't believe everything Jia Lian says; she has her own judgment.

Jia Lian then embraced her and kissed her fragrant, jade-like face and neck fiercely before releasing her. Looking into her hazy eyes, he said, "It's okay if you don't believe me. I'll tell you something else, and then you can decide whether to believe me or not."

Sister Feng glared resentfully at Jia Lian. "You rascal! You know this isn't the right time, yet you still come to provoke me..."

"What? Tell me about it."

"Believe it or not, Baoyu's sister will soon reach even greater heights."

Feng Jie stared blankly at Jia Lian. If it weren't for Jia Lian's previous strange behavior, she wouldn't have bothered to play these unrealistic riddles with him!

She asked tentatively, "You mean, our lady will be promoted soon?"

Jia Lian nodded.

"How is that possible!"

I heard from Sister-in-law You and the others that our Lady is already one of the Four Consorts, which is considered one of the most prestigious people in the palace. If she gets promoted again, what would that be?

"A concubine? Could she possibly be the empress?"

Sister Feng opened her phoenix eyes wide.

"The Empress wouldn't be in that situation..."

Sister Feng simply didn't believe it, but Jia Lian really didn't seem to be joking with her, so she chimed in, "That must be the Imperial Concubine?"

Indeed.

Wang Xifeng snorted twice and said, "I don't believe your nonsense. If you can even tell this, from now on I'll believe whatever you say. Even if you say you're the Jade Emperor reincarnated, I'll believe you."

Feng Jie had no more interest in playing games with Jia Lian; she turned over and tried to get out of bed. They had agreed that she would keep watch for the first half of the night, and Jia Lian for the second.

Jia Lian, however, pulled her along and asked with a smile, "Since we're already here, aren't you going to eat something before you leave?"

"go……"

Sister Feng couldn't stand Jia Lian's crude remarks, and her face immediately turned red.

After twisting and turning a couple of times, seeing that Jia Lian wouldn't let go, she changed the subject, saying, "By the way, there's one more thing I want to tell you."

Because of the master's affairs, there are many people outside who are in charge, run errands, and embezzlers. They are probably taking advantage of the fact that we dare not commit mass murder in the master's funeral arrangements, so they are fearless.

I have an idea for you. Let's use two of them as rafts to give them a good punishment, as a warning to others. What do you think?

Jia Lian still looked at Feng Jie with a smile, his hand still on hers, and said, "Didn't I tell you? You just need to secretly remember those people and keep the evidence. I'll take care of things in the future."

Sister Feng was at a loss. After hesitating for a long time, she finally relaxed and said in a low voice, "Then you have to hurry. If I get there late, Sister-in-law You will laugh at me."

"Whether it's fast or not is not up to me, it depends on your ability." Jia Lian laughed and pulled Feng Jie into the bed.

If you want to be fast, I'm afraid that if you are too fast, Lady You will laugh at you.

……