Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

That night, none of the servants in the Jia household could sleep, especially the stewards and stewards.

They not only had to heal the emotional wounds inflicted by Jia Lian, but also endure the pain of losing their money. Furthermore, their wives, who had been unaware of how much they had spent, returned home and, upon discussing it, immediately began to complain about everything and everyone.

In this situation, a husband who is in a strong position can vent his anger by scolding his wife. A husband who is not in a strong position can only let his wife complain.

But regardless, they ultimately had to work together to prepare the silver and send it up the next day; otherwise, who knew how Master Lian would deal with them...

Unlike the servants' homes, Feng Jie's courtyard was very quiet that night.

The next day, before dawn, Wang Xifeng woke up from her sweet dream. She habitually leaned closer to the man beside her, enjoying the tender intimacy for a while before opening her eyes.

The bed smelled wonderful, the room was quiet, and on the bedside table stood a three-pronged candlestick with a candle left unblown the night before, burning its last bit of wax, the wax dripping down the brass candlestick in a long stream…

Wang Xifeng's face flushed slightly.

But when her hand touched her man's broad chest, and she looked up to see his handsome face...

Thick, well-groomed eyebrows and a straight nose. With each strong, even breath, her breath brushed against her face, making Wang Xifeng unable to resist. She couldn't help but stretch her neck and kiss her man's angular lips.

I only meant to give her a kiss to show my love, but when I realized it felt so good, I couldn't help but peck her a few more times.

Suddenly sensing something, she glanced to the other side and saw a pair of bright, slightly alluring eyes staring straight at her, completely different from her own man's.

Wang Xifeng quickly shrank back, her cheeks turning even redder.

Then, remembering his own identity, he straightened his face and glared at the other person: "Are you looking at your mother again?"

Ping'er raised her eyebrows and wrinkled her nose slightly, but said nothing.

She knew that her grandmother was the most petty person in bed, and if she was not careful, she would offend her and end up being the one who suffered.

Wang Xifeng was furious when she saw that Ping'er dared to ignore her.

Well, you little brat, you eat my food, use my things, and you still dare to act high and mighty?

So he deliberately made things difficult for her, reaching out to pinch the flesh on Ping'er's chest.

"Grandma~~"

Ping'er blushed deeply and tried her best to hide under the large quilt.

Ping'er's embarrassment only fueled Wang Xifeng's tyranny. Taking advantage of the fact that Ping'er dared not retaliate, she refused to let her go.

Fortunately, a wall of flesh and blood stood between them, making Wang Xifeng hesitant to attack, and she only used one of her phoenix claws to conquer the city...

Even though she was very careful, she soon felt a tightness around her neck and her body was pressed down by an arm. Then she saw Ping'er, who was far away on the other side, being pulled over in the same way and facing her face to face.

They all knew that their men had been woken up by them.

But when she glanced up, the heartless man still had his eyes closed, and his expression didn't change at all. If it weren't for the arm pressing down on her shoulder and firmly controlling her, it would have looked like she had seen a ghost.

Then, glancing at Ping'er, who was standing right next to him, too afraid to move, Wang Xifeng nudged Jia Lian in the chest and said in a coquettish voice, "If you're awake, get up. Stop pretending..."

Wang Xifeng was never one to submit; after saying this, she began to devise a way to break free from Jia Lian's control.

But Jia Lian wouldn't let her have her way. After twisting and turning for a long time without success, she opened her mouth in shame and anger and bit Jia Lian's chest as a threat.

"Snap!"

I got slapped on the butt, and then I finally heard that familiar voice: "You bitch, you actually bit me?"

Jia Lian threw Wang Xifeng aside and rubbed his chest, which was wet and uneven, suggesting that it must have been marked with the distinctive teeth marks of the fiery Wang Xifeng.

"Hehehe..."

Having finally escaped, Wang Xifeng sat on the couch, propped herself up, and looked at Jia Lian's annoyed expression. She wiped her lips, feeling quite smug.

But seeing Ping'er acting like a dutiful and virtuous wife, reaching out to massage Jia Lian, she was displeased. She leaned over and patted Ping'er's shoulder, instructing, "Alright, don't be so concerned. Go and arrange for your second master to wash up and have breakfast. It's almost time."

Upon hearing this, Ping'er quickly got up from her bed, dressed, and went to get ready.

Wang Xifeng also took her own clothes from the side and put them on on the couch.

After putting on the two undergarments and trousers, she turned around and saw Jia Lian still with his head resting on his hands, staring at her intently, clearly spying on how she dressed, and perhaps Ping'er as well...

Are you satisfied now?

"What are you satisfied with?"

Seeing the smile on Jia Lian's face, it was clear that he was acting innocent even though he had gotten the better deal. Although Wang Xifeng was annoyed, there was nothing she could do. Just thinking about some of her experiences last night made her ears burn, and she lowered her head, not daring to meet Jia Lian's gaze.

Seeing this, Jia Lian finally sat up, hugged Wang Xifeng from behind, and whispered in her ear with a smile, "I should be asking you, were you satisfied last night?"

"Pah!"

In terms of shamelessness, Wang Xifeng is ultimately no match for Jia Lian.

He stood up and ordered Jia Lian to get off at the bed, then personally dressed him.

But as she knelt down to serve Jia Lian, she noticed his restless behavior again, and couldn't help but blush and scold, "What a shameless wretch!"

In response, Jia Lian could only say that youthful vigor is a characteristic and an advantage of this age.

Twenty years from now, perhaps you'll understand how to cherish things...

Wang Xifeng dressed Jia Lian in the official robes she had prepared the night before, and before Ping'er returned, she and Jia Lian discussed some matters.

"When those housekeepers' wives brought the money over, they really didn't want me to handle it. Are you sure your two little maids can figure it out? If they make a mistake, don't blame me later..."

Sitting inside, waiting for the housekeepers and their wives to obediently deliver the money to the door—what a prestigious and pleasant thing that is!

If Jia Lian hadn't provided a reasonable explanation, she definitely would have interfered.

"This is nothing difficult, what's there to not understand?"

Do you really think those housekeepers and their wives would dare to play any tricks? If that's the case, I'd be happy. Giving me a legitimate reason to deal with them, what reason would I have not to accept it?

"Aren't you unhappy that I got to be the only one showing off last night? If there really is someone like that today, how about I let you handle him?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng snorted in annoyance.

The power she wielded was on a completely different level from Jia Lian's; those housekeepers all had powerful backers.

Last night, Jia Lian was even called in for questioning in order to deal with Shan Daliang. If it were her, she wouldn't believe she could withstand the pressure from two mothers-in-law!

They think this way, but they won't show it out loud.

Jia Lian didn't argue with her about this. To prevent her from going back on her word and taking away Xiangling's power after he went to the yamen, he added, "Last night I told the servants that I wouldn't make this public, just to put their minds at ease."

They probably wouldn't be too afraid of Xiangling alone. But you, Second Mistress Lian, are a different story. Who in the entire mansion doesn't know how formidable you are?

If you were in charge, they would all tremble with fear and wouldn't dare to take out any money.

Besides, as my wife, you should uphold my authority. You wouldn't want me to be a person who breaks their word, would you?

Jia Lian smiled at Wang Xifeng, his meaning quite clear.

If you dare to interfere in this matter, I'll beat you to death when I get back.

Wang Xifeng had already agreed last night; she was just habitually testing Jia Lian's bottom line just now.

Hearing him mention "wife," she looked embarrassed and laughed, "Alright, alright, I'll do as you say. But it's not a small matter after all. I'll arrange for a few old women to be in the courtyard to serve you, so they can help if anything happens."

To put it bluntly, what if the housekeepers and their wives bully your two girls because of their status?

"Don't worry, I'll make sure they follow instructions and absolutely won't be allowed into the west wing. Is that alright?"

Jia Lian nodded. Wang Xifeng always did a great job with the details.

After discussing this matter, Jia Lian then spoke to Wang Xifeng about the arrangements for the east wing.

His plan to enclose the area behind Jia She's courtyard and build a small martial arts training ground didn't require much discussion; Wang Xifeng already knew about it and wasn't particularly interested.

But when it came to the arrangements for Jia She's concubines, Wang Xifeng perked up!

"Really, send them all away?"

Wang Xifeng stood up from her seat, walked half a circle around Jia Lian, and suddenly laughed, "Don't you men all wish for as many women as possible? The women in Master's room, although they don't have much moral character, quite a few of them are still pretty..."

Are you willing to send them all away?

How about I give you a suggestion? Anyway, the houses over there are spacious and can accommodate all those people.

Moreover, their monthly allowance is now paid by the government, so keeping them at home doesn't cost us anything.

"The good thing is, if Second Master Lian gets interested in it later, he might even have to get his hands on her or something..."

Wang Xifeng spoke in a somewhat sarcastic tone.

It can't be entirely blamed on her, after all, Jia Lian has a criminal record, so she has the right to tease him like that now.

Jia Lian spread his hands and nodded, saying, "It's rare for Second Madam Lian to be so generous; I hadn't thought of that. Alright, since you've said so, then stay..."

"I knew you weren't up to any good!"

Wang Xifeng's words sounded nice, but when she saw that Jia Lian actually agreed to her words, her expression immediately changed, and she looked very angry.

Jia Lian then smiled smugly, pulled her onto his lap, and laughed, "Jealous?"

Wang Xifeng casually slapped Jia Lian, finally stopping her tantrum, and said angrily, "Leaving aside those with proper titles, all the other concubines, maids, and those singers must be sent away. Keeping them at home will only cause trouble sooner or later!"

Although Jia She had many women from various backgrounds, only two of them, besides Madam Xing, were married into the family with proper rites.

After all, Jia Zheng only had two legitimate concubines, so Jia She couldn't make too many exceptions.

Jia Lian then pinched Wang Xifeng's cheek and laughed, "That's more like it. You can handle this matter."

I'll just give you one piece of advice: those women may not seem like much, but since it involves the master, you should be careful in handling it.

Our family is not what it used to be. My eldest sister has just become an imperial concubine, so we should be careful in everything we do so as not to ruin our reputation.

So, you should first try to get a word out to the old lady or the first wife and see what they think.

If the old lady and the others don't have any major objections, then send them all away. Just one thing: be as generous as possible, and try not to let people say our family is harsh and heartless.

Wang Xifeng laughed upon hearing this, "Oh, I didn't realize that our Second Master Lian still understands the meaning of sentiment. I wonder what the stewards would think if they heard this."

As they were chatting and laughing, Ping'er came in from outside to greet them, and Wang Xifeng quickly stood up. Then Ping'er led in Feng'er, Xiao Hong, and other maids to help their mistresses wash up.

……

Jia Zheng went to court through the main gate.

Every day before dawn, Lai Da and others would prepare carriages and horses outside the main gate to escort Jia Zheng to court.

He definitely has the presence of a head of the household.

Jia Lian had no intention of arguing with Jia Zheng on this point. Although Jia Zheng had already gone to court when he set off, Jia Lian still passed through the newly opened side gate of the east wing.

Inside the gate of the black market, Jia Yun, Zhao'er, Zhang Yong, and the others were all fully prepared and ready to go.

Although the two families now live together and are not separated, and he also lives behind Jia Zheng's Courtyard (Rongxi Hall), it is clear that his work center will still be in the east wing in the future.

That's not bad either. Although the houses in the east courtyard are a bit smaller, the land area is no smaller than that of the entire Rongxi Hall.

From then on, it was fine for him and Jia Zheng to each go their own way and not interfere with each other.

If he wanted, he could follow Jia Zheng's example and keep a group of scholars and gentlemen in the east wing to keep him company and relieve his boredom, with the expenses covered by the government... Of course, he has no such plans at the moment.

Moreover, there is an advantage to completing the assembly in the east courtyard.

Because the black-painted gate of the east courtyard was an expansion of the former east corner gate of the Rongguo Mansion, and there were no high steps, he could ride a horse or take a carriage inside the courtyard wall and then go straight out of the gate into the street.

However, when Jia Zheng went to court, he could only walk out of the main gate and get into his sedan chair in front of it.

The advantage is that if someone has positioned archers on the other side, the time Jia Zheng spends getting into the sedan chair will be a perfect opportunity for a sneak attack...

The officials of the Military Command knew that Jia Lian's father's funeral had been completed and that he would be taking up his post in the next couple of days, so they were all prepared.

Therefore, even though Jia Lian did not give prior notice, when he arrived at the Military Affairs Office with his personal guards, all the officials in charge of the Military Affairs Office still stood in front of the main hall to greet him.

"Commander, please accept my condolences."

"My lords, there's no need for such formalities... You've all had a hard time while I was away from the yamen..."

The officials rushed to greet Jia Lian, but once inside the hall, their expressions changed, and they exclaimed, "Congratulations, Your Excellency! Congratulations on your conferment of a noble title..."

Jia Lian smiled as he looked at his subordinates, guessing that they must have discussed it beforehand, otherwise they wouldn't be so uniform.

Please accept my condolences while I'm away, and I'll congratulate him later.

These people in officialdom really know how to do things.

After thanking them for their kindness, Jia Lian didn't stand on ceremony and immediately began his routine work.

Because he had made proper arrangements before taking leave, with Fan Jin acting as his deputy, and because the department had not yet appointed a successor deputy commander, the office was very quiet and peaceful.

"By the way, there is something very important to report to you, sir."

"Because it is Princess Zhaoyang's birthday, the Crown Prince will invite Princess Zhaoyang to go on a spring outing at the Royal Horse Garden outside the city. Many princes and nobles will be there. Since the safety of many nobles is at stake, the Beijing Garrison has ordered our West, North and Central Military Commands to each send 500 men to set up border defenses in specific areas."

"My lord, please look, this is the area under the jurisdiction of our Western Military Command."

Fan Jin took a set of drawings and asked Jia Lian to review them.

Jia Lian had heard of this Princess Zhaoyang; she was the fourth prince's older sister.

A few days ago, the fourth prince even made a special trip to ask for blood ginseng, just to prepare a birthday gift for his sister.

It is rumored that Princess Zhaoyang was extremely favored in the royal family and held a very special position.

Jia Lian couldn't help but take it seriously and inquired about the details.