Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Unbeknownst to Jia Lian, just as Zhao Sheng was telling him what had happened at Ningguo Mansion, a secret memorial was quietly sent into the Daming Palace in the Forbidden City.

That evening, Emperor Ningkang was resting and reading in his study when he suddenly saw his trusted eunuch walking towards him with a hunched back.

"What is it?"

"Your Majesty, there is a secret report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Emperor Ningkang didn't pay much attention to it. As the eyes of the emperor to monitor the world, the Embroidered Uniform Guard received countless reports in the capital every day. After being screened, they would be sent to his desk every day, so it wasn't anything too strange.

However, after he received the secret report and read it, a murderous aura immediately appeared on his already dignified and handsome face.

"What a reckless beast!"

……

The construction of the Grand View Garden proceeded rapidly under the supervision of Jia Zheng, Jia Lian, Jia Zhen, and others.

First, the Huifang Garden of Ningguo Prefecture, along with all the land planned for the garden, was partitioned off and completely covered with coarse cloth curtains. This was to prevent too much dust from spreading to the two prefectures and to prevent unrelated people from moving around at will.

Then, the craftsmen and building materials arrived in batches. Ditches were dug, roads were planned, and foundations were built. The project was in full swing, so much so that from morning till night, everyone in the two mansions was focused on the garden.

Jia Lian had already instructed his subordinates in the yamen that they should only go to the office in the morning to report for duty, and if there was anything to do, they should do it; otherwise, they should return to the mansion as soon as possible.

In case of any emergencies, the yamen will send someone to report. The left and right military offices are also close to Ningrong Street, so there will be no delay.

Seeing that Jia Lian had time to oversee the construction of the garden every day, Jia Zheng simply handed over all the power to him. As a result, the stewards and servants working under him gradually only knew Jia Lian and not Jia Zheng and Jia Zhen.

When problems or issues arise, people usually come to Jia Lian.

That day, since there was nothing to do at the yamen, Jia Lian returned to his residence early. After changing his clothes at home, he prepared to go into the garden.

"Second Master, we'd like to go into the garden too, please take us there..."

Qingwen, holding Xiangling's hand with one hand and Jia Lian's arm with the other, pleaded.

"Oh, what are you going in there for?"

Qingwen wanted to enter the garden out of curiosity.

She had never seen such a large project since she was a child, so she really wanted to go in and see what was going on.

The second reason is also because of boredom.

Jia Lian spends half of his day in the garden, and the rest of the time he is discussing matters with Jia Zheng and others, so he rarely goes home.

Ironically, Jia Lian managed to secure "freedom" for her and Xiangling. Before, when there was nothing going on at home, things were a bit better; she could go and play with other maids and friends.

Now everyone is busy with things at the garden, and she can hardly find any playmates.

Xiangling could at least hide in her room to read and write, but she was pitiful and became a lonely ghost.

As for Xiangling...

She knew that Qingwen was afraid of being rejected by the Second Master alone, so she dragged her along just to make up the numbers.

However, she wouldn't be foolish enough to sabotage things; being able to follow the Second Master was naturally a good thing.

"We can follow you inside and serve you. For example, if you get tired, we can find you a stool, bring you tea and water, or even massage your legs."

Qingwen was very clever; she would never say that she was just being bored.

Jia Lian shook his head and laughed, "If you really want to go in and take a look, that's not impossible, but not today."

"Oh, why not today?"

Jia Lian did not answer them directly, but smiled and said, "Tomorrow, if I have time tomorrow, I'll take you inside for a look around."

But you'd better not dress up as nicely as you do today.

When Qingwen and Xiangling heard Jia Lian agree, they were both happy, but then they were puzzled and looked down at their clothes.

The imperial brocade that the emperor had bestowed upon them last time was used by Jia Lian to make clothes for the sisters in the family. In the end, even Qingwen and Xiangling received a piece.

谷溋

Since it's spring clothing, but spring has already passed, if we don't wear it now, it won't be suitable to wear it later.

Although Wang Xifeng intentionally distinguished these two pieces of clothing from those worn by Daiyu, Yingchun, and others, the workmanship was not as meticulous as that of the masters.

Even so, the brand-new and bright material was already exceptionally eye-catching, let alone when worn by them, who were growing taller and had slender figures, making them even more beautiful.

So, Qingwen and Xiangling exchanged glances, confirming that Jia Lian wasn't being sarcastic, and hurriedly asked him why he said that.

"Tomorrow, find two sets of your old, simple clothes to wear, otherwise I won't be able to take you into the garden."

"You two are already naturally beautiful, and if you dress up so brightly, I'm afraid the craftsmen wielding hoes might accidentally dig their own feet off. Then you two would be in big trouble."

Qingwen and Xiangling then realized that Jia Lian was praising their beauty, and they were both shy and happy, and then they laughed.

"It's not as bad as Second Master says..."

Whether it's excessive or not, you know the answer in your hearts.

Qingwen was overjoyed by Jia Lian's words. Then she saw Jia Lian lower his head slightly and point to his profile.

Xiangling and Qingwen immediately blushed, of course they understood what Jia Lian meant.

They exchanged a glance, and then, shyly, each of them kissed Jia Lian on one cheek, not daring to linger for fear of being laughed at.

Jia Lian was satisfied and prepared to leave.

"Second Master, wait a moment."

Qingwen took her embroidered handkerchief and wiped away the faint lipstick marks on Jia Lian's lips. Then she nudged Jia Lian and said with a smile, "Second Master, go quickly and come back for dinner soon."

……

Upon arriving at the park, I, as usual, checked out the various construction sites.

The early construction was mainly concentrated in the original Huifangyuan area, which is part of Ningguo Mansion.

Although it wasn't very hot yet, working on the construction site was still very hard and tiring. This is when the servants of the two households should come in handy.

Delivering water and meals.

Even some of the easier carrying work was done by the servants of the two mansions.

The combined efforts of people from both prefectures were also aimed at shortening the construction period.

These female laborers were naturally arranged by Wang Xifeng and You Shi.

As Huifang Garden was close to Ningguo Mansion, it was mainly managed by Madam You.

Jia Lian would naturally not do the farm work himself. The reason he went into the garden every day was simply to ensure that the Grand View Garden, which the Jia family had devoted so much effort to building, was completely under his control.

Of course, understanding the specifics of the matter and preventing servants from embezzling is also a function.

After patrolling the area, he saw a maid walk across the original Huifang Bridge. She glanced at Jia Lian from afar across the riverbed, which had just been cut off from its water supply, and then walked back without making a sound.

"Lin Zhixiao, you keep an eye on things here, I'll go check on things over there."

After giving Lin Zhixiao and the others a few instructions, Jia Lian walked away as usual and went to the foot of Tianxiang Tower.

As the tallest and largest building in Huifang Garden, Tianxiang Tower was certainly something Jia Zhen would never have been willing to "donate".

Therefore, when Jia Zheng and Jia Lian made their cut from Huifang Garden, it only went as far as the foot of Tianxiang Tower, precisely to avoid causing Jia Zhen too much pain.

There weren't many people around, so Jia Lian followed the secluded path up the stairs of the corner tower and arrived at that familiar room.

At the doorway, the maid Yindie stood obediently on the veranda. She was not surprised to see Jia Lian coming. Instead, she bowed respectfully and then lifted the curtain.

Jia Lian simply nodded slightly to her and went inside.

Inside the room filled with the fragrance of incense, separated by two screens, a beautiful woman was waiting for him behind the screens.

……