Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Lian Erye from the Dream of the Red Chamber

As Jia Lian had expected, the reason for Grandmother Jia's summons was indeed about the future of the Ningguo Mansion.

Leaving aside Jia Zhen's funeral arrangements, the Ningguo Mansion lost two generations in one fell swoop, which can be described as a complete collapse.

Ensuring the continuation of the Ningguo Mansion is what Grandmother Jia and others are most concerned about now.

There were some things that were difficult to say before at Ningguo Mansion, in front of Madam You and others.

After leaving Ningguo Mansion, Grandmother Jia, Jia Zheng, and others had a thorough discussion. Calling Jia Lian over now was simply to hear his opinion.

It's unclear when it started, but Jia Lian has become an indispensable figure in all major events of the Jia family.

"Lian'er, what do you think? Is there any way to save Rong-ge'er?"

Inside Rongqing Hall, only Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang were present, and they were both very concerned about this matter.

Jia Lian countered, "I wonder what you said before, sir?"

Madam Wang sighed, "Your master said that Rong-ge'er murdered his father, and the evidence is conclusive. I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to escape punishment."

Lady Wang didn't say everything. Jia Zheng also said that not only was there no chance of escaping punishment, but if not handled properly, it would also cause huge damage to the family's reputation.

Moreover, most of the clan elders believed that such a disobedient and unfilial descendant deserved to die. Not only did he deserve to die, but they also wanted to open an ancestral hall, revise the genealogy, and permanently expel Jia Rong from the family.

Only a small minority believed that, for the sake of the family's interests, Jia Rong should be saved if possible.

Firstly, it ensures the continuation of the eldest son's direct line; secondly, it facilitates the inheritance of the eldest son's title.

If the Ningguo family line were to end, the imperial court would likely revoke the title.

"Grandma, please rest assured. Although it seems that Rong-ge'er's guilt is irrefutable, I still think that Rong-ge'er doesn't have the guts to do such a rebellious thing."

So my people are still there conducting a thorough investigation to see if they can find any other evidence.

Furthermore, I will personally visit Rong-ge'er in the Shuntian Prefecture prison tomorrow. As long as he is truly innocent, I will find a way to overturn his case, no matter what.

To the surprise of Grandmother Jia and the others, Jia Lian was still thinking of overturning Jia Rong's case at this time.

They all learned the whole truth from Jia Zheng and others, and accepted that Jia Rong couldn't bear the humiliation Jia Zhen had brought him, so he impulsively committed the crime.

"Although we are all heartbroken by what happened, but..."

Well, in the end, it was their own lack of moral cultivation that led them to invite such trouble.

I've discussed it with your master and mistress. For the sake of their family's lineage, regardless of whether Rong'er is innocent or not, we should find a way to rescue her.

Your master is understanding that you've been busy most of the night, so he didn't call you earlier. He'll let you go see him tomorrow when you're free to discuss this matter.

"That's what Grandmother Jia said."

Regardless of whether he was wronged or not, the implication is that Grandmother Jia has already admitted that Jia Rong is guilty, and only wanted to save him for the sake of the family.

For example, finding him a scapegoat.

Jia Lian suddenly became resolute: "I urge you, Madam, to forgive my bluntness."

If Rong'er is innocent, then as an elder, even if it takes all my strength to turn both families upside down, I will definitely find a way to clear her name.

If so, and he truly committed such a heinous act, then his death is no loss.

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang's eyes flickered, and she said, "But if Rong-ge'er really dies, the East Mansion will be without an heir. What will happen to their vast family fortune then?"

Jia Lian turned around, looked at Madam Wang, and smiled, "Even if there is no heir, there can still be an heir."

"With so many young men in our Jia family, I refuse to believe we can't find a single well-mannered and filial child."

As he spoke, Jia Lian looked at Madam Wang with a meaningful gaze.

Madam Wang seemed to sense something, but she didn't show it. She still asked seriously, "Your master mentioned the matter of succession just now, but he's worried that Master Jing over there might not be willing."

With their own grandchildren, who would want to find someone else to inherit their family business?

Jia Lian smiled inwardly. It seemed that Grandmother Jia and the others had even considered the issue of succession, and were fully prepared to give up on Jia Rong.

"Madam need not worry about that. If Master Jing can find a way to rescue Rong-ge and exonerate him, then we will have nothing to say."

If not, I believe Master Jing will know how to choose.

Jia Lian had also met Jia Jing.

A person who abandons their family for the sake of cultivating Tao and refining elixirs. Such a person may not be willing to wander in the mortal world again.

Besides, even if he were willing, someone who has been detached from worldly affairs for more than ten years would have no ability to get Jia Rong, who has committed a capital crime, out of prison.

Therefore, even if Jia Jing returns, he can only obediently accept the family's arrangements.

Although Jia Lian's tone seemed to imply disrespect for Jia Jing, Grandmother Jia and the others had no time to worry about it.

Originally, Jia Jing, as the master of Ningguo Mansion and a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), was not happy to live a good life and was not fulfilling his family obligations. Instead, he became a Taoist priest, which made him disliked by Grandmother Jia and others.

Grandmother Jia suddenly looked at Jia Lian and asked in a low voice, "So, in your opinion, among these younger generations of the family, who should be chosen to succeed us?"

Perhaps the stakes involved were too high, even Grandmother Jia could not maintain her dignified and respected image.

"This point can only be decided by the elders of the family gathering together."

But if you really want my opinion, if the old lady and the wife are willing, I think Bao-xiong would be quite suitable, hehehe.”

Jia Lian said casually.

Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang exchanged a glance, both feeling a mix of emotions.

They were surprised that Jia Lian would say such a thing, and they didn't know if it was just a casual remark or if he had seen through their thoughts.

Finally, Grandmother Jia replied, "That's not appropriate. Your brother Bao is the only son of your master and mistress. They are still waiting for him to take care of them in their old age and see them off when they die."

Besides, you know I'm also reluctant to part with your precious brother. No, no, let's not say that anymore.

There was a certain sincerity in Grandmother Jia's words.

Even Madam Wang nodded secretly, which didn't seem hypocritical.

Jia Lian smiled inwardly.

He was certainly aware of the hesitation and inner conflict of Grandmother Jia and the others.

If the Ningguo Mansion truly needs an heir, Jia Baoyu is definitely not a suitable candidate.

First of all, according to human relationships and blood ties, even if the Ningguo Mansion were to die out, the successor should be chosen from the close relatives of the Ningguo Mansion.

For example, Jia Qiang and others.

Secondly, it would be controversial for Jia Baoyu, as the direct descendant of the Rongguo Mansion, to compete for the right to inherit the Ningguo Mansion.

It makes Jia Zheng and others seem shameless, as if the Rongguo Mansion was deliberately encroaching on the Ningguo Mansion's property.

Third, Jia Baoyu is too important to Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, and they are unwilling to let him become someone else's son or grandson! Even if it's just in name, it would make their affection for him illegitimate and make them feel uncomfortable.

But then again, the right to inherit a Duke's mansion—such a huge benefit is at stake. Given the chance, who wouldn't want to give it to their precious child?

Therefore, Jia Lian could tell that Grandmother Jia and the others definitely had this in mind; otherwise, they wouldn't have asked him that question.

Of course, Jia Lian didn't care much about any of this, because he knew that things wouldn't be that simple...

With such a scandal involving the Ningguo Mansion, it's uncertain whether the title can still be inherited; it all depends on the attitude of those above.

Moreover, whoever inherits the Ningguo Mansion must be under his control. On this principle, Jia Lian naturally prefers to choose a younger, less established "puppet."

……