Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

In the end, Jia Lian did not do anything to Wang Xifeng in the bathhouse.

Wang Xifeng was concerned about her reputation and believed that matters in the boudoir should be extremely private, and she could not allow the maids to peek at them.

Jia Lian didn't want to force her too much, so he quickly washed up and got up to put on some clothes.

Then he scooped the bewildered and naked Wang Xifeng out of the bathtub, grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her, and then went straight out of the room.

The two maids at the door immediately witnessed this scene:

Standing seven feet tall, the imposing and valiant Master Lian emerged from the bathhouse, wearing a light, damp robe and strode out with steady steps.

As he walked, he exuded a powerful and graceful aura, making him incredibly charming and captivating.

The key point is that he was holding a beautiful woman in his arms. Her graceful body was only half-wrapped in a brand-new bath towel, her long, fair legs were half-hidden, and her smooth feet swayed gently in the air.

If it weren't for her sweet cry, who would believe that this was Second Madam Lian?

Ping'er followed closely behind, and when she passed by the two maids, she stopped and said in a deep voice, "You all know the rules of the courtyard. You should know what to say and what not to say."

As Wang Xifeng's assistant, Ping'er had direct control over the keys to many of the Rongguo Mansion's storerooms for the past few years.

In addition, Ping'er is fair and just, and her prestige among the servants is even higher than that of Wang Xifeng!

Upon hearing Ping'er's warning, the two maids quickly replied, "Don't worry, Sister Ping'er, we won't dare to say anything more."

Everyone knows that Second Madam Lian is ruthless and harsh to the servants. Nowadays, apart from Xiangling and Qingwen, who else has been sifted through by Second Madam Lian several times?

Ping'er nodded and glanced around. This was the backyard, the absolute private territory of the Second Master and Second Madam, so she wasn't worried about anyone seeing anything they shouldn't.

In the bedroom, the restless Wang Xifeng was suddenly thrown onto the bed by Jia Lian.

She still scolded Jia Lian for being too reckless. How could he carry her out of the bathhouse without letting her put on her clothes? The maids must have seen it; she must be so ashamed.

It wasn't until she saw the mocking look in Jia Lian's eyes that she realized the seriousness of the situation.

"Oh, right, there's something I need to tell you..."

For some unknown reason, despite knowing Jia Lian's intentions, she still tried to interrupt.

"Shhh."

Jia Lian gestured for silence, pried open her hands that were tightly clutching the bath towel, and then, with a clever pull, tugged at one corner, instantly causing her beautiful body to roll onto the soft couch.

"Now, it's important to get down to business."

From entering the bathroom to coming out, it took less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea.

Time is so precious, how could Jia Lian let Wang Xifeng waste it?

He guarded his prey, removed his robe, tore it open, and ate it clean.

……

After an unknown amount of time, Wang Xifeng jumped up and punched Jia Lian hard.

That heartless bastard, he's got a temper of his own from who knows where, he doesn't care about her at all.

Her pent-up resentment vanished the moment Jia Lian put his arm around her and stroked her shoulder, and she felt his comfort.

She then leaned down and nestled against Jia Lian's chest, enjoying the lingering pleasure after their intense encounter.

Finally, he remembered the important matter he had been waiting for Jia Lian to discuss all night.

"I heard you're leaving the capital again, and this time it's as an escort—for Princess Zhaoyang's wedding…you…"

Wang Xifeng seemed to want to say something but hesitated.

Of course she knew that it was this Princess Zhaoyang who wanted to steal her man.

"Um."

Although he had explained it too many times today, he knew that Wang Xifeng was the one who cared about this the most, so he told her the whole story, only omitting the fact that Princess Zhaoyang had secretly met with him before.

"Don't worry, the court has already arranged for her to marry into the Oirat tribe, so it will no longer have any impact on you or me."

His Majesty said that once I return from this mission, I will be reinstated to my original position. Moreover, I might even be promoted in rank.

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, Wang Xifeng immediately sat up, exclaiming in surprise, "Really?"

The fact that Jia Lian was dismissed from his post was a deep pain in her heart.

Why would I lie to you?

Wang Xifeng's face, still bearing traces of spring fever, immediately broke into a knowing smile.

Then she sighed, "But the Oirat are so far away, and they're a foreign country. I heard they were among those who fought against us before. Won't it be dangerous for you to go to a place like that?"

"Don't worry, I'm going there as His Majesty's imperial envoy, how could I possibly be in danger?"

When the situation is always uncertain and various parties are vying for power, how could one possibly act as an envoy without any danger?

But there's no need to say such things to Wang Xifeng; it would only cause her unnecessary worry and serve no purpose whatsoever.

So he laughed and said, "Perhaps the Oirat king will try to please me and send me a few exotic beauties. I'll bring them all home to be your maids."

Wang Xifeng's brows furrowed immediately, and she glared at Jia Lian with great hostility.

I knew it. He's heartless. He just loves beautiful women. Ugh, just like his father.

After all, her worries subsided considerably, and she nestled back into Jia Lian's arms.

"There's one more thing. My wife just spoke to me, saying she wants me to manage the household again... What do you think?"

A moment later, Wang Xifeng asked again tentatively.

"If you find it really boring at home, just say yes to your wife. Anyway, my wife is very capable, it's a waste of her talents to keep her cooped up at home all the time."

"Really, you also think I should say yes?"

Wang Xifeng immediately perked up, propped her head up, and moved closer to Jia Lian.

Jia Lian smiled inwardly; this woman, indeed, old habits die hard.

Can't stay still.

Seeing Jia Lian nod, Wang Xifeng was immediately tempted.

The only reason she's been able to stay at home for the past month or so is because she feels ashamed and embarrassed to see people.

Today, however, Grandmother Jia summoned her and praised her extensively in front of everyone, saying many good things about her along with Lady Wang, thus saving face for her. With that, she felt ready to go out and handle matters.

Moreover, not to boast, but Li Wan was simply not as good at managing the household as she was. In just one month, there were complaints both inside and outside the house, but she watched with a cold eye, secretly pleased.

I knew it! This family can't live without me!

Just as she was feeling smug, she noticed Jia Lian glancing at her sideways. Feeling embarrassed, she stroked Jia Lian's chest twice and asked with a smile, "Why are you suddenly so agreeable? Didn't you say you didn't want me to get involved in family matters anymore?"

Jia Lian slapped her butt and scolded, "I didn't let you manage the household before so you could take good care of your health. Did you think I was deliberately trying to keep you at home?"

"You're always keeping an eye on me at home, and I can't even touch a maid. Do you think I'm happy about that?"

"Pah, you can't expect anything good to come out of a dog's mouth."

Wang Xifeng spat, becoming increasingly dissatisfied with what she thought about. She pinched Jia Lian and pressed him for an answer: "Tell me, where have I been wary of you? I gave you the two maids, Qingwen and Xiangling, long ago. It was you who insisted on keeping them hidden away."

Now you're blaming me?

You still call her a girl...

Tell me, which girl have you set your sights on this time? Tell me, and I'll tie her up and bring her to the bed for you, without you having to steal her!"

Seeing Wang Xifeng's sullen face and her puffed-up cheeks glaring at him, Jia Lian couldn't help but laugh.

What a wonderful era! Even a strong-willed woman like Wang Xifeng could only utter such words with a pitiful expression.

So he chuckled and closed his eyes, pretending to sleep.

Too much of a good thing is bad. Defenses are broken down step by step, and bottom lines are lowered step by step.

Seeing that Jia Lian remained silent, Wang Xifeng became somewhat uneasy.

In fact, she could guess what Jia Lian meant by telling her to take care of her health.

Several years have passed, and she still hasn't given birth to a son.

If it were that I couldn't have children, that would be one thing, but I already have a little sister.

Could it be that overworking herself has prevented her from having a son?

It seems that I need to be more careful when managing the household in the future. I can't be too rigid. I need to take time to take care of my health and not be too indulgent.

Seeing Jia Lian's face, she found him increasingly handsome and charming, and couldn't help but stare at him. After a while, she suddenly remembered something and, with a troubled mind, fell asleep in Jia Lian's arms.

Just as Jia Lian finished resting and was ready to depart, she declined, saying, "Wait, let Ping'er come instead."

Jia Lian, who had already flipped over and was straddling Wang Xifeng, was taken aback, then immediately nodded.

He never refuses a good thing.

Wang Xifeng rolled her eyes at him, then got up and put on her clothes. After hesitating for a long time, she went to Jia Lian's side and whispered, "From today onwards, you...you will stay inside Ping'er's body..."

Catching a glimpse of Jia Lian's sudden surprise, Wang Xifeng blushed and said, "I want her to give you a son..."

Some things don't need to be said in detail.

Even though Wang Xifeng was a woman confined to the inner quarters, she knew the risks of leading troops in the field.

Moreover, it is a great taboo for a general to go on a campaign without having any children at home!

Although she truly didn't want anyone else to conceive the eldest son, her womb simply wouldn't cooperate. Jia Lian had already given her many opportunities, and she couldn't let her own selfish desires prevent Jia Lian from having an heir.

Going to the battlefield without offspring is like a rootless duckweed.

Her family has already begun to criticize her because of this.

"Actually, you don't need to..."

Jia Lian seemed to have something to say, but Wang Xifeng stopped her. She thought Jia Lian wanted to comfort her, and feeling somewhat touched, she told him all her thoughts.

"You should take those two girls with you as soon as possible. I'm thinking that whichever one of them gives you a son first, I'll make her my concubine..."

Wang Xifeng spoke earnestly, believing that Jia Lian would also be moved.

To everyone's surprise, Jia Lian stared at her for a long while before saying, "Can I only choose from these three? Can't I choose someone else?"

"Um?"

Wang Xifeng was taken aback at first, then said angrily, "I knew it! You have other women outside! Tell me, who are they?!"

Wang Xifeng was no naive; she had long since stopped monitoring Jia Lian.

In addition, with Jia Lian's good looks, he could even charm a princess, let alone other young girls.

She was already mentally prepared that Jia Lian had another woman hiding things from her.

However, in her opinion, there shouldn't be many, because Jia Lian had long acted like a big shot in front of her and wasn't afraid of her at all, so there was no need for him to hide anything.

"Speaking of which, as long as she's from a good family and has a clean background, she'll naturally be the same!"

Wang Xifeng said, almost through gritted teeth.

"hehe."

Not quite ready, Jia Lian chuckled and said, "Let's call Ping'er in first. We'll talk about the future later."

"What Ping'er? I don't know. I'm so sleepy, I'm going to sleep."

Wang Xifeng was ultimately not magnanimous enough; she glanced at the soft couch but dared not enter because of the presence of the Greedy Wolf spirit.

He could only fling the curtain and go to the outer room, get on the kang (heated brick bed) fully clothed, and pretend to be asleep, ignoring the raging storm outside.