Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

The massive caravan traveled across the desolate northern desert, and the deep tracks left by its wheels countless times aroused the envy and desire of bandits who were secretly watching.

Without exception, these bandits did not actually take any action, and even the usual "toll fees" were not collected by the powerful mountain strongholds.

There was no other reason. The hundreds of soldiers in golden armor standing in front of the long caravan instilled fear in all those who sought wealth.

Ten miles north of the majestic pass, Jia Lian was saying goodbye to the Xue family.

After leaving Utopia City, Jia Lian and the others traveled with the Xue family.

This was Princess Zhaoyang's idea. That day, the Xue siblings accompanied her to the market, and Princess Zhaoyang showed a unique fondness for Xue Baoqin. Perhaps Xue Baoqin herself was a lively and outgoing person, and after a brief moment of shyness, she was quickly won over by Princess Zhaoyang. So much so that on the way back, her address to Princess Zhaoyang had changed from the timid "Your Highness" to the clear and affectionate "Sister Qingran".

Under such circumstances, when Xue Baoqin tentatively asked Jia Lian and the others if they wanted to go with them, Princess Zhaoyang, as her elder sister, readily agreed.

Princess Zhaoyang even told Jia Lian that she was just too embarrassed to refuse her god-sister's request, since she wasn't familiar with the other sisters in the palace and this was the first time she had ever liked a little sister so much.

Jia Lian didn't say much about it, since it wouldn't take more than a few days anyway.

"Brother Lian Er..."

Beside the carriage, Xue Baoqin looked at Jia Lian with a hint of reluctance.

For the past ten days or so, the Xue family's caravan had been traveling slowly due to the heavy cargo, which gave Baoqin plenty of time to talk to Princess Zhaoyang and Jia Lian along the way.

From Jia Lian and the other man, Baoqin not only learned about the recent situation of her cousin Baochai and others, but also learned about many things in the capital, and even interesting stories about the palace.

She also discovered that Princess Sister and Cousin Lian were truly such good people.

One was gentle and elegant, with unparalleled beauty. The other was dashing and extraordinary, someone who made her feel like she was basking in a spring breeze, easily making her cheeks blush.

These two people both came from the capital... Never before had Baoqin felt such a strong longing for the most prosperous capital in the world, which was also her future home, and even had an impulse to go to the capital with Jia Lian and the other person immediately!

For this reason, Baoqin was reluctant to part with him.

Jia Lian saw through the little girl's thoughts and said with a smile, "Take good care of your father. If fate allows, we will meet again in the future."

Also, your princess sister asked me to tell you that she really liked the gift and the poem you gave her. If you ever go to the capital, be sure to visit her. As for saying goodbye, we've already discussed it before, so I won't say it again in person, otherwise she might be reluctant to part with you, little girl.

Xue Baoqin looked slightly embarrassed. The gift she gave to Princess Zhaoyang was fine, but those few poems were ones that Princess Zhaoyang had specifically asked for because she knew that Xue Baoqin could write poetry at such a young age.

She was already quite embarrassed to give it to Princess Zhaoyang, could it be that Sister Qingran also showed it to Brother Lian?

Forgetting her shyness, seeing that Jia Lian had exchanged a few words with his brother before mounting his horse to leave, Baoqin hurriedly called out, "Second Brother Lian, if you ever come to Jinling, you must come visit our family..."

After the little girl shouted out, she noticed that people around her seemed to be watching her, and then she realized that it might be inappropriate, so she stopped talking.

Jia Lian turned around, smiled and nodded at her, then mounted his horse and rode away.

After Jia Lian left, the Xue siblings returned to their father's carriage and reported the situation to the second master of the Xue family.

Seeing that his children seemed melancholy, the second master of the Xue family sighed and said, "You don't need to think too much. Someone like your second brother Lian, if he returns to the capital safely this time, will surely be a dragon soaring in the heavens. It is not something that we mortals can presume to fathom."

"Being able to receive his protection for a while is already a great opportunity for us. You should cherish the friendship you have built with him during this time, as it may be of great help to you in the future."

Upon hearing his father's words, Xue Ke's clear eyes revealed a hint of unyielding spirit, which eventually subsided into calm.

He knew his father was right. If he were his cousin Xue Pan, he might have had the courage to strive to catch up with Jia Lian. Unfortunately, he was just an ordinary member of the Xue family.

Although he possessed immense wealth, he was ultimately just a lowly merchant. Compared to powerful figures like Jia Lian, who were influential figures in the dynasty, the difference between them was immeasurable.

Perhaps my previous idea of ​​following in my father's footsteps was too narrow-minded. I should try to study hard and pass the imperial examinations. If I succeed, perhaps I will be qualified to associate with someone like Brother Lian.

Baoqin, being a girl, disagreed with her brother. She immediately pressed her father, "Father, what did you mean by 'returning to the capital safely'? Didn't Brother Lian and the princess escape from the desert? Is Brother Lian possibly in some danger again?"

The second master of the Xue family smiled and patted Baoqin's head without saying anything more.

In the eyes of the Second Master Xue, with the border in turmoil and Jia Lian burdened with an imperial decree and heavy responsibilities, who knew what might happen next? Many of the stories circulating about Jia Lian that had spread throughout the land were terrifying to him.

In that position, encountering crises is all too common.

But one thing the Second Master Xue was certain of was that as long as Jia Lian didn't die, he would definitely become a pivotal figure in the dynasty! This was also why he had been urging his children to get along well with Jia Lian these past few days.

……

Wu Shiwei personally led his troops to welcome them.

Because Princess Zhaoyang's fate was unknown, the escorting delegation, including all of Princess Zhaoyang's servants, dared not leave their posts. Instead, they set up camp inside Ganning Pass to wait, adhering to the principle of proximity.

Now that Princess Zhaoyang has been brought back, she naturally continues to live in the simple palace that Wu Shiwei had prepared before.

Jia Lian, on the other hand, was dragged by Wu Shiwei and others to his welcoming banquet.

During the banquet, there was no need for further flattery and praise, but what Jia Lian was most concerned about was the situation on the Oirat side and the court's attitude towards the Oirat.

Upon learning that the imperial court and the Oirat Mongols had decided to maintain peace after months of wrangling and bickering, and that the Oirat envoy "Song Yewang" was still inside Ganning Pass, Jia Lian secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

After the Zhanghe Beach Incident, the Wei court was divided on whether to fight or appease the Oirats. Of course, the majority still favored peace. After all, the Tatars' conspiracy to unite with the Western Barbarians was still underway, and turning against the Oirats at this time would be detrimental to the overall situation.

When news of Princess Zhaoyang's safe return to Han reached the capital, even the voices advocating war subsided, and the court finally reached a consensus.

While the Oirat side was furious that the Great Wei had killed their most capable prince, they ultimately had to consider the stakes involved.

Compared to the Great Wei, the Oirat people were actually most afraid of the Tatars. After all, being defeated by the Wei was nothing special, and the Wei probably didn't think much of the vast Gobi Desert, the desolate northern desert.

However, the Tatars are different. If the Tatars are given an opportunity, the Oirat will be at risk of being completely annexed by them!

Therefore, the envoys sent by the Oirat king spent a long time negotiating with the Wei delegation at Ganning Pass. After realizing that the Wei side was fully prepared to attack the Oirat and avenge the Wei princess, they stopped dwelling on the death of their own prince.

Today, the negotiation process between the two countries has almost returned to the level before the Zhanghetan Incident.

This is good news for Jia Lian as well.

Although he also longed for military achievements, especially if he could quell the Oirat rebellion in one fell swoop, such merit might even allow him to restore the glory of his ancestors!

However, Jia Lian knew very well that the time was not yet right.

His foundation is still too weak; even if a major battle were to occur, the chances of him taking charge are extremely low. This is not the time when he was under Prince Teng's command, relying on his status as the grandson of the Duke of Rong to reap benefits everywhere.

The minor, insignificant achievements were something the senior figures were too embarrassed to compete with the juniors for, so they simply let them have their way.

When it comes to military achievements worthy of being ennobled or granted titles, who would yield? Who is qualified to do so?

The Jia family has only recently become relatives of the emperor, and Jia Lian himself has only just inherited his title. There is still much to be done to solidify their foundation.

Jia Lian had already considered that the most advantageous thing for him at the moment was to use his merit in protecting Princess Zhaoyang to return to the capital, gain some more benefits, and secretly consolidate his position and power.

In a few years, when the border situation changes and he has more resources, the Great Wei will be able to launch another war to destroy the Oirat Mongols...

By then, even if he still cannot hold the command of the army, he should be able to lead an army on his own without any problem.

If a war with the Oirat were to break out now, and he succeeded, but failed to gain enough benefits from it, wouldn't it be a waste of Princess Zhaoyang's efforts and a pointless death on the desert?

"General Jia!"

The burly man carrying a wine jar went straight to Jia Lian.

Jia Lian looked up, smiled, and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "General Zhu..."

"No, Old Zhu is no longer a mere adjutant! That day, I disobeyed the imperial envoy's orders and led troops to pursue the enemy on my own, only to be ambushed, resulting in heavy casualties among my men!"

If it weren't for His Majesty's consideration for my past military achievements, he would have already chopped off my head.

"Well, now Old Zhu has been demoted to a mere deputy commander."

Zhu, the adjutant, spoke with a rough tone tinged with obvious frustration. Clearly, being demoted from a general to a mere army commander, and a deputy one at that, was a significant blow to him.

But Jia Lian glanced around at the people and knew that the generals of Ganning Pass had long since formed a clique. Although Zhu Dahe had been demoted to deputy commander, it was clear that Wu Shiwei and the others did not treat him as a deputy commander.

Otherwise, a deputy commander wouldn't be qualified to sit at today's welcoming banquet.

"General Zhu, do not be discouraged. Your bravery is evident to the court and the generals. It is only a matter of time before you are reinstated to your original position or even promoted to a higher rank."

"On the contrary, I must apologize to the General. That day, when the General sent reinforcements, I was responsible for protecting the Princess and lacked sufficient troops, so I only sent a small number of cavalry to rescue the General. Jia Lian has wronged the General."

Zhu Dahe laughed heartily, "Not at all. I already knew about General Jia's brilliant strategy and divine command of troops that day."

Like I said before, I, Old Zhu, rarely admire anyone, but you are definitely one of them!

As for any apologies, there's no need for them. I knew things were going badly when I was ambushed, and sending someone for help was just a casual attempt. I never expected General Jia to actually send men to rescue me. If it weren't for the cavalry that General Jia sent to cover me, I wouldn't have been able to break out of the encirclement so easily that day.

There's nothing else to say, this is a huge favor Old Zhu owes you. If you ever need anything from me, just let me know.

As Zhu Dahe spoke, he gestured to Jia Lian, then took a few big gulps of water from the scout's cup. After finishing, he handed the jar to Jia Lian so that he could drink as well.

Jia Lian smiled gently.

This Zhu Dahe is quite interesting. He said it wouldn't be that easy to escape, meaning that even if he didn't send anyone to rescue him, he might still be able to get out of trouble.

It's a shame that the person he sent back for help that day spoke so urgently, as if Zhu Dahe would have been doomed if he hadn't intervened.

Without delving into the details, Jia Lian picked up the wine jar, deliberately avoiding the areas Zhu Dahe had touched, tilted his head back and took a big gulp, then found Wu Shiwei and excused himself to leave.