Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

"General Jia, the princess requests your presence."

As Jia Lian left the council hall, two palace maids from Princess Zhaoyang's side came to summon him.

Jia Lian nodded and followed the two women to Princess Zhaoyang's temporary palace.

The area within the Gan-Ning Pass is unlike any other town in the Central Plains. Both the roads and the surrounding buildings appear ancient, desolate, and vast.

Throughout the pass, groups of soldiers patrolled back and forth at all times, demonstrating the strict military discipline here.

Only near Princess Zhaoyang's palace did one find a semblance of peaceful life.

Although it's called a temporary palace, in terms of solemnity and grandeur, it can't compare to the imperial villas in the capital region at all. It's just a huge official residence that has been redecorated inside and out to make it look a bit more luxurious.

Upon reaching Princess Zhaoyang's sleeping quarters, the four young and beautiful palace maids standing at the palace gate immediately bowed respectfully. Two of them knelt gracefully at Jia Lian's feet.

Jia Lian, who came from a noble family, was certainly not unfamiliar with the local etiquette.

When the palace maid on the left carefully extended her hands, he did not make things difficult for her. He let her lift her feet, take off her official boots, and put on a cloth shoe.

The palace maid on the right did the same.

The other two palace maids then opened the curtain, revealing the scene inside.

Although it was the same place where Princess Zhaoyang first stayed when she visited Ganning Pass, the interior had been completely renovated.

The newly added furnishings and decorations are brighter, and at a glance, the floor is covered with silk and satin, and the room is filled with fragrance, making it extremely luxurious.

It's clear that Princess Zhaoyang's living conditions have improved significantly compared to the last time.

For example, the etiquette of removing boots at the door—Jia Lian remembered that last time he came here, there wasn't such a formality.

However, upon closer reflection, Jia Lian didn't find it strange.

Last time, Princess Zhaoyang was merely passing through this place, but this time, she will stay here for quite some time until the imperial decree arrives. Moreover, the princess has suffered greatly this time, and as the saying goes, "a subject dies for his lord's humiliation," so Wu Shiwei and others will naturally want to serve her wholeheartedly to make amends.

As for setting up such a grand display in such a harsh and cold place, Jia Lian did not find anything wrong with it.

This display wasn't just for Princess Zhaoyang alone, but for the dignity of the entire Great Wei Kingdom.

A princess who sacrifices herself for her country through a political marriage naturally represents the glory and prestige of the entire nation.

Otherwise, Princess Zhaoyang wouldn't have had nearly a thousand palace maids, eunuchs, and servants serving her since she left the capital, in addition to the guards.

These people are just sitting idly inside the pass, so we might as well give them some orders to keep them from causing trouble.

As I stepped onto the bright red carpet and entered Princess Zhaoyang's palace, another palace maid, even more beautiful than herself, came to guide me.

Inside the bedchamber, everything was just as Jia Lian had predicted; everywhere were palace maids with fragrant clothes and graceful figures.

When Jia Lian passed by them, they would not only give him a graceful bow, but also steal a few glances at him. Of course, none of them dared to be blatant, otherwise they would surely be severely punished by the governess.

"Your subject Jia Lian greets the princess."

Entering the warm pavilion, in front of an exquisite silk semi-transparent screen, the palace maid who led her stood aside, and Jia Lian bowed to a woman who was vaguely visible above.

Even though she was already his woman, she still had to maintain appearances.

"Everyone else, step down."

Following Princess Zhaoyang's instructions, the other palace maids filed out, leaving only two tall palace maids on either side of the long couch inside.

The two palace maids were not idle either. After the others had retreated, they stepped forward and pulled open the screens placed in front of Jia Lian and Princess Zhaoyang from both sides.

Jia Lian had no idea that the screen embroidered with the complete landscape and ducks playing was actually made up of two screens pieced together.

As the screen opened in the middle, Princess Zhaoyang's dignified and beautiful figure, seated gracefully to the side, was revealed to Jia Lian.

Princess Zhaoyang was dressed in her finest attire at this time.

Dressed in a magnificent palace gown, her hair piled high, and adorned with a phoenix crown, even her hands, resting on her knees, were unusually adorned with gleaming gold finger guards on the ring and little fingers. This solemn attire, combined with Princess Zhaoyang's tall, slender figure and fair skin, perfectly showcased the majesty and beauty of a royal princess!

Even Jia Lian, who was already extremely familiar with Princess Zhaoyang, couldn't help but brighten up at this moment and take a few more glances.

Perhaps noticing Jia Lian's gaze, Princess Zhaoyang smiled slightly and said softly, "I was able to escape danger this time entirely thanks to the General's selfless protection. I have not yet repaid the General's kindness, so I invited the General to come and have a chat today."

Jia Lian cupped his hands and replied, "This humble subject is only doing his duty and dares not presume to accept the princess's words."

"hehe."

"Why doesn't the general come forward and have a talk?"

Princess Zhaoyang chuckled and gestured for Jia Lian to go up.

Jia Lian frowned slightly and glanced around. The warm pavilion was not large. Besides the two of them, there were only two palace maids standing by. Upon closer inspection, Jia Lian realized that these two seemed to be the maids that Princess Zhaoyang had arranged to serve him during his bath. They must be her confidantes, which explained her casual manner.

However, Princess Zhaoyang was sitting sideways on the long couch at this time, and there were no other stools or seats in front of her.

Should he come closer and look down at her while he speaks?

still is……

Jia Lian also noticed that although there were no seats, the long couch in front of Princess Zhaoyang's knees, covered by her palace dress, was a place where people could sit.

Jia Lian then stepped forward and decisively sat down next to Princess Zhaoyang on both knees.

Upon seeing this, Princess Zhaoyang's smile deepened. "I am deeply grateful for General Zhaoyang's great kindness in rescuing me and escorting me for thousands of miles. I will remember this kindness forever."

I wanted to repay the general, but he already holds a high position and has no shortage of official rank and wealth. Although I am a princess, I am afraid I have nothing to offer that would meet the general's approval.

I have heard that the general is leaving the capital with only one servant, which may not be enough to properly take care of his daily life.

"I happen to have quite a few servants here, so how about I send just the General?"

As she spoke, Princess Zhaoyang casually waved her hand.

Immediately, one of the palace maids standing nearby gracefully stepped forward amidst the envious gazes of the other.

"General, do you think this person might catch your eye?" Princess Zhaoyang asked with a smile.

Jia Lian frowned and turned to look at Princess Zhaoyang.

As his woman, she actually offered to send him other women?

Seeing Princess Zhaoyang looking at him calmly, Jia Lian couldn't guess what she was thinking. However, he knew that Princess Zhaoyang was not Wang Xifeng, but a person who acted with grace and propriety, and had a gentlemanly demeanor.

This move was definitely not just a test.

Therefore, Jia Lian turned his head and glanced at the woman in front of him.

With a rosy complexion, delicately drawn eyebrows, and a tall, slender figure, she was indeed a rare beauty, probably ranking among the most beautiful of Princess Zhaoyang's hundred or so maids.

But after glancing at it twice, Jia Lian shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness, but I am not only serving as an envoy but also commanding troops. It is really inconvenient for me to bring any other beauties with me. I can only appreciate Your Majesty's kindness."

Princess Zhaoyang said, "Given the general's status and merits, it is only natural that he has someone to take care of him. Moreover, this beauty was given to the general by me, so I don't think anyone else will say anything..."

Alright, I know the general is a self-disciplined person, so I won't force him.

"In that case, I will keep it for you for now. After we return to the capital, the general can bring it back to his residence. Then the general will have nothing to say."

Princess Zhaoyang seemed to want to offer some advice, but after seeing Jia Lian's displeasure, she smiled and said this instead.

Seeing that Princess Zhaoyang was so insistent, Jia Lian did not want to argue with her, and simply said, "Then I thank the princess for her kindness."

In any case, the two mansions occupy vast areas, so there's no worry about not being able to accommodate a maid.

Princess Zhaoyang found it amusing to see Jia Lian's displeased expression.

You should know that every palace maid in the palace is selected through layers of screening and careful selection before being sent to the palace to serve the nobles.

While not all of them were exceptionally beautiful, at least none of them were ugly or had obvious physical defects.

Therefore, other officials would consider it a great honor and favor to receive palace maids as a reward from noble ladies in the palace. But Jia Lian's situation was different; it was as if she had forced him to accept it.

However, she also knew that Jia Lian was not a lecherous man.

On the day Jia Lian got drunk, she deliberately had two of her most trusted and beautiful women serve him while he bathed, which was surely an attempt to test Jia Lian's character.

If Jia Lian were truly drunk and unconscious, that would be one thing, but she already knew he was faking it. So, under those circumstances, Jia Lian still didn't take advantage of the beautiful palace maid who was within his grasp, which shows his character.

Princess Zhaoyang beckoned the woman to leave, then looked at Jia Lian and asked softly, "Speaking of returning to the capital, I've vaguely heard that the court seems to be considering another marriage alliance with the Oirat Mongols?"

As she spoke, Princess Zhaoyang turned and looked at Jia Lian quietly. Clearly, she seemed indifferent, but in reality, she was very concerned.

Jia Lian pondered for a moment, but did not intend to hide it from her. After nodding, he briefly recounted to Princess Zhaoyang the negotiations between the two parties, as well as the reprimand he had given to the officials in the council hall.

After hearing this, Princess Zhaoyang remained silent for a long time, seemingly lost in thought.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of this. I will definitely not let you go on a political marriage again."

After all, she was his woman, and Jia Lian couldn't help but offer a comforting remark at this moment.

Princess Zhaoyang laughed, "With Erlang's words, I'm relieved. I was worried that Erlang would take advantage of the situation and get rid of me, this troublesome person."

Although Princess Zhaoyang's words were witty, they still made Jia Lian's expression turn sour, and he glared at the woman in front of him with annoyance.

What does it mean to kick her out of the way?

Does this woman think that because she offered herself to him, he would not cherish her and would regard her as a trouble and a burden?

Well, that's what he thought before, which is why he remained unmoved by the princess's declaration of love.

But things are different now. The other party has already succeeded, yet they say such things, which makes this grown man very unhappy.

"I'll give you a chance to rephrase what you just said."

Since Princess Zhaoyang had naturally abandoned her princess dignity and addressed him as "Erlang" repeatedly, Jia Lian was too lazy to pretend anymore and adopted a manly attitude.

Anyway, although the two palace maids in the room had slightly different expressions, they didn't seem too surprised, which meant they obviously knew something.

Princess Zhaoyang's eyes curved into two crescent moons as she covered her mouth and laughed, "What, is Erlang still angry? Who told you to ignore me so much before and hurt my feelings time and time again? It's only natural that I'm worried about you."

Okay, don't be angry anymore. I know you're a great man who can protect his woman and wouldn't do something like starting something and then abandoning it. I guess I misspoke, okay?

Princess Zhaoyang and Jia Lian started joking around as casually as they had back in the desert.

Seeing her so humble and subservient, Jia Lian felt embarrassed to argue with her. He simply snorted, "I have gone to great lengths and spared no effort to plan for you, despite the risk of offending others. And yet you, woman, question me. It is truly disheartening."

"Alright, alright, I know you've had a hard time, sir. I apologize to you."

Princess Zhaoyang shook Jia Lian's arm a few times, then sat down next to him and began to massage his shoulders as an apology.

Perhaps because sitting sideways was inconvenient, Princess Zhaoyang simply took off her shoes, shrunk onto the couch, and then knelt behind Jia Lian, tenderly massaging and patting his back.

This was a tactic she used to curry favor with the Empress Dowager. Jia Lian was the second person to receive this treatment.

The sight of Princess Zhaoyang obediently kneeling behind Jia Lian and massaging his shoulders made the two palace maids standing nearby stare wide-eyed, finding it somewhat unbelievable.

Although they had already realized that something was off between the princess and General Jia when the princess arranged for them to serve Jia Lian during his bath.

When General Jia brought the princess back safely from the desert, those who served her closely noticed that the princess was somewhat different from before.

The melancholy and somber mood she had when she arrived had completely vanished. All day long, aside from reading and practicing the piano, she spent most of her time sitting in front of her vanity trying to dress herself, occasionally humming a few beautiful melodies…

Of course, they would occasionally be sent to inquire about what General Jia was doing.

In short, the princess seemed much lighter and more cheerful than before.

Some of the more astute individuals have already guessed the reason.

Sure enough, after the princess dressed up in her finest attire and sent someone to invite General Jia, they understood a little better.

But even with all that knowledge, one cannot comprehend such a profound state of being.

A princess, a celestial being, was behaving like a submissive wife in front of General Jia... This...

Feeling that staying any longer might bring unnecessary trouble, the two women exchanged a glance, then quietly bowed and retreated to guard the pavilion door.

Now that the maid had obediently withdrawn, Princess Zhaoyang had no more worries and focused on helping Jia Lian stretch his muscles and bones.

She knew that Jia Lian was not exaggerating. Although Jia Lian was the chief envoy, he still faced enormous pressure and risks in overcoming public opinion and rejecting the Oirat's renewed proposal for a marriage alliance.

They had to subdue their own colleagues while also winning over the Oirat side.

Most importantly, the established interests of the Great Wei must not be harmed by refusing the marriage alliance. Otherwise, the officials of those missions will surely unite to impeach Jia Lian after returning to the capital.

Therefore, she was very moved after hearing Jia Lian's plan, and her massage and service to Jia Lian were truly heartfelt.

But after a while, she still asked Jia Lian, "What if the Oirat envoy refuses to concede?"

"I'll make him back down."

"What if they insist? I've heard that this is the order of the Oirat king."

Princess Zhaoyang's questions were very objective.

Although Jia Lian held absolute power here, representing the court entirely, he had no authority over the Oirat Mongols or their envoys.

If they can't reach an agreement, other unforeseen events may occur, and then it might be beyond Jia Lian's control.

Putting everything else aside, if negotiations with the Oirats drag on without a conclusion, the Wei court might become restless and might even change its envoys. At that point, it would be difficult to say whether Jia Lian himself could escape unscathed, let alone protect her.

Jia Lian paused for a moment, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, "Don't worry, given the current situation of the Oirat, they wouldn't dare offend our Great Wei."

Of course, if Song Yewang is truly determined to stick to this marriage alliance, which offers them virtually no benefit...

"Then let him remain at Ganning Pass forever, just like the Third Prince."

Princess Zhaoyang was startled by what she heard and glanced at Jia Lian's profile with some surprise.

She understood what Jia Lian meant.

If the Oirat envoy truly refuses to listen to reason or threats, Jia Lian's intention is to eliminate him secretly.

With two members of the Oirat royal family and Oirat envoys dying at the hands of the Great Wei, it would be difficult to discuss an alliance between the Oirat and the Great Wei.

Since even an alliance can't be negotiated, then a marriage alliance is out of the question.

In this way, she was safe.

This is likely not good news for either the Great Wei or the Oirat.

Even if a major war doesn't break out immediately, it will likely make the situation on the border even more tense.

As the instigator of all this, it's easy to imagine how the court will deal with Jia Lian once the truth comes out.

It can be said that doing this was very irrational and did not conform to Princess Zhaoyang's perception of Jia Lian's style of doing things.

If she were an observer, she would advise Jia Lian to think twice before acting.

However, Jia Lian did this for her! This left Princess Zhaoyang with little else in her mind but gratitude and love.

She gently lowered her hands, which had been massaging, in front of Jia Lian, hugged her from behind, and whispered in her ear, "Qingran is so glad she didn't make the wrong choice..."

However, Erlang should not attempt such a risky method unless absolutely necessary.

As Erlang said, the Oirat cannot afford to offend our Great Wei. The original marriage alliance was merely a scheme by the third prince of the Oirat, and I believe the Oirat will not insist on it too much. Furthermore, I believe Erlang has the ability to make them back down.”

Jia Lian smiled, raised his hand to stroke Princess Zhaoyang's smooth, soft hand, and nodded in agreement.