Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Inside the Southern Study, Dai Quan returned to report.

"Has Zhaoyang accepted both the Eastern and Western goods?"

"Your Majesty, the Princess has accepted them all. When I arrived, the Princess was talking with the Empress Dowager. She was very pleased with the gifts Your Majesty sent and asked me to convey her gratitude for Your Majesty's favor."

"Oh, the Empress Dowager is here too. What did she say?"

"Your Majesty... Oh, by the way, Your Majesty did ask about the Marquis of Zhenyuan."

Emperor Ningkang hurriedly replied, "Oh?"

"He didn't say anything specific, but I heard that the Empress Dowager seemed quite satisfied after His Majesty bestowed such a generous title upon the Marquis of Zhenyuan."

Emperor Ningkang looked slightly surprised, then laughed.

To be honest, Emperor Ningkang had hesitated about whether to grant Jia Lian the title of marquis.

After all, although Jia Lian had made great contributions and acted in accordance with his wishes, the matter of promoting a noble title was of great importance. According to his original intention, promoting Jia Lian by one rank would be sufficient, so that no one else in the court would have anything to say.

However, after a discussion with Jia Lian, he finally decided to make an exception and directly promote Jia Lian's title to Marquis. Just one major rank and four grades away from catching up with his ancestor, the First-Class Duke of Rongguo.

Of course, he had his own considerations, such as completely subduing Jia Lian and using him for his own purposes, and also winning over the old noble forces led by the Four Kings and Eight Dukes.

In reality, there was also some connection with the Empress Dowager.

Since he arranged for Princess Zhaoyang to marry into a foreign land, although the Empress Dowager did not take any drastic actions on the surface, she never gave him a pleasant look whenever she saw him.

Although Emperor Ningkang was the emperor, he disliked having to read other people's faces. Yet, he knew why the Empress Dowager acted this way, and not only did he know, he also felt guilty.

Especially after the court and the public learned that the marriage alliance with the Oirat was just a conspiracy by the Oirat prince, Emperor Ningkang felt increasingly guilty and could only silently endure the Empress Dowager's cold attitude.

Not wanting things to continue like this, the only way was to appease the Empress Dowager's dissatisfaction.

He knew that as long as Princess Zhaoyang returned to the capital safely, the Empress Dowager's anger would subside considerably. Furthermore, he remembered his promise to the Empress Dowager: that once Jia Lian was older and had accumulated some experience and merit, he would be richly rewarded.

In this way, as long as the Empress Dowager knows that he has kept his promise and indeed given Jia Lian an important position, she will naturally appreciate his efforts.

As for Zhaoyang...

Emperor Ningkang had originally considered summoning her to his presence to speak and ease the tension between father and daughter. However, feeling apologetic as well, he found it inconvenient to meet her. Therefore, he only sent Dai Quan from the Imperial Household Department with a number of luxurious and valuable items, hoping that she would feel more at ease and not blame her old father too much.

Looking at Emperor Ningkang, Dai Quan could guess a bit of what the emperor was thinking.

Suddenly remembering something, he deliberately smiled and said, "I heard that when Marquis Zhenyuan left, he was all smiles and even solemnly kowtowed to the Southern Study before leaving."

I imagine the Marquis of Zhenyuan must be deeply grateful for His Majesty's great favor.

Emperor Ningkang's thoughts shifted, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face. Jia Lian's reaction after leaving the South Study had already been reported back by the eunuch who had delivered Jia Lian's official robes.

He was very satisfied with this.

Although the monarch rewards his ministers in order to make them work harder for him.

But since favors come from above, monarchs naturally don't want their subjects to be insatiable. Only subjects who can be grateful are worthy of being cultivated.

"However, His Majesty's bestowal of such a title upon the Marquis of Zhenyuan may cause some criticism among the officials in the court..." Dai Quan said.

Is there any criticism of the Marquis of Zhenyuan?

I'm afraid it's not just about the Marquis of Zhenyuan.

Perhaps those people will also say that Emperor Ningkang was biased and unfair!

But he doesn't care.

All he cares about is whether he can get the reward he deserves for doing this.

As for Jia Lian being criticized and even ostracized by court officials...

Jia Lian was a meritorious official who relied on his position through imperial favor, and originally did not need the approval of those civil officials.

He wouldn't be happy if all the civil officials were subservient to a meritorious official.

However, although Jia Lian had the hereditary title of Duke of Rongguo as his foundation, he was promoted to marquis after only a few years in the court. It is likely that not only court officials, but even generals in the army would feel jealous and resentful.

But this might just be what he wanted.

Jia Lian was young, energetic, and capable, and came from a deeply rooted line of old meritorious officials. He was the sharp sword Jia Lian intended to use to break the deadlock in the court.

Since it is a sharp sword, it should only be used by him alone!

The influence of the four kings and eight dukes in the army was too great. He only wanted Jia Lian as a role model and did not want to support a leader among them.

Therefore, it is a good thing to allow Jia Lian, the eldest grandson of the Duke of Rongguo, to develop some discord with the generals in the army.

Moreover, he had another concern.

Most of the meritorious officials listened more to the retired emperor. Jia Lian also came from an old family of merit, and it was rumored that the retired emperor and the second Duke of Rongguo were childhood playmates. He was afraid that if the retired emperor suddenly had a whim and summoned Jia Lian to bestow favors upon him, the peaches he had painstakingly cultivated might be plucked away by the retired emperor.

Although he knew the possibility was low, it wasn't impossible.

If the retired emperor knew that Jia Lian was his favored minister and that his official rank was not entirely based on merit, then given the retired emperor's pride, he would certainly no longer take a sycophantic minister like Jia Lian seriously.

Of course, Emperor Ningkang did not reveal these considerations to Dai Quan, but only casually said things like only those who are incompetent and immoral would be jealous, and that there was no need to pay attention to them.

……

Jia Lian went directly to the side gate of the Lin residence and entered the mansion as if he knew the way well.

As the residence of the official in charge of printing seals at the Lantai Temple, Lin Ruhai's official residence appeared quite elegant.

However, the Lin family home was much quieter than before, and they didn't see many servants along the way.

When asked a question, the steward sighed and said, "Ever since the master fell seriously ill, he ordered me to send away all the extra servants in the mansion."

Jia Lian understood; when Lin Ruhai went to the capital to take up his official post, he didn't bring many servants from the Lin family with him.

Most of the servants in the mansion were recruited later.

Now that Lin Ruhai has made up his mind to resign, he naturally won't keep these people around anymore.

What exactly is the condition of my uncle?

I learned from His Majesty that my uncle submitted his resignation to the court last winter.

"Alas, I dare not hide it from you, Second Master, but I fear my master's illness is..."

In the past few months, even the imperial physicians have come several times. They all say that the master's illness is a chronic condition that has worsened due to overwork, and that apart from proper rest and recuperation, it cannot be cured by medicine.

Jia Lian listened, unsure how to respond.

Everyone has their own principles and choices. He did his best to obtain permission from Lin Ruhai to return to his hometown and recuperate.

Who knew that Emperor Ningkang, lacking capable people around him, couldn't help but reinstate Lin Ruhai after only half a year.

Lin Ruhai, who was still recuperating, was so impressed by the emperor's favor that he eagerly led a few people to the capital.

This was Lin Ruhai's choice, and he couldn't interfere.

It's just a pity for Daiyu; if Lin Ruhai's illness doesn't improve, she will have to endure the pain of losing a loved one again.

"Excuse me, if I may ask, has Second Master truly been promoted to Marquis?"

Perhaps it was because Jia Lian was as friendly as ever and did not put on airs just because he was a servant that Lin Youquan dared to ask questions.

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian smiled slightly, raised his sleeve, and said, "A second-class Marquis of Zhenyuan, without a doubt. If Uncle Quan doesn't believe me, I'll show you again next time I'm dressed."

"Hehehe, Your Excellency is too kind."

Lin Youquan was deeply moved. Jia Lian, with his status, was actually willing to lower himself to make fun of him, which made him feel flattered.

So she smiled and said, "Perhaps because he heard that the Marquis is returning to the capital today, our master looks much better today. But we didn't expect the Marquis to come to visit us at this time."

Our master is currently waiting quietly in the warm chamber. Please come in, Your Excellency.

……

Although he had expected it, Jia Lian still felt inexplicably saddened when he saw Lin Ruhai again, seeing how thin and haggard he looked.

A top scholar who ranked third in the imperial examinations, he reached the end of his life at the age of fifty, which is truly a pity.

Lin Ruhai himself didn't feel any sadness. Leaning against the headboard, he looked at Jia Lian for a moment, and then smiled and said, "Not bad. After going out for a while, you have indeed gained experience and have become more like the old Duke back then."

Jia Lian just smiled at this and remained concerned about Lin Ruhai's condition.

You don't need to worry too much about me.

Throughout my life, I have risen through the ranks, from passing the imperial examinations to becoming a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, and now I am a second-rank official.

The highest rank a subject can attain is nearing its end, and even if it were to crumble now, there would be nothing to regret.

only……"

Lin Ruhai seemed to have something more to say, and Jia Lian didn't urge him. But after waiting a while without Lin Ruhai continuing, he asked, "I heard that His Majesty promoted you to a higher rank. Are you now a marquis?"

Jia Lian nodded respectfully: "I am deeply grateful for His Majesty's grace in bestowing upon me the title of Second-Class Marquis."

"Good, very good. In this way, Lord Taishan can be considered to have a successor..."

As the son-in-law of the Rongguo Mansion, Lin Ruhai had naturally witnessed the splendor of the Duke of Rongguo in his prime.

Duke Rongguo was one of the few people Lin Ruhai admired.

After nodding and smiling for a while, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but feel a little downcast.

The Rongguo Mansion has a worthy successor, but the Lin family is now almost extinct.

I still remember the look of ecstatic joy on my father's face when he passed the imperial examination with top honors.

Later, he gained the favor of the Duke of Rongguo, who married his eldest daughter to him in a high-profile manner, which made countless people envious.

Now, decades have passed, and the people of the past are gone. Lin Ruhai has also reached the point where he is destined to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors.

I wouldn't call it resentment, but I do feel some regret.

But the biggest regret is that I have never tried my best to find a suitable marriage for my daughter all these years.

While thinking about these things, her eyes remained fixed on Jia Lian, who sat upright with his hands at his sides, humbly observing the etiquette of a junior.

Standing seven feet tall, with red lips, white teeth, and a face like jade, Jia Lian was flawless, even in Lin Ruhai's eyes.

Furthermore, his current status as a marquis has subtly added to his unapproachable noble aura.

It's a pity that I discovered such a talented young man a little too late; otherwise, I might have been able to make him my son-in-law.

That Wang family girl was also very lucky. Although she was also an orphan who had lost both her parents, she married a wonderful husband.

When the Empress Dowager intended to bestow a marriage upon Jia Lian, although she advised him not to go against the will of Heaven, she still felt great affection for Jia Lian for his loyalty and faithfulness in keeping his wife's life.

Only a man who keeps his promises and keeps his word deserves the reputation of a national hero!

After inquiring about Jia Lian's various matters concerning this trip, Lin Ruhai, given his current situation, didn't seem to care too much, and the conversation quickly turned to what was on his mind.

"By the way, when you took Yu'er away from Yangzhou, you promised me that you would take care of her for me."

"I do have something I want to ask you now."

"Uncle, please speak."

"Over the years, besides you and Baoyu, has your sister seen any other male relatives or friends in your family?"

Now that Lin Ruhai has reached this point, he no longer has as many concerns as before. He wants to know the specific situation of Daiyu in the Jia family over the past few years.

Seeing Jia Lian's suspicious expression, he explained, "You don't need to worry, I didn't mean anything by it."

But given my current condition, I fear I won't live much longer. Therefore, I want to take advantage of my remaining time to arrange your marriage, so that she won't be left without support after I'm gone."

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian was startled, but facing Lin Ruhai, he calmly replied, "Uncle, Lin has been raised by my grandmother all these years."

My family is large and has many rules. Lin Daiyu is also of a quiet and reserved nature. Unless she's in a situation where she's with Baoyu, me, and her two younger half-brothers, she probably won't have the opportunity to see any other young men.

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai, though knowing it was unlikely, still inquired about the situation of Jia Lian's other two half-brothers in the Rongguo Mansion, not wanting to miss anything.

With Jia Lian's keen insight, he naturally realized at this moment that Lin Ruhai genuinely wanted to find a husband for Daiyu.

Although he didn't know why Jia Cong, Jia Huan, and Lin Ruhai were concerned, he immediately explained their situations.

In truth, given the circumstances of these two illegitimate sons, Jia Lian didn't need to deliberately smear them. He only needed to highlight them slightly in areas that Lin Ruhai might care about, and sure enough, Lin Ruhai's expression became troubled.

Clearly, based on Lin Ruhai's understanding of his daughter, these two mediocre, even somewhat inferior, children could not possibly catch Daiyu's eye.

However, if what Jia Lian said is true, then the only person Daiyu could see would be a direct descendant of the Jia family. Given the Jia family's long history as a public institution and Jia Mu's status as a duke's wife, it would be impossible for her to allow an outsider to see Daiyu so easily.

Therefore, Jia Lian is definitely right.

But if it's not one of Jia Baoyu, Jia Cong, or Jia Huan, then who could it be?

In a daze, good fortune struck, and Lin Ruhai immediately looked up at Jia Lian.

Am I just blind to what's right in front of me?

But if that's really the case, then it will be difficult.

Lin Ruhai fell silent.

After Jia Zheng and his wife refused to arrange the marriage, he actually had no desire to adhere to social class distinctions anymore. He thought that if his daughter truly had someone she loved, he might as well grant her wish.

Even if the other party was an ordinary citizen, he would accept it.

But what if it were Jia Lian...?

He didn't believe that Jia Lian, who dared to resist even a marriage bestowed by the imperial family, would divorce his wife and marry another for the sake of his Lin family.

In a moment of mental turmoil, he suddenly spoke, "Lian-ge'er, I've heard that you haven't taken a concubine yet?"

Lin Ruhai felt he must be out of his mind; why would he ask this at this time?

Actually, he was just thinking about many things concerning Jia Lian and suddenly became curious as to why Jia Lian had not yet taken a concubine.

After all, even though everyone envied him and the eldest daughter of the Duke's mansion, the fairy-like Juan Nu, he eventually took two concubines a few years after their marriage because of the need for offspring.

It was his wife, Jia Min, who took the initiative to arrange it for him.

However, he knew that Jia Lian had no children yet and had never taken a concubine, which made him quite curious.

But as soon as the question left his mouth, he knew he shouldn't have asked it. Normally, given his status as an elder, he could have asked freely.

But just now he had mentioned to Jia Lian that his daughter's marriage was still unsettled. Wouldn't asking this question now cause people to misunderstand?

When Jia Lian first heard Lin Ruhai's words, his heart skipped a beat, and then he was overjoyed.

However, out of his years of caution, he immediately calmed himself down. He knew that what he had kept in his heart for so many years was not so simple.

Sure enough, seeing Lin Ruhai's expression afterward, he knew that he had probably misunderstood.

My heart sank again.

He didn't speak immediately; his brain started working quickly.

His feelings for Daiyu had become much clearer over the years as he watched her grow up in front of him, becoming more and more like a fairy.

Therefore, over the years, he has been taking care of Daiyu both openly and secretly, showing concern in every way.

Therefore, upon receiving the title of Marquis, he didn't even have time to return home before coming to visit Lin Ruhai.

Because he knew that if he had ever had any improper thoughts about Daiyu in the past, it would have been a laughing stock and made him lack confidence.

So, as he rose through the ranks, from receiving a title to becoming a marquis and the object of everyone's attention, he felt that he seemed to have gained a certain degree of qualification.

In fact, Jia Lian is not a self-centered person.

Although he liked Daiyu, he didn't want to possess her from the beginning.

He had once considered that if Daiyu and Jia Baoyu were truly destined to be together, even with his interference, Daiyu would still like and love Jia Baoyu. In that case, he might as well act as her protector and ensure her safety for life.

This is why he didn't try everything to prevent Jia Baoyu and Daiyu from living in the same courtyard.

He simply did his best and left the rest to fate, telling Daiyu about the proper conduct between men and women, highlighting Jia Baoyu's shortcomings as much as possible, and letting Daiyu know that—that was all. He felt he had already acted like a gentleman.

Things turned out as he had hoped.

Although Daiyu had never shown him any feelings beyond those of cousins ​​over the years, he could tell that the little girl must have some different feelings for him.

At least, it's closer, more trusting, and more intense than with Jia Baoyu!

Given this, he naturally stopped talking about gentlemanly conduct.

The opportunity has already been given to young Baoyu, but he couldn't seize it, so you can't blame his older brother for being so clever.