Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Jia Lian had no time to guess what Zi Juan was thinking; his mind was full of considerations about how to deal with Lin Ruhai when they met. So he simply nodded to Zi Juan and strode toward Lin Ruhai's room.

To everyone's surprise, Lin Ruhai did not summon him to the warm pavilion where he had been recuperating, but instead summoned him to the main hall.

When Jia Lian entered, he saw Lin Ruhai sitting on the main seat covered with fur, with two screens on either side to block the wind. Apart from the old steward, there was no one else serving in the hall.

Seeing that Lin Ruhai was so ill yet still put on this show, Jia Lian naturally understood that Lin Ruhai had made a decision.

The First Evolution

Therefore, he took a deep breath, walked straight into the hall, and bowed to Lin Ruhai, saying, "Greetings, Uncle."

"Please sit down." Lin Ruhai nodded, and after Jia Lian sat down, he asked, "You went to see Yu'er. How is she?"

"Lin Daiyu's complexion is much better than yesterday. I suppose Physician Wang was right. Lin Daiyu is out of danger. Uncle can rest assured."

"Um……"

Lin Ruhai hummed in agreement, then lowered his head in deep thought, as if pondering something.

Jia Lian did not interfere, but simply sat quietly on the pear wood chair below, his posture very upright.

"I've seriously considered what you said yesterday..."

Lin Ruhai deliberately said only this one sentence, then stopped and looked up to see Jia Lian's reaction.

Jia Lian simply straightened his body a little more, indicating that he was listening, but made no other movements, and even his facial expression did not change.

Lin Ruhai nodded upon seeing this, realizing that His Majesty had indeed forged him into someone who remained calm in the face of honor and disgrace.

He already came from a distinguished family, possessed outstanding character and appearance, and was exceptionally intelligent. Now, he has also gained the Emperor's favor, so at least, his future is without any problems.

So, without beating around the bush, he got straight to the point: "You said you want to marry your Lin sister, and I have a few questions I'd like to ask you. Would you be willing to listen?"

"No matter what my uncle says, I will always comply."

"hehe……"

"First, I want to ask you, are you able to make complete decisions about your own affairs?"

I don't want you to make promises now, only to later use the excuse of obeying your elders to break your word.

Jia Lian cupped his hands and said solemnly, "Uncle, please rest assured. Not only have I been granted the title of Marquis by His Majesty and concurrently serve as the Commander of the Western City Military Command and the Deputy Commander of the Divine Machine Battalion, but even at home, I am the acting clan head."

In addition, my biological parents died early, and now, apart from the old lady, no one in the entire Jia family can interfere with the decisions I make.

As for the old lady, she is Lin Daiyu's maternal grandmother, so it's likely that she wouldn't object to anything that's good for Lin Daiyu.

Even if she objected, her nephew was confident he could persuade her, and the situation his uncle was worried about would not occur.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have dared to ask my uncle for help.

Jia Lian knew that Lin Ruhai was worried about having an adopted son...

Lin Ruhai nodded. He already knew about the Jia family's situation and had even inquired about it yesterday, confirming that Jia Lian hadn't lied to him.

Given Jia Lian's current status, even Grandmother Jia would not easily oppose his decision.

Others, of course, are even less qualified.

"Then let's get to the second point. Since you're already married, and now you want to marry your Lin sister, she can only be your concubine."

I miss you. If I were to truly agree to marry you off to Lin Daiyu, what title would you give her?

A virtuous concubine, or perhaps, a noble concubine?

Lin Ruhai stared intently at Jia Lian.

The concubinage system in that era was generally divided into two types.

Good concubines and lowly concubines.

As for concubines and maids who were even lower in status than lowly concubines, there's no need to discuss them.

Strictly speaking, those kinds of people can't be considered concubines; they can only be considered playthings of men.

Even a concubine, even a lowly one, needed to undergo a simple ceremony before being brought into the household.

These types of concubines were usually born into lowly social classes.

For example, Aunt Zhao and Aunt Zhou in Jia Zheng's house were both considered lowly concubines.

As for a concubine, the requirement was that she be a daughter from a good family who would marry someone else to become a concubine.

Although a virtuous concubine is still not as good as a principal wife, at least she is not like a lowly concubine who can be beaten and scolded at any time.

Because, like the principal wife, concubines usually had their own dowry and were economically independent.

Moreover, when a woman is married, she should be carried in a grand sedan chair by four men, a proper marriage, unlike a concubine who is carried into the house in a small sedan chair, at the mercy of the master's arrangements.

Therefore, the terms for "good concubine" and "lowly concubine" are somewhat different.

A concubine is generally referred to as a mistress or aunt.

A concubine is a second wife or a secondary wife; servants may also refer to her as the second wife's grandmother or the third wife's grandmother.

For example, in the original work, there is the chapter "Jia Ershe secretly marries You Erjie".

Jia Lian married You Erjie, the younger sister of You Shi. Although it was a secret marriage, You Erjie was a respectable woman, and Jia Lian lived in a separate house. Jia Zhen, You Shi, and others were invited to witness the marriage, and the bride was carried into Huazhi Lane in a grand sedan chair carried by four bearers.

Therefore, You Erjie was a concubine.

Therefore, Jia Lian's servants, such as Wang'er and Zhao'er, addressed You Erjie as "You Er Nai Nai" instead of "Auntie".

At that time, You Erjie could be referred to as Jia Lian's second wife.

Women like Aunt Zhao were not qualified to be called Jia Zheng's second wives. Jia Zheng was a very upright man; he didn't have a second wife, only one wife and two concubines who served him in his household.

Because being a concubine meant a low social status, it was generally reserved for women who had no choice in the matter, such as maids in wealthy families who were willing to become concubines of the masters and young masters, or prostitutes who reformed themselves.

These were all lowly concubines, who made up more than 90% of all concubines.

Good concubines were very rare.

Because generally, good families would not allow their daughters to become concubines unless there was a specific reason.

This is the current custom, but given Lin Ruhai's status, even if he agreed to let Jia Lian's daughter become Jia Lian's concubine, he would never be willing to be like others.

Lin Ruhai, being a well-read man, naturally knew that above a good concubine, there was actually a distinction between a noble concubine and a concubine of high rank.

The concept of a concubine has a long history and existed in many dynasties.

Especially during the pre-Qin period, when the feudal lords were at war, many royal princesses and daughters of feudal lords had to marry other powerful rulers for political reasons.

Generally, the marriage would be conducted with the rites and ceremony befitting a noble concubine, and the bride would be married off in a high

The status of a noble concubine was naturally far above that of a good concubine.

Throughout history, families with concubines have invariably become extremely wealthy and powerful.

Concubines were not to be trifled with; even the mistress of the house could not mistreat them.

To be honest, even the title of Imperial Concubine in the palace was actually evolved from the title of Noble Concubine. This shows the status of Noble Concubine.

Since this saying exists in history, Lin Ruhai wants Jia Lian to adopt this attitude.

Therefore, what appeared to be a question was actually just giving Jia Lian one option! After saying this, he looked at Jia Lian's expression, and if Jia Lian showed even the slightest sign of unwillingness, he would cut off any further negotiations with Jia Lian.

Although he was forced to agree to marry his daughter to Jia Lian for various reasons, he did not intend for his daughter to suffer.

He was determined to fight for the rights that his daughter deserved.

Jia Lian understood Lin Ruhai's meaning. After thinking for a moment, he lifted the hem of his robe, knelt down and said, "If Uncle doesn't say anything, I am prepared to explain to Uncle."

As a descendant of four generations of marquises, and the only legitimate daughter of her uncle, Lin Daiyu's status was extraordinary.

It is my nephew's great fortune that he was able to marry her.

So, let's not talk about good concubines or noble concubines. I have never wanted Lin Daiyu to be a concubine. Instead, I want to marry her with the rites of a "second wife".

After Lin Daiyu marries into my family, my nephew will treat her with the respect due to a principal wife.

My nephew said this before, and I'm reiterating it here simply to let my uncle know that I wasn't just saying it casually, but that I truly mean it.

"A concubine?"

Lin Ruhai frowned.

To be honest, if Jia Lian had said that yesterday, he would have been disgusted.

But today, he has clearly indicated his agreement, and when Jia Lian says it again, he seriously considers its feasibility.

"Not to mention this dynasty, even in the previous dynasty, there was no concept of a secondary wife."

"Although this dynasty does not have it, there is such a saying in previous dynasties."

Of course, I also know that the term "equal wife" is just a nicer way of saying "concubine of high rank".

But because I love Lin Daiyu, I don't want her to suffer any injustice. Even if it's just a comforting title, I must fight for it for her.

As for whether others approve or not, it doesn't matter.

If I take Lin Daiyu to a banquet in the future, others will see that I treat her with respect and will naturally not dare to show her any disrespect.

To be frank, if my nephew is fortunate enough to make further contributions to the court in the future, I will personally pray to His Majesty to grant Lin Daiyu an imperial title.

This was something I'd been thinking about for a while, but I didn't dare say it yesterday for fear my uncle would think I was arrogant.

Jia Lian said seriously.

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai finally smiled.

He did not doubt Jia Lian's words.

Because a noble concubine, since she dared to be associated with the word "noble," was naturally different from other concubines.

A concubine of high rank is entitled to imperial favor, which is why Lin Ruhai insisted that Jia Lian grant her this status.

He actually saw how much Emperor Ningkang valued Jia Lian and thought that if it was feasible in the future, he would have Jia Lian ask for a title for Daiyu, even if it was only a fifth or sixth rank, it would at least be enough to protect her.

Before he could even speak, Jia Lian had already taken the initiative to speak.

This brought him some comfort.

As for the concubine, although it may sound like she is above the noble concubine, the noble concubine is a common concept in all dynasties, but the concubine is not.

But it doesn't matter. At least it shows that Jia Lian's feelings for Yu'er are up to them to decide.

"I hope you remember your words and keep them in the future."

Lin Ruhai said something that woke Jia Lian up, and then he stopped putting on airs and resumed his previous attitude towards Jia Lian.

"What you said yesterday, that you would like to adopt the first son you and Yu'er will have as my grandson, is that still true?"

"It is certainly true."

However, I dare not lie to my uncle. I know that Lin Meimei is delicate, so even if she marries into my family, I plan to let her get better first and not let her bear children for me rashly.

Otherwise, if anything were to happen to Lin Daiyu, I would regret it for the rest of my life!

Therefore, even if everything goes smoothly, it will be at least four or five years before this can be fulfilled.

Therefore, I hope that my uncle will take good care of his health so that he can raise his own grandchildren in the future…”

Lin Ruhai stroked his beard and laughed when he heard Jia Lian say that.

"Even if you don't say it, I won't let you ruin Yu'er's body right now."

You little brat... you don't need to lie to comfort me. I know my own body.

To tell you the truth, I've decided that after I die, Yu'er will observe three years of mourning for me before I marry you. By then, Yu'er will surely be all grown up.

If you take good care of her during this time, her health will likely improve significantly.

If she can give birth to a child then, that would be wonderful. I also believe you won't break your promise to me.

But if my Lin family is destined to have no heir, you should not be demanding, and you certainly cannot blame your sister Lin for it. At that time, the matter of adopting a son will be dropped. Do you understand?

Jia Lian understood the meaning behind Lin Ruhai's words and couldn't help but admire Lin Ruhai's love for his daughter. Therefore, he solemnly cupped his hands and said, "Your nephew obeys."

With that said, it seems the matter has been settled.

Jia Lian forcibly suppressed his excitement and was about to discuss the specific arrangements for marrying Daiyu with Lin Ruhai when Lin Ruhai, after taking a sip of tea from the old steward's hand, waved his hand and said, "No rush."

"I have one last request for you."

If you agree, we can then proceed to discuss the next steps.

"Uncle, please speak."

Now that things have come to this, Jia Lian certainly has nothing to worry about.

Even if Lin Ruhai wanted to test him or make things difficult for him, he was not afraid.

This is because he has enough confidence.

After all, he was able to destroy the perfect match between Shenying and Jiangzhu, thus stealing Lin Daiyu's heart. He didn't think that Lin Ruhai, in his current state, could stop him.