Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

The next morning, after having breakfast and getting ready, Fengjie was about to go out when she saw Jia Lian having morning tea. She went over to him and asked, "You should be free today, so you can rest at home for a while, right? There's a play being performed in the old lady's courtyard today, why don't you go and watch it?"

Jia Lian has been busy these past two days since returning to the capital, and even she probably only gets to see him in the evenings.

With the New Year just around the corner, and Jia Lian going to the yamen again, Feng Jie naturally hoped that Jia Lian could stay at home for the rest of the days.

Jia Lian thought for a moment and said, "I'm afraid that won't work. I still need to go to that courtyard to select my personal guards later. Also, I'm afraid I'll have to go to the East Mansion as well."

As he spoke, Jia Lian explained, "After all, I still hold the title of clan leader. Since I've been away from home for so long, I have to keep an eye on clan affairs."

Sister Feng squinted and smiled, "We should indeed inquire about it..."

However, these days, both the eldest widow and the youngest widow are pitiful people. I'm afraid our Second Master Lian, with his kind heart, might not be able to resist going to show them some concern.

Wang Xifeng was adept at using jokes to warn someone.

Now, in the East Mansion, Jia Jing is not at home but lives in a Taoist temple. The only people in the entire mansion are You Shi and her daughter-in-law Qin Keqing.

Lady You wasn't too worried, but she was afraid that Jia Lian would get involved with her nephew's wife, Qin Keqing!

Even as a woman, Wang Xifeng felt that Qin Keqing was far too charming and alluring, easily captivating men.

"You're overthinking it. I'm not that kind of person."

Jia Lian seemed to disdain Feng Jie'er's teasing, rolled his eyes, and then beckoned Xiang Ling, who was standing nearby, to come over and massage his shoulders.

In that case, Sister Feng couldn't really say anything.

She's not sure about Jia Lian anymore.

If we're talking about being a womanizer, given his past temperament and current status, I doubt any of the maids and wives in the entire household could escape his clutches.

But then, it seemed he had completely changed his ways. Ever since he stole Aunt Mei from the master's room that year, she hadn't caught him red-handed even once!

It seemed that he had truly resolved to reform himself from that time onward, and even made a pact with her, saying that as long as she didn't touch his people without permission, he would never again go out to indulge in debauchery, solicit prostitutes, or gamble.

He actually did it! You can't say he's not a womanizer anymore...

But given the chance, he likes to play pranks on himself and Ping'er in all sorts of ways!

Furthermore, he insisted on marrying his cousin, whom he had doted on since childhood!

Shaking her head, Sister Feng forced herself to stop thinking about the problem. After all, she had already decided to accept Daiyu, who came from a prestigious family; what was there to fear from two widows with no connections?

Whether it's Sister-in-law You or Rong'er's wife, their statuses are different. Feng Jie believes that, given Jia Lian's current cautiousness, he shouldn't easily provoke them.

Otherwise, after the master died, he left behind a house full of concubines, maids, and wives. How come the heartless man didn't feel any reluctance and sent them all away in just one year?

Therefore, Feng Jie somewhat believed Jia Lian's claim that he wasn't that kind of person.

Besides, even if Jia Lian really did offend Rong'er's wife, it wouldn't matter much. After all, that girl's status is what it is, and she wouldn't pose any threat to him! Unless, Jia Lian wants to defy the world and take his nephew's wife as his concubine!

Only then will she intervene.

It's just a little affair, nothing serious. She'd long ago figured out that Jia Lian couldn't control him now. So, as long as he kept things in order and didn't let anyone make a scene and damage his reputation, she'd just turn a blind eye and pretend she didn't know.

So he sat down and said to Jia Lian, "Speaking of your plan to form a personal guard, I just remembered that yesterday Zhao Mama came to see you and said that her two sons also wanted to be your personal guards and had signed up."

Although Zhao's mother didn't say it explicitly, the implication was that she wanted you to let them come with you, out of consideration for their relationship with your grandmother's brother. What did you think?

Jia Lian had seen the list yesterday and knew that the Zhao brothers had passed the preliminary selection by Zhang Yong and others.

Zhang Yong and the others did not dare to act arbitrarily, but simply eliminated those who were too old, too young, or too short and thin.

The Zhao brothers, who had never lacked food or clothing since childhood and were in their prime, naturally passed the initial selection by Zhang Yong and others with ease.

As for why the wet nurse, Granny Zhao, still wanted to plead for mercy, Jia Lian understood.

After Granny Zhao pleaded with him on his behalf years ago, Jia Lian did indeed investigate the Zhao brothers, Tianliang and Tiandong. However, it was clear that the two brothers did not live up to their reputation as pillars of society.

If it were simply to keep them by one's side as two attendants or lackeys, it wouldn't be a big deal.

However, as his wet nurses, the two of them considered themselves very close to him. Thus, even though Jia Lian did not treat them coldly, only occasionally giving them some ordinary tasks and usually keeping them as his attendants, they could accompany him when he went out if they wanted, or not if they didn't.

This was meant to be a preferential treatment for them, but they felt that Jia Lian didn't trust them as much as his personal guards like Zhang Yong and Zhao Sheng, and they weren't even as close to him as his trusted servants like Zhao'er. Therefore, they began to complain and gradually lost their enthusiasm.

Now, perhaps seeing him rise to such a high rank and title, they have begun to regret their actions, which is why they want to compete to become his personal guard.

Knowing that many people applied, but only fifty people were to be recruited, he was afraid of not being selected, so he asked his mother, Granny Zhao, to plead for him.

Thinking of all this, Jia Lian only said to Feng Jie, "I have already made a plan on how to select these dozens of guards. If the Zhao brothers can pass, that would be a good thing. But if they are not up to par, I will not make an exception for them."

If they really weren't chosen today, it's fine if Zhao's mother doesn't ask. But if she does, just tell her that the battlefield is dangerous, and I can't bear to see my two older brothers go with me into danger. It would be better if they stayed home to take care of her.

As for the two boys' future, he was told not to worry. As long as they didn't do anything illegal or disorderly and were filial to their mother, he would take care of them in the future.

It's because Granny Zhao has always been good at interpersonal relationships. Even now that Jia Lian is in power, she won't actively beg for anything all year round, which is why Jia Lian is willing to maintain her dignity.

Upon hearing this, Sister Feng understood that Jia Lian truly looked down on the two brothers.

"Alright, alright, I know you have your own methods for doing things now and don't easily make exceptions for others."

Okay, if they really aren't selected, I'll put in a good word for you with Aunt Zhao.

"You don't need to worry. At worst, if there are any good jobs in the manor in the future, we can just take better care of them. It's nothing much."

Feng Jie let the matter drop and then laughed, "Speaking of which, you've been back for three days now, haven't you thought of going into the garden to take a look?"

You have no idea how beautifully our garden is maintained!

"I've never seen such a beautiful garden in my entire life."

Hearing Feng Jie say this, Jia Lian laughed.

Speaking of the initial planning and construction of the garden, he was in charge of the entire project.

Later, in order to escort Princess Zhaoyang to the border, they had to let go of the responsibility and let Jia Zheng take charge.

Before he knew it, the garden was almost finished, and it was time for him to go in and take a look.

"In that case, let's do it this afternoon. You can come with me to go inside and have a look around this afternoon."

"I just spent an afternoon shopping with the old lady yesterday..."

Feng Jie initially wanted to decline, but then she thought that strolling through the garden with Jia Lian would be a pleasant and auspicious thing to do to enhance their relationship, so she smiled and nodded: "Alright, since you've asked, I'll gladly accompany you for a while."

"Alright, I can't talk to you anymore, I'm going to the old lady's room."

After speaking, Wang Xifeng called to Ping'er and left in a flash.

"Second Master."

A sweet, charming voice rang out from behind the curtain, followed by a fragrant breeze.

Jia Lian knew without even looking that it must be Qingwen.

This girl, when Sister Feng is around, she always likes to slack off, but once Sister Feng goes out, she can always appear in front of him in the shortest amount of time.

Seeing that Jia Lian was only focused on drinking tea and ignoring her, Qingwen pouted and leaned closer to ask, "What were Second Master and Second Mistress doing last night? Ping'er blocked the door this morning and wouldn't let us in!"

"What can you do? What do you think you can do?"

Jia Lian glanced at Qingwen with a mocking expression.

Grandmother Jia meant that he would not marry Daiyu for several years anyway, so there was no need to make a fuss about it.

Therefore, besides him, Sister Feng, and Ping'er, only Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and Yuanyang know about this matter.

Last night, Grandmother Jia specifically instructed them not to spread the word for the time being.

Jia Lian knew, of course, that Grandmother Jia was mainly worried about Jia Baoyu causing trouble, so he didn't object. But his considerations differed from Grandmother Jia's. He didn't need to take care of Jia Baoyu's feelings; he was more concerned about Daiyu's.

Daiyu is only about to turn twelve. According to his plan, he wants Daiyu to enjoy a few more years of carefree life as a young lady in her boudoir. If Lin Ruhai really does die, it would be best to let her enter the Grand View Garden and live as the Xiaoxiang Concubine for a few years before anything else.

Daiyu is sensitive; if everyone knew she had already promised herself to him, she would probably feel uncomfortable staying in the Rongguo Mansion.

Qingwen had no idea what was going on. Seeing Jia Lian acting mysterious, her thoughts wandered, and she quickly blushed and glared at Jia Lian.

Although Qingwen was fourteen years old and had been a concubine for two or three years, she was still a virgin. She only had a superficial understanding of certain things and did not have a thorough grasp of them.

In her opinion, what could the young couple, the Second Master and Second Madam, possibly be doing in their room late at night?

In the past, even when the Second Master and Second Mistress were having sex, they were always made to keep watch at night; they were never forbidden from entering through the main gate.

Clearly, what they were playing yesterday was... the kind that can't be shown to anyone!

Jia Lian had no idea what strange things Qingwen was thinking. Seeing her like this, he pulled her little face and teased her.

Finally realizing that the time had come, he got up and had his two maids, Qingwen and Xiangling, change him into a robe. He then kissed each of their rosy cheeks and headed towards the east courtyard.

Inside the east courtyard, more than a hundred people had already gathered.

Zhang Yong, Zhao Sheng, and others are giving these newcomers who want to join the guard a simple "training".

It's just a matter of what the requirements are for joining the Royal Guard, and what you'll be doing and what you'll be careful about once you're in.

Upon seeing Jia Lian approach, Zhang Yong and the others led the way, all kneeling in a military salute: "Greetings, Your Excellency!"

Although most of them were not very neat, their voices were full of energy, and Jia Lian was quite satisfied.

"Very good. I am pleased that so many of you dared to run for my personal guards."

However, I always keep my word. Although I want to recruit fifty personal guards, if not all of you can meet my standards, I would rather leave the positions vacant than recruit you through any special procedure.

This is a matter of responsibility to my personal guard, and also to your lives and honor!

Therefore, even if you become my personal guards today, if you cannot endure hardship, cannot uphold your duties, and cannot diligently practice your martial arts, I will kick you out, lest you tarnish the reputation of the personal guard or die needlessly on the battlefield.

Okay, today's selection process is very simple; it only tests physical fitness.

"See that imperial horse track over there? You need to complete forty laps back and forth within half an hour to pass."

After Jia She died, Jia Lian built a two- or three-zhang-wide, right-angled imperial horse path on the north and east sides of the east wing, which was used for practicing riding and archery.

Originally, he wanted to build a ring around the east courtyard, but considering the presence of Madam Xing, and the fact that Grandmother Jia, Madam You, and others usually needed to enter and exit through the black lacquered gate of the east courtyard, he ended up building only along the edge. This way, it wouldn't disturb others, and the imperial horse path would be just about enough.

Those who wanted to run for the Imperial Guard naturally saw the wide and long Imperial Horse Track. When Jia Lian asked them to run forty laps back and forth in half an hour, their faces changed and they all protested.

Jia Lian ignored them completely and said to Zhang Yong and the others, "You and Zhao Sheng, the eight of you, supervise them throughout the process. Anyone who fails to complete the task on time, tries to cheat or deliberately sabotages others, will be eliminated."

Zhao Yong and the others had already prepared for the selection process, so they naturally agreed in unison.

Jia Lian then looked at those people with bitter expressions and snorted coldly, saying, "Physical fitness is just the most basic requirement for you. If you can't even meet this, you'd better go back and rest as soon as possible."

Furthermore, starting tomorrow, I will examine the talents of all those who passed today's physical fitness test and have no major past misconduct, and then select the best for recruitment.

Most of these people have never experienced high-intensity training. After forty laps today, they certainly won't be able to do anything else.

After giving Zhang Yong and the others a few more instructions, Jia Lian led Zhao'er and several servants to the Ningguo Mansion.

……

Because it was the New Year, Jia Zheng and Lady Wang always tried to do something lively to please Grandmother Jia and to create a festive atmosphere in the house.

Therefore, Lady Wang informed Grandmother Jia yesterday, and this morning, Jia Zheng invited a theatrical troupe to Grandmother Jia's courtyard for her to enjoy the performance.

Although Jia She had only been dead for a year, it was inappropriate for the Rongguo Mansion to hold a large banquet.

But who can blame them when Grandmother Jia is the matriarch? How could one possibly understand the principle of a mother observing mourning for her son?

This is why, ever since Yuan-chun was made a concubine, the Rongguo Mansion has been adorned with flowers and brocade, and during times of celebration and festivity, it has never been without a lake.

Originally, Jia She had no prestige while alive, so naturally no one cared about him after his death. With Grandmother Jia as a legitimate reason, the whole family was overjoyed.

However, Jia Lian, as the son, did pay attention to this in his daily life.

For example, the welcoming banquet that Jia Zheng prepared for Jia Lian the other day did not include any theatrical performances.

Grandmother Jia wanted to watch a play, and Lady Wang and her daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law would accompany her.

Because she was about to give birth, Lady You was unable to move, so she asked Grandmother Jia for leave and asked her daughter-in-law Qin Keqing to come and keep her company.

However, because of what happened last year, Grandmother Jia no longer loved Qin Keqing as much as before. Although she did not deliberately treat her coldly for some reasons, she still treated her as if she were invisible.

Thus, Qin Keqing couldn't help but feel somewhat dissatisfied with her stay in Rongqing Hall.

She came today partly on orders, and partly to see if she had a chance to meet Jia Lian.

Jia Lian had finally returned to the mansion, but she had only caught a glimpse of him a few times from afar at Rongqing Hall the other day, and they hadn't even had a chance to speak.

She had originally thought that Jia Lian would take the initiative to find her, but to her surprise, Jia Lian had not visited the East Mansion for the past two days, which made her both eagerly await his arrival and secretly suspicious.

Could it be that Uncle Lian, like everyone else, is fickle and no longer cares about her after having her body?

In truth, given Qin Keqing's nature, she wouldn't be so sensitive and suspicious. It's just that she had only just consummated her relationship with Jia Lian, and then Jia Lian left the capital not long after, leaving her no time to meet with him more often!

At eighteen or nineteen, it's the age when one is already experiencing the full flavor of love. If one doesn't receive a timely response from their lover, they're prone to overthinking.

Therefore, she made sure to dress up nicely before coming over.

They waited for a long time but did not see any trace of Jia Lian, and dared not ask Feng Jie.

Finally, when the grand opera began, the two maids, Qingwen and Xiangling, came over to join in the fun. When she saw them, she found a moment to approach Xiangling.

As one of the female protagonists who accompanied Jia Lian to watch the moon on the rooftop with Qin Keqing, Xiangling could naturally guess the relationship between Xiao Rong, who looked seven or eight parts like her, and her own second master.

Although she was somewhat reluctant, her kind nature compelled her to tell Qin Keqing the truth: "Second Master said that he needs to select his personal guards and then go to the East Mansion to find Second Master Yun and the others to discuss clan affairs."

Qin Keqing's eyes lit up when she heard that Jia Lian was going to Ningguo Mansion.

Seeing that Xiangling clearly didn't want to tell her about Jia Lian's whereabouts, Qin Keqing still told her out of consideration for their relationship, which made Qin Keqing look at Xiangling a few more times.

She knew that her second uncle's maid was a good girl; otherwise, she wouldn't have dared to ask her.

Having received the information, she returned to her seat and sat for a while. Finally, unable to resist, she used the excuse of changing her clothes to inform Madam Wang and Wang Xifeng, and then left with Baozhu and Ruizhu.

Upon returning to Ningguo Mansion, Qin Keqing indeed found traces of Zhao'er and the others. She resisted the urge to immediately go find Jia Lian, and instead whispered a few words to her maid Ruizhu before returning to her room to tidy up.

So when Jia Lian came out of the family council hall, Zhao'er stepped forward to report to him: "Second Master, Miss Ruizhu just said that Madam You is not feeling well. Would you like to go and see her?"

Ok……

We should go and take a look.