Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

On the training ground east of the princess's residence, more than a dozen eunuchs and four or five palace maids, under the command of Princess Zhaoyang, were busily setting up and arranging various martial arts equipment.

Princess Zhaoyang was still dressed in military uniform as when Jia Lian first met her, looking clean and capable.

Hearing the sound of horses' hooves, she looked towards the main road, and a look of joy appeared in her eyes.

"Royal sister~!"

The fourth prince jumped off his horse and ran happily to Princess Zhaoyang.

Who knew that his elder sister seemed not to see him at all, her bright, star-like eyes only looking at the side of him.

"Your humble servant Jia Lian greets Your Highness Zhaoyang."

"Marquis Zhenyuan, there's no need for such formalities."

Princess Zhaoyang stepped forward, looked Jia Lian up and down, and then smiled and said, "It's been a long time since I last saw you. Marquis Zhenyuan looks even more radiant than before."

"Your Highness flatters me. Your Highness's heroic bearing is beyond the reach of ordinary people. Now that you have left the palace to take charge of a government, you will surely stir up a storm in the capital, giving us mortals a chance to witness the brilliance of the moon."

"Hehehe... Marquis Zhenyuan is getting more and more eloquent. However, I have only just acquired this residence, and many parts still need repair. Therefore, I will be staying at Weiyang Palace for the time being and cannot stay overnight outside." Princess Zhaoyang tossed her hair and smiled brightly.

Hearing his elder sister's heartfelt laughter, the fourth prince, who was already somewhat displeased that his sister was ignoring him, frowned even more and stared intently at the two who were flattering each other.

There's a problem...

My elder sister is fine. She's never been one to mince words; praising a man who's been kind to her to her face is nothing unusual for her.

However, Jia Lian was a very cautious and steady person in his mind. How could he so shamelessly praise his elder sister to his face, and say such cheesy things that it gave him goosebumps!

Not wanting his elder sister to be bewitched by Jia Lian, the Fourth Prince squeezed between Princess Zhaoyang and Jia Lian, and said with a smile, "Elder sister, your princess residence is really too big. I've been here twice already, and I almost got lost just now..."

Princess Zhaoyang finally had to glance at him, her smile fading as she said, "That's because you're clumsy. Alright, you've come at the right time. Don't you love fiddling with swords and spears? Go help me direct those people and get all the weapons arranged in formation."

"Oh, okay."

Although the fourth prince was reluctant, he still obeyed and went.

Although there were no third wheels to disturb them, Jia Lian and Princess Zhaoyang could not have any further interaction in public.

They simply exchanged a few glances, taking each other's feelings into account and keeping them in their hearts.

Suddenly, Princess Zhaoyang noticed Aqi and Aqin standing quietly by her side and beckoned them over.

"Back in the borderlands, you impersonated me and drew away my pursuers. I promised you then that if you returned alive, I would treat you well. Now, so much time has passed and I haven't shown any gratitude. Have you been cursing me in your heart?"

Princess Zhaoyang looked at Aqin with a smile and asked jokingly.

Aqin was a little nervous. Although she knew that Princess Zhaoyang was probably one of her master's women, given Princess Zhaoyang's status, she dared not offend her, so she quickly said that she dared not.

Seeing her so cautious, Princess Zhaoyang stopped teasing her. She took out a token from her bosom and said with a smile, "The reason I didn't mention this matter on the way back to the capital is not because I forgot, but because I had already made plans."

According to the ritual system of my Great Wei Dynasty, if I am able to establish my own residence and command, there will be five positions for third-class guards in my residence, each of which is a fifth-rank position.

If you are willing, accept this token. From now on, you will be a third-class guard under the jurisdiction of my princess's residence.

With this status, even if you remain in the Jia family in the future, no one will dare to look down on you.

As Princess Zhaoyang spoke, she glanced at Jia Lian.

Jia Lian's expression shifted slightly, showing some surprise, but he showed no intention of intervening.

The third-class imperial guard was the lowest rank among the royal guards. But even the lowest rank was still a fifth-grade official.

According to regulations, a prince could only command a maximum of two rank-holding royal guards, and only third-rank guards.

A prince has much greater authority; he can command five third-class guards and two second-class guards. Second-class guards are of the fourth rank.

Above the second and third-class guards, there are naturally first-class guards.

However, only the emperor was qualified to use first-class imperial guards. Of course, the retired emperor could also use them.

For example, the famous Imperial Guards, the Dragon Guards, numbered three hundred. The most ordinary Dragon Guards were third-class guards, holding the fifth rank. First-class guards held the third rank.

According to the ancestral system of the Great Wei Dynasty, any prince who has reached the age of sixteen and has established his own residence and military command can be granted the title of Prince, provided that he has not committed any serious mistakes or greatly disliked by the emperor.

Princess Zhaoyang, having already held a separate title, was already of a rank equivalent to a prince. Now that she has established her own residence and command, she can naturally appoint two second-class guards and five third-class guards.

Aqin was well-versed in Central Plains culture, knew the meaning of being a royal guard, and understood how important it would be for her to obtain this status.

So when she suddenly heard Princess Zhaoyang say that, she was very tempted.

In the official-centric society of the Great Wei Dynasty, having a rank was extremely important.

It can be said that once she received the title of guard of Princess Zhaoyang's mansion, no one in the entire Jia family, except for a few people such as Jia Lian and Grandmother Jia, would dare to disrespect her.

This includes those masters and mistresses who have no powerful connections, that is, no official rank or title. If she so desires, she can even ask them to pay their respects to her first.

Therefore, the favor bestowed upon her by Princess Zhaoyang was undoubtedly significant; it could even be said that it was tailor-made for her.

There were many benefits, but she dared not accept them. When she and her sister first came to the Central Plains, it wasn't to become officials, but to follow Jia Lian.

Now she has abandoned her sister and Jia Lian to become a guard in the princess's mansion. What kind of nonsense is this? Just as she was about to politely refuse, Princess Zhaoyang saw through her thoughts and said in advance, "Don't worry, I'm not asking you to follow me from now on."

Even after you accept the token, you can continue to follow your lord. Consider it me giving him another person as a gift.

As Princess Zhaoyang spoke, she cast a playful glance at Jia Lian, as if asking how he could repay her kindness.

Originally, Aqin was an insignificant person in her heart. The reason she was willing to put in some effort was only because of Jia Lian. Moreover, by showing favor to Aqin, she could openly place one of her own people by Jia Lian's side.

She was happy to do it.

Originally, I thought that since she had considered everything so thoroughly, Ah Qin had no reason to refuse.

Unexpectedly, Aqin knelt down with a thud. "This servant thanks Your Highness for your kindness, but this servant has another request, and hopes that Your Highness will grant it."

"Hmm? Tell me about it."

"Yes, I know. The princess is willing to give me this status entirely because of our Marquis."

This servant is very grateful for the princess's kindness. However, this servant is not capable enough. Since I came to serve our lord, I have always relied on the lord and my sister to protect me. I have not made any contributions.

My elder sister, Aqi, has diligently practiced archery and horsemanship since childhood and has rendered many meritorious services to the Marquis. Therefore, I humbly request the Princess to grant this opportunity to my sister, Aqi.

Only in this way can one truly be worthy of one's position, and only in this way can one truly benefit my lord.

Princess Zhaoyang was somewhat surprised to hear what Aqin said.

She knew very well that by not asking the other party to switch allegiance to her, but by giving him the status of a third-class guard, it was as if Aqin, who had no foundation in the Central Plains, had gained an extra foundation out of thin air. What a precious opportunity this was.

She never expected that Ah Qin would be willing to give such an opportunity to her sister.

Although Aqi didn't quite understand the significance of being a third-class guard, judging from her sister's behavior, she knew it was something very important.

She was deeply moved, but being naturally inarticulate, she hesitated for a moment before following her sister's example, kneeling down and kowtowing, saying, "This servant has no need. Please, Your Highness, honor your promise and bestow titles upon Aqin."

Princess Zhaoyang raised an eyebrow, glanced at Jia Lian, and showed admiration in her eyes.

During the trip to the Oirat Mongols, Aqi and Aqin accompanied Jia Lian. Aqi, in particular, shared a horse with him for a considerable period on the return journey from the desert. Therefore, Princess Zhaoyang had some understanding of these two Tatar women.

She never expected that the two sisters would have such a good relationship, and that they would be so humble in the face of such an opportunity.

It is clear that Jia Lian must have either a keen eye for talent or great fortune to have found such a good person.

Seeing that Jia Lian was not in a position to interfere in the affairs between the sisters, Princess Zhaoyang waved her hand and said nonchalantly, "I thought it was some kind of extraordinary request. It's rare to see such deep affection between you and your sister. In that case, I'll be even more generous and grant you both the status of third-class guards."

As Princess Zhaoyang spoke, she beckoned someone to fetch another token for a third-class guard.

Jia Lian advised at the opportune moment, "This is not appropriate. Your Highness only has five positions available, and to bestow two upon me is to make me overstep my bounds."

Princess Zhaoyang laughed and said, "What are you afraid of? Anyway, I don't need that many people around me, so consider it a bargain for you. Anyway, regarding your overstepping of authority..."

Princess Zhaoyang had intended to take the opportunity to tease Jia Lian, but when she saw her silly younger brother approaching, she stopped talking.

The Fourth Prince, having witnessed the events, sidled up to Jia Lian and chuckled slyly, "These are the two women you snatched back from the grasslands? Not bad at all. Someday, I'll definitely lead troops to the Tatar court and snatch back two Tatar kings' daughters..."

"Alright, Your Highness, please don't forget to take me with you. I can give you directions and tell you which of the Tatar king's daughters is the most beautiful."

"Uh, okay, okay..." The Fourth Prince was talking so enthusiastically, but when Jia Lian teased him, he actually blushed.

That's true, after all, someone who hasn't gotten married yet can't really pull off a convincingly promiscuous act.

"snort."

Princess Zhaoyang snorted as she watched Jia Lian and his sister plotting such a scheme right in front of her. She turned and helped Aqin and her sister to their feet. From now on, these two were nominally hers.

They need to keep a close eye on Jia Lian and prevent him from having affairs.