Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Upon hearing Jia Lian say that if he and Daiyu had no son in the future, they would directly appoint the acting clan head as the new clan head, the Lin family members were immediately relieved.

It seems that Jia Lian indeed had no intention of coveting the Lin family's ancestral property.

Indeed, someone of his stature has witnessed wealth and luxury far beyond our comprehension. It seems the clan leader truly intended for the Lin family's good, which is why he entrusted him with handling the Lin family's funeral arrangements…

Therefore, they all dispelled their doubts, and because Jia Lian held the key to their interests, they immediately spoke well of him in order to gain his favor and secure the position of acting clan leader.

Even if one cannot obtain the title of clan leader, being able to become acquainted with someone like Jia Lian would be an excellent thing.

Jia Lian had no intention of wasting too much time with them. Seeing that the matter was over, he stood up and said, "My uncle trusts me, which is why he entrusted Lin Daiyu and his funeral arrangements to me."

I, Jia Lian, naturally remember my uncle's kindness.

Therefore, although the Lin family has fallen on hard times, with this favor still attached, if the Lin family ever needs anything in the future, I think I will help them as much as I can because of this relationship.

Furthermore, if any promising individuals emerge from your Lin family, such as those who pass the imperial examinations but are unable to advance further and have no way to obtain an official position, as long as they are willing to come to me, I will not hesitate to lend them a helping hand.

"Alright, I have important matters to attend to and will be leaving Suzhou tomorrow, so I'll have to trouble everyone to take care of my uncle's funeral arrangements."

Jia Lian left after saying that.

However, the Lin family members inside the hall were reluctant to leave because of Jia Lian's words.

"If I'm not mistaken, this Master Lian is a close advisor to the Emperor, someone even the Prefectural Magistrate has to curry favor with..."

The clan elder, well past seventy, swept his gaze across the clan members with a serious expression.

"Grandpa is right, it is indeed true. This afternoon, I saw with my own eyes that the Prefect and those officials we usually never see were following Lian-ge around, serving him like his own father..."

This explains why the Lin family wasn't so afraid of Jia Lian; Jia Lian had visited Suzhou before. Back then, Jia Lian was simply a junior with some connections, and the elders genuinely addressed him as "Brother Lian."

However, none of them dared to use this title in front of Jia Lian just now.

The old man tapped his cane: "So, the clan chief has such keen insight! He has found a powerful backer for our Lin family, and he has also left us with a hope to regain our former glory."

"As long as Lord Marquis is truly willing to help my Lin family, in the future, my Lin family may very well produce another person who can obtain an official position and support the family!"

As he spoke, the old man suddenly turned his gaze to the middle-aged scholar: "Sanlang, you have the highest academic achievement in the family now, and you are the most likely to become a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination)."

The Marquis just said that as long as one can obtain the title of Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination), then there will be no shortage of connections to become an official. Do you understand the implications of this?!

The middle-aged scholar's eyes were also somewhat excited at this moment.

Although passing the imperial examinations meant entering the scholarly world, it was still the lowest level. The competition for a proper official position was fierce, especially for those without connections or powerful backers. They might have to wait for years for a vacancy to become available.

But with Jia Lian's promise, things were different. They had no doubt that, given Jia Lian's status, securing an official position for a scholar was extremely easy. In fact, if they could gain Jia Lian's favor, a smooth and successful career in the officialdom was not impossible.

So how could he not be excited?

As long as I can make further progress and pass the provincial examination, wouldn't I stand out from the crowd and bring glory to my family in no time?

Seeing the middle-aged scholar's expression, the other members of the Lin family couldn't help but feel envious, but at the same time, they secretly harbored their own thoughts.

Passing the imperial examinations was too difficult, and most of them knew they had no chance. However, if they could send their good-for-nothing sons to serve as lackeys to the Marquis, perhaps they could have a bright future.

Jia Lian didn't care much about the Lin family's affairs. After making sure Daiyu was settled in the Lin family's affairs, he left the Lin family the next day and went out of the city.

Nanjing, as the former capital of the dynasty, was second only to Beijing in terms of prosperity and the number of powerful and influential people.

As the head of military and political power in Nanjing Province, and the highest-ranking civil official appointed to a post outside the province, Liao Jihong, the Governor-General of Nanjing, was an absolute regional governor.

In Nanjing, there may be some people more distinguished than Liao Jihong, but in terms of power, no one can compare to him.

Early in the morning, he was leisurely enjoying his morning tea in the back room of the governor's mansion, rocking back in his armchair.

When Liao Jihong heard that someone had come to visit him, he didn't pay much attention at first. Given his status, countless people in the entire Jiangnan region wanted to visit him, and he wasn't someone that everyone could just see whenever they wanted.

But upon hearing the name announced, Liao Jihong abruptly stopped kicking and stared wide-eyed, asking, "Who did you say? Marquis Jia Lian of Zhenyuan?"

"That's right, sir, it must be him. He's with the Imperial Guards with him..."

"Is it really him? Wasn't it just a rumor that he was sent to Yangzhou by imperial decree to oversee salt administration? Why would he suddenly come to see me?"

Muttering something under his breath, Liao Jihong showed no sign of worry or fear.

He has a background and foundation to be able to sit in this position. Although Jia Lian is a powerful dragon, he is not a snake.

However, neglecting it is definitely not an option.

"I, this old man, must take a good look at this young marquis, who is rumored to be so extraordinary, and see just what makes him so remarkable!"

After saying this, he ordered Jia Lian to be invited to the main hall, and he immediately changed into his ordinary clothes and came out to meet him.

"Haha, this morning when I got up, I heard magpies chirping in the backyard, and I guessed that a distinguished guest would be visiting today, and sure enough! I was unaware that Marquis Zhenyuan would grace us with his presence. I am so sorry for not greeting you properly!"

Before Liao Jihong even stepped into the main hall, he burst into laughter. His voice was loud and cheerful, filled with joy, as if he and the guest were old friends.

Upon entering, he indeed saw several unfamiliar figures at the entrance of the hall. Inside the hall, a tall and handsome figure stood beside the guest seat, bowing slightly to him.

"I have long admired Governor Liao's reputation. I am honored to have visited you today. I hope the Governor will not take offense."

"No wonder! I've long heard that Marquis Zhenyuan is an outstanding man, a man of exceptional talent. Seeing him today, I know that the rumors are indeed true."

Haha, Your Excellency, please take a seat.

"Bring tea."

After a series of deeply ingrained and naturally polite exchanges, the host and guest took their seats.

The person who came was naturally Jia Lian.

To avoid attracting attention, while in Suzhou, Jia Lian split his forces into two groups: one went to Yangzhou, while he brought only about twenty men to Nanjing.

"I have come to pay my respects to Your Excellency today because I have a request that you would be kind enough to grant."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's straightforward words, Liao Jihong's expression shifted slightly.

Although he maintained his dignity and did not refer to himself as "your subordinate" in front of Jia Lian, he knew that Jia Lian was on official business in Jiangnan.

Generally, imperial envoys who leave the capital with imperial orders are treated with great care, even by high-ranking officials in various regions.

Otherwise, if they return to the capital and report to the emperor, even if it doesn't harm their core interests, it could still be a problem.

Therefore, Liao Jihong immediately smiled.

"Oh? Your Excellency, please speak freely. As long as it is within my power, I will certainly not dare to disobey."

"Since the Governor is so generous, I won't stand on ceremony with you."

As you surely know, my mission to Jiangnan is to oversee the salt administration.

However, I am alone and weak, and I fear that I will be fooled by those salt merchants and local officials.

Therefore, I have come to see the Governor-General to request that you dispatch a detachment of soldiers to assist me in inspecting salt administration in Yangzhou.

"You're calling in troops?"

Liao Jihong was somewhat surprised, but then felt relieved.

Everyone knows that the salt administration is murky and corrupt. When Liao Jihong first learned that the imperial court had sent a young marquis to the south to supervise the salt administration, he was somewhat dismissive, thinking that the matter would probably be all bark and no bite and would be quickly forgotten.

After all, the local official knew better than anyone how powerful those salt merchants in Yangzhou were.

Unexpectedly, Jia Lian suddenly appeared in Jinling and even demanded to mobilize troops. He must have come prepared.

Therefore, one couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "Could it be that the imperial court is really going to take this seriously this time?"

After saying this, seeing Jia Lian smiling at him without answering, Liao Jihong felt a little embarrassed. He then stroked his beard and said with a smile, "Although I am willing to assist the Marquis in handling affairs, mobilizing troops is a matter of great importance, and I dare not agree to the Marquis's request casually."

"When you left the capital, I wonder if Your Excellency was able to request the authority to mobilize troops from His Majesty?"

Even among imperial envoys, there are differences in the extent of their authority and the urgency of their duties.

If anyone could transfer troops to local areas, wouldn't that lead to chaos?

Jia Lian smiled slightly, took off the imperial sword from his waist, and said with a smile, "Since I dared to request the governor to mobilize troops, it is naturally not a willful act."

However, I do not have a special imperial edict to mobilize troops. If Your Excellency has any doubts, you may wish to examine this sword.

This sword is the highest-grade imperial sword currently in existence in the Shangfang Division. Wherever this sword passes, local officials, regardless of rank, are subject to its control.

"Your Excellency, please."

Although, in principle, Jia Lian could have easily demanded Liao Jihong's cooperation, Jia Lian hadn't come to the south to show off his power; he was there to get things done.

Therefore, getting things done well and avoiding any unforeseen complications is the top priority. Otherwise, even if these local officials dare not openly resist him, it's still impossible to guard against them paying lip service while secretly sabotaging him.

In addition, in official circles, it is said that having more friends means having more options, so Jia Lian was naturally happy to give Liao Jihong face and gladly obtained manpower from him.

Liao Jihong's eyes narrowed slightly when Jia Lian said that he was holding the highest-grade imperial sword.

As a high-ranking official who governed a region on behalf of the imperial court, he was naturally familiar with the imperial sword.

He was even more convinced that Jia Lian wouldn't dare to deceive him on this matter.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe; Jia Lian was so young, yet he had earned such trust from the emperor.

He didn't reveal his thoughts on his face. When Jia Lian stood up and presented the sword with both hands, he also hurriedly stood up and declined with both hands: "Your Excellency is too kind. I had no intention of questioning Your Excellency."

Since Your Excellency has already received the Emperor's decree, I will naturally assist you. However, I wonder how many soldiers Your Excellency intends to mobilize?

"Not too many are needed, eight hundred elite soldiers will suffice."

Upon hearing that it would only cost 800, Liao Jihong breathed a sigh of relief, immediately agreed with a smile, and went out right away to have someone arrange it.

When he returned, he had already put on a more friendly expression, and said with a smile that he and Jia Lian hit it off immediately, and invited him to stay for lunch.

Jia Lian declined, citing his ongoing worldly affairs, saying he would personally visit to express his gratitude after the task was accomplished.

Liao Jihong didn't say much. He knew that the Jia family was a prominent family in Jinling, and that Jia Lian probably wanted to visit some relatives and old friends, so he didn't stop him.

After Jia Lian left, the advisor noticed Liao Jihong's thoughtful expression and tentatively asked, "Sir, should we send a message to Yangzhou beforehand?"

Although the Governor-General's Office was not located in Yangzhou, the Lianghuai Salt Administration encompassed the entire Jiangnan region.

Therefore, even the salt in Nanjing was controlled by salt merchants whose base was in Yangzhou.

Since they were doing business on his territory, and in the most profitable salt trade at that, it was impossible not to give him some tribute.

"No need. It seems the imperial court is really serious this time."

Indeed, those salt merchants in Yangzhou are all incredibly wealthy; even I, an old man, am envious. It's time to give them a good dressing down.

They were also insatiable in their greed, which is why they incurred the true wrath of the imperial court.

Whether they can successfully escape this calamity depends on the methods of this Marquis of Zhenyuan. Heh heh, even I'm starting to look forward to it.

Liao Jihong stroked his beard, looking quite interested.

He was certainly not worried that the collapse of the salt merchants would implicate him. Firstly, he had his own support, and secondly, what was the small amount of money the salt merchants gave him each year? Indeed, he controlled the military and the government, but not the salt administration. So the salt merchants naturally didn't need to be too afraid of him; they only needed to put on a show.

Seeing Liao Jihong say this, the staff naturally didn't say anything more.

Suddenly, Liao Jihong turned around and asked, "I remember there's a captain under the Xishan camp who seems to be a member of the Jia family?"

"Reporting back to you, sir, it seems there is indeed such a person. What do you mean, sir?"

"This Jia Lian is a rising star in the court. Although I don't have much to do with him, since we've run into each other, it's always better to be on good terms than to offend him. Hmm, let him lead the team and accompany Jia Lian to Yangzhou."

……