Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Now that the family assets have been settled, it's time to deal with the people involved.

After sitting back down in the hall, Jia Lian ordered the men and women of the Zhao family to be brought over.

He originally intended to follow the normal procedure and imprison the Zhao family members until the court could decide their fate. However, after seeing the women who had been imprisoned in the secret room, Jia Lian changed his mind.

"Zhao Tang, Zhao Ji."

At Jia Lian's command, the Imperial Guards immediately brought the Zhao father and sons in. The Zhao family patriarch, Zhao Tang, was already completely disoriented, only able to beg for mercy. However, the eldest son, Zhao Ji, seemed to still be making a last-ditch effort, repeatedly shouting to Jia Lian about who was behind the Zhao family.

Jia Lian, however, was too lazy to listen.

If he were a high-ranking official in charge of rectifying official corruption, he might be interested in listening to this, so as to follow the clues and bring them all down in one fell swoop.

But that wasn't the case for him. Being able to resolve things within Yangzhou's borders was enough for him.

After all, those court officials are manageable one or two at a time, but a large number of them are truly difficult to deal with. At least, relying solely on the confessions of the Zhao family members is unlikely to bring them down; on the contrary, it's easy to get yourself into trouble.

Most importantly, the ministers who provided protection to these salt merchants were not necessarily corrupt officials. After all, they themselves were not exactly upright and incorruptible scholars.

With a casual glance, Jia Lian silenced the soldiers, then stood up and loudly proclaimed: "The Zhao family sells smuggled salt, embezzles salt taxes, kidnaps and imprisons young girls for their own pleasure, and even attempted to assassinate the imperial envoy. Their crimes are heinous, and their execution is the only way to uphold justice."

This official hereby sentences Zhao Tang and his son Zhao Ji to immediate execution, to be carried out tomorrow at noon in the East Market! Twenty-three trusted servants and lackeys of the Zhao family, who aided and abetted the wicked and disregarded human life, are hereby sentenced to death by flogging.

As Jia Lian pronounced his verdict, both Zhao's father and son fainted, while the more than two hundred servants kneeling on the west side of the courtyard wailed everywhere, and several of them fainted from fright.

With the Zhao father and son imprisoned, the imperial guards also dragged out all the Zhao family servants whom Jia Lian had sentenced to death and had them flogged to death. In the end, twenty out of twenty-three were flogged to death, and three others, who were not in the Zhao family, escaped by sheer luck. Jia Lian didn't care; he simply posted notices afterward, allowing the government to issue arrest warrants.

The Zhao family was incredibly wealthy, and the number of servants they kept, as well as slaves and employees managing their various businesses, was countless. The two hundred or so people in front of them were merely those living in the Zhao family's main residence.

Nearly two hundred of them were servants and thugs; there were only a few real members of the Zhao family, just twenty or thirty, and most of them were women.

In truth, given the crimes committed by the Zhao father and son, it wouldn't be unjust to execute all their servants. However, Jia Lian disliked the practice of implicating relatives. These twenty-three individuals were identified through the Zhao family steward and others as accomplices of the Zhao father and son.

After those who deserved to die were dealt with, the remaining twenty or thirty members of the Zhao family, including a few men, were exiled to the army, while all the women were sent to the brothels.

In reality, only the wives of officials were eligible to enter the brothels. The wives of wealthy men who committed crimes were usually sold off in bulk to brothels. One can imagine the treatment these criminal women and daughters, sold off cheaply, would receive.

Innocent? These women enjoyed the Zhao family's wealth and privilege, so naturally they should also bear the Zhao family's sins.

Not innocent? Of the dozen or so concubines that Zhao and his son had combined, half of them were obtained by force or coercion.

In such matters, it is very difficult to determine whether someone is innocent or not.

Jia Lian didn't have the time or energy to verify each one. Still harboring a sliver of pity, he chose to send them to the Jiaofang (a brothel for courtesans). Although the Jiaofang also operated as a brothel, the government still cared about its reputation. The Jiaofang had a relatively sound and humane system, and the outcome for those who entered was likely better than being sold cheaply to other brothels.

After dealing with the female relatives, besides the piles of valuables mentioned above, there were only over two hundred servants, maids, and lackeys kneeling on the ground, trembling and awaiting judgment.

"The Zhao family has committed numerous crimes, and you all serve the Zhao family, which makes you seem like accomplices to evil. Therefore, it is only reasonable for me to implicate you all!"

But Heaven cherishes life, and I truly do not wish to commit further killings. Now, each of you shall receive two taels of silver and one thousand coins as travel expenses; go and find your own way to make a living. I hope that after you leave, you will repent and reform yourselves, and become good people.

"If she commits any further crimes related to female rapist and falls into my hands, she will be executed without mercy."

"When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact"—this has been a law for thousands of years. Jia Lian suddenly thought of how, in the original story, when the Jia family was raided, so many innocent and pure children were forced into the mire, ending up in a state of utter destitution. He felt a pang of emotion and thus treated these lowly servants leniently.

According to custom, these people should actually be detained in the detention center to await sale by the government. Firstly, they wouldn't fetch much money, and secondly, with so many of them, detaining them would be troublesome and could easily lead to chaos. It would be better to let them go out and fend for themselves.

As for giving money, it was only because the ransacking of houses was indiscriminate, with everything being confiscated from everyone, from master to servant. If they were kicked out without giving any money, firstly, it would easily cause trouble, and secondly, many people might not have the opportunity to make a living.

The dozen or so women rescued from the secret chamber were treated the same way. Even considering that some helpless and vulnerable women might not survive after leaving, it was suggested that they could choose to remain with the Zhao family temporarily, and later, along with the other women of the Zhao family, be sent to the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution).

By the time all these matters were settled, it was already dawn. Jia Lian couldn't help but sigh; confiscating a property was indeed a meticulous task, requiring consideration of numerous factors to handle properly.

As they were preparing to head back home, they suddenly noticed an extra carriage at the back of the procession, and Jia Lian asked what was going on.

The guards exchanged knowing smiles. Zhao'er stepped forward and whispered mischievously, "Second Master, don't ask. I picked out something nice for you. You'll find out when you get back. I guarantee you'll like it..."

Jia Lian understood what was going on. Having already mounted his horse, he raised his whip, as if to strike the man, but only after the man dodged did he say, "Speak!"

Zhao'er then led the carriage over, and immediately lifted the curtain. Sure enough, she could see a beautiful woman in her twenties, dressed in gorgeous clothes, sitting inside!

When she saw Jia Lian, the beauty seemed quite shy. Sitting inside the carriage, she turned her face inward, leaving a beautiful profile for Jia Lian and the others outside.

Zhao'er smiled and said, "Second Master is so busy and hardworking on his mission, and he doesn't even have a maid to serve him. This servant feels really sorry for him. So, I specially found someone for Second Master so that he can have someone to serve and take care of him during his mission in Yangzhou."

All of this is nonsense. In fact, it was Zhao'er who keenly noticed that when Jia Lian was dealing with the Zhao family's female relatives, his gaze lingered on this woman for a few more moments. Zhao'er then assumed that Jia Lian had taken a liking to this woman, but was just too embarrassed to express it in public.

As a henchman, he naturally had to be aware of his master's intentions at all times. Therefore, he took it upon himself to bring up this woman.

Seeing that Jia Lian remained silent, Zhao'er immediately added, "Second Master, don't worry, this servant did not force her. She is the eighth concubine of Master Zhao, and she is a pitiful person."

However, I've heard from others that she used to be quite remarkable. Not only was she a famous courtesan in Yangzhou, but she also represented Yangzhou in the Jiangnan Courtesan Competition, winning the title of "Number One Courtesan of Jiangnan." Second Master, do you know that this Jiangnan Courtesan Competition is held annually, and almost every famous brothel in Jiangnan sends representatives to participate? Only the sole winner receives this title.

At this moment, Liu Xianglian chimed in, "He's right. This Jiangnan Flower Queen Contest is an annual grand event in the entire Jiangnan region, hosted by the Southern Music Bureau. First, each prefecture will select a Flower Queen to represent their prefecture in the competition against the Flower Queens from other prefectures in Jiangnan. Finally, four will be selected as the Four Flower Queens of the Year. Then, from these Four Flower Queens, the first place will be chosen as the First Flower Queen of the Year."

Although the four most beautiful courtesans changed from time to time, each one who could win the title of the most beautiful courtesan could be called an unparalleled beauty in the world.

As he spoke, Liu Xianglian shook his head, seemingly feeling great regret that such a beautiful woman had married a man like Master Zhao as a concubine.

Jia Lian didn't react much to this, but looked at the beauty in the carriage and asked, "What's your name?"

The beauty seemed to know that life, death, wealth, and status all depended on Jia Lian's decision. Upon hearing this, she bowed slightly and replied softly, "My name is Jiang Yun."

How old are you?

"Twenty-five~"

Although the beauty tried her best to keep her expression calm, Jia...

Lian's eyes were sharp, and he could still see that there was a deep sense of humility and weariness in the woman's beautiful eyes.

Having once enjoyed great success, she ended up marrying someone like Zhao Tang as a concubine, suggesting a life filled with ups and downs.

Therefore, Jia Lian turned to Liu Xianglian and asked, "I know that Erlang is not yet married, and I have heard him say that he will only settle down if he finds a peerless beauty in the world. Since Erlang just called her a peerless beauty, why don't I bestow her upon Erlang?"

Liu Xianglian was taken aback, then glanced at Jiang Yun in the carriage, who was also looking at him at the same time.

He was momentarily tempted, but after a long while, he shook his head. As he said, this woman was indeed stunningly beautiful. However, firstly, he was not yet eighteen years old, and she was much older than him; secondly, he couldn't get past the fact that she had been married to someone like Zhao Tang.

Moreover, although he had said he would only marry a woman of exceptional beauty, that was something from many years ago, and he had never publicized it, let alone told Jia Lian. The fact that Jia Lian knew about it made him feel both curious and secretly suspicious. He always felt that Jia Lian knew too much about him; he had no idea what secrets Jia Lian didn't know.

"These are just drunken ramblings and should not be taken seriously. Firstly, I am still young and have never considered settling down and starting a family. Secondly, I have not made any contributions since I began following you, my lord, and I dare not accept such a great reward."

Jia Lian was only two or three years older than Liu Xianglian, so he naturally understood the real reason for Liu's refusal and thought more highly of Liu Xianglian.

He was a true playboy, who, despite liking beautiful women, was not burdened by them.

So he instructed Zhao'er, "Send it back."

He does appreciate beautiful women, and he admits this woman is exceptionally beautiful. If he had met her at the height of her fame, he might have considered taking her in, but for now, he'd rather not.

He had already driven away a beautiful and charming young official like Shen Pan'er, so why would he turn around and take in a famous courtesan who had married a merchant?

Physical appearance is important, but he doesn't only care about physical appearance. None of these women are as beautiful as Lin Daiyu who fell from the sky.

Zhao'er wanted to persuade him to stay, but after being glanced at by Jia Lian, she immediately felt guilty. Just as she was about to lead the carriage back, she caught a glimpse of the beauty's sad eyes inside the carriage, and suddenly mustered her courage, turning around to look at Jia Lian with pleading eyes.

Seeing Jia Lian's displeasure, he dared not hesitate and quickly said, "This servant would not dare to disobey Second Master's wishes. It's just that she is unlucky not to have been chosen by Second Master... However, this servant is almost seventeen years old this year and still hasn't married..."

Zhao'er was somewhat hesitant to directly state her request.

Jia Lian understood immediately and chuckled.

He had forgotten that Zhao'er was also of marriageable age. However, Zhao'er was petite and always acted cleverly in front of him, which made him overlook this fact.

It would be good to arrange a woman for him in his room, to prevent him from causing trouble. The Jia family is large and powerful, with many servants and maids, so it's inevitable that some illicit affairs among the young servants and maids are unavoidable.

For example, Jia Baoyu's servant Mingyan, a little brat, dared to do good deeds for Jia Zhen's maid in Ningguo Mansion.

For example, that bastard Zhao'er must have had an affair with Duo Hunchong's wife, Duo Guniang.

However, we must not let him feel that grace is too easy to obtain.

"You want her to be your wife?"

"Uh, yes, I hope Second Master will grant my request!" Although she was a little nervous, Zhao'er knew that Jia Lian didn't like hesitant behavior, so she knelt down with a thud and replied loudly.

"Do you know that she is a criminal and is destined for the brothel? Do you also know how much money she could earn for the brothel, given her beauty and her skills as the former top courtesan?"

Upon hearing Jia Lian's question, Zhao'er's face flushed and paled several times before she finally said dejectedly, "This servant understands. It was this servant who overstepped her bounds and shouldn't have put Second Master in such a difficult position. This servant knows her mistake."

How could Zhao'er not understand that as a mere servant, how could he be qualified to enjoy such a beauty?

He should be grateful if Jia Lian could choose a slightly attractive maid from among the Jia family's servants and bestow her upon him. Today was merely a coincidence; neither Jia Lian nor Liu Xianglian wanted her, so he dared to tentatively ask Jia Lian for his opinion. Let's see what Jia Lian thinks.

He was indeed angry and immediately apologized.

"Giving up already? What a spineless coward."

Jia Lian feigned a curse, then said, "I'm asking you, do you truly want to marry her? You don't mind that she's been married before, and you don't mind that she's much older than you?"

Zhao'er sensed a turning point and forced herself to suppress her joy, quickly saying, "This servant doesn't mind! This servant has been following Second Master for almost ten years and has saved up quite a bit for a wife."

"If you, Second Master, would grant my request, I would be willing to give all my money to redeem her!"

Hearing Zhao'er say this, even Xing'er and the others, who were originally somewhat jealous, could see that this kid had actually fallen in love!

Even Jia Lian had no intention of making things difficult for her, and instead looked at Jiang Yun: "You heard everything, are you willing?"

Although Jiang Yun could see that Zhao'er was merely Jia Lian's servant, based solely on their conversation, she knew that this servant Zhao'er's future was probably brighter than many promising young men in the world. Moreover, what was rare was his deep affection for her.

Seven or eight years ago, she would have had countless suitors, but today, she can hardly even find a place to settle down.

Having already come from a life of prostitution, if she were to enter the brothel as a criminal, wasting her years, her remaining life would likely be miserable. Therefore, she nodded to Jia Lian.

Jia Lian then said, "Since that's the case, then I will grant your wish today. This is your choice, and I hope you will cherish this fate. Otherwise, don't blame me if something goes wrong in the future. As for the money to redeem her, don't worry about it. It was my business as your master to get you a wife anyway, so I'm just taking care of it for you today."

However, she is, after all, a criminal, and the rules cannot be disregarded. Send her back first, and later, I'll have you take my visiting card to the brothel to redeem her, send a fast ship to the capital, and then we can marry her properly. That's the proper way."

Upon hearing this, Zhao'er was so grateful that she almost cried. She kowtowed to Jia Lian several times and then got up to send Jiang Yun back.

"If you're envious, you can choose one. However, the prerequisite is that they are unmarried like Zhao'er, and the other person must be willing to follow you; you can't force them. How about that, is it fair?"

Looking around, Jia Lian smiled at his Xing'er and his personal guards.

Among the women and maids of the Zhao family, there were indeed some who were quite beautiful. It's better to let them benefit the brothel rather than the brothel itself.

Although many were clearly interested, no one spoke up in the end. When it comes to marriage, it's always best to find someone clean and honest, and besides, as people close to Jia Lian, they weren't worried about not being able to find wives.

Most importantly, not everyone has the same respectability as Zhao'er. Didn't you see that the Second Master takes him everywhere he goes? They wouldn't dare to ask for such a favor.