Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

The area in front of Yingtian Prefecture was mostly occupied by government offices, while only the private residences at the back were the residences of the prefectural governor and his family.

It is generally referred to as a private residence.

Because the private residence could not have a main gate facing south, the Azure Dragon Gate to the due east was used as the main entrance. Normally, when the Prefect entertained guests or when friends came to visit, they would enter through this gate.

It was still early when Prefect Jia Yucun, accompanied by his servants, stood anxiously waiting at the main gate. The servants responsible for guarding the gate knew that a distinguished guest was about to arrive.

Sure enough, not long after, a series of orderly sounds came from the street corner, and then a large group of people escorted two carriages and slowly drove up and stopped in front of the main gate.

Jia Yucun hurriedly straightened his clothes and greeted his master with a smile after the master jumped down from the carriage.

"Last night I heard that you, my esteemed brother, have once again graced Jinling City with your presence. I did not sleep a wink all night, and I eagerly hope that I can drink and chat with you again today, which would be a great pleasure in my life."

Jia Lian had anticipated Jia Yucun's enthusiasm, so he smiled and made a few words in response. Then he walked to the carriage at the back, lifted the curtain, and waved to Daiyu, who was still sitting there blankly.

Daiyu then bent down, stood up, and climbed out of the carriage.

She glanced quickly outside and saw that there were indeed many people. Her face tightened naturally. Without making any unnecessary movements, she placed her small hand in Jia Lian's hand and followed his lead to get off the carriage.

Jia Yucun naturally recognized Daiyu, after all, he had worked as a tutor in the Lin family for more than a year, and his only students were Daiyu and her two maids.

He wasn't too surprised that Daiyu would be here, because he already knew about Lin Ruhai's death and had even learned that Jia Lian had escorted Lin Ruhai's coffin south all the way.

Seeing Jia Lian's tender care for Daiyu, and considering that he brought her along today, it's clear that Daiyu holds a special place in Jia Lian's heart.

Thinking about it this way, I began to value my teacher-student relationship with Daiyu even more.

Even so, he did not speak rashly, but simply smiled and looked at Daiyu, waiting for her to come forward and greet him.

After Jia Yucun regained his official position, he had long since "fully understood" the ways of officialdom and knew that he should adopt different approaches depending on the type of person he was dealing with.

For someone as extraordinary as Jia Lian, a little enthusiasm is enough; excessive fawning and flattery will only make him look down on you.

No matter what, he held the title of Daiyu's mentor, so he naturally had to act like one.

Sure enough, after Daiyu landed, although she looked at everyone in the room one by one, she didn't hesitate much. She followed Jia Lian and took two steps forward, bowing to Jia Yucun and saying, "Student Daiyu greets Mr. Yucun."

"Haha, little girl, no need for such formalities, no need for such formalities."

Jia Yucun laughed heartily. He looked at Daiyu and sighed, "Although we are teacher and student, I was only a tutor in your household for a year back then. What I taught you was just a tiny bit of the vast ocean of knowledge."

I have heard that you, due to your outstanding virtue and talent, are praised as a model of noble ladies and were even personally bestowed the title of Lady of the Township by the Emperor. When my colleagues and friends learned that you and I had a teacher-student relationship, they were all very envious and admired you, which greatly enhanced my prestige.

So, when I occasionally think back to how I didn't put more effort into teaching you back then, I feel deeply ashamed.

While Jia Yucun was speaking, Daiyu outwardly bowed and listened attentively, but inwardly she couldn't help but stick out her tongue.

In her heart, she had long regarded people like Jia Yucun as elders of the previous generation. After all, Jia Yucun was not much younger than her father, and when he taught her at her home, he always acted like a teacher and a learned scholar.

So much so that Jia Yucun's approachable attitude, which made her feel like an equal, made her very uncomfortable.

Jia Yucun seemed to realize that being overly humble and polite to Daiyu was inappropriate, and instead said with a dejected expression, "When I was down on my luck, I was fortunate to be taken in and helped by Lord Lin. I originally thought that I would repay Lord Lin's kindness after I had achieved some success."

Who would have thought that times would change, and fate would be so cruel? Lord Lin suddenly passed away. It is regrettable that I was preoccupied with official duties and could not even attend his final journey. Thinking about it now, I am truly ashamed.

Daiyu was a sentimental person, and her eyes immediately reddened upon hearing Jia Yucun's words.

Jia Lian was displeased when he saw this. He also noticed that while they were talking, Xiang Ling had already made eye contact with a woman not far behind Jia Yucun. Both women, one old and one young, had teary eyes, but they dared not make a sound to disturb their conversation, so they both held back their tears.

Therefore, Jia Lian changed the subject and asked Jia Yucun, "May I ask, Brother Yucun, is this the widow of the late Mr. Zhen Shiyin?"

Jia Yucun slapped his forehead and quickly laughed, "Look at me, I even forgot about the important matter when I started talking."

As he spoke, Jia Yucun turned to the woman and introduced her, "This is the lady of the Zhen family who you mentioned before, the one who was near the Gourd Temple in Suzhou. She is also my benefactor. It was Old Madam Zhen who, despite her own affections, gave up her maid to marry you."

As he spoke, Jia Yucun looked at a young woman beside the woman and briefly mentioned, "This is my wife, from the Zhen family."

Following Jia Yucun's introduction, Jia Lian looked at the two women.

The woman gazing at Xiangling with tearful eyes appeared to be around fifty years old. She had a kind and gentle face, and the marks of time were already etched on her features. Only by looking closely at the corners of her eyes and brows could one vaguely see the splendor of her youth.

As Jia Lian sized her up, she nodded somewhat humbly.

Therefore, although she was dressed in luxurious clothes, Jia Lian could still tell from details such as her rough skin that this woman must have suffered a lot in life over the years. Her gorgeous clothes were probably prepared for her by Jia Yucun and his wife after they brought her here.

Looking at the young woman beside her, she was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. Although she wasn't exceptionally beautiful, she had delicate features, red lips, white teeth, and a fair complexion.

In addition, she had the air of an official's wife, and standing next to Madam Feng, she seemed to be the one in charge.

It's a pity that fate is so cruel. Although I didn't see it with my own eyes, just imagining what happened back then, I can tell that the woman was a kind and elegant mistress, while this young woman was just a maidservant serving her.

Since she was Jia Yucun's wife, Jia Lian naturally didn't give her much of a look. He simply nodded when she bowed, then beckoned Xiangling forward and asked the woman, "May I ask, Madam Zhen, do you still recognize her?"

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, Madam Feng could no longer contain her emotions. She took two steps forward, her eyes fixed on Xiangling. Then she hugged Xiangling tightly and cried out, "There's no mistake, there's no mistake, she is my child Yinglian! My child, I never dreamed that I would see you again in this lifetime..."

As she spoke, Madam Feng touched the rouge mark between Xiangling's eyebrows. Clearly, this was the strongest evidence that convinced her Xiangling was her daughter.

Although Xiangling was only four years old when she was abducted, she still had some faint memories of the people closest to her.

This faint impression was immediately and completely awakened when I saw the Feng family and Jiao Xing.

Therefore, faced with Feng's heartbreaking sobs, she couldn't help but hug Feng and silently shed tears.

Infected by the situation, Jiao Xing, with tears in her eyes, stepped forward and hugged the two of them, sharing their heartfelt feelings.

In this scene, most of the bystanders were moved to tears, their faces showing a hint of sorrow. Not to mention Daiyu, who was already on the verge of tears after Jia Yucun mentioned her biological father.

She couldn't bear to see such a scene, and overwhelmed with emotion, she turned away and buried her face in Jia Lian's arms, quietly weeping as Jia Lian comforted her by stroking her head.

Jia Yucun had been observing Jia Lian's side. Upon seeing this, his expression shifted, but he remained silent.

After standing there for a while, Jia Yucun gave his wife Jiao Xing a look. Jiao Xing wiped away her tears and reminded Feng Shi that this was not the place to talk, and that it would be better to talk inside.

Madam Feng nodded, giving Xiangling a few long, reluctant glances before turning to kneel before Jia Lian and saying, "I thank you so much, sir, for rescuing my daughter from the kidnappers. My daughter and I have no way to repay this kindness. We are willing to serve you like a slave for the rest of our lives to repay your kindness."

While Feng was speaking, Daiyu pulled her head out of Jia Lian's arms, wondering if her behavior was shameful. Then she saw Feng kneeling in front of them, and she quickly moved away.

Seeing that Xiangling was also about to return and kneel down with Madam Feng, Jia Lian quickly helped them both up, one in each arm, and said to Madam Feng, "Madam, there's no need for that."

My saving Xiangling was merely a coincidence, and it doesn't count as a favor.

There is something I need to tell the old lady, and I ask for her understanding.

Since I couldn't find out anything about the Zhen family back then, I could only let Xiangling work as a maid in my humble abode. Now she is at my side, taking care of my daily life.

Please forgive me for not obtaining your permission beforehand.

What does it mean for a beautiful young woman to serve a strong, young adult man? As the matriarch of a former gentry family, Madam Feng naturally understood.

Although she had guessed long before her daughter was abducted that the best outcome for her daughter in this life would probably be to end up as a maid or concubine in a wealthy family.

When she finally learned that her beloved was being enslaved in someone else's household, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

However, she had already learned a lot from Jiao Xing, and seeing Jiao Xing constantly giving her meaningful glances, she realized what was going on and quickly said, "No, no, you flatter me, sir. Yinglian's life has been so hard, it's our fault as her parents. It's a blessing she has earned in her past lives to be able to serve as a maid in your household and be treated so well by you. How could I possibly blame you?"

As she spoke, Madam Feng glanced at her daughter again.

Her skin was smooth and rosy, and every hairpin, skirt and jewelry she wore was exquisite and of the highest quality, even more so than when she was young. This immediately put her at ease.

It was clear that Jiao Xing hadn't lied to her; Yinglian had truly met a good person and received great affection. This made her, as her mother, feel a little better.

"Haha, there is no greater blessing in the world than to be reunited after being separated from one's own flesh and blood. Congratulations, Madam, on finding your daughter."

Jia Yucun smiled and said, then cupped his hands to Jia Lian: "Last night I received your visiting card, and knowing that you would be visiting my humble abode today, I have already prepared a cup of tea for you to enjoy."

Furthermore, with Madam Zhen and her daughter reunited, they must have much to say. My wife has also prepared tea and refreshments at home, so let's all go inside and talk further.”

"Brother Yucun is right, then I'm sorry to have troubled you."

"No, no..."

……

Jia Yucun was not an ordinary person.

On the contrary, he was a learned man, and one who truly understood the books. He was not like Jia Zheng, who was diligent and studious but had mediocre talent, nor was he like Jia Dairu, an old pedant and pedantic scholar.

Moreover, having experienced the ups and downs of officialdom for over a decade, and with a desire to befriend Jia Lian, Jia Lian found his conversations with him quite pleasant.

"Brother, you have done a great service to the court and His Majesty by eliminating the corruption in the salt administration. I'm afraid you will be promoted again after returning to the capital."

Both were high-ranking officials of the imperial court, and it was inevitable that they would discuss politics while sitting together drinking morning tea.

Seeing Jia Lian so young yet so spirited and famous throughout the land, Jia Yucun couldn't help but feel envious.

Back then, at that age, he was just a poor, struggling scholar who had studied diligently for years. Compared to him, he was like mud in the clouds.

"Brother Yucun, you flatter me. I was merely acting swiftly and decisively in Yangzhou, following His Majesty's orders. I only ask that His Majesty not punish me upon my return to the capital, let alone promote me."

Jia Lian spoke and laughed casually, revealing no trace of his true thoughts.

Jia Yucun smiled slightly. He had also heard about Jia Lian's actions in Yangzhou. He had to admit that he admired Jia Lian's actions. When he learned that Jia Lian had just arrived in Yangzhou and immediately mobilized troops to surround all the salt merchants, and then investigated and dealt with them one by one, he felt a sense of admiration.

He's definitely someone with solid connections; he's that straightforward and direct in his actions.

When Jia Yucun heard that the salt merchants were desperate and had repeatedly sent assassins to kill Jia Lian, he couldn't help but feel worried for Jia Lian.

Having spent two or three years navigating the officialdom of Jiangnan, he was aware of the power behind those salt merchants. Putting aside everything else, those incredibly wealthy salt merchants, when they went on a rampage, were truly unscrupulous!

Fortunately, Jia Lian was no pushover either. He not only subdued those people, but also executed and beheaded every single one of them who dared to jump over the wall.

However, although Jia Lian was efficient in his work, he was somewhat ruthless when it came to the future, especially since he did not meet the standards of many court officials.

Therefore, it's highly likely that Jia Lian will encounter some trouble after returning to the capital.

However, Jia Yucun was not too worried about Jia Lian. Jia Lian had the support of the founding ministers, led by the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, as well as the Imperial Concubine in the palace and the Emperor's trust. Who could really do anything to him? Thinking of this, Jia Yucun became even more determined to form a political alliance with Jia Lian.

Although it was called a political alliance, Jia Yucun knew in his heart that with his current weak foundation in the court, he could only recognize Jia Lian as his patron and rely on his political power to make it easier for him to become an official in the capital in the future.

"By the way, I wonder how things are going in Yangzhou, and when you will return to the capital?"

It just so happens that I, your humble brother, have also been ordered by the imperial court to go to the capital to await my new post. If our departure dates are similar, we might as well travel together. That way, the journey won't be so lonely. What do you think, brother?

Jia Yucun said casually.

This is actually why he disregarded Jia Lian's instructions that day and secretly sent his wife to Daruzhou to bring Feng Shi here.

After Jia Lian left that day, Jia Yucun thought it over carefully and decided that he couldn't let Jia Lian send someone to Daru Prefecture to find Lady Feng. Back when he was an official in Daru Prefecture, he had a general understanding of Lady Feng's situation in the Feng family after Zhen Shiyin became a monk.

Although Feng gave him a substantial dowry when she betrothed Jiaoxing, it's hard to say how long that money would ensure Feng's continued respect within the Feng family.

If things are going well, that's fine; but if they're going terribly, then...

Now that Jia Lian knows that the Zhen family once showed him kindness, if Jia Lian finds that Feng Shi is living a very unhappy life, and he also knows Feng Shi's whereabouts, Jia Lian may hold a grudge against him.

Another point was reminded to him by Jiao Xing.

Since you're worried about not getting a good position in the capital, why not seize this opportunity to befriend Jia Lian?

How can we befriend him? Isn't Jia Lian an imperial envoy? Once an imperial envoy has finished his business, he will definitely return to the capital.

Therefore, as long as you can travel back to the capital with Jia Lian, you will have at least half a month on the road. Why would you worry about not finding an opportunity to make friends?

If you really can't make friends even with these conditions, then you shouldn't even consider this line of communication.

Jia Lian raised an eyebrow; he understood what Jia Yucun meant.

Meeting his square face, Jia Lian nodded and said, "If that's the case, then that would be even better."

However, I can only stay in Jinling for a maximum of three days to visit some old friends and relatives in the city, and I also need to reserve two days to return to Yangzhou to take care of the final arrangements. So, in total, it will be about five or six days. I wonder if my brother can make it in time?

"Haha, perfect timing! I was planning to set off in five or six days, this couldn't be more convenient."

"Hehehe... In that case, let's travel together then."