Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Jia Lian's casual remark was undeniably ruthless.

Although Jia Baoyu had many elders who loved and cared for him, such as Grandmother Jia, Jia Zheng and his wife, and even his elder sister, the Imperial Concubine, and his uncle, the First-Rank General (Wang Ziteng), none of them should be underestimated!

However, everyone knows that Jia Baoyu is no match for Jia Lian; in fact, he is far inferior.

If Jia Lian and Jia Baoyu were to turn against each other, Jia Baoyu would definitely be the one to suffer. Moreover, even if Jia Lian, out of consideration for those people mentioned above, doesn't do anything to Jia Baoyu now, what about in the future?

External reliance is ultimately unsustainable and unreliable; only one's own strength and abilities are the true foundation for survival!

Putting everything else aside, given Jia Lian's current momentum, no one would be too surprised if he were to take another step forward, or even several steps, in the future.

However, the support behind Jia Baoyu has basically reached its limit. Now these people can no longer control Jia Lian, and it will be even more impossible for them to do so in the future.

Therefore, Grandmother Jia would not allow Jia Baoyu and Jia Lian to do evil. Even the confident Lady Wang would not tolerate her precious son being resented by Jia Lian for such a trivial matter!

Even after she offended Jia Lian, she was terrified and couldn't sleep at night, let alone her innocent and precious son.

So she quickly said, "Lian'er, why do you say that? You're making a mountain out of a molehill. You've watched your brother Bao grow up since he was little, so you should know his character. He has never had any bad intentions."

It's just that he and Lin Yatou grew up together, and he cares about Lin Yatou very much, so he can't bear to see her get married.

You've always been reasonable, how come you can't even see this today, and even say such undignified things? It's truly inappropriate.

Lady Wang, considering herself an elder, and knowing that Jia Lian had always been very respectful to her, naturally adopted a more authoritative stance to protect her son.

Jia Lian remained unmoved by Lady Wang's attitude, his expression unchanged. "Whether it's making a mountain out of a molehill or not, it doesn't matter."

All I know is that before his death, Uncle Lin entrusted his daughter to me because he trusted me.

I also swore an oath at Uncle Lin's sickbed that I would take care of Sister Lin for the rest of my life and treat her with the same respect as a wife who had married me. Therefore, in my heart, Sister Lin and Sister Feng are both my wives, Jia Lian's wives.

Anyone who dares to bully them or force me to break my promise will be retaliated against with swift and decisive action, without exception.

Because I have always firmly believed that a man who does not even dare to protect his own wife and children does not deserve to be called a man.

I hope my wife can understand this.

Faced with such calm yet authoritative and domineering words, Madam Wang narrowed her eyes, and her momentum immediately weakened by three points.

Therefore, even she herself was roused by Jia Lian's words, and a sense of awe arose spontaneously.

If a man cannot protect his wife and children, then he does not deserve to be called a man! I doubt any woman in the world would refute this statement, because when a woman chooses a husband, isn't she seeking someone she can entrust her life to?

Lady Wang couldn't help but think of Jia Zheng, and sighed inwardly. Forget about protecting her; that pedantic scholar, who only knew how to bury himself in Confucian classics, would always push any trouble onto her whenever possible. Getting his protection was probably impossible for her in this lifetime.

If even Lady Wang was like this, one can only imagine what others were like.

The unmarried maids looked at Jia Lian with even more admiration, and couldn't help but dream that they too could marry a good man with the same sense of responsibility as Second Master Lian, so that they would not have to waste their lives.

The married women naturally became angrier the more they missed their husbands, thinking that when they got back, they would definitely use Master Lian's words to teach them a lesson.

There are too many other people's thoughts to list them all, so let's just talk about the people involved, Feng Jie and Daiyu, mentioned by Jia Lian.

As early as when Jia Baoyu uttered the words "the hatred of having his wife stolen," Daiyu's feelings of boundless grievance upon seeing Jia Lian, and her desire to throw herself into Jia Lian's arms and confide in him, turned into shock and unease.

There are two shocks. First, in such a situation, Jia Lian referred to her as "wife" in front of everyone, which shows that he was not deceiving himself before, and that he truly regarded her as his wife!

Secondly, she did not expect Jia Lian to react so strongly. After arriving, he did not ask any unnecessary questions. Just for her sake, he immediately dared to give cold looks to Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang!

Anxiety is probably similar.

In fact, she herself felt that things hadn't come to this.

Compared to Jia Lian's reaction, she felt that being mocked by Jia Baoyu was nothing. If her second brother Lian was willing to do this for her, then what did it matter if she suffered a little grievance for him?

On the contrary, she was a little worried that because of her, Jia Lian and his family would have a falling out, and she would be utterly humiliated.

Just as she was feeling uneasy, she heard Jia Lian say that she, like Feng Jie, was also his wife...

Before she could feel any relief, nestled in Sister Feng's arms, she immediately sensed a slight tremor in Sister Feng's body. Looking up, she saw a complex expression on Sister Feng's face and softly called out, "Sister Feng..."

Fengjie lowered her head and saw the worry and unease in Daiyu's eyes. She knew that this sensitive girl was worried that she was jealous of her, so she also said in a low voice, "Don't worry, I'm fine. He's right. In fact, not only him, but I have long regarded you as my own sister."

But we need to be careful not to spoil him too much, lest he give us another little sister in the future!

Although Sister Feng's teasing was quite witty, Daiyu didn't care at all. She knew that even if she were Sister Feng, she would definitely be unhappy to hear Jia Lian say such a thing.

After a moment's thought, Daiyu leaned close to Fengjie's ear and whispered, "Sister Feng, don't worry. I consider you my own sister. As long as you don't despise me, I will always respect and honor you. If I break this vow, may I, Lin Daiyu, crumble and melt away, and may my soul return to the Realm of Sorrow after death..."

Daiyu, of noble character, only wished that Jia Lian would treat her as he did now for the rest of his life, and that his heart would never change. Unlike Fengjie, who had to worry about domestic affairs and property.

However, her indifference does not mean she is unaware that others do care about these things. Therefore, she is also trying to reassure Sister Feng by telling her in advance that she has no intention of competing with her.

It must be said that, after Jia Lian's long-term, subtle guidance, Daiyu has become much more mature than before.

Although Daiyu spoke tactfully, Fengjie understood the true meaning behind her words. She smiled, hugged Daiyu's thin and soft body tightly, and said nothing more.

In the center of the room, seeing Lady Wang defeated by Jia Lian, Grandmother Jia could no longer sit still.

However, Grandmother Jia was different from Lady Wang. Lady Wang only cared about her own son, while Grandmother Jia considered many other things.

In fact, whether it's Jia Lian or Jia Baoyu, as long as they treat Daiyu well, then no matter who they give Daiyu to, it will be a gratifying thing for her, so that she feels she has not let down her deceased daughter.

The reason why Jia Lian reacted so strongly today is undoubtedly to show once again how much he cares about Daiyu.

The only thing she hadn't anticipated was that Jia Baoyu was also so unable to let go of Daiyu.

But now there's no turning back; the matter between Jia Lian and Daiyu is a fait accompli, and no one can change it.

Therefore, all she had to do was prevent this matter from becoming a thorn in the brothers' side and causing them to resent each other, thus turning a good thing into a bad thing.

Fortunately, Baoyu is still young and unlike Jia Lian, who is stubborn and doesn't listen to advice, we can coax him first and arrange a good marriage for him in the future. I think he will gradually be able to let go of his resentment.

Having figured this out, Grandmother Jia said to Jia Lian with a stern face, "You're supposed to be the Marquis of Zhenyuan, appointed by the Emperor himself, and you have such a narrow mind? Your brother Bao is being unreasonable and making a scene here. As his older brother, instead of mediating and smoothing things over, you join in the commotion. Are you afraid of driving this old man crazy?"

Grandmother Jia had long held considerable power in the Jia family, and when she was angry, she still wielded considerable influence.

Many people have changed their tune from being led astray by Jia Lian and now think that what Grandmother Jia said is also true. Jia Baoyu is just a child, and it would indeed seem unbecoming of Jia Lian to take him seriously.

Jia Lian smiled. Now you know to say Jia Baoyu "acted up"? If he hadn't shown his attitude, you two would probably still be coaxing this precious darling with kind words, and he might not have admitted that it was his fault.

So Jia Lian bowed to Grandmother Jia and said, "Grandmother, please forgive me. It's not that I'm being unreasonable and want to disturb your birthday celebration. I just heard that Lin Daiyu was almost fainting, and I was worried, so I rushed over to check on her."

The old lady should know that Lin Daiyu was already frail and couldn't withstand any setbacks. If something were to happen to her, how would her grandson face my uncle, who entrusted Lin Daiyu to me, when he passed away?"

His stance has been made clear, and now that Grandmother Jia has "backed down," Jia Lian has no intention of dwelling on it.

However, it is still best to nip problems in the bud. So Jia Lian said, "Brother Bao is a child and can make mistakes. As his elder brother, I can be lenient with him. But if we know that children are prone to making mistakes, yet we still fail to stop or prevent them, then that is our responsibility as adults."

There's an old saying that boys and girls shouldn't sit together after the age of seven. My son is almost fourteen now, so we should still be mindful of the difference between boys and girls.

Although Lin Daiyu and Baoyu live in separate courtyards now, they are still under the same roof as the old lady. It's not good for them to be together forever.

Therefore, I thought it would be better to bring Lin Daiyu to my courtyard. It just so happens that Feng Yatou built a small garden this year, and half of the land is still vacant. Although the house is not luxurious, it is exquisite and small.

What's rare is that there's a sea of ​​flowers right outside the door, and the scenery is quite nice, perfect for Lin Daiyu to live in. Even if there are any shortcomings, Feng'er has the money to make adjustments as she sees fit. I wonder what the old lady thinks?

Regardless of what others might think of Jia Lian's words, Sister Feng immediately rolled her eyes a few times.

That scoundrel is really getting more and more familiar with her. She's worked so hard to build this garden, and she hasn't even enjoyed it for a few days yet, and he's already in such a hurry to have Daiyu move in? Although, judging from his words, he meant to give Daiyu the backyard behind the flower room in the center of the garden, which she hasn't been using for the time being.

But once Daiyu moves in, it's hard to say whether this little garden will belong to her or Daiyu in the future.

Even favoritism shouldn't be this extreme.

Moreover, she even said that she was rich and could add or remove things for Daiyu. Bah, what a heartless, stinking man.

Although she was inwardly cursing him, Sister Feng had learned her lesson after suffering too many losses at Jia Lian's hands. She didn't dare to contradict Jia Lian at this moment, but only thought that she would have a good talk with him later.

As for Jia Baoyu, he was so frightened after Jia Lian entered the house that he hid behind Grandmother Jia.

Where was the domineering and angry man he had been when facing Daiyu and Xiangyun? He didn't even dare to utter a single word of argument with Jia Lian.

But he just couldn't believe that Daiyu would really like Jia Lian and would be willing to be subordinate to Feng Jie.

He felt both envy and hatred towards Jia Lian. He envied Jia Lian for having several "peerless beauties" in his room, but he also hated Jia Lian for having so many beauties already, so why did he have to take away his Lin Daiyu as well?

In fact, Jia Baoyu did not feel any "hatred of having his wife stolen" in his heart. This was not only because he and Daiyu had no official status, but also because he never had any vulgar thoughts about marriage, starting a family, or establishing a career.

He was a person who enjoyed life to the fullest. Although he knew that his sisters would all get married when they grew up, he still naively and dreamily hoped that all the sisters he loved could stay with him forever.

This is someone who knows the reality but refuses to accept it.

However, Jia Lian's appearance came too early, disturbing his beautiful dream.

Like Jia Lian, Jia Baoyu also liked beautiful women, but his way of appreciating them was quite different from Jia Lian's.

He felt that as long as they could live under the same roof, even if they couldn't, being able to see each other often and talk would be enough to be together. The Jia family had many beauties, and quite a few charming maids, each of whom Jia Baoyu liked very much.

However, what he cared about most was the celestial beauty, Daiyu.

Only Daiyu made him briefly consider the matter of marriage and having children in the future. Yes, in his heart, even if he were to get married, it would have to be to someone as beautiful, clever, and unconventional as Daiyu; otherwise, he would rather never grow up!

This is also the fundamental reason why he reacted so strongly when he learned that Daiyu was going to marry Jia Lian. Because the only person he could truly want to spend his life with had been taken away by someone else.

He attempted to beg Grandmother Jia and others to return his Lin Daiyu by throwing a tantrum.

But the feedback he received left him disheartened.

He wasn't stupid; he could see that everyone was afraid of Jia Lian's power, even his mother and the matriarch had to give him face.

None of them could help him win Lin Daiyu back!

Everything was settled. Judging from Lian Er Gege's expression, he certainly didn't want to give Lin Daiyu to him again.

That's how it is. I imagine it's not just Lin Daiyu; when the second, third, and fourth sisters grow up, they will probably be the same.

Enough, enough. Life is meaningless. As long as they stay by my side now, why should I worry too much about the future? When that day comes, let me, Jia Baoyu, turn into ashes and smoke, and disappear with the wind.

Just as I came into this world naked, I will leave it without any attachments.

Having strengthened his resolve in his heart, Jia Baoyu indeed felt less angry and resentful.

But when he heard that Jia Lian wanted to move Daiyu out of Rongqing Hall, he became nervous again.

Brother Lian, how cruel you are! Since Lin Daiyu is going to marry you when she grows up, why do you have to take away even these few years of her life?

Jia Baoyu was now at his wit's end and could only settle for second best, thinking that Daiyu would definitely stay by his side during the three years of mourning.

He even had a little scheme in mind, thinking that Daiyu might not truly like Jia Lian. With these three years, perhaps Lin Daiyu would change her mind about him? At that time, Second Brother Lian would certainly not be someone who would force people to do things against their will. He and Lin Daiyu could plead with him properly, and perhaps there would still be room for negotiation.

Seeing that Grandmother Jia was still pondering Jia Lian's words, he quickly shook her arm and looked at her with pleading and pitiful eyes.

Actually, there was no need for Jia Baoyu to beg; Grandmother Jia would never allow Jia Lian to take Daiyu away from her.

It wasn't just because she loved Daiyu. The more Jia Lian cared about Daiyu, the more she wanted to keep her by her side!

Otherwise, how can we control Jia Lian as he is now?

"no."

Grandmother Jia shook her head and said seriously and solemnly, "Although Yu'er's father and I have betrothed her to you, you are not yet married. How can we let her live in your courtyard at this time? If word gets out, won't people laugh at us?"

"The old lady is right. In that case, let's move Lin Daiyu, along with the servants around her, back to the Lin family."

This made it convenient for Lin Daiyu to stay at home and observe mourning for her uncle.

As for the old lady, the two families live close by, so even if she misses Lin Daiyu, she can be brought over anytime.

Jia Lian seemed to have anticipated that Grandmother Jia would not agree to his first suggestion, and immediately offered his second one.

After speaking, Jia Lian looked at Daiyu, who had wiped away her tears and emerged from Feng Jie's arms, and asked, "I wonder if Sister Lin thinks this is feasible?"

Daiyu didn't want Jia Lian to suddenly ask her questions. She was very embarrassed, after all, with today's commotion, her marriage to Jia Lian would be known to everyone.

"I...I'm fine. I'll leave it to my second brother and the old lady to decide..."

Daiyu felt utterly useless, even stuttering as she spoke. At the same time, she began to understand Jia Baoyu a little better; no wonder he had been hiding behind the old lady like a quail earlier.

As expected, not everyone can speak calmly and confidently in front of everyone.

Thinking of this, Daiyu glanced at Jia Lian and Feng Jie. No wonder the two of them could get along so well; they were both very shrewd and worldly-wise!

"I won't agree." Without even thinking, Grandmother Jia rejected Jia Lian's suggestion again.

Jia Lian's expression darkened, and for the first time, he looked directly at Grandmother Jia: "In the past, I didn't care when you had the servants keep Lin Daiyu's marriage to me a secret. But you should know that after something like this has happened, I absolutely cannot stand idly by anymore."

Otherwise, if something similar happens again in the future, not only will it disturb the old lady's peace, but if Lin Daiyu is wronged again, I'm afraid my grandson won't care about anything else. If things get out of hand, I hope the old lady won't blame me.

Grandmother Jia was initially pleased, because even when Jia Lian was angry, he only directed his anger at Lady Wang, and he still dared not act recklessly towards her, his matriarch.

Unexpectedly, Jia Lian showed signs of turning hostile in the blink of an eye, because she sensed the threat in his words.

Only then did he reflect and realize that it was normal for Jia Lian to want to move Daiyu out, so he calmly said, "I understand your considerations, but you also need to understand my predicament."

I'm over seventy years old this year, and I'm afraid that in a few more years I'll be buried.

I only have one daughter in my whole life, and she was also disappointing, only giving birth to you, Lin Daiyu, and leaving you all alone and helpless.

At this time, how could you bear to separate us, grandmother and grandson?

Grandmother Jia spoke with sorrow. Under such circumstances, if Jia Lian insisted on his own opinion, he would appear to be extremely unfilial.

Jia Lian frowned. "Since the old lady says so, I dare not disobey her. How about this, since the old lady is reluctant to part with Lin Daiyu, why don't we have Baochai move out of Rongqing Hall?"

It just so happens that my wife and son have been separated for so many years, so this will allow them to reunite and fulfill my wife's deep love for her son.

Lady Wang never expected things to take such a dramatic turn.

Her eyes lit up immediately. If she were Madam Xing, she probably would have stood up and seconded the motion at this moment!

Her eldest son, Jia Zhu, died young, leaving her with only Jia Baoyu. How much she loved him was something no one else could know. Although she agreed to send Jia Baoyu to be raised by Grandmother Jia because of her request and because she also hoped that Jia Baoyu would be favored by Grandmother Jia.

But who knew that Grandmother Jia was so stubborn, and from then on, she kept her son and refused to return him.

For more than ten years, the number of days Jia Baoyu slept in her courtyard could be counted on one hand!

Yet she dared not argue with Grandmother Jia. Who could know the torment she was going through as a mother? Grandmother Jia didn't know, nor did Jia Zheng. Unexpectedly, it was Jia Lian, whom she had once regarded as a "monster" and a threat, who spoke up for her for the first time.

Yes, even Jia Zheng wouldn't dare argue with Grandmother Jia on such matters, so only Jia Lian would dare to say such things to her face.

She dreamed of bringing Jia Baoyu back to her side and raising him.

"no!!!"

The idea was good, but reality was harsh.

Grandmother Jia practically jumped up and down, immediately objecting.

There's no need to say anything more; just by looking at her reaction, everyone knows that she will absolutely not allow Jia Baoyu to move out of Rongqing Hall, especially back to Lady Wang's side!

This is her bottom line.

Perhaps finding Jia Lian's explanation reasonable, or perhaps realizing her own reaction was too irrational, Grandmother Jia quickly regained her composure and beckoned to the old nannies around her, saying, "From today onwards, find some craftsmen and seal off the alleyway leading from Baoyu's place to this room with a brick wall."

After saying that, he turned to Zijuan and asked, "Aren't there four old women in this room who sweep and keep watch?"

"Yes, madam."

"I'll add two more for you later, specifically to guard the gate. Baoyu is of school age now, and it's time for him to study hard. I won't allow him to run around unless he has something to do, and you shouldn't let him come here casually either, disturbing Yu'er's peace and quiet, understand?"

Zijuan understood Jia Mu's meaning perfectly well. She was already kneeling, so she immediately kowtowed and accepted the order.

Then Grandmother Jia looked at Jia Lian and asked, "Are you satisfied with this arrangement?"

Jia Lian never really intended to move Daiyu away, because Yuan Chun was going to visit her family in a few days, and he was determined to have Daiyu move into the Xiaoxiang Pavilion in the Grand View Garden.

Moving out now would just be a lot of back and forth hassle.

Looking at Grandmother Jia's actions, there were only three passageways connecting Daiyu's room to the outside world.

Leaving aside the main gate, there are narrow alleys on the left and right, one near Jia Baoyu's house and the other leading to Grandmother Jia's main courtyard.

Now that Grandmother Jia has sealed off the alleys on both sides of the street and Jia Baoyu's side, and arranged for people to guard the gates, her meaning is very clear: she will no longer allow Jia Baoyu to harass Daiyu.

This was a reasonable approach, and Jia Lian had no need to stand up for Lady Wang, so he smiled and said nothing more.

Grandmother Jia then looked at Lady Wang with sharp eyes.

Madam Wang's lips twitched. "The old lady's arrangements are very appropriate. Let's leave it at that."

Just as everyone thought the dust had settled and breathed a sigh of relief, a deep, angry voice suddenly rang out: "You damned wretch! On the old lady's joyous day, instead of behaving yourself, you're doing something rebellious here! I'll skin you alive!"

Jia Baoyu, who was already in tears, was terrified upon hearing this sound, like a mouse hearing a cat's roar. He was completely flustered and his face turned deathly pale in an instant.

"Ancestor, save me!!"

……