Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Chapter 545 A Bad Thing

After sitting in Daiyu's room for a while, Jia Lian noticed that Daiyu's spirits had fully recovered, so he got up to take his leave.

Although Daiyu is beautiful, she is not yet ripe and not yet ready to be picked. Besides, he had so many opportunities to do anything to Daiyu on the ships traveling south and north. Now that they are back in the Rongguo Mansion, with so many people around, why rush things and risk making others look down on Daiyu?

As soon as they stepped into the corridor, they saw Lin Zhixiao's wife leading two maids in their forties or fifties from the direction of Grandmother Jia's main courtyard. As they walked, she was giving instructions, and the two old women listened with bows and scrapes.

"This servant greets Second Master."

Upon seeing Lin Zhixiao's wife, she immediately ran forward to greet her in a fawning manner.

Jia Lian nodded, looked at the old woman behind her, and casually asked, "Is this the person the old lady arranged to guard this courtyard gate?"

"Reporting to Second Master, they are indeed here to guard the courtyard gate. However, they were not arranged by the Old Madam. They were personally selected by this servant. They are the most honest and dutiful people. It is absolutely reliable to let them guard the courtyard gate for Miss Lin."

Although Lin Zhixiao's wife had heard Lin Zhixiao talk about Daiyu before, it was only today that she truly understood Daiyu's position in Jia Lian's heart.

Just now, for the sake of Miss Lin, Second Master Lian disregarded the feelings of the Old Madam and Madam, directly trying to make things difficult for Second Master Bao, even forcing the Old Madam to back down and cruelly "punish" Second Master Bao. Although this punishment did not harm Jia Baoyu's body, preventing Second Master Bao from coming to Miss Lin's side must have been a great blow to Second Master Bao's spirit.

Therefore, upon receiving Jia Mu's order, Lin Zhixiao's wife dared not delay and immediately arranged for the person to come over.

Jia Lian neither confirmed nor denied Lin Zhixiao's wife's words, but he glanced at the two old women and then said, "Do you know why the old lady sent you here?"

One of the old women replied, "I know... she's guarding the gate for Miss Lin..."

Another old woman noticed that Jia Lian was not satisfied with her answer, so she quickly added, "Miss Lin is a person of high status and prefers peace and quiet. The old lady sent us here to take good care of Miss Lin and to prevent others from disturbing her peace, especially...Master Bao..."

Even servants have their ways of survival; they can't afford to offend any of their proper masters. It was clear that Grandmother Jia had given the order under pressure from Jia Lian, so Lin Zhixiao's wife naturally couldn't relay Grandmother Jia's exact words to the servants; she only said that Grandmother Jia had sent them to take care of Daiyu.

"Very well, now that you know the mission I sent you here, I hope you will do a good job."

Apart from the young ladies in the manor, no other unrelated people, especially that one who is completely unrelated, should be allowed in.

You must know that my eyes are always on this place. If you do well and are loyal to your duties, even if you offend someone you can't afford to offend, even if you offend the old lady, as long as you are alive, I will make amends to you and even reward you double.

Otherwise, even if someone protects you, you'd better think twice about whether you can escape my grasp.

Jia Lian's calm yet undeniable words sent a chill down the spines of the old women, including Lin Zhixiao's wife.

Jia Lian's meaning was very clear: he wanted them to carry out Grandmother Jia's orders and absolutely not allow Jia Baoyu to enter this courtyard. Moreover, Jia Lian practically said outright that they had to obey his orders alone, or face death.

In fact, if they had any sense at all, they would have realized that both Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang were people who governed their households with magnanimity and had the image of bodhisattvas. Therefore, if they disobeyed their orders, they would probably be scolded, or at most beaten and kicked out.

But if you offend Master Lian, being kicked out would be the lightest punishment.

Most importantly, judging from Jia Lian's words, even if they were punished by Grandmother Jia, Jia Lian could at least make it up to them.

But if Jia Lian punishes them, I'm afraid that Grandmother Jia and the others will no longer have eyes and ears, nor will they have the leisure to care about the life and death of these servants.

Therefore, it becomes clear whose advice to listen to.

This is the concrete manifestation of how Jia Lian gradually took away the power of discourse in the mansion from Grandmother Jia and others.

However, these two old women were insignificant after all, and Jia Lian had no intention of wasting his breath on them. He casually exerted his authority and then left.

Who would have thought that as soon as he stepped out of the courtyard, he would see a graceful and gentle maid standing by the roadside, in a secluded spot that he could easily spot from his position, waiting for someone.

After recognizing who it was, Jia Lian had an idea and walked over directly.

"This servant greets Second Master."

"What's up?"

After a brief silence, the quiet and graceful maid said softly, "Please, Second Master, do not blame Second Master Bao for what happened today."

Master Bao simply grew up with Miss Lin and cares about her deeply, which is why he lost his composure upon hearing about Miss Lin and Master Bao's affair today.

Actually, Master Bao is a very kind-hearted person. He not only respects Master Bao, but also cares deeply for Miss Lin. After returning from Miss Lin's room, he regretted it, feeling that he had acted impulsively, said the wrong thing, and offended and wronged Miss Lin. Thinking about this, he cried sadly. When I came out, he was still hiding on the bed crying.

Xiren was originally one of the eight first-class maids by Grandmother Jia's side. After being assigned to Jia Baoyu's room, she became the chief maid in Jia Baoyu's room.

Because of Jia Baoyu's special status in the mansion, Xiren was able to be ranked alongside Yuanyang, the chief maidservant by Grandmother Jia's side, and Ping'er, Wang Xifeng's trusted maidservant, making her one of the top maidservants in the Jia family.

This "top influencer" refers not only to status, or even appearance, but also to character and talent.

However, according to Jia Lian, the order of "Ping Xiyuan" was mainly based on their appearance.

Being listed alongside Ping'er and Yuanyang, and even after Ping'er but before Yuanyang, shows that this maid's appearance was quite remarkable.

At this time, the maid had grown a year older than before, and her figure and face had become more open, possessing a unique, indescribable charm and beauty that delighted all who saw her.

Jia Lian glanced back at their surroundings and suddenly laughed, "In what capacity do you come here to tell me all this?"

Xi Ren was taken aback by what she heard, and then her face flushed red, clearly recalling some unpleasant memories.

But she was a shrewd person, and she quickly suppressed her agitation, her complexion returning to normal.

"This servant, as a servant of Master Bao, begs you to be magnanimous and not to hold it against you..."

Jia Lian chuckled.

What right does a mere maidservant have to mediate between two masters? It seems that Xiren dares to come here and say these things to him only because she once had a fleeting affair with him.

If she takes this as evidence, Jia Lian, considering this, wouldn't mind listening to her say a few words. After all, Jia Lian himself hadn't intended to do anything to Jia Baoyu.

Since Xiren was not going to listen and did not follow his hints to admit that she was his woman, Jia Lian naturally did not need to be polite to her.

Jia Lian believed he knew Xi Ren somewhat; she was a pragmatic person. He didn't think that taking her virginity would make her devoted to him and wait for him.

Jia Baoyu is quite good in all aspects, so Xiren could rebel at any time. Of course, Jia Lian wouldn't make things difficult for her because of this; after all, who told him to ignore her for over a year?

"Since you're asking me for a favor, there's no reason for you to just talk the talk. There's a proper way to ask for a favor, Miss Xiren, do you understand?"

Jia Lian suddenly spoke in a somewhat roguish manner, originally thinking that Xiren would not understand. Who knew that Xiren looked up at him and her face suddenly turned red, and even her clasped hands began to twist awkwardly.

This surprised Jia Lian. It didn't make sense. This maid was about the same age as Xiangling, how could she be so quick-witted? Thinking about it, he couldn't help but wonder if she had really sided with Jia Baoyu. "I don't know, Second Master, what do you want Xiren to do to make you forgive today's events?" Xiren replied haltingly, her head lowered.

Jia Lian, however, had already developed serious suspicions about her, so he paid no attention to her embarrassment. He turned away from the flowerbed behind him and said calmly, "Nothing much, I haven't been served by you for over a year, and I miss you dearly. I wonder if Miss Xiren would still be willing to condescend to serve me?"

Jia Lian's words made Xi Ren's heart suddenly startle.

Perhaps what happened that afternoon was too profound for her, so much so that she still remembers it vividly to this day.

Therefore, she naturally understood Jia Lian's meaning, and she didn't know whether to be happy or indignant.

But she knew she wasn't surprised.

She was well-versed in the ways of master and servant, and naturally understood the relationship between the two brothers, Jia Lian and Jia Baoyu, leaving her no room to interject.

But she truly didn't want Jia Lian to hold a grudge against Jia Baoyu because of what happened today. She felt guilty towards Jia Baoyu, and with each day she spent by his side, seeing that he clearly desired her body but, out of respect for her, never took advantage of her, her guilt grew stronger.

She knew that Jia Baoyu was bound to suffer a loss when facing Jia Lian.

She didn't want to see this happen, so she thought she could use her meager strength to test Jia Lian's words. She reasoned that since Jia Lian had taken her most precious chastity, perhaps he could be more forgiving, or at least calmer, for that reason.

She was not at all surprised that Jia Lian would make such a request.

She didn't even dare to face her own heart, because she had been looking around for a long time before finally standing in this spot.

This place is at the entrance of the alley leading from Daiyu Courtyard to Grandmother Jia's main courtyard. Inside, there is a narrow alley, not long, about ten feet long, with two pots of crabapple and two pots of osmanthus. It can be said to be quite hidden.

But at the same time, she also felt a little resentful. Because from Jia Lian's polite tone, she couldn't detect much pity for her.

Taking a deep breath, she calmly looked at Jia Lian and replied, "This servant has long been Second Master's woman. Since Second Master desires me, this servant is naturally willing to serve you at any time."

After saying that, she walked directly into the alleyway from the space Jia Lian had stepped aside, turned around, turned her back to the potted crabapple tree, and faced Jia Lian.

In this way, even if someone comes, Jia Lian can find them in time, and she will have a place to hide.

Jia Lian had expected Xi Ren to be coy and perhaps even take the opportunity to confide something, but to his surprise, she was so free-spirited and principled that it made him seem like he was bullying the younger one.

However, having built up the atmosphere to this point, stopping now would not be in line with Master Lian's style.

He then looked at Xiren with an even more mischievous grin.

Xi Ren couldn't hold back any longer. She already had some suspicions, and seeing that Jia Lian didn't make a move on her for a long time, she understood what Jia Lian meant. Her face flushed red, and following her memory of that day in Huifang Garden, she knelt down in front of Jia Lian.

Just as her heart and hands trembled, thinking that she was finally about to usher in the second highlight of her life, a clear and melodious voice rang in her ears, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on her heart.

"Second Master, what are you doing here?"

Qingwen suddenly appeared out of nowhere, craning her neck to look into the alley.

Xi Ren was no ordinary person. Almost the instant Qing Wen's voice came, she changed her gestures, rolled up her sleeves, and crawled on the ground to wipe Jia Lian's boots.

Therefore, when Qingwen moved her feet and walked over, she saw Qingwen humbly and sincerely engrossed in her work.

This made Qingwen frown, her face full of surprise and confusion.

"Second Master, the boots are clean. If there are no other instructions, I will take my leave now."

Xiren carefully wiped Jia Lian's boots clean, and then meticulously checked and re-fastened each of the shoe buckles. Only then did she roll up her sleeves, stand up, greet Jia Lian, nod to Qingwen, and leave.

Throughout the entire process, he didn't glance at Qingwen twice, nor did he show any unusual behavior, as if she had simply been caught by Jia Lian to shine his shoes by chance.

"Where did you come from?"

Jia Lian was genuinely curious. After all, he was a man who cared about his reputation, so he couldn't possibly bully the maidservant outside Daiyu's courtyard without any certainty.

He only came up with the idea because he thought the environment was secluded and that it wouldn't matter if someone passed by.

But Qingwen, that mischievous girl, appeared beside him without him even noticing, almost giving him a fright.

"Second Master, you still have the nerve to ask? If it weren't for me, who knows what kind of good thing you'd be doing right now."

She's someone from Master Bao's household; doesn't Master Bao really have any reservations about her?"

Qingwen looked unhappy; clearly, Xiren's excellent on-the-spot reaction had not fooled her.

That's true. Qingwen has been with Jia Lian for more than three years and has seen many ups and downs. It would be strange if she were fooled in that situation just now!

Knowing he was in the wrong, Jia Lian tapped Qingwen on the head, smiled, and said nothing.

Since it was only a spur-of-the-moment idea, and he only realized after the plan failed that this place was indeed not suitable for doing business, he was not particularly dissatisfied because Qingwen interrupted him.

Normally, if Qingwen were to catch something like this, she would pout and be unhappy for a long time, and Jia Lian would have to coax her or ask for something in return before she would keep the secret.

But today, she did not.

She looked around, then suddenly leaned close to Jia Lian and asked, "Second Master, are you and Miss Lin really engaged? Will Miss Lin become our second wife in the future?"

Jia Lian knew Qingwen very well, and upon seeing her clever and mischievous appearance, he immediately understood what she was thinking.

He suddenly remembered Zijuan's complaint earlier, so he looked at her and slowly stopped smiling.

Qingwen's mind tightened, and she couldn't help but take a step back.

"Second Master, why are you staring at people like that? It's kind of scary."

"She's been waiting for you here all this time, for ages. Later, I saw Xiren sneaking over from afar, so I hid to see what she was up to. She wasn't trying to ruin Second Master's plans..."

Qingwen rambled on, while simultaneously becoming mentally and physically alert.

Given her current demeanor, she could easily run away at any moment should Jia Lian make the slightest move.

Jia Lian understood. No wonder he hadn't noticed Qingwen despite his vigilance; it turned out that the girl had been lying in ambush all along.

So it's not surprising that she used the nearby flowerbeds and walls to get around to his side.

As for why she was waiting here, is there even a need to ask?

The news of Daiyu's marriage to him had spread far and wide, and Qingwen couldn't possibly be unaware of it. Having just made a mistake, she was flustered and naturally wanted to come and check on the situation.

So Jia Lian stepped forward and stared at her, asking with feigned curiosity, "Oh, since you've been here for so long, why didn't you go in? What are you doing hiding outside?"

Qingwen blushed. She had just given someone a hard time on her own turf and offended them. How could she possibly enter Daiyu's courtyard, since this was Xueyan's territory?

"It's nothing, I just heard there was a lot of noise inside today, and I didn't want to go in and cause trouble, so I waited for you outside, Second Master. Who knew I'd stumble upon something good happening to you..."

Qingwen was unsure whether Xueyan had complained about her to Daiyu or Jia Lian.

If she hadn't, she wouldn't have confessed without being asked. If she had, she needed to test Jia Lian's attitude, which is why she kept bringing up Xiren's matter.

The implication is, "Second Master, if you want me to keep this a secret, you have to appease me, you can't scold me, and you can't hit me..."

"Oh? You really don't want to go in and cause trouble? Or is it because someone did something wrong that you're afraid to enter someone else's door?"

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, Qingwen immediately understood that the petty Xueyan had indeed reported her.

So he spread his hands and looked aggrieved, saying, "What did I do wrong? It's just that Second Master really couldn't be disturbed at the time, so I didn't let Xueyan come to find you. Is it wrong for me to think of you, Second Master? I didn't know that Second Master had such great ability to deceive Miss Lin. I thought that Second Master finally... could enjoy this once, and it would be a pity if some irrelevant things disturbed it."

This person is so considerate of Second Master, and instead of praising them, Second Master tries to intimidate them...

"So next time, no matter who it is, whether it's Zhang San or Li Si, as long as they come to see Second Master, I don't care where Second Master is or what important business they're doing, they must all report to Second Master, is that alright?"

Qingwen was initially feeling guilty, but the more she talked, the more she felt that what she said made sense, so she became more and more confident.

Upon seeing this, Jia Lian flicked her forehead with his thumb, but it didn't land properly, because Qingwen dodged most of the force. She still covered her forehead and stared at him with a bitter and resentful expression. Her face, which resembled Daiyu's by six or seven points, had a completely different demeanor.

With a hint of caution and a touch of cunning, Jia Lian couldn't help but laugh when he saw it.

He immediately realized something was wrong, coughed, and scolded, "Stop making excuses. Do you think I don't know what you're thinking? Even if you don't know the relationship between Lin Daiyu and me, she is still the old lady's own granddaughter and a proper cousin in the mansion. You even dare to stop her personal maid. What will you do in the future?"

"Hmph, I'll deal with you when we get back."

After Jia Lian finished speaking, he made a move to leave, while sighing softly to himself...

His original intention was to teach Qingwen a lesson and take this opportunity to curb her arrogant and disdainful nature.

But upon closer reflection, how could he possibly have the right to discipline Qingwen? Wasn't Qingwen's personality probably a product of his upbringing? If he had been even slightly stricter with Qingwen in the past, how could she, a maid from a truly humble background, have developed such a shrewish nature?

However, Jia Lian did not regret it. As long as he had another maid who looked like Qingwen and was loyal to him, he would be happy to keep her.

It's clear that it wasn't that he lacked principles, but rather that a maid like Qingwen was so rare that it would be difficult to find another one like her in the whole world. Just like Daiyu, she was a priceless treasure that would never be found again once missed.

Just as Jia Lian understood Qingwen, Qingwen also knew seven or eight parts of Jia Lian's moods.

Although Jia Lian was scolding her on the surface, the smile in his eyes did not escape her notice. She immediately realized that she was alright, so she laughed happily, tiptoed to catch up with Jia Lian, and tried her best to please him.