Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Perhaps the three sisters were truly in good spirits; they sat in Jia Lian's room and didn't want to leave. After discussing the Lai family's affairs, they talked about their move into the garden. They told Jia Lian about where they would live, what the scenery was like, and how they planned to enjoy themselves.

Fortunately, Sister Feng had made preparations in advance, and had ordered people to bring snacks and drinks from the main kitchen, so that all the sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law could eat and drink their fill before being sent away.

"They all like you very much."

After seeing Yingchun and the others off, Fengjie returned to her room and looked at Jia Lian, who was still leaning on the kang (a heated brick bed), while Qingwen took off her boots and got on the kang to massage his shoulders. She smiled somewhat jokingly.

Jia Lian glanced at her, not taking Feng Jie's words as a mockery at all, and nodded, saying, "Of course, my humor and wit, and my willingness to accept good advice, naturally make me likable."

"A deadly sight."

Sister Feng chuckled and scolded, then pulled up a stool and sat down in front of Jia Lian. She placed a slender hand on Jia Lian's leg, about to speak. Seeing how comfortably Jia Lian was enjoying the maid's service, she pursed her lips, glanced back at the dazed maid Xiang Ling standing beside her, and gave her a knowing look.

Xiangling was slightly taken aback. Following Feng Jie'er's repeated gesturing, she finally understood and hurriedly walked over, standing behind Feng Jie'er. Just like Qingwen, she started massaging Feng Jie'er's shoulders.

Then she heard Sister Feng speak to her master in a soft voice: "You were quite impressive tonight, actually managing to take down the Lai family. To be honest, when I heard that the old lady had personally gone out to look for you, I was really worried for you."

Jia Lian just smiled. It wasn't the first time he had gone against Grandmother Jia's wishes and accomplished something, so he didn't feel a great sense of accomplishment. He just knew that tonight might cross Grandmother Jia's bottom line, so he made thorough preparations.

The more Jia Lian acted this way, the less Feng Jie felt she could handle, believing she deserved to be dominated by this man. But thinking about how Jia Lian hadn't let her get involved in the matter tonight, she felt a sweet warmth in her heart. Otherwise, given how much malice Grandmother Jia felt tonight, she probably wouldn't be able to do anything to her eldest grandson, Jia Lian, and would likely take it out on her instead. She wouldn't have had the chance to speak up for Jia Lian in Rongqing Hall.

Of course, her attempt to appease Jia Mu was tactful, even the opposite of what she intended. To appease Jia Mu, she took Jia Mu's side and gave Jia Lian a good scolding, which, along with Lady Wang and others, successfully calmed Jia Mu down. As for how she had subtly criticized Jia Lian, she would never have told him.

"Those Lai couple are really something else; they've amassed such a fortune, more than we had in the beginning..."

"Hehe, this is great! The Madam and the First Madam will be happy; the government treasury will be full of money all at once. I say you're not getting away with this; you've done all the dirty work, while everyone else reaps the benefits..."

"I'm afraid the old lady was angry on the surface, but secretly she was happy. When Granny Lai was crying and sobbing in Rongqing Hall, the old lady was obviously a little impatient and perfunctory."

Feng Jie nestled against Jia Lian, enjoying Xiang Ling's massage while chatting idly.

Jia Lian sometimes replied and sometimes didn't. The couple were only a foot or so apart. This statement fully reveals the intimacy and affection between husband and wife.

As maids, Qingwen and Xiangling couldn't interrupt at this time, so they focused on their work. Qingwen, in particular, was extremely competitive. Rarely seeing herself competing with Xiangling, she spared no effort, using every trick in the book to slap Jia Lian on his shoulders, back, and arms, determined to outdo Xiangling.

Her movements were so obvious, and her fighting spirit so clear, that Xiangling could easily notice. Although Xiangling didn't like to compete with others, she was afraid that Fengjie would think she was slacking off in comparison, so she also perked up and massaged Fengjie earnestly and vigorously.

Suddenly, Ping'er, dressed in simple white, walked steadily over. "Second Master, all the things that the Lai family found have been counted and put into storage. Here is the list."

Seeing that Jia Lian only nodded, but Feng Jie'er looked at him with great interest, he handed the booklet to her.

Sister Feng quickly took it and began to read it.

Jia Lian knew his wife was fond of fine things, so he didn't mind. He only asked Ping'er, "Is the 80,000 taels of silver to be repaid to the East Mansion ready?"

"When I left, Steward Lin and Madam Lin were busy with this matter. I suppose there were already twenty or thirty thousand taels of silver in the mansion, and the Lai family had more than seventy thousand taels of silver in cash among their gold and silver items, so it should be easy to raise the money."

"Um."

Looking at the time, it was already late at night. Thinking that Lin Zhixiao and his wife were still busy and working overtime, they realized how similar this was to the working class of later generations.

But they must be in high spirits right now, because the mansion always needs a steward. With Lai Da out of office, Lin Zhixiao is the most qualified to compete for the position. It would be illogical if the couple weren't working hard and trying to make a good impression at this time.

By this time, Sister Feng had finished scanning the register and had a clear understanding of its contents before handing it to Jia Lian, saying with a smile, "There are only two people in the East Mansion, and they don't lack money. Why are you in such a hurry to return the money?"

"Paying back debts is a matter of course; why should others be concerned about whether they need it or not?"

"Fine, I know you're right, I was just saying it offhand. But you..."

For some reason, Sister Feng suddenly smiled, her eyes crinkling into a gentle curve as she looked at Jia Lian: "I wonder if someone is truly acting for fairness and justice, or if they have ulterior motives. I heard that Sister-in-law Zhen invited you to a banquet. Aren't you going to tell me what's going on?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian thought to himself, "Which gossipy woman has become my informant?" But he didn't show it on his face. He even simply changed his posture and said, "What else could it be? It's just a meal."

"Oh, really? Why are you the only one invited, and not anyone else?"

"Didn't you get invited? I thought you did... Well, maybe it's because I'm going to pay back the money tomorrow, so Sister-in-law You invited me to dinner."

"Hmph, is there really such a thing as a free lunch? Lenders have to treat their debtors to a meal..."

With a mocking look on her face, Jia Lian said, "It's just a meal, why are you making such a fuss? If you don't trust me, I'll take you with me tomorrow, or I can just cancel. You're such a jealous little thing."

Jia Lian chuckled and playfully scratched Feng Jie's nose, showing his affection. He was actually a little guilty, reflecting on how You Shi, who was always so cautious in her actions and words, had invited him alone tonight in front of all the servants, and how Feng Jie had indeed found out.

Could it be that the woman did it on purpose...? Jia Lian shook his head, feeling that he still couldn't underestimate women, even someone as understanding and considerate as Madam You.

In front of several maids, Jia Lian treated her like a child, even calling her a jealous little pot, which made Feng Jie extremely embarrassed and angry. Just then, Xiao Hong came outside to announce that the bathwater was ready. Feng Jie pinched Jia Lian's thigh, then stood up and said, "Pah, who cares about you? If you want to go, go. Why take me with you? They didn't invite me. I don't have the face to freeload."

As she spoke, Sister Feng glanced back at Xiangling, thinking that the girl had indeed trained hard. She looked so delicate, yet the pressure she had just applied had actually hurt a little. However, Xiangling was too embarrassed to show weakness in front of Jia Lian, because it was clear that Qingwen was applying far more pressure to him. When Qingwen pressed her shoulder, Xiangling jumped up and down, practically using all her strength, while Jia Lian remained completely unmoved.

Having made up her mind, she decided to only let Ping'er and Xiao Hong handle things, as she couldn't afford to use Jia Lian's men. So she called Ping'er out of the room.

"Second Master..."

"Second Master, are you really going to the East Mansion for dinner tomorrow? Did Madam You really only invite you alone?"

As soon as Sister Feng left, Qingwen sat down, hugged Jia Lian's arm, tilted her head, and asked seriously.

Jia Lian pinched her delicate nose and scolded, "What, your second mistress just interrogated me, are you planning to do the same?"

"Tch, what Second Master does is none of my business, nor do I want to... I just wanted to say..."

Qingwen glanced at Jia Lian twice, then said, "I just wanted to say, Second Master, if there are similar cases of investigating and confiscating servants' embezzlement in the future, could you please not only send Ping'er, but let me go too? I also want to do things for you!"

Qingwen only learned later that Ping'er had been entrusted with an important task by Jia Lian and others. She was extremely envious of Ping'er's imposing manner when she led the Lai family back with countless riches in the courtyard.

"Let you go? Forget it. You're already causing trouble like this, and you're going to give you the authority to go out on your own? With your ruthlessness, you'll just ruin my reputation. No way, absolutely not."

Jia Lian smiled, looking as if he didn't trust her abilities or character at all. Qingwen frowned, quite annoyed. Seeing Jia Lian laughing even more heartily, she got angry and pretended to scratch him, but Jia Lian took the opportunity to pull her into his lap and gave her a fierce and domineering kiss on her lips.

At first, Qingwen resisted and struggled, but gradually she softened in Jia Lian's arms. Especially after she noticed Jia Lian's arousal, her face flushed and she looked at Jia Lian with seductive eyes.

Jia Lian then laughed and said, "Didn't you say you were going to help me with something? Now's your chance to prove yourself."

"Um……"

Qingwen's obedience surprised Jia Lian, who subconsciously released her.

Qingwen straightened her clothes, glared at Jia Lian, got off the kang (heated brick bed), squatted on the footstool, and obediently reached out to untie Jia Lian's handkerchief.

Just as Fang was about to reach into his robe and touch the silk handkerchief, a vengeful smirk appeared on Qingwen's beautiful face. She quickly turned her small hand down and pinched Jia Lian accurately before retreating swiftly.

Seeing Jia Lian's shocked expression as he gasped, Qingwen covered her mouth and laughed, "Serves you right for looking down on people and wanting them to help you. Humph, serves you right."

After saying that, Qingwen, fearing that Jia Lian would punish her, turned around and ran away with obviously cheerful little steps.

Only when the room was empty did Jia Lian realize that Qingwen, this audacious little girl, actually dared to do such a thing. If it were any other time, pinching her like that wouldn't be a big deal, but she chose this moment. How could she dare to do that?

A steel frame is not paired with gentle touches, but with insidious and ruthless sneak attacks. Who can stand that?

After a thorough examination, Jia Lian intended to capture her and teach her a lesson. However, he ultimately felt it was undignified to be ambushed by a maid and was too embarrassed to make a big fuss.

Therefore, the poor Marquis Jia cursed Qingwen in his heart and vowed not to let her touch his treasure for three months. Then he sneaked into the bathhouse, intending to let his wife and concubines check if the goods were still sturdy and durable...

……

The next day, after Jia Lian returned from the yamen, he was summoned to Mengpo Studio by Jia Zheng.

"Are you aware that the imperial court plans to unify all land across the land and include it in the tax system?"

Jia Zheng appeared somewhat worried and spoke very solemnly to Jia Lian.

The Jia family owned numerous estates in both the north and south of the country. It was mainly thanks to these estates that the two families were able to live a carefree, stable, and prosperous life.

If the imperial court were to truly strip them of their right to levy taxes on the land under their names, wouldn't that be cutting off their foundation?

Although similar rumors had been heard before, most people scoffed at them. Leaving aside the Great Wei Dynasty, in every dynasty throughout history, it was only natural for nobles to own fertile land and collect taxes to support themselves. How could the court possibly take it back? Wouldn't that cut off their livelihood?

Jia Lian was initially taken aback. Could it be that Emperor Ningkang and the cabinet ministers had truly gone mad, actually intending to take such a drastic step? But upon closer reflection, he still felt it was unlikely, so he hurriedly asked, "Is the news true? Did His Majesty approve it at the court meeting?"

"No, that's not it. It's just that things have been getting increasingly tense lately. After today's court assembly, His Majesty summoned all those who support the land tax reform to the Southern Study for a meeting, which has made everyone very uneasy..."

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian breathed a slight sigh of relief, as long as it hadn't been officially implemented yet.

"My lord, there is no need to worry. Not to mention that my Jia family has made great contributions to the establishment of the dynasty, which of the noble families in the court has not made great contributions to the court? His Majesty is an enlightened monarch and will naturally consider the wishes of the meritorious officials."

Furthermore, even if the imperial court intends to consolidate all land ownership, it cannot bypass the imperial clan; otherwise, it would be difficult to gain popular support. Therefore, the imperial clan is the first to be affected, so we don't need to rush; simply observing the situation is sufficient.

Jia Lian didn't care much about his family's small plot of land because he already had enough wealth. However, he knew that Jia Zheng and others regarded their ancestral property as the most important thing, so he kindly comforted them.

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng was indeed somewhat relieved. Indeed, when it comes to who owns the most land in the land, it is undoubtedly the imperial family, especially the princes. If His Majesty were to bypass the imperial family in this matter, how could the nobles and clans throughout the land be satisfied? If he were to treat everyone equally and involve the imperial family, how could those princes and nobles be content…

"Lian'er, you have always enjoyed His Majesty's trust. What do you think the final outcome of this matter will be?"

"I cannot predict the outcome, but in my opinion, the court is unlikely to act directly and tyrannically. It will probably adopt a compromise and appeasement approach, such as levying taxes on the surface but actually distributing them as annual rewards, or exempting high-ranking officials from taxes according to their rank. But even so, I'm afraid there will still be considerable resistance. It all depends on the methods of His Majesty and the officials of the court."

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng inquired about Jia Lian's specific meaning and ultimately felt that what Jia Lian said made a lot of sense, which put him at ease.