Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

"Is that Zhen Yuhuan really just a sworn sister you adopted?"

Nestled in Jia Lian's arms, Feng Jie suddenly pouted and asked a question.

Jia Lian laughed and said, "Otherwise what? What, you don't get jealous every time you see a woman who knows me? If you do, I've already thought of how you'll die—you'll definitely die of jealousy."

"go."

Sister Feng gave a coquettish laugh, "Others are one thing, but she's so beautiful and delicate, I feel sorry for her. The key is that she looks so much like Lin Daiyu. I don't believe you haven't had any other thoughts in your heart..."

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian first smiled, then sighed softly, patted Feng Jie's slender body, and said, "You don't need to worry about her. She's already taken, and this 'taker' is someone no one can afford to offend, including me, Jia Lian."

"How so?" Sister Feng perked up immediately.

"According to the information I received from the palace, the Empress intends to select a concubine for the Crown Prince. After a long search, she finally chose the Zhen family from Jiangnan. And at this time, Madam Zhen has traveled a long way to the capital with Yu Huan. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Sister Feng was taken aback for a moment, then said, "So, your sworn sister is destined to be a concubine of the Crown Prince?"

Feng Jie's voice unconsciously rose in volume, because as the Crown Prince's concubine, she already held a very high status. According to custom, when the Crown Prince ascended the throne, she would become a Noble Consort.

Thinking that she had spent so much time arranging to serve the future imperial concubine, Sister Feng suddenly didn't feel tired anymore.

Jia Lian had no intention of attaching himself to this "good relationship." In the past, he could use some respectable reasons to politely decline the Crown Prince's advances, but once Zhen Yuhuan married into the Crown Prince's residence, and the fact that she was his sworn sister was exposed, the world would probably assume that he was the Crown Prince's man.

This is likely why the Zhen family took the initiative to have Zhen Yuhuan recognize him as her sworn brother. He was essentially coerced by the Zhen family into indirectly taking sides.

Feng Jie was in a different position, and although she didn't understand Jia Lian's considerations, she was somewhat pleased. Thinking about some things, she suddenly laughed out loud.

Seeing Jia Lian lower his head, she pretended to sigh and said, "Alas, I'm afraid Baoyu will be heartbroken again."

Sister Feng was thinking about how Jia Baoyu had been chasing after Zhen Yuhuan tonight. Jia Lian smiled wryly, deeply resonating with Sister Feng's words and feeling sympathy for her.

After all, he was her own cousin, so Sister Feng didn't tease him too much. She glanced at the situation on Jia Lian's desk and said, "Official business can't be finished in one day. You've been busy all day, so why don't you do it tomorrow? Go home and rest early today."

As she spoke, Feng Jie glanced at Ping'er, who was standing by the door, then leaned close to Jia Lian's ear and whispered, "Go back early. I'll have Ping'er keep you company tonight. Consider it a reward for my master's hard work and promotion..."

Those light, teasing words, coupled with his wife's fragrant breath lingering in his ear, made Jia Lian's eyes and heart itch, and he couldn't help but swallow hard. Then, amidst Feng Jie's smug smile, he cupped her beautiful face in his hands: "If you're truly looking for a reward, one Ping'er isn't enough, unless..."

As he spoke, Jia Lian hooked Feng Jie's chin.

Feng Jie, embarrassed, pretended to spit out a "pui," already understanding Jia Lian's thoughts. She feigned ignorance and laughed again, "I knew you were a greedy person. Since Ping'er isn't enough, how about adding Xiangling as well?"

They weren't deliberately lowering their voices, so Ping'er and Xiangling could hear them. They exchanged a glance, both blushing and lowering their heads slightly.

Seeing that Jia Lian, though silent, was clearly swayed by her charm, Feng Jie decided not to linger. She stood up from Jia Lian, gave him a look that said, "I've given you your chance; don't miss it," and then told Ping'er and the others to pack up the food boxes and go home.

After Sister Feng left, Jia Lian, wanting to show that he had backbone and was not easily bought off, wanted to stay in the study a little longer. After picking up his pen, he found it somewhat difficult to concentrate. After thinking for a moment, he got up and left the room.

Outside the study, Aqi and Aqin remained dutifully at their posts. Jia Lian glanced at them and said, "Aqin, go back and rest first. Aqi, come with me to the garden."

Jia Lian suddenly remembered that he hadn't visited Daiyu yesterday, and that he should go today.

As for the two maids who only brought the older sister and not the younger one, the reason is simple. Ah Qin, that girl, is fine in public, but she always likes to test his limits in private. He usually likes it, and today he's still thinking about the reward from the madam.

……

Although it was late at night, the owner of Xiaoxiang Pavilion had not yet rested.

After Zhen Yuhuan finished washing up, she sat cross-legged on Daiyu's soft bed, watching Zijuan comb Daiyu's hair while chatting with Daiyu.

When you're far from home, it's easy to get excited when you meet someone from your hometown. Not to mention, Daiyu was not only from the same hometown as her, but also from Jiangnan, and she looked so much like her, even more so than sisters. Naturally, she felt a great fondness for Daiyu.

"Sister Lin, your Xiaoxiang Pavilion is so quiet and secluded. At night, with the bright moon in the sky, you can read by candlelight and the shadows of bamboo. It is the most pleasant and relaxing place to cultivate your mind and spirit."

I see my sister's room is filled with books; she must love reading too.

"When did you leave Suzhou, sister? After leaving Jiangnan, did you stay at their house?"

Daiyu glanced at her mirror image of her sister and thought to herself that she seemed quite quiet before, but she didn't expect her to be so talkative when she had free time.

Thinking about how talkative she was, I suddenly thought of Xiangyun. I imagined how Xiangyun would react if she saw the two of them, making a big fuss and causing a stir. I really wanted to see that girl's expression then.

Seeing that Daiyu didn't respond much, Zhen Yuhuan shrank off the couch, quietly walked behind Daiyu in her boots, leaned against her, and leaned her head in front of Daiyu. Looking at Daiyu in the mirror, she said with a grin, "Sister Lin, look, we really look alike. Before, we were both wearing our own jewelry, so it was fine, but now that we're without those things, even I can't recognize myself."

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Daiyu had been wondering why the young girl was sneaking up on her, but when she heard this and looked closely, even though she was already prepared, she was still startled.

As Zhen Yuhuan said, at first everyone was wearing their own jewelry, so it was still somewhat possible to distinguish them. Now, both of them had taken off their hairpins and were wearing ordinary pajamas. In addition, Zhen Yuhuan not only brought her face close to her ear, but also made the same movements and expressions as her. In that instant, a strange feeling arose.

It felt like my soul was clinging to me, looking in a mirror.

Zhen Yuhuan didn't find it strange. She looked at Daiyu in the mirror, and then at Daiyu's face and neck in reality, which looked a little tense. Suddenly she understood why the maids used to say that she was sickly like Xi Shi and beautiful like a fairy.

Daiyu's delicate and graceful demeanor, her fragile and tender limbs and complexion, and the faint, warm, herbal scent emanating from her made her feel as if Daiyu were an elf who had fallen from heaven to earth.

Zhen Yuhuan couldn't help but praise, "Sister Lin, you are so beautiful."

Before she could finish speaking, Zijuan beside her laughed. Even Daiyu couldn't help but roll her eyes at her, remaining silent with a knowing smile.

The two of them look so alike, praising her is the same as praising oneself.

Upon hearing the reason for their laughter, Zhen Yuhuan looked slightly embarrassed. Before she could explain, a maidservant outside announced, "Second Master Lian is here."

Zhen Yuhuan felt strange: Why would her sworn brother come over in the middle of the night?

She glanced at the fairy-like Daiyu, and from Daiyu's sudden awkward movements and slightly flushed face, she suddenly understood something, but she just silently retreated to the bedside and asked her maid to put an outer garment on her.

Jia Lian waited outside the corridor for a while to make sure that Daiyu and the other girl had enough time to prepare before stepping into the room.

Two exquisitely beautiful girls, so delicate and graceful they seemed otherworldly, walked gracefully towards him and bowed in unison.

"Greetings, sworn brother."

"Greetings, Second Brother..."

Jia Lian was startled and momentarily stunned before saying, "No need for formalities, please rise."

Seeing that Jia Lian's steps toward the seat next to him were more unsteady than when he came in, Daiyu and Zhen Yuhuan exchanged a glance and smiled secretly, naturally understanding why Jia Lian was like this.

"Ahem, are you settling in alright here?"

After sitting down, Jia Lian stared at her for several moments before finally recognizing her from the coat she was wearing, and then looked at the person next to him.

Zhen Yuhuan smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, sworn brother. I'm not uncomfortable at all. My sister-in-law has arranged everything for me, and Sister Lin is also very kind and takes good care of me."

"Okay, that's good. If there's anything you need or are missing, feel free to tell your sister Lin and sister-in-law. Don't be shy or formal."

"Hmm~"

After dealing with one person, Jia Lian turned to another, his expression softening slightly. "Is your cough any better? Did you take the syrup I had someone bring in and mix it with water?"

"I ate some..."

"It'll be fine once you've eaten it..."

Zhen Yuhuan glanced at Jia Lian and Daiyu, then suddenly said to Zijuan beside her, "Sister Zijuan, when I came in earlier, I saw that the bamboo grove in the courtyard was beautiful, but there was one type that I didn't recognize. Could you come out and introduce it to me?"

With that, Zhen Yuhuan dragged Zijuan out.

Jia Lian originally only intended to come in for a quick look, glance at Daiyu, and then leave. But Zhen Yuhuan's actions made it difficult for him to move.

Looking at Daiyu, Daiyu had her head slightly lowered, seemingly lost in thought.

"Is she easy to get along with? Is there anything about her that makes things difficult for you?"

"What are you doing here so late..."

Daiyu didn't answer Jia Lian's question, but only said this, with a slight hint of complaint in her words. She felt that Zhen Yuhuan must have guessed her relationship with Jia Lian, which made her feel a little embarrassed.

Everyone in the Jia family knew some of the truth, more or less. But Zhen Yuhuan certainly didn't know, and would probably look down on her, and she didn't like explaining herself to others.

Jia Lian saw through Daiyu's mental burden, smiled slightly, and stood up. Daiyu subconsciously took a step back.

"What am I doing here? I've come to see my future daughter-in-law, of course."

With just one sentence, Daiyu blushed like an apple, unable to contain herself. She had only just lowered her head when she realized with a start that she was already in Jia Lian's arms.

"Silly girl, didn't I tell you before? Our relationship is aboveboard, there's no need to hide it from anyone, and no one has any right to say anything about it. It seems you still haven't taken my words to heart."

With a gentle struggle, Daiyu was met with such words of heartache and slight reproach. In an instant, she lost all strength and silently collapsed into Jia Lian's arms, speechless and silent.

Outside the room, Zhen Yuhuan casually picked out a type of bamboo and symbolically asked Zijuan a few questions. Looking back at the brightly lit room, she whispered to Zijuan, "Sister Zijuan, Sister Lin and Brother Lian, what about them...?"

Zijuan knew she would ask this question, and said directly, "Miss Zhen guessed correctly. Before our master passed away, he betrothed our young lady to the second master. The second master also promised our master that he would take care of our young lady for the rest of his life. Once our young lady's mourning period is over, the second master will marry her."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Yuhuan looked surprised, but quickly noticed that Zijuan was looking at her, so she smiled and said, "So that's how it is. That's great. I knew that only a heroic figure like my sworn brother could be worthy of someone as fairy-like as Sister Lin."

Seeing that her words and expressions were not insincere, Zijuan smiled and felt an increasing fondness for the fourth young lady of the Zhen family.

……

The Zhen family.

When Mrs. Zhen returned home, she was busy with a lot of trivial matters and didn't get to go back to her room to rest until very late.

Her trusted maid asked her, "Madam, is it really appropriate to leave Miss in the Jia family? After all, Miss is about to marry into the Crown Prince's household."

Madam Zhen understood her meaning and shook her head, saying, "It's alright. The Jia family is a prestigious family with a history of over 100 years. The old lady is highly respected, and I can rest assured that Huan'er will stay by her side."

Sigh, it's my fault as her mother. She's so young, yet I have to make her shoulder such heavy responsibilities for the family...

Since she wants to stay in the Jia family and play with her sisters, let her have a few days of fun. Once she marries into the Crown Prince's household and is bound by palace rules, she won't have this opportunity anymore.

As she spoke, Madam Zhen's face showed sadness.

The maidservant advised, "Madam, there's no need to be too sad. With Miss's looks and character, she'll surely win the Crown Prince's favor once she enters the Crown Prince's residence. Besides, I've heard that the Crown Princess is the granddaughter of Xiao Jing, the current Grand Secretary, and is renowned for her talent. She shouldn't be a jealous person. So, what is there for Madam to worry about?"

Madam Zhen listened and nodded silently, "I hope so."

After pondering for a while, she suddenly asked, "How did the investigation go when I sent you out to inquire about the Marquis of Zhenyuan?"

Upon hearing this, the woman in the side room immediately perked up. "Madam, speaking of this Marquis of Zhenyuan, I'm afraid he's far more formidable than we anticipated..."

The maidservant, beaming with excitement, relayed the information she had gathered from the side to Mrs. Zhen in detail.

The Zhen family had actually inquired about Jia Lian's information long ago, but being far away in Nanjing, their knowledge of events in the capital was inadequate. Today, when they met with the Empress, they even heard Jia Lian's name mentioned by her, and the Empress seemed to praise him highly. This immediately made them pay more attention to him. Not only did they immediately organize a visit to the Rongguo Mansion after leaving the palace, but they also sent people to inquire about all of Jia Lian's information in detail.

This is also why they visited Rongguo Mansion in the afternoon.

Madam Zhen was well-prepared, after all, she had witnessed firsthand how people were promoted and given official positions as easily as drinking water and eating rice at Rongqing Hall today.

"As expected, the old lady had good judgment. Back in Jinling, she had Huan'er recognize this sworn brother. I can't stay with Huan'er in the capital forever. After I'm gone, I can rest assured that Huan'er will have such a capable sworn brother to take care of her."

This is actually why I let Huan'er stay at the Jia family as a guest.

"Your wife has put in a lot of effort."