Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

When Jia Lian sheathed his sword and slowly walked up, the women on the corridor were still in a daze, each staring at him with wistful eyes.

Jia Lian handed the sword back to Aqi, then said to Tan Chun, "I have made a fool of myself, and I hope my third sister will not find it offensive."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun subconsciously smacked her lips, then looked at Jia Lian with a complicated expression, and after a long while said, "If Second Brother were to make a fool of himself, then all other men in the world who dance with swords would be utterly incomprehensible."

Second brother's words were deliberately meant to make fun of people!

As Tan Chun spoke, she couldn't help but sigh in her heart, wondering why she often heard people say that her second brother Lian was a world-renowned hero, the most extraordinary and handsome man in the Great Wei Dynasty for the past hundred years.

I didn't feel it very deeply before, but now I understand why it's so popular in the capital that Lian Er Gege is the husband that countless women dream of, and even the current princess is infatuated with him...

Yingchun also expressed her sincere admiration: "Brother's sword dance is so exquisite that it leaves me in awe."

Neither Aunt Xue nor her daughter made any statement, but their eyes conveyed their meaning.

Jia Lian smiled and sat back down.

Sweet wine was not intoxicating to Jia Lian; the drunkenness he had just displayed was seven-tenths used to create atmosphere.

It doesn't make you drunk, but it does make you urinate.

Jia Lian turned his head and whispered to Aunt Xue that he needed to use the restroom.

Aunt Xue's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself and said, "I'll have the maid take you there."

"No need, this isn't my first time here, I know the way very well."

Jia Lian recalled the first time he went to relieve himself at the Xue family banquet. Aunt Xue had her maid lead the way, and as a result, he drunkenly took advantage of the young woman.

Although Aunt Xue didn't blame her, it was still not a good thing.

Aunt Xue had obviously thought of this as well, so she didn't say anything more.

Although Tan Chun and the others noticed Jia Lian whispering to Aunt Xue, they could guess why when they saw Jia Lian get up and go to the backyard alone.

They were all glad they hadn't asked any more questions, otherwise they would have been so embarrassed.

Speaking of which, as daughters of prominent families, they were taught proper conduct by their nannies from a young age.

Under normal circumstances, they don't easily seek out toilets when they're out and about; they tend to hold it in as long as possible.

Therefore, whenever they go out to a banquet with their elders, they don't dare to drink too much soup or liquid.

In this respect, the men are much more at ease.

If you're really in a rush, finding a corner facing a wall or tree roots can also solve the problem...

Not long after Jia Lian left, Aunt Xue glanced at the scene and suddenly said to Baochai, "Baochai, you watch over your sisters. I'm going back to my room to change my clothes."

After Baochai agreed, Aunt Xue gave Yingchun and Tanchun a few more instructions before getting up and going into the main room.

Instead of going back to the room to change his clothes, he came out of the back door to the back porch and waited silently.

Sure enough, a short while later, Jia Lian came out from the small courtyard.

When Jia Lian came out of the restroom, he saw Aunt Xue standing on the veranda, clearly waiting for him.

He wasn't too surprised and walked straight over.

Unlike the Rongguo Mansion, the Xue family's residence was not crowded with people.

In fact, the Xue family did not bring many servants with them when they came to the capital; there were fewer than twenty in total, and most of them were servants and young men.

There were only seven or eight maids and servants who actually served in the inner courtyard, including Aunt Xue and Baochai's personal maids.

At this moment, there was no one in the backyard.

Aunt Xue then laughed and said, "What did you do to Bao'er last night? I saw her face turn red with embarrassment after you left."

Jia Lian raised an eyebrow and asked, "What does Auntie think I can do to her?"

Aunt Xue didn't answer, and her smile faded. She said, "No one knows a daughter better than her mother. I can tell that Bao'er likes you."

However, she is different from other children. She is strong-willed and unwilling to be inferior to others, and you should understand that.

If you can resolve her concerns, things will likely be settled soon.

Jia Lian was somewhat surprised to hear this. Was Aunt Xue going to personally teach her how to pursue her daughter?

He took a step forward, getting less than a step away from Aunt Xue.

Aunt Xue suddenly tensed up, "What are you doing? Bao'er is outside."

Jia Lian remained silent for a while before saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Aunt. I know what to do now."

But since Baoya is with you, I can't just keep running to my aunt's place every day, can I?

Yingchun and Tan'er came over today to take Bao'er back to the garden. If Auntie truly cares about me, how about you arrange for her to go back later?

Upon hearing this, Aunt Xue subconsciously said, "Bao'er has only been home with me for a few days, and you're already in a hurry to take her away. Don't you understand that I'm also alone..."

Aunt Xue originally wanted to say that her son was sentenced to prison, and she finally had her daughter by her side to ease her mind, but you all had the heart to take her away.

Halfway through her sentence, she noticed Jia Lian looking at her with surprise and realized she had spoken out of turn.

Jia Lian said, "If Aunt misses Bao'er, she can always go to the garden to see her. She can also take the opportunity to chat with our Second Madam. Why not?"

What could Aunt Xue say? She could only nod and say, "Alright, I'll let her go back with you in a bit."

Jia Lian nodded, then suddenly leaned close to Aunt Xue and said with a smile, "If Aunt feels lonely, besides going into the garden to chat with the maids, you can also host more banquets for me. Anyway, I feel quite comfortable eating at Aunt's house, just like being at my own home."

Aunt Xue retreated repeatedly, feeling as if her heart was about to jump out of her chest.

Although the backyard was deserted, it was still too close to the outside. Standing here, you could hear Tan Chun and the others talking outside!

Fortunately, Jia Lian didn't seem to have any other intentions. After saying that, he smiled at her, then lifted his leg and walked out along the corridor.

Aunt Xue finally breathed a sigh of relief and went back to her room to change her clothes.

……

A simple dinner party was made even more enchanting by Jia Lian's impromptu sword dance.

As a result, the dishes on the high table got completely cold, but Tan Chun and the others still showed no sign of leaving.

It wasn't until Aunt Xue suggested taking the dishes down to reheat them before bringing them back up that Yingchun and the others realized it was already past midnight.

It's time to say goodbye; they rarely stay out this late.

Seeing the gazes directed at Yingchun and the others, Jia Lian smiled and said to Aunt Xue, "No need for that trouble. It's already quite late, and we've eaten and drunk our fill. Thank you for your hospitality, Aunt. It's time to take our leave."

Aunt Xue tried to persuade them to stay, but seeing that Jia Lian and the others were determined to leave, she did not try to keep them any longer.

"Mother……"

Baochai saw Ying'er carrying a bundle and couldn't help but look at Aunt Xue.

Aunt Xue waved her hand dismissively, saying, "Go ahead. Your brother isn't here, and the house is all quiet and lonely. It's no fun for you to stay here. You might as well go with the girls to the garden; at least you'll have some company."

As for your other belongings, I'll have Tongxi and Tonggui pack them up and send them to you later.

Just remember, once you're in the garden, be easygoing and don't argue with your sisters. You're a sensible and good child; that's all I have to tell you.

"Sister Bao".

Yingchun and Tanchun supported Baochai on either side, hoping to use their sisterly affection to counteract Baochai's longing for her mother.

Aunt Xue, however, seemed to have no lingering affection for Baochai, and instead asked Jia Lian, "Should we prepare a carriage for you?"

"No need, our carriage is big enough for everyone."

Hearing this, Aunt Xue said no more. Baochai also gave her a few words of advice, and then followed Yingchun and the other two, leaving with Jia Lian.

After leaving the Xue family, Jia Lian followed the same procedure, helping Baochai and her three sisters onto the carriage one by one.

Neither Yingchun nor Baochai had been helped onto the carriage by Jia Lian for the first time.

It's inevitable to feel shy the first time, after all, you have to put your hand in your second brother's hand. But after a while, it gets much better, and you can put aside any other thoughts and just see it as your brother's way of showing you love.

In an era where men and women were strictly separated, it was naturally inappropriate for Baochai and others of that age to ride in the same carriage with other men.

However, for Yingchun and Tanchun, Jia Lian was their own brother, so riding on his coattails was not a big deal.

As far as Baochai was concerned, Aunt Xue clearly intended to bring her daughter and Jia Lian together, so she naturally wouldn't mind.

Only Baochai would absolutely refuse to get into the carriage if Yingchun and the other girl weren't by her side.

After all, even when Jia Lian took her out yesterday, she rode alone in a carriage.

Even so, when Yingchun and the other two entered the carriage and sat huddled to one side, seeing Jia Lian lift the curtain and enter, they all looked shy and remained silent, too embarrassed to speak.

They were embarrassed, but Jia Lian wasn't at all.

He sat on the other side, completely ignoring the feelings of the three girls, and looked at them indifferently.

At this point, Tan Chun refused to accept it.

"Hey, second brother, why are you staring at us like that!"

Jia Lian smiled slightly and asked Tan Chun in return, "Does Third Sister know what spring is?"

"What?" Tan Chun was clearly puzzled.

Jia Lian explained: "I didn't know what spring was before, but just now when I came in and sat down next to my three younger sisters, I suddenly understood."

So, spring, it turns out, refers to the blooming of all flowers.

The three women weren't stupid; how could they not understand the hidden meaning in Jia Lian's words?

In an instant, the three young ladies from prominent families blushed. Even Yingchun glared at Jia Lian, playfully scolding, "What kind of brother teases his sister like that?"

"That's right, that's right. Second brother is becoming increasingly reckless in his speech and actions. When we get back, I'll tell Sister-in-law Lian and have her give you a good talking to!"

Both younger sisters criticized Jia Lian, but Baochai, who had something on her mind and was the most distant relative, remained silent.

Jia Lian asked in surprise, "Can't you tell I'm praising you? Why do you all seem unhappy about it?"

"Praising people is not allowed either."

"That's right, Second Brother must be used to being a womanizer outside, that's why he says such nonsense to us!"

Well, praising a person as beautiful as a flower is considered nonsense by them.

Jia Lian feigned frustration and said no more.

Yet, she still felt a deep sense of admiration. When Baochai, Yingchun, and Tanchun sat together, they truly resembled a hundred flowers blooming in competition, each with its own unique charm.

No wonder Jia Baoyu was unwilling to waste time trying to obtain official rank and preferred to stay at home with his sisters all day.

Who wouldn't be confused by such a scene?

It was only through Jia Lian's strong will that he was able to resist temptation and return to his true self.