Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Rongguo Mansion.

After seeing her brother and sister-in-law off, Sister Feng returned to Rongqing Hall and saw Madam Wang sitting in a chair with a smile, receiving people's kowtows.

Only after asking did I learn that it was because Grandmother Jia really liked Aunt Xue's niece Baoqin, so she ordered Lady Wang to adopt her as her goddaughter.

Sister Feng stepped forward and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Madam! Congratulations! After our Imperial Concubine, you have another wonderful daughter!"

Lady Wang was also very happy. Although it was Grandmother Jia's order, she also felt that Xue Baoqin was really rare and beautiful. So after serving tea, she hugged Xue Baoqin and cherished her, as if she had really gained a daughter.

Unfortunately, Grandmother Jia couldn't stand it any longer and intervened, saying, "Qin'er, come here."

Xue Baoqin obediently got out of Lady Wang's arms, walked up to Grandmother Jia, and said sweetly, "Grandmother~"

That single, clear child's voice was enough to unleash a torrent of maternal love from Grandmother Jia.

She gently stroked Baoqin's delicate little hands, then turned to Aunt Xue and said with a smile, "I really adore this girl. Aunt, would you be so kind as to let her stay with me for a few days to keep me company?"

Aunt Xue said, "It's her good fortune that the old lady dotes on her so much."

Grandmother Jia then asked Xue Baoqin with a smile, "Little girl, would you like to stay here with me?"

Before Baoqin and her brother arrived, they had been instructed by Aunt Xue to know Jia Mu's status and position.

She was pleased to receive such treatment and obediently nodded in agreement.

Grandmother Jia was delighted and readily agreed, quickly instructing Yuanyang to prepare bedding and other items, saying that Baoqin would sleep with her that night.

(Please remember the website 20 ...

Seeing this, the Jia family members below couldn't help but feel jealous.

The last time Grandmother Jia showed such affection for a younger generation was when Daiyu first went to the capital.

Regardless of what others thought, after holding Baoqin in her arms, Grandmother Jia glanced at the daughters of other relatives and nodded secretly.

They all look good.

So he laughed and said, "I've always enjoyed lively gatherings. It's rare to have so many distinguished guests here today, so let's all stay together and have a good time."

Madam Shao, Madam Xing's sister-in-law, had come to the capital with her husband and daughter to seek refuge with Madam Xing, and upon hearing this, she readily agreed.

However, Li Wan's widowed aunt, Madam Li, said that she had already arranged for a house to be set up in the city and that it would be inconvenient to bother her too much.

However, since Grandmother Jia insisted on keeping her, Li Shi had no choice but to agree to stay.

It turned out that Li was traveling to the capital with her two young daughters when they happened to run into Wang Ren, Feng Jie's brother, and Xing Zhong and his wife.

The three families, all related by blood, came together and traveled together.

Meanwhile, Xue Ke from Jinling, whose father had betrothed his younger sister to the Mei family in the capital, was about to send her to the capital for her marriage. Upon hearing that Wang Ren and his entourage were entering the capital, he hurriedly took his younger sister, Xue Baoqin, and followed them.

After arriving in the capital, they found Aunt Xue to settle them in, and Aunt Xue then took the two siblings to the Jia family mansion to pay their respects to their elders. Just then, the Wang, Li, and Xing families all arrived at the Rongguo Mansion for a visit, so all four families ended up together.

No wonder Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang were so happy.

Just then, the other ladies in the garden arrived upon hearing the news. After exchanging greetings, Xing Xiuyan and Xue Baoqin both stayed by Daiyu's side, taking her hand in theirs.

"Sister Lin!"

Daiyu was also quite pleased and replied, "Sister Xing, Sister Baoqin, why did you come together?"

Everyone was amazed when they saw this and hurriedly asked how the three knew each other.

Daiyu then briefly recounted how, before she arrived at the Rongguo Mansion, she had met Xing Xiuyan at Xuanmu Mountain in Suzhou under the guidance of Jia Lian, and how she had become acquainted with Xue Baoqin in Jinling City the previous year.

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia couldn't stop smiling: "Good, good, good! This will make things even more harmonious, hehehe..."

The three sisters and the others found it unbelievable. Tan Chun even pulled Daiyu aside and said, "I remember Miaoyu saying that she used to study Buddhism at Xuanmu Panxiang Temple in Suzhou. Could it be that you all met at that time?"

Daiyu nodded and pointed at Xing Xiuyan with a smile: "She is Miaoyu's top disciple."

Tan Chun was both surprised and delighted upon hearing this. Having so many young ladies visiting was already a joy enough; wouldn't it be even better if they could also compose poems?

Although Miaoyu's personality is not entirely likable, the sisters in the Grand View Garden all admire her talent and taste.

Since Xiuyan is Miaoyu's disciple, she must also be quite talented.

He laughed and said, "What a coincidence! People from all over the world like us have all gathered here today!"

Then, he pulled Daiyu and the others aside to discuss how to revitalize the poetry club...

"Second Master Lian has arrived."

Suddenly, a maid's voice announced something outside, and the hall fell silent as everyone turned to look at the door.

As the maid lifted the curtain, the dashing Jia Lian slowly entered.

Apart from Grandmother Jia and two or three others, everyone else, whether host or guest, stood up, and many even took a few steps forward to greet them.

Despite being stared at by so many women, young and old, Jia Lian showed no fear whatsoever.

With a quick glance at the four young girls beside the three sisters, Jia Lian stepped forward and bowed to Grandmother Jia.

Grandmother Jia seemed somewhat surprised by Jia Lian's arrival and asked, "What brings you here?"

"I heard that the old lady had a rare guest, so I came to see."

Grandmother Jia straightened herself up and said, "Ever since your master went south, the responsibility of welcoming guests has been yours to bear."

I only did this on your behalf because you're so busy. Now that you're here, you should greet your elders.

Despite what Grandmother Jia said, Li and Shao, who had already humbly stood up, dared not wait for Jia Lian to come forward to pay his respects. They both took the initiative to show Jia Lian a kind smile.

Grandmother Jia pointed to Madam Shao and said, "This is your eldest mistress's sister-in-law. She has come all the way from Suzhou to the capital to visit your mistress."

"I've met your aunt."

"No, no, my lord, may you be well..."

After bowing, Jia Lian looked at Xing Xiuyan beside Shao Shi and said with a smile, "So many years have passed since we parted in Suzhou. I never expected that Sister Xiuyan would grow into such a beautiful young lady."

Back when they were at Xuanmu Mountain, Xing Xiuyan was just a little girl of about ten years old. Now, four or five years later, she has grown into a graceful young woman.

Jia Lian's words made Xing Xiuyan feel slightly embarrassed. She gracefully stepped forward to greet him, saying, "Xiuyan greets Second Cousin Lian."

Their familiarity reminded Grandmother Jia of what Daiyu had said earlier, so she nodded and then introduced Li Shi.

"This is your sister-in-law Zhu's aunt, and her two cousins."

"I've met Aunt Li and my two younger sisters."

Although Li was Li Wan's aunt, she looked very young.

Moreover, she was not as reserved as Shaw Brothers, and returned the greeting with the most standard etiquette of a noble family, and then took her two daughters' hands.

Her two daughters looked to be about twelve or thirteen years old, both slender and delicate.

The two sisters looked alike, both with exquisitely sculpted features, like two beautiful flowers, captivating at first glance.

"Li Wen greets Your Excellency."

"Li Qi greets Your Excellency."

Jia Lian glanced at the two sisters briefly and felt that it was worth taking the time to come and see them.

Just as Qingwen said, Li Wen, Li Qi, Xing Xiuyan, and Xue Baoqin really were like four scallions picked from a bunch.

Absolutely pleasing to the eye.

Seeing that Grandmother Jia was about to introduce Xue Baoqin and her brother, Jia Lian greeted them in advance.

"Brother Xue Ke, Sister Baoqin, we meet again."

Faced with Jia Lian's familiarity, Xue Ke was still a little shy, but Xue Baoqin took the lead and said with a very natural smile, "What Second Brother Lian said is true. It's been a year since we last saw each other after you and Sister Lin returned to the capital last year. I miss you and Sister Lin so much."

Xue Baoqin was already young. Not only was she the youngest among the four beauties of the day, but even if you included all the other beauties in the Grand View Garden, she was only slightly older than Xichun.

Coupled with her rare and extraordinary appearance, and her open and generous way of speaking, everyone found her adorable and endearing, making it difficult for them to feel any dislike or harshness towards her.

Jia Lian was also amused by her bright smile and adorable appearance. Looking at the little maid who walked up to him, he almost couldn't resist reaching out and patting her little head in front of Sister Feng, Baochai, and Daiyu.

"How is your mother?"

Hearing Jia Lian's question, Xue Baoqin's smile faded slightly, and she said softly, "My aunt is unwell, and we came to the capital this time to find a good doctor for her..."

Baoqin knew, of course, that the main reason for her trip to the capital was her marriage. But even if she were generous, she wouldn't mention it in public, so she only responded with this remark.

Jia Lian, however, overheard a hidden meaning.

Baoqin only said that Lady Zhuang was unwell, and then said that we were going to the capital. It seemed that the Second Madam might also be coming to the capital.

It wasn't a good time to ask, so Jia Lian just smiled and said, "You don't need to worry too much about this. I happen to know a few renowned old doctors in the capital."

When I have some free time, I will prepare generous gifts and invite them to come south for a medical consultation.

Those in the Jia family who knew Jia Lian weren't surprised by his words.

The guests, including Li and Shao, were somewhat surprised. If Jia Lian wasn't just saying this casually, then he was being a bit too eager to help others.

Beijing and Nanjing are thousands of miles apart. Under normal circumstances, which good doctor would be willing to travel so far just to save a complete stranger?

Perhaps it was because of Jia Lian's status that others couldn't afford to offend him, which is why he reluctantly agreed.

But this would also strain Jia Lian's reputation and energy. Is it worth going to such lengths for just one relative?

Regardless of what others thought, the Xue siblings were deeply moved.

Xue Ke immediately knelt down and kowtowed in gratitude, saying, "I am here to thank you for your kindness, Brother Lian."

Seeing Xue Ke so moved, Jia Lian realized that Zhuang Shi was probably quite ill.

No wonder they were in such a hurry to send Baoqin to the capital. The Mei family already had the intention to break off the marriage, and now that she, their legal mother, is dead, they probably have even more reason to delay and change their minds.

Jia Lian helped Xue Ke up and said, "Brother Xue, there's no need for this. It's all what I should do."

After the conversation ended, Jia Lian also sat down.

Although his presence made the atmosphere in Rongqing Hall less lively than before, it didn't take long before everyone started chatting again, led by Grandmother Jia and others.

Jia Lian then looked at Xing Xiuyan and her daughter, and asked, "Does your family intend to stay in the capital permanently or only for a short time?"

Upon hearing Jia Lian mention this, Madam Shao said with some shame, "To be honest, young master, the reason we came to the capital this time is because we ran out of work in the south, which is why we decided to come to the capital to seek refuge with his younger sister."

As she spoke, Mrs. Shao glanced ingratiatingly at Mrs. Xing beside her.

Madam Xing merely frowned slightly at this, offering no further comment.

Jia Lian had already guessed it when he saw that Shao Shi and Xing Xiuyan's clothes and decorations were as simple as they had been back then.

To be honest, he was a little worried back then because with his, and especially Daiyu's, financial support, the Xing family would settle down in Suzhou and not go to the capital in the future.

After all, Liu Ban'er's family was able to improve their situation and live a better life because Sister Feng gave Granny Liu twenty taels of silver.

But back then, the money he and Daiyu gave to Xing Xiuyan and the Xing family was far more than twenty taels of silver.

Unexpectedly, the Xing family remained destitute.

It seems that Xing Zhong and his wife are indeed not the type to scheme.

But that's perfect. Jia Lian thought for a moment and said, "Then I wonder if Uncle Xing has already found a job in the capital?"

Mr. Shao was even more ashamed: "Not yet..."

Jia Lian laughed and said, "Since that's the case, I happen to own a winery that's short of labor. If Uncle Xing doesn't mind, why don't you come and help out at my place for a while?"

"Furthermore, my eldest uncle and aunt will stay in the mansion for now. I'll send someone to find a suitable house to rent outside, and then my eldest uncle's family can move in. That way, they'll have a home in the capital."

"Not at all, not at all, it's just that this is too much trouble for you..."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's arrangement, Madam Shao was deeply moved.

If they hadn't been so desperate to make a living, why would they have chosen to go to the capital?

After all, they hadn't corresponded with Madam Xing for many years, let alone met her.

Frankly speaking, Xing Zhong knew that he and Madam Xing didn't necessarily have much of a brother-sister relationship.

They had thought that Jia Lian had been so kind to them back then, and perhaps Madam Xing, having been a titled lady for so long, valued relationships even more.

That's why they rushed over.

However, when Xing Zhong met Madam Xing in the east courtyard just now, he also frankly expressed his intention to seek refuge with her.

But Madam Xing remained indifferent, neither refusing nor agreeing.

In fact, any smart person would know that the other party had no genuine intention of helping them.

Reality, however, prevented them from upholding their dignity, forcing them to merely put on a smiling face. After all, given Madam Xing's current immense wealth and status, even a little favor out of politeness would be enough for them to survive in the capital.

Later, when she was introduced to Rongqing Hall and saw the highly respected yet hospitable Grandmother Jia, Shao's hopes were rekindled.

Sure enough, Jia Lian solved all their family's problems with just two sentences after he appeared.

In her excitement, Shao even wanted to kneel down before Jia Lian.

At this moment, in her eyes, Jia Lian was the most noble, the friendliest, and the best person in the world.

Madam Xing, standing nearby, looked at Shao's unambitious appearance with some disdain.

It wasn't that she couldn't afford to help her elder brother's family; it was just that she didn't consider Xing Zhong to be her brother at all.

In her heart, her only true brother was her own brother Xing Dequan (the one who was kicked out of the Jia family temple by Jia Lian).

She looked down on Xing Zhong's impoverished family.

She was greedy and had no kindness, so she naturally wouldn't show any enthusiasm for Xing Zhong's offer of refuge.

However, she was still happy to see Jia Lian lend a hand.

After all, Jia Lian was nominally her son, so his actions were naturally out of her goodwill.

Moreover, Jia Lian's ability to take care of her family naturally pleased her, making her feel that it showed respect for her as a stepmother.

Just as Jia Lian sat in the hall, chatting idly with his elders and occasionally glancing at his sisters filling the room, Aqin pushed aside the barrier, walked to his side with a serious expression, and whispered in his ear, "Master, the princess just sent word that Consort Li has passed away!"

Jia Lian's expression froze on his face.

"What's wrong?"

Although Jia Lian was a junior, his every move was under everyone's watchful eye.

Grandmother Jia noticed the silence and looked over.

Jia Lian stood up, took a deep breath, and cupped his hands to Grandmother Jia, saying, "Something has happened, I'll go out and take a look."

After saying that, he gave Aqin a look and then led her away from Rongqing Hall.

Outside, Aqi was also waiting. After confirming the authenticity of the news from them, Jia Lian couldn't help but sigh deeply.

He didn't care whether Consort Li lived or died.

But it just so happens to be today.

Jia Lian had no doubt that it was because of what happened that morning!

Although he was still the victim in what happened that morning.

However, even ordinary people have the worry of being angered by others, let alone emperors?

What if Emperor Ningkang thinks that Consort Li's death is related to him?

If such a matter were to cause resentment between him and Emperor Ningkang, thus ruining his years of planning, Jia Lian would feel truly wronged.

That damned old hag, even in death she can't give us peace of mind!

She went back to her room to change her clothes, but Sister Feng followed her back furtively.

"What happened?"

Seeing Feng Jie'er's suspicious yet concerned expression, Jia Lian didn't want to hide it from her and told her the truth.

Sister Feng was naturally shocked, but thankfully she didn't know that Jia Lian was also involved in this matter, so she didn't say anything.

Jia Lian then said, "The imperial court's obituary may arrive soon. You can tell the old lady and the others in advance so that they can prepare to go to the palace to pay their respects."

Also, make arrangements for the guests at home as soon as possible, so you don't make any mistakes in the rush.

"Okay, what are you going to do?"

"I'll go to the yamen first and give them some instructions. At this time, we can't let the people below cause any trouble."

"Yes, yes, you've thought of everything so thoroughly. I'll make the arrangements to keep the servants in the manor more obedient."

Sister Feng has a proper attitude when facing important matters.

After she came to her senses, she looked at Jia Lian with deep affection and respect. Sure enough, the heartless one was more thoughtful; she hadn't even thought of what to do at this moment, but he had thought of it immediately.

Little did she know Jia Lian's considerations.

What Jia Lian was thinking was that he needed to be extremely cautious and careful in the future, so as not to give Emperor Ningkang the slightest chance to take his anger out on him.

Just as he stepped outside, before he could even mount his horse, Lin Zhixiao rushed over, his face grave, and whispered, "Second Master, the Empress Dowager just sent word that Consort Li has passed away!"

Jia Lian simply nodded upon hearing this.

Very good, with these two women in the palace, he has nothing to worry about.