Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

The night is deep and quiet, on the wide, long street.

The luxurious carriage moved slowly along the stone-paved road, making a creaking sound.

Inside the carriage, after supporting her back, Sister Feng couldn't help but snuggle closer to Jia Lian.

Noticing Jia Lian's arms tighten around her waist, she felt a surge of joy and sighed softly, "Ah, there are so many rules in the palace. The death of the Dowager Consort has made us all work ourselves to the bone."

Hearing this, Jia Lian, who was leaning against the carriage wall pretending to doze off, couldn't help but laugh and said, "What, you also feel tired? In the past, when there were important events in the family, you did everything yourself, even working through the night, wishing you could handle everything by yourself."

Are you already tired?

"It's different. At home I only have to give orders, but in the palace I have to be like a quail."

There are so many people in the palace. I'm just afraid that if I accidentally do something wrong and say the wrong thing, I'll become a laughingstock, and it will damage your reputation.

Wang Xifeng's voice at this moment sounded exactly like that of a spoiled wife coaxing her husband.

If the stewards and matrons in the mansion heard this, they would probably be utterly astonished.

Is this still the same triangular-eyed, living Yama?

Jia Lian, of course, also clearly sensed this change in Feng Jie, and was very pleased.

Not bad, not bad. All his years of painstaking guidance and transformation have paid off. This woman is finally moving in the direction of becoming more attractive.

Seeing that Jia Lian remained silent, Feng Jie continued, "It's alright that we have to go to the palace every morning and evening, but I've heard that the court has already issued a notice:"

All officials, both high and low, in the capital and those holding imperial titles, must accompany the Emperor to the Western Mausoleum for the funeral procession after the period of mourning has ended. This must not be refused or delayed without an imperial edict.

Although I've never been to Xiling, I've heard from other noblewomen that a round trip there takes at least half a month; one couldn't help but feel restless.

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian asked, "What's wrong? You don't want to go?"

"That's right, it's so far... and most importantly, you're not going..."

Jia Lian smiled and said, "In that case, I'll ask for a favor for you too. I'll say that you're ill and unable to accompany His Majesty to Xiling. There are so many imperial titles, one more won't make a difference. His Majesty will surely grant it."

Feng Jie's eyes lit up. She sat up from Jia Lian's lap, looked up, and asked, "Really? Is it feasible?"

Before Jia Lian could answer, Feng Jie herself began to hesitate again.

"If I don't go, the old lady, the first wife, and the second wife..."

"Our family has received imperial favor and is here to attend the funeral of the Dowager Consort. Surely we can't leave without a single person attending?"

Therefore, I'm only asking for your favor, and His Majesty probably won't be too angry. But if even the Old Madam and the First Madam claim illness and don't go, not to mention whether His Majesty believes it or not, it won't look good if the other residences find out."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, Feng Jie immediately said, "Then forget it. If I don't go, who will take care of the old lady and the others?"

"Isn't there also the eldest sister-in-law from the East Mansion?"

Sister Feng continued to shake her head.

Putting aside the fact that Lady You and their side were separated by a mansion, the fact that she feigned illness when she was perfectly healthy could deceive the emperor, but not Grandmother Jia and the others.

At that time, Grandmother Jia and others will surely have a lot of gossip about her.

Although her status is now vastly different from what it used to be, she doesn't want to create trouble for herself.

There are so many noble ladies in and out of the capital, she's not the only one suffering.

It's only a month, just hang in there and it'll pass.

At this moment, she suddenly felt a little envious of Jia Lian, who could stay in the capital openly and legitimately by virtue of his official business.

Seeing that Sister Feng was interested but still refused his suggestion, Jia Lian smiled and did not force her.

In reality, he didn't want Sister Feng to cheat or act cunningly at this time.

This time, Consort Li got what she wanted, and she died because she courted death. Although she deserved to die, the fact that she died at this juncture, during a sensitive period when the conflict between the Emperor Emeritus and Emperor Ningkang was escalating, makes everything seem unpredictable.

Jia Lian keenly sensed that Emperor Ningkang was harboring an overwhelming resentment.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have issued this decree.

In the past, even when the emperor or empress passed away, the palace would not usually make such a special emphasis on requiring all officials and noblewomen to unconditionally accompany the emperor to the funeral.

It is foreseeable that, apart from essential personnel maintaining the operation of the capital, no unauthorized individuals will be allowed to remain.

If one tries to cheat or shirk responsibility at this time, who knows if Emperor Ningkang will take it to heart and find a pretext to cause trouble in the future.

Therefore, it's best if Sister Feng doesn't agree to his proposal. Even if she were truly tempted, he would find a way to make her realize the consequences and force her to choose again...

Little did Feng Jie know that Jia Lian's suggestion was nothing but "hypocrisy," and she was even happy about Jia Lian's thoughtfulness and doting on her.

After the carriage wheels had been turning for quite some time, we finally arrived at Ningrong Street.

Feng Jie composed herself and prepared to get out of the carriage, but Jia Lian seemed to remember something, grabbed her, and then looked at Ping'er sitting next to her, saying, "Tonight, you and Ping'er will sleep together."

Sister Feng's beautiful phoenix eyes widened slightly, and she looked at Jia Lian with a hint of a smile, saying, "Oh, is it that the Marquis is going to meet some lover tonight?"

That's Sister Feng for you. When she's happy, she's all sweetness and tenderness, but once she gets serious, her sharp edges come out.

Fortunately, Jia Lian at this time was not the same Jia Lian as before. Not only was he not afraid of being hurt by her, but he also had the ability to completely cover her thorns and smooth them out.

Jia Lian looked at Feng Jie without any fear and said, "Today is Qingwen's birthday, and I originally planned to stay in the west wing. If you don't agree, then so be it."

A simple tactic of retreating to advance instantly froze Sister Feng's smirking expression.

Smacking her lips, Feng Jie, feeling bored, said sarcastically, "Well, it's rare that the Marquis has shown mercy and is finally going to deal with that little hussy. How dare I stop him?"

If you mention it to the old lady later, heaven knows what kind of scolding I'll get.

You don't need to argue with me. Now that you want to do something, do you think I'd dare stop you?

If you're even willing to discuss this with me beforehand, you're already showing me respect.

So don't even mention just staying in the west wing for one night. Even if you get tired of the two of us and want to stay in the west wing every day from now on, that's the Marquis's right. Would I dare say anything more?

Seeing this, Jia Lian didn't argue with Feng Jie. He simply pulled her soft body into his arms, kissed her forehead, and said softly, "You call me a scorpion, but aren't you one yourself?"

We've been through so much since I made this decision.

I believe I have already proven my sincerity to you, so I am not afraid to show you my true self, even if this image of me is not so bright and noble.

Because I know that no matter what kind of person I am, as long as I keep loving you, you will be like all the virtuous wives in the world, accepting and tolerant of me.

Your performance in recent years has convinced me that you are indeed capable of doing this.

Therefore, I insist that since we have become husband and wife, we should love each other deeply and without doubt.

If you're joking, that's fine. But if you truly doubt me and worry that I'll grow tired of you and abandon you, you're not only belittling all the sacrifices you've made for me over the years, but also betraying my affection for you.

Jia Lian spoke these words without thinking, but the more he spoke, the more uncomfortable he felt, as if he were possessed by Jia Baoyu.

But in this situation, he felt that only such cheesy sweet talk could appease Sister Feng.

Today is the first time, and if he can't handle it properly, how can his harem be peaceful when Daiyu and Baochai enter the family one after another!

Therefore, for the sake of long-term consideration, we must not use force to subdue Sister Feng at this time, but rather reason with her and appeal to her emotions.

Regardless of Jia Lian's true intentions, Feng Jie was completely bewildered and disoriented by his cryptic words.

At this moment, she once again regretted not studying more back then, which made her unable to understand Jia Lian's words at such a crucial time.

But I imagine they were all sweet nothings.

Sister Feng's face was flushed, and her heart was pounding. She couldn't remember the slight resentment she had just felt.

Her heart had already melted, and she only wished she could stay nestled in this man's arms for the rest of her life, listening to him occasionally say such heart-stirring words.

……

Just as Jia Lian was cleverly outwitting Feng Jie, the west wing of his courtyard was already empty.

Bao, Dai, and the others, who had been waiting impatiently, all left.

The maids in all the rooms had dispersed. Only Qingwen, Xiangling, and their respective maids managed to squeeze together a table.

But he was already losing interest.

"Second Master and Second Madam are back!"

A shout, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, exploded in the room.

Qingwen's heart suddenly started racing.

I wanted to rush out of the room, but my buttocks felt like they were glued on, and I couldn't move at all.

So she said to Xiangling, who was looking at her with surprise, "If Second Master wants to take a bath tonight, you can serve him. I'm not feeling well, so I won't go."

Are you feeling unwell?

Xiangling didn't ask the question aloud. Realizing what was going on, she nodded considerately and then went out with her attendant Huixiang.

"Sister Qingwen, are you really not feeling well?"

Once only the two of them were left in the room, Tan Yun opened her large, bright eyes and asked curiously.

It's strange. Just now when Qingwen was playing cards, she was full of energy and vigor, but suddenly she felt unwell.

Qingwen glanced at her.

The little maid that Jia Lian gave to her to serve was good in every other way, except that she wasn't very bright and wasn't as good at handling things as Xiangling's maid, Huixiang.

If it weren't for her cute appearance and my willingness to listen to her, she would have replaced her long ago.

"I just broke a sweat. Go get me a basin of hot water, then refill the tea stove before you go back to rest."

"Oh, okay, Sister Qingwen!"

After sending the maid away, Qingwen couldn't help but feel anxious and uncertain again.

Second Master, you should still remember the promise you made to her, right...?

This time, I probably won't lie to her again!

Hmph, if Second Master tries to coax her again this time, she'll never talk to him again.

Thinking of this, Qingwen stood up and began to ponder how she should present herself in the best way to Jia Lian when he came later.

……

Jia Lian, of course, did not forget his promise to Qingwen.

Although he felt that this naturally beautiful girl could be raised even more.

But the young girl complained several times that he wasn't treating everyone equally, so he had no choice but to comply.

After taking a quick bath, Jia Lian did not return to the main room. Instead, wearing only a thin robe, he stepped onto the west wing corridor.

"Second Master..."

At the end of the corridor, under the lamplight, the young girl looked so shy and timid, so endearing.

She looked up at herself, her beautiful eyes seeming to hold a thousand words, yet she was too shy to utter them.

Jia Lian stepped forward. "Why aren't you inside?"

"I...I'm waiting for you, sir..."

Qingwen couldn't finish her sentence; her voice was so low it was barely audible, like a mosquito's buzz.

Actually, after making all the preparations, she was afraid that Jia Lian would break his promise and become rich, so she specially stood on the corridor to keep watch.

Seeing Jia Lian actually come over, he felt both happy and apprehensive.

In short, the complexities of a young girl's heart are no less than those of facing an enemy on the battlefield.

However, what Jia Lian liked to see most was the shy and bashful appearance of a young girl.

He laughed and said, "Oh, wait for me? Wait for me for what?"

Qingwen's face turned even redder, though it wasn't very noticeable in the darkness of the night.

"I really like the little rabbit that Second Master gave me..."

He awkwardly changed the subject.

"Really? So, do you prefer little bunnies or men?"

Qingwen was slightly taken aback, then glared at Jia Lian with annoyance and said, "You like rabbits so much, Second Master is the worst."

"Hahaha……"

Jia Lian burst into laughter.

After the morning's mourning period, he went out of town and happened to run into a countryman carrying unsold rabbits home.

He thought that most of the young girls in his family liked cute little animals, and that Qingwen was no exception, so he decided to buy a pair and bring them back as a coming-of-age gift for Qingwen.

This shows more care than giving her gold and silver.

At this moment, he saw that Qiao Bi was dressed smartly, and beneath her exquisitely beautiful face was an undeniable girlish charm. Standing three steps away from her, he could almost smell the unique fragrance of a young maiden.

So he smiled and opened his arms, just like when she was a little girl and he let her jump up and hug him.

Qingwen immediately understood Jia Lian's meaning, and she glanced nervously at the main house.

Strangely, despite Jia Lian's carefree laughter just now, there was no reaction from inside the main room.

Not only in the main house, but throughout the entire courtyard, apart from the moonlight, there was no one else to be seen. Even her best friend and partner, Xiangling, was nowhere to be found.

The entire compound was eerily quiet.

With her shyness fading slightly, Qingwen slowly walked up to Jia Lian, but instead of jumping on him like before, she gently nestled into his arms amidst his gentle smile.

"It's windy outside, Second Master, why don't you carry her inside..."

Qingwen's actions made Jia Lian realize that this girl had really grown up and knew how to be shy.

I remember when we brought her back from Grandmother Jia's courtyard, she was only eleven years old.

At that time, Qingwen, though exquisite and intelligent, was still very much a girl.

Not only did she speak ill of Sister Feng to his face, but she also dared to wrap her legs around his waist and offer him a sweet kiss.

It all seems like yesterday; in the blink of an eye, the girl has grown into a graceful young woman.

His appearance remained the same, but now, he no longer needed the other person to jump on him.

Jia Lian lowered his head and easily placed a kiss on the girl's forehead. Then, under her gaze, which seemed to hold either shyness or anticipation, he picked her up and carried her step by step into the west wing...

After a while, Xiangling, who had tidied up the bathroom, also came back.

She tiptoed into the room, then peered through the partition between herself and Qingwen for a long time.

After confirming that her guess was correct, Xiangling turned around and sat on her small bed for a while in a daze before getting up and locking the door.

She didn't dare blow out the candles and attract the attention of the people inside. She left the candles lit, quietly took off her clothes, and crawled into bed, intending to get a good night's sleep and see if Qingwen would be as unable to walk as she had been the first time.

But she soon realized she was wrong, terribly wrong.

Putting herself in others' shoes, she assumed that Qingwen would be like her, and that when she was favored, even if she wasn't quiet, she would at least speak softly and unpleasantly.

who knows……

How can I possibly sleep now?

Xiangling tossed and turned under the covers for a long time before finally resigned herself to her fate and sat up like a walking corpse, staring blankly at the flickering lamplight on the cabinet.

……()