Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

The scale of the funeral procession at Xiling on the second day, the number of people, and the solemn and grand scene need not be elaborated upon.

It is said that after Grandmother Jia and Sister Feng left, the entire Rongguo Mansion immediately became empty.

After Li Wan ordered a batch of fruits and vegetables from the main kitchen and had them delivered to the small kitchen in the Grand View Garden, she walked back to the garden and felt that everything was quiet and deserted.

On the path where you could usually bump into someone every few steps, there wasn't a single person in sight.

It wasn't until we reached the entrance of Sister Feng's courtyard that we heard bursts of laughter, faintly accompanied by the voices of children.

Li Wan stopped and asked Su Yun beside her, "I heard that the Marquis has been leaving the city every day lately, leaving early and returning late?"

Su Yun replied, "It seems so. I heard from the people in their courtyard that ever since Second Mistress Lian left the capital, Second Master Lian has been going out very early every day and not returning until very late."

"Um."

Li Wan nodded and said to Su Yun, "You go back first, I'll go in and check on Qiao Yatou."

Su Yun had no suspicions, bowed, and left.

Feng Jie's courtyard was indeed not as deserted as other places. As soon as Li Wan entered the courtyard, she realized that the sounds she had heard earlier were coming from the west wing.

Without even looking, one could guess that it was Qingwen, that little vixen, leading a group to play cards. Moreover, Jia Lian and Feng Jie's daughter, Qiao'er, should also be among them, because she heard the maidservants teasing Qiao'er, making her giggle.

Not wanting to disturb their fun, Li Wan hesitated for a moment before heading towards the main room.

The main room was quiet.

Upon entering the side room, one sees Ping'er, dressed in a light blue dress, sitting on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed) doing needlework.

Ping'er was very serious about her work, and it wasn't until she looked up to look for something that she saw Li Wan watching her at the door. She quickly called out, "What brings you here, Madam!"

He was about to get up and greet them.

Li Wan stopped her, walked over and looked at the insoles with exquisite embroidery in Ping'er's hands, then glanced at the stack of insoles on the stool next to her, all the same size and style but with different patterns, and couldn't help but ask, "What are you making all these insoles for?"

Ping'er knew Li Wan was modest, so she wasn't too formal and smiled when asked, "Our Second Master often goes out, so we make extra replacements."

Li Wan picked up a pair of insoles, feeling the superior material and the fine stitching, and sighed, "It's so kind of you to put so much effort into this. Your master and mistress are so lucky to have a maid like you."

Ping'er was a little embarrassed by the praise. "Actually, I rarely do needlework for Second Master. Most of the things that Second Master uses are made by Qingwen. Second Madam and I only do some occasionally."

Upon hearing this, Li Wan's heart skipped a beat, and she said, "When I came in just now, I heard a lot of noise coming from the west wing. I suppose Qingwen is playing cards with someone in there again?"

"Hehehe, that's right. Ever since Second Madam left the capital, Second Master has been busy with important matters outside, and she has nothing to do all day long, so she can only invite people to play cards to pass the time."

"Aren't you going to do anything about it?"

Ping'er was taken aback, then laughed and said, "I would like to interfere, but I can't and have no way to do so."

Grandma doesn't know how much our Second Master dotes on her. Even when Grandma is home, he doesn't pay much attention to her, let alone me.

Fortunately, although this girl was a bit playful, she was sensible and never let her playfulness cause trouble. She was also quick and efficient, doing things better than others, and over time, even the Second Mistress tolerated her.

Upon hearing this, Li Wan remained silent for a long time.

She couldn't understand how Jia Lian could spoil a maid to this extent, and how everyone in the courtyard, big and small, was used to it.

Ping'er knew what Li Wan was thinking, and her stepsister laughed, "Madam, you don't need to find it strange. Speaking of our courtyard, Qingwen is not the only special maid."

Grandma Xiangling also knew that Xiangling was clearly a well-behaved and seemingly clueless person, yet she loved reading.

When her second master and mistress were away, she would lock herself in her room and read every day, not going anywhere. These past two days, Qingwen brought people back to play cards, which must have disturbed her. But instead of arguing with Qingwen, she would take her books and go to the Xiaoxiang Pavilion in the garden every morning. She said it was a quiet place to read and convenient to ask Miss Lin for advice.

Hehehe, we all laughed at her, saying she'd definitely become the top scholar in the imperial examination someday.

Ping'er spoke casually and comfortably, and Li Wan smiled as she listened.

Compared to Qingwen, a maid, who was involved in a group of people playing cards in her master's courtyard, Li Wan found Xiangling's love of reading much more acceptable.

She even admired Xiangling for this.

With her looks and temperament, and her willingness to read and understand, she might have a bright future.

Just as Li Wan and Ping'er were chatting idly, they suddenly heard Qiao Jie'er crying outside. Ping'er's expression tightened, and she quickly put down what she was holding and came out to ask what was wrong.

"Sister Ping'er, it was Little Sister who accidentally tripped and fell..."

"Oh, what happened? Did you fall? Are you hurt?"

"No, no, it's just a dent on my forehead, not even a broken skin..."

Although the maid said everything was alright, Ping'er still rushed to the west wing to check on the situation.

Li Wan also went over to take a look and confirmed that there was nothing wrong. Seeing that the whole courtyard was making noise because of Qiao Jie'er's bumps and bruises, she had no time to pay attention to anything else. Li Wan stood on the corridor for a while and then silently left.

Walking alone into the garden, gazing at the empty yet beautiful scenery, Li Wan hesitated for a moment before choosing to head towards Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

"Where are your daughter and Miss Zhen?"

"Just now, the Third Miss came over to invite our Miss and Miss Zhen, saying that the peach blossoms at Qinfang Gate are in bloom and she wanted them to come and see them."

Hearing the maid's words outside Daiyu's room, Li Wan did not enter. She gave a few instructions, such as taking good care of Daiyu and Zhen Yuhuan, and telling her to send someone to inform her if she needed or lacked anything, before leaving.

On the way back, I suddenly saw a person sitting on a rock reading by the stream under the bamboo forest outside Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Upon closer inspection, wasn't it none other than the bookworm Xiangling?

The bright spring sunlight filtered through the gaps in the bamboo and bathed her in its glow, accompanied by the gentle sound of flowing water, creating a truly beautiful scene.

Li Wan couldn't help but stop and look a few more times before finally walking away.

Upon returning to Daoxiang Village, Li Wan first went to her son Jia Lan's room.

Not seeing anyone, Fang asked the maid who was dozing off in a recliner outside.

The maid, startled awake, hurriedly said, "Lan-ge'er has finished his homework and gone out to play with his homemade bow and arrows."

Upon hearing that her son had gone out to play again, Li Wan subconsciously showed displeasure. Finally, when she heard that he had finished the homework she had assigned before leaving, Fang Ximei immediately decided to send someone to bring him back.

Turning to leave, he suddenly turned back to the maid and said, "Nothing to do today. If you're sleepy, go back to your room and rest. What if you fall ill sleeping here?"

After saying this, Li Wan ignored the maid's reaction, who was both touched and ashamed, and turned back into the main room.

Li Wan's widowed aunt had important business to attend to in the capital, and she had taken her daughter back to her parents' home these past two days, leaving Li Wan with no one to talk to.

After changing her clothes, she sat in front of the dressing table and looked at her clearly delicate face in the mirror, which was as dull as withered wood. Feeling gloomy, she subconsciously took out an eyebrow pencil from her dressing case to touch up her eyebrows.

Suddenly she remembered that this eyebrow pencil was one of the makeup items that Jia Lian had brought back from Jiangnan and assigned to her, and she held it for a long time without moving it.

After a long while, he gave up dejectedly.

If there was no affection, why did you disturb us in the first place?

If there were any affection between you, why are you now so distant?

Ultimately, those with ill fate are destined to have a life of misfortune.

……

On Ningrong Street, Jia Lian dismounted and went straight home.

"Second Master, why are you back so early today? Have you had lunch yet?"

Ping'er carried Qiao Jie'er to the corridor and looked at Jia Lian with a happy expression.

"I ate outside the city."

Jia Lian took his daughter from Ping'er's arms. Seeing the tear stains on her little face, he couldn't help but ask what was wrong.

Ping'er then told the story of how the little girl had accidentally tripped and fallen while running away.

Jia Lian didn't care much. Children are naturally active, and bumps and bruises are common, so he naturally wouldn't be as harsh on the servants as Sister Feng.

He held his daughter in his arms and comforted her until she giggled, then handed her back to the maid in charge.

Entering the inner room to change, Jia Lian was surprised to see Qingwen there as well. He couldn't help but smile and ask, "What's wrong? Didn't you go out to play cards today?"

Qingwen laughed and said, "What Master Qiao said makes it sound like all he does is play cards. It's just that Master Qiao isn't home and he has nothing to do, so he plays occasionally..."

Qingwen felt a little guilty. Actually, it was because Qiaojie had fallen in the west wing, but fortunately she was not seriously injured.

Even so, some timid people dared not stay in such a dangerous place and hurriedly made excuses to run away.

When there are fewer people, the game naturally falls apart.

Jia Lian was just teasing Qingwen casually. To him, Qingwen was a beautiful young woman, naturally lovely and loyal to him, who willingly stayed at home every day waiting for him to come home. All she had to do was enjoy playing cards. What was there to criticize?

So he pinched her cheek and asked about Ping'er's family situation.

Ping'er said that everything at home was normal. Li Wan was temporarily managing the household affairs, and Aunt Xue was also watching over the young ladies in the garden, so nothing had happened.

"Oh, by the way, Grandma came by just now."

"Oh, what's she here for?"

"He didn't seem to have anything to say; he just said a few words to me and then left."

Since Jia Lian and Ping'er hadn't discussed anything important, Qingwen, who was helping Jia Lian put on his clothes, said ingratiatingly, "Someone brought in a lot of fresh seasonal fruits this morning. What would you like to eat, Master? I'll go wash them and serve them to you, okay?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian knew that the girl was probably just craving something sweet.

"Pick the ones you like, wash them, and we'll eat them when I get back."

Jia Lian picked up Qingwen and kissed her rosy, tender cherry lips. Turning his head, he saw that Ping'er's face was flushed, so he stood still and pointed to his own face.

Ping'er had no choice but to put down the clothes she was holding, walk over to Jia Lian, kiss him, and then watch the satisfied Jia Lian stride away.

Seeing this, Ping'er and Qingwen knew that their second master was probably going to the garden first. And, most likely, he was going to see Miss Lin.

Ping'er and Qingwen guessed correctly; Jia Lian did indeed enter the garden, and his first step was indeed to Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Xiaoxiang Pavilion is built by the water, and is quiet and elegant.

Having visited countless times before, Jia Lian walked confidently into Daiyu's room.

Ha, in the middle of the day, this girl is actually hiding inside taking a nap.

Jia Lian walked over and looked at Daiyu, who was lying carelessly on the couch with one of her snow-white arms half-exposed outside the quilt. Her sleeping posture was far from the demeanor of a fairy. Jia Lian couldn't help but smile.

Without saying a word, he picked up her delicate arm and tucked her into the blanket.

During this time, the fairy's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and as she turned slightly to the side, a soft moan escaped from her cherry lips.

Jia Lian was delighted upon hearing this and couldn't help but lean forward.

His original intention was merely to take a light peck while Daiyu was asleep. Unexpectedly, the touch was so delightful that it was intoxicating, and Jia Lian became a little greedy. He thought that since Daiyu usually wouldn't let him kiss her, he might as well get his revenge now, with interest.

It is human nature to crave more after getting what one desires, and Jia Lian was no exception.

Having taken hold of her cherry lips, she tried to clench her teeth. After clenching her teeth, she then wanted to roll her fragrant tongue. Once she rolled her tongue, she seemed to have lost her mind, unwilling to let go at all!

Even the deepest sleeper would have to be woken up by his actions. Besides, the lovely girl on the bed wasn't sleeping soundly either, and she quickly sensed his intrusion.

By the time Jia Lian realized something was wrong and tried to leave, it was too late.

Feeling guilty, he kept his eyes fixed on Daiyu's small face. This served two purposes: firstly, to better appreciate her beauty and enhance his spiritual enjoyment; and secondly, to keep an eye out for her waking up.

Suddenly, a pair of tender, watery eyes snapped open and stared straight at him. Jia Lian, who had been deep in enemy territory for too long, had no time to retreat.

A hint of embarrassment crossed Jia Lian's face, so he simply gave up on retreating.

Anyway, this girl is already his, and it's not like they haven't kissed before!

Determined to strike before Daiyu could react and kick him, Jia Lian decided to collect one last bit of interest, hence his sudden and violent movements, which even appeared rough.

Seeing this, the girl he had been bullying finally seemed to realize what was happening, and she started to wriggle. A pair of seemingly weak arms emerged from under the covers and pushed him away.

Such resistance was negligible to Jia Lian.

What pleased Jia Lian even more was that he soon discovered that Daiyu was too lazy to even put up such resistance. Not only did her body gradually relax, but she even began to respond to him.

At first, Jia Lian was pleased, thinking that Daiyu had finally figured things out and was no longer too reserved, or that she had missed him too much and was now acting on her feelings to give him a chance.

Jia Lian, who harbored such thoughts in his mind, naturally did not hold back. Driven by male instinct, he soon went beyond simply satisfying the beautiful woman's jade lips and fragrant tongue. Instead, he rolled over onto the bed, just like the night Qingwen offered herself to him, wantonly taking from her small body.

But Jia Lian is still Jia Lian after all. Although he was momentarily captivated by Daiyu's beauty and didn't think too much about it, he quickly realized something was amiss.

Admittedly, through his tireless efforts, he and Daiyu had become extremely intimate. Even when Daiyu was occasionally aroused, she would involuntarily allow him to take advantage of her.

But it shouldn't be that bad...

Jia Lian raised his head and looked at the delicate, beautiful woman beneath him, her bodice already stripped off, her arms wrapped tightly around him, and even after he looked up, she still couldn't help but want to tilt her head back and kiss him. Jia Lian's heart skipped a beat, and all his movements stopped abruptly.

The young beauty leaned forward and kissed Jia Lian twice. Noticing that Jia Lian was no longer reacting and was just silently watching her, she seemed to understand something. Her movements slowly stopped, and the blush on her face faded away at a visible speed.

But she still couldn't bear to let go of her hands and feet.

Jia Lian sat up abruptly on the edge of the couch, and after a long pause said, "You are... Yu Huan's maid?"

"Um……"

A gentle response shattered Jia Lian's lingering hope, leaving him in utter turmoil.

Why not...?

"Because I like you!"

A pair of slender, jade-like arms, familiar to me, wrapped around my back and then around my front, followed by the sensation of a delicate, jade-like body pressed against my back.

"I like my sworn brother. I've liked him ever since he lifted me out of that icy lotus pond. I like him a lot."

So, my sworn brother, you don't need to worry. It was all my own choice just now..."

His body was adorned with the delicate body of a beautiful woman, and the soft whispers of a beautiful woman reached his ears.

Jia Lian had no doubt that the beautiful woman on his back wasn't deceiving him. At this moment, if he turned around, this delicate beauty, almost identical to Daiyu in every way, might just be completely won over by him…

Jia Lian raised his hand, grasped the pair of jade arms that were clasped to his chest, and gently released them as the other person trembled. Then he stood up.

Looking back at Zhen Yuhuan on the fragrant couch, who seemed to be both expectant and shy, yet also puzzled, Jia Lian forcibly turned his head away and said, "What happened just now was my fault. I will certainly apologize to my sister another day!"

After saying that, Jia Lian simply turned and left.

On the couch, with her clothes disheveled, the delicate and beautiful Zhen Yuhuan watched helplessly as Jia Lian left. She opened her mouth, but ultimately couldn't bring herself to say anything to stop him.

In her youthful innocence, she was willing to give up everything for the person she loved, including her own innocence.

Although she now understood that Jia Lian had probably mistaken her for Daiyu, which was why he took advantage of her while she was asleep.

She didn't mind it; all she felt was a slight sense of loss and grievance.

Am I really that much worse than Sister Lin? Even after all this, why did my sworn brother still leave without looking back...?

After murmuring sadly for a while, Zhen Yuhuan suddenly blushed and raised her hand to touch her lips.

It's tingly and flaky, and it seems to still have the taste of my sworn brother!

"Oh, I'm so embarrassed..."

Zhen Yuhuan seemed to be thinking of something, let out a soft moan, lay down on the bed and wrapped herself in the quilt, turning over and over several times on Daiyu's bed.

It wasn't until much later that she crawled out again, carefully fastening her clothes, which had become increasingly disheveled from her movements, piece by piece, before crawling back into bed, her mind wandering to random thoughts...

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