Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

In Jia Lian's courtyard, Xiangling took off her outer garment, revealing her slender figure. She climbed onto the heated kang (a traditional heated brick bed), straddled Jia Lian's waist, and bent down to massage her master's shoulders and back with her hands, which were used to holding poetry collections, to relax his muscles and improve his circulation.

"Hmm~~"

A soft, pleasurable groan escaped from Jia Lian's mouth as he lay prone.

Seeing this, Qingwen chuckled. With a deft flick of her wrist, she used a bamboo skewer to pick up a piece of cut fruit and brought it to Jia Lian's lips, coaxing, "Second Master, open your mouth, ah~"

Jia Lian, who was in a good mood, glanced at her sideways, but didn't mind that she dared to speak to him in a tone that coaxed a child. He opened his mouth and took the freshly cut fruit from the pretty maid.

"Is it sweet? Second Master asked us to wash the fruit and come back to eat, but he's been gone for so long, making us wait for so long."

Qingwen complained, but didn't really care. Seeing that Jia Lian was squinting and clearly didn't intend to answer her, she laughed and said, "Hehe, Second Master, you're back so early today. Is it because you've finished your business outside? From now on, you won't have to rest at home as much as before?"

Faced with Qingwen's questioning, Jia Lian casually replied, "Things in the capital have eased up a bit, but don't even think about taking a break. Tomorrow morning, I'm going to Tianjin. It will take at least seven or eight days, and I'll be back before your second mistress."

"You and Xiangling prepare a few sets of clothes for me to change into, and have someone send them out to Zhao'er."

Jia Lian currently holds three official positions.

Needless to say, the West City Military Command, although a dirty and tedious government office with only a bunch of incompetent underlings, is a government office with real power.

As the saying goes, "to meddle in other people's business."

Fortunately, he had been in the position of commander for several years and was very familiar with everything, so he didn't have to worry too much.

The remaining positions of commander of the firearms battalion and adjutant of the Tianjin naval force are what are currently consuming the most of his energy and what he cares about the most.

One force consisted of several thousand soldiers, primarily armed with firearms, stationed in the capital. This was a force that could not be ignored in the central government, and Jia Lian could not afford to disregard it; he had to cultivate it diligently.

The other one, though less important, was also a preliminary preparation and foundation he laid for conquering the stars and the sea in the future, and it should not be ignored.

It's been over a month since Aunt Xue tricked me into returning to Beijing, so it's time to go to Tianjin and see what's going on there.

He actually wanted to slack off a bit, taking advantage of Sister Feng's absence to stay home more often and indulge in romantic escapades with the ladies, and to engage in some tense and exciting little activities with the lovely Wanwan.

However, considering the current treacherous political situation and the crucial period of his own career, if he were to slack off now and find that his sword was not sharp when he needed to "use it" in the future, wouldn't he be losing more than he gained and regretting it too late?

So he could only comfort himself that there would be plenty of opportunities and time in the future.

How could Qingwen know Jia Lian's inner thoughts? She only heard that Jia Lian was going to Tianjin again tomorrow, and immediately started pouting.

"Why is Second Master like this? We finally get a little free time, why are you in such a hurry to go to that damn Tianjin? Can't you stay home a few more days!"

Seeing that Qingwen seemed to be throwing a tantrum at Jia Lian, Xiangling quickly said, "Sister Qingwen, don't be anxious. Second Master has his reasons for doing this. We just need to listen to Second Master and prepare what he needs. We don't need to worry about anything else."

"Go away, that'll make you seem sensible. You're the only one who's good, okay?"

Qingwen rolled her eyes at Xiangling, but in reality, she was merely using her spoiled attitude to test whether Jia Lian really wanted to go to Tianjin. How could she not know that she had no right to interfere with what Jia Lian did?

In fact, just like Sister Feng, she couldn't wait for Jia Lian to have more and more success in his external affairs and to rise higher and higher in rank. This would not only bring glory to Jia Lian himself, but also benefit those around him.

So, after retorting to Xiangling, and seeing that Jia Lian was still squinting and enjoying Xiangling's massage without showing any sign of scolding her, she couldn't help but laugh.

He picked up a handkerchief and wiped the juice that had spilled from Jia Lian's mouth, then continued to feed Jia Lian his favorite fruit as if nothing had happened.

A little while later, Jia Lian sat up, rubbed his shoulders and felt much more relaxed. All the energy he had used up in Daoxiang Village had returned.

Therefore, he praised Xiangling and took the fruit basket from Qingwen. Without washing his hands, he picked up a bright red fruit that looked somewhat like a large cherry and stuffed it into Xiangling's mouth.

Seeing her shy and bashful expression as she chewed with her little mouth bulging, Jia Lian found it very pleasing.

Unexpectedly, she noticed someone beside her looking jealous. Turning around, she saw Qingwen say quietly, "I knew Second Master was biased. People prepared fruit and waited for Second Master in this room for half a day, but Second Master didn't seem to care. Now he only cares about Xiangling."

Jia Lian flicked her head, then picked up the fruit again, laughing and scolding, "Stop being so sour. If you want some, come over here."

Qingwen, who had pretended to cover her head, turned from angry to happy and eagerly tried to lean her head in to receive the fruit.

Since she was sitting sideways on the footstool by the kang (a heated brick bed), which wasn't very convenient, she switched to kneeling, stretched her neck, and snatched the fruit from Jia Lian's hand in a flash, then ate it with a smile in a few bites.

She didn't expect that she herself was born with a bright and beautiful appearance. Now, kneeling like this, with her hands on the edge of the kang and her neck stretched out to receive food, her expression was very similar to that of the little squirrel in Xiaoxiang Pavilion... no, the once nimble little squirrel when it received food from Daiyu.

They were all so cute and clever.

Jia Lian was somewhat stunned by what he saw. It wasn't until Qingwen seemed to notice and tried to get up that Jia Lian hurriedly said, "I've eaten enough. You sit still, and it's my turn to feed you."

With Jia Lian holding her shoulders down, Qingwen became obedient.

But Jia Lian still felt it wasn't enough, so he told Xiangling to go down and sit down with him.

So Jia Lian sat up straight, cross-legged on the kang (heated brick bed), and began to feed the two little ones who were kneeling side by side on the floor in front of him, one fruit at a time, with great pleasure.

Gradually, Qingwen and the other woman seemed to have figured out Jia Lian's interests.

Xiangling, from a young age, was always blushing and submissive. Qingwen, however, was becoming increasingly bold and unwilling to be teased all the time. Taking advantage of Jia Lian's lingering index finger on her lips and tongue after feeding her, she snapped her pearly teeth and fresh lips together, intercepting the uninvited guest.

Before Qingwen could succeed in her plan and cast a smug look at him, she suddenly heard a "thump thump thump" sound from behind.

"Father, Father~"

The petite young lady with two braids ran in quickly, her upturned face originally aimed directly at Jia Lian.

Suddenly noticing Qingwen and Xiangling's little mouths moving, she instinctively looked at the fruit basket that Jia Lian had placed on his lap, pouting, "Is Daddy feeding Qingwen and Xiangling fruit? Qiao'er wants to eat delicious fruit too! Qiao'er wants Daddy to feed her!"

Jia Lian's heart had already melted from his beloved daughter's repeated calls of "Daddy," and he was about to bend down and pick her up.

But then he saw Qiao Jie, who had already run up to him, kneel down next to Xiang Ling with a "plop" and look at him expectantly.

It turned out that Xiaoqiao saw her two older sisters kneeling in a row and thought that this was how they could get food from their father, so she imitated them.

Qingwen had already loosened Jia Lian's grip when she noticed Qiao Jie'er coming in.

Seeing Jia Lian's face beam with joy upon seeing his daughter, Qingwen, who had originally intended to get up and move aside, was surprised.

Who would have thought that Qiao Jie would kneel down in a row with them without saying a word?

Therefore, Qingwen was not in a hurry to leave.

Although she often sensed that Jia Lian doted on her and spoiled her, even more than he would his own daughter, there was no way to compare.

Now we'll see if Second Master truly cares for them or if he's just pretending.

Therefore, Qingwen also imitated Qiaojie'er, gazing expectantly at Jia Lian.

Qingwen didn't get up, and Xiangling, who was caught in the middle, also couldn't get up, so she stayed with her.

So, the three little girls, two adults and one child, knelt in a row, looking up at Jia Lian, all of them obedient, cute, and eager to be fed.

Jia Lian felt as if he were raising three obedient daughters.

With a slight smile, unaware that Qingwen was testing him out of jealousy, he did not show favoritism and happily continued feeding the animals in order.

Just as they were enjoying themselves, they suddenly heard a maid's voice announcing something from outside.

"Miss Yun, Miss Qin and the Third Miss have arrived."

Upon hearing the commotion, Qingwen and Xiangling hurriedly got up to prepare to receive them. Only Qiaojie remained unconcerned, her bright, dark eyes still fixed on the basket, looking to see if there were any fruits she liked to eat.

Jia Lian simply stuffed the bamboo fruit basket into her hands, then picked her up and kissed her.

Two- or three-year-old daughters are the most well-behaved and adorable. Jia Lian had rarely spent time with his daughter before, and he was worried that if she grew up in a couple of years and became more resilient, she wouldn't be as sweet and clingy as she was now.

We should take this opportunity to get to know each other better.

"Second brother."

"Brother Lian Er..."

Accompanied by a fragrant breeze, several young girls filed in.

When Jia Lian looked up, the first thing that caught his eye was Xiangyun, who always wore a red dress.

She was still as energetic and energetic as ever. After entering the room, she darted over in just a few steps.

Following closely behind her were Baoqin and Tanchun, hand in hand.

The three girls are all still quite young; the eldest, Tan Chun, is only thirteen years old this year—they are definitely three little girls.

But these three young maids were all exquisitely beautiful, each with a captivating charm. Especially Baoqin, who was half a head shorter than Tanchun and was being led by the hand, even Jia Lian couldn't help but steal a few glances at her every time they met.

Her beauty is so striking it's almost unreal, like an elf who stepped out of a painting.

"What brings you little girls here?"

Jia Lian held Qiao Jie in one arm and gestured for them to sit wherever they liked with the other.

From the moment Xiangyun entered, her attention was entirely focused on the well-behaved and adorable Qiao'er. Without any hesitation, she stood directly next to Jia Lian and bent down to tease Qiao'er.

"Qiao'er, what's so delicious to eat? Can you give one to Aunt Yun?"

Qiao Jie was not stingy at all. Following Jia Lian's example, she grabbed a fruit from the basket and stretched out her hand to feed Xiangyun.

Upon receiving this gift, Xiangyun was overjoyed and devoted herself entirely to Qiaojie, completely forgetting the purpose of her visit.

Tan Chun glanced at her a few times, and had no choice but to step in herself and say, "The peach blossoms in the garden are about to bloom, and it just so happens that the poetry club will be opening soon."

We consulted with our sister-in-law and unanimously decided to hold a Peach Blossom Society gathering. We wanted to ask if our second brother Lian would be available to attend…”

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian immediately burst into laughter.

As a veteran of the Begonia Society in the garden, although he was often absent, he still knew about the society's situation.

Except for impromptu meetings initiated by someone, the 2nd and 16th of each month are the fixed days for the society to open.

March is just around the corner, the season when peach blossoms are in full bloom. Their choice of this theme is quite timely and appropriate.

So he smiled and asked Qingwen, who was serving tea, "Where is Ping'er?"

"Sister Ping'er has gone to the kitchen."

Jia Lian nodded and said to Tan Chun, "Starting a Peach Blossom Society is a good idea. I will instruct your sister Ping'er to fully assist you in the preparations. You know Ping'er's abilities, so just tell her any good ideas you have."

As for me, I'm afraid I won't be able to attend. That's perfect, you guys can ask for leave for me in front of my sister-in-law."

Although it was expected, Tan Chun and the others still showed disappointment when they heard Jia Lian say this.

Even Shi Xiangyun couldn't bother teasing Qiao Jie anymore. She stood up, looked at Jia Lian, and said urgently, "It's not difficult to ask for leave for you, but it's been so long since you participated in the poetry club. You don't seem like a member of the Begonia Club anymore."

Moreover, this time it's not just about holding a poetry club. The third day of the Lunar New Year is my third sister's birthday, and we all agreed to hold the poetry club event on the third day together with my third sister's birthday celebration. It'll be more lively and easier.

How could you not come on such an important day?

Jia Lian was taken aback, then remembered that the third day of the third month was Tan Chun's birthday, and hesitated for a moment.

Although a little girl's birthday is nothing special, he has always admired Tan Chun's personality, and this little girl has always been close to him.

Now that none of his elders are alive, he really wants to personally organize her birthday celebration.

Seeing that her words had worked, Xiangyun immediately pressed her advantage: "Also, Baoqin and Xiuyan are both newcomers to the garden, and this is their first poetry club. As a veteran member of the poetry club, how can you not be here at this time?"

As they spoke, Xiangyun kept giving Tanchun and Baoqin meaningful glances.

Although they might not be able to read Xiangyun's eyes, as girls, Tanchun and Baoqin instinctively understood what they should do in order to achieve their goals to the greatest extent possible.

Baoqin stared at Jia Lian with her big, bright, watery eyes, her expectation evident in them.

Tan Chun gently tugged at Jia Lian's sleeve. When Jia Lian looked over, she put on a pitiful expression, almost as if she was about to whine or beg for mercy.

Seeing this, Jia Lian smiled helplessly to himself.

It seems his sisters have figured out his temperament; they know his weaknesses and are now addressing them accordingly.

After a moment's hesitation, Jia Lian said, "I really didn't have time... You can ask her if you don't believe me."

Jia Lian pointed to Qingwen, who was standing to the side after serving tea.

Qingwen smiled and said, "Second Master really didn't lie to the young ladies. He just instructed us to prepare a few sets of clothes to send out, saying that he's going to Tianjin tomorrow."

Tan Chun and the others felt a chill in their hearts upon hearing this, yet they also keenly sensed the room for maneuver in Jia Lian's words. Therefore, they looked at Jia Lian expectantly again.

Sure enough, meeting their gazes, Jia Lian smiled and said, "However, since it is the birth of my third sister's son, I must find a way to be there and personally toast her."

The three of them were immediately overjoyed. Xiangyun couldn't help but grab Jia Lian's arm, asking in surprise, "So, Second Brother Lian has agreed?"

Jia Lian smiled and nodded.

The journey from Tianjin to Beijing is only half a day, but Jia Lian has already decided that even if it's tiring, he will rush back to celebrate Tan Yatou's birthday.

For a girl in her teens, each birthday celebration in her private quarters is one less she can enjoy.

"Haha, Sister Lin was right after all. As long as Third Sister is here, Second Brother Lian will never refuse."

Overjoyed that the task was completed, Xiangyun plopped down on the kang (a heated brick bed) and said with a laugh.

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian's heart skipped a beat. He thought, "So it was Daiyu who gave me this idea. No wonder I fell for it so easily."

Tan Chun felt a little embarrassed and blushed. When she saw Xiang Ling next to her, she immediately had a way to divert her attention.

She smiled and pulled Xiangling over, saying, "We've come here not just to invite Brother Lian, but also to invite you, Lin Xiaoxiang's esteemed student."

Xiangling was slow to react, and it took her a while to realize what Tanchun's smile meant. She quickly waved her hand and said, "Miss, please don't joke with me..."

"How can you be joking? We've all read the poems you wrote before, and they're better than most of ours."

Thanks to Hengwu's recommendation, everyone unanimously agrees to your joining the society. We've come here to formally invite you to join us.

"No, no, I can't..."

Xiangling's little face turned completely red, and she shook her head like a rattle drum.

Although she was studious, she had once sat at the table with Jia Lian and others, composing poems together.

But the members of the Begonia Club were all young ladies from wealthy families, so how could she have the courage to go in and play with them? Moreover, she knew that her talent was limited. After studying with Daiyu for so many years, she still felt that her poetry skills were far inferior to Daiyu's.

Xiangling has been in the household for many years now. As a favored maidservant of Jia Lian, she is never arrogant because of her favor, and everyone likes her very much.

Tan Chun had a deep understanding of her personality.

She held Xiangling's hands in her hands and said earnestly, "There's nothing wrong with it. This is something that everyone in our Begonia Society agrees on. Or are you saying you don't want to join the society and play with us?"

"No, no, of course I...would...it's just..."

Xiangling was completely speechless. Of course, she was very willing and eager to join the Begonia Society and play with the talented and tasteful girls in her family.

Otherwise, she wouldn't be so diligent, often hiding away in secluded places to compose words and sentences.

In reality, she was simply envious of the young ladies in her family who were all skilled in poetry. Especially after the young ladies established a poetry club in the garden last year, often gathering together to drink and compose poems in a carefree and elegant manner, she longed for it even more.

She never expected that she would actually have the opportunity to join the poetry club and play with the distinguished young ladies. She was so surprised and overwhelmed that she was a little at a loss for words.

Tan Chun could see through Xiang Ling's thoughts, so she didn't make her humble, and decisively said with a smile: "Alright, there's no 'but' about it. Since you're willing to join us, you can come with Brother Lian when the time comes."

By the way, you don't have a nickname yet, do you? You should think of one for yourself these next few days.

Xiangling didn't know what to say. Her face was conflicted. She looked up and saw that everyone, including Jia Lian, was smiling approvingly at her. Only then did she feel more confident. After hesitating for a long time, she replied with a single word: "Okay..."

Only Qingwen slightly pursed her lips at this.

The clever girl seemed to have noticed that Xiangling, her childhood friend, was showing signs of breaking away from her and integrating into a higher social circle.

She was powerless to stop it, and could only think sourly to herself, what's the point of doing all that fancy stuff? It's much more fun to learn to play cards with me.

……

In Daoxiang Village, Li Wan, who was once again sitting in front of her dressing table, heard a commotion at the door and got up to check.

Then I saw my precious son, dressed only in a light-colored undershirt and trousers, with a simple belt around his waist. He wasn't wearing an outer robe and was carrying a horn bow on his back as he walked over from that direction.

Li Wan immediately asked, "You've just finished dinner, where are you going again?"

Jia Lan walked up to Li Wan, bowed respectfully, and said, "Second Uncle Lian instructed me to go to the martial arts training ground tonight to practice martial arts and archery with him."

Li Wan frowned. Her son returned in the evening, carrying a bow, which he said was a gift from Jia Lian.

Upon further questioning, she naturally learned that her son had spent the afternoon playing at Jia Lian's martial arts training ground.

She initially thought this was just a random excuse Jia Lian made up to send his son away, but she never expected that Jia Lian actually intended to teach his son martial arts.

In this peaceful and prosperous era, martial arts training is far less promising than studying. Especially since she only has one precious son, she is unwilling to let him suffer the hardships of martial arts training.

However, out of consideration for Jia Lian, she couldn't directly object, so she looked at her son and said, "Since your second uncle asked you to go, why are you dressed like this? Isn't that impolite?"

Jia Lan glanced at his undergarments and was a little embarrassed. He said, "I saw that Uncle Lian's personal guards were all wearing tight-fitting clothes when they practiced martial arts, but I don't have such clothes, so I am dressed like this."

Li Wan then recalled that when they lived outside, Jia Lian would return home every evening after practicing martial arts without wearing an outer garment. Especially when the weather was hot, he would only wear a vest, revealing his broad chest and strong arms…

"Mother?"

Li Wan snapped out of her reverie and subconsciously asked again, "Then what about the homework your teacher assigned..."

"I finished the homework assigned by the teacher early this morning."

At this moment, Jia Lan could tell that his mother didn't seem to want him to go out, so after answering, before Li Wan could find another excuse, he bowed deeply and said, "It's getting late, and I can't keep Uncle Lian waiting any longer, so I'll take my leave now."

After saying that, Jia Lian strode away quickly with steady steps.

Li Wan was left standing on the corridor, hesitant to speak.