Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Chapter 709 A Short Rest at Xiaoxiang Pavilion

Jia Lian dismounted in front of the Ningguo Mansion, and two servants immediately came forward to remove his armor and put on a plain robe that had been prepared beforehand.

Jia Lian casually picked up a mourning cloth, tied it around his head, and strode into the mansion. He went to Jia Jing's mourning hall, lit incense for Jia Jing, and learned from Xiao Xichun, who was keeping vigil, that You Shi had returned to the mansion.

Upon arriving at Ningxuan Hall, they did not see Lady You, but only Qin Keqing holding and playing with Jia Heng.

"Where is my sister-in-law?"

"I don't know. They said they were going to visit the old lady, but I don't know why they haven't come back yet."

Qin Keqing smiled as she looked at Jia Lian. She had just seen Jia Lian talking to Xi Chun from afar in the front yard. It seemed inappropriate to talk to Jia Lian in front of everyone, so she figured that Jia Lian was probably coming to Ningguo Mansion to see the two children, and that's why she had come here early.

Jia Lian took Jia Heng from Qin Keqing's arms, and was about to kiss her when she dodged away in disgust. Jia Heng frowned and said haughtily, "Second Uncle smells bad..."

Qin Keqing saw Jia Lian's startled expression, as if he had thought of something. She took a step closer, sniffed slightly, and then smiled, "Second Uncle, why did you drink so much wine? You smell strangely strong, and you've even made the children drunk."

He then carried Jia Heng back with him.

Helpless, Jia Lian sat down alone in a chair and casually said, "I had a few drinks with the soldiers in the army."

The recent training camp of the firearms battalion has successfully concluded, and a grand reward should have been given. However, due to the national mourning period, it is not appropriate to publicize anything. Furthermore, since today is Jia Lian's birthday, at the strong insistence of the generals, Jia Lian prepared simple wine and drinks to reward the soldiers in the army, and he himself drank a few extra cups.

After teasing Jia Heng for a while and not hearing Jia Lian speak, Qin Keqing looked back and saw that Jia Lian's face was gloomy. She guessed that he was probably exhausted, so she put the child inside the crib and went to Jia Lian's side. While massaging Jia Lian's shoulders and loosening his bones, she said softly, "Uncle, the important matters outside are certainly important, but you must not overwork yourself. Uncle is still young and has plenty of time to do those things in the future. If you ruin your health now, not only will Aunt Feng be heartbroken, but it will also be an unbearable loss for the country and the family. I hope Uncle will understand."

Qin Keqing was never a shallow woman, and her words made Jia Lian feel quite pleased.

He took her delicate hand and patted it lightly to show that he was listening, and then let the beautiful woman's soft and boneless body sit in his lap.

The beauty had a face as smooth as jade and eyes that sparkled. Dressed in white, she exuded a captivating blend of allure and innocence, making one yearn to peel away her outer shell and plunder the pure white flesh within.

He eventually realized that such temptation was just the norm, and he managed to suppress the impulse. He simply lowered his head, ignoring the smell of alcohol on his body, and sealed the beauty's fragrant lips.

After a series of deep kisses, he finally let go of her.

The beautiful Qin was already delicate and alluring, her eyes misty. She looked up at Jia Lian and suddenly said, "When Mother-in-law came back today, she asked about things at home and learned that Uncle had taken care of everything. Mother-in-law was extremely grateful."

She also said that today is her uncle's birthday, and although it is inconvenient to make a big fuss about it due to various reasons, we should take this opportunity to prepare a small feast to thank him, as that is how we show our appreciation.

If Uncle is free, I'll go downstairs to prepare now. Tonight, my mother-in-law and I will definitely offer Uncle a few toasts to express our gratitude…”

Qin Keqing spoke slowly and deliberately.

Jia Lian had no doubt about her sincerity, and he could easily understand the other layer of meaning subtly revealed in her words.

It was a sensual invitation between them, one that they understood implicitly without needing to say it aloud.

However, Jia Lian still shook his head and refused: "No need. Things are in a mess here right now, and sister-in-law has had a long journey. It's not appropriate to trouble you. We can talk about thanking her later."

In addition, I have already instructed Ping'er to prepare wine and dishes, and to invite the sisters of my family to come and have some fun in my courtyard tonight. If you and your sister-in-law are free, please come over and have a drink with us.”

Hearing Jia Lian say this, Qin Keqing had no reason to refuse, so she could only nod and say "Alright," and then watch Jia Lian get up and leave the room.

……

Stepping from Huifang Garden in Ningguo Mansion into Grand View Garden

Perhaps he was indeed a little tipsy, because Jia Lian did not linger and went directly from the path at the foot of Longcui Mountain to Yihongyuan Avenue, preparing to go home to rest.

But as they approached Qinfang Bridge, they saw Zhen Yuhuan and her maid Manxue walking gracefully towards them.

Jia Lian stood still, waiting for the two of them to come forward.

Where are you headed?

When Zhen Yuhuan saw Jia Lian, her face lit up with obvious joy. She quickly stepped forward and, upon hearing Jia Lian's question, smiled and said, "Sister Xiangyun sent someone to say that the flowers are in full bloom somewhere, and asked Sister Lin and me to go admire them. Sister Lin was too lazy to go, so I went alone..."

As Zhen Yuhuan spoke, she stepped forward and teased, "Brother, you've come to see Sister Lin, haven't you? It's good that I'm not here, so I won't disturb you and Sister Lin's private conversation, hehe..."

Seeing her radiant smile, Jia Lian also smiled. This girl's personality is quite different from Daiyu's; she's more lively... no, actually Daiyu is also very lively, but her liveliness has a long cooldown period and the triggering conditions are random...

Thinking of Daiyu, Jia Lian indeed had the idea of ​​going to see her first.

Although Zhen Yuhuan was joking, her words were not unfounded. Zhen Yuhuan lived in Xiaoxiang Pavilion and ate and slept with Daiyu. Although the two got along fairly well, it somewhat affected his ability to connect with Daiyu emotionally.

At first, things were fine. When Jia Lian went to see Daiyu, this girl knew to give way.

Since they became familiar with each other, especially after the last misunderstanding and clearing things up, Jia Lian could clearly feel that this girl was taking him, her "sworn brother," more and more seriously.

As a result, when he went to see Daiyu again, if he didn't run into her, so be it; but if he did, she wouldn't avoid him anymore. Instead, he would habitually stand by as a cheerful third wheel, making it even more difficult for the already shy Daiyu to express her true feelings in front of him.

He had initially thought the girl was unintentional, merely wanting to get closer to him, so he didn't feel comfortable blaming her. But hearing her say this now, he realized she wasn't oblivious; on the contrary, she was doing it on purpose.

He shook his head, told her to be careful when playing with the crazy girl Xiangyun, and not to get too wild and bump into things, and then headed towards Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

"etc."

Just as they were about to pass each other, Zhen Yuhuan called out to them.

Zhen Yuhuan faced Jia Lian, staring at him for a long time. Suddenly, she took out an embroidered handkerchief from her sleeve, stepped forward, tilted her head back, and gently wiped Jia Lian's mouth.

"My sworn brother is so careless! He didn't even notice he had rouge on his lips. If Sister Lin sees it, he'll have no way to explain himself..."

She spoke with such earnestness, her movements so natural. She was clearly a young girl not yet adolescence, yet her demeanor already possessed a certain virtuous grace.

Jia Lian himself was somewhat dazed, for a moment feeling as if he really had a younger sister who cared about him.

But he knew, ironically, that she wasn't. And looking down at her beautiful face, so strikingly similar to Daiyu's, inhaling the fragrance emanating from the young woman so close to him, he could still clearly recall the feel of those tender lips, the soft, sweet scent beneath her delicate clothes…

Zhen Yuhuan herself was unclear why she had acted so boldly, especially in front of her maid. Her words seemed more like an explanation for her actions.

But faced with Jia Lian's somewhat astonished yet profound expression, she finally lost her footing. Her eyes lowered, her pretty face flushed, and she withdrew her hand, ready to retreat.

Suddenly, she felt a strong arm encircle her back, and then her petite body pressed against Jia Lian's chest.

Before she could react, a large hand patted her on the back, and then Jia Lian's voice came from beside her ear: "Thank you, little sister."

55.

Before she could react, she felt her whole body being loosened.

She was dizzy and looked up at Jia Lian, only to see him smile and say, "Go ahead."

Feeling both shy and embarrassed, she nodded blankly and then hurried away.

She hadn't walked far when she couldn't help but turn back. Seeing Jia Lian still watching her, she quickened her pace and soon disappeared at the end of the road.

Jia Lian remained standing, a smile on his face. He thought to himself how truly endearing this girl was; no wonder she was so pampered at home. It was a pity…

Stopping his wild thoughts, Jia Lian turned around and told Aqi and Aqin behind him to go back and rest first, while he himself walked towards Xiaoxiang Pavilion alone.

When they arrived at Daiyu's boudoir, they didn't see her, but Zijuan quickly came over.

"Where are your girls?"

"The young lady said she felt a little tired, so she just had hot water boiled and is taking a bath now..."

"A bath?" Jia Lian murmured, seemingly lost in thought, and unsteadily plopped down on the soft couch where Daiyu usually read.

"Please have some tea, Second Master."

Zijuan poured a cup of tea and presented it to Jia Lian with both hands. Seeing that Jia Lian took it but didn't drink it, only staring at her, she involuntarily took a step back.

After all, Jia Lian had bullied her more than once or twice, and now that the young lady was not around, there was no one to protect her. If Jia Lian wanted to do something to her, how could she resist?

Fortunately, although Jia Lian's gaze was somewhat unfriendly, he did not suddenly attack or hurt anyone. He simply took a sip of tea, then lay down on the couch, giving a commanding order: "I've been walking for half a day, and my legs are a bit sore. Come and massage them."

"Yes."

Zijuan walked over and saw that Jia Lian's eyes were indeed closed. She then obediently knelt by the bed, picked up her delicate fists, and gently massaged Jia Lian's legs.

Daiyu rarely allowed her to serve her like this, but Zijuan had already learned these basic skills back when she was in Grandmother Jia's room. Therefore, her movements were very light, her technique was very professional, and she was even a little cautious.

She was afraid that Jia Lian's request for her to massage his legs was a pretense, and that he was really just using the opportunity to take advantage of her. It wasn't that she didn't want to be taken advantage of by Jia Lian; after all, she had served Daiyu with loyalty and had long since made up her mind to follow Daiyu for life. Given Daiyu's loyalty to Jia Lian, she was certain that she would be with him for life, so she was also destined to serve them in the future.

But precisely because of this, she could not have an affair with Jia Lian before Daiyu officially married him and before Daiyu gave her consent.

This is disloyalty to Daiyu. This is a lesson she painfully learned after Jia Lian repeatedly held her hand and kissed her, arousing her heart to flutter with desire.

Therefore, she was determined to avoid Jia Lian and absolutely could not be suspected of seducing her master.

Having mentally prepared herself, Zijuan naturally kept glancing at Jia Lian's face. Then she quickly realized that she might have been deluding herself.

Jia Lian showed no intention of taking advantage of her; on the contrary, he seemed to be asleep. This was finally confirmed when Jia Lian suddenly pulled his legs away from her hands, turned over, and lay on his side.

Zijuan was a little stunned, and could only sigh helplessly, "Second Master must be too tired."

So he stood up, took the small quilt that Daiyu often used, and draped it over Jia Lian.

"What's wrong with him?"

Suddenly, Daiyu's voice came from behind, startling Zijuan, who had just finished tucking in the blankets and couldn't help but steal a few glances at Jia Lian's face.

Turning around, she saw that it was indeed Daiyu and Xueyan who had come in. She quickly lowered her voice and said, "Second Master must have been tired. He lay down here and fell asleep in no time."

"Asleep?"

Daiyu approached with some suspicion. Jia Lian frequently visited her Xiaoxiang Pavilion, but this was the first time; he had even fallen asleep while waiting for her.

She glanced at Zijuan to make sure she wasn't lying, and Daiyu seemed a little annoyed, but finally said, "Since he's asleep, don't disturb him."

After saying that, he led Zijuan and Xueyan into the inner room to change their clothes.

A moment later, Zijuan and Xueyan took Daiyu's clothes to wash, while Daiyu came out alone and sat down next to Jia Lian.

Seeing Jia Lian wrapped in her blanket, sleeping soundly, even the weariness between his brows had quietly dissipated, she watched him silently for a while. Then she reached out and tucked the blanket back in, and finding that this had not woken Jia Lian, she felt a pang of heartache.

She knew that the master of the eastern mansion had passed away, and there must be many things to take care of. Moreover, Jia Lian always remembered his promise to her, and no matter how busy he was, he would come to see her every two days to talk.

Therefore, although she didn't care much, she knew that Jia Lian had a lot of work to do outside. He had to handle so many things, both inside and outside the company.

To be honest, Daiyu didn't understand why Jia Lian worked so hard to serve the emperor and why he tried so hard to be the "parasite on officialdom" that Jia Baoyu talked about.

Many times she thought of persuading Jia Lian, but she held back.

Ultimately, she was unwilling to use Jia Lian's affection for her to interfere with him, and she didn't want to be seen as an immature woman by others. Even though she knew that Jia Lian might not blame her.

She couldn't be like Sister Feng, always considering Jia Lian's needs and trying every means to protect his future; she wouldn't and didn't like it.

She knew in her heart that Jia Lian was a very opinionated person and didn't need her to be a "wise wife" to help him devise strategies. He only needed her to support him silently.

Thinking of all this, Daiyu couldn't help but reach out and stroke Jia Lian's cheek, wanting to wipe away all his worries. But fearing she might disturb his sweet dream, she only touched him lightly before withdrawing her hand, getting up, and walking away.

After feeding Ah Jiao (the chubby squirrel), I leaned against the window and looked at the parrot...

Looking back at the soft couch, Daiyu's heart gradually became restless.

Why isn't he awake yet?

Although Jia Lian frequently visited Xiaoxiang Pavilion, he would never stay there alone for too long, out of consideration for Daiyu's feelings and to avoid gossip. He would only stay there when Zhen Yuhuan, the three sisters (Daiyu, Daiyu, and Daiyu), or others were present, composing poems together.

Therefore, Daiyu was used to Jia Lian coming to Xiaoxiang Pavilion, talking to her, and at most playing a game or two of chess before leaving.

Who would have thought things would turn out like this today... Could he have slept through the night?

If that were the case, not to mention what the servants in the courtyard would think, even Ping'er and the others in Jia Lian's own courtyard would probably come looking for the source of the sound.

If she finds out that Jia Lian "slept" in her room, how will she save face? It'll be incredibly embarrassing. She's not even married into the family yet; logically, she's just a cousin. How can a cousin sleep in his cousin's room?

She wanted to wake Jia Lian, but couldn't bring herself to do it. So, after silently waiting for several "half-quarters of an hour," seeing that Jia Lian still hadn't woken up, Daiyu finally made up her mind.

She walked to the guqin she had placed under the west window, gently plucked the strings, and a melodious "ding" sound swept out.

Daiyu finally smiled. She glared resentfully at Jia Lian's back, who was still occupying her study, and thought to herself, "I didn't call you. I was just playing the zither in my own room. If I woke up on my own when I heard the music, then I can't blame him."

Who told you to sleep like a lazy pig!

Thus, the melodious sound of the zither quickly spread throughout the Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

The maids and servants in the courtyard who heard the zither music assumed that Master Lian was appreciating Miss Lin's music again. They thought they were a perfect match, a match made in heaven, and their taste was so elegant.

Little did they know that the melodious music was merely something Miss Lin used to wake up the sleepy Master Lian.

……