Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Chapter 715 A Gift of Love

After more than a month, Emperor Ningkang's imperial procession returned to the capital.

Upon returning to the palace, he did not have time to rest. Instead, he took a bath and recuperated before going to Chonghua Hall to pay his respects to the Emperor Emeritus.

The retired emperor seemed to have forgotten Ningkang Emperor's disrespectful behavior that day. He listened silently to Ningkang Emperor's arrangements for the past month and then praised him with a few words of approval.

"Now that your mother's funeral arrangements have been made, you can rest for a few days. There's nothing here that requires your care, and you don't need to come to pay your respects every day unless absolutely necessary."

If you truly wish to show your filial piety, simply kowtow outside the hall; I know all about it.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."

"Alright, let's go back."

The retired emperor calmly issued an order to leave.

Emperor Ningkang also turned to leave, but after taking two steps, he turned back and asked, "By the way, Father, it is now the turn of spring and summer. According to the rules set by our ancestors, all members of the royal family should go out of the city to participate in hunting, so as to prevent them from being too fond of pleasure and completely forgetting their skills in archery and horsemanship."

Your subject has already instructed the Crown Prince to prepare everything, and a large-scale hunt will be held in the Iron Net this year.

In addition to members of the royal family, some princes and ministers will also be invited to participate with their families, making it a rare and grand event.

The retired emperor nodded in agreement: "Yes, you can decide these matters."

"I wonder if Father will participate in the hunt this year?"

Although the retired emperor did not gain the throne on horseback, he had ruled for many years and considered his achievements to be comparable to those of his ancestors. Therefore, even after abdicating in his old age, he would still frequently engage in hunting activities in autumn and winter to demonstrate his martial prowess.

As for the annual spring and summer hunts, which were a tradition passed down through generations, he would generally not miss them unless he was truly unwell. He knew that if he didn't participate, the emperor and others would probably just treat it as a matter of ancestral custom and treat it as a perfunctory matter.

However, he was getting old after all, and no matter how unwilling he was to admit it, he knew that he could no longer handle horseback riding. He had experienced this firsthand a few years ago.

Therefore, he seemed somewhat hesitant when faced with the emperor's inquiry.

Emperor Ningkang said, "If Father is not in good health, I would not recommend that Father go. After all, the journey is quite long, and I am afraid that Father's body will not be able to withstand the back and forth."

"This year, let me, your son, take charge and lead the imperial clan members to complete this hunt."

The retired emperor was not really keen on going, but upon hearing Emperor Ningkang's suggestion, he became somewhat dissatisfied for some reason and grumbled, "Although I am not as good as I used to be, I can still walk a few dozen miles."

"I've been feeling rather stifled in the palace lately, so why don't I accompany you all for a walk?"

"Your subject obeys the decree."

……

When Grandmother Jia and the other women of the Jia family returned to Ningrong Street, they first went to Ningguo Mansion.

Greeted by You Shi and others, Grandmother Jia arrived at Jia Jing's mourning hall. Seeing Jia Jing's lonely coffin, she was overwhelmed with emotion.

Thinking that most of my generation has passed away, and now even the younger generation is leaving this world one after another.

Overwhelmed with grief, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, surnamed You, wept uncontrollably.

With Grandmother Jia leading the way, and Lady Wang, Lady Xing, and others also grieving, a gloom settled over the hearts of everyone who had endured a month of hardship outside and finally returned to the mansion, expecting some relief.

But this absolutely does not include Wang Xifeng.

As Sister Feng rode into the capital in her carriage, she was in high spirits.

Seeing that Grandmother Jia and the others were about to cry themselves to death, she persuaded Madam Xing and Madam Wang to send Grandmother Jia back to rest, while also looking around the Ningguo Mansion to see if there was anything she could do for them.

Realizing that everything was in order, he secretly thought to himself that he had underestimated Madam You before, and then went back to his residence.

Soon, the Rongguo Mansion, which had been in disarray due to the return of a large group of people, became orderly again under her leadership.

As the emperor returned to the capital, the crown prince led the civil and military officials who remained in the capital to welcome him, and Jia Lian was among them.

Although it was all just formalities, it still took quite a bit of time. Therefore, Jia Lian was unable to personally welcome Grandmother Jia and the others back to the mansion. Instead, he left the steward to take care of the arrangements.

By the time he managed to get away and return home, it was almost evening.

Rongqing Hall.

With the return of Grandmother Jia, the place once again became bustling with activity.

Following the instructions of his maid, Jia Lian arrived at the inner room of Rongqing Hall and saw that Grandmother Jia looked exhausted.

With the help of Yuanyang and her cane, she walked unsteadily out of the bedroom.

Jia Lian rolled up his robe, knelt down and kowtowed: "Your grandson is unfilial. Before leaving the capital, Second Uncle repeatedly instructed me to take good care of Grandmother."

However, due to official duties, I was unable to personally escort you to the imperial tomb, causing you physical and mental strain. This is entirely my fault.

Already exhausted from the journey, and having just cried because of Jia Jing, Grandmother Jia was in very poor condition. Lady Wang and others had just called a doctor to examine her.

Seeing Jia Lian greet her so formally and with such good manners, a look of comfort appeared on her face.

"Get up. You said it was for official business, which is a serious matter, so we can't blame you."

Though I am old, I can still distinguish this simple truth.

"Thank you for your understanding, ancestor."

Looking at Jia Lian, who stood up and became even more upright and imposing, Grandmother Jia couldn't help but nod.

"I've heard everything. During the time that your wife, Feng, and I were away, you took very good care of the house."

In this respect, you did a better job than your second uncle.

As Grandmother Jia spoke, she seemed slightly dazed. She was recalling how, in the past, when addressing younger generations like Lady Wang and Jia Lian, she would usually refer to Jia Zheng as "your master," while addressing Jia She as "Great Master."

There are very few exceptions.

It is unclear when it started, but in Jia Lian's mouth, Jia Zheng has been referred to only as "Second Uncle".

Now, even she has changed her tune.

I felt a little uneasy. I didn't know if this grandson had done it unintentionally or deliberately. Probably deliberately; he's always been a cunning person.

Grandmother Jia had no intention of competing with Jia Lian over such a trivial matter; she was quite satisfied with Jia Lian as he was now.

Putting everything else aside, at least half of the family's improved situation in the past two years can be attributed to him.

As for why it was only half, it was because she and Lady Wang, among others, believed that their careful upbringing of Yuan Chun, who was later elevated to the rank of Imperial Concubine and then to Noble Consort, was crucial and indispensable in making the Jia family relatives of the emperor.

Therefore, Yuan Chun and the others should also account for half. In fact, in the eyes of a few, such as Lady Wang, it was more than half.

Smiling, she asked Jia Lian a few questions about the family's situation over the past month. Suddenly, Grandmother Jia pulled Yuanyang, who was gently massaging her shoulders, to her side, patted her small hand, and said to Jia Lian with a smile:

"You just said you felt bad for not escorting me to the imperial mausoleum, but that's completely unnecessary."

Having this girl to take care of me is more useful than having a bunch of sons and grandsons!

For the past month or so, if it weren't for Yuanyang working tirelessly from dawn till dusk to take care of me, I'm afraid my old bones might not have made it through.

So, if you truly feel bad about it, please thank her properly for me and reward her, so that she will serve me even more diligently in the future. That will be considered as you fulfilling your filial duty.

Yuanyang was secretly watching Jia Lian when she was suddenly pulled to the front by Grandmother Jia. She was flustered, thinking that she had been caught slacking off at work by looking at handsome men.

Hearing Grandmother Jia say this, she quickly shook her head and said that it was all her duty and she couldn't accept it.

Because of what Grandmother Jia said, Jia Lian turned his attention entirely to Yuanyang.

It's been over a month since I last saw her, and this girl seems to have grown even more beautiful.

Ignoring Yuanyang's attempts to refuse, he placed his palms together, braced his arms forward, and bowed deeply to her, saying with a smile:

"Thank you very much, Miss Yuanyang. With Miss Yuanyang being so considerate in front of our ancestor, she is truly better than any of us children and grandchildren. Miss Yuanyang deserves my respect."

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Yuanyang could only blush and turn her head away. She took a small step back and hid beside Grandmother Jia.

Seeing this, Grandmother Jia was even more pleased and said, "Why are you just talking nonsense? Now that you are a marquis and have made a fortune, how can you not show some real results?"

Jia Lian shook his head and smiled, then took a piece of jade from his waist.

He himself didn't particularly like wearing these fancy things, but he knew that these things could indeed come in handy in social interactions.

Therefore, he would often intentionally wear some items on his person. He didn't care how expensive they were; as long as he wore them for a while, when he gave them away, he could say that they were items he had "worn for many years" and "loved very much."

Once they had given away most of the items they had, they asked Qingwen to make some more knots and string together a new batch.

"Yuanyang, take it! I'm sure a marquis like him wouldn't send anything of poor quality," Grandmother Jia urged.

Yuanyang then walked over, bowed, and took the jade pendant from Jia Lian's hand.

Then she gripped his hand tightly. Although she had received some favors from Jia Lian when he distributed gifts to the various households in the mansion before.

But that was clearly different from this. This was the first time she had received a gift from Jia Lian in person, and it was something she always wore.

For her, it was as precious as a token of their love.

Jia Lian naturally saw the solemnity in Yuanyang's eyes and was also somewhat moved.

He naturally understood that, besides being a whim, Grandmother Jia was more concerned that Jia Lian might forget about Yuanyang over time, so she wanted to strengthen Yuanyang's place in his heart.

Yuanyang was an absolute confidante of Grandmother Jia, and as long as Jia Lian was pleased, it would be beneficial and harmless to Grandmother Jia.

As for Jia Lian, he genuinely liked this girl who was opinionated, low-key, and reliable.

The key point is that she is indeed good-looking, with a wasp waist and sloping shoulders, and a small, oval face similar to Tan Chun's, which is unconventional.

Therefore, Jia Lian naturally didn't care that Grandmother Jia used Yuanyang to bind him.

After leaving Grandmother Jia's room, Jia Lian didn't go anywhere else, but went straight home.

In the past, let alone returning from a long journey, even if Lady Wang and Lady Xing were just casually going out and returning, Jia Lian would have eagerly gone up to greet them and pay his respects.

Nowadays, if you have the time and the mood, you can certainly do these superficial things.

If he doesn't want to go, he won't. I doubt those two would bother him over something so trivial. Unless they themselves want a bad time.

……

Let alone Rongqing Hall.

When Jia Lian returned home, he found that the courtyard, which had been quiet for more than a month, was once again in complete chaos.

"Xiao Hong, find two people to move these things to the backyard. Also, remember to invite a few gardeners in tomorrow to prune these flowers and trees properly."

We've been gone for a month, and your second master hasn't paid any attention to these things at all!

"Who allowed it to be released? What if it hurts Qiao'er? Lock it up now!"

Dressed in a bright red robe, the radiant and beautiful Sister Feng was standing with her hands on her hips, giving orders on the corridor.

Upon catching sight of Jia Lian, he immediately stepped down, his imposing expression transforming into a bright smile.

"The Marquis has returned... He has gone to see the old lady."

"Um."

"It's been over a month since I last saw you, Second Grandma, you still look as radiant as ever. It seems this past month hasn't taken a toll on you."

Jia Lian let Feng Jie support his arm, and they walked while he kept joking with his head down.

"Sigh, it's just a funeral procession, they don't even ask me to do anything, what's so tiring about it? But being stuck in that oppressive imperial mausoleum all day, either eating or kneeling, it almost drove me crazy with boredom."

Having not seen each other for a long time, Sister Feng was noticeably more clingy and generous, clinging tightly to Jia Lian's arm and refusing to let go.

However, when she was on the upper corridor, she didn't forget to turn around and remind the maids and servants not to forget what she had told her to do.

The couple walked hand in hand into the main room. Jia Lian sat on the kang (a heated brick bed), and with just a slight movement, Feng Jie naturally sat sideways on Jia Lian's lap, smiling as she said:

"I heard about it as soon as I got back. In the past month or so, Second Master has managed everything at home and outside perfectly. This makes me look so incompetent, as I used to be so busy but ineffective, and in the end, I didn't even get any credit."

Jia Lian chuckled inwardly.

Just now he overheard someone complaining that he couldn't even take care of the plants and trees in his yard...

He lifted Sister Feng's delicate chin, raising her entire face, and while looking her over, he said teasingly, "What's so special about this? It's all thanks to Madam's excellent teaching."

"spit!"

Sister Feng turned her head away shyly, a blush spreading across her face, making her originally elegant and beautiful appearance appear somewhat alluring and seductive.

Jia Lian's heart began to waver, and his eyes and hands became increasingly restless.

If Jia Lian only gave her an intrusive look, and then touched her face and lips, Feng Jie could still tolerate it.

But she wouldn't tolerate any further excessive behavior.

She yanked off Jia Lian's wicked hand that was clinging to her chest, and Feng Jie glared at him, saying, "What are you doing? The maids are watching, and you're just being so persistent..."

With that, Sister Feng got up and walked away.

Jia Lian glanced at the maids who had tactfully retreated to the hall, leaned back on the soft kang (heated brick bed), and said with a leisurely smile, "Yes, I begged and pleaded. Then I'd like to see if Second Mistress can still be so tough tonight."

Sister Feng glanced back at Jia Lian, but couldn't say a word.

Jia Lian was originally just sitting back and waiting to manipulate Feng Jie. He didn't believe that his stinking woman, whom he hadn't seen for over a month, could keep up the act for long.

Unexpectedly, after tidying her clothes a few times, Sister Feng went straight into the inner room, as if she wanted to change.

Jia Lian was surprised. He got off the kang (heated brick bed) and followed her inside. Sure enough, he saw Feng Jie holding a set of clothes and trying them on in front of the glass mirror. Jia Lian asked in astonishment, "What, have you really decided to become a nun?"

"go……"

Even though she had been corrupted by Jia Lian for many years, there were still many times when Feng Jie could not stand Jia Lian's "filthy words".

She couldn't understand how Jia Lian, a marquis, could utter such nonsense without batting an eye.

"The old lady is about to start her meal, I need to go and check it out."

Besides…

Sister Feng stopped and gave Jia Lian a very human-like look.

You're so easily distracted; once you start fussing over your hair, you can't stop. If this causes you to miss the welcome banquet, your whole family will laugh at you for three days straight.

Hmph. I took a bath and perfumed myself as soon as I got home this afternoon; it's your own fault for coming back too late!

So, ignoring Jia Lian's harassment, Feng Jie changed her clothes with great determination and left with Ping'er, looking arrogant.

A long time ago, she would have worried that outsiders would benefit from this, and she would probably have devised some scheme to get rid of those little vixens like Qingwen.

However, after spending so much time with Jia Lian, she has developed a high degree of trust in him.

Although this man is a bit lecherous, he is still caring and reasonable.

She hadn't seen him for over a month. He probably wouldn't seek out those young girls to relieve his lust before touching her...