Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

"(Lian) Second Brother".

When Jia Lian came over, Jia Baoyu, Jia Cong, Jia Huan, and Jia Lan all hurriedly greeted him.

"Please sit down."

Jia Lian waved his hand and sat down, then looked at the young generation of the Rongguo Mansion.

Jia Cong and Jia Lan sat upright with their heads bowed, both looking very serious. Jia Huan, on the other hand, looked at Jia Lian with a shifty eye, his eyes full of flattery.

He had a very good impression of Jia Lian.

In the past, apart from the family banquets during the Mid-Autumn Festival and New Year's Eve, who would remember him at other times?

Although it was Sister Feng who sent someone to invite him today, he already knew that even his powerful sister-in-law looked down on him, so it must have been the idea of ​​his arrogant cousin Jia Lian.

As for Jia Baoyu, he remains a melancholy and beautiful young man.

He actually wanted to sit next to Grandmother Jia, because there were many beautiful young women sitting at that table.

However, Grandmother Jia was different today. She made him sit here and instructed him to offer Jia Lian a few more cups of wine.

After everyone was seated, the small family dinner began amidst the blooming flowers.

Jia Lian's family banquets were never very formal. Accompanied by the sounds of zither music coming from behind, the atmosphere was harmonious as people sipped their drinks and toasted each other.

Besides Grandmother Jia, Jia Lian at the next table was naturally the center of attention.

In fact, many people believed that respecting Grandmother Jia was merely a formality, while being close to Jia Lian was their true intention.

Taking advantage of her young age, closer blood relation to Jia Lian, and more outgoing personality, Tan Chun gradually became the representative of all the sisters and brothers who asked Jia Lian questions.

They couldn't ask Jia Lian in public whether he was a grandson of the emperor, but regarding Jia Lian's dismissal from office, Tan Chun felt that given Jia Lian's magnanimity, it was probably not a problem.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to toast Jia Lian again, she asked with concern, "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law said before that you were dismissed from your post, is that true?"

As soon as Tan Chun asked this question, everyone, including Grandmother Jia, looked over.

Jia Lian took the wine cup from Tan Chun's small hand, took a sip, and replied, "Of course it's true. Do you really think your second sister-in-law would dare to lie about this?"

Tan Chun looked worried, but seeing Jia Lian drinking with a smile, she couldn't help but ask, "But in the plays, aren't the officials who are dismissed or demoted all portrayed as depressed and frustrated?"

But judging from my second brother's expression, he doesn't seem that sad.

Tan Chun blinked her big eyes, deliberately trying to appear innocent.

Jia Lian noticed that everyone around him had stopped talking and were quietly watching him, clearly concerned about the issue.

So he reached out and patted Tan Chun's head, and said with a smile, "Why should I be sad? Over the years I have served the court like a slave. Although I dare not say that I have made great contributions to the country, I believe that I have done right by the country and the Emperor's grace."

On the contrary, I myself am often unable to go home because of worldly affairs, neglecting you, Sister Feng and Sister Lin.

Now that the Emperor has shown me mercy and granted me a long leave, I can take this opportunity to spend some quality time at home with you, Sister Feng and Sister Lin. Why not?

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, the crowd reacted in various ways.

Seeing that Jia Lian was so calm and showed no anxiety in his words, Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and the others thought that even if it was true that he was dismissed from his post, it would not harm them or endanger their families.

Characters like Tan Chun and Bao Chai were captivated by Jia Lian's magnanimity.

Of course, many people don't have such deep thoughts, nor do they understand fame and fortune, so they simply envy Sister Feng and Daiyu.

To have a husband who is capable of governing the country with his literary skills, securing peace with his military prowess, and is also so considerate and family-oriented, must be the result of accumulating good karma for ten lifetimes.

Only Feng Jie and Daiyu seemed slightly embarrassed, as they themselves could feel the sourness in Jia Lian's words. It's likely that many people already harbored resentment towards them at this point.

Fortunately, someone helped them out of the awkward situation.

Just now, Jia Qiao, who was sitting in Feng Jie's lap, seemed a little unhappy.

She shrunk away from Feng Jie'er's embrace, ran to Jia Lian's side, tugged at Jia Lian's sleeve, and pouted, saying, "Father, don't worry about me. You haven't played with Qiao'er in so long..."

Her pouting lips and big, watery eyes clearly showed that she was already very angry that Jia Lian hadn't mentioned her in his words, and if he didn't coax her now, she would definitely cry.

The people around burst into laughter. Jia Lian immediately abandoned his cousin Tan Chun, bent down and picked up his daughter, stroking her tender face as he coaxed, "It was Daddy's fault. Daddy apologizes. From now on, Daddy will definitely spend more time with my Qiao'er."

Jia Qiao then wiped away the tears in her eyes and snuggled shyly into Jia Lian's arms.

Tan Chun was also charmed by Jia Qiaomei and reached out to pinch her cheek. But seeing her small body completely melting into Jia Lian's arms in happiness, she suddenly couldn't smile and silently turned away.

Grandmother Jia's attendance at the banquet was merely to demonstrate the harmony between her and her grandson Jia Lian. She was already exhausted from dealing with that group of people, so she took her leave after only a few drinks, citing fatigue as the reason.

Madam Xing and Madam Wang also got up and left their seats.

However, after leaving Jia Lian's courtyard, Grandmother Jia called Lady Wang aside, while telling Lady Xing to do as she pleased.

The two returned to Rongqing Hall, and Grandmother Jia avoided the onlookers, leaving only Lady Wang in the inner room.

"I heard you sent a letter to the south yesterday?"

Lady Wang was no fool. Just by observing Grandmother Jia's attitude towards Jia Lian today, she knew that Grandmother Jia had long known about Jia Lian's background.

She and Grandmother Jia had known each other for over twenty years and understood each other very well.

Now, it's clear that Grandmother Jia wants to maintain a good relationship with Jia Lian. Could it be that she suspects Jia Lian of having ulterior motives and is trying to warn her?

What is this?

Even if you want to curry favor with that brat Lian'er, there's no need to be so serious. After all, Bao Yu's father is your own son, isn't he...?

"The old lady is right. It has been several months since the master left the capital. So many important things have happened at home and in the court during this time, so I wrote a letter to the master to tell him about the things at home and in the court."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia sighed and said, "Zheng'er's daughter-in-law, I roughly know what you're thinking."

I'm just telling you, some things are destined to happen, and some things are not destined to happen, so don't force them.

You know better than anyone what the situation is like at home since the death of the master and Zhen'er. I don't need to remind you how important Lian'er is to our family.

Lian'er is an exceptional person. Fortunately, although there have been some minor disagreements between us over the years, our relationship has generally been good.

You can probably tell that Lian'er values ​​the kindness that Baoyu's father showed him and also cherishes his brothers and sisters in the family.

His kindness is the foundation upon which my Jia family will stand for decades to come!

That alone is more important than any calculation.

Moreover, given Lian'er's shrewdness, if you try to outsmart him, you'll likely be the one who suffers in the end.

Just wait patiently. This small Rongguo Mansion can't confine him for long. Sooner or later, he will carve out his own path and create his own world.

"Then, what you want to give to Baoyu will be readily available, won't it?"

Lady Wang listened attentively to Grandmother Jia's advice. Her initial act of taking the initiative to back down and curry favor with Jia Lian proved that she was by no means a foolish woman or a reckless man.

She never intended to harm Jia Lian; she simply felt that some things were rightfully hers after his true identity was revealed.

Grandmother Jia's words served as a wake-up call for her.

These things really can't be rushed.

Given the vast disparity in strength, forcibly taking it back is out of the question. The only option is to maintain a good relationship with Jia Lian; perhaps one day he will voluntarily return the Duke's mansion and even the title to them.

Isn't that right? The descendants of the retired emperor are so capable, what's so difficult about being granted the title of king?

By then, he won't care about or need the things the Jia family has.

Seeing that Lady Wang was teachable, Grandmother Jia breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Now that his background has been revealed, judging from his expression at the banquet, I'm afraid his dismissal from office is not as simple as it seems on the surface. In short, given the level of his current exposure, his vision and knowledge far surpass ours."

I'm old and don't have many days left to live, so what happens to him doesn't really matter to me.

But you are still young, and I will only give you this advice. As long as you don't offend him, following him will bring good fortune to both you and Baoyu.

Madam Wang nodded and smiled, "What are you saying, old lady? You have a long life ahead of you, and your daughter-in-law wants to take care of you for the rest of her life."

To this, Grandmother Jia merely grunted.

……

After Grandmother Jia and the others left the banquet, Aunt Xue, who had been forced to stay by Grandmother Jia, also took her leave.

She also took Xue Baoqin with her.

The sisters had probably overheard Madam Mei's attempt to coerce Jia Lian into helping her save her son by threatening him with a marriage contract.

Although no one thought it was Baoqin's fault, Baoqin felt very guilty.

However, being sensible, she pretended not to care and went to the banquet, but she didn't say much throughout the whole thing.

Aunt Xue was worried that her staying here would spoil everyone's fun, so she took her away and also comforted her.

Baochai wanted to leave as well, but Aunt Xue gave her a look, and Baochai remembered her mother's instructions and stayed.

After Aunt Xue left, Li Wan felt awkward being the only widowed sister-in-law left there, so she took her leave.

As Jia Lan was taken away by Li Wan, Jia Cong and Jia Huan, having eaten and drunk their fill, tactfully took their leave. They knew that these cultured people might be engaged in some refined activities or games that weren't suitable for them to participate in.

Jia Baoyu originally wanted to leave as well.

He couldn't bear to see Jia Lian and Daiyu being so affectionate. Whether it was Jia Lian leading Daiyu into the room or Jia Lian publicly displaying their affection, he felt a sharp pain in his heart.

"Sister Gu's piano playing is so beautiful! I think we should move the table so she can come to the front and play for us!"

Jia Baoyu immediately settled into his seat.

After Grandmother Jia and the others left, not only did the flower hall become empty, but without the restraint of their elders, Yingchun and the others indulged in their own desires.

After listening to the music for a long time, everyone still hadn't seen the person playing the zither. They all wanted to see for themselves what this zither master, praised by even the Imperial Concubine, looked like when she played.

Since the intention was to appreciate music and beautiful women, Jia Lian felt that the three round tables were not in keeping with the refined taste, so he waved his hand and ordered all the round tables to be removed and replaced with tall tables.

So the maids and servants in the courtyard all pitched in, and even the mistresses and young ladies helped, and soon all the tables and benches were removed and replaced with tall tables arranged around the perimeter.

Once everything was arranged, everyone sat down again.

As the stunningly beautiful woman carrying a zither slowly walked into the hall, everyone sighed, "As expected of Second Brother Lian, he is more refined and knowledgeable than others."

Although it was just a matter of replacing the table with a taller one, it instantly felt like a gathering of scholars; I almost felt like a refined gentleman myself.

"Don't think that way, you've always been a refined person..."

"Ha ha……"

"Alright, I get it now, you all think my decor is tacky, huh?" Sitting to Jia Lian's right, Feng Jie feigned displeasure, which naturally drew a collective apology from the sisters-in-law.

Then she waved her hand, generously saying it was no problem, explaining that she was just an ordinary person and her affairs were ordinary.

Sitting to Jia Lian's left, Daiyu watched Feng Jie chatting and laughing, and admired her generous and open-minded nature.

Since the flower hall wasn't very big, there were only three tall tables placed at the front, where she, Jia Lian, and Feng Jie sat.

She didn't want to sit here, but her sisters made her sit down with laughter.

At this moment, she looked around and saw Baochai, Xiuyan, and Xiangyun on one side of the courtyard, and Yingchun, Jia Baoyu, and Tanxi on the other side.

The siblings sat on either side, while she and Feng Jie sat high up beside Jia Lian. Looking at the wealth and splendor of the hall and the peerless beauty sitting slowly in the central courtyard, setting up her zither and preparing to play a piece, Daiyu suddenly felt somewhat comfortable with her role.