Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

When Jia Lian came out, he glanced at Tong Xi and Tong Gui waiting outside, then went straight down the corridor and slowly walked towards Baochai's boudoir.

Not long after pausing under a pot of peonies, they saw Baochai leading Ying'er from the backyard.

After her bath, Baochai, with her long hair flowing and wearing a simple pale yellow dress, looked even more beautiful and natural, making people yearn for her.

Baochai had heard that Jia Lian had arrived at the mansion, so she quickly got ready and came out, not expecting that Jia Lian would be waiting for her there.

Without hesitation, she lifted her skirt slightly and descended the stone steps, bowing gracefully to Jia Lian: "Baochai greets Second Brother Lian, congratulations on your promotion to a noble rank."

It must be said that Baochai, who is so polite and dignified, truly gives people a refreshing feeling.

But Jia Lian still smiled and said, "There's no need for such formalities between us. Alright, it's not appropriate to take you out of the city for sightseeing now. Go inside and pack your things, then come back with me."

Upon hearing this, Baochai hesitated for a moment before replying, "Second Brother Lian has just been promoted to Duke, and he must have many things to attend to, so please don't worry about me. I will stay at home with Mother and wait... wait for news from Second Brother Lian..."

As Baochai spoke, a rare hint of shyness appeared on her face.

Baochai is thoughtful and considerate, and does not easily put herself in a precarious position.

Previously, as a relative or cousin, it was understandable for her to use her position in the Grand View Garden.

But after today's events, Daiyu clearly already knows. And Jia Lian has promised her that he will make their relationship public. Under these circumstances, if she goes back to the Grand View Garden with Jia Lian, she will not only face the teasing and questioning of her fellow girls, but also easily attract criticism from others.

After all, unlike Daiyu, she had a mother and a family. Therefore, even though she was reluctant to leave Hengwu Garden, she had to stay at home and wait for Jia Lian to send someone to propose marriage. This was the proper thing to do.

Jia Lian hadn't expected Baochai to be unwilling to go back with him, but after a moment's thought, he understood what she meant.

He instinctively wanted to speak up and offer advice, but he immediately stopped himself.

Baochai understood the greater good and the principles of morality, which is why she made this decision—it was in her best interest. To try and persuade her, given her own position, would only put her in a difficult position.

So Jia Lian nodded, "That's fine then. You can stay at home for now. I'll send someone to pick you up once everything is settled."

Having said that, Jia Lian stopped arguing and turned to leave.

He dismounted from the back gate of the Grand View Garden and headed straight for the Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Although Daiyu had prepared in advance and ordered that no one be allowed to open the door for Jia Lian, how could the maids guarding the door dare to actually do so?

After conveying Daiyu's "divine will," he obediently opened the door for Jia Lian.

They were still secretly complaining that Daiyu was being spoiled too much by Jia Lian. If it were anyone else, they would probably be laughing in their dreams if they could receive such favor from the Duke.

But his own daughter is quite the opposite; she's not afraid of angering Master Lian at all, and often dares to give him a hard time.

Since they wouldn't even open the courtyard gate, Jia Lian naturally assumed that the room doors were also welded shut.

Therefore, Jia Lian remained quite calm as he looked at Xueyan, who was standing anxiously beside him.

"Sister Lin, if you don't open the door, I'll kick it down! You know, I wouldn't mind breaking a hundred or eighty doors like this."

Sure enough, as soon as Jia Lian uttered his threatening words, an argument immediately broke out inside.

"Girl, please open the door for Second Master. He's really good at kicking things."

"No, don't let him drive! That big liar, he even said he'd take me out of town for a trip..."

Jia Lian, standing outside the door, knew that Daiyu's words were meant for him, but he was not offended at all; in fact, he even smiled slightly.

If she didn't cry and still had the energy to scold him, it means the problem isn't serious; it's just a matter of comforting him.

Moreover, Daiyu's perspective was indeed unique; her focus seemed to be on how she had been tricked into leaving that morning.

He stood calmly, and sure enough, after a moment the door slowly opened from the inside, revealing Zijuan's apologetic face.

"Second Master, please don't mind her. The young lady is just upset about what happened this morning..."

Zijuan tried to ease the tension.

Jia Lian nodded to her, indicating that he didn't mind.

He could tell from Zijuan's voice inside that the door would open by itself. He wondered if the girl had foreseen the situation and had been lying in wait inside to act as his inside man and open the door.

If that's the case, then this girl definitely deserves the award.

After all, if Daiyu were alone inside, given her temperament, she certainly wouldn't be able to open the door easily.

In that case, Jia Lian would probably have no choice but to break down the door, but that would only be if he was certain that Daiyu wouldn't block the door with her body.

He didn't want to end up like Jia Baoyu, kicking Xiren until she bled internally, ruining her life's gentleness with a single blow.

He'll probably resort to his signature move—climbing through the window.

As I passed Zijuan and entered the room, I saw Daiyu get off the couch and storm off into the inner room.

Jia Lian immediately rushed forward and grabbed Daiyu's arm.

"Let go of me, you liar..."

Daiyu turned her head away, then suddenly glared at Jia Lian, adding, "You lecherous scoundrel!"

Jia Lian smiled. He realized that after getting to know Daiyu, he found that she was indeed quite naive.

Two words summed up all the reasons for her anger.

One was that he had clearly made an appointment with Baochai in advance, but lied to her that he was taking her out of the city for sightseeing, making her happy for nothing.

The second one, of course, is his collusion with Baochai.

Jia Lian didn't rush to explain. Instead, he pulled Daiyu back to the bedside and said with a smile, "You know everything?"

Daiyu was surprised. At this moment, it would be normal for Jia Lian to feel guilty, ashamed, or even angry.

What's with that grinning face?

How dare you ask her if she already knew? Does she think she, Lin Daiyu, is stupid?

Even if Baochai didn't admit it to her face, Jia Lian tricked her into going out like that. Baochai was the only one sitting in the carriage at the time. She was only concerned with being jealous. How could she not see how scheming Jia Lian was afterward?

He was too embarrassed to tell her at home, so he wanted to arrange a beautiful place with clear waters and lush mountains to confess to her under the guise of a perfect day, so that she would be too embarrassed to lose her temper in front of Baochai and thus humiliatingly accept his philandering.

A brilliant plan, a brilliant scheme!

Daiyu, feeling fooled by Jia Lian, would be a fool to even acknowledge him.

Just as she was about to pull away from Jia Lian, he sat on her couch, using his legs and hands to completely restrain her, leaving her no chance to escape.

She retorted angrily, "Why are you still bothering me? Go find your precious girl! She's dignified, polite, and good at handling things. She's better than me in every way. Why are you still bothering me? Go find her and leave me here alone, with only the screen window for company, to grow old in solitude..."

As Daiyu spoke, she grew angrier and more aggrieved. Finally, she stopped struggling, her lips trembled, and tears were about to fall.

But what is Jia Lian thinking now?

He found it amusing that Daiyu, who looked like a piglet during the Lunar New Year, possessed immense strength despite her small size, making her difficult to press down.

Then, seeing her looking so aggrieved and clearly saying hurtful things, the moment she uttered the words "to grow old alone," Jia Lian was immediately pulled out of the scene.

But in order not to anger Daiyu, Jia Lian had no choice but to endure it.

However, although Daiyu was complaining, she was also paying close attention to Jia Lian's expression. She noticed that instead of repenting after she poured out her heart, he was actually suppressing a laugh.

She was instantly furious.

"What are you laughing at??"

"Well……"

Facing Daiyu's angry gaze, Jia Lian replied earnestly, "I was thinking, is Baochai just more dignified, more polite, and better at handling things than you?"

Daiyu was taken aback, then said in a sinister tone, "Have you figured it out yet?"

"Hmm, that's about right."

Faced with Daiyu's murderous expression, Jia Lian fearlessly said, "I think, besides all that, she's also prettier than you. Look, Baochai's skin is fairer than yours, she's a few years older, and her figure has blossomed, like a peony in March, delicate and beautiful..."

When Daiyu heard Jia Lian say that Baochai was prettier than her, she felt like the sky had fallen.

She couldn't hear what Jia Lian said after that; she just stared blankly at him, large tears streaming down her face, looking pitiful and heartbroken.

Seeing this, Jia Lian dared not tease her any longer. He quickly hugged her and coaxed her, "Alright, I was just kidding. In my heart, you are the most beautiful person in the world. Have you forgotten what I said? You are the reincarnation of a fairy from heaven."

Do you think there's anyone in this world who could be more beautiful than a fairy?

Feeling the touch against his chest, Jia Lian's heart, which had been trembling violently, slowly calmed down after hearing his words, and he couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his brow.

This girl is so easily teased. He had no doubt that if he had been any slower in changing his mind, she would have fainted in his arms.

Originally, he only wanted to take advantage of the fact that Daiyu was so angry that she forgot to cry, so he wanted to completely divert Daiyu's attention.

Unexpectedly, my words triggered a conflict, backfiring on me.

It seems that for women like Daiyu, appearance was extremely important, just like Qingwen.

Qingwen is usually carefree and you can bully her however you want without her getting away with it, but if it comes to a dispute over appearance, she can cry in front of you.

After a long while, Daiyu remained nestled in Jia Lian's arms without saying another word, so Jia Lian helped her up.

Seeing that her eyes were still red and her little mouth was pouting, looking like she had suffered a lot of grievances, Jia Lian comforted her with heartache: "Silly girl, we have been together for so long, how come you can't even tell the truth from a lie?"

Your sister Bao is indeed beautiful, but there are so many beautiful people in this world. Take Baoqin for example; many people say she outshines both you and Bao'er, and even the old lady dotes on her so much because of it, yet you don't seem to care much. Why are you so concerned about your sister Bao?"

Daiyu wiped away her tears with her small hand and said coldly, "Anyone else can say that, but you can't."

Oh, well, Jia Lian probably understands the idealistic view of Daiyu now.

Seeing that Daiyu had indeed forgotten her anger after her initial sadness, he chuckled and asked, "Then what can I do? Surely, as your husband, I can't have less power than others?"

Jia Lian's claws, like those of An Lushan, quietly reached for Daiyu's small buttocks.

"You can't do anything!" Daiyu replied haughtily, then noticed Jia Lian's improper behavior and angrily reached out to pinch his hand.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Jia Lian picked up Daiyu and sat her sideways on his lap. Daiyu was much more compliant this time, only raising her delicate fists to punch Jia Lian a few times.

Jia Lian then embraced her, and after a long while, slowly said, "I'm sorry..."

After uttering those three words, filled with sincerity and apology, Jia Lian felt Daiyu in his arms pause, and then a soft, melodious voice rang out from his chest:

"How are you going to tell Sister Feng?"

Jia Lian was somewhat surprised. He gently lifted Daiyu's shoulder and looked at her face.

Daiyu was embarrassed by his staring gaze and said angrily, "What's the use of apologizing to me? You should be thinking about how to explain to Sister Feng. She's not as easily fooled as me!"

read

From Daiyu's expression and words, Jia Lian was certain that Daiyu was truly not angry, or rather, she had let it go, which surprised him greatly.

He was prepared to put in a lot more effort.

Indeed, people have many misunderstandings about Daiyu. In fact, she is the most understanding and magnanimous person in the world.

Daiyu, on the other hand, only needed one attitude.

So she said with great joy, "As long as you're not angry anymore, Lin sister. As for your sister Feng, I have my own way of dealing with her."

"snort."

Although Daiyu didn't know where Jia Lian's confidence came from, she had no intention of saying anything more.

Although she was furious and resentful about Baochai's interference, she also understood that such things were normal and she had actually expected it. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so competitive with Baochai in the Grand View Garden.

This lecherous scoundrel, he won't let go of anyone who's good!

As he himself admitted: when he first saw her, even though she was so young, he was determined to win her over, which is why he has been so good to her and taken care of her in every way all these years.

If that's how she was treated, then it's quite possible that she would also be treated like Baochai, who is no less beautiful or talented than her.

Therefore, she kept a close watch on them, and only when she found that both of them were normal did she relax her vigilance.

Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, the two of them secretly got together.

I was angry, of course, but not that angry, since I had prepared myself mentally.

In fact, what reason or right did she have to be angry?

Putting aside the fact that there was Sister Feng ahead of him, even someone as strong as Sister Feng was powerless against the princess in the rumors.

If this lecherous scoundrel hadn't had a conscience and protected Sister Feng, I'm afraid...

Therefore, after thinking about these things, Daiyu naturally didn't care as much about Baochai.

After all, when it comes down to it, Jia Lian had quite a few women and confidantes around him. Even if Baochai was different, how was she any different from the other women?

The reason she acted so angry and even refused to let Jia Lian in was simply to test whether Jia Lian's attitude and patience towards her would remain the same now that he had Baochai.

The result was reassuring; Jia Lian had indeed not lied to her, and she was truly important to him.

So much so that even in his current position, he still condescends to coax her and express his apologies to her.

What pleased her most was that Jia Lian did not show any intention of using his status or position to subdue her, although this was commonplace for those fickle and unfaithful men.

Since Jia Lian's feelings for her have not changed, what difference does it make whether there is one more Baochai or one more Qingwen?

His mind was so clear; since he had decided to be honest with her, it meant he was determined. Now that he was patiently coaxing her, if she insisted on interfering, wouldn't that just confirm in his mind the slanderous words those people had said about her?

Moreover, putting aside the fact that Jia Lian is unlikely to give up on Baochai because of her obstruction, even if he did give up, she might not be truly happy.

Just like when Jia Lian faced immense pressure to protect Feng Jie, Daiyu felt only relief, without a trace of disappointment or regret.

She is kind-hearted and naturally hopes that the people she likes are also kind and won't do anything to wrong others, especially to betray the beautiful hearts of her daughters.

But only there.

Her magnanimity only means that she has chosen to forgive Jia Lian, not that she will help persuade Feng Jie.

She couldn't wait for Jia Lian to suffer another setback at Feng Jie's hands, hoping to make him extremely flustered and see if he would dare to philander again!

Just as she was about to take the opportunity to act coquettishly again and get Jia Lian to coax her, she noticed something on Jia Lian that was bothering her, so she reached out her little hand and pulled it out from Jia Lian's arms.

"What is this?"

Daiyu looked at the thing wrapped in red silk in her hand and asked in confusion.

Jia Lian laughed and said, "This is your sister Feng's promotion certificate."

Upon hearing this, Daiyu froze and silently stuffed the things back into her hands.

Seeing this, Jia Lian said, "If you're envious, I'll definitely find a way to get you a first-rank imperial title in the future."

Although generally an official can only request an official title for one of his wives, there are always exceptions.

After all, Daiyu, who was personally bestowed the title "Lady Linxiang" by the emperor, had become his second wife. It shouldn't be too difficult to get her a first-rank imperial title in the future.

But Daiyu curled her lip in disdain and said, "Who cares about this?"

"Hehe, what do you want? Just say it, even if it's the moon in the sky, I'll find a way to pluck it down for you."

Daiyu rolled her eyes at Jia Lian, not understanding why he always liked to coax her like a child.

She didn't bother to respond, hesitated for a moment, and then asked leisurely, "Did you anticipate that the emperor would bestow a title upon you?"

"No, why are you asking that?"

Daiyu said, "It's nothing."

Jia Lian was suspicious, and just then Qingwen's voice came from outside. Daiyu quickly got up from Jia Lian's arms.

Just then, Qingwen came in and said with a smile, "Second Master, Second Madam sent me to deliver a message. She said that many gentlemen outside have brought their wives to offer their congratulations. The old lady wants you to go out and greet them quickly."

Jia Lian said, "Go back and tell Second Madam that I am not feeling well and cannot receive guests. Just have the steward serve them a cup of tea and then let them go home."

"Who would believe you if you suddenly said you weren't feeling well?"

Qingwen chuckled sweetly, and seeing that Jia Lian didn't reply, she had no choice but to go back, but she glanced at Daiyu before leaving.

How could Daiyu not understand the meaning behind Qingwen's glance?

Although she wasn't afraid that Qingwen would be jealous of her, after Qingwen left, she still said to Jia Lian, "Since you have something to do, don't linger here, otherwise Sister Feng will blame me."

Jia Lian laughed and said, "Are you so afraid that your Sister Feng will blame you?"

"They're doing this for your own good, and you don't appreciate it. If you want to stay, then stay; I'm not going to keep you company."

As Daiyu spoke, she picked up the book she had left on the couch and sat down by the west window to read it.

Seeing that Jia Lian had followed her and sat down opposite her, Daiyu did not chase him away, but pretended to be engrossed in reading.

Jia Lian, however, took the initiative to say, "Although the emperor promoted my rank, he did not restore my official position and still ordered me to stay at home to observe mourning."

Therefore, at this time, I'd better behave myself and not become arrogant, so that the emperor will be more satisfied.

Daiyu frowned. She didn't quite understand or care about the official and courtly rhetoric, but she could tell that Jia Lian wanted to talk to her more.

Moreover, unlike Baochai, she did not expect Jia Lian to prioritize his career.

She was quite happy that Jia Lian was willing to leave those princes and officials behind to stay with her.

So I silently hummed in agreement to show that I was listening.

"By the way, what exactly did Lin Daiyu mean by what she said just now?"

"What did you say?"

"They're asking if I know anything about the emperor promising to promote me to a higher rank."

"Oh, I forgot."

"..."

Jia Lian did not stay in Daiyu's room for long, and Daiyu did not get up to see him off.

Only after watching Jia Lian's figure gradually disappear into the courtyard did Daiyu withdraw her gaze from through the gauze window.

In fact, after seeing the scroll that Jia Lian was carrying in his arms, Daiyu guessed why Jia Lian was so confident in coaxing Feng Jie.

Sister Feng is very vain, so he got her the title of Duchess, so that she could be on equal footing with the old lady. In this way, even if Sister Feng had a great deal of resentment, it would dissipate.

She suddenly realized that everyone had been worried about Jia Lian a couple of days ago, but Jia Lian himself seemed completely indifferent.

Does this mean that Jia Lian himself was well aware that he had not lost favor with the emperor?

If that's the case, why didn't Jia Lian wait until the emperor's decree was issued before confessing Baochai's affair to them?

With such momentum of his promotion, he will surely be able to force them to comply!

She didn't know if Jia Lian was unaware of this or disdained to do so.

She prefers the latter.

If Jia Lian really wanted to force her to submit with his rank and status, saying things like "a real man should have three wives and four concubines," she would definitely let him know what it meant to be unyielding to power like Lin Daiyu!

Even if she doesn't completely fall out with Jia Lian, she'll certainly be disappointed and won't just make a scene like before, letting him coax her.