Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

After Baochai and Daiyu entered, they saw Jia Lian smiling and waving at them from the head of the spacious and luxurious hall.

Beside Jia Lian sat a woman in her early twenties.

This woman was very different from the ones they usually saw.

Although she wasn't wearing any particularly fancy clothes, just a simple fitted silk robe, she exuded an air of unparalleled nobility as she sat there.

Even Jia Lian, who was sitting next to her, could not hide this fact.

She is beautiful and elegant.

Her skin was as smooth as fresh cream, and her face radiated a gentle spring breeze.

Both Bao and Dai were proud individuals, but looking at the woman before them who was clearly not much older than them, yet naturally exuded a powerful aura, they couldn't help but take her seriously.

While Daiyu and Baochai were secretly observing Princess Zhaoyang, Princess Zhaoyang was also sizing up the two women who had entered.

Princess Zhaoyang was immediately captivated at first glance.

She finally understood why these two women were favored by Jia Lian.

The two women gracefully approached Jia Lian and bowed side by side: one was elegant and graceful, the other was radiant and beautiful, both were first-rate beauties.

Princess Zhaoyang couldn't help but exclaim, "What a perfect couple! Duke Rong is truly blessed!"

Faced with Princess Zhaoyang's teasing, Jia Lian remained noncommittal, only saying to Daiyu and the other woman, "This is Princess Zhaoyang."

Despite having some suspicions, Daiyu and Jia Lian were still taken aback when they heard Jia Lian's explanation.

Baochai immediately took Daiyu's hand, stepped back, and knelt down, saying, "This humble woman, Xue Baochai, greets Your Highness the Princess."

Seeing this, Daiyu quickly followed suit: "This commoner, Lin Daiyu, greets the princess."

Princess Zhaoyang realized that Jia Lian had directly revealed her identity to the two women, and understood even more clearly that these two women held an extraordinary place in Jia Lian's heart.

She stood up with a smile, helping the two women up with one hand each, saying, "My two sisters, there's no need for such formalities."

As she spoke, she took a closer look at the two women's bright and beautiful faces and realized that although they were both stunningly beautiful, they each had their own unique charm. More importantly, they were completely devoid of any vulgar or seductive airs.

A feeling of fondness arose in my heart.

So she pulled the two girls to sit on a cool chair. First she looked at the older Baochai, noticing her dignified expression and respectful demeanor, and nodded. Then she looked at Daiyu and smiled:

"Your father is a second-rank official in our dynasty, and you are a fourth-rank village lady appointed by my father, the Emperor. There is no need to refer to yourself as a commoner; it would be more appropriate to refer to yourself as your subject's daughter or subject."

Daiyu's cherry lips moved slightly, but she was too embarrassed to say anything more, and simply nodded.

Princess Zhaoyang was even more delighted by Daiyu's well-behaved and adorable appearance. So she let go of her other hand, took Daiyu's small hands in both of them, and said from the bottom of her heart, "I have long heard Rong Gong mention you, saying how intelligent and talented you are. I have long wanted to meet you."

Unfortunately, I was too busy with mundane affairs and never had the opportunity.

Seeing my younger sister's beautiful face fills me with immense joy.

Perhaps it was Princess Zhaoyang's repeated expressions that made Daiyu feel favorably toward her, and she put aside most of her grudges. She hurriedly said, "Daiyu has long heard of Princess Sister's great reputation. Now that I have met you, I know that the rumors are true. In terms of appearance and demeanor, you are far beyond what ordinary women can compare to. I am even more ashamed of myself."

Upon hearing Daiyu address her directly as "Princess Sister," Princess Zhaoyang's beautiful eyes curved into crescent moons.

She didn't think Daiyu was overstepping her bounds at all; she liked the way Daiyu addressed her.

He reached out and touched Daiyu's delicate face, temporarily setting aside his affection, and turned his head to look at Baochai.

"The Xue family is also a renowned family with a history of over a hundred years. Our ancestors once followed the founding emperor. So you are also a descendant of meritorious officials. You don't need to call me Your Highness. Just call me Sister, like Yu'er did."

Baochai knew more about Princess Zhaoyang's deeds than Daiyu.

Seeing that she could make the naturally shrewish and unapproachable Daiyu put aside her prejudices and take the initiative to call her "elder sister" with just a few words, it is clear that she is just as adept at social maneuvering as Feng Jie.

Then she took the initiative to mention the Xue family's ancestors, clearly intending to elevate her status and eliminate the barrier caused by the difference in their social standing.

Furthermore, when she did these things and said these words, it was all natural and without any affectation. Clearly, she had reached a level of complete control over her actions.

Only then did he realize that the rumors were true; this princess of the current dynasty indeed possessed the beauty of a phoenix.

Regardless of her inner thoughts, Baochai still showed a joyful and grateful expression on her face, bowing her head and replying, "Baochai will obey your command, elder sister."

Princess Zhaoyang looked at Baochai with a smile as well.

However, her understanding of Baochai was not as extensive as she appeared.

Although she inquired about and learned a lot about the people and things around Jia Lian, her attention to the Jia family's relatives and sisters was mainly focused on Daiyu, who was engaged to Jia Lian.

It is also known that Sister Feng has a cousin who is temporarily staying in the Jia family's Grand View Garden. According to the servants of the Jia family, she is exceptionally talented and beautiful, in no way inferior to Daiyu.

But rumors are just rumors; without actually seeing them, they aren't truly intuitive.

Seeing it with my own eyes today, I realize that the rumors were probably just being subtle. This daughter of a fallen imperial merchant, with her ethereal beauty and refined demeanor alone, has indeed reached the pinnacle of a noble lady, and can be considered a model of virtue.

From a purely personal perspective, Princess Zhaoyang could tell at a glance that this woman posed a far greater threat than Daiyu.

Fortunately, judging from his appearance and demeanor, he did not seem like a wicked person.

So she took Baochai and Daiyu's hands again and said to Jia Lian and the other two, "This Jia family is truly a place blessed with outstanding talents. It's not enough that they produced a genius like Rong Gong, who is one in a hundred generations; they also have two sisters with such stunning beauty. If I didn't see it with my own eyes, who would believe it?"

Jia Lian knew that Princess Zhaoyang was eloquent, so he didn't think much of it. However, Baochai and Daiyu felt somewhat flattered.

After all, given their status, there's no need for them to curry favor.

In fact, even Baochai had some concerns before that she might be made difficult by the princess.

A woman's life is not about her future or her career; the only thing she seeks is a perfect husband.

Under such circumstances, they naturally care even more about the person they have chosen.

Perhaps this is the origin of the saying that women are prone to jealousy.

Unexpectedly, this princess, who actively pursued Jia Lian, causing a great stir throughout the land, yet ultimately had no chance with him, was so magnanimous. She showed no jealousy or resentment towards Jia Lian and Daiyu, two women who effortlessly forged romantic relationships with him.

Even if she doesn't feel jealousy, she even puts on the act of an older sister taking care of her younger sister.

Baochai, with her deep understanding of human nature, did not believe that the princess was naturally so magnanimous. After careful consideration, she felt that the problem must lie with Jia Lian.

This princess must have loved Jia Lian very much, and Jia Lian must have done something to make her willing to back down for him.

Just like her and Daiyu.

A few years ago, she would never have imagined that, apart from entering the palace, she would become someone else's concubine.

But now, she did exactly that. In fact, she was mentally prepared to face all kinds of hardships and obstacles in order to become a concubine.

After all, when meeting for the first time, complimenting each other can quickly improve the relationship, but if you keep repeating the same old things, it will inevitably seem insincere.

Therefore, after the pleasantries were over, Princess Zhaoyang took out the gift she had prepared in advance and placed it in Daiyu's hands.

Daiyu subconsciously took it; it was a very square jade pendant.

The front features a raised character "赠" (gift), while the back is engraved with the characters "昭阳" (Zhaoyang), clearly indicating that it was specially carved and crafted.

Seeing Daiyu's stunned gaze, Princess Zhaoyang smiled and said, "Since it's our first meeting, I don't have any nice gifts to give you. This jade pendant was specially made for me. With this pendant, you can freely enter and leave the imperial city and my princess residence."

I hope my sister will keep this safe. When you have time, please visit my princess's residence, and we can renew our sisterly bond.

Although Daiyu disrespected the powerful and wealthy and disliked vulgar things, she deeply appreciated Princess Zhaoyang's sentiments.

She glanced subconsciously at Jia Lian next to Baochai, and seeing him nod, she no longer hesitated, accepted the jade pendant, and stood up to thank him.

Princess Zhaoyang pulled Daiyu back to sit down before looking at Baochai.

Not a single mistake, not a single poem, not a single post, not a single piece of content, not a single look!

Just as Baochai was wondering what kind of gift Princess Zhaoyang would give her, whether it would be better or worse than Daiyu's?

It's probably not as good as her, since even she could tell that Princess Zhaoyang seemed to really like Daiyu.

Before she started being sarcastic, this girl was universally liked, regardless of age or gender.

Just then, Princess Zhaoyang raised her hand and took a silver hairpin off Baochai's head.

Baochai adhered to the principle of concealing her talents and keeping a low profile. Therefore, even though the Xue family was quite wealthy, her daily life was always simple and unassuming.

Even jewelry and accessories were mostly made of silver, with little use of gold.

The most conspicuous item she wore was the gold lock she always wore. It was a gift from an old deity, said to be related to her entire life, and her mother, Aunt Xue, insisted that she wear it with her at all times.

Amidst the puzzled expressions of Baochai and even Daiyu, Princess Zhaoyang inserted the hairpin she had taken from Baochai's head into her own, then removed the gold hairpin from her own hair and said to Baochai, "Because I did not know about your betrothal to Rong Gong before I came to the mansion, I did not prepare any gifts."

If you don't mind, I would like to exchange this hairpin with you, as a token of our friendship. What do you think, sister?

Exchanging ornaments between women is a way of showing affection, and Baochai naturally understood this principle.

Even when Princess Zhaoyang was dressed as a maid of the fourth prince, the ornaments she wore were extremely simple.

However, the gold hairpin on her head was also made by the Imperial Household Department. Not only was it exquisitely crafted, but it also had a phoenix pattern on it, which was not something that ordinary women could wear.

Therefore, Baochai hurriedly declined, saying, "This gift is too precious; I am ashamed to accept it."

Princess Zhaoyang smiled, gently patted Baochai's head, and placed the gold hairpin in her hair. Then, looking her over, she laughed and said, "Sister, you are so beautiful; gold jewelry suits you much better. Perhaps it's because Duke Rong is stingy that he wouldn't gift you gold?"

Jia Lian remained unperturbed by Princess Zhaoyang's teasing.

He was certainly not short of money, nor was he stingy; it was just that he hadn't given Baochai many gifts before without a proper reason. Moreover, even if he shamelessly offered them, given Baochai's behavior, she would either refuse or hide them.

However, he had to admit that Princess Zhaoyang's judgment was correct. Baochai's radiant beauty was indeed a better match for gold jewelry.

In the future, we can find skilled craftsmen to make more gold ornaments for her.

Seeing that Princess Zhaoyang had made up her mind to give the gift, Baochai naturally didn't say anything more. She raised her hand and touched the gold hairpin in her hair, feeling the lingering warmth of Princess Zhaoyang on the cold hairpin. Even though she knew that Princess Zhaoyang's intention was to bribe her, she still couldn't help but feel grateful at this moment.

Princess Zhaoyang has a superior status, and now she and Jia Lian have inexplicably become siblings, making her someone they cannot and should not compare themselves to.

Only Sister Feng, Daiyu, and her remained.

Fengjie had a natural advantage; she was Jia Lian's first wife, so she didn't need to compare herself to them.

The remaining comparisons that people will naturally make are between her and Daiyu.

However, Daiyu still had a father from a prominent official family, and she herself was appointed as a local noblewoman by the emperor.

Therefore, among the women with status around Jia Lian, she has the lowest status and the humblest family background.

This is also why she chose to back down when facing Daiyu.

Even so, she knew that she would inevitably be the subject of gossip in the future, especially since she already knew that Jia Lian had publicly asked Grandmother Jia to act as a matchmaker for him with the Xue family.

However, upon meeting the princess today, he not only gained her approval but also received a gold hairpin as a gift from her.

Thus, given Princess Zhaoyang's powerful status and prestige, all it takes for the "changing of hairpins" ceremony to spread slightly today is enough to silence many gossipy people.

After exchanging gifts, there wasn't much else to say, since we weren't really that close.

However, Princess Zhaoyang wanted to stay a little longer, and since the Fourth Prince had not yet returned from visiting Prince Teng, she remembered something and brought it up.

"Actually, I wanted to say this when I first saw Lin Daiyu. If I hadn't heard it from many people beforehand, I would have been shocked too."

Lin Daiyu and the fourth young lady of the Zhen family were neither sisters nor from the same clan, yet they looked so alike!

Even though I have carefully observed my sister's appearance just now, if she and Miss Zhen were to appear before me at the same time in the future, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to tell them apart.

As for the comparison of appearances between Daiyu and Zhen Yuhuan, she was already immune to it.

However, Princess Zhaoyang's next words touched her somewhat.

"No wonder the Rong Guild was so anxious when Miss Zhen was pushed into the water by the late Crown Princess last year, and jumped into the water to save her without caring that it was the dead of winter."

In a fit of rage, he even crippled the Crown Princess's personal maid with a single kick.

At first, I thought it was just out of consideration for the bond between sworn siblings, but now it seems it's more like a case of loving someone because of them.

The sisters in the Grand View Garden all knew about Zhen Yuhuan's rescue from the water, and everyone thought it was a matter of course.

Given how much Lian Er loves and cares for his sisters, how could he not save Yu Huan from drowning?

However, hearing about this matter again from Princess Zhaoyang herself brought a different feeling.

Was he really so concerned about Yu Huan because she looked like me, even at the cost of offending the Crown Princess at the time?

Facing Daiyu's gaze, Jia Lian raised his head at a forty-five-degree angle.

He couldn't get a word in edgewise while the women were talking, but he was happy to observe from the sidelines and keep an eye on things.

Seeing that not only had they not caused any bad trouble, but that Zhaoyang Nizi had even helped him win over Daiyu's heart, he couldn't be happier.