Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

After the brief meeting, Wang Ziteng went to pay his respects to Grandmother Jia, while Jia Lian returned to Tianxiang Tower.

Surprisingly, Baochai and Daiyu did not leave.

Although they lived under the same roof, they were very far apart.

When Jia Lian walked in, he saw Daiyu sitting behind the screen on the east side, tuning the wooden zither that was always placed there, while Baochai was standing on the shelf on the west side, flipping through a book.

Upon seeing Jia Lian, Daiyu merely glanced at him, while Baochai put down the music box in her hand and walked towards Jia Lian.

"The princess is gone?"

"Um."

Jia Lian sat down, looking at the naturally beautiful and graceful Baochai in front of him, and then at the delicate and clever Daiyu in the corner, feeling very content.

Just then, Daiyu turned around and met his admiring gaze, so Jia Lian waved to her.

Daiyu hesitated for a moment, then stood up and walked over.

Jia Lian stretched out his hand, and Daiyu glared at him, but still placed her hand in Jia Lian's.

She thought Jia Lian just wanted to help her sit down, but to her surprise, after taking her small hand, he looked at Baochai and extended his hand as well.

However, Baochai and Jia Lian were rarely close, and the number of times they held hands was very few.

She glanced at Daiyu instinctively, and saw that Daiyu initially tried to pull away, but stopped when her gaze met Daiyu's. Daiyu gave a slight snort and pretended to turn her head away.

Baochai hesitated for a moment before slowly raising her hand and placing it in Jia Lian's palm.

Holding one slender hand in each, I felt the left hand was soft and delicate, while the right hand was smooth and supple, both offering an exquisite tactile experience.

Moreover, the beautiful young women he forcibly grouped together, one with a slightly annoyed face and the other with a shy, jade-like face, were truly a pair of flawless jades.

It seems that even the legendary beauties Ehuang and Nüying, and the legendary swallows and Hede were no more than this.

Jia Lian couldn't help but sigh, "What virtue or ability do I, Jia Lian, possess to have two younger sisters by my side!"

Jia Lian's words seemed to come from deep feeling, which pleased both Daiyu and Baochai who heard them.

This was because at this moment, Jia Lian's affection for them was undisguised, naked, and sincere.

Even Daiyu, who was pouting, relaxed her expression and let Jia Lian's large hand gently caress her small hand.

Seeing that Baochai and Daiyu were standing quietly, tacitly allowing him to touch their hands, Jia Lian suddenly wished he could use both hands to pull the two women into his arms and embrace them on either side.

I decided to put aside that impulse.

Given Daiyu's shyness and Baochai's self-restraint, this level of intimacy should be close to the limit they would reach if they met each other.

Being too hasty and rash will only alert the enemy and lead to complete failure.

So he spread his hands and led the two women to sit down next to him.

Perhaps because of each other's presence, both Baochai and Daiyu were much more reserved than when they were alone with Jia Lian.

But after saying that, Jia Lian stopped talking and instead took one of their delicate hands and placed it on his lap, pressing it down and secretly caressing and playing with it.

They couldn't pull back, and they were afraid that making a big movement would attract the attention of the other party.

Not wanting the awkward atmosphere to continue, Baochai feigned composure and casually remarked, "Although I only met the princess once, I could tell that she is no ordinary person. She may seem casual in her demeanor, but she possesses an inner order and composure that is beyond the reach of ordinary women."

Compared to Jia Lian, Daiyu was actually more attentive to Baochai's every move.

Even though she was eager to compete with Baochai, she secretly nodded in agreement after hearing what she said.

When Daiyu interacted with people, she would say a few more words to those she liked, but she didn't want to spend a moment longer with those she didn't like.

However, there were very few people in the world who could catch her eye, so people said she was arrogant and self-absorbed.

In reality, she sees things clearly, but she's too lazy to bother with ordinary people and matters.

Princess Zhaoyang had only met them once and hadn't exchanged many words with them, yet she had managed to win their favor and admiration. Daiyu knew this was a difficult thing to do.

Recalling the rumors about Princess Zhaoyang that she had heard from Zijuan in the past, and combined with what she saw today, Daiyu could no longer suppress the doubts that had been building up in her heart.

She turned around, looked at Jia Lian, and asked seriously, "Aren't you and her already like siblings?"

A seemingly simple question can contain a great deal of meaning.

This was a question that had long been nagging at Daiyu, because she had learned from Baochai that Princess Zhaoyang had been betrothed to the Wei family, and Jia Lian had almost acknowledged the status of the imperial grandson in front of her.

All of this suggests that, regardless of their past relationship, Jia Lian and Princess Zhaoyang should lament the cruel twist of fate, for a broken relationship cannot be mended.

However, judging from their situation just now... although Princess Zhaoyang addressed him as "Lord Rong" very politely, the gentle look in her eyes when she looked at Jia Lian and the respect she showed him in her words could not be concealed.

Or perhaps she never intended to hide it.

If Daiyu had such doubts, Baochai surely had similar questions as well, and so she also looked at Jia Lian.

Faced with the two women's probing gazes, Jia Lian remained silent for a long while before slowly saying, "She is deeply in love with me."

The phrase "deeply in love" deeply moved both Baochai and Daiyu.

Daiyu is the most sentimental person. From these four simple words, she can easily guess that the love entanglement between Princess Zhaoyang and Jia Lian is hard to let go of.

She could understand this feeling very well, because she imagined what would happen if one day, for some reason, she and Jia Lian had to be separated...

She was destined not to do it; if she had, she probably wouldn't have survived and would have died in tears.

She even felt a little sorry for the woman who had been so bright and carefree just moments before.

Fate was so unfair to her. Her beloved was unjustly bound by worldly constraints, so that even if she wanted to see him, she could only do so quietly, disguised and incognito.

In Daiyu's heart, the word "love" was more important than anything else. Princess Zhaoyang's unwavering devotion to Jia Lian resonated with her own emotional pursuits.

The previous worldly doubts naturally vanished.

Seeing Daiyu's sentimental state, Jia Lian released her small hand and gently put his arm around her shoulder in a comforting gesture, letting her lean against his chest.

Whether Daiyu was completely absorbed in her inner world and oblivious to the outside world, or whether she couldn't resist Jia Lian's gentle actions, her soft body nestled against Jia Lian's chest.

The warmth and fragrance enveloped him, creating a harmonious and enchanting atmosphere. Jia Lian then looked to his right.

Baochai's gaze also fell on Daiyu, who was nestled in Jia Lian's arms. Only when she noticed Jia Lian turning around did she look up to greet him.

Although he could tell from Baochai's bright eyes that she was perfectly lucid, Jia Lian still raised his arm and, in the same manner, put his arm around the beautiful woman's shoulder, letting her lean closer.

Baochai naturally felt embarrassed, but given the current atmosphere and Daiyu's presence, she couldn't make any unnecessary moves.

This girl already harbored a lot of resentment towards her, so if she made a move, she would probably think it was just her being coy and sarcastic.

Fortunately, Jia Lian's actions weren't too excessive, so she simply leaned on Jia Lian's shoulder.

This pleased someone greatly.

It was summer, and the three of them were dressed in thin clothes. They huddled together, and could clearly feel the primal attraction that emanated from each other.

Although it wasn't the most direct or sensual scene of the two women embracing each other, they were merely leaning on Jia Lian's shoulders.

It is precisely this feeling of a beautiful woman gently embracing someone, enjoying the bliss of having multiple lovers, while surrounded by an atmosphere of exquisite beauty, that stirs the heart even more.

Jia Lian's heart, which should have been calm and undisturbed, suddenly began to pound, a fact keenly noticed by the person whose ear was pressed against his chest.

Just as Jia Lian was feeling smug, he suddenly felt a pain in his left lower back.

Fortunately, having been pinched multiple times before, Jia Lian's body did not react; he simply looked down.

But Daiyu remained nestled obediently in his arms, and there was no trace of her having launched an attack.

After a while, Daiyu propped herself up, and as she slowly turned her head, Baochai also slipped off Jia Lian's shoulder.

"I'm going back now."

As she spoke, Daiyu stood up. She was always independent and would leave or stay as she pleased.

Since Daiyu was about to leave, Baochai had no intention of staying to keep Jia Lian company, so she also got up.

Seeing this, Jia Lian smiled and said, "It's getting late, let's go to the old lady's room. Zhen'er said she wanted to come and see you, she's probably already here by now."

Jia Lian finally understood that the idea of ​​Daiyu and Baochai becoming one was nothing more than a beautiful but unrealistic fantasy.

Although the two women had been leaning against him, he didn't dare to move an inch.

Let's separate from now on, that way at least we can still get some other benefits when the mood strikes.

It's been quite a while since Zhen Yuhuan moved out of the Grand View Garden, and Daiyu really misses this obedient maid who used to follow her around calling her "Sister Lin" all the time.

However, after glancing at Baochai, she seemed reluctant to go.

With her intelligence, how could she not know that if the two of them went to Rongqing Hall with Jia Lian, they would surely attract countless stares and gossip?

Jia Lian noticed Daiyu's hesitation and added, "She will be leaving the capital and returning to the south in two days. Who knows when you will be able to see her again?"

Upon hearing this, Daiyu put aside her other thoughts and nodded.

Daiyu agreed, and Jia Lian subconsciously looked at Baochai.

Baochai didn't say a word, but judging from her stance and calm demeanor, she clearly had no intention of backing down.

Jia Lian nodded secretly, thinking to himself that she truly deserved to be called "Sister Bao".

It took Daiyu a year and a half to become somewhat at ease, but she dared to face it head-on on the very first day.

Little did Jia Lian know that Baochai was already extremely nervous at this moment.

From the moment she decided to follow Sister Feng back, she knew she would have to face these things sooner or later.

Rather than being hesitant and making a fool of yourself in the end, it's better to be nonchalant from the start. Those people will still say what they want to say; hiding won't stop them.

……

Jia Lian took the lead, displaying a handsome and dashing appearance.

Baochai and Daiyu lagged half a step behind, their zithers and lutes accompanying each other.

With the addition of the charming Zijuan and Ying'er at the very end, it's as if a celestial lord is traveling among celestial concubines and maids.

Such a striking line is hard to ignore.

Especially as they approached Rongqing Hall, the number of maids and servants gradually increased, and the protagonists began to hear various exclamations and discussions.

Baochai and Daiyu were initially nervous, but upon closer listening to the casual remarks that inadvertently reached their ears, they found that most of them were expressions of amazement and admiration.

Moreover, the undisguised admiration and envy on the faces of these maids and wives gradually calmed Baochai and Daiyu's hearts.

Zijuan and Ying'er, on the other hand, seemed to be competing with each other, each putting on an air of superiority, not wanting their own daughter to lose to the other.

Inside Rongqing Hall, the Zhen family mother and daughter had indeed arrived and were talking with Grandmother Jia in the inner hall.

As for Wang Ziteng, after paying his respects to Grandmother Jia, he went to visit Jia Qiao in Jia Lian's courtyard.

Jia Lian brought Baochai and Daiyu to pay their respects to her, which surprised even Grandmother Jia.

Seeing the two beautiful women who came forward to greet her, Grandmother Jia straightened up a bit. She first glanced at Daiyu, who seemed perfectly normal, and then looked at Baochai, who stood upright and had a pleasing appearance. Suddenly, she burst into loud laughter.

"Okay, okay, okay!"

The three consecutive "good"s surprised the Zhen family mother and daughter. They thought to themselves, "It's just my granddaughter and a relative's daughter coming to pay their respects. It's not the first time we've met. Why are you so happy?"

Only the maids and servants inside the room knew what Grandmother Jia meant, and they all showed cooperative smiles.

But they focused their attention more on Jia Lian.

All the beautiful and refined young ladies who came to visit Jia Lian's home fell into his hands. Although they envied Baochai and Daiyu to some extent, they admired and were proud of Jia Lian even more.

To be a man, you must be like Master Lian. No matter how beautiful or celestial, they must all bow down to Master Lian's manly spirit!

Although Zhen Yuhuan was unaware of Baochai's situation, her sixth sense as a woman allowed her to keenly sense something when she saw Grandmother Jia holding Baochai and Daiyu by the hands, expressing her affection.

He quietly approached Jia Lian, tugged at Jia Lian's sleeve, and whispered a reminder: "Brother..."

"Um?"

"The old lady sent someone to invite my third sister and Yingchun. I haven't seen them for a long time, and I really want to get together with them one last time and have a poetry gathering."

Seeing that Jia Lian laughed at her words, Zhen Yuhuan mustered her courage and said directly, "So, if my mother says goodbye to the old lady later, could you ask me to stay and play for a day?"

In the morning, while in the palace, Zhen Yuhuan wanted to return to the Jia family mansion with Jia Lian.

Because she was embarrassed at the time, she didn't tell Jia Lian directly, and she regretted it after returning home.

Seeing her mother ordering people to pack their belongings and arranging for people, horses, carriages, and boats to return south, she felt very anxious.

Nanjing and the capital are thousands of miles apart. If I really go back, I don't know when I will be able to see the Jia family sisters again, or... see Jia Lian again.

She knew that Jia Lian had many sisters and many beautiful women around him. Even if he was kind to her, it was only because he was kind. Moreover, considering the friendship between their families, he might not really value her as his adopted sister.

If we don't take the initiative now and miss these two days, it will become a regret later.

Therefore, he took the opportunity to directly express to Jia Lian that he wanted to stay and play.

Jia Lian was well aware of the thoughts of such children. He only did not want to cause any trouble this morning because he had not yet resolved the relationship between Baochai and Daiyu.

Now that Baochai and Daiyu's problems have been resolved, he certainly wouldn't refuse Zhen Yuhuan's small but reasonable request.

So he patted the little girl's head and said with a smile, "Don't worry, I've got your back."

Zhen Yuhuan squinted as Jia Lian touched her. Noticing that the others' closeness to them was nothing unusual, she boldly hugged one of Jia Lian's arms and gently rested her head against it.

Jia Lian had never expected this girl to be so intimate with him in public. Although the touch on his arm was clear, Jia Lian knew that he must not show any unusual behavior at this moment.

As long as he is generous enough, Zhen Yuhuan's behavior can be completely understood as the closeness between siblings.

Sure enough, perhaps because they all acted naturally, even when someone glanced over, they only thought that Zhen Yuhuan was young and too close to her sworn brother Jia Lian, and did not find it too inappropriate.

……