Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

After a while, Tan Chun and the others came out of the garden. Only then did Zhen Yuhuan let go of Jia Lian and hold hands with Tan Chun and the others. The sisters greeted each other happily.

The joyful, clear voices of the youngest daughters drew Grandmother Jia's attention.

Looking at the group of granddaughters and daughters of relatives, all of them bright and beautiful, like a scene of early spring, Grandmother Jia found it very pleasing to the eye.

Therefore, he jokingly asked Mrs. Zhen, "When did you get your ship?"

Knowing that Grandmother Jia was asking when they would return to Nanjing, Madam Zhen respectfully replied, "The boat is scheduled for the morning of the day after tomorrow."

In fact, Mrs. Zhen had long been eager to return home. The matter of the Crown Prince's rebellion and death was too significant for her, a mere woman, to know how to handle it.

The Empress claimed that it was her idea to betroth Zhen Yuhuan to the Crown Prince as a concubine, but in reality, the Zhen family's own strategic planning was the main reason.

Otherwise, with so many noble ladies, why would the Empress choose the Zhen family, who lived far away in Nanjing?

In fact, after the retired emperor abdicated, the Zhen family gradually felt that no one in the court was looking out for them, so they thought of the crown prince when they were looking for a way out for themselves.

The proposal to betroth Zhen Yuhuan to the Crown Prince as a concubine was made two years ago by Old Madam Zhen, who had already consulted with the Empress through their personal relationship. However, Zhen Yuhuan was still too young at that time, so it was not put on the agenda for the time being.

This is also why, when Jia Lian arrived in Nanjing early last year, Old Madam Zhen was so eager to have Zhen Yuhuan recognize Jia Lian as her sworn brother as soon as she saw him.

She was laying the groundwork for Zhen Yuhuan to establish herself in the capital.

In other words, the Zhen family had actually placed their bets on the Crown Prince. Especially after the Zhen family brought their daughter to the capital to discuss marriage last winter on the Empress's orders, the connection between the Zhen family and the Crown Prince's residence became public knowledge.

The Zhen family oversees the three major textile bureaus in Jiangnan and is known for its immense wealth. The Crown Prince also needs a large amount of money to cultivate his own faction, which is the fundamental reason why the two sides were able to reach an agreement so quickly.

Everything was going well. Mrs. Zhen strictly followed the instructions given to her by Zhen Yingjia and Old Madam Zhen before her departure, making contact with the Crown Prince's residence, establishing connections and interests, and dreaming of becoming a member of the royal family in the future, and even having the blood of the Zhen family flow in the future emperor's veins...

Who would have thought that just when the date and ceremony for the concubine's selection were set, the Crown Prince would fall from power?

This was something the Zhen family never expected. When Mrs. Zhen heard the news, she was completely stunned.

Especially after hearing that the Crown Prince's case had implicated countless princes and ministers, and even several legitimate marquises had died, Madam Zhen was very afraid that the Zhen family would follow in their footsteps. Therefore, she wanted to escape the capital as soon as possible and go back to ask Zhen Yingjia and the old lady for their advice.

Unfortunately, they couldn't leave until the Emperor returned to the capital.

After the Emperor returned to the capital, he received protection from the Empress and felt somewhat at ease, so he was no longer so panicked and reckless.

She sent several letters home immediately after the city gates opened, reporting the upheaval in the capital to the south. Judging by the time, she should receive a reply from home tomorrow.

She tentatively scheduled her trip for the day after tomorrow, thinking that if there were no special instructions from home, she could set off to return immediately.

Grandmother Jia had no idea that Madam Zhen was eager to return home. She simply smiled and said, "Since the boat is the day after tomorrow, I think Yu Huan gets along very well with our maids. Why don't we let her stay tonight and have a good get-together with our maids? It would be a way to fulfill their friendship."

"I'll personally send someone to take her back tomorrow."

Mrs. Zhen said, "This is too much trouble."

"What's this about bothering us? There's no need to argue about this between our two families."

Beside him, Jia Lian noticed Zhen Yuhuan's glance, put down his teacup, stood up, and said with a smile, "Our old lady is right. Even if a long shed is erected a thousand miles away, all good things must come to an end."

After all, they've known each other for a while, and now they're about to be separated by thousands of miles. They should at least be allowed to say a proper goodbye.

Please rest assured, Madam, I will personally escort Sister Yuhuan back by tomorrow evening.

Mrs. Zhen naturally knew that her daughter liked the Jia family very much, and she also vaguely guessed that her daughter had some different feelings for her sworn brother Jia Lian.

Before, she would have been somewhat unsure of the situation. But now that Jia Lian had become the Duke of Rongguo, dispelling the previous rumors of his "falling out of favor," she was naturally happy for her daughter to maintain a close relationship with Jia Lian.

Although she didn't know whether the Crown Prince's case would eventually involve the Zhen family, or how deeply, as the matriarch of the Zhen family, she knew that maintaining a friendly relationship with Jia Lian, who could speak to the Emperor, was definitely the right thing to do at this time.

Anyway, my daughter's current situation is special, and it's inconvenient to bring her along when we visit other relatives and friends tomorrow. Leaving her at home would also leave her lonely.

Since she likes it, why not let her stay in the Jia family? It would be a way for her, as a mother, to show her love.

So after Jia Lian spoke, Madam Zhen hurriedly stood up and replied, "Your Excellency is too kind... Since both the Old Madam and Your Excellency have spoken, it would be disrespectful of me not to agree."

"It's absolutely unacceptable for the Duke to personally escort her back; it would be too much of a hassle for her. I'll send a carriage to pick her up tomorrow night."

Mrs. Zhen addressed him respectfully as "Lord Duke," and Jia Lian did not say anything about how she was an elder and that such an address was unnecessary.

Given his current status and position, ordinary seniority is no longer appropriate for him. Excessive politeness would only make both parties feel awkward and appear pretentious and hypocritical.

After smiling, she turned to Grandmother Jia and said that her uncle (Wang Ziteng) had returned to the capital for the first time and he had to go out to entertain guests, so she would have to trouble her to receive the Zhen family.

Grandmother Jia let him go on his own.

Zhen Yuhuan was overjoyed when she heard her mother agree to let her stay. Her sisters, Yingchun and Xichun, were also happy and pulled her along, preparing to find a corner to have a good chat.

Only when Tan Chun was laughing and pushing Zhen Yuhuan did she turn back to look at Jia Lian's departing figure, a trace of loss appearing in her eyes.

As soon as Jia Lian left, Jia Baoyu came out.

When Zhen Yuhuan politely stood up to greet him, Jia Baoyu, who had been listless, finally showed a slight smile.

Grandmother Jia was very hospitable and insisted that Mrs. Zhen stay for a meal.

During the meal, Zhen Yuhuan noticed that Grandmother Jia had arranged for Baochai to sit next to her, so she quietly tugged at Yingchun's sleeve and pointed in that direction.

Yingchun immediately revealed a playful expression, whispered something in her ear, and Zhen Yuhuan's beautiful eyes widened in surprise as she stared blankly at Baochai, forgetting to restrain herself.

Their blatant little actions naturally did not escape the notice of those present.

Those sitting nearby, such as Xichun, Xiangyun, and Xiuyan, immediately smiled knowingly and began whispering among themselves.

The others, though reserved, were also watching the drama unfold with a knowing look on their faces.

Grandmother Jia did not scold her granddaughters for laughing and joking during the meal, but pretended not to see it. After serving Baochai some food, she turned around and asked Mrs. Zhen to start eating.

Mrs. Zhen had actually found it strange for a long time.

Although she didn't visit the Jia family often, her daughter told her about her experiences there every day after she returned home, which made her quite familiar with the inner workings of the Jia family.

Besides her grandson Jia Baoyu, the only other people Jia Mu loved most were her granddaughter Daiyu, her niece Xiangyun, and, at the very least, the exceptionally beautiful Baoqin.

Although Baochai acted generously and won everyone's praise, she was not ranked higher than Grandmother Jia, regardless of blood ties or Grandmother Jia's personal preferences.

However, Madam Zhen was, after all, the matriarch of a large family, and she was shrewd and calculating. Even if she was surprised by Grandmother Jia's arrangement, she would not ask questions rashly before she understood the whole story.

Looking at the expressions of the young men and women at the table, she immediately realized that Baochai, like Daiyu, had become a member of the Jia family's daughter-in-law, but she didn't know whether she was betrothed to Jia Lian or Jia Baoyu. Therefore, she smiled knowingly.

The indescribable gazes of so many sisters and elders made Baochai feel extremely uncomfortable, and she could only rely on her strong self-control to prevent herself from making a mistake.

Although Daiyu, who was standing next to her, pretended to be indifferent and not look at everyone's eyes, she was actually keeping her eyes fixed on Baochai out of the corner of her eye.

Noticing Baochai's nervousness, the corners of her mouth subtly turned up.

She used to be like that, facing such hateful gazes for a long time. Although Baochai was not the one who started the trouble, she was someone who liked to hide in the shadows and mock people.

Let's teach her a lesson now.

Daiyu was first approached by Xue Baoqin, and then by Jia Baoyu.

It's impossible for Jia Baoyu not to feel disappointed that his beloved grandmother had arranged for him to go so far away.

He wouldn't mind if Baochai sat in his former seat. He would be happy to have Daiyu sit in front of him.

What saddened and disappointed him was why someone had to be deliberately placed between him and Daiyu.

Does Lin Daiyu's marriage to Lian Ergege really mean they're no longer allowed to be close?

When Daiyu was betrothed to Jia Lian, he was shocked and heartbroken, and tried his best to win her back. However, his beloved's heart had changed, and there was nothing he could do to change it; he could only grieve in vain.

Today, upon hearing that Baochai might be given to Jia Lian, he was surprised and disheartened, but far less distraught than before.

Although Baochai is beautiful and has the looks of Yang Guifei, she is also a mundane person in the world. If she is not a kindred spirit, then so be it. She even repeatedly advised him to become one of those people who pursue fame and fortune!

Therefore, he only admired Baochai's beauty and talent, and was willing to be close to her, but never thought of spending his life with such a woman.

Or rather, he never thought of spending his life with a woman like ordinary people do. What he wanted was to see the most beautiful scenery in the prime of his life.

Only Daiyu, the stunning young girl he considered a confidante, had ever stirred his worldly desires.

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Even now, though he has been heartbroken by her, he still longs to be close to Daiyu, even if it means never crossing any boundaries. He is unwilling to accept the alienation imposed upon them by the world.

"Brother Bao, I want to eat that, can you get me one?"

A melodious young girl's voice reached his ears, causing Jia Baoyu to lower his head. It turned out that Xue Baoqin was pointing to a pile of pickled duck apricots on his side, coaxing him for help.

"Okay."

Jia Baoyu quickly moved the entire stack of duck apricots to Baoqin's front and carefully picked one up and put it into Baoqin's bowl.

"Thank you, Brother Baoyu!"

Baoqin smiled sweetly at Jia Baoyu.

She knew about Jia Baoyu and Daiyu's childhood friendship, and also knew that her aunt and godmother (Lady Wang) had intended to arrange a marriage between them.

Seeing Jia Baoyu's dejected expression, she did this on purpose, partly to comfort him and partly to divert his attention so that he would not impulsively do something inappropriate.

Looking at the sweet-smiling Baoqin in front of him, and contrasting her with the indifferent Daiyu who hadn't even glanced at him once, Jia Baoyu sighed deeply.

It's time to let go...

He reassured himself once again.

But deep down, he knew that such words of comfort were futile.

If you teach that there is no hatred in your eyes, you don't believe that there is a white head in the world.

Because of this heartless person, he would often wake up in a fright from his dreams and weep alone until dawn.

Jia Baoyu didn't know how to let go. He subconsciously looked around at the sisters and cousins ​​at the table, because only from these equally beautiful and extraordinary sisters and cousins ​​could he find a spring of relief from his pain.

His gaze suddenly fell on Zhen Yuhuan.

This younger sister, who came from the south just like Lin Daiyu, was exactly the same as Lin Daiyu in appearance and demeanor. They were both so graceful and agile, otherworldly.

I heard that the Crown Prince's plot failed and he died...

that's nice!

This way, she wouldn't be poisoned by the filthy power of the secular world.

Thinking of this, she blurted out, "Sister Yuhuan, please stay at our house and don't go back."

Jia Baoyu's sudden remark caused the room to fall silent.

Zhen Yuhuan, feeling a mix of emotions because of Baochai and Jia Lian's affair, looked over upon hearing this.

Zhen Yuhuan had a very good impression of Jia Baoyu. After all, Jia Baoyu not only looked very much like his elder brother, but he was also generally gentle and kind to people and took good care of her. Therefore, she did not use malice to speculate about Jia Baoyu's inappropriate words.

Even looking at Jia Baoyu's sincere face, her first thought was: It's a pity it's Brother Baoyu. If Brother Lian had asked me to stay, Mother might have let me stay in the capital instead of going back to the south.

Zhen Yuhuan had no malicious intent in her speculation, but that doesn't represent others.

The gentle and warm face of Mrs. Zhen above suddenly turned blank.

What does "Stay at your house, don't go back" mean?

Although Grandmother Jia was adept at understanding human relationships, in her eyes Jia Baoyu was just a child. What bad intentions could a child possibly have?

Therefore, he only glanced at Jia Baoyu, and that glance was hardly a reproach.

Lady Wang, who was sitting at the table next to her son's wife, was observing his every move. When she saw him say something inappropriate again, she quickly scolded him, "Baoyu, don't talk nonsense."

Jia Baoyu wasn't stupid. Seeing everyone looking at him, he realized his "mistake" and hurriedly explained, "What I meant was that you should stay at our house as a guest... Nanjing is too far away. With your delicate nature, why should you suffer the hardship of the journey?"

Although Jia Baoyu's explanation was naive, it did express the child's desire to keep his friend, which eased the awkward atmosphere.

Seeing that her mother's emotions had calmed down, Zhen Yuhuan apologized to Jia Baoyu, saying, "Thank you, Brother Baoyu. But no matter how far Nanjing is, it is still my home."

We've been away from our hometown for a long time, and I miss my brothers and sisters. So, I'm overjoyed to be going back with my mother; how could it be considered hardship?"

Zhen Yuhuan was, after all, raised by the Zhen family to be an imperial concubine and even the mother of the nation, so her words were formal yet polite, which made people nod in approval.

Before Jia Baoyu could say anything more, Grandmother Jia finally spoke.

A doting "Baoyu" stopped Jia Baoyu, and then said, "No matter how hospitable you are, how can you not let people return to their hometown?"

I know you're reluctant to part with your sister. You can invite her over to visit again next time they come to the capital.

At this moment, Grandmother Jia actually regretted keeping Zhen Yuhuan with her.

She suspected that Jia Baoyu had taken a liking to Zhen Yuhuan.

If it were before, she would certainly have been happy, after all, Zhen Yuhuan's daughter looked exactly like her beloved granddaughter, which was truly delightful to see.

However, the Zhen family is currently entangled in the Crown Prince's case, especially Zhen Yuhuan, who is engaged to the Crown Prince. How could she dare to let Jia Baoyu get too involved with him!

She and Madam Wang had already discussed it and agreed that Xue Baoqin was a good girl.

Beautiful, well-behaved, and sensible.

Although they came from humble backgrounds, that's nothing to worry about.