Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Outside the Rongguo Mansion, a luxurious carriage slowly came to a stop.

A burly man jumped down from the carriage and looked at the "Imperial Rongguo Mansion" in front of him.

Behind him, a middle-aged noblewoman, supported by her maid, also stepped down.

"Sir, is it inappropriate for us to come at this time?"

The middle-aged lady looked up and saw that it was getting dark. She hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

The burly man in fine clothes grew impatient and cursed, "Foolish! Lian'er has just been granted the title of Duke; countless people want to see him right now. If we don't come at this time, how can we be sure we'll get to see him?"

Although the lady was scolded, she still expressed her concerns.

"Master is different from others. If Master comes to visit in person, Lian'er would never refuse to receive him, no matter how busy she is."

Moreover, Master is an elder and a Marquis. Even if Lian'er is granted the title of Duke, why should Master be so humble and subservient...?

The burly man slowly turned his head and looked at her with a fierce gaze, which immediately frightened the middle-aged noblewoman, who subconsciously took a step back.

From the burly man's eyes, she had no doubt that if it weren't for the wrong spot, she would have already been slapped across the face.

Shi Ding looked at his foolish wife and coldly reprimanded her: "Did I ever tell you that if it weren't for Lian'er's help, I would have been beheaded long ago?"

If I die, what good will happen to you?

Are you blind to the fate of the Qian and Sun families?

Shi Ding's words finally instilled fear and lingering apprehension in the noblewoman's eyes.

She and her husband once served in the same elite cavalry battalion. All four commanders—one chief and three deputy—were granted the title of marquis, enjoying immense prestige.

However, to this day, apart from her husband, the other three were either forced to commit suicide at home or their entire families were executed!

Among them, Marquis Liu Sheng, who was ordered to commit suicide, saved the lives of his entire family because he stayed in the capital and did not accompany the emperor to Tiewang Mountain, and did not act rashly during the incident in the capital.

"So don't forget what I told you: when you go to visit the old lady, be well-behaved and clever, and don't say or do anything stupid."

Also, remember to visit Xiangyun, treat her well, and if possible, bring her to stay at our residence for a while.

"Hmph, Xiangyun's parents died early, and you, as her aunt, haven't even offered to take care of her all these years. You've completely ignored her. How can you be so shameless?"

The noblewoman listened attentively to the beginning of the explanation, but as she heard the end, she couldn't help but mutter complaints in her heart.

I would like to take care of her, but you and your brother have been at odds for years, and that girl lives with your brother and sister-in-law. How can I take care of her?

And you old codger have the nerve to say that? It's true I'm your aunt, but you're still my uncle. Have you taken care of your own niece?

Of course, no one would dare say such a thing. Even if they did, the other party would definitely use his position of leading troops and guarding the palace as an excuse. If they got angry, they would be in for a good beating.

The husband is the head of the household, and disobedience is not tolerated; this is the attitude and rule that these noble gentlemen set for women.

Perhaps that's why Jia Lian's actions of still wholeheartedly protecting Feng Jie after achieving great success shone so brightly in the eyes of the whole family.

Seeing that the woman finally agreed, the burly man in fine clothes nodded. Just then, the gatekeeper of the Rongguo Mansion came over to inquire, so he straightened his sleeves and sent someone back to inform the man.

Jia Lian was having dinner with Prince Teng in the hall when he heard that Shi Ding and his wife had come to visit, and he was speechless.

At least Wang Ziteng arrived in the afternoon, but you came at night, right around lunchtime. Don't you have any manners at all?

Despite Shi Ding's rudeness, his status and position were undeniable, so Jia Lian couldn't leave him hanging and went out to welcome him in.

Who knew that after Shi Ding entered the door, another unpleasant guest would arrive.

Zhang Jian, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, led seven or eight of his subordinates, including commanders, centurions, and officers, to apologize.

Jia Lian, of course, showed no politeness to these people, replying with just two words.

"not see."

When Wang Ziteng saw the infamous Embroidered Uniform Guard coming to apologize to Jia Lian, he hurriedly asked why.

When Jia Lian recounted how the Xue family had been extorted by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Wang Ziteng's face immediately darkened.

You have to understand, he held the position of Military Governor of the Capital Garrison for more than a decade. Back then, it was said that if he stomped his foot, the entire capital would tremble.

He's only been away from the capital for a few years now, and these mere Imperial Guards dare to bully him?

He didn't believe that the Imperial Guards wouldn't know the relationship between the Xue and Wang families!

However, upon closer reflection, Wang Ziteng felt relieved.

As the saying goes, "a new emperor brings a new court." In the eyes of the Imperial Guards who supported Emperor Ningkang, Prince Teng was nothing more than someone destined to sit on the sidelines. What was there to fear?

For example, why did these Imperial Guards come to apologize to Jia Lian instead of going to him?

The reason is simple: Jia Lian has been granted the title of Duke, and seeing that the Emperor's favor still exists, he can influence their futures. Just a few days ago, even knowing that Jia Lian is a grandson of the Emperor, those Imperial Guards wouldn't have given him a second thought!

Wang Ziteng was not discouraged; rise and fall were common occurrences. As long as he successfully ascended to the position of Grand Secretary this time, those opportunistic Embroidered Uniform Guards would only avoid him in the future.

While Wang Ziteng remained silent as his younger sister was being bullied, Shi Ding, who had just sat down, jumped up.

"Good, these damned lackeys, how dare they bully our four great families!"

"Lian-ge'er, you don't need to worry about this. Wait until I get out, then have my guards arrest them and give them a good dressing down to avenge Wang's daughter!"

Unlike ordinary civil and military officials who feared the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Shi Ding, who came from the Imperial Guard, naturally looked down on the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The so-called "Emperor's Personal Guard" was nothing more than a nominal honor bestowed upon the emperor when he needed the Embroidered Uniform Guard to do some less-than-clean things.

In reality, the emperor truly trusted the Imperial Guard.

Otherwise, why would the emperor always have the Imperial Guards stationed with him when he travels, instead of the Embroidered Uniform Guards?

Therefore, all the Imperial Guards had a natural psychological advantage when facing the Embroidered Uniform Guard. As the ace of the Imperial Guards, the deputy commander of the Valiant Cavalry Battalion, and a former trusted confidant of the retired emperor, Shi Ding naturally did not take the Embroidered Uniform Guard seriously.

His suggestion was naturally stopped by Jia Lian and Wang Ziteng.

The highest-ranking person among those who came was a junior officer, yet he bullied these middle and lower-ranking officers, unjustly disgracing them.

In reality, among all the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards), only Zhao Quan was roughly equal to the three people present.

"Second Master..."

The gatekeeper who had delivered the message returned shortly after, saying somewhat cautiously, "Those Jinyiwei officials refuse to leave. They said they sincerely came to apologize to the Second Master, and if the Second Master refuses to see them, they will kneel outside the mansion gate until the Second Master agrees to see them..."

"Well, these bastards, they dare to threaten Lian-ge!"

When Shi Ding jumped up again to defend Jia Lian, Wang Ziteng gave him a speechless look.

Although Lian'er saved your family's lives this time, you don't need to be so obsequious. Where is your dignity and self-restraint as an elder?

Thinking it over, Wang Ziteng took the wine pot next to him and poured Jia Lian a cup of wine where Jia Lian couldn't see him.

Well, I should take advantage of this before I take office. Once I'm in the cabinet, I won't be able to do something like pouring wine for others...

Setting down the wine pot, Wang Ziteng slowly said, "How about we let them in and take a look? After all, the current situation is special. It's best to avoid conflict with the Embroidered Uniform Guard if possible."

Jia Lian nodded in agreement.

At present, Emperor Ningkang still needs to make good use of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so this is indeed not a good time to start a conflict with the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

In fact, Jia Lian knew from the moment these people arrived that they were sent by Zhao Quan.

The reason I said I wouldn't see him earlier was twofold: firstly, to maintain a certain demeanor, and secondly, because I was dissatisfied that Zhao Quan had promised to give me an explanation, but had only sent a subordinate commander.

"Let them come to the front of the hall."

As the gatekeeper went down, a middle-aged officer wearing special armor made by the Embroidered Uniform Guard soon led seven young officers with their hands bound, bare-chested, and carrying bundles of thorns to the front of the hall.

"Kneel down!"

At the command of the middle-aged officer, the seven men knelt down in unison on the steps in front of the hall.

During this process, Jia Lian and the other two in the hall remained silent and waited.

The middle-aged officer glanced into the hall, then stepped forward with a smile, bowed at the hall door, and said, "This humble officer, Zhang Jian, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, pays his respects to the Duke of Rong and to both of you."

Shi Ding snorted coldly, while Wang Ziteng glanced at him and then silently returned to his drink.

Jia Lian then asked, "Did Zhao Quan send you?"

"Reporting to Lord Rong, it was indeed my Commander-in-Chief who sent me. This morning, Lord Rong reminded my Commander-in-Chief that some members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were abusing their power for personal gain and oppressing the good people in the city."

My master took this very seriously and, upon returning home, ordered his officials to investigate. Sure enough, they discovered the problem.

As he spoke, Zhang Jian turned around and glared at the seven people below him before continuing, "It was these few good-for-nothings who, taking advantage of the unrest in the city a few days ago, got greedy and set their sights on the Xue family, the imperial merchants."

My family was furious and wanted to throw these lawless scoundrels into jail to await their punishment.

But then he thought, the Xue family, who were the victims, were Rong Gong's closest relatives. Rong Gong must be furious that his close relatives were being oppressed.

Therefore, my master ordered me to bring these people here first, to await Lord Rong's judgment.

My master said that the reason the Embroidered Uniform Guard produced such incompetent members was due to his lax discipline. He told Rong Gong not to consider his feelings, and that regardless of whether Rong Gong lived or died, as long as Rong Gong vented his anger, my master would be at peace.

No sooner had Zhang Jian finished speaking than Shi Ding coldly mocked, "Ridiculous! What face does Zhao Quan have that Rong Gong doesn't need to give him face? Does he even deserve it?"

Zhang Jian's face was grim, but he didn't know Shi Ding. He just thought that someone who could be a guest of Jia Lian must have a high status, so he pretended not to hear it.

Jia Lian, however, just smiled and remained silent.

Zhang Jian was unsure of Jia Lian's meaning, so he added, "My master also said that he deeply apologized for not disciplining him properly, which allowed his subordinates to offend the Xue family and frighten the Xue family's matriarch."

To put my mind at ease, my master has prepared a small gift, which I hope you, Rong Gong, will pass on to the Xue family as an apology from my master.

Zhang Jian took out a lightweight wooden box from his sleeve. Seeing that there were no servants in the hall, he held it with both hands, bowed respectfully, and placed it on the table.

The person is kneeling there, and the apology has been offered. Their attitude has been revealed. Whether it's hostility or harmony depends on Jia Lian's reaction.

Facing the gazes of the crowd, Jia Lian sat up straight, picked up the box, and opened it to examine it as if no one else was there.

After checking the numbers, Jia Lian laughed and said, "Your master is quite generous."

Zhang Jian bowed and said, "It's all what I should do..."

Jia Lian chuckled, closed the wooden box, called over the steward, and instructed, "Send this to the Xue family and say it's an apology from Lord Zhao of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

The steward took the wooden box and left without saying a word. Zhang Jian, Wang Ziteng, and Shi Ding all showed slight changes in their expressions.

Zhang Jian knew the exact amount, after all, it was the life-saving money that these seven people had vomited out to survive.

The money was supposed to be an apology to the Xue family, but it's obvious to whom it was actually being apologized to.

Unexpectedly, Jia Lian only glanced at the number and then sent the items out untouched.

As expected of a grandson of the emperor, he has usurped the throne of a duke's mansion. His standards are indeed high; he looks down on everything else.

Zhang Jian thought Jia Lian had high standards, but in the eyes of Wang Ziteng and Shi Ding, Jia Lian's actions were noble and showed the demeanor of a gentleman.

They all unanimously admired Jia Lian even more. After all, the four great families were closely related, and if Jia Lian was so generous to the weakened Xue family today, he would naturally treat the other two families much the same way tomorrow.

Having heard the apology and accepted the gifts, Jia Lian naturally had to make a statement in return.

He finally stood up, walked to the front of the hall, and looked at the seven low-ranking officers of the Embroidered Uniform Guard who were pleading guilty with thorns on their backs.

Among these seven people was the young commander who had kicked the Xue family steward and angrily rebuked the patrol officer of the West City Garrison that day.

But now, he no longer possessed the arrogance of the past. When Jia Lian's gaze swept over him, he could only obediently lower his head.

"As a member of the Emperor's personal guard, the Embroidered Uniform Guard who oversees the realm for His Majesty, I feel sorrow for you and injustice for His Majesty."

"Is it because the salary the imperial court gives you isn't enough?"

"Or did your commander embezzle your salaries and grain?"

If the seven Jinyiwei officers could have inwardly criticized Jia Lian for his first question, thinking he was just talking without understanding the situation, the next two questions left them speechless.

"If it is the former, I can write to the court on your behalf and request that the court increase your salary."

"If it is the latter, I can also take charge for you and submit a memorial to His Majesty to impeach Zhao Quan."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, Zhang Jian's expression changed drastically. He immediately glared at the seven kneeling men, telling them to shut up.

Zhang Jian could see that Jia Lian really dared to do this, and he was qualified to do it.

Not only Zhang Jian could see it, but the seven people below him could as well.

Immediately, some people who were dissatisfied with the distribution of benefits among the Embroidered Uniform Guard began to ponder the truthfulness of Jia Lian's words.

Among them, Commander Chu Liang was the most interested, because although he had participated in extorting wealthy people in the city before, he had not gone to the Xue family at all.

Because the group that went to the Xue family belonged to his command, he was forcibly brought here and forced to pay the lion's share of the compensation.

He was completely unconvinced, because if that were the case, Zhang Jian would still be his superior, and Zhao Quan would still be Zhang Jian's superior...

He understood that the other six people's official positions were too low, and they needed him, as a commander of a thousand, to put them down, but he just couldn't accept it.

Why do they get the lion's share when it's time to eat meat, but when something goes wrong and they get beaten, they're the ones pushed out to take the fall?

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Despite a strong urge to overturn the table, after much deliberation, I felt the risk was too high and forcibly suppressed it.

So he kowtowed to Jia Lian and said, "Thank you for your consideration, Lord Rong. But this matter has nothing to do with our Commander. It was all because we were blinded by greed that we did such a thing that disgraced the reputation of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and violated the law."

We, your humble servants, are willing to accept your judgment, Lord Marquis, and swear to repent and never repeat our mistakes.

Seeing that their leader had spoken, the other six men followed suit and kowtowed on the ground, prostrating themselves in reverence.

It's no wonder they were so obedient, because they all knew that if they couldn't appease Jia Lian, he might take the matter to the Emperor in a fit of rage.

They didn't know if their commander would be in trouble, but in order to quell everyone's anger, Zhao Quan would definitely push them, the instigators, out to take the fall.

There's no need for punishment.

I just want to warn you all: if you become officials only to make money and to exploit the people, then you should prepare yourselves as soon as possible.

Take a good look at the piles of heads that have been slaughtered in the city these past few days. Perhaps one day, you and your families will be among them.

After exchanging pleasantries, Jia Lian, too lazy to bother with these lackeys, waved his hand, and Jia family guards stepped forward to escort them out.

Zhang Jian originally intended to take this opportunity to befriend Jia Lian; this was not only his own thought but also Zhao Quan's instruction.

However, seeing that Jia Lian seemed unapproachable, he had no choice but to prepare to take his leave.

But just as he lifted his foot, Jia Lian said, "You stay here."

After saying this, Jia Lian apologized to Wang Ziteng and the other man in the hall, saying, "Please continue your meal, uncles. I have something to attend to and must excuse myself for a moment."

"Since you have something to do, feel free to go."

Jia Lian glanced at Zhang Jian, then turned and headed towards the side hall.

Zhang Jian hesitated for a moment, but still followed Jia Lian closely and went with him to the side hall.

To everyone's surprise, Jia Lian, upon arriving at the side hall, completely changed his previous stern and unapproachable demeanor, his expression becoming warm and friendly.

He even poured himself a cup of tea and gestured, "This is a pre-rain Longjing tea bestowed by His Majesty. Lord Zhang, you may have a taste."

Zhang Jian was flattered and hurriedly bowed to accept the drink, but dared not drink it at all, only looking at Jia Lian with a worried expression.

"Drink it."

"Yes……"

Ignoring the scalding heat, he drank half a cup in one gulp, having no interest in tasting the saltiness, and instead glanced at Jia Lian.

Seeing Jia Lian just smiling, he felt a chill run down his spine. So he drank the tea in one gulp, put the teacup aside, knelt down and said, "Whatever the Duke of Rong needs, please give your orders. As long as it is within my power, I will do my best to fulfill them for you."

Even if I cannot accomplish it, I will report back to my family's Commander-in-Chief..."

When Jia Lian saw that Zhang Jian had knelt down in a panic without saying a word, he thought to himself that as expected of someone from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, their sense of hierarchy was indeed different.

If it were any other fourth-rank official, they wouldn't kneel down so readily.

So he smiled and said, "I'm asking you about someone."

"May I ask who you wish to inquire about, Lord Rong?"

"The eldest son of the Mei family of Juxianfang."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian's expression shifted, and he immediately began to ponder.

Jia Lian didn't urge him, and just waited for him while drinking tea.

"May I ask, sir, do you have any prior connection with the Mei family?"

"I guess so, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing... I dare not hide it from you, Lord Rong. This eldest son of the Mei family, Mei Qi, is currently imprisoned in the Northern Garrison Prison because he was involved in the Crown Prince's treason case."

Because of His Majesty's benevolence, an imperial edict was issued ordering the Northern Garrison to investigate all those involved in the case in accordance with the law. No one should be lenient towards evildoers, but no one should be wrongly executed.

After investigation, it was found that Mei Qi had only happened to accompany the Crown Prince to Tiewang Mountain and had not participated in the rebellion. In fact, he knew nothing about the rebellion. Therefore, he has been placed on the next batch of release list by the Northern Garrison Command.

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian laughed: "Was it verified, or did the Mei family use some supernatural power to get your Northern Garrison to agree to release them?"

Zhang Jian's expression froze slightly, but thinking that Jia Lian was no novice in officialdom, he should be sincere if he wanted to make friends with him.

So he said, "We dare not hide it from you, Lord Rong. Although the Mei family went through many connections to find us, if Mei Qi really participated in the treason, even if we had ten thousand lives, we would not dare to risk being beheaded to tolerate it."

In fact, if His Majesty had not personally issued an edict yesterday, ordering that all those who were not directly involved in the treason, or who were merely implicated, would be treated leniently, we officials would never have dared to release an accomplice like him, captured from the Crown Prince's palace..."

As Zhang Jian spoke, he winked at Jia Lian, hoping Jia Lian would understand the secret behind it.

How could Jia Lian not understand?

All those who should be killed, or those whom Emperor Ningkang wanted to kill, were dealt with immediately.

After all, the so-called rebellion of the crown prince was just an excuse for Emperor Ningkang to cover up his mistakes.

The reason they dared not release them before was simply because they were unsure of Emperor Ningkang's will. Now that Emperor Ningkang has said that most of them have been killed, the rest should be released, so the people below are naturally not stingy in exchanging these people for some reasonable benefits...

In fact, according to Jia Lian's inquiries, Emperor Ningkang was actually quite restrained this time.

Aside from executing a few exemplary families to intimidate the entire court, Emperor Ningkang did not wield the sword extensively against other officials loyal to the retired emperor.

Perhaps Emperor Ningkang was still hoping to subdue these people and use them for his own purposes.

Of course, if someone really wants to die, they can jump out themselves, and then they can't blame anyone else.

As for unfortunate souls like Mei Qi, they naturally wouldn't catch Emperor Ningkang's attention. Seeing that the situation was gradually calming down, the Mei family naturally had an opportunity to redeem their captors.

"Alright, you don't need to explain anymore. I once commanded the Western City Military Command, so I naturally know a thing or two about it."

The reason I summoned you here is that I have a favor to ask of you.

Seeing that Jia Lian had finally gotten to the point, Zhang Jian quickly said, "Lord Rong, please give your orders, and I will do my best to comply."

"That's right, I took Miss Xue as my second wife, and she..."

"Congratulations, Lord Rong! Congratulations, Lord Rong..."

Zhang Jian thought to himself, "No wonder Jia Lian is so concerned about the Xue family's affairs." In his excitement, he hurriedly flattered Jia Lian, only to find Jia Lian looking at him with displeasure when he looked up. He realized that he had interrupted Jia Lian and could only smile apologetically.

"She has a cousin who was originally betrothed to Mei Qi."

Her mother brought her all the way from Nanjing to Beijing this time, originally intending to discuss marriage with the Mei family.

However, the Mei family, disliking the Xue family's decline in status over the years, wanted to break off the engagement and repeatedly refused to see her, leaving her stranded in the capital for quite some time...

Zhang Jian angrily said, "How could this be! The Mei family is a respectable and noble family, yet they are so arrogant and servile. I am ashamed to associate with such people."

"Who knew that Mei Qi was involved in the Crown Prince's case before, and the Mei family actually tried to use this marriage to coerce the Xue family, and then asked me to step in and help them save Mei Qi's life."

After being rejected by me, she even threatened to make my sister-in-law a widow for life.

If Zhang Jian was just putting on an act before, he was genuinely surprised now.

He didn't believe Jia Lian would deceive him over such a trivial matter, so he said somewhat angrily, "How can there be such a shameless family in the world? If the Mei family is truly so despicable, I have some doubts as to whether Mei Qi is really an innocent victim..."

"May I ask, Lord Rong, do you wish to use me to teach Mei Qi a lesson?"

Zhang Jian felt he roughly understood Jia Lian's meaning, so he boldly probed.

"There's no need to teach him a lesson; I wouldn't stoop to the level of a cowardly scholar."

However, I am ashamed to be related to such people by marriage, so I want to ask the Mei family to return the marriage certificate.

However, I have just been granted a title. If I go directly to the Mei family to ask for the marriage certificate, the Mei family will be sensible if they know what's good for them, but if they don't, I will inevitably be suspected of abusing my power.

Therefore, I would like to ask you if there is any way to get the Mei family to come to me to discuss this matter?

Jia Lian winked at Zhang Jian.

Zhang Jian immediately understood.

Actually, he felt that Jia Lian didn't need to go to so much trouble. All he wanted was to break off the engagement. With Jia Lian's status, if he went to ask for it, would the Mei family dare to refuse?

Even if the Mei family is a bunch of scoundrels, surely Jia Lian has the skills to deal with a mere Mei family?

One can only sigh that a nobleman like Jia Lian has a style of doing things that is so different from those of rough people.

Perhaps this is why they are able to sit in such a high position; even when doing such a small thing, they don't want to leave any stain on their reputation...

"I understand what you mean, Lord Rong. I might not be able to help you with other matters, but I happen to be in charge of criminal matters at the Northern Garrison Command. I can handle this matter for you without even consulting Lord Zhao."

"Rest assured, Lord Rong, I guarantee that within three days, the Mei family will personally come to you, kowtow, and apologize."

"Thank you very much, Lord Zhang."

Jia Lian gestured to Zhao'er beside him, and Zhao'er immediately went down to prepare.

Hearing Jia Lian address him as "Lord Zhang," Zhang Jian felt an immense sense of relief. This was the First Duke of the court, rumored to be the grandson whom even the Emperor Emeritus longed to acknowledge...

Then Zhang Jian realized that he had been kneeling the whole time.

He was incredibly embarrassed. It was clearly Jia Lian asking him for a favor, so why was he kneeling and listening the whole time?

So she looked at Jia Lian with a wronged expression.

Jia Lian seemed to only then realize this, and quickly offered a helping hand, saying, "Lord Zhang, why are you still kneeling? Please rise quickly."

After Zhang Jian got up and drank half a cup of tea, Mingyan presented the gift of thanks.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Jian immediately shook his head vigorously, saying, "Lord Rong, you flatter me. It's just a small matter. How could I let you spend so much money?"

If Lord Rong has no further instructions, I will take my leave now.

Seeing Zhang Jian retreating towards the hall as if the gift in Mingyan's hand was some kind of monstrous threat, Jia Lian didn't insist. He smiled and said, "In that case, Lord Zhang, please go. From now on, Lord Zhang is a distinguished guest of my Rongguo Mansion, and I welcome you to visit at any time."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian felt that his future was bright. He immediately knelt down and kowtowed to express his gratitude before reluctantly leaving the Rongguo Mansion.