Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

"No, how can you do that? That's..."

In Fengzao Palace, when Yuan Chun proposed her perfect solution, it was immediately met with opposition from Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang.

Grandmother Jia said, "That garden was specially built by the family for you to come home to visit your family. It is your temporary palace. How can it be given to Lian'er?"

This is unreasonable, both logically and legally; it's absolutely unacceptable!

Madam Wang echoed, "Exactly. If we give the garden to him, what if the Emperor grants him permission to return home in the future?"

Besides, that garden was originally built according to the rites for a noble consort like yourself. Even if you were willing to give it to him, he wouldn't be allowed to live in the main hall.

Neither Grandmother Jia nor Lady Wang expected that Yuan Chun would propose separating the Grand View Garden from the Rong and Ning mansions to make it Jia Lian's new residence.

They couldn't accept it.

Yuan Chun, however, smiled and waited for her grandmother and the other woman to finish their objections before saying, "I said this not on a whim, but because I had thought about it for a long time."

Seeing that Grandmother Jia and the other woman were looking at her seriously, Yuan Chun sighed and said, "Ever since Lian's identity was exposed, I have actually thought about this matter."

Since he is of royal blood, he cannot live in our house forever.

Even if we were all willing to let him continue to lead the family, I'm afraid that with his pride and arrogance, he would disdain it.

But I also know deeply that after so many years of his leadership and reorganization, the family has long been inseparable from him.

I'm not saying that he's inseparable from the family, but rather that the family can no longer do without Lian if it wants to continue to be glorious and powerful.

At that time, I was thinking, is there any way to keep him in our family?

At first, I didn't dare to have too high hopes, but the royal family's attitude later made me feel that this was feasible.

The royal family did not recognize Liandi's identity, and even bestowed upon him the title of "Duke of Rongguo"... From that day on, I began to think about how we should get along with Liandi in the future.

Therefore, even if Lian-di doesn't bring it up this time, I will find an opportunity to explain it to you, Mother:

How could a nobleman, a descendant of the emperor, be confined to a small courtyard?

I even thought that if Lian Di didn't look down on our humble family and was willing to continue as the acting clan head of our Jia family, I would persuade my father and mother to move to the side courtyard so that Lian Di could take the rightful place in Rongxi Hall.

However, judging from what you said just now, Mother, it is clear that Lian is unwilling. He is even willing to risk being talked about by the world in order to maintain the dignity of Father and Mother and build a new house outside the mansion.

It is easy to see from this that Lian Di is not only a self-respecting and self-reliant person, but also values ​​the bond between family members. In order to preserve this bond, he is willing to compromise himself.

Since he has shown us kindness, we cannot be indifferent in return.

"Originally, I thought the most appropriate thing to do, like my grandmother, was for Lian to switch places with my father and mother. Since Lian doesn't accept it, this is the only way I can do it."

Since the garden was built on the land of two mansions, in terms of size, it was no less than that of the Rong and Ning mansions.

The scenery there is so beautiful that it surpasses even the Rong and Ning mansions. Moreover, it was personally supervised by my brother Lian during its construction, so I imagine he was satisfied.

Faced with Yuan Chun's reasoned explanation, both Grandmother Jia and Grandmother Jia were speechless.

They certainly knew that Jia Lian was loyal to his family; otherwise, he could have easily agreed when they suggested giving up Rongxi Hall. If he had done so, it wouldn't have taken more than a few years to kick Jia Zheng and his wife out of the picture and completely take control of the entire Rongguo Mansion.

They understood even more clearly that Yuan-chun's suggestion to make the Grand View Garden Jia Lian's future residence was the safest, most comprehensive, and most likely to be realized under the three premises of the family's current awkward situation, Jia Lian's inability to move out of the Rongguo Mansion, and not to wrong Jia Zheng and his wife.

After all, it was Jia Lian who initially advocated for and personally supervised the construction of the Grand View Garden, so he must have been satisfied with it.

This can be seen from the fact that whenever he is at home, he goes to the garden every few days.

If the Grand View Garden were brought up, there's a high probability that it would dissuade Jia Lian from moving out and building a new house.

But the original problem remains: the Grand View Garden was built for Yuan-chun, its ownership belongs to her, and its layout was designed according to her status as a Noble Consort. It would be inappropriate for anyone other than Yuan-chun to have any involvement with it.

Seeing the concerns of Grandmother Jia and the other woman, Yuan Chun smiled and said, "As for what Mother just said, there is really no need to worry about it."

Since Lian Di is of the Emperor Emeritus's bloodline, he is a legitimate grandson of the Emperor. This single identity alone makes his entry into the Grand View Garden not an act of usurpation.

Upon hearing this, the expressions of Grandmother Jia and her companion changed slightly.

Indeed, according to this interpretation, Jia Lian is qualified to take over the Grand View Garden.

The main hall of the Grand View Garden was built according to the ceremonial system of the Imperial Concubine's palace.

The rank of Imperial Concubine is equivalent to that of a Prince. And her status as a legitimate grandson of the Emperor is no less than that of a Prince.

"As for what Mother said about returning to the palace again in the future, there is no need to worry. From what I have heard, it is unlikely that the palace will bestow such imperial favor again in the next few years. Even if it does, it is not too late to choose a new site for the family to build when the time comes."

Anyway, Lian's brother is rich. Even if the family falls on hard times in the future, he probably won't refuse to lend money to us.

As Yuan Chun spoke, a rare playful expression appeared on her face.

It was only because there were no eunuchs or palace maids in the inner palace at this time that they could not have imagined that the aloof and elegant concubine in their eyes had such a side.

However, Yuan Chun's words were quite reserved.

She knew very well that she would hardly need the Grand View Garden again in the future.

Since the imperial family first extended its grace two years ago, allowing empresses and concubines to return home to visit their families, the first round of implementation has not been entirely successful.

First, the families of the imperial concubines competed to outdo each other in wealth. No one wanted to be inferior to their concubine, so they engaged in all sorts of competition in building their own villas and palaces, reminiscent of the wealth-competing frenzy among the clans of the Jin Dynasty.

Furthermore, arranging for the imperial concubines to travel also required a large amount of manpower and resources, wasting a lot of money.

Therefore, the emperor was ultimately not satisfied with the policy's final implementation. Although he did not say it explicitly, most of the concubines at the top knew that they would hardly have the opportunity to return to their hometown in the future.

Finally, for Yuan Chun herself, being able to go home and see the old things and people was enough to satisfy her wish.

Even if there is another opportunity to return to her home province in the future, it is something that is dispensable and not worth her much attention.

Therefore, she felt no reluctance at giving away the Grand View Garden, which only nominally belonged to her, to Jia Lian.

As for whether Jia Lian's entry into the Grand View Garden was presumptuous, Yuan Chun didn't think it was anything to worry about.

First of all, given Jia Lian's special status, it's unlikely that anyone would use such a trivial matter to attack him.

Even if it were true, his status as a grandson of the emperor is an open secret, so such attacks would be irrelevant to him.

After listening to Yuan Chun's words, Grandmother Jia and her husband looked at each other for a long time before finally nodding silently.

Lady Wang visited Yuan Chun in the palace almost every month, so she probably knew that there was no intention to resume the practice of visiting relatives in the palace for the time being.

Since Yuan-chun could not return to her hometown, the garden at home was basically left unused, except for the young ladies who would occasionally stroll around it.

Since Yuan-chun was willing to give it to Jia Lian, and this move could indeed solve the current difficulties, they had no grounds to object.

Having reached a consensus and discussed the details at length, Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang bid farewell to Yuan Chun and the Empress and left the palace.

On his way out of the palace, he unexpectedly encountered a riot.

A large number of imperial guards were mobilized, whether to capture assassins or search for spies, it is unclear, but they blocked several sedan chairs that were also going to visit the palace on the main road of the Forbidden City.

Just as Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang were feeling uneasy, the crisp sound of horses' hooves approached.

Everyone looked up and saw a female general in full armor, riding a tall yellow horse, slowly approaching the Jia family and stopping in front of Grandmother Jia's sedan chair, escorted by dozens of golden-armored guards.

That dashing figure, with the unique air of royalty, silenced everyone stuck in the traffic jam.

Just when many families thought the Jia family had committed a crime and would be arrested and punished, the female general on horseback bowed to Grandmother Jia's sedan chair with her fists clasped, her clear voice spreading out without any attempt to conceal it.

"Zhaoyang was ordered to inspect the palace and arrest disloyal subjects. This has disturbed the Lady of Rongguo. I hope the Lady will forgive me."

Grandmother Jia, being a woman of the world, though perhaps a little more timid with age, hurriedly said in a formal tone, "Your Highness, you are too kind. Since you are here on official business, it is naturally important to attend to matters of state. There is no need for such a disturbance."

As she spoke, Grandmother Jia ordered the sedan chair to be lowered, intending to step out and kowtow.

However, Princess Zhaoyang bent down slightly and used her folded horsewhip to support the sedan chair pole, so the servants of the Jia family dared not disobey.

Upon seeing this, Grandmother Jia had no choice but to sit reluctantly in the sedan chair and tentatively inquire, "May I ask Your Highness, have you discovered any disloyal individuals, or is there anything I can do to assist you? Please tell me, and I will do my utmost to handle it."

Grandmother Jia couldn't help but feel guilty.

Although she knew Princess Zhaoyang, it was always in the palace; this was the first time they had met in private.

Princess Zhaoyang visited the Rongguo Mansion several times in disguise, but she never went to pay her respects.

They weren't familiar with each other, nor did they know the specifics of the grudges and entanglements between her and Jia Lian.

Now that they've suddenly come looking for her, she's very afraid that it's because of Sister Feng's affair, and they're seeking revenge.

However, Grandmother Jia was clearly overthinking things.

Despite her cautiousness, the person on horseback was very generous and at ease:

"Whether they are disloyal or not, I don't know. But there are indeed villains who intend to take advantage of the chaos in the palace today to deceive the heavens and frame others."

Although Grandmother Jia didn't understand, she still chimed in, "Oh, there are such audacious and reckless people! I wonder if they've been caught?"

"Of course we caught it."

"That's good……"

Seeing that Grandmother Jia was only playing along and didn't seem to be asking about the details, Princess Zhaoyang nodded secretly.

She was a rather shrewd and wise old lady.

So he said no more, "Now that the scoundrels have been apprehended, we won't delay the Grand Madam's return to the mansion any longer."

As she spoke, Princess Zhaoyang waved her hand, and her personal guards immediately cleared a path for her.

Before the servants of the Jia family dared to leave, Princess Zhaoyang bowed again and said, "I am preoccupied with official duties today and cannot stay here any longer. I will personally visit the Grand Madam's residence to pay my respects another day."

"No, no, Your Highness is too kind..."

Although somewhat bewildered, seeing Princess Zhaoyang's respectful farewell posture, she could only apologize while signaling the sedan bearers to lift the sedan chair.

As she walked along the passage specially cleared by the Imperial Guards, facing the surprised or resentful gazes of the ladies and wives of the various mansions who were blocked in front of her, Grandmother Jia was flattered and overwhelmed, but at the same time, she couldn't help but ponder some things.

Unbeknownst to Grandmother Jia and her entourage, shortly after they left the imperial city, Princess Zhaoyang was summoned to the Daming Palace and the Southern Study.

As Emperor Ningkang read the secret letter presented by Princess Zhaoyang, he asked, "Have they all been captured?"

"Your Majesty, we have only captured the messenger. As for who is behind it all, we will have to interrogate them before we can make an arrest."

"Why didn't you report to me before?"

"Father, I find this matter quite strange, and it is certainly not as simple as it seems on the surface. Therefore, I would like to investigate it thoroughly before reporting back to you."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Ningkang remained silent for a long while before asking without looking up, "Which palace did the person you captured belong to?"

Princess Zhaoyang hesitated for a moment, then said, "Father, it was from Weiyang Palace. However, Father, I believe there must be more to this than meets the eye. My grandmother must not know anything about this. Someone must be impersonating my grandmother to try and cover it up."

"I beg Your Majesty to grant me some time. I will certainly investigate this matter thoroughly and find the person behind this treacherous scheme..."

That's enough.

Emperor Ningkang interrupted Princess Zhaoyang, saying in a nonchalant tone, "Who do you think is behind this? Who has the ability to mobilize the 100,000 troops stationed in Anxi?"

Sensing the displeasure in Emperor Ningkang's tone, Princess Zhaoyang frowned.

Perhaps it was her performance at Iron Net Mountain that earned her Emperor Ningkang's approval, or perhaps Emperor Ningkang simply needed someone as trustworthy as her to entrust with important responsibilities.

In short, after returning to the capital, she was temporarily appointed as the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard, responsible for inspecting the security of the Forbidden City.

This time, news has been received that someone outside wants to take advantage of the days when various mansions visit the imperial concubines in the palace to make contact with the one in Chonghua Palace.

Her first thought was that the Third Prince couldn't stand the loneliness.

Therefore, they decided to turn the tables and lay a trap, waiting to seize the evidence of the Third Prince's treacherous plot and bring him down in one fell swoop.

However, after catching the person, she became somewhat uncertain.

The reason for the discovery was that the letter was addressed to Bai Qi, the military governor of Anxi and Marquis of Yangwu, in the name of the Empress Dowager.

The content, of course, was a scathing denunciation of the current emperor's inhumanity and lack of filial piety, urging Bai Qi not to follow the example of those who are blindly loyal, but to intensify the training of troops in preparation for future unparalleled achievements...

She knew it was fake almost as soon as she saw the letter. But she couldn't understand what reason the Third Prince would have to forge the letter, or rather, what reason he would have to frame the Empress Dowager.

She then turned her attention to the royal family.

Princess Zhaoyang suddenly realized that Emperor Ningkang's coup had already defied the world's opinion. If the Empress Dowager were to suffer any mishap, Emperor Ningkang would be utterly unfilial and unrighteous, and everyone would have the right to kill him.

Just as she was about to investigate further, Emperor Ningkang somehow received the news and summoned her here, his attitude clearly showing dissatisfaction.

She didn't think her father would be so foolish as to not see through such an obvious scheme to frame and mislead.

However, she understood that she could no longer speak up for the Empress Dowager at this time, otherwise Emperor Ningkang would be even more suspicious of her motives.

"Your Majesty, I do not yet know who is behind this, but since he has done this, he will surely slip up. Give me some time, and I will be able to find out who is stirring up trouble behind the scenes."

Princess Zhaoyang said this.

Emperor Ningkang remained noncommittal, glanced down at the secret letter again, and said, "I know you have a deep relationship with the Empress Dowager, but since this matter involves the Empress Dowager, you should not get too involved."

You don't need to worry about this matter; I'll have someone else investigate it.

"But Father..."

"There's no 'but' about it. It just so happens that your third brother is under house arrest, and he still has many unfinished business to attend to, especially the post-earthquake reconstruction in the Hetao region and the disaster relief for the severe drought in southern Shaanxi. These require a lot of money and supplies, so you should carefully manage and supervise them."

Princess Zhaoyang's heart sank, but seeing Emperor Ningkang's resolute attitude, she knew that further words would be of no use.

Just as he was about to agree, a thought suddenly struck him, and he said, "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's decree. However, Your Majesty, I have a suggestion, and I hope Your Majesty will consider it."

"speak."

"Father, my third brother has been managing the affairs of the emperor for many years. I do not think I can compare with him on my own."

Since my third brother has more than one remaining task, I dare to suggest that Prince Xiao assist him. This would not only make my life easier but also allow Prince Xiao to hone his abilities. What does Your Majesty think?

There was a moment of silence at the top, then a single word was uttered:

"allow."

Princess Zhaoyang's mood instantly brightened, and after expressing her gratitude, she took her leave.

Just as he was leaving the South Study, he ran into Prince Chungshun walking in.

"What's wrong, my dear niece? Why do you look so worried? Did you get scolded by your brother?"

That shouldn't be the case. A child as outstanding as my niece, who also knows how to share the burdens of the emperor and father, is rare throughout history. Why is my imperial brother still not satisfied?

If you have any grievances, feel free to tell your royal uncle. He will plead your case to your father on your behalf.

Prince Zhongshun smiled and said to Princess Zhaoyang, his eyes revealing undisguised smugness.

Princess Zhaoyang was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Thank you for your kindness, Imperial Uncle, but both thunder and rain are imperial favors, and Zhaoyang has no grievances."

But what brings you, Imperial Uncle, to see Father Emperor in such a hurry?

"Well, hahaha, I heard that the Imperial Guard caught someone sending messages outside the palace without permission, and my brother ordered me to take over the investigation."

Seeing that Prince Zhongshun could no longer suppress the mockery in his eyes, Princess Zhaoyang could easily understand that it was probably this man who was spreading rumors about her behind her back, which was why Emperor Ningkang had become dissatisfied with her.

As for the other party's motives, she could easily figure them out. It was nothing more than that she had taken away the other party's power in the Imperial Clan Court, and the other party was retaliating against her for provoking her.

Princess Zhaoyang didn't care about this.

Although this person was flawed in many ways, he enjoyed the deep trust of Emperor Ningkang.

She could have ignored this person before, but now that she needs to help her brother seize the throne, she naturally has to win him over.

Then she smiled and said, "I see. It just so happens that I personally caught the person who secretly sent the letter. If there is anything you don't understand about the case, you can send someone to ask me later. I will definitely tell you everything I know."

Princess Zhaoyang's reaction surprised even King Zhongshun. He couldn't understand why his capable niece was still so clueless when he had made his intentions so obvious.

This made him feel somewhat embarrassed. He chuckled awkwardly and responded before heading into the hall.