Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Qingwen hummed a little tune as she climbed up to Longcui Nunnery. Upon entering the mountain gate, she heard the sound of a zither and knew that she had come to the right place.

Following the sound of the zither, I arrived at the nunnery and saw a young girl wearing a nun's hat coming out.

The other person seemed startled when they saw her, but still came forward to greet her.

Who are you looking for?

"Of course I'm here to see my second master. Is he inside?"

"exist……"

Qingwen naturally recognized Zhineng'er and knew about what happened at Longcui Nunnery, so she didn't give Zhineng'er a friendly look. She nodded slightly and went inside to look for her.

To her surprise, the other person stood in front of her, and she immediately became displeased: "What are you doing?"

Zhi Neng'er hesitated for a moment, and said nervously, "Sister Qingwen, why don't you wait here? Or tell me what's wrong, and I'll go in and inform them for you..."

Qingwen was furious: "Who do you think you are, to make me wait here? Get out of my way, or you'll regret it if you delay the Madam and the Old Madam's important business."

As she spoke, Qingwen casually pushed Zhi Neng'er's small and delicate body aside.

When Qingwen pointed her finger at her and scolded her, Zhi Neng'er was a little angry, but considering the other party's status and the mention of "Old Madam," she didn't dare to make a scene. She could only whisper and advise, "Second Master is busy with something, so it's really inconvenient for you to go in."

If Zhi Neng'er had said this before losing her temper, Qing Wen might have questioned her more thoroughly.

But now that Zhi Neng'er has offended her, she's not going to be patient with her.

"I'm just listening to your daughter play music, what's so inconvenient about that?"

After saying that, he walked into the nunnery.

Seeing no one in the meditation rooms to the left and right of the outer hall where the Buddha statue sits, Qingwen did not hesitate and followed the sound deeper into the corridor.

As the music grew clearer, the furnishings and decor of the meditation room inside became increasingly exquisite and elegant.

"Those who know it will say it's a nunnery, but those who don't will definitely think it's the boudoir of some young lady from a wealthy family."

Qingwen muttered to herself and quickly arrived at the source of the sound.

This is a more spacious and luxuriously furnished interior.

As soon as she arrived at the door, she saw Gu Qingyi sitting under the screen playing the zither.

Although she was surprised to see Gu Qingyi here, she didn't think much of it. Just as she was about to go up and greet her, she suddenly saw a tall figure behind the silk screen, sitting with one foot on the couch in a very domineering manner.

Although the light inside was even dimmer and more hazy, she still recognized him at a glance as her second master.

She was wondering why Jia Lian was listening to the zither through a screen when she noticed a graceful figure behind the screen, lying on Jia Lian's lap like a cat.

Qingwen, after all, was someone who often served Jia Lian in this way, so she understood why Zhineng'er had stopped her from coming in.

After hesitating for a moment, she went in anyway, nodded to Gu Qingyi who was staring at her blankly, and then pretended not to know anything, calmly reporting: "Second Master, the Old Madam, Madam, and Second Madam are all in Rongqing Hall, and they want you to go there as soon as possible."

Just as Jia Lian was admiring the zither and the beautiful woman, wondering why the music had suddenly stopped, he heard this clear yet sharp sound.

Before he could react, noticing that the "cat" in front of him was somewhat startled, he immediately patted its head to soothe it, saying, "She can't see you from this position, and she won't know who you are. If you move, she'll see you instead."

Completely bewildered, Miaoyu couldn't get up and could only stare blankly at him upon hearing this.

Having calmed the beauty down, Jia Lian looked up, his gaze passing through the screen to the graceful figure at the doorway, and said calmly, "Alright, I understand. You can go back now."

"Oh……"

Qingwen pursed her lips, but obediently took her leave.

Then Jia Lian's voice came: "Go home first and prepare a tub of bathwater. I want to take a bath later."

"Oh... okay! I'll go now. Second Master, please come back soon, or the old lady will get angry if we wait too long..."

Despite inwardly complaining about Jia Lian's bathing habits, Qingwen dutifully gave him a word of advice before turning and quickly running out.

Once she could no longer hear Qingwen's footsteps, Miaoyu stood up abruptly, her cheeks flushed, and glared at Jia Lian.

Jia Lian smiled and asked, "What's wrong?"

Miaoyu became even angrier and couldn't help but raise her fist and punch Jia Lian a few times, saying in embarrassment and anger, "It's all your fault, you big pervert...she must have found out!"

Miaoyu is not stupid. She was coaxed by Jia Lian in her haste, but she has now come to her senses.

Even if Qingwen couldn't see clearly who was squatting there, as long as Qingwen wasn't completely stupid, she should have guessed it was her.

This is her territory...

She felt too ashamed to face anyone.

Seeing the beauty's anger, Jia Lian quickly pulled her into his arms and coaxed, "Alright, she's just a little girl. So what if she found out? Look at you, your face is burning up... Didn't Zhi Neng often see you like this before?"

"That's not the same. Zhi Neng'er is mine, she..." Miao Yu nestled in Jia Lian's arms, still unwilling to give up.

"What's the difference? She's mine too. Don't worry, she won't spread rumors."

Miaoyu was about to say something more when she noticed Gu Qingyi walking in with a smile on her face. Her head, which was nestled on Jia Lian's shoulder, caught sight of Gu Qingyi walking in.

She was too ashamed to say anything more, but couldn't help pinching Jia Lian's waist hard.

What a despicable person! He has treated me and my sister in green with such beauty and musical talent so cruelly!

Judging from how cooperative the girl in green was just now, she's probably already used to it...

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and her little hand on Jia Lian's waist would occasionally dart around.

Even Jia Lian couldn't stand it anymore, so he pushed her away from his arms and called Gu Qingyi forward.

He looked at the two stunningly beautiful women, both eighteen years old and of equal stature, standing side by side in front of him.

One smiled shyly, the other was both embarrassed and annoyed.

Every smile and frown of every person is so beautiful, breathtakingly beautiful, and stunningly beautiful.

These were all elegant and aloof beauties, yet at this moment they were wearing only a thin gauze dress, which was soaked with fragrant sweat, adding a touch of allure and spring-like passion to their otherwise cool and aloof demeanor.

Jia Lian was somewhat stunned.

Already feeling caught in a limbo by Miaoyu's antics, he immediately felt the urge to indulge himself once more.

Ultimately, he deeply understands the principle of slow and steady wins the race. Today, he is already very satisfied to have been able to bring together these two aloof beauties with highly similar temperaments and rare looks and figures for training.

The romantic atmosphere has faded, and I have important business to attend to. Continuing to linger would not only be abrupt but also risk being looked down upon by the beauty.

Therefore, he withdrew his gaze, opened his arms, and commanded with an air of superiority, "Help me change my clothes."

The two beauties were initially ashamed to be compared and scrutinized by Jia Lian, but they could see full approval and appreciation in his expression, which undoubtedly made them secretly happy, so they barely managed to maintain their figures.

Upon hearing Jia Lian's instructions, Miaoyu rolled her eyes, while Gu Qingyi smiled slightly and gently took Jia Lian's robe and draped it over him.

Seeing this, Miaoyu also came over and, together with Gu Qingyi, straightened Jia Lian's clothes.

Dressed neatly, Jia Lian put his arms around the two beauties, kissed them on the cheek, and then said with a smile, "It's rare for you two to find someone with similar interests; you should get to know each other better."

Just like today, hehehe, I am very satisfied.

After saying this, Jia Lian ignored the reproachful and embarrassed looks from the two beauties and walked out of the boudoir that the beauties had carefully decorated.

Back home, Qingwen helped him take a quick bath, and after changing his clothes, he went to Rongqing Hall.

Inside the main hall, only Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and Wang Xifeng were visible.

After Jia Lian had finished bowing to Grandmother Jia and Second Madam Jia, Feng Jie asked with a smile, "Why did it take you so long to arrive? Didn't Qingwen tell you that Grandmother and Second Madam Jia were waiting for you?"

Jia Lian, of course, also noticed that Grandmother Jia looked somewhat displeased. Knowing that Sister Feng was trying to help him out of the predicament, he replied, "I went to the Ministry of Works to find a few experienced old men who are good at building houses. I walked quite a distance and sweated a lot, so I took some time to go back and take a bath and change my clothes."

Sister Feng nodded, looking as if she understood.

As expected, after hearing this, Grandmother Jia's expression softened, but she still frowned and asked, "You even went to the Ministry of Works. Are you really determined to move out?"

Jia Lian led a large group of people to the Lai family yesterday to survey the terrain; it would be difficult for Grandmother Jia and the others not to know.

I didn't expect that after I looked up the address yesterday, I would go to the Ministry of Works to ask for help today. Such efficiency! He really is a capable person.

Jia Lian spread his hands and looked at Feng Jie, his meaning clear: You woman, you didn't explain the reasoning to the old lady.

Sister Feng responded with a wronged expression.

Grandmother Jia watched their performance with a displeased snort and said, "You don't need to argue with me. I called you here today precisely for this matter."

Please sit down.

Jia Lian thanked him and sat down on a stool nearby.

Grandmother Jia got straight to the point: "Because of your decision to move out, your aunt and I made a special trip to the palace to see the Empress."

After learning about the family's situation, the Empress offered a solution that your aunt and I both thought was feasible. We've already discussed it with your wife, and she agrees. Now, all that's left is your opinion.

Although Jia Lian guessed why Grandmother Jia had summoned him, he figured it would be nothing more than reasoning with her and appealing to her emotions, just like before.

Therefore, he mentioned going to the Ministry of Works as soon as they met, which was to express a clear attitude.

He didn't expect that the other party would actually find a solution.

He glanced at Sister Feng and said in a deep voice, "What solution does elder sister have in mind?"

Grandmother Jia glanced at Lady Wang, who then picked up the conversation, saying, "It's like this, Her Majesty's idea is that the family garden is so big and well-maintained, but now she can't use it anymore, and it's a pity to leave it sitting there empty."

Why don't I give it to you as your new home, for you and Fengya to share?

In this way, the garden won't be wasted, and you'll have a large enough place to use now that you're a duke. Most importantly, our family can continue to live together, and you won't need to spend so much money building a new house elsewhere.

What do you think?

The three women, including Madam Wang, all looked intently at Jia Lian.

Jia Lian was somewhat surprised.

To be honest, Jia Lian had considered the Grand View Garden before he decided to build a new residence.

However, due to various factors, he gave up the idea, but he didn't expect Yuan Chun to bring it up.

After only a moment's thought, Jia Lian shook his head and said, "I'm afraid that's not appropriate."

Facing the three people who were listening intently, Jia Lian explained, "That is, after all, my elder sister's palace. How could Feng and I possibly occupy it? That would be against all propriety."

This reason was anticipated by Grandmother Jia and others, and it was Lady Wang, the birth mother of the Imperial Concubine, who was responsible for explaining it.

"Although the garden was originally built to welcome the Empress back to her home, in the end, it was prepared by our own family for the Empress, not a gift from the imperial family."

Since it was not a gift from the imperial family, there is nothing wrong with Her Majesty wanting to give it to you now.

Furthermore, Her Majesty herself has stated that the palace currently has no intention of restarting the process of returning to one's hometown, therefore, Her Majesty has no need for this garden. Since Her Majesty has no need for it, it is only reasonable to give it to you.

You don't need to feel bad. Her Majesty also said that if the palace ever allows concubines to return home to visit their families again, the household can simply choose another location to build a separate residence for her.

Madam Wang's words were very sincere.

Seeing that Jia Lian remained silent for a moment, she took the initiative to bring it up again: "As for whether it is presumptuous for you to move into the main hall... Her Majesty also said that if it were before, she certainly would not have made this suggestion."

But now everyone knows that you are of the bloodline of the retired emperor, and are the true grandson of the emperor.

"Given your status as a grandson of the emperor, there's absolutely no problem with you moving in; I doubt anyone will raise any objections."

Jia Lian shook his head, not really caring about whether it was overstepping his bounds or not.

After all, it was just a private residence built by the family for the imperial concubines to visit their relatives. The only area in the entire Grand View Garden that exceeded the standards for a subject was the main hall, which was only a small part of the ground.

If all else fails, we can simply change the name of "Gu En Si Yi Dian" later.

What he found truly inappropriate was that the Grand View Garden was located at the rear of the Ning and Rong mansions, and the main hall, the Hall of Gratitude and Righteousness, was located to the north of the Grand View Garden, meaning it was almost close to the back street of Ning and Rong.

If he moves into the Gu En Si Yi Hall, wouldn't he be separated from his subordinates in the East Wing by a great distance?

Putting everything else aside, the daily "commuting" time alone is significantly longer.

If you're not staying in the Gu En Si Yi Hall, which is the main building, choose a pavilion closer to the south, such as the Yi Hong Courtyard...

It's better not to move at all. Our current little courtyard is actually better!

The key issue is that none of these solutions address the most important problem.

The reason he wanted to build a new house was that he felt the courtyard he was currently living in, as well as the east wing and front yard, were too small and not connected, which restricted his ability to expand his influence.

The Grand View Garden is indeed large enough, but unless he drives out the three sisters and Jia Baoyu, and then renovates the Grand View Garden and moves all his power into it...

This is obviously not a good thing either.

Putting aside his reluctance to drive away the three sisters and others, the Grand View Garden was originally designed as a "back garden," and its layout and architecture were not suitable as a residence.

Left with no other choice, Jia Lian voiced his concerns to Grandmother Jia and the others.

They thought it would put Grandmother Jia and the others in a difficult position, but to their surprise, the three of them looked relieved after hearing it.

Grandmother Jia even perked up a bit, and she said, "The issues you mentioned were discussed with us by Her Majesty when we were in the palace."

Before you arrived, we also discussed it with Feng.

What we mean is this…

As she spoke, Grandmother Jia instructed Sister Feng to bring a stool to the center.

Then, Grandmother Jia took out a map from behind the high couch, walked down, and unfolded it on a stool.

Jia Lian walked over curiously and discovered it was a map of the Ning and Rong mansions.

The map shows all the buildings and terrain of the Ning and Rong mansions, including the Grand View Garden.

Grandmother Jia pointed to the area where the east wing of the house was located on the map, then looked straight back, finally stopping at the very back wall, and solemnly said:

"What we mean is, to tear down this wall, or to create a doorway here, and then extend the walls on both sides, eventually..."

Grandmother Jia's hand continued backward, eventually landing on the main gate of the Grand View Garden.

"Ultimately, the Grand View Garden and the East Wing will be completely connected. In this way, you only need to remove the black lacquered gate of the East Wing and replace it with a gate like the main gate to get a complete house."

Although Grandmother Jia's words were simple, Jia Lian was immediately invigorated.

Because he really understood.

The entire map of the two mansions can be divided into three parts if the Grand View Garden is considered separately.

Rongguo Mansion, Grand View Garden, and Ningguo Mansion.

In terms of size, Ningguo Mansion is larger than Grand View Garden, and Grand View Garden is larger than Rongguo Mansion.

The reason for this is that the Grand View Garden occupies almost the entire rear half of the Rongguo Mansion, as well as most of the original Ningguo Mansion's Huifang Garden.

If we use a more intuitive method to count the data...

Originally, the Ning and Rong mansions were roughly the same size, and their layouts could be divided vertically into three equal parts: left, middle, and right.

Taking Rongguo Mansion as an example, it is roughly divided into the left side (west side) including Rongqing Hall, the middle side (main courtyard) where Rongxi Hall is located, and the right side (east side) where the east wing is located.

These three roads run from north to south and are roughly the same size.

Given the layout of the Rongguo Mansion, the Ningguo Mansion, which was built at the same time, was basically the same, and both could be divided into three sections.

In other words, if the Ning and Rong mansions were divided vertically, they could be divided into a total of six parts.

The Grand View Garden, located behind the Ning and Rong mansions, spans five of these six sections. Only the easternmost section of the Ning mansion belongs entirely to the Ning mansion.

Since the Grand View Garden spans five sections, its central main gate is located on the third section, which is the former Rongguo Mansion East Road.

Therefore, the main gate of the Grand View Garden faces the east courtyard directly from north to south.

According to Grandmother Jia, extending the east wing to the rear would perfectly encompass the main gate of the Grand View Garden.

In this way, if the East Wing and the Grand View Garden are considered as a whole, it is like an inverted convex shape, deeply inserted into the Ning and Rong mansions from behind!

The key point is that, according to Grandmother Jia's idea, if the Grand View Garden and the extended East Wing were combined into one as his residence, then he could regard the entire extended East Wing as his "front yard" and the entire Grand View Garden as his "back yard".

In that case, it can indeed be considered a fully functional residence, and it's quite large!

It is much larger than Ningguo Mansion.