The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Beijing.

As there was no longer unrest in the city and the people were no longer in panic, the two Jia families began to resume exchanges.

Qin Keqing came to talk to Wang Xifeng early in the morning and did not leave until after noon.

In Feng Jieer's courtyard, she had a rare long sleep. When she woke up, the room was quiet. She called for a long time before someone answered.

"Is Second Grandma awake?"

But it was Qingwen who twisted her way in.

"Where's Ping'er?"

"Sister Ping'er was called to the garden by Xiren, and Feng'er didn't know where she went. Second Madam, are you going to get up? Let me help you change your clothes."

Seeing that Feng Jieer had no objection, Qingwen rummaged through the boxes and cabinets to prepare some change of clothes for Feng Jieer, and from time to time asked Feng Jieer if she was satisfied.

Feng Jieer sat on the bed, hugging the quilt and looking at her quietly, thinking that it was rare for this little girl to be so attentive.

So when Qingwen was walking towards her holding a set of clean underwear, Feng Jieer suddenly reached out her hand and lifted Qingwen's chin, imitating the way Jia Lian teased Ping'er.

"Second grandma?"

Qingwen was startled and looked at Fengjie in surprise.

Feng Jieer was looking at Qingwen's pretty face. Although she felt a little unhappy, she had to admit that this little face was indeed extremely pretty, with delicate skin, beautiful lines, and most importantly, without any flaws.

However, after reading it twice, Feng Jieer confirmed that she had no feelings towards Qingwen.

I couldn't help but feel relieved. She was indeed normal. The only one with problems was Qin Keqing!

Seeing Qingwen turned her face away as if bitten by a snake, and took two steps back to look at her warily, Sister Feng deliberately smiled and said, "Why are you hiding? Are you afraid that I will eat you?"

Qingwen stammered twice and swallowed back the dirty words in her heart.

In order to prevent Feng Jieer from having evil thoughts about her again, Qingwen deliberately changed the subject and said flatteringly, "Second Madam, you said that the Second Master has been away from Beijing for so long, when will he come back?"

Sister Feng laughed and said, "Why, are you looking forward to your Second Master's return? Aren't you afraid that he will come back and you will complain about your sore throat again?"

Qingwen didn't quite understand what Fengjie meant at first, but when she saw Fengjie's extremely playful expression, she realized what her mistress meant.

Her little face instantly turned red, but her competitive nature made her unable to tolerate being bullied for no reason.

She retorted without even thinking: "Humph, don't think I don't know, you've also done that for the Second Master!"

Qingwen is a typical person who speaks faster than she thinks. She regretted her words after they were out of her mouth because she knew that Fengjie was narrow-minded and that there would be no good consequences if she offended her.

Sure enough, when he looked up, Sister Feng's face, which had been lazy and bright just now, was already covered with dark clouds.

"Who did you listen to?"

The sinister voice makes people feel cold.

Qingwen subconsciously took another step back, thought for a moment, put down the clothes in her arms, and ran away.

On the bed, Feng Jieer had no intention of chasing Qingwen. She was still wondering where the news had leaked.

She was very sure that she had never done anything inappropriate in front of Qingwen and other maids!

When she and Jia Lian performed the Zhougong ritual, there were often maids waiting outside the curtains to serve them. But every time this happened, she made love with Jia Lian in a routine manner and would not easily do anything that would damage her status as the second wife.

Only when she was having a secret affair with Jia Lian in private could she be coaxed by Jia Lian into doing things that Jia Lian mentioned as interesting.

Things like how she mocked Qingwen had only happened a few times in the past year!

During these few times, she was very sure that she did it very secretly. How did this little girl Qingwen know about it?

Could it be that Ping'er leaked it?
He wouldn't be so heartless as to tell Qingwen about it, right?
If this is true, let’s see if I will help him in the future!
Thinking of these things, Fengjie's face turned even redder than Qingwen's just now, but fortunately no one saw it.

She stepped onto the bed with her slender feet and absentmindedly put on her clothes and shoes.

She is not a delicate young lady. Although she usually has everything handed to her, she does that just to enjoy the style.

In terms of the ability to take care of herself, Wang Xifeng is the best among the young ladies.

After putting on her clothes and sitting in front of the dressing table to tidy up her appearance, Feng Jieer went to the outer courtyard to perform her routine duties.

Suddenly, she heard that the city gates were opened and the emperor was about to return to the capital. She was overjoyed and immediately asked the housekeepers to inquire about the news, especially about Jia Lian.

……

The nine gates of the capital have been closed for three days.

Ever since the sudden movement of troops and the hunt for rebels three days ago, entry and exit of the capital has been strictly prohibited.

Therefore, during these three days, people in the capital had no idea what was happening outside, and people outside had even less idea what was happening inside the capital.

But this was just a policy implemented by Emperor Ningkang to prevent major changes in the capital.

Now that Emperor Ning Kang has returned victorious, it is natural for the capital to restore its former order.

Of course, this order is not so easy to restore.

Although during these three days, the people that Emperor Ning Kang left in the capital must have eliminated many of the emperor's confidants, the emperor had, after all, sat on the throne for nearly half a century and his power was very great.

In such a huge capital city, who can tell how many people the emperor can influence, openly or secretly?

Therefore, if Emperor Ning Kang wants to truly eliminate the influence of the retired emperor and monopolize power, he is bound to face many troubles.

But these troubles had nothing to do with Jia Lian. It was because the emperor was so suspicious that he was afraid that his "grandson" would take the lead in causing trouble, so he wanted to kick him out.

Therefore, after entering the city, Jia Lian went directly to the Bingmasi and Huoqiying to explain the relevant matters, and then returned home directly, ready to enjoy the long vacation given to him by Emperor Ning Kang.

……

When Jia Lian and his personal guards rode into Ningrong Street, the two prefectures were immediately in an uproar.

As Jia Lian's status grew day by day, every time Jia Lian went out to do business, or returned home after finishing his business, it was a major event that shocked the two mansions.

But this time it was very different.

Emperor Ning Kang arrived in Beijing in the afternoon. Along with a large number of people returning to Beijing, a series of news from Tiewang Mountain were also brought back to the capital.

This news is too much and too heavy.

Fortunately, smart people know which information can be spread and which should be kept secret. Those who are not smart may not know much accurate information.

Coupled with the deliberate guidance of Emperor Ning Kang, public opinion was barely within the controllable range.

However, there was nothing worth hiding about the fact that Jia Lian might be the emperor's grandson, after all, the emperor said it in front of tens of thousands of people.

Compared with the explosive information such as Emperor Ningkang forcing the emperor to abdicate, the prince's rebellion, and the third prince might be the murderer of the prince, the news about Jia Lian is obviously more like after-dinner talk. Emperor Ningkang and others are eager for the public's attention to be attracted by such news, which can relieve some of their pressure.

Therefore, within just half a day, the news spread like a storm and most of the capital knew about it.

The two Jia family estates naturally also knew about it, and they were all stunned by the news.

Jia Lian's horse did not drive into the east wing. He went straight to the main gate of Rongguo Mansion. After getting off the horse, he walked straight inside, ignoring all the servants who came forward to greet him.

When I walked along the main corridor in the middle and arrived at Rong Xi Tang, I actually ran into Mrs. Wang.

Jia Lian paused for a moment, then bowed and said, "Second Madam."

Mrs. Wang looked at Jia Lian with a complicated and bright look, but she easily recovered her composure and said in the same tone as before: "Lian'er is back? I heard that a lot of things happened outside this time. Are you okay?"

"Thank you for your concern, Madam. My nephew is doing well."

After a polite remark, Jia Lian continued, "My nephew is going to see the old lady now, and will come to see the second lady later."

"Well, go ahead, the old lady is waiting for you too."

Mrs. Wang knew why Jia Lian was in a hurry to see Lady Jia.

Watching Jia Lian's hurried footsteps, Mrs. Wang's heart was once again filled with huge waves.

I never expected that I had tried every possible means to defeat this guy, but I just couldn't win. In the end, I had to admit defeat and give in in order to live in peace.

Who would have thought that he was not a descendant of the Jia family?

Since he is a member of the royal family, there is naturally no reason for him to occupy the title of the Jia family!
In other words, Baoyu has a chance?
Mrs. Wang was thinking about many things in her mind.

But she also knew that if Jia Lian was really a member of the royal family, she would not be able to afford to offend him.

It seems that this matter needs to be discussed carefully with the master. Mrs. Wang quickened her pace and prepared to send an urgent letter home to Jia Zheng in the south.

……

Rongqingtang is still as prosperous and peaceful as before.

Facing the gazes of the maids, Jia Lian walked into the inner hall.

The inner hall was empty, with only two old maids guarding the door.

"Second Master, the old lady is waiting for you inside."

As soon as the old nanny finished speaking, she saw Yuanyang coming out from the direction of Jia's mother's bedroom. She bowed slightly to him and said, "Second Master, follow me in."

When I walked into the outer room of Lady Jia's bedroom, I saw that Lady Jia was already on full alert.

"Yuanyang, you get out too. Remember what I said, no one is allowed to get close to you. Anyone who disobeys will be severely punished according to the family rules."

"Yes."

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

After Yuanyang left, Jia's mother, who was sitting on the high couch, sighed and said to Jia Lian, "Now that things have come to this, if you have anything to ask, just ask."

Jia Lian frowned: "Grandfather, is my father really the illegitimate son of the retired emperor?"

Jia's mother did not answer immediately, but asked: "What did the emperor say?"

"He said that my father was the son of him and Anyang Hou's sister, but because of the political situation, he had no choice but to place my father and grandmother in the Jia Mansion."

Grandmother Jia said, "The words of the retired emperor are final. If he said so, then it must be true! Your father is indeed not my son. He is indeed the son of the retired emperor and the sister of Anyang Marquis..., and the sister of Anyang Marquis was indeed placed in our home by the retired emperor."

Although Lady Jia's tone was very confident, it was perhaps too confident, causing Jia Lian to vaguely feel that something was not entirely true.

"If that's the case, then why didn't the Empress Dowager take my grandmother back when she came? And how did my grandmother die?"

"Just as the Emperor said, when Emperor Taizu passed away and Emperor Muzong ascended the throne, the government was in chaos. As the Emperor Taizu's favorite son, the Emperor had a special status, so it was inconvenient for him to bring your grandmother, the sister of Marquis Anyang, back to the palace.

It just so happened that your grandfather... Baoyu's grandfather had a close relationship with the retired emperor, so the retired emperor secretly placed the person in our house.

Later, your father was born.

As for why the retired emperor did not take your grandmother back, it was because not long after the retired emperor brought your grandmother back to the capital, Emperor Muzong also passed away, and the retired emperor was busy cleaning up the government.

And your grandmother died of illness not long after the Supreme Emperor ascended the throne.

Unfortunately, your father was naughty and disliked studying since he was young, which made the emperor dislike him. Over time, the emperor stopped asking about him. Baoyu's grandfather and I were not good at controlling your father because of his status, which made your father behave like that.

In fact, Baoyu's grandfather and I are largely responsible for your father's transformation."

Everything sounds reasonable. Is his cheap father Jia She really the illegitimate son of the retired emperor?

But Jia Lian always felt that Grandmother Jia must be hiding something because she was so tense.

But for a moment, Jia Lian really didn't know how to ask.

"So, I really am the grandson of the retired emperor?" Jia Lian said with a self-deprecating smile.

Grandmother Jia shouted, "Of course it's true! Child, don't you even believe what the emperor and I say?
Do you still remember that when your father died, the chief eunuch of Chonghua Palace came in person to pay tribute?

That was sent by the Emperor!
Although your father was a bastard when he was alive, he was the blood of the retired emperor after all. Before his death, the retired emperor still cared about him.

Your father is like this, and you are so capable, the emperor will definitely like you very much. Didn’t your second uncle say last year that the emperor was very kind to you at his birthday banquet?
As a noble descendant of the royal family, you should feel proud and proud."

Proud?
Jia Lian shook his head.

The emperor himself is "imprisoned", how can he be proud of it?

It's good enough that this identity doesn't bring him any disaster.

Perhaps seeing Jia Lian's expression and thinking of some other news she had heard, Jia's mother lowered her voice a little: "I heard that something big happened on Tiewang Mountain this time. What exactly happened?"

"Nothing, it's just that the crown prince plotted rebellion, and was finally suppressed by your majesty."

Grandmother Jia frowned. The news of the Crown Prince's rebellion had been circulating in the city three days ago. Now that Jia Lian also said so, it seemed that this was the truth.

But Jia Lian's words were so concise and understated that she felt that Jia Lian, like a monkey, had not fully expressed his true feelings.

After all, she was a woman living in a secluded house, and she didn't care much about the court struggles. She only cared about her own family affairs.

"What did the royal family say? Your identity..."

Jia Lian knew what Grandmother Jia meant, so he said directly: "Your Majesty means that my background is detrimental to the personal morality of the Emperor, so it is better not to make it public."

Grandmother Jia didn't quite understand, "What does the emperor mean?"

"From now on, perhaps what the emperor meant is not so important."

Grandmother Jia was stunned for a moment, then her face was filled with horror.

As she sat in Jia's house, she naturally heard the most superficial news; she didn't know the deeper details yet.

However, the incident at Tiewang Mountain caused such a big stir, especially the prince's betrayal, that almost all of Emperor Ning Kang's actions were exposed to the world. Therefore, as time goes by, people who understand the world will know what is going on.

As the eldest daughter of a founding marquisate and having been in the Jia family for decades, Lady Jia knew something about court affairs.

She thought for a moment and asked tentatively, "In other words, your background will not be made public, and you will still be a member of our family in the future?"

"That's what your majesty means."

Jia Lian looked calm and composed, not at all embarrassed about occupying someone else's position.

Grandmother Jia didn't mean that. She looked at Jia Lian, and there was a hint of fondness in her old eyes.

"That's fine. Although your father often made me angry over the years, you are a good person. Our family's prosperity over the years is also thanks to you.

I sincerely treat you as my own grandson.

You know the situation in our family. Ever since your father and Brother Zhen and his son passed away, there has been less and less people at home.

If you leave now, I really don’t know who I can rely on in the future.”

“Since His Majesty is not prepared to publicly acknowledge your identity, you should stay at home from now on.

If you don't mind, you can call me ancestor in the future. If you don't want to, I won't force you.

In short, although we are not blood relatives, after so many years of living together, we are better than relatives.

I believe your second uncle also means this..."

Jia Lian knew that Jia's mother's statement was to make it less awkward for them to get along with each other in the future, so he immediately knelt down and called out quickly, "Grandfather!"

Grandmother Jia smiled brightly, stood up, helped Jia Lian over, patted his hand and said with a smile: "I knew you were a good child. All these years, I have loved you for a good reason..."

Jia Lian also smiled and responded, and then Jia's mother said, "It's getting late. You haven't had dinner yet, have you? Go back quickly. I don't know how long Feng has been waiting for you."

Jia Lian nodded, bowed, took two steps, and suddenly turned around: "Grandfather, my father is really the blood of the retired emperor, you didn't lie to me?"

"Why are you still asking this, kid? Even if you don't believe what I say, you should believe the emperor, right?"

"My grandson knows."

Watching Jia Lian's tall figure walk out, the smile on Grandmother Jia's face gradually faded and became very deep.

She sat on the high couch, hunched over, and muttered to herself: "How could it not be, how could it not be, this is a heinous crime of deceiving the emperor and exterminating the whole clan, how could it not be..."

Suddenly she remembered something and became a little anxious until she saw Yuanyang walk in.

Grandmother Jia pondered for a long time, then said to Yuanyang, "Yuanyang girl, go call your brother and tell him that I have something for him to do."

Yuanyang was puzzled. Her brother Jin Wenxiang was usually just a purchaser of some daily necessities in Lady Jia's room. What kind of matter could it be that required Lady Jia to call her brother over so solemnly?
Although puzzled, Yuanyang still obeyed the order.

At the same time, inside the palace.

After dealing with troubles for a whole day, Emperor Ning Kang, who finally had time to rest, also received a secret report.

When he opened it and read it, his brows furrowed.

"Madam Anyanghou?"

...(End of chapter)