Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Chapter 57 Soul-Stealing

Jia Lian's act of taking all the blame and grievances upon himself not only moved Zhang Song, but also made Zhang Su look at Jia Lian with new respect.

To be fair, those events back then had nothing to do with Jia Lian. Now, Jia Lian not only didn't defend his father, but also personally came to their door, seemingly intending to apologize. This made Zhang Su wonder if his family was being petty. And taking his anger out on Jia Lian, his aunt's own son, seemed even more unreasonable and domineering.

Therefore, he abandoned his prejudices and truly began to regard Jia Lian as his cousin.

Only Zhang Tao didn't believe Jia Lian's nonsense. As he sat down, he glared at Jia Lian and said, "Tch, all talk and no action. Let me punch you three times if I dare!"

Jia Lian ignored him, thinking that the child was ignorant and that the older brother should be magnanimous.

As expected, Zhang Song was not just going through the motions. After the banquet, he took the time to invite Jia Lian to the inner hall for a chat.

In fact, Jia Lian had also thought that when those things happened back then, he was not even ten years old, so the Zhang family had no reason to hold a grudge against him for it.

The only thing worth criticizing is that, after that, he never visited his maternal grandfather and uncle again...

Jia Lian readily admitted his mistake on this point:

"Please forgive me, Second Uncle. I was young and ignorant before, and I was afraid of my father's authority, so I dared not come to visit again."

This is a grave error on the part of the nephew!

In recent years, I have gradually come to understand what happened back then. It was not the fault of my maternal grandfather and eldest uncle. It was because my maternal grandfather and eldest uncle loved my mother that they broke with my father.

I had long intended to visit my father to apologize, but I always had reservations and was unable to do so.

Hearing the news of my maternal grandfather's 70th birthday, I, his nephew, feel truly uneasy. As a grandson, it would be unfilial of me not to attend. And as a son, to fail to distinguish right from wrong and to distance myself from my maternal uncle's family, who have so lovingly cared for my mother, is utterly foolish!

Therefore, after much deliberation, I dared not hesitate any longer and thus came here rashly. I hope my uncle will understand my sincere heart.

Hearing Jia Lian's words, Zhang Song had no more doubts.

Just as he suspected, Jia Lian hadn't visited all these years because he was afraid of Jia She. Perhaps that fool had even threatened his nephew, forbidding him from coming again.

He helped Jia Lian up and said with emotion, "Well, we've had our shortcomings over the years. The fact that you've come to celebrate your grandfather's birthday today shows that you don't resent us, and that makes us very happy."

"Let's not dwell on the past. You are my only nephew, and you should visit us often to reconnect with your two cousins. That will also comfort your mother and me in our sibling bond."

"The nephew will obey his uncle's orders."

Nodding, Zhang Song instructed Zhang Su, "Take your cousin to meet your wife."

After giving the instructions, he turned back to Jia Lian and said, "I have some things to take care of outside, so I'll have your cousin take care of you. Go ahead."

"Yes."

……

The old man seemed quite stubborn; despite Jia Lian's best efforts, he still couldn't meet him in person.

Left with no other choice, we had to give up for the time being.

They weren't too worried. According to Granny Zhao, the fact that the old master was willing to beat up Jia She, who had already inherited the title, in the street for his daughter's sake showed that he definitely loved her.

In that case, there's no reason to ignore a perfectly healthy grandson, who might also be their only biological grandson.

Just look at Grandmother Jia; she loves her grandson more as she gets older. I don't believe this old man could be abnormal and dislike his grandson more as he gets older!

Since he couldn't see the old man, Jia Lian had no intention of staying at the Zhang residence for long. He bid farewell to Zhang Song and left the residence.

Zhang Su saw him off, and before he got into the carriage, he instructed him, "I was busy today and didn't take good care of you. If you have nothing to do in the future, Brother Lian, feel free to come to my house often so we brothers can catch up."

Zhang Su pondered to himself that although everyone except the old man had accepted Jia Lian, it didn't mean that the two families could resume their relationship.

They will absolutely never step foot in the Jia family's door again!

Therefore, they could only ask Jia Lian to come to their house more often to reminisce about their family ties.

Jia Lian laughed and said, "Cousin Su, are you serious? I'll come to see you tomorrow. Will you be free?"

Zhang Su was speechless again. He hadn't realized his cousin was so good at taking advantage of others when they were kids!

However, he happened to be free tomorrow, so he said, "I'll be waiting anytime."

Jia Lian smiled, said "Stay," and got into the carriage.

……

Back home, as I walked past the large screen by the door, I bumped into a glamorous young woman.

She was Qin, the new bride of the East Mansion, known as Madam Xiao Rong.

Although Qin Shi had only been in the household for a short time, she inexplicably became acquainted with Wang Xifeng, a domineering figure in the Jia family.

Especially during the months Jia Lian went south, Feng Jie would invite her to the courtyard every few days to keep her company and relieve her boredom. Although the two were of different generations, the nephew's wife and aunt were like close sisters who had been together for many years.

However, after Jia Lian returned, she was no longer allowed to come so often.

Jia Lian was aware of this, and he knew that she had probably left because she heard he had returned to the mansion and wanted to avoid suspicion.

However, I didn't expect him to go straight home after returning to the mansion, which is why we bumped into each other at the wrong time.

This damned avoidance meant that it had been so long since he had seen his famous nephew's wife face to face for the first time!

Although Qin had taken her leave to avoid any taboo, she did not act coy after they met.

With a slight sway of her waist, she gracefully curtsied to Jia Lian, her lips parting slightly: "Niece-in-law, greetings to Second Uncle~"

Her voice was soft, clear, and beautiful, with a hint of charm, so that even a simple greeting could command respect!

"No need for formalities."

Now that he had seen her, Jia Lian didn't stand on ceremony and directly sized up Qin Shi.

She is indeed an unparalleled beauty!

Her delicate yet smooth face, small and exquisite nose, and captivating eyes and brows need no further explanation.

What is most impressive is that even beneath the thick and gorgeous clothes, her allure and charm cannot be concealed. Every move, every smile, is deeply moving and unforgettable.

Jia Lian had seen his share of beauties, and Wang Xifeng was undoubtedly a beauty, possessing the looks of a celestial being. However, it was clear that, despite both being young women under twenty, Wang Xifeng lacked the captivating allure that emanated from her at all times, a mesmerizing charm that made one want to pounce on her at first glance.

It's no wonder that someone like that, having fallen into Jia Zhen's hands as his daughter-in-law, would not have been harmed.

Jia Lian glanced at her, nodded, and stepped past her and the maids behind her into the gate.

Looking at it for too long is pointless; it only adds to your troubles and leaves you with a "pervert" label in the other person's mind.

Upon entering the room, Wang Xifeng was indeed there, rummaging through drawers and cabinets, seemingly looking for something. Hearing Jia Lian's footsteps, she asked without turning her head, "Why are you back so late? Did you not get a cold shoulder? Or did our Second Master Lian get a bad experience and go off to find some fun elsewhere?"

Jia Lian didn't reply. He stepped forward and hugged her waist, which was covered by a bright red jacket, and began to grope her.

"I'm looking for something~"

Jia Lian bit Wang Xifeng's earlobe, then chuckled softly, "Whether you went out to find some fun or not, why don't you check for yourself and you'll know for sure?"

Wang Xifeng couldn't stand such words. Noticing that Jia Lian had already cocked his gun, she blushed even more with embarrassment. She hurriedly pushed Jia Lian away, grabbed something from the stool, and darted to the doorway. Turning back to Jia Lian, she smiled and said, "I just asked you a question, and you're already excited! I don't have time to play along with your nonsense. Don't you have your own well-hidden concubine? Go ahead and mess with her if you dare."

After saying that, Wang Xifeng laughed and ran away, only to see Qingwen tidying up cups, saucers, and tea trays in the corner. She immediately laughed and said, "What are you still doing fiddling with those cold things? Your second master is waiting for you. Go in and serve him!"

Qingwen rushed over and asked, "What did Second Master want me to do?"

"You'll see when you go in."

Qingwen, unsuspecting, happily went inside.

Upon seeing this, Wang Xifeng's smile faded slightly. Holding the several bolts of silk in her hands, she walked to the outer corridor and couldn't resist peeking inside through the gauze window.

Unfortunately, I didn't see anyone.

She began to have doubts.

Actually, Wang Xifeng wasn't going back on her word. Jia Lian really did want Qingwen, and she didn't care much anymore, since it was already a fait accompli. Even without Qingwen, she would have given him Ping'er anyway.

However, there was one thing that bothered her... Jia Lian was becoming more and more methodical in his actions, which made her feel somewhat lost.

Therefore, she was eager to find Jia Lian's loopholes and mistakes, such as whether Jia Lian truly kept his word and did not take any action against Qingwen if he said he would not act on her for the time being.

If he went against his word and couldn't resist taking Qingwen today, she would feel more at ease.

At least it would make her feel that Jia Lian was still the same Jia Lian, a man she was completely worthy of.

She had a vague feeling that if Jia Lian continued like this and never made a mistake, one day he would leave her.

She didn't linger and quickly left.

Anyway, Qingwen doesn't seem like the type to keep secrets. Whether she's successfully risen to power or not, we can tell with a glance.