Dream of the Red Chamber: I can see the hidden labels of the beauties.

The old woman guarding the door, upon seeing that it was Jia Can, displayed a hint of disdain and responded indifferently:

"Yes, Second Master."

Jia Can didn't mind her attitude and politely said:

"Then please ask the nanny to inform him that Jia Can requests an audience with the master."

Although the old woman looked down on him, it was her duty to deliver the message, so she dared not refuse and simply replied:

"Second Master, please wait a moment."

After saying that, he turned around and slowly walked into the garden.

At this moment, a number of people were sitting in a pavilion by the water in the garden, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere.

Several tables and chairs were set up in the pavilion. At the head of the table sat Grandmother Jia, her hair completely white, her face kind, and she was chatting and laughing with everyone.

Seated beside her were several ladies, including Madam Wang, Madam Xing, Madam You, and Aunt Xue, each dressed in fine clothes and surrounded by jewels.

Wang Xifeng stood beside Grandmother Jia with a smile on her face, making a witty remark that made Grandmother Jia laugh.

Li Wan sat to one side, dressed simply, with a smile on her face, and said little.

Qin Keqing was also present. Although she was smiling, there was a hint of worry between her brows, and her gaze kept drifting into the distance, as if she had something on her mind.

Beside them were several young women: Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai, Jia Yingchun, Jia Tanchun, and Jia Xichun, all of whom were beautiful and had their own unique charm.

There were also many maids and servants standing around the pavilion, a vibrant and eye-catching sight of beautiful women in bright red and green.

Jia Zhen and his son Jia Rong were also sitting at the lower end, chatting with the others.

At this moment, the old woman who had come to report arrived outside the pavilion, not daring to approach, and stood at a distance, respectfully reporting to Jia Zhen:

"Reporting to Master, Second Master Can has arrived, saying he requests to see you."

Upon hearing this, Jia Zhen's face darkened, his brows furrowed, and he waved his hand impatiently.

"The master is too busy to see him right now. Tell him to go back to his courtyard and stay there. Don't let him go anywhere. Have someone keep an eye on him."

Just as the old woman was about to turn around to reply, Grandmother Jia, who was sitting at the head of the table, happened to see this scene and asked:

"Zhen-ge'er, what's wrong?"

Jia Zhen quickly put on a smiling face and replied:

"Reporting to the old lady, it is my good-for-nothing brother who has returned. He said he came to see me, but I am here with the old lady and the ladies, so I have no time to see him. Therefore, I told him to go back to his own courtyard first."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia waved her hand with a smile:

"Since he's already here, let him in. It's been a long time since I've seen him. If you hadn't mentioned it, who would have remembered that your great-grandfather had a son in this house?"

Hearing this, Jia Zhen felt somewhat embarrassed, but dared not disobey Grandmother Jia's wishes, so he could only nod in agreement and say to the old woman:

"Go, quickly bring him in, and tell him that the old lady wants to see him."

The old woman respectfully agreed and hurried away.

The gazes of everyone in the pavilion involuntarily turned towards the direction of the garden gate, all seemingly curious about this illegitimate second master of the Ningguo Mansion who rarely appeared in public.

Qin Keqing, in particular, lit up instantly upon hearing that Jia Can had arrived. She stared intently at the doorway, her eyes filled with anticipation, and the worry between her brows faded considerably.

The smile on Jia Zhen's face disappeared, and a hint of displeasure appeared in his eyes. He didn't understand why Grandmother Jia suddenly wanted to see Jia Can.

Before long, the old woman led Jia Can to the outside of the pavilion.

Jia Can originally only intended to visit Jia Zhen, explain where he had been, and invite him to a gathering at his courtyard that evening.

Unexpectedly, Grandmother Jia suddenly said she wanted to see him, which surprised him and also made him feel a little expectant.

After all, Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai were also there.

Because he was born out of wedlock, he had never had the chance to meet Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai, even though he had heard that they had moved into the Rongguo Mansion.

This can be considered his first meeting with Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai.

Walking slowly to the outside of the pavilion, facing the gazes of the women filling the pavilion, Jia Can showed no fear, remaining calm and composed, and respectfully bowed to Grandmother Jia at the head of the table.

"My grand-nephew Jia Can greets the old lady and pays his respects."

Grandmother Jia smiled and looked him over. She saw that he was tall and handsome, and although his blue robe was not luxurious, it was clean and tidy. He had an elegant and refined air about him, unlike Jia Zhen who was flamboyant, or Jia Rong who was frivolous.

He nodded slightly and smiled:

"Brother Can, there's no need for such formalities. It's been a long time since I've seen you. I heard from your brother Zhen that you had come, so I specially invited you in."

"It's a rare treat that your sister-in-law Zhen invited everyone to your East Mansion for a gathering. Since you're here, we can't leave you out. Come in and let's talk."

Jia Can found it rather strange after hearing this.

Grandmother Jia has never cared much about her illegitimate children. When have Jia Huan and Jia Cong, the illegitimate sons of the Rongguo Mansion, ever received any care from Grandmother Jia?

Today, however, they suddenly show such concern for him, a son of a concubine in the Ningguo Mansion, as if the sun had risen in the west.

Although he had doubts in his heart, he remained calm on the surface, respectfully replied "Yes," and walked into the pavilion, meeting everyone's gaze.

A moment later, he stood before the crowd, his eyes fixed straight ahead, his posture upright, his handsome features drawing attention.

As a son of a concubine born into the Ningguo Mansion, Jia Can was surrounded by relatives and old friends. When relatives meet, there is naturally no need to be too discreet.

Both Madam Wang and Madam Xing sized him up. Madam Wang glanced at him twice, then nodded slightly and offered a few words of praise:

"It's been so long since I've seen him. He's grown quite a bit taller and is very handsome."

Madam Xing chimed in, "Indeed, she's very beautiful; she's a descendant of Lord Ning after all..."

Wang Xifeng, who was usually very shrewd and eloquent, was now quite quiet. She was whispering to the maid behind her, not even glancing at Jia Can, seemingly indifferent to him.

At this moment, Jia Xichun smiled slightly at Jia Can and greeted him in a generous manner:

"Hello, Second Brother Can."

Jia Xichun was still young, with clear and bright eyes, innocent and carefree, yet her beauty was undeniable.

Jia Can looked at her, a gentle smile on his face, and returned the greeting:

Fourth Sister.

Upon seeing this scene, Grandmother Jia smiled and said to Jia Yingchun, Jia Tanchun, Lin Daiyu, and Xue Baochai:

"You should all come and meet this elder brother as well."

As she spoke, she began to introduce each of them to Jia Can.

Let me first introduce Lin Daiyu, who is standing right next to her:

"This is your Uncle Lin's cousin..."

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu stood up. Her delicate figure was like a fairy in a painting, but with a touch of sickly beauty, quite unique. She gave Jia Can a slight curtsy.

"Cousin Can."

Lin Daiyu had heard of Jia Can before, but had never met him. Now that she had finally met him, she couldn't help but take another look at him.

Seeing that Jia Can was handsome and had a unique temperament, unlike the timid and hesitant person he was rumored to be, he couldn't help but feel a little curious and secretly memorized his appearance.

Jia Can only dared to glance at her once before quickly averting his gaze and politely returning the greeting:

"Lin Daiyu"

However, that one glance stirred up a storm in Jia Can's heart.

Because he clearly saw that Lin Daiyu had a conspicuous label hanging above her head:

[Holder of the secret ledger for the salt tax in Lianghuai]