The Splendor of the Red Chamber

Hearing the commotion outside, before Jia Lian could give any instructions, Jia Rong preemptively called out, "Have the maids stand guard outside the courtyard and not come in. I have something important to discuss with you!"

Perhaps because he had done so many shameful things in the past, Jia Rong appeared quite composed and at ease at this moment.

The footsteps outside paused, then quickly split into two groups.

Before long, Qin Keqing walked into the inner room alone. Her face was fair and smooth, and her eyebrows and eyes were extremely soft and charming, yet beautiful without being vulgar, gentle yet sorrowful. Her sorrow was hidden very deeply, yet she could always evoke pity in people unintentionally.

Her slender waist is like a dividing line between Chu and Han, and above it rises the Wangwu and Taihang Mountains abruptly from the flat plain. Her figure is plump but not at all droopy, and she stands tall and proud as if she wants to break through the clouds to see the sun.

Two towering hills stretch down, seemingly smooth and indefensible, but in reality, they are the tombs of heroes and valiant men. Even kings and generals who came here could not help but lose their spirit and meet their end.

Her every move exuded both the poise of a young mistress from a prominent family and a natural elegance; such beauty and charm were truly rare throughout history.

Upon entering, Qin Keqing gave Jia Lian a graceful bow and said with a smile, "I didn't expect Second Uncle Lian to recover so quickly. He was able to get out of bed and walk around after only one night. Truly, good people are always blessed by heaven—now Aunt can finally rest easy."

Because she hadn't rested well recently, her voice was slightly hoarse, but this was not a flaw. On the contrary, it was like the finishing touch, making her gentle voice even more intoxicating and soft.

Upon hearing Qin Keqing mention Wang Xifeng, Jia Rong, fearing that he might provoke his second uncle's anger, quickly said, "Let's not talk about that for now. I've been thinking about your matter for a long time. Only by asking Uncle Lian to intervene can we make Master think twice."

Upon hearing this, Qin Keqing's expression immediately changed.

She feared she couldn't hide such a shameful and immoral affair, so how could Jia Rong dare let outsiders know?!

With a glimmer of hope, Qin Keqing forced a smile and said, "Master is joking. Everyone knows that our master is the most reasonable man and never refuses to give face to his daughter-in-law. What could possibly be wrong that I need Uncle Lian to step in and make decisions for me?"

"oops!"

Hearing that she still wanted to hide it, Jia Rong impatiently stomped his foot and said, "What time is it and you're still hiding it? I already told Uncle Lian about Master's incestuous relationship!"

"You, you, you..."

Even the last glimmer of hope was shattered, and Qin Keqing's stunningly beautiful face instantly drained of all color.

She simply couldn't understand why Jia Rong would treat her like this!

Previously, when she resisted in every way, Jia Rong pretended to be deaf and dumb and did nothing; now that she was about to resign herself to her fate, Jia Rong suddenly dragged Uncle Lian into the mess.

What exactly are they thinking?!

Do these two, father and son, really want to drive her to her death before they'll stop?!

"What do you mean, 'you'?!"

When Jia Rong saw Qin Keqing's pale face, he felt no pity whatsoever; instead, he felt a surge of pleasure.

hum~

Don't think that just because you accepted that old man's jewelry, you can easily become his stepmother!

He proudly raised his chin and said, "I asked Uncle Lian for help, and it was all because of that..."

"That's enough!"

At this moment, Jia Lian couldn't stand it anymore and interrupted Jia Rong, saying, "Don't hide anything. I'm not here to help; I'm here to collect a debt!"

If this claim of "helping" is indeed true, then wouldn't his subsequent actions against the Qin family be seen as harboring malicious intentions and taking advantage of others' misfortune?

He, Second Master Lian, could not be considered an upright gentleman, but he was not a cowardly villain either.

Thinking this, Jia Lian calmly stepped forward, forming a pincer movement with Jia Rong and Qin Keqing, and then succinctly stated: "Actually, this scoundrel took advantage of my illness to seduce your second aunt at my bedside. I caught him red-handed, and now he's willing to use you to pay off his debt!"

He originally called Jia Rong a little beast, but now it seems that "little beast" is no longer enough to describe Jia Rong.

These words struck Qin Keqing like a thunderbolt—although she had long given up hope on Jia Rong, she never imagined that he could be so despicable, shameless, heartless, and ungrateful!

"You, you..."

She raised her slender hand and pointed tremblingly at Jia Rong, feeling her vision blur and her legs go weak.

Faced with her pointing fingers, Jia Rong initially shrank back, but then, remembering that Qin Keqing had already accepted Jia Zhen's gift, he became confident again.

He argued vehemently, "It's better for you to submit to Uncle Lian than to do that shameful incestuous thing. I can also make up for my mistakes. Isn't this a way to resolve the dilemma and achieve the best of both worlds?!"

Qin Keqing's pretty face turned pale with anger, and she gritted her teeth, saying, "What a convenient solution to this dilemma! What do you take me for? A prostitute who comes and goes as she pleases?!"

Before she could finish speaking, she resolutely rammed her head against the south wall.

Caught off guard, Jia Rong was so frightened that he cried out "Ouch!" and completely forgot to stop him.

Fortunately, Jia Lian was quick-witted and nimble, catching up with Ke Qing and pulling her into his arms.

"Let me go! Let me go!"

Qin Keqing cried and struggled desperately, "You just want to force me to my death, right? Today I'll do as you wish and end it all!"

She had considered taking her own life when faced with coercion from her father-in-law, Jia Zhen, but she lacked the courage to die a heroic death.

Now that he has learned that Jia Rong has once again given him to Uncle Lian, and has also revealed the shameful affair of incest in his family, the feelings of shame and anger finally overwhelmed his fear of death.

Now that they had already decided to die, they naturally wouldn't try to suppress their cries anymore.

Fearing that people outside might overhear, Jia Lian quickly freed one hand to pinch her smooth, creamy cheeks and gently lift her tear-streaked face.

Their eyes met, and Jia Lian said decisively, "What nonsense are you spouting? Since Rong-ge'er has given you to me, you are my woman from today onwards. From now on, even he is not allowed to touch you, and naturally, Brother Zhen is even less allowed to touch you!"

Before coming here, Jia Lian thought of an eye for an eye.

But upon hearing of Qin Keqing's plight and seeing that she was willing to die to preserve her innocence, Master Lian couldn't help but feel compassion and wanted to protect this poor woman for the rest of her life.

In the past, no matter how much Jia Lian coveted Qin Keqing's unparalleled beauty, he might not have dared to snatch her away from Jia Zhen.

After all, Jia Zhen had not only inherited the title of Ningguo Mansion long ago, but was also the patriarch of the Jia clan. In terms of status, power, and wealth, he was far superior to Jia Lian, the steward of Rongguo Mansion.

But now that Jia Lian knows that the Rong and Ning mansions are about to fall, and has made a vow to turn the tide, if he doesn't even dare to face his cousin Jia Zhen, then wouldn't all his ambitions be nothing but empty talk?

Looking at Jia Lian's handsome face, now adorned with a touch of heroic spirit, and listening to his domineering and unquestionable words, Qin Keqing's heart skipped a beat.

For the past few months, she had been struggling under Jia Zhen's coercion and enticement, and what she hoped for most was someone to protect her from the wind and rain. At this moment, Jia Lian's tough attitude shattered her long-standing fear and helplessness.

For a moment, she even had the urge to hug Jia Lian from behind.

But Qin Keqing quickly calmed down and shook her head sadly, saying, "Second Uncle Lian, don't try to fool me. Master... that person is all-powerful in Ningguo Mansion. You are too far away in the West Mansion to protect me."

This is indeed a problem.

But this was no challenge for Jia Lian. He was already clever and quick-witted, and now that he had lived the second life, he had gained more experience. So he came up with a solution after only a little thought.

"That's easy."

He confidently replied, "You can use the name of ghosts and gods to escape..."

"Grandma, are you alright?"

Just then, a woman's voice was heard from outside.

Judging from the tone and manner of her voice, it must have been a maid who heard Keqing's cries and came in to investigate.

"It's my personal maid, Ruizhu."

Qin Keqing's words confirmed Jia Lian's guess, and then she hurriedly called out, "I'm fine. You stay outside and guard the courtyard gate. Don't let anyone disturb my discussion with Master!"

Ruizhu outside visibly breathed a sigh of relief, but instead of leaving, she added, "If Grandma has any instructions, just call me."

After saying that, he returned to the courtyard.

"She's a loyal and devoted maid."

While praising Ruizhu, Jia Lian scrutinized Keqing with a half-smile.

Just now, Ruizhu had already reached the door, but Qin Keqing did not struggle at all. She still obediently nestled in his arms. This silent submission had already revealed her choice.

This is normal. Putting aside the fact that the pressure of having an affair with his uncle is far less than having an affair with his father-in-law, just in terms of age and appearance, the handsome and dashing Jia Lian is far superior to Jia Zhen.

Men are attracted to beauty, but don't women also love to look pretty?

"If it weren't for Ruizhu, I probably would have..."

Qin Keqing also praised Ruizhu, then urged in a sweet voice, "Second Uncle, quickly tell me how to escape!"

Jia Lian raised his index finger and gently touched her cherry-like lips, teasingly asking, "Why are you still calling me Second Uncle?"

Qin Keqing's pretty face immediately flushed red, but after hesitating for a moment, she obediently changed her address to "Second Master".

"That's inappropriate, that's inappropriate!"

Jia Lian still shook his head: "You call that thief King Eighth Master, but I call him Second Master. Doesn't that tarnish my name, Jia Lian?"

Qin Keqing also felt it was inappropriate. She lowered her head and pondered for a moment. A blush gradually rose on her beautiful face, spreading all the way to behind her ears.

Then she glanced at Jia Rong with disgust, as if she had made up her mind, and raised her head to Jia Lian, saying in a sweet voice, "Good husband~ stop keeping me in suspense and tell me the method quickly."