The Splendor of the Red Chamber

After discussing the case, the Princess Dowager of Nan'an instructed her son to escort Jia Lian out.

As a result, the Marquis of Nan'an threw a tantrum, only escorting Jia Lian to the door of the living room, and refused to move another step.

Jia Lian was happy not to look at his sour face.

After meeting up with the officials who had come with him, he was preparing to leave the Prince's Mansion when he suddenly realized that the number of people was not quite right.

Jia Lian asked in confusion, "Why is one person missing?"

"They said they went to relieve themselves."

Sheng Changwu hurriedly said, "But for some reason, he hasn't come back even after so long."

Jia Lian felt something was amiss and hurriedly asked the steward of the Prince's mansion to go and find out.

After about half a cup of tea's time, the official hurriedly returned to his post.

Before Jia Lian could ask any questions, he took the initiative to explain, "My lord, I feel that the death of Consort Li may be related to the case, so I asked someone to subtly inquire about it."

What a self-righteous idiot!

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian couldn't help but curse inwardly.

Even if Consort Li's death is not related to the case, it is inappropriate to ask about it at this time.

Leaving aside the fact that it might alert the enemy, if there were any hidden reasons behind Consort Li's death, wouldn't the mastermind blame himself for it, thinking that he had ordered the investigation?

"Well done."

While secretly gritting his teeth, Jia Lian asked in a warm tone, "What's your name?"

Previously, they had only asked about their official titles, but now that they knew their names, they naturally planned to teach this fellow a lesson.

The official was completely unaware that he had offended Jia Lian. He thought that the Second Master was trying to elevate him, so he gladly introduced himself, even wanting to tell Jia Lian his home address and ancestral home.

Silently noting down the man's name, Jia Lian then led everyone away from the Prince's Mansion and returned to the royal mausoleum outside the city to report back.

This time, he finally met his superior, Liu Bangchang, the Vice Commander of the Imperial City Guard.

Liu Bangchang looked to be in his early forties, of medium build, with a thin face. His demeanor and mannerisms were not those of a warrior, but rather those of a scholar.

After Liu Bangchang inquired about Jia Lian's answers at the Prince's residence, he praised Jia Lian highly and said, "We will handle the investigation. Jia Lian only needs to report the summarized information to the Prince's residence on a regular basis."

Jia Lian laughed and said, "I'm a novice, so I can't be of much help in investigating cases. But this is a rare opportunity, and I hope to learn some case-solving skills from Lord Liu and Captain Chen."

As he spoke, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to Chen Xingzhi, saying, "Brother Chen, please don't hold anything back."

Liu Bangchang was even happier to hear this, as he was afraid that Jia Lian, being young and impetuous, would act recklessly because of his status.

Now that Jia Lian has taken the initiative to state that he will not interfere with the investigation and is only prepared to learn from the sidelines, Liu Bangchang is naturally very satisfied.

He immediately laughed and said, "You came to the Imperial City Guard to brush up on your skills in this area, and now it's a good opportunity for Captain Chen to mentor you."

"I wouldn't dare."

Chen Xingzhi quickly replied modestly, "We're all colleagues. Jia Ershe and I learn from each other, so there's no question of me mentoring anyone."

The three chatted for a while, and as it was getting late, Liu Bangchang prepared to return to the yamen to report.

Jia Lian naturally accompanied him, leaving Chen Xingzhi behind to continue searching for clues at the royal tomb.

Speechless all the way.

Jia Lian parted ways with Liu Bangchang at the city gate, then sent Sheng Changwu back to Jiying Lane before heading home.

Back at Rongguo Mansion.

Jia Lian first went to inform Grandmother Jia that everything was alright, and then went to look for Jia Zheng, only to hear that Jia Zheng had not yet returned to the mansion. It seemed that the officials in the yamen were having a meal together and would not return until after midnight.

So Jia Lian returned to Wutong Garden first.

Wang Xifeng had just finished coaxing her daughter to recite a few lines of the Three Character Classic when she received the news and rushed home.

Upon entering, she first told the wet nurse to take Qiao Jie away, then couldn't wait to gossip: "How's the case going?!"

"What else can we do? We'll just have to investigate slowly."

Jia Lian sipped his tea and said unhurriedly, "Based on the situation at the scene, this tomb was robbed at least three months ago. Catching the thieves in a short time is no easy task."

Wang Xifeng was not very satisfied with this answer. She gently pushed Jia Lian and said reproachfully, "Who asked you that? I asked you what's strange or unusual about this case."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but lower her voice and say, "I've heard that when this Prince of Nan'an was alive, he had a relationship with his biological mother, Princess Yi'an..."

Seeing her make an ambiguous gesture, Jia Lian casually slapped it away and said, "Don't bring up such things again. I'm currently under suspicion. Things that weren't important before can become leverage if someone gets hold of them."

As he spoke, he recounted his experiences and encounters of the day, focusing on the most important parts, to Wang Xifeng.

Wang Xifeng was startled, especially when she heard that Jia Lian was facing the nobles alone. She couldn't help but exclaim, "Second Master was right! His Majesty sent you to the Imperial City Guard to use you as a second Prince Zhongshun!"

"What's the point of saying this now?"

Jia Lian got up dismissively, preparing to instruct the maids to prepare hot water.

Having traveled back and forth all day, covered in dust and grime, and even wandered around the tomb several times, one should wash away the bad luck.

Wang Xifeng, still wanting more, grabbed him and asked, "What was the expression on the face of the Princess Dowager of Nan'an at that time?"

"Would I possibly stare at a widow?"

Jia Lian retorted irritably, then thought for a moment and said, "He's probably quite calm. I can't see any sadness in him."

"That's right!"

Wang Xifeng slammed her hand on the kang table, excitedly saying, "I've long heard that the couple doesn't get along. This Imperial Concubine looks kind and dignified, but she's actually quite ruthless!"

As she spoke, she leaned close to Jia Lian's ear and whispered, "Do you think this might be a case of the Princess Dowager of Nan'an crying wolf?"

"what?"

Jia Lian didn't immediately follow her train of thought: "Then what's her motive for doing this?"

"May the prince's soul be scattered and never to be reincarnated!"

Wang Xifeng exclaimed excitedly, "When he was alive, he had a concubine on one side and a maid on the other, even his own mother... Which of these things wouldn't make the Empress Dowager jealous?"

Now that he's dead, and the Empress Dowager has regained power, what's so strange about her wanting to take this opportunity to vent her anger?

"Strange, very strange!"

Jia Lian retorted speechlessly, "Is this just wishful thinking, or are you deliberately trying to subtly hint at something?"

Wang Xifeng covered her mouth and giggled, saying with great enthusiasm, "No way, you're just feeling guilty."

Seeing her charming appearance, Jia Lian was no longer in a hurry to take a bath and wanted to pull her inside for some intimate time.

Wang Xifeng reluctantly followed him into the bedroom. Just as they were about to roll onto the bed, she suddenly asked, "How did that slut get pregnant?"

Clearly, she had been holding this question in for a long time.

Although Jia Lian was much more vigorous than before, Qin Keqing's pregnancy in just a few days still made her feel that something was wrong.

Jia Lian chuckled and said, "She's not like you. You clearly can't stand it but you still rush to be the first to eat it, unwilling to eat what others have already cooked."

"Pah!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng spat and said, "What a pair of adulterers! What a shameless slut, what a despicable whore!"

Jia Lian laughed heartily and was about to pounce on him when Ping'er suddenly came from outside to report that Lai Wang had heard that the Second Master had returned to the mansion and was waiting outside for something.

When the topic of "what happened" came up, Jia Lian suddenly remembered that he had been sent by Jia Zheng to take Bao Yu to the Sheng family to deliver tuition fees.

He was called away to investigate a case halfway through, and he didn't know if Baoyu had obeyed him.

So he hurriedly went to the second gate to summon Laiwang and inquire about the specific situation.

After seeing Jia Lian off, Wang Xifeng turned back and stared at Ping'er in a deep, silent gaze.

…………

the other side.

Jia Lian met with Lai Wang and pressed him for details.

Laiwang smiled wryly and said, "I followed your instructions and waited for you outside the living room. At first, things were fine. Mr. Zhuang praised you for your talent, and the two poems you composed on the spot were also very good."

Later, when Master Bao found Mr. Zhuang to be kind and approachable, he suddenly asked if he could take his third daughter and Miss Lin to study at the Sheng family home—Mr. Zhuang didn't say anything, but just shook his head and sighed.

This precious jade is truly a dog's belly that can't hold two ounces of oil!

She herself had told him not to reveal his intentions right away. Even if he wanted the younger sisters to study at the Sheng family, he should first make a good impression and then proceed gradually.

But he was right; he exposed himself on his very first visit!

Let's see how Uncle Jia Zheng deals with him when he finds out tomorrow.