Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Side hall, inner room.

After repeatedly taking Madam You's pulse through a silk handkerchief, the old doctor stood up and congratulated her, saying, "Congratulations, Madam, this is a pregnancy pulse."

Upon hearing the doctor's words, the faces of the maids and servants in the room all paled.

Even Madam You was the same. She quietly withdrew her hand, the bitter look on her face fading somewhat, and asked softly, "Dr. Zhang, have you made a mistake? I've only been feeling a little unwell lately, how could it be a pregnancy pulse?"

The doctor replied, "Madam, I have confirmed this repeatedly. Madam's pulse is smooth and flowing, with a feeling of jade beads rolling down, which is indeed a sign of pregnancy."

"May I ask, Madam, have you been experiencing dizziness, fatigue, or a feeling of tightness in your chest lately?"

Yu nodded.

The doctor laughed and said, "That's right. In my humble opinion, the eldest mistress has been pregnant for almost a month. Moreover, she has been working hard for days and her body has not been properly cared for. The two factors have combined to cause this."

I will now prescribe some medicine for you, Madam, to help you recover. If you follow the prescription, reduce your workload, and get plenty of rest, you should recover quickly.

You didn't pay much attention to what the doctor said; she only noticed the time the doctor mentioned.

It's been almost a month...

Wasn't that the time when she and Jia Lian were having a passionate affair at Tianxiang Tower?

They had already come to believe the doctor's words.

As a woman who has lived a life of luxury, she is aware of her own body.

If she hadn't had her own suspicions, she wouldn't have specifically instructed someone to fetch a doctor to take a look at her during the chaotic situation last night.

In fact, she had sensed something was wrong several days earlier.

The reason I didn't see a doctor at the time was because I was afraid.

She couldn't believe she was pregnant, and she dared not let Jia Zhen know she was pregnant!

But now that Jia Zhen is dead, she needs to determine as soon as possible whether she's overthinking things. If she is, then naturally there's nothing to worry about.

Otherwise, she would have to make some careful plans.

After seeing the doctor off, Madam You looked at the trusted maids and servants who came forward to offer their congratulations and instructed them, "There are many busy matters at home right now, and the masters are all discussing important things at the front, so for now, you few should know that I am pregnant. Don't spread the word outside."

After saying this, Madam You didn't explain further to them. When only Yindie was left, she whispered, "Go and see what Master Lian is doing."

If you have some free time, tell him I've come up with a new clue that might be related to the old man's death, and ask him to come over for a talk.

Yindie nodded secretly and glanced up at Madam You.

As a member of the Ningguo Mansion and, more importantly, as You Shi's personal maid, others might not know, but Yin Die had her own guesses.

The eldest mistress has been married into the Ningguo Mansion for so many years and has never conceived. How could she suddenly be pregnant? Moreover, in the past twenty years, Master Zhen has only had one son, Master Rong. Perhaps Master Zhen has long been unable to have children.

From Silver Butterfly's perspective, anyone who isn't too stupid would be able to see the problem.

However, despite realizing it, she didn't dare to ask any questions and quickly obeyed orders.

After a while, she returned and reported: "The people outside said that a palace eunuch came just now and summoned Second Master Lian into the palace."

"Why have I been summoned to the palace again?" Lady You asked, somewhat worried.

She certainly hadn't forgotten about the matter concerning the Empress Dowager and the princess.

"I asked, but none of them knew either."

"Okay, I understand. Have someone keep watch outside and report back to me when he returns."

……

At the Daming Palace, Jia Lian knelt down to beg for forgiveness.

As expected, news of the Ningguo Mansion's affairs reached Emperor Ningkang's ears, and it greatly displeased him.

"This is the Jia family, the founding noble family of my Great Wei, a family of four kings and eight dukes! It turns out that the high ranks and generous salaries of the imperial court have only nurtured these shameless, disloyal, and unfilial wretches!"

Hearing Emperor Ningkang's scolding, Jia Lian felt very innocent.

Logically speaking, although the Ningguo Mansion incident was a scandal, it's not surprising that such absurd things happen in a large city like the capital. As the emperor, Emperor Ningkang shouldn't have been so angry.

Could it be that he's indirectly criticizing me for not wanting to be his son-in-law?

Emperor Ningkang cursed a few times, but seeing that Jia Lian agreed with everything without defending himself, he gradually lost interest.

"I have already heard Weng Ziqin report in detail about what happened last night."

Jia Zhen was immoral and devoid of human ethics; he deserves to die.

As for Jia Rong, since the evidence against him is conclusive, there is no need to investigate the case further.

"You should withdraw the troops from Ningrong Street as soon as possible. I appointed you to command the military command to ensure the safety of the western city, not to provide convenience for your Jia family."

Hearing the emperor's reprimand, Jia Lian had something to say.

"Your Majesty, my mobilization of the military command was not an act of favoritism or perversion of the law."

In the glorious capital, right under the emperor's nose, such a murder has occurred. If we do not investigate the case thoroughly and bring the murderer to justice with swift and decisive action, wouldn't that damage Your Majesty's virtue and the dignity of the court?

I did this because I was wholeheartedly devoted to the public good.

Furthermore, I have always felt that this case still requires…”

"That's enough!"

Before Jia Lian could finish speaking, Emperor Ningkang's face turned cold, and he roared, "You think your Jia family hasn't lost enough face?!"

Jia Lian shrank back.

"Go out and ask around. In the capital now, which mansion is as famous as your Jia family?"

"Those who commit incest, those who keep mistresses," even I feel ashamed for you when I hear such words.

You guys are completely unconcerned, and now you've even gone so far as to commit patricide!

And you, Jia Lian, as the Zhenyuan General personally appointed by me, a fourth-rank official of the court, you can't even control a woman, allowing her to do evil in the capital, and it even reached the ears of the Empress Dowager.

What, do you think that because you made some minor contributions at the border, you can disregard the laws of the country and the Empress Dowager?

Or do you really think that because of your ancestors' achievements, I can't do anything to your Jia family?

Emperors are human beings too, and they also have many normal human reactions.

Although it was the Empress Dowager's intention to have Jia Lian divorce his wife and marry another, Jia Lian was willing to offend the Empress Dowager rather than marry her daughter, which inevitably made him somewhat dissatisfied with Jia Lian!

Jia Lian seemed rather ungrateful.

However, it was indeed the Empress Dowager who acted inappropriately, so he had not expressed his opinion before.

All the discontent erupted today.

Facing the increasingly enraged Emperor Ningkang, Jia Lian hurriedly said, "Your Majesty is too kind. My family's wealth and status are entirely due to Your Majesty's blessings and favors. Since Your Majesty can bestow them, you can naturally take them back at any time."

Your Majesty's words are beyond my ability to refute.

However, I beg Your Majesty's trust that from this day forward, I will diligently manage and train both the Rongguo Mansion and the Ningguo Mansion, and will absolutely not allow any further negative news about the Jia family name to reach Your Majesty's ears or anger you.

When the emperor is angry, arguing is useless; the real solution is to say something nice to appease him.

Moreover, from Emperor Ningkang's words, Jia Lian keenly sensed the emperor's serious dissatisfaction with their Jia family.

If we don't quickly express our stance, admit our mistakes, and ask for forgiveness at this point, are we really going to wait for the emperor to issue an edict stripping us of our titles and confiscating our property?

If the imperial court is likened to a gang, then the emperor is the boss, and the Jia family is like the capable henchman who carried the boss out of a hail of bullets and helped him protect his territory.

As long as loyalty remains intact, minor mistakes can be easily forgiven by the boss, and he usually won't do anything to his good brother.

After all, even a leader needs to consider others' feelings and let his underlings see his magnanimity.

Although Jia Lian didn't care whether the Ningguo Mansion would be stripped of its title, and didn't know if Emperor Ningkang had such intentions, it would naturally be better if the title could be spared.

At least one family holds two noble titles, which makes their reputation even more prestigious.

As expected, seeing that Jia Lian not only admitted his mistake but also made a guarantee, Emperor Ningkang could not say anything more.

After a pause, he resumed his usual tone and said, "I have already instructed Weng Ziqin to close the case as soon as possible."

If this drags on any longer, it will not be good for your Jia family or for the imperial court.

As for Jia Rong, having committed an unforgivable crime, he should be severely punished according to the law. You should not even think of protecting each other; if you dare attempt to exonerate Jia Rong, I will not let you off lightly.”

With the emperor's words, the matter was settled. Jia Lian outwardly showed a look of not daring to disobey, but inwardly he was completely relieved.

"Also, regarding the Empress Dowager..."

Emperor Ningkang finally brought up this matter that had to be mentioned.

Seeing that Jia Lian seemed troubled when he heard about the Empress Dowager, he snorted and said, "This matter was caused by the Empress Dowager's favoritism towards Zhao Yang and her indulgence of her willfulness."

You don't need to act like that. If you're unwilling, do you think I'll force you?

Don't you even look at your own home...

Look at the state of your family! I was worried that my daughter would be mistreated after marrying into your family, but you're acting like you're taking advantage of me.

Emperor Ningkang promptly withdrew his words, which were not in accordance with imperial dignity.

Indeed, if Emperor Ningkang had previously held a vacillating attitude towards this matter, he now clearly opposes it.

Stealing someone else's husband is already shameful, let alone at a time when the Jia family's reputation is utterly ruined.

At this time, if the royal family were to force the princess into the Jia family, wouldn't that make the royal family look particularly unqualified?

"I will plead for the Empress Dowager on her behalf."

You don't need to worry too much. I think the Empress Dowager will be considerate of your past act of saving her life and won't make things too difficult for you. Just be careful from now on and don't give the Empress Dowager any leverage over you.

As for your official position…”

Emperor Ningkang deliberately left the question unanswered.

Jia Lian quickly accepted the reply: "With Your Majesty's words, I am relieved."

As for my official position, it is truly deserved; being stripped of my rank is entirely justified.

Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your trust and permission to atone for my crimes. From this day forward, I will serve Your Majesty with even greater diligence and strive to live up to your high regard!

"Alright. If there's nothing else, you can leave now."

Although Emperor Ningkang was indifferent to flatterers, he was still very pleased that Jia Lian could understand his "good intentions".

Therefore, his anger vanished, and he waved his hand dismissively, dismissing Jia Lian from the main hall.