Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

The next day, Jia Lian went directly to the Wang family to visit Prince Teng.

Prince Teng had met with the emperor yesterday and knew that Jia Lian would be accompanying him on this border patrol, so he was not surprised at all by Jia Lian's visit.

"I already know that you hit the heir of Prince Duan. Since he was rude first, it's no big deal. Even if Prince Duan has any complaints, we don't need to be afraid of him."

Wang Ziteng received Jia Lian in the hall. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he began to speak in a very relaxed tone, as if the Wang residence was no different from any other mansion in his eyes.

Jia Lian wasn't surprised; those who hold military power have a different kind of confidence.

He was about to get up to express his gratitude, but when Wang Ziteng gestured for him to remain seated, he thanked him instead.

Wang Ziteng continued, "His Majesty has already informed me of your arrangements. The Ministry should deliver your appointment letter to you within two days. At that time, I will send someone to take you to the camp to familiarize you with military affairs. In the remaining time, you should quickly arrange things at home."

We'll be leaving Beijing around the New Year, so I'm afraid you won't be able to finish celebrating the holiday. Also, this trip won't be a quick return; the borderlands are harsh and cold, far from the comforts of the capital. You need to be mentally prepared for that.”

Upon hearing Wang Ziteng's words, Jia Lian knew that Wang Ziteng didn't quite trust him, so he was giving him a heads-up. He probably feared that if his performance in the army was too poor, the soldiers would look down on him, and it might even damage his reputation.

He stood up abruptly, cupped his hands, and said, "Uncle, please rest assured. Now that I have decided to go, I am fully prepared for any difficulties. I hereby declare that if I neglect my duties or violate military discipline during this mission, please do not hesitate to punish me according to military regulations, regardless of our familial bond. Otherwise, it would be a small matter if I fail to fulfill the imperial command, but if I were to tarnish your reputation, I would be deserving of death!"

Seeing Jia Lian speak so solemnly, Wang Ziteng showed a surprised expression.

"Now that you can say such things, I have nothing to worry about anymore."

However, you don't need to be too nervous. Our main task on this trip is to investigate the movements of the various Tatar tribes and inspect the border defenses. There's no chance of any battles taking place. Besides, your great-grandfather and grandfather both held very high positions in the army. Given your status, most of the soldiers will treat you with respect.

I believe His Majesty intends to send you into the army for training, which would be a rare opportunity for you.

Therefore, as long as you can endure the harsh environment, this journey will not only be easy for you, but it will also be the starting point of your career. If you have perseverance, it is not impossible that you will inherit the glory of your ancestors in the future.

As the highest-ranking official among the four major families, Wang Ziteng had a general understanding of the members of these families.

Therefore, he didn't pay much attention to the emperor's arrangement of Jia Lian to his army. He just thought that if he could train him, he would train him, and if he couldn't, he would send him back to the capital as soon as possible.

Now that I hear him speak such insightful words, I finally begin to believe in the correctness of the emperor's arrangement, and my words have become more sincere.

"I dare not hope to restore the glory of our ancestors. I only hope that this trip can help my uncle and that I will not bring shame to my uncle or our ancestors. That would be enough for me."

Jia Lian said solemnly.

Wang Ziteng laughed and nodded. He then went on to explain several points about the precautions for managing and transporting provisions during a military campaign. Seeing that Jia Lian, though not fully understanding, was listening attentively without any impatience or fear, Wang Ziteng was finally somewhat satisfied.

"You have never marched before, and I can't teach you everything in a short time. Once you're in the army, as long as you're willing to study hard, you'll understand these things sooner or later. Alright, I have some other things to take care of. Go and visit your aunt, and you don't need to come back to ask for leave later."

After arranging for the steward to escort Jia Lian in to pay his respects, Wang Ziteng sat in the hall deep in thought.

The four once-glorious families have all fallen from grace; this is an undeniable fact.

Although he is still at the center of power, the upper limit for military officers is far less than that for civil officials. For example, he has now almost reached the point where he can no longer advance.

If he could still barely support the reputation of the four great families, then the real crisis would come in the next generation.

In his view, although the four families have many children, none of them seem to have amounted to anything!

If this continues, I'm afraid that in less than twenty or thirty years, the title of the Four Great Families will become an insignificant wisp of smoke in history, disappearing without a trace.

Therefore, the four major families need a future leader, and Wang Ziteng also needs a reliable and supportive partner.

Based on the current situation, Jia Lian basically meets the external requirements for this candidate.

The eldest grandson of the Duke of Rongguo, and the future heir to the hereditary title of the Rongguo Mansion.

Considering that Jia Lian had angrily beaten the Prince yesterday to uphold his biological father's dignity, aside from anything else, his courage alone deserved praise. This made him begin to believe that perhaps Jia Lian truly had the potential to restore his ancestors' glory.

Even if it's just a possibility, it's enough to make him try cultivating it.

……

In the Rongguo Mansion, in Fengjie's courtyard, on the kang (heated brick bed) in the west side room.

Wang Xifeng took out a folded prescription from her bosom and handed it to Ping'er.

Ping'er took the prescription and glanced at it. Her expression paused for a moment, but she didn't say anything. She just nodded and put the prescription away.

Wang Xifeng then said, "Don't blame me, I'm doing this for the sake of both of us."

Even the best of sisters can turn against each other and become enemies over the interests of offspring.

You've been with me for so many years, and although I haven't said it explicitly, I've always considered you my own sister. Otherwise, I wouldn't have let you marry your second master. I cherish our bond and don't want anything else to ruin our childhood friendship.

"If this child is truly destined to inherit the family business, then I naturally won't make you eat this anymore. Do you understand my good intentions?"

Upon hearing Wang Xifeng's words, Ping'er's eyes welled up with tears. She knelt down on the spot and said, "I understand Grandmother's intentions. I have remembered all the good things you have done for me over the years and I have always wanted to repay you for the rest of my life. Even if you didn't say anything, I would never dare to argue with you. I swear to heaven that if I have any disloyalty, may I die a horrible death..."

Wang Xifeng immediately bent down and took Ping'er's hand, laughing, "Look at you, why are you crying all of a sudden? When your second master comes back and sees this, he'll think I'm bullying you."

And why did you swear oaths and vows to me? You know I don't believe in that stuff.

However, I know you're a good person, and I know you'll understand my good intentions, so I'm being direct with you, even if it means you doubt or resent me. We've discussed this logically and legally, and from now on, we should be closer, and not let those things affect our sisterly bond.

Ping'er stood up, wiped away her tears, and nodded in agreement.

"Alright, you don't need to come with me today. Just have someone get the medicine, brew it, and drink a bowl. I won't interfere."

I don't know what's wrong with your second master these days; he's become increasingly shrewd and domineering, and he's even started to control me.

How could he possibly understand this? If he knew, he'd probably accuse me of being heartless. So if you care about me, it's best to keep it quiet and not let him know.

Alright, you can go now.

Wang Xifeng smiled, and after Ping'er left, she sat quietly for a while before murmuring, "I hope you can truly understand my good intentions. I really want you to stay with me forever..."

……