Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Chapter 55 Introduction

Now that the root cause of the conflict between the two families has been figured out, Jia Lian has no reason not to take action.

It's just a matter of getting a cold shoulder, and it's not shameful to get a cold shoulder at your maternal grandparents' house.

In any case, the Jia family is clearly in the wrong in this matter. Moreover, the angrier the maternal grandparents are, the more they prove how much they love and care for their daughter, their sister, who is also his birth mother. From this perspective, the more he can gain the approval of his maternal grandparents, the greater his chances of being valued.

However, this matter requires careful consideration of the methods and approaches used; otherwise, it will only backfire.

After more than ten days of careful preparation, the old master's seventieth birthday arrived. As usual, the Jia family did not receive an invitation. Jia Lian then brought birthday gifts and, with two others, quietly went to the celebration.

Arriving at the Zhang family's residence following the route I had inquired about beforehand, the carriage joined the other carriages that had come to offer birthday greetings. Apart from a servant who came to give directions, it did not attract any other attention.

Hearing the lively sounds around him, interspersed with loud and cheerful congratulations and greetings, Jia Lian lifted the carriage curtain and jumped down.

Indeed, it was a prosperous family; at the main gate, guests came in an endless stream to offer their birthday wishes.

Finding a moment of respite, Jia Lian beckoned Zhang Yong and Zhao'er, who were carrying birthday gifts, to come forward. The gatekeeper, who was in charge of registration, greeted them with a smile and asked which distinguished guests they were.

"Jia Lian of the Rongguo Mansion."

The gatekeeper, oblivious to the surprised look on his companion's face, picked up his brush and began to write, chanting, "Arrival at Rongguo Mansion..."

Since the other party did not want to see the invitation, Jia Lian did not make a fuss. He asked them to put down the birthday gifts and then led his men toward the main gate.

"stop."

A young nobleman stepped down from the doorway, tilting his head slightly, and asked suspiciously, "Are you from the Rongguo Mansion?"

"Exactly."

The young master's expression suddenly changed, immediately turning fierce as he stood with his hands on his hips in front of Jia Lian: "Get out of here, you're not welcome in our house!"

The sudden turn of events caused some people who hadn't even entered the room to stop and look on with surprise.

After all, it was quite rare in the entire capital to turn away people who came to offer birthday wishes.

One or two people seemed to know about the feud between the two families, and they all wore smiles as if they were watching a show.

Jia Lian did not show any displeasure. He looked the boy up and down and smiled, "This must be Cousin Tao. It's been so many years. You've grown so much! Today is my grandfather's birthday, and I've come to wish him a happy birthday. It's not appropriate for Cousin Tao to refuse me entry."

Zhang Tao was certain that no one from the Rongguo Mansion had been invited to his home. Now, not only had they come uninvited, but they were also speaking to him in the tone of an elder, which only fueled his inexplicable anger.

"Who's your cousin! We have no relation to you. Get out of here, or I'll make you fight!"

As Zhang Tao spoke, he was about to send Jia Lian away. He didn't want to ruin his grandfather's birthday celebration because of someone unrelated!

As expected of a true son of a military family, he takes action without hesitation if he is not satisfied.

Although Jia Lian knew that the other party did not intend to hit him, but only wanted to push him away, Jia Lian would not let the other party touch him.

He initially stood still, but when the other person pushed his hand towards him, he slightly shifted his body, grabbed the other person's wrist, and pulled him backward.

Zhang Tao never expected Jia Lian to move so fast. He instantly lost his balance and rushed excitedly towards the stone ground in front of him.

"Third Master...!"

The Zhang family servants around gasped in surprise, but before they could react, Jia Lian grabbed their third master by the back of his collar and pulled him back with a jerk. They breathed a sigh of relief and then glared angrily at Jia Lian.

Jia Lian looked at Zhang Tao, who had just regained his footing, and laughed, "Knowing that it's been many years since I last saw you, Cousin Tao, you don't have to be so enthusiastic, coming up to hug your cousin right away. Alright, stop fooling around, I still need to go in and wish my grandfather a happy birthday."

Zhang Tao rubbed his neck, which was throbbing from the collar, and coughed twice, his anger already simmering inside.

Hearing Jia Lian mock him again, he flew into a rage: "I'll fucking fuck you! How dare you scheme against me! Take this!"

If you're going to resort to violence, then so be it. Cursing is wrong. Jia Lian, who had already turned around, was about to teach this hothead a real lesson when a refined young man rushed out of the main gate.

"Brother Tao, stop right now!!"

After being yelled at by his brother, Zhang Tao seemed to realize what day it was. He had already rushed behind Jia Lian, but after hesitating for a long time, he still didn't actually let Jia Lian see his little fists.

The young man stopped his younger brother, then hurriedly walked up to Jia Lian, cupped his hands, and said, "My younger brother has been rude and offensive; please forgive him."

Jia Lian glanced at Zhang Tao, who was standing beside him and constantly attacking him with his eyes, and then looked at the young man in front of him.

He's a handsome man, but compared to others, he's a little less attractive.

He returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said with a smile, "Brother Su, there's no need to be so formal. Cousin Tao just wanted to test my martial arts skills. We both come from military families, so this way of meeting is not unusual."

Hearing Jia Lian address him as "cousin" repeatedly, Zhang Su seemed to have figured out Jia Lian's identity, but still asked, "May I ask who you are?"

"Your younger brother, Jia Lian, greets Cousin Su."

It was indeed him. Zhang Su finally settled on Jia Lian in his heart, but he couldn't help but hesitate.

The other party was so polite; according to his upbringing, he should have returned a polite remark—that would have been the behavior of a gentleman. However, the other party was Jia Lian! This left him speechless.

Jia Lian knew perfectly well what was going on, but pretended not to notice, and once again cupped his hands and smiled, "I've come today because I heard that my grandfather is turning seventy, so I've come to offer my birthday wishes. Cousin Su, you wouldn't expect me to just stand here forever, would you?"

Zhang Su was several years older than Zhang Tao and less impulsive. Seeing that several families of guests had already gathered around to offer their birthday wishes, he knew he couldn't linger any longer. So, suppressing any other thoughts, he cupped his hands and replied, "Please."

Jia Lian smiled slightly, returned the "please" greeting, and then walked into the gate with a smile.

"Brother~!" Behind him, Zhang Tao tugged at Zhang Su's arm, staring at Jia Lian's back with great dissatisfaction.

"Shut up! We'll discuss any questions after we report back to Father!"

Zhang Su gave his younger brother a quick glare, then put on a bright smile and personally escorted Jia Lian into the mansion.

So Zhang Tao could only pout and continue standing at the door as his greeter.

……

Having passed through this door, Jia Lian felt he had achieved half of his goal for the day, and his mood brightened considerably.

After Zhao'er and the other two were taken away by the Zhang family servants to be made up, Jia Lian turned to Zhang Su and said, "It's been so many years since I've been back. The house is still as warm and welcoming as before. After celebrating my grandfather's birthday this time, I want to stay here and never leave."

Zhang Su was speechless. How could such a tall and handsome man be like a piece of dog skin plaster?

Home... If this were your home, what would we be doing living here?

However, Jia Lian's words reminded him of some things from his childhood. Back then, the two families had a good relationship, and his aunt often brought his cousin over for short stays. Tao was still young then, but he was about the same age as Jia Lian, and they got along well. They even did a few things that seem childish and laughable now, but were quite amusing...

Unfortunately, things have changed, and so many years have passed in the blink of an eye. The two families' closest relatives have not even seen each other again.

It's all my aunt's fault for choosing the wrong person and marrying such a beast...

Thinking of his father and others' assessment of Jia She, Zhang Su's initial sense of kinship vanished instantly.

"Please~"

Jia Lian glanced at Zhang Su. Wasn't he tired of being so formal? From beginning to end, all he said was "please," without even a proper address, let alone any pleasantries. They were comrades-in-arms who had once "peed together far away" together.

Zhang Su invited Jia Lian to the banquet area outside the main hall and finally said something rather long: "Please sit here for now. There may be some people you know here, so please make yourself at home. The household is busy today, so please forgive any neglect if there is anything I may do."

After saying this, he bowed apologetically, turned around, and left.

Jia Lian chuckled. Zhang Su's attitude was much better than he had expected. Since they had come today, they hadn't thought they would receive any special treatment. The fact that he was allowed to enter and wander around freely was probably all thanks to the old man's birthday celebration. As the younger generation, they didn't want to cause any trouble.

That's why he chose to come at this time.

"Oh, isn't this Second Master Lian? I didn't expect to see you here."

Two young men, arms around each other's shoulders, walked over, laughing somewhat jokingly.

Jia Lian greeted them with a smile, saying, "This is my maternal grandfather's house, how can you not see me? I am honored that you have all come to celebrate my grandfather's birthday today. Please eat and drink well. If there is anything I have done inappropriately, please come and find me. Don't be shy."

"Haha, no problem, no problem..."

……