"Wei Zhao?" Jiang Yuan was surprised. Where did this person come from? She had never heard of him in her lifetime.
"This man is brilliant and skilled in short essays. I have seen his examination essays, which are quite remarkable. He is a great talent." It must be said that Wei Zhao was unlucky. He was full of talent but only passed the civil service examination when he was nearly forty. Afterwards, he was amazed by his talent and pulled up Wei Zhao's examination essays from over the years. His frank and scathing remonstrances were particularly insightful. Perhaps he wrote too much insubordination, which is why he wasted so many years.
Although Sun Xiuchen was a talented writer, his character was flawed. His son's tutor must be a loyal and virtuous man.
“Then let it be him.” Jiang Yuan trusted him on this matter. As she spoke, she turned around to pour tea for Song Yanji. Halfway through, she seemed to remember something, took the invitation from the side and placed it in front of him, and handed him the tea, saying, “I heard that Princess Jingwu will be arriving in Lin’an in the next few days. I just received an invitation this morning.”
"Are you going?" Song Yansi glanced at the poster with the floral and mythical creature design, a slight smile playing on his lips, and set down his teacup.
Jiang Yuan sat down beside him and tentatively asked, "Then... do you want me to go?"
In the imperial court, Song Yanji bluntly stated that Princess Jingwu should not return to the capital. This matter had spread to some extent among the other ladies. If it weren't for this previous incident, Jiang Yuan would naturally have gone. Now, because she was unsure of Song Yanji's attitude, she hesitated somewhat.
“It’s alright if you go.” Song Yansi looked at her and changed the subject. “But I offended her badly.” He gently patted Jiang Yuan’s back and said quietly, “You have never met her, so you may not know that Princess Jingwu is extremely vengeful.”
"I understand." Jiang Yuan nodded in agreement, her eyes fixed on A-Wu's writing. In truth, having known A-Wu for many years in her past life, how could she not know that A-Wu appeared to be an approachable princess, but deep down she possessed the blood of an emperor, decisive and ruthless in her actions? It was only because she had no conflict of interest with A-Wu and they each got what they needed that she had developed some genuine feelings for her. Now, because of what happened with Song Yanji, A-Wu probably didn't have a good impression of her.
At the end of February, Princess Jingwu entered Lin'an.
The streets of Changyang were packed with people. When the convoy entered the capital, the whole street was in an uproar. Soldiers lined both sides of the street, keeping the people out of the way. The taverns and teahouses along the street were all packed with people.
Princess Jingwu looked out through the curtain, and Linglong gently massaged her shoulders. "Have all the invitations been delivered?"
"They've all been sent over. Because they're fast travelers, they've returned early. Your Highness will probably have to wait a couple more days."
"Remember this when the time comes, and see which ladies or young misses are absent." Princess Jiangwu felt slightly annoyed by the noise outside. She raised her hand to press her forehead, trying her best to suppress her dissatisfaction. Her red lips slightly curved upwards, but the words that came out of her mouth were not so pleasant. "What a bunch of lowly commoners."
"Madam, what do you think of this outfit?" Bi Fan picked through several newly tailored garments and finally chose this one. A light gold and peach-pink floral-patterned jacket, a dark blue crepe skirt with floral patterns, and an apricot-white embroidered shawl. It was an outfit that was neither too flashy nor too plain. Bi Fan must have put some thought into it. She didn't know Princess Jingwu's preferences and was afraid that something too extravagant would offend her, while something too understated would be disrespectful to the Marquis of Anguo's mansion.
"This set will do." Jiang Yuan didn't make things difficult for her. Actually, A-Wu didn't care much about these jewelry and robes.
Jiang Yuan was delayed on her way to the banquet because she encountered a crowd of people making a fuss. She arrived quite late. When she arrived at Princess Jingwu's residence, the courtyard was already filled with people in green shirts and red skirts. The apricot blossoms in February were in full bloom, and the blossoms were extremely beautiful. A gentle breeze blew, and the petals left the stems, floated into the air, and swirled down to the ground.
"The Lady of Anguo Marquis has arrived!" Linglong bent down and whispered in Princess Jingwu's ear.
Princess Jingwu squinted and looked up, only to see Jiang Yuan walking towards her through the crowd, followed by two maids.
"Your Highness is truly resourceful, managing to persuade the Lady of the Marquis to come." Xie Jiayan raised his little finger, took a sip of tea from his teacup, and said with a smile, "Although it's a bit late, it's still better than not coming at all."
Princess Jingwu sat upright, remaining silent. Jiang Yuan had spotted Xie Jiayan in his yellow robes from afar, and seeing A'wu's dignified demeanor, she knew A'wu too well. Knowing A'wu's airs, she knew Xie Jiayan was unlikely to say anything pleasant. So, before A'wu even arrived, her laughter preceded her words, "I rarely attend banquets like this. I spent quite a while just choosing my clothes, keeping Your Highness waiting. It's been impolite of me."
"It's alright." Princess Jingwu smiled and nodded, gesturing for her to sit down.
He Baozhen followed Xie Jiayan and looked Jiang Yuan up and down. "The apricot blossoms are white, and Madam's shawl is also white. The colors are almost blended in. I suppose you didn't choose it with much care."
"That was my oversight," Jiang Yuan said, seemingly oblivious to the sarcasm in her words, and offered a slightly self-reproachful reply.
Princess Jingwu lowered her eyes and drank her tea, pretending not to hear their conversation. Jiang Yuan shook her head inwardly. In her previous life, she and Awu had a good relationship. Although there was some self-interest involved, she had genuinely helped her a few times. In the cutthroat world of the harem, they could truly be considered close friends. She never expected that their peaceful reunion in this life would turn out like this.
The entire banquet was spent in the exchange between Jiang Yuan and Xie Jiayan. Xie Jiayan was beautiful and gentle, with lips that curved even when she didn't smile. Every word she uttered sounded like a compliment, yet every word hit Jiang Yuan's sore spot.
"I heard there was a murder in the back street of the Xie residence a few days ago. It really made my heart jump. The thief was really audacious." Jiang Yuan made a look of lingering fear, holding one hand to her chest. "I heard the case is still unsolved. I'm really worried."
Xie Jiayan dug her nails into her palms, feigning concern on her face, "That's right." But in her heart, she hated Jiang Yuan intensely, finding her increasingly annoying.
As the sun began to set, the ladies and young women of each household took their leave one after another. Jiang Yuan didn't linger either. She exchanged a few pleasantries with Princess Jingwu before boarding her carriage. Her slender fingers rested on the blue curtain, and the double-leaf golden peony in her hair trembled gently in the sunlight. She glanced back at the vermilion gate of the princess's residence and sighed inwardly. In this life, Awu truly didn't like her.
"Madam." Zhu Chuan quickly walked to her side and pointed to the servant in coarse blue clothes in the distance, "Someone from the Jiang family has come and said that the master wants to see you now."
Jiang Yuan turned her head and saw the servant standing at the alley entrance with his head down. When he saw her looking over, he quickly bowed and greeted her.
"Let's go to the Jiang residence," Jiang Yuan said, as she also had some questions for her father.
"Alright!" The coachman, upon receiving the order, turned the reins, and the carriage turned around and headed north of the city.
The princess's residence gradually returned to quiet. Princess Jingwu's expression, which had been smiling all day, began to turn cold. Linglong and quick-wittedly recounted the various events that had occurred in the courtyard that day, which young ladies had quarreled, and which ladies were outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds.
Princess Jingwu reached for her teacup, her brow furrowing slightly. Linglong quickly replaced it with fresh tea. The inner quarters are where one can best discern the winds of the court. Recently, the two high officials, Zhang and Wang, have been arguing over matters concerning the Imperial Academy, and their wives sit aloof, pretending not to see each other. The rift between the Grand Tutor's faction and the Grand Marshal's faction is even more pronounced; neutral parties play both sides, while opponents either offer perfunctory words or remain indifferent, or are more likely to confront each other directly.
"I never imagined that upon arriving in Lin'an, I would have to take up a post on one side," Princess Jingwu sighed.
Linglong carefully added, "I just noticed that Miss Xie and Madam Song were both unintentionally showing goodwill to His Highness."
"Miss Xie is too young after all, and cannot compare to the experienced Madam Song."
"Your Highness likes Madam Song?" Linglong asked in surprise. She had been with Princess Jingwu for nearly twenty years, and she really hadn't noticed it this time.
“Originally, I sent a letter with a small note, thinking of giving her some face, but it’s a pity, I just don’t like the people of the Grand Marshal!” Princess Jingwu picked up a small pastry, put it in her mouth and chewed it slowly. She was already unhappy that Jiang Yuanshan was late, but she didn’t expect the two ladies from the families of the Grand Tutor and the Secretary to be even worse, actually claiming to be sick and not coming. It was clear that Song Yanji had a deep prejudice against her. “In a couple of days, I will invite Miss Xie to the Princess’s residence to enjoy the flowers, and at the same time invite the young ladies from the families she is on good terms with.”
Since he doesn't like her, why should she bother trying to get close to him?
Chapter 65 The Peach Blossoms Will Bloom
"Father." Jiang Yuan knocked on the study door. Her carriage entered the Jiang residence through the back gate. This time, she did not disturb her mother and hurriedly went with the servant to see Jiang Zhongsi.
"Come in." Jiang Zhongsi's voice rang out from the study. His voice sounded somewhat hoarse, and he looked much thinner than he had been seen for many days. His robes also appeared rather loose.
"Cough cough cough—" He coughed lightly a few times, covering his mouth. Seeing Jiang Yuan enter the study, he gestured to the yellow-flowered chair next to him, "Sit."
"Is Father feeling unwell?" Jiang Yuan asked worriedly, looking at his obviously unwell body.
"It's alright—cough cough cough."
Jiang Zhongsi coughed again, clutching his chest. Jiang Yuan couldn't sit still any longer and quickly stepped forward to support his arm. As soon as she touched his arm, Jiang Yuan's eyes reddened, and tears almost fell. It wasn't very noticeable before because of his robes, but now that she touched him, she was shocked to realize how horribly thin Jiang Zhongsi had become recently. "Father, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing, it's just that people get old and all have some ailments." Ever since the late emperor passed away, Jiang Zhongsi had become increasingly anxious. The heavy weight on his heart made it hard for him to breathe. These days, watching the subtle battle between Song Yanji and Grand Tutor Xie, he couldn't help but feel anxious. However, he had been trying his best to restrain himself until a few days ago when Song Yanji submitted a memorial, openly refusing Princess Jingwu's return to Lin'an. Only then did he finally lose his temper.
Song Yanji's ambition was too great; he wanted not only real power, but also imperial power!
Jiang Zhongsi sat down next to Jiang Yuan and sighed, "You must have heard about what happened in the court a few days ago."
"It's not a big deal, but it's not a small one either. My daughter can easily overhear it if she just goes out for a stroll." Jiang Yuan naturally knew that he was referring to Princess Jingwu's matter, but she didn't understand why her father was reacting so strongly to it. In her mind, Jiang Zhongsi was always calm and composed, and he would never embarrass Song Yanji in front of others.
“Yuan’er, you are my daughter, and I naturally hope that you are well, but…” Jiang Zhongsi’s words were cut off halfway through.
"Father?" Jiang Yuan asked, puzzled.
"Never mind." He waved his hand, ultimately not continuing. "But you, do you know that he's not one to settle for mediocrity?"
Jiang Zhongsi looked Jiang Yuan up and down. Seeing that she hadn't said a word for a long time, he understood. The room was silent. After a long while, Jiang Zhongsi spoke again, "It's nothing serious. It's just that he's been showing off these days, and I'm afraid the young emperor will resent and seek revenge in the future. Since you've already made preparations, I, as his father, can't say anything more."
Others might believe Jiang Zhongsi's words, but she is Jiang Yuan, Jiang Zhongsi's daughter. She knows her father too well, and she doesn't believe a single word he said.
"By the way, Ryan!" Jiang Zhongsi coughed as he spoke. Before he finished, the study door opened, revealing Ryan standing outside, flanked by two men, each about seven feet tall. When Jiang Yuan recognized them, a storm raged within him. These two were his father's confidants, his trusted henchmen. In his previous life, Jiang Yuan had first met them after the Jiang family and Song Yanji had fallen out, when Jiang Zhongsi placed them by his brother's side. But now, there was no longer the tense standoff between the Jiang family and Song Yanji as in his previous life. Why were they here again?
Jiang Yuan was shocked. Jiang Zhongsi's voice came from beside him, filled with exhaustion, "Zuo Shuang, Fengdu, accept it. Your status is different now. Be careful."
"Okay." Jiang Yuan's doubts grew stronger. She opened her mouth, but ultimately didn't ask. In fact, even if she did ask, Jiang Zhongsi wouldn't answer her. However, these two were indeed useful people. Jiang Yuan thought of something else and nodded.
Seeing that Jiang Yuan agreed, Ruian bowed and left with his men, closing the door behind them.
“It’s been a long time since Yuan’er and I have spoken like this.” Jiang Zhongsi was about to raise his hand to rub Jiang Yuan’s head when he realized that she was no longer the young girl she once was.
Time flies, like a fleeting moment. In the blink of an eye, the daughter who had been acting spoiled by his side had become the dignified Lady of Anguo. Jiang Zhongsi's hand remained outstretched in mid-air, unsure of what to do. After a long while, he finally lowered it and gently patted her shoulder.
"Then I'll talk to my father a little longer." Jiang Yuan squatted down and tugged at Jiang Zhongsi's sleeve, as if she were still the same as before she got married.
"It's getting late, don't keep the household waiting, go back now." Jiang Zhongsi smiled and shook his head, no longer trying to keep her.
As Jiang Yuan watched the sunset fade outside the window, she knew she couldn't stay any longer. She chatted with Jiang Zhongsi for a few more minutes before reluctantly getting up.
"Yuan'er." Jiang Yuan's hand had just touched the wooden door when Jiang Zhongsi's voice sounded from behind her. She turned around in confusion and saw Jiang Zhongsi sitting upright in a chair, his beard hanging down over his dark gray robe, looking at her, "How does Song Yansi treat you?"
Jiang Yuan stared at him for a long time before smiling brightly, like a delicate flower blooming in spring, "Excellent."
"That's good then." Jiang Zhongsi picked up the cup, smiled, and brought it to his lips. "Let's go back."
The figure disappeared outside the door, and the old pear wood door creaked heavily. The moment the door closed, Jiang Zhongsi's smile vanished, his hand holding the cup trembled slightly, and water splashed out. He quickly grasped it with his other hand and placed it shakily on the coffee table.
A sigh.
Jiang Yuan sat in the carriage with her eyes closed, constantly replaying the events that had just occurred at the Jiang residence. The horse's hooves clattered on the bluestone slabs, causing the carriage to tremble slightly.
Bi Fan knelt beside him, constantly giving Zhu Chuan meaningful glances, but Zhu Chuan pretended not to notice.
"Speak," Jiang Yuan said, narrowing her eyes slightly before closing them again. "Bi Fan's eyes are practically popping out of their sockets."
"You can see this?" Bi Fan didn't hide anything when Jiang Yuan spoke up. "It's those two people you just brought out of the Jiang residence. Where are we going to put them?"
We can't possibly raise them in the Marquis of Anguo's mansion, can we? If the master finds out, things will be terrible!
"Once we return to the manor, someone will naturally make arrangements for them."
"Who?" Bi Fan asked with her big, round eyes. Zhu Chuan couldn't help but give her a light twist on the waist, making Bi Fan instinctively clutch her waist. "Why are you tickling me?"
"Who else could it be but our master!" Zhu Chuan poked her again in disgust.
"But..." She only managed to utter two words before swallowing the rest. Bi Fan turned to look at Jiang Yuan's nonchalant expression, swallowed hard, and chuckled.
Thinking about it that way, what could a man who is not yet married but knows everything about a young lady's boudoir? But staring at her like this is really going too far!
"I don't need to hide such a trivial matter from him. Besides, being protected in secret is much better than something going wrong again." Jiang Yuan opened her eyes, which were filled with a radiant light.
Song Yansi was listening to music at Xiaonan Lake at the moment. After hearing Xu An's reply, he held his wine glass, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, and whispered, "In the future, you don't need to tell me about such trivial matters. You just need to protect her."
A trivial matter? Returning to the Jiang residence without permission, and bringing two men with him, is that a trivial matter? Xu An silently withdrew from the boatyard, watching Song Yansi and a group of ministers raising their cups and talking animatedly, and silently looked up at the sky.
As night fell and the stars began to appear, Song Yansi returned to his residence, his body faintly scented with the aroma of wine. As soon as he stepped through the courtyard gate, he saw two men standing motionless in the courtyard, their faces cold and expressionless.
Cheng Yu curiously peered through the doorway. With sharp eyes, she spotted Song Yansi, grabbed her robe, and ran over to him, pulling him down to bend over. "Father, two strange people have come to the house."
"Where is your mother?" Song Yansi glanced at them, then took Chengyu's hand and stopped looking at them.
"I'm inside helping my aunt embroider ducks." Cheng Yu said proudly when he asked Jiang Yuan, "My mother's duck embroidery is exceptionally good."
Pfft—Song Yansi couldn't help but laugh out loud. He picked him up with one hand and carried him inside. The little guy swung back and forth on Song Yansi's arm, giggling uncontrollably.
As soon as the father and son entered, they saw Jiang Yuan twisting a pale yellow thread, the embroidery needle dancing between her fingers. Song Yansi, recalling Cheng Yu's words, couldn't help but lean over and laugh, "I never expected that Madam would be so skilled at embroidering ducks."
Jiang Yuan originally intended to embroider a mandarin duck sachet for herself to wear, but Cheng Yu saw it and insisted on having a duck instead. Helpless, she had to change the mandarin duck sachet to a duck for him.
Jiang Yuan looked at the plump duck on the handkerchief, then glanced at the father and son smiling at each other. Her eyes darted around before she feigned a sigh and said, "I originally wanted to embroider a bean goose purse for you, but it seems you can only wear this duck amidst the clear waves for now..."
“…”
Song Yansi cleared his throat, stopped laughing, and decided to skip the topic of wearing a duck pendant, asking, "What are you two doing in the yard?"
“My father gave it to me, so please arrange a place for me to stay.” Jiang Yuan’s needle and thread flew as she worked without looking up.
Song Yansi twirled his fingers slightly in his sleeve, but his face showed a thoughtful expression. After a moment, he said, "Then let's stay in the side room behind the West Garden. It's close by, so you can take it with you when you go out."
"You don't even ask me why I brought them here," Jiang Yuan replied with a smile as she threaded emerald green silk to embroider ripples.
“A gift from an elder should not be refused. Since it is a gift from your father-in-law, you may keep it. The Marquis of Anguo’s mansion can afford to feed two more mouths.” Song Yanji looked at the two familiar yet unfamiliar faces outside the courtyard.