"I've never seen anyone come to call their husband instead of a doctor after catching a cold." After all, Granny Ren was Song Yanji's wet nurse, so Jiang Yuan was somewhat restrained in front of him. She walked behind Song Yanji and massaged his shoulders as she said, "What if you pass on this cold to your husband? Who of you can bear the responsibility?"
The small hand on her shoulder tapped gently, without much force, clearly with a hint of ingratiation. Song Yanji enjoyed watching her act, continuing to drink his tea with his eyes downcast, though the smile at the corner of his mouth betrayed his good mood.
Chapter 18 A Generous Gift
The first battle was a success.
Watching the group leave the house, and even when Song Yanji asked Zhu Chuan and the others to help him change his clothes, Jiang Yuan found him more agreeable.
Sure enough, winning Song Yanji's favor was more important than anything else in this house. Let her past thoughts of being lenient with others go to hell; what was there to be lenient about with a bunch of ungrateful wretches?
Breakfast had just been served when Song Yansi finished preparing it. Jiang Yuan waited until he sat down before sitting next to him, gesturing for Zhu Chuan and the others to leave first. After many years of marriage, Jiang Yuan had long since memorized Song Yansi's preferences. For example, he didn't like being disturbed while eating, and he especially liked meat porridge, a very easy-to-eat food.
"This is eight-treasure duck porridge, with some goji berries added. It tastes especially delicious. Husband, please try some." Jiang Yuan carefully added some porridge to his plate.
Song Yansi scooped up a spoonful and put it to his lips. "Very good."
If you were to ask what Jiang Yuan was best at in her past life, it would undoubtedly be figuring out Song Yansi. She understood this man better than she understood herself. Seeing that his expression hadn't changed, Jiang Yuan couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. Wasn't he the one who loved porridge the most?
"What, does it taste bad?" Jiang Yuan scooped up a spoonful and put it in her mouth. It was fragrant, soft, and smooth. Was it the taste that Song Yansi liked? Or was it that she knew him too well, which made him suspicious? Jiang Yuan quickly thought of various possibilities.
“It’s good that you know my preferences, it will save you from upsetting me in the future.” As if he could see through Jiang Yuan’s thoughts, Song Yansi gave her a reassurance as soon as he spoke, “You shouldn’t call me husband anymore, just call me Zhongli.”
Jiang Yuan opened her mouth but didn't make a sound. She couldn't remember the last time she had called him "Zhong Li". It seemed that apart from the first two years after they got married, when she always followed him around calling him "Zhong Li, Zhong Li" incessantly, she had never called him that since. She remembered that he didn't like her calling him that.
"Mm." Jiang Yuan nodded in agreement. Song Yansi's gaze made her feel a little pressured, so she met his eyes apologetically and said in a slightly coquettish tone, "I'm just not used to it yet."
Song Yansi didn't press her. He reached out and flicked her forehead lightly, without using any force, as if she had been hit by a flower petal. "Then I'll wait for you to get used to it slowly."
Hmm.
Jiang Yuan was hit, but he didn't dare to retaliate. He could only drink his soup in silence, but his unease grew stronger.
Although Jiang Yuan married Song Yansi, she lived a more comfortable life than she did in the Jiang family mansion. This time, she got married early, and Song Yansi hadn't had time to bring so many concubines into the mansion for her. In addition, she intentionally or unintentionally tried to please Song Yansi, and she really won his favor. No matter how she walked around in the Song mansion, Song Yansi didn't restrict her much.
Jiang Yuan considered herself a person of good judgment. Even if Song Yansi was willing to pamper her, she would not take advantage of his kindness. However, if it was a serious matter, she would still seek Song Yansi's opinion.
"You want to demolish my garden?" Song Yansi frowned slightly, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.
“I see this garden is so bare. Summer is almost here, and I’d like to plant some flowers and plants in it.” Jiang Yuan blinked her big eyes, tugging at Song Yanji’s sleeve. Seeing that he didn’t say anything, she knew that things were probably going to work out. A happy mood is always contagious, and Jiang Yuan knew this perfectly well. So her smile deepened, and she explained her plan in detail, “We’ll dig a pond on the south side of the garden, plant some hibiscus flowers, and put up a swing. It would be so much more interesting, much better than this bare garden!”
After saying that, she didn't forget to complain a bit. Seeing how excited she was, Song Yanji thought that it was just a courtyard and didn't mind her making a fuss.
Seeing that he agreed, Jiang Yuan prepared to transform this inner courtyard into the style of the general's mansion she was most familiar with in her previous life, and continued, "Let's build another pavilion on the north side of the courtyard, which can be used to watch the clouds and admire the moon..."
The more Jiang Yuan spoke, the colder Song Yansi's expression grew, and his voice gradually faded as his expression changed, "You don't like it?"
“A-Yuan.” Song Yansi turned around and stared at her, his voice low, “My position can’t afford to be shaken up now.”
Seeing that he wasn't joking, Jiang Yuan held her breath and dared not move.
"I can do whatever I want with what's out in the open, but you should always keep a low profile in public." Without realizing it, Song Yanji looked away, gazing at the swaying green leaves outside the window, no longer looking at her. "In the entire city of Lin'an, have you ever seen anyone's mansion dare to build a tall building when the emperor has just ascended the throne and the national treasury is empty?"
You! Didn't you say back then that the General's Mansion was too empty, and that building a towering pavilion would make it look more impressive?
Jiang Yuan was somewhat speechless. She had always thought that Song Yanji was all-powerful and didn't care about these things. It made sense; things were different now, so he naturally had to keep his sharp edge hidden. She lowered her eyes and nodded, "It was my oversight."
That night, Jiang Yuan slept restlessly, curled up in a corner. Song Yansi gently shook her, and she changed her position, burying her face slightly in her hands. Her white undergarment shimmered with a pearly sheen under the moonlight. She looked small and delicate, like a child who hadn't grown up.
Song Yansi observed her under the moonlight. Her features hadn't fully developed yet, and her cheeks still had some baby fat. To him, Jiang Yuan was not yet sixteen years old; wasn't she just a half-grown child? Thinking this, he reached out and pulled her to sleep beside him.
Jiang Yuan was dreaming at the moment, and in her daze she felt a warm embrace, so she instinctively hugged it.
"You only look cute when you're asleep." Song Yansi smiled and tapped her nose, then put his arm around her shoulder and patted her gently twice.
Song Yanji held the rank of third-grade official and commanded 80,000 imperial guards in the capital. Naturally, he had many connections within the officialdom and was frequently invited to banquets. Jiang Yuan was used to it. Today, she received news that dinner would be served outside, so she didn't wait for him and prepared her own favorite dishes. She planned to have Bifan bring out her octagonal zither after dinner and play a couple of pieces. She hadn't played a single tune since their marriage, and if she didn't get some exercise, her fingers would likely become completely rusty.
However, before she could finish her meal, several guests arrived in the backyard.
Jiang Yuan sat in the main room, glancing at the two women kneeling at his feet out of the corner of his eye. One was as delicate as a flower, and the other was alluring to the bone; they were indeed rare beauties.
The servant who brought the person saw that Jiang Yuan was only drinking tea indifferently, ignoring the person in front of her and not even raising his eyelids. So he kept giving a few winks to the maid next to Jiang Yuan. Zhu Chuan and Bi Fan naturally pretended not to see it. The servant was sweating profusely and finally said reluctantly, "Madam, this person was sent by Lord Zhang."
"Oh? Which Lord Zhang?" Seeing that he had spoken, Jiang Yuan put down his teacup and pretended to be quite interested. "I can't just accept him without even knowing where he was sent from."
Seeing that she didn't seem like a difficult mistress with a cold glare, the servant secretly breathed a sigh of relief. When she asked, he smiled obsequiously and said, "It's Lord Zhang from the Sizhi Mansion."
Zhang Sizhi, Song Yanji's reach is quite far. Jiang Yuan smiled on the surface but sighed inwardly, secretly giving Zhu Chuan a wink, "Since that's the case, I'll keep that person for now. Zhu Chuan, see the person out of the mansion."
"No, no." The servant had never seen such a kind lady before, and he was flattered. He repeatedly said "no" before bowing and taking his leave.
Zhu Chuan walked ahead of him, and as soon as he turned out of the courtyard, he slipped a silver coin into the servant's hand.
"Sister, this is unacceptable." The servant hurriedly waved his hand, but he was still a step behind Zhu Chuan. This silver flower weighed about two ounces, which was equivalent to his monthly allowance.
"Young man, just accept it." Since Lord Zhang sent him to his residence to deliver someone, he must be someone close to him. Seeing his hesitation, Zhu Chuan nudged his arm again. "These wealthy families always have a lot of trouble like this. Those two young ladies inside are both our master's favorites."
Having heard this, the servant understood. As the saying goes, nothing lasts forever, and no one is always in a good mood. No matter how beautiful the main wife is, there's no cat that doesn't want to try something new. Suddenly, he felt that the silver wasn't so hot to handle anymore. He carefully put it in his sleeve and told Zhu Chuan the important part.
"That's all?" After removing the hairpin from her head, Jiang Yuan stretched her neck and felt much more relaxed.
“That man serves in the inner courtyard of the Zhang family, and he knows all the girls there very well.” Zhu Chuan helped Jiang Yuan gather her hair into a single strand and tie it up gently, his tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction. “I heard that half of the girls in the courtyard were sent by our master.”
Antiques, calligraphy and paintings, jewelry and beautiful women—everyone has their little pleasures, and Song Yanji's greatest skill was catering to their tastes.
"Were these two really a gift from Assistant Minister Lin?"
“It’s more real than real gold. It was just delivered to the Zhang residence this morning, and now Lord Zhang has already handed it over to you, sir.” After a moment of silence, Zhu Chuan stammered, “I heard it’s still a virgin.”
Jiang Yuan was somewhat speechless. It was normal for her to be a virgin! If he dared to try to fool Song Yanji with secondhand goods, then Lord Zhang would have wasted all those years as an official. Song Yanji had always been somewhat fastidious in this regard, so all his concubines and consorts were clean and tidy. Even when he went to brothels, it was mostly just for drinking and listening to music. If there was anything Jiang Yuan was most satisfied with, it was this.
"Everyone's been arranged?"
"As you instructed, several maids and servants have been assigned and sent to Wenyu Garden."
With everything arranged, Jiang Yuan had a pretty good grasp of the whole story. Rather than saying that Lord Zhang's gift was a gentle gesture, it would be more accurate to say that it was a polite refusal of Assistant Lin and a gesture of sincerity towards Song Yanji.
Jiang Yuan dared not touch such a gift. If Song Yansi liked it, she would accept it; if not, she would let him get rid of it. This time, she was not prepared to get involved in this mess and dirty her own hands.
Chapter 19 Taking a Risk
As for Zhang Sizhi, Jiang Yuan carefully considered the matter for a few days and came up with an idea. She left Zhang Xiang in the inner room and wrote her a letter, instructing her to send it to her before her father went to court the next morning. She repeatedly told her that no one else should know about this matter except for the two of them, mistress and servant.
"Madam, the master is back." As soon as she finished giving the instructions, Bifan ran to the gatehouse and was already a little out of breath when she knocked on the door. "He's probably at the courtyard gate by now."
"Go and make some hangover soup, and have Luo Nuan go to the kitchen to prepare some easy-to-eat food." Jiang Yuan casually tied up her black hair, put on a coat, and came out to greet them.
As soon as she stepped out of the inner room, she was pulled into a pair of large arms, and the strong smell of wine wafted over her. Jiang Yuan struggled a little but couldn't push him away. Seeing that Song Yansi was holding her tightly, she let him be.
Seeing the two of them like this, the maid inside quickly retreated and closed the door.
With the candlelight flickering, Song Yansi rested his chin on Jiang Yuan's shoulder, squinting his eyes in a languid manner.
"How much did you drink?"
"a little."
"Are you drunk?"
"No."
Suddenly, Song Yanji tilted his head to look at her, his breath tickling Jiang Yuan's ear. Seeing the blush rising on her face, he smiled and said, "I heard that Lord Zhang sent me a big gift?"
Seeing that he brought it up himself, Jiang Yuan no longer needed to find an opportunity himself and honestly said, "I heard that you came from Lin Fuzuo's family. I assigned you a few maids and servants and told them to wait for you at Wenyu Garden."
Seeing that Song Yanji remained silent, Jiang Yuan blinked and continued, "One walks with a graceful sway, and the other has a voice as sweet as a nightingale's; they must be skilled in singing and dancing." Since life in the manor was rather dull anyway, having a couple more talented women would certainly cheer her up. However, Jiang Yuan added, "They are rather strikingly beautiful, not quite as delicate and gentle. Would you like to meet them?"
Song Yansi preferred women who were elegant and gentle, at least on the surface.
“Ah Yuan understands.” Song Yanji continued to wrap his arms around her waist, his lips brushing against her cheek. His tone was flat, revealing neither joy nor anger. Jiang Yuan pondered for a long time but still couldn’t understand what he meant.
Suddenly, Jiang Yuan was caught off guard and screamed. She quickly grabbed his neck and looked at Song Yansi with a surprised expression.
His eyes reflected the candlelight, a gentle smile playing on his lips, yet he sighed, "Ah Yuan is so charming, I've tasted her sweetness, and I'm afraid most women wouldn't be able to catch my eye."
He then placed her on the bed, pinned Jiang Yuan's wrist above his head with one hand, and lightly kissed her lips, saying, "It's better not to see such vulgar beauties."
Previously, Song Yansi had a large harem of concubines, and Jiang Yuan wished she could be with him every night. Now, she was the only one left in the Song household, and Song Yansi was still young and vigorous. Over time, Jiang Yuan's body began to suffer.
As dawn broke, Song Yansi had just gotten up when Jiang Yuan woke up. Without disturbing him, she squinted and listened to the sounds around her. About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the surroundings returned to calm.
Jiang Yuan opened her eyes, lifted the bed curtains with one hand, and soon after, a knocking sound came from the door.
"Come in." As soon as Jiang Yuan finished speaking, Zhang Xiang pushed open the door and entered.
"Did you tell Father about the things?"
"I gave it to him, I handed it over myself." Zhang Xiang hesitated for a moment, "Won't Master find out about this?"
"It's alright." Jiang Yuan straightened her clothes, got up and walked to the window. The green jasmine by the window was blooming even more beautifully. She fiddled with the petals. "He will find out sooner or later."
There weren't many people on the street yet. Song Yansi leaned back in the carriage, pretending to doze off. The horse's hooves tapped on the bluestone-paved road, creating a rhythmic clatter that made the street seem even quieter. The carriage window twitched slightly as someone knocked on it from the outside. "My lord, there's news from the manor."
"Speak." A pale index finger gently lifted the dark blue carriage curtain, and Song Yansi's languid voice came from inside.
Xu An moved with incredible speed, arriving beside Song Yansi in the blink of an eye. He whispered in Song Yansi's ear, "She said to tell Lord Jiang to do as the letter says."
Do you know what was written in the letter?
“I haven’t been able to find any letters,” Xu An continued. “If I were to act rashly against that maid, I might alert the enemy.”
"Ah Yuan is getting smarter and smarter." Song Yansi's words aroused Xu An's suspicion.
This matter did not originate from Jiang Yuan, so it's likely that only Jiang Yuan and the maid knew about the letter. If he didn't know the contents of the letter, firstly, things could develop in the direction she predicted, and secondly, it would eliminate the possibility that the maid was his spy. If he did know, then the maid would definitely be his spy, and Jiang Yuan would become wary, rendering this pawn useless.
Since it was just given, it must be related to matters of the court. Song Yansi remained silent for a while, pondering deeply. Suddenly, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, as if he had remembered something. He immediately said to the coachman outside the carriage, "Quickly, get into the palace before Lord Jiang!"
"grown ups."
"Go and inform Lord Fu immediately, and have him intercept Jiang Zhongsi's carriage at the palace gate." Song Yanji was a little angry, but he remained calm on the surface. If it was as he thought, he would have underestimated Jiang Yuan.
When the carriage arrived at the palace gate, Jiang Zhongsi had already been there for a while and was being stopped by Fu Zhengyan, who was saying something to him.
"Father-in-law." Song Yansi had the carriage stop and strode down.
Jiang Zhongsi had just received Jiang Yuan's letter this morning, and its contents made him feel somewhat incredulous. The moment he saw Fu Zhengyan stop his carriage, he knew what was going on. He immediately put on a smile, glanced at Fu Zhengyan, and then looked at him and said, "Now is the time to meet the Emperor. Son-in-law's actions are inappropriate."
Song Yansi was not in a hurry and gestured for him to go first, saying, "Father-in-law, please go first. I have something to discuss with you."
Fu Zhengyan gave him a wink, and seeing that he was unmoved, he bowed and entered the palace gate first.