Chapter 319 Returning Home

Madam Zhou led Jiang Huan to a quiet and elegant courtyard, far away from the hustle and bustle of the mansion, and the place was decorated with great care.

She personally made all the arrangements, gave a few more instructions to the maids and servants, and then took her leave, allowing Jiang Huan to rest well.

Jiang Huan was indeed exhausted, both physically and mentally. After a quick wash, she collapsed onto the soft bed and fell into a deep sleep almost instantly.

She slept soundly until the afternoon, when she was awakened by hunger.

As soon as she got up, a clever maid brought her warm water, hot porridge, and several delicate side dishes, clearly at Madam Zhou's request.

While they were eating, Liu arrived uninvited, her voice preceding her arrival.

"Has Your Excellency rested well? Are you comfortable staying at Jingxin Garden? If there is anything you do not like, please let me know and I will have it changed immediately!"

She walked in with a smile, eagerly looking Jiang Huan up and down.

No way, not again?

Jiang Huan felt her poor head buzzing, but she still put down her porridge bowl and smiled politely.

"Thank you for your concern, Madam Liu. Everything is fine."

Liu, being thick-skinned, didn't care even though she could hear the distance in her tone. She sat down opposite her as if they were old friends, as if she wanted to have a long talk.

"You look much better, Your Excellency. You are truly naturally beautiful!" She wore a flattering smile, her mouth almost reaching her ears, her eyes full of calculation. "Judging from Your Excellency's overall demeanor, you must come from an extraordinary family. Your husband's family must be very powerful and influential, right?"

Jiang Huan narrowed her eyes slightly and frowned.

The situation is tense now, so the disguised identity must not be exposed.

Besides, she didn't like this fawning attitude; his eyes were so greedy, it looked like he wanted to strip her clothes off and sell them for money.

So he remained outwardly calm and vaguely replied, "It's just running a small business, nothing to brag about."

Liu was clearly unconvinced and pressed further, "Oh? What kind of business are you in? Silk? Tea? Or medicinal herbs? Although Fengcheng is located in a remote area, it is also a major thoroughfare. Perhaps we can cooperate in some way."

Jiang Huan continued to dodge the question: "A dabbler, a jack of all trades, master of none, just trying to make a living."

The smile on Madam Liu's face faded slightly, and she asked again, "Is this distinguished guest here in Fengcheng to visit relatives or friends?"

Jiang Huan: "Just passing by, I'll stay for a few days."

"Oh..." Liu Shi drawled, the eagerness in her eyes almost completely dissipating, replaced by contempt.

His family background was vague, and his purpose for coming was quite ordinary.

They might dress expensively, but they arrive looking travel-worn, probably just putting on a show.

No wonder he doesn't like to respond to flattery; he simply can't handle it.

Liu immediately made a judgment and her attitude subtly changed.

"Although Fengcheng is not as prosperous as the capital, it still has its rules."

Her tone softened, carrying a hint of lecturing: "Since you are a guest, you should be careful with your words and actions and avoid causing trouble. There are many places in and around the city lord's mansion that you cannot afford to offend."

Jiang Huan was speechless to herself, and almost rolled her eyes.

Is this how you start putting on airs? Your mood changes faster than turning the pages of a book.

She's just stirring up trouble; it's good enough if she doesn't bother me.

Despite her complaints, Jiang Huan remained calm and composed, not even bothering to refute them, and simply gave a faint "hmm".

Seeing that she was unmoved by his words, Liu felt even more bored, pursed her lips, and swayed away.

From then on, Lady Liu's attitude towards Jiang Huan changed drastically.

Jiang Huan didn't take it to heart. She spent her days holed up in her room reading leisurely books and sipping fine tea, enjoying the peace and quiet. She thought to herself that she had finally gotten rid of this "snobbish Buddha".

That afternoon, sunlight streamed through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows inside the room.

Jiang Huan leaned against the soft couch by the window, holding a local history book borrowed from the city lord's study. She read it casually, but her thoughts had already drifted to the distant military camp.

I wonder how Huo Lin is doing.

It shouldn't be too difficult to wipe out the remaining enemies, but please don't get injured again.

As she was lost in thought, she heard footsteps outside the courtyard.

Immediately afterwards, Madam Zhou's gentle voice rang out: "Is Your Excellency resting? The City Lord has returned and has come to pay his respects."

Jiang Huan put down her book, straightened her clothes, and replied, "Please come in, Madam."

The door was gently pushed open, and Madam Zhou stepped aside to lead in a middle-aged man dressed in casual clothes, whose refined appearance could not hide his weathered appearance.

He was still covered in dust from his journey, and there was a hint of fatigue between his brows, but his eyes remained sharp and clear.

"Your subject Liu Qiyun pays his respects to Your Majesty. I am preoccupied with official duties and have been unable to greet you from afar. Please forgive me."

Madam Zhou, who was behind him, also quickly followed suit.

Jiang Huan quickly raised her hand and said in a calm tone, "Lord Liu, Madam Zhou, there is no need for such formalities. It is my sudden arrival that has disturbed you both. Moreover, Lord Liu is very busy with government affairs and has an important responsibility to protect the city and its people. I am well here thanks to Madam's careful care."

Her words were tactful, both stating her status and showing consideration for her subordinates, displaying an air of elegance and grace.

The city lord and Madam Zhou straightened up, but their attitude remained extremely respectful.

The city lord hurriedly said, "It is a great honor for us Your Majesty to grace Feng City with your presence. If there is anything inappropriate, please give us your instructions."

His words were earnest and his posture extremely humble, clearly indicating that he was well aware of the weight the Empress held in the Emperor's heart and dared not be negligent in the slightest.

Jiang Huan had a good impression of him, so she replied politely, "The city lord and his wife have gone to great lengths and made very thoughtful arrangements. I am very relieved. However, I came here secretly this time, so I hope that no word of it will leak out."

Upon hearing this, the city lord immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will never reveal Your Majesty's identity."

Madam Zhou chimed in, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this matter is known only to my husband and me, and we will never reveal a word of it."

As the three were talking, another series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

"Big brother, you're finally back! I've been looking for you!"

Before she could finish speaking, Madam Liu burst in like a gust of wind.

When she saw the city lord and Madam Zhou standing in front of Jiang Huan, she was stunned for a moment, but when her eyes swept over Jiang Huan, she couldn't help but reveal a hint of disdain.

"Oh, esteemed guest." She gave a perfunctory greeting, then immediately turned to the city lord.

"Brother, you're back just in time. You should take care of Ying'er's marriage. This girl is getting on in years. If this drags on any longer, she'll really become an old maid. As her uncle, can't you be more concerned?"

The city lord frowned slightly, clearly displeased with his sister's inappropriate words and actions, but refrained from doing so because Jiang Huan was present.

He simply said in a deep voice, "I have my own plans for Ying'er's marriage. Now that we have distinguished guests, please refrain from being rude."

Liu was embarrassed after being publicly reprimanded by her brother.

She pouted sullenly and muttered under her breath, "I'm just in a hurry. All you do is busy with official business and don't care about your niece at all. Besides, what kind of important person is so precious that they can't even speak?"