112. The Duke of Anguo's Mansion

Xie Wenling thought for a moment. In fact, the selection of imperial clan members had been almost completed during this period. All that was needed was to give them one last look before the selection could be finalized.

Next came the announcement that the princes would be setting off one after another.

If we calculate the time...

Xie Wenling provided the answer: "Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, princes and their brothers from various regions will gradually arrive in the capital."

"Mid-Autumn Festival?" The little dumpling counted on her tiny fingers, but it was meaningless. "Mid-Autumn Festival is when we eat pancakes, so when do we eat pancakes?"

"I know that!" the second brother raised his hand. "There's still a month left!"

"Oh... then we have to wait another month?" The little dumpling's face immediately fell. "That's such a long time..."

Seeing the little girl's disappointed look, Xie Wenling was about to comfort her when her second brother spoke up first: "Don't worry, little sister, a month will pass quickly! Look, we can prepare gifts for them first!"

"A gift?" The little dumpling's attention was drawn.

"That's right!" The second brother leaned closer to his sister and said mysteriously, "That Young Master Dou is all dressed in gold and silver, he'll definitely love clothes and jewelry. As for that young Master Bai..."

The little dumpling sniffed, temporarily forgetting her sadness: "He looks so thin! Yue'er wants to give him a warm cloak! Mother said that wearing a cloak is the most comfortable thing to do when it's cold!"

"That's a great idea!" the second brother clapped his hands and exclaimed. "Let the embroiderer make a soft cloak embroidered with little rabbits!"

Xie Wenling watched the brother and sister discussing with great interest and said helplessly, "You two are very thoughtful. However... it would be more appropriate for the elders to present these gifts after they arrive in the capital."

Just as the little dumpling was about to ask why, the carriage had already stopped in front of the Marquis of Beiding's mansion.

Jiang Xiyue greeted her, "Mommy's Yue'er is back!"

The little dumpling buried her head in her mother's arms: "Mother... Yue'er wants a new friend... but it'll be a long, long time before the new friend comes..."

Jiang Xiyue picked up her daughter and gently patted her back: "So you want to make friends? Perfect timing, the Duke of Anguo's mansion is hosting a banquet in three days, how about Mother takes you there to play?"

"Really?" The little dumpling suddenly looked up, her eyes lighting up. "Will there be any children?"

"Of course!" Jiang Xiyue smiled and pinched her daughter's little nose. "The Duke of Anguo's mansion has two young ladies. There are also young masters and ladies from other mansions, all around your age."

The little dumpling perked up, slid off her mother's arms, and ran to her room: "Yue'er is going to prepare gifts! She's going to bring lots and lots of nice things for her new friends!"

Watching her daughter's cheerful figure, Jiang Xiyue smiled and shook her head, saying to Xie Wenling, "This child's emotions come and go quickly."

Xie Wenling nodded slightly: "The county princess is kind-hearted by nature and has a sincere heart towards everyone. However... those imperial family members who are about to enter the capital may not be so easy to get along with."

He recounted what had just happened in the carriage.

Jiang Xiyue's expression hardened: "You mean..."

"As for the two that the county magistrate has seen, the son of the Prince of Zhennan is arrogant and domineering, and the son of the Prince of Xixiang is sensitive and suspicious. Neither of them are easy to get along with," Xie Wenling said in a low voice. "I'm afraid that the county magistrate's sincerity may cause unnecessary trouble."

He sighed softly again: "Moreover, although His Majesty requires members of the imperial clan to come to the capital, he is bound to be wary. If the Marquis of Beiding's residence gets too close to the princes and their relatives..."

Jiang Xiyue's expression hardened, and she immediately understood: "What you say is right, Brother-in-law. We will certainly be careful and will not let Yue'er and the others make friends in private."

She paused, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes: "But Yue'er is so innocent; if she insists on playing with her new friends..."

“I will offer some guidance later,” Xie Wenling stood up and straightened his sleeves. “It’s getting late, I’ll take my leave now.”

"Okay, take care, brother-in-law."

-

Dinner time.

The whole family gathered together, and the Marquis of Beiding couldn't hide his joy: "I have good news for you all. I've taken two days off, so I'll take you all to the outskirts of the city for a spring outing!"

"Really?" The second brother was so excited he almost dropped his rice bowl. "Does that mean we can have a barbecue, ride horses, and have a picnic?"

Marquis Beiding smiled and nodded: "Yes. The autumn air is crisp and clear, perfect for a picnic. Hasn't Lizhi always wanted to learn to ride a horse? This is the perfect opportunity..."

"Great! I can learn to ride a horse! Daddy, can I have my own little pony?"

"Of course you can. You can even go to the horse farm and choose one yourself. However, you can only ride a horse when someone is supervising you."

The father and son chatted more and more happily.

“My lord,” Jiang Xiyue interrupted softly, “the Duke of Anguo’s mansion is hosting a banquet, and I have already promised to take the children there.”

Marquis Beiding was taken aback: "What a coincidence?"

The second brother immediately raised his hand and said, "I want to go for a spring outing! Banquets are so boring, all you do is listen to a bunch of adults gossiping!"

"Be courteous!" Jiang Xiyue frowned and gently reprimanded, "The Duke of Anguo's mansion specially sent us an invitation, how can we be impolite?"

The little dumpling was biting its chopsticks, its mind in turmoil.

She wanted to go on a spring outing with her father, but she also wanted to meet new friends at the banquet.

The choice between going out to play and making new friends was clashing in her mind.

After hesitating for a while, the option of "new friend" finally won out. The little dumpling whispered, "Moon...Moon wants to go to the banquet..."

Jin Qizhi had been eating quietly. Now, he put down his chopsticks and said gently, "Then I'll accompany my sister to the banquet. Lizhi can go on a spring outing with Father. It'll be perfect for both of us."

Marquis Beiding gave his eldest son an approving look: "Qizhi is sensible. It's settled then. I'll take Lizhi for a spring outing, and you three will go to the Duke of Anguo's mansion."

The second brother cheered and immediately pestered his father to ask what equipment he should bring.

The little dumpling then sidled up to Jin Qizhi and said excitedly, "Big brother, let's make new friends together!"

Jiang Xiyue looked at her children, each of them doing well, and her eyes were full of satisfaction.

The meal ended in a warm atmosphere, and the children went off to play.

Only Jiang Xiyue and Marquis Beiding remained at the table.

Jiang Xiyue gently grasped the hand of the Marquis of Beiding: "Why did you suddenly decide to ask for leave this time, Marquis?"

Marquis Beiding lowered his voice: "Recently, there has been undercurrent in the court regarding the entry of members of the imperial family into the capital. I'm thinking of going out to avoid the limelight. As for the Duke of Anguo's mansion..."

“I understand,” Jiang Xiyue nodded knowingly. “I will keep an eye on the children and prevent them from getting involved in those troubles.”

-

Jiang Xiyue went for a walk in the garden to digest her food. She had only taken a few steps when she saw the little dumpling running over, opening his arms for a hug, his little face full of anticipation.

"Mommy, Mommy!" The little dumpling was picked up and snuggled affectionately in Jiang Xiyue's arms. "What new friends does the Duke of Anguo's mansion have?"

Jiang Xiyue smiled and gently combed through her slightly disheveled hair: "The Duke of Anguo's mansion has two young ladies. The eldest, Lin Lingrong, is seven years old this year and was born to the first wife; the second, Lin Fuman, is five years old and was born to a concubine."

At this point, Jiang Xiyue's smile faded slightly, her expression becoming somewhat complicated: "However... there's something between these two young ladies..."

She carefully chose her words: "There is some discord. The second young lady, Lin Fuman, always likes to steal the limelight from the eldest young lady, Lin Lingrong. At the last flower viewing banquet, she even deliberately dirtied Lin Lingrong's new dress."

The little dumpling opened its eyes wide in surprise: "Why? Shouldn't sisters love each other? Like Yue'er and her brother, and the little princess..."

“Silly child, every family is different,” Jiang Xiyue sighed softly. “The eldest daughter, Lin Lingrong, was born to the first wife, while the second daughter, Lin Fuman, was born to the Duke’s favorite concubine. There are many intricacies involved…”

She suddenly stopped talking, realizing she shouldn't be saying these things to the child: "Anyway, Yue'er, remember to stay close to your mother and older brother at the banquet and don't get involved in their affairs. We can go and make friends with other children."

---

A note from the author:

Author: I've seen everyone's opinions. We'll postpone the original female lead's appearance.

Author: My recent performance hasn't been very good, and there are very few readers. Fortunately, the rating is rising. (Touched) (Shameless) I knew that my readers still dote on me.

Author: Thankfully, I received positive reviews from readers, otherwise this book would have been doomed.

Author's note: Thank you so much! Thank you all for your kind words, support, and encouragement. I'm truly grateful. I've met so many wonderful readers; without you all, I don't know what I would have done. Thank you for your support!