Hong Yingrong walked into the Xiangyun Hall and routinely asked Doctor Zhang to take her pulse to confirm that she was in good health.
"The weather in early spring is a bit dry," Doctor Zhang advised. "You can soak loquats in water and drink it. It's good for your health."
Hong Yingrong smiled and nodded, then asked the steward Xue Zhong to send Doctor Zhang away.
When they arrived at the flower hall, Hong Yingrong's eyes fell on Jiang Shuxiu.
She wore a smoke-colored Huanhua Fengwei skirt and a bamboo-green round-necked jacket with a front opening, looking as gentle as water.
Her hair was carefully tied into a bun with beads, and only a silver cloud hairpin with the word "Fu" inserted in it, which was simple yet elegant.
Her face is as rosy as a peach blossom, which makes her look more gentle and lovely.
"Shuxiu, I think your health has almost recovered," Hong Yingrong said kindly. "Doctor Zhang also said that everything depends on chance. All medicines are toxic. I think maybe you can stop taking them for a while."
When Jiang Shuxiu heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
She blinked slightly, seeming a little bit unbelievable about this statement.
"Mom, are you saying that I don't have to take medicine every day?" There was a hint of expectation in her voice.
"Yes," Hong Yingrong nodded with a smile, "I won't take the medicine anymore. I'll relax and maybe good news will come naturally."
A warm feeling surged in Jiang Shuxiu's heart.
Although Hong Yingrong had always been good to her, she had never said such comforting words about the matter of offspring.
She thought of the bitter medicine she had to drink every day, and felt a surge of emotion in her heart.
Hong Yingrong patted the back of her hand gently, her eyes full of kindness.
"A daughter-in-law listens to her mother in everything." Jiang Shuxiu lowered her head meekly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Hong Yingrong signaled to Madam Zhao to take out an exquisitely carved wooden box. The lid of the box opened slightly, and a gorgeous hairpin with filigree gold phoenix, ruby tassels and a tassel appeared before her eyes.
"Shuxiu, you are the prince's wife, and your words and deeds are naturally a model for the marquis's mansion," Hong Yingrong said softly, and gently pulled out the silver hairpin in Jiang Shuxiu's hair, "but mother, I don't want these to become a burden to you." She gently inserted the dazzling tassel hairpin into Jiang Shuxiu's hairline. The rubies on her temples sparkled with an alluring light, instantly making Jiang Shuxiu glow with dazzling brilliance, and highlighting her outstanding grace.
Jiang Shuxiu felt a little embarrassed. She said politely, "Mother, I've been married to the Marquis' Mansion for nearly seven years. I'm no longer wearing fancy hairpins like when we first got married. Besides, my father-in-law just passed away. I'm afraid it would be too ostentatious for me to wear such a gorgeous ornament."
She thought for a moment and continued, "I remember my mother had an agate pomegranate hairpin, which symbolizes many descendants and long-lasting blessings. If mother is willing, you can give it to your daughter-in-law..." As she spoke, she subconsciously wanted to take off the tassel hairpin on her head.
Hong Yingrong gently held her hand, her eyes full of love and understanding, "Shuxiu, this tassel hairpin, when you wear it, you are like a blooming flower, adding a bit of vitality to this mansion."
Hearing Hong Yingrong's comforting words and the precious ornament she gave him, Jiang Shuxiu was filled with gratitude beyond words.
Coming out of the Xiangyun Hall, Rui'er's eyes fell on the gleaming filigree golden phoenix tassel hairpin in Jiang Shu's beautiful hair. She exclaimed in admiration, "I still remember last year when the wife of the Minister of Rites wore a ruby hairpin, it stole the show at the palace's chrysanthemum-viewing banquet. But compared to this hairpin, the ruby is half the size and far inferior. The old lady still loves you."
Since ancient times, it has been common for mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law to clash with each other, no matter whether they are from wealthy families or ordinary people.
Such a precious hairpin, which even her own daughter might not be willing to give away, but the old lady gave it to Jiang Shuxiu without hesitation. Rui'er felt as happy as if she had eaten honey.
Back at Lanyue Pavilion, the maid Bingqiao brought the visiting card that had just been delivered to the Marquis' Mansion. Seeing that it was sent from her mother's family, the Jiang Mansion, Jiang Shuxiu immediately opened it and began to read it.
It turned out that her cousin Jiang Lun from her mother's side would be returning to Beijing in a few days.
Her cousin was indifferent by nature and loved traveling to famous mountains and rivers. He had no intention of pursuing a career in politics. However, his grandfather repeatedly asked him to take the exam this spring and even threatened him that if he didn't take it, he would be removed from the family tree.
Jiang Lun set off on his journey at the end of last year, enjoying the beautiful scenery and tasting local snacks along the way, and only arrived in Beijing this month.
Speaking of Jiang Lun, he was of the same age as his second uncle Xue Zhongfu. They studied together in the private school of the Jiang family when they were young. They had similar interests and were close friends.
However, Jiang Lun had no interest in official affairs, so he has not yet entered the official career and remains a commoner.
However, he was extremely talented. A few years ago, his poem "Song of Yan on the Frontier: Expressing My Feelings from Past to Present" became famous in the capital, and he was given the nickname "Master Lan Tai". He captured the hearts of countless daughters of famous families in the capital.
When Rui'er heard that Jiang Lun was going back to Beijing, an expression of surprise and anticipation appeared on her face.
"With Master Lun's return, the capital will be bustling again."
Jiang Shuxiu also agreed, and said with anticipation, "If my cousin can pass the imperial examination together with Third Uncle, the grand scene of the horse-riding parade through the streets will be so spectacular that I'm afraid even the threshold of the Jiang Mansion will be trampled down by visitors, not to mention ours."
At this point, she couldn't help but chuckle.
I remember that a few years ago, my uncle and aunt from my mother's side had intended to arrange a marriage for Jiang Lun. Somehow, the news spread like wildfire.
For a time, both the Jiang family and her place received countless invitations to flower banquets. The real purpose of those banquets was naturally not to invite them, but to have the opportunity to meet Jiang Lun.
Unexpectedly, after Jiang Lun learned about this, he packed his luggage without hesitation and left the capital on the pretext of traveling to famous mountains and rivers and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
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