These words struck Hao like a thunderbolt, filling her with terror. "My child, please don't frighten your mother! Why are you saying such strange things?"
Could it be that my daughter has really been tainted by some evil spirit?
Hao Shi had no time to spare and anxiously waved her hand, saying, "Shuqin, I'll take care of things here. Huaiyu, you should go back first."
It's better to believe it exists than to believe it doesn't.
Jiang Shuqin's unusual behavior, if witnessed by the Marquis's household, would likely cause endless strife. The fact that Cui Mama and the others were driven away by Jiang Shuqin brought some peace. Before the Marquis's household noticed, Madam Hao must quickly summon a Taoist priest to exorcise the evil spirit from her daughter.
Jiang Huaiyu and Bai Yujing were left to stay at the Jiang family home, but for the next two days, Jiang Wenyuan and Hao Shi were busy performing an exorcism ceremony for Jiang Shuqin and had no time for anything else.
Jiang Huaiyu was happy to enjoy the tranquility, so she took Bai Yujing to a small courtyard in Yuqian Lane in the south of the city.
“Yujing, the imperial examination is just around the corner, and you will have to go to the capital in advance. Although your father will try to keep you, I believe that no place can compare to your own home. Therefore, I bought this courtyard. Although it is not large, it has the advantage of a quiet and secluded environment.”
Next to this small courtyard is a spacious mansion with three courtyards, which was her private property in her previous life, so she knows this place very well.
As soon as the courtyard gate opened, a boy of about fifteen or sixteen years old, dressed as a servant, came to greet them and immediately knelt down upon seeing the two.
"This humble servant, Deng Shen, respectfully welcomes you, young master and madam."
Looking at that familiar face, Jiang Huaiyu smiled and asked, "Is everything in the room ready?"
In the Marquis's mansion, Deng Shen was always a clever and capable shop assistant. However, a fabricated theft accusation led to his unjust expulsion from the mansion. In her previous life, Jiang Huaiyu had valued his intelligence, quick wit, and reliable nature, placing him in an important position in her shop. Now, considering her husband's advanced studies in the capital and the need for a capable assistant, Jiang Huaiyu has summoned him back.
Deng Shen respectfully reported, "Madam, everything has been arranged. You and your son can move into the new residence at any time."
"Well done, you may leave now. We'll explore on our own."
After Deng Shen left, Jiang Huaiyu said to Bai Yujing, "Yujing, from now on, Deng Shen will be in charge of taking care of you here."
Bai Yujing nodded slightly and replied, "Yes, sir."
The two entered the courtyard, which, though not very spacious, was lined with tall, slender bamboos. The recent sunny weather had melted the snow on the bamboo leaves, making them appear even more vibrant and lush.
Bai Yujing stood gazing at it for a long time, a warm smile on her lips, and said softly, "Huaiyu, I really look forward to hearing you play the flute under this patch of green bamboo."
Jiang Huaiyu understood immediately and replied with a smile, "When the auspicious snow falls, let's meet here. I will play the zither and you will play the flute. We will also brew a pot of fragrant 'Three Friends of Winter' tea. This scene is truly enchanting."
"A promise is a promise." Bai Yujing extended his right hand, making a gesture of commitment.
“It’s a deal.” Jiang Huaiyu also placed his palm on it.
Bai Yujing gently took her hand, and the two strolled leisurely in the courtyard.
This small and exquisite courtyard, though not spacious, is fully equipped with all the necessary facilities, including houses and stables, making it a tranquil and pleasant place to rest.
"What a blessed place!" Bai Yujing exclaimed.
"As long as you're happy, I'll be content."
Seeing that Bai Yujing was so satisfied with this place, Jiang Huaiyu's heart was also filled with joy.
The two only lingered briefly in the courtyard before returning to the Jiang family residence. Upon reaching the gate, they found a lavishly decorated carriage from the Marquis's mansion parked outside. Jiang Huaiyu knew immediately that the Marquis's mansion had once again sent someone to welcome Jiang Shuqin.
She only glanced at it briefly before she and Bai Yujing were about to step across the threshold when Hu Mama, who was standing next to Hao Shi, suddenly rushed to greet them and said urgently, "Young Miss, you must not go through the front hall. I will lead you in quietly through the side door."
Jiang Huaiyu was somewhat puzzled and asked, "Granny Hu, what is the reason for this?"
Granny Hu's face was shrouded in a stern expression. She whispered, "Eldest Miss, the Taoist priest specially invited by Madam is performing the third and final ritual for Second Miss today. Unexpectedly, Lady Jingyuan suddenly arrived. Madam didn't want her to know about this, so she announced to the outside world that you have been restless lately, and therefore invited the Taoist priest to perform the ritual to pray for peace. After hearing this, Lady Jingyuan actually demanded to come and watch the ritual in person. The Taoist priest is still waiting in the courtyard, and the time has been delayed for quite some time."
"Young lady, the situation is urgent! Please come with me through the side door immediately!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Granny Hu tried to pull Jiang Huaiyu toward the side door.
Bai Yujing stopped her in time, his brows furrowed and his tone serious: "This is a ritual to exorcise evil and pray for blessings. My wife is perfectly fine, how can my mother-in-law let her go in her place?"
Granny Hu was anxious and hurriedly bowed.
“Young Master, please calm down. Madam knows that this action is unfair to the eldest daughter and will make amends afterward. But right now, it is indeed urgent. Do you want to see the second daughter return to the Marquis's mansion and be the subject of gossip?”
“Furthermore,” she glanced up at Jiang Huaiyu, her tone slightly sharp, “the Second Miss wasn’t originally like this. It was only after the Eldest Miss talked to her that she became so dejected. Therefore, the Eldest Miss also bears some responsibility for this. Please don’t hesitate any longer, otherwise the Madam and Master will probably be displeased when they find out.”
Jiang Huaiyu's expression was indifferent, but her tone was firm: "It seems I have no choice but to go?"
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