Seeing that his sister was unwilling to talk about Prince Bai anymore, Jiang Shenyan didn't press her. He only asked that she agree to a divorce.
As for why his sister wanted to wait until after the children's examination to get a divorce, he could understand—the young master Bai had become the top scholar in the county, and if they divorced during the children's examination period, his performance in the next exam would be poor, and the outside world would inevitably blame his sister.
"Don't worry, I've done everything you asked me to do. I've also said everything you asked me to say to the King of Qin. It's because of these words that the King of Qin trusts me more and more," Jiang Shenyan paused, then asked in confusion, "Yinjin, tell me honestly, where did you learn all this?"
Jiang Yinjin would never say that it came from her memories of her previous life.
She shook her head, her voice weary, "Brother, I don't want to lie to you, and it's not convenient for me to say it. Please don't ask anymore. If you keep asking, you won't hear the truth; it will only increase my burden and force me to make up lies."
Jiang Shenyan quickly replied, "Alright, alright! I won't ask. Big brother is just worried about you!"
While laughing, Jiang Yinjin took out a few more pages of paper. "Big brother, remember these words too. When the King of Qin speaks to you again, express them in your own way."
Jiang Shenyan didn't look at what was on the paper, but asked with concern, "Yinjin, you look so tired. Is it because you've been helping the Marquis of Anning with his household affairs? Since you've decided to divorce, don't help them anymore."
Jiang Yinjin chuckled, "I'm not afraid you'll laugh at me, but it's true! I've been playing something called mahjong every day lately."
Jiang Shenyan was surprised, "Play?" His younger sister's hobby since childhood has been reading and writing. She rarely plays, and she never looks tired from playing.
Jiang Yinjin's lips curled into a cold smile. "Yes, it's all about playing. Only by playing mahjong well can you better play with the princess, right?"
...
When Chen Mianmian returned to Qingfeng Courtyard, she was dumbfounded by the pile of things in the hall. "How come there's so much? I clearly didn't ask for this much! It must have cost a lot of money, right? These things haven't even been unpacked yet, can we return them?"
Looking up, she saw Fengchu staring at her with a smile, and asked in confusion, "Young Master, why are you smiling at me?"
Bai Qingzhou's smile deepened, "Because I didn't expect Mianmian to be so thrifty and good at managing the household."
"..."
Wake up, you slumbering sleepyhead! I can't take these things with me. But if I could, would I still be thrifty and frugal? I would buy whatever is expensive and bring wealth back with me.
Of course, she didn't need to refute the praise. "Your Highness is making fun of me. How have I been thrifty and hardworking? I'm just an ordinary woman."
The servants standing nearby also sighed inwardly—Aunt Shen is beautiful, kind-hearted, and knows how to manage a household well. How wonderful!
Bai Qingzhou said to the servants, "Move the things to the warehouse. Also, Hanrong, you should handle the accounting."
"Yes, Your Highness." Hanrong also took out paper and pen, preparing to begin the inventory.
Chen Mianmian chuckled, "Let Hanrong go back and rest. We've been sightseeing all afternoon, and Hanrong and Guanshui have been with us. They must be tired too."
Hanrong was deeply moved. "Auntie, I am not tired. It is my duty to check and store the items that enter the courtyard. If there is any mistake, it is my responsibility. The Marquis's mansion can even report it to the authorities."
Chen Mianmian clicked her tongue in astonishment, "That serious?"
"Yes, and besides, I'm really not tired, so please don't worry, Aunt." Hanrong said sincerely.
In reality, Aunt Shen rarely rewarded her; the number of times she did so could be counted on one hand. However, compared to the young mistress who often gave her a lot of money, Hanrong inexplicably liked Aunt Shen.
The reason... is perhaps respect.
Although the young mistress was polite to her, she knew that she was just a tool of the young mistress.
Although Aunt Shen treated her casually, she could sense that Aunt Shen would secretly consider her thoughts and feelings.
Suddenly, a worry arose in her mind: what if the young mistress asked her to do something to harm her concubine? There had been one such incident before, but it had been resolved by chance.
What if it happens again?
Seeing that Hanrong's work was like this, Chen Mianmian felt embarrassed to interfere with her work. "Okay, after you finish today, take a day off tomorrow and go home to visit your family."
"...This servant does not need to rest."
Shen Mianmian narrowed her eyes, trying to scare her, "I told you to rest, so just rest. What nonsense are you talking about?"
Seeing this, Hanrong could only agree with tears in her eyes.
The next day.
As expected, Hanrong did not come to work.
After breakfast, Chen Mianmian asked, "Are you going back to Qingfeng Residence today?"
"No need today, you can go back tomorrow."
"So what are your plans for later? To read a book?"
Instead of answering, Bai Qingzhou asked, "And you?"
"Me? I plan to learn martial arts."
"..." Bai Qingzhou looked astonished. "Practicing again?"
Chen Mianmian chuckled, "How can you call it 'again'? Doesn't martial arts training require daily practice? There's a saying, what's it again? Practice in the sweltering heat of summer and the freezing cold of winter."
Bai Qingzhou pursed her lips, her starry eyes thoughtful, and then said, "Let's practice martial arts together."
"?" Chen Mianmian, "You're not studying anymore? Aren't you supposed to be aiming for the Junior Three Excellence? If Mr. Ouyang knew you weren't studying and were instead practicing martial arts, wouldn't he be angry?"
Bai Qingzhou said earnestly, "The so-called Six Arts of scholars are rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics. Among them, archery and charioteering are essentially martial arts! There are also records: 'When the ruler summons an envoy to receive him, his expression becomes radiant, and his steps become light. He bows to those standing with him, his hands on both sides. His robes are draped in front and behind him. He advances with swift movements. When the guest departs, he always reports back: "The guest has not returned." Even Confucius had martial arts skills. There are also records..."
"Stop!" Shen Mianmian hurriedly interrupted, "You can practice if you want, but don't recite classical Chinese. I'm allergic to classical Chinese."
I used to get a headache from memorizing these things for exams, but now just hearing about them makes my scalp tingle.
Bai Qingzhou laughed, "That's more like it. We agreed to spar yesterday, but we couldn't because Uncle Xue came. Let's try it today."
"Okay." Chen Mianmian was addicted to martial arts and hoped someone would spar with her.
The two went to the training ground with great interest.
First, we warmed up and practiced on our own for a while, and then we really started sparring.
Of course, Bai Qingzhou had to give way to Chen Mianmian, even though his martial arts skills weren't that great.
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn,
Chen Mianmian shouted, "Stop fighting! Stop fighting! My arms are too weak to lift."
Bai Qingzhou immediately stopped practicing, secretly alarmed—he hadn't expected Mianmian's strength to improve so quickly! No, he couldn't relax; he had to continue practicing!
...
morning.
Chen Mianmian accompanied the Lady and Young Mistress of the Marquis of Anning's residence as they went out together. After seeing the young master off to his carriage, she watched the carriage disappear from sight before turning back to the Marquis's residence.
No one knew, and Ding was slightly embarrassed.
Lately, she had been spending a lot of time with Mianmian and had gotten used to her free and easy lifestyle. Now that the dignified and virtuous Yinjin had come to her side, she always felt restrained.
After all... her daughter-in-law was so proper, she, as the mother-in-law, couldn't be outdone.
So the two of them were both incredibly aloof.
Ms. Ding: I'm so tired, my back aches so much.
Chenmianmian—tsk, how can she be considered an ancient woman? Her posture is so good, her back is so straight, we modern people can't compare!
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