Chapter 34
Jiang Mian hurriedly returned to the Begonia Courtyard. A maid brought her a bowl of congee and said gently, "Miss, you only ate a few bites of dinner just now. Did you not have an appetite?"
Jiang Mian shook her head, looked down at the maid in front of her, who seemed unfamiliar, and asked, "What is your name? Where did you live before?"
The maid lowered her eyes and said respectfully, "My name is Heyue. I used to work in the study in the front courtyard. Because the young lady was worried about not having enough staff when she moved the courtyard, the eldest young master transferred me here."
Jiang Mian paused in her spoonful of food. In the few days since she moved to the new courtyard, the people that Jiang had placed around her had left, but several unfamiliar faces had appeared. At first, she thought they were Jiang's people again, but after these past few days, they had behaved very well and she couldn't find anything wrong with them. She then realized that she might have been overthinking it.
But now, He Yue says she was sent by Shen Ji.
Unexpectedly, her cousin had even considered this aspect. Jiang Mian wanted to lower her head and drink her porridge, but then stopped.
For some reason, she found her cousin's words strange. She always trusted her intuition, and although she didn't know what was wrong, even though everything was going in the direction she hoped for, she still felt that her cousin was hiding something from her.
Thinking of this, she calmly put down the soup spoon in her hand, lowered her eyes and said, "You can go down now, and call Yunji in."
"Yes," He Yue replied respectfully, her every move perfectly behaving in accordance with the rules.
The moon rises above the treetops, in the Qinghui Hall.
Shen Ji put away the wolf-hair brush and stood in front of the window.
“Young Master, there are a large number of weapons in the Feng family’s storeroom, but Feng Yi is very cautious. He only has a few dozen personal guards, but he has secretly raised a group of soldiers. Following the clues, I found that he has a large number of secret letters with the Crown Prince in the academy in the suburbs. However, those secret letters are written in special language, so they may not be used as evidence.”
The wind lifted the young man's clothes; his fingers were icy cold, and his eyes were equally indifferent.
"Pass down the order to remove the surveillance on Feng Yi."
"He now realizes that someone is investigating him and wants to expose him. The only way is to let the fish get into the water first, and then catch it."
"Yes," the guard replied.
"Do you have an invitation to the Feng family's polo match tomorrow?"
"Yes, it was delivered three days ago." The guard hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to speak, when Shen Ji suddenly looked up at him. "Is there anything else?"
"The Fifth Miss will also be going tomorrow."
After he finished speaking, the room fell silent for a moment. The young man tapped the table lightly without making a sound and said without any emotion, "I understand."
"Furthermore, Song Mingyan seems to have noticed something amiss with our previous fabrication that the Fifth Miss was dead. Should we stop him from investigating further?"
"Stop him from coming to Jeju at all costs." Shen Ji's voice was somewhat cold.
He dismissed the guards, then lowered his gaze and spread out the Xuan paper. He saw the lively girl on the paper, her gentle smile and beautiful face even more radiant than the red plum blossoms reflected in the snow. His fingertips lightly touched around her heart.
She's a liar.
She says she likes him, but there's someone else in her heart.
If she hadn't given Song Mingyan hope, how could he still be so attached to her even though he knew she was "dead"?
This is really troublesome.
**
The morning dew was gradually thinning outside the gate of the Shen Mansion.
Shen Yan, dressed in a narrow-sleeved pomegranate-red riding and archery uniform, with her black hair tied in a high ponytail and a matching red headband, frowned slightly when she saw the girl walking gracefully towards her from the doorway.
"Xiao Wu, are you just going to come with me like this?"
Shen Yan was somewhat displeased with her attire; today was a competition of horsemanship, not a discussion of poetry and literature.
Jiang Mian paused for a moment. She didn't have riding clothes. This outfit was the drier and more practical one she could find. Moreover, the weather was cold, so she had specially added a cloak.
"Never mind, you don't need to ride a horse. You can come with me." Shen Yan didn't dwell on the matter too much. She smiled gently, her brows showing a touch of heroism.
"Where is Brother Qi Yu? Why hasn't he come out yet?" Shen Yan looked anxiously into the courtyard. After waiting for about half an incense stick's time, a servant rushed over and said, "Ladies, you've been waiting for a long time. My young master has an urgent matter to attend to and has ordered me to give this item to Miss Jiang."
As soon as he finished speaking, the servant handed over an exquisite and precious dagger: "My young master said that if any unexpected situation arises at the polo match, you can take this for self-defense."
Jiang Mian was stunned for a moment, while Shen Yan teased from the side, "Xiao Wu, your cousin is only so considerate and thoughtful towards you."
"I..." Jiang Mian hesitated whether to take it or not.
"The young master said that if the young lady insists on not accepting the gift, it means she does not consider him a friend." The servant was momentarily stunned by the bright and beautiful young woman in front of him. He had seen the young master's paintings before, but had never seen the real person in the portrait.
Jiang Mian pursed her lips. She and Jiang Qiyu were not close, but the other party was so enthusiastic towards her, which put her in a difficult position. Given her current status, she could not reciprocate in the same way.
Moreover, Jiang Qiyu was Jiang's nephew, and she really didn't want to have any personal relationship with him.
Clearly, Shenyan didn't understand these things.
She stepped forward, deftly took the dagger into her hand, examined it after drawing it from its sheath, and then placed it in her arms: "It's getting late, let's go."
"Okay," Jiang Mian replied.
The dagger in her hand felt somewhat heavy. She thought, "At worst, I'll repay his kindness next time."
In short, it's best to minimize contact in the future.
The polo match hosted by the Feng family was held in the suburbs. When they arrived, there were already many people standing there. Shen Yan dismounted and greeted the people she knew warmly. Jiang Mian wore a hood and followed behind Shen Yan, and no one paid much attention to her.
A few young ladies did ask her a few questions out of curiosity, but when they heard that she was just a cousin, they left with little interest.
Although their families are all in business, their main purpose today is to curry favor with the powerful and wealthy. For example, most of the noble ladies are not here for the polo match, but for the host of the match, the young master of the Feng family.
Although this young master is a dissolute and frivolous man, the Feng family is, after all, paid by the imperial court. It is said that Madam Feng is currently choosing a wife for her son, and once he marries into the family, he will become a member of an official's family.
Although her husband was unworthy, the prospect of her children not having to be merchants for generations and having the opportunity to enter officialdom was a great temptation, which is why so many women came today.
Jiang Mian didn't understand any of this. She followed Chen Yan deeper into the building, recalling Feng Liangyu's actions that day. She couldn't help but feel worried. She decided to find a quiet corner to stay in order to avoid any unforeseen complications.
On the high platform, the young man in purple robes leaned lazily against the soft couch, with a pretty maid standing beside him. It was Sang Luo, who had been redeemed by Jiang Mian that day. She half-squatted down, raised the folding fan in her hand, and a fragrant breeze wafted over. Feng Liangyu narrowed his eyes slightly.
I took a sip of tea, feeling quite content.
"Young master, everyone has arrived."
The servant said respectfully.
Feng Liangyu nodded, stood up, glanced around with her phoenix eyes, and suddenly asked, "Who is that woman wearing a hood?"
The servant followed his gaze, racked his brains for a moment, and then saw the person in a brightly colored riding outfit beside her. He suddenly realized, "It should be that cousin from the Shen family."
Feng Liangyu smiled knowingly.
"Bring her here to me."
I used his help to deal with that good-for-nothing brother; now it's time to repay him.
Sangluo frowned and called out somewhat uneasily.
"Young master."
"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Feng Liangyu turned around and asked about her well-being. Sang Luo shook her head, reached out and grabbed his sleeve, her eyes filled with a hint of caution.
"You want to ask me what to do with her?"
Sangluo nodded, and after a while, added, "Miss Jiang is a good person."
"Don't worry, she redeemed you, so I won't mistreat her. Men, take Miss Sang away." The man who had been gently comforting her just a moment ago turned around and gave her an order that left no room for argument. Sang Luo pursed her lips and ultimately said nothing more.
After she left, Feng Liangyu called out again, "Wait, let's start the show."
"yes."
As soon as the polo match started, Chen Yan rushed in like a runaway horse. Fortunately, there was a rest area nearby. Jiang Mian was a little bored sitting there and wanted to go wander around.
She wandered aimlessly to the back mountain, where the noisy atmosphere was less intense and the atmosphere was more peaceful and quiet. But she didn't expect that someone would suddenly break in.
Do you know where you are?
Jiang Mian was startled and almost slipped. She turned around and saw a handsome young man in purple robes leaning lazily against a tree stump, glancing at her sideways.
Jiang Mian shook her head; she didn't know this person.
Just as she was about to leave, the other person suddenly appeared in front of her: "This is a forbidden area."
"Who are you?" Jiang Mian looked at him cautiously. Although the man in front of her had an unsettlingly arrogant air about him, judging from his clothes and appearance, he was probably not a young master from an ordinary family.
"If you don't know who I am, why are you hiding?"
Feng Liangyu was a head taller than her. He was very curious about what the person in front of him looked like. She was wearing a hood when she went out. Could it be that she couldn't be seen in public?
"And why are you covering your face?"
Jiang Mian didn't want to pay him any attention. She could tell at a glance that he was an ignorant and incompetent young master. She had never liked this kind of person, and at this moment, she just wanted to leave.
Unexpectedly, after she had only taken a few steps forward, Feng Liangyu suddenly reached out and instantly lifted the hood she was using to cover her face, allowing him to see the person in front of him more clearly.
Her skin was as white as snow, her eyes as clear as autumn water, and her long black hair was casually draped behind her head. She wore only a white jade hairpin, and her whole demeanor was gentle and graceful. She was more beautiful than anyone he had ever seen.
Jiang Mian glared at the person in front of her. If it weren't for the disparity in strength, she would have really wanted to beat him up.
"Have I seen you somewhere before?"
Feng Liangyu hesitated for a moment, then her voice softened.
“Young Master said you’ve seen him, but I’m afraid you’ve told more than just me,” Jiang Mian said coldly, snatching the hood from his hand.
Feng Liangyu's eyes flickered slightly, and she turned her head away: "You really don't recognize me?"
"Young master, you should save those words for your beloved."
Feng Liangyu's fingers loosened, but he did not stop her. As he watched the girl's departing figure, a deep meaning seemed to appear in his eyes.
Amidst the swirling snow and mist, in another place, a person appeared silently. The person had a clear, jade-like face, but their dark eyes, like deep mist, were somewhat cold.
After finishing a match, Shen Yan looked around and couldn't find the quiet figure who had been sitting in the pavilion. She casually pulled a servant aside and asked him. After thinking for a while, the servant finally said, "Jiang Mian went to the back mountain."
Suddenly, the scene in front of her changed.
The back mountain is a forbidden area set up by the Feng family. Although it is unknown why it was set up as a forbidden area, there are all kinds of wild animals in the back mountain, and Xiao Wu may be in danger.
Shen Yan hurriedly ran towards the back mountain, but before she had gone halfway there, she saw Jiang Mian walking out unharmed. She touched her nose and asked in shock, "Xiao Wu, why did you go to the back mountain?"
"Fourth sister, let's go." Jiang Mian felt uneasy thinking about the strange person from earlier. She didn't recognize him, but his voice sounded familiar. He was probably some spoiled young master from a wealthy family, casually striking up conversations with people.
Shen Yan wanted to ask her what had happened, but seeing that she seemed a little off, she swallowed her words and nodded: "Perfect, I had a great time today. I just won a gold hairpin, I'll give it to you."
Jiang Mian was a little surprised and quickly declined, saying, "This is something you won with great difficulty, Fourth Sister. How can I accept it?"
“Take it if I give it to you. I went to your room the other day and found that you were missing some jewelry. I’ll have my mother make you a proper set next time.” Shen Yan walked ahead, kicking pebbles on the roadside as she smiled at her.
Jiang Mian felt a warmth in her heart; she had never experienced such friendship before.
No matter how her aunt treated her, at least her fourth sister was very good to her. She was not an ungrateful person, and she would repay the kindness of today in the future.
**
The two returned to the mansion, and He Yue helped her hang up her cloak: "Miss, would you like to warm yourself up?"
Jiang Mian nodded. It was indeed a bit chilly after going outside.
She drank a cup of hot tea, then suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but ask, "Has Young Master Jiang left?"
He Yue was surprised that she would suddenly ask about Jiang Qiyu. After a moment of contemplation, she respectfully said, "This morning, news came that Master Jiang fell last night and is resting in bed. Young Master Jiang left at dawn."
Jiang Mian nodded. It seemed that she couldn't return the dagger to him now.
He Yue took the teacup from her hand, lowered her eyes, and asked calmly, "Does Miss have feelings for Young Master Jiang?"
Jiang Mian was taken aback and subconsciously shook her head.
"She is my fourth sister's cousin, and also my... friend. I have no romantic feelings for her."
Are we friends?
Jiang Mian didn't know either. All she knew was that the dagger he brought her today did touch her for a moment, but that was all.
She lowered her eyes, looked at the calm and collected maid in front of her, and frowned as she asked, "Why would you ask that?"
“This servant is only thinking of you, Miss. Young Master Jiang’s aunt is not easy to get along with. If you have feelings for him, you should think carefully about whether he can protect you.” He Yue knelt on the ground and said calmly, “This servant has overstepped her bounds. Please punish me, Miss.”
“You…” Jiang Mian was somewhat surprised. Although what she said was a bit blunt, every word she said was true. The only person she trusted was Yun Ji, but Yun Ji would only fully support her decisions. This kind of reprimand was not common.
However, He Yue's appearance reminded her of someone.
Stay calm and composed.
He even resembled someone close to his cousin.
She stepped forward and helped her up: "You are telling the truth. I will not punish you. From now on, you and Yunji will handle the affairs of my courtyard together."
"Yes." He Yue smiled, her expression showing no surprise, as if it were expected.
Jiang Mian looked at her thoughtfully, then smiled with her eyes crinkling.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
