The days slipped by in a subtle, tense calm. News of Xin Yunzhou's stable condition and gradual recovery came one after another, like a reassuring pill, allowing Xin Jiuwei's tense nerves to finally relax. She began to regain her energy and reorganize the information at hand.
Xin Kui brought back the latest news about Qin Lang. This young general of the Pingxi General's Mansion seemed to have an even worse opinion of the Second Prince, Xiao Zhuo, after the autumn hunt. At a private gathering of noble sons, he had bluntly criticized certain people for "acting suspiciously and lacking any gentlemanly conduct," his criticism subtly but sharply directed at Xiao Zhuo's faction. At the same time, he also showed more sympathy and…a hint of admiration for Xin Jiuwei's plight.
“Miss, General Qin is an upright man and enjoys high prestige among the younger generation in the army. If we could…” Xin Kui didn’t finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear.
Xin Jiuwei gazed at the deepening twilight outside the window. Qin Lang was indeed an ally worth pursuing. But how to approach him? Their brief conversation on the high slope last time had been forcefully interrupted by Xiao Xun. She couldn't risk it again. Besides, Xiao Xun's unfathomable eyes seemed to be everywhere.
Just as Xin Jiuwei was racking her brains for a good solution, an unexpected opportunity came knocking on her door.
The following day, the old lady of the Marquis of Zhongyong sent an invitation to Xin Jiuwei to come to her residence to admire the chrysanthemums. The old lady specifically mentioned that the chrysanthemums in the mansion were in excellent bloom, and that she had also invited several like-minded old friends, as well as... Miss Lin Wanyi.
Lin Wanyi!
Xin Jiuwei's heart skipped a beat. Lin Wanyi was not only her benefactor, but also a crucial bridge connecting her to the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion, and even potentially to Qin Lang! Qin Lang's mother, Madam Qin, was a distant cousin of the Marquis of Zhongyong's matriarch, and their relationship was fairly good. As the daughter of the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, Lin Wanyi also occasionally interacted with the female relatives of military and noble families.
This chrysanthemum appreciation banquet might be the perfect opportunity for her to break out of her current predicament! She can thank Lin Wanyi and the old lady in person for their help, and also take the opportunity to observe whether there is any possibility of contacting the Qin family.
Xin Jiuwei immediately agreed and carefully prepared a proper thank-you gift—several pieces of fine Huizhou ink and Huzhou brushes for the old lady who loved calligraphy; a pair of high-quality mutton fat jade bracelets to thank Lin Wanyi; and some popular pastries from Beijing.
The weather was fine on the day of the banquet. In the garden of the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion, various famous chrysanthemums were in full bloom, their golden stamens shimmering like rosy clouds, their fragrance wafting in the air. The old lady was in high spirits, surrounded by several former nobles, chatting and laughing. Xin Jiuwei greeted the elders with proper etiquette, her demeanor respectful and gentle, winning them much favor.
Lin Wanyi was indeed there. She was still dressed in a simple blue dress, sitting alone in the corner of the pavilion, quietly sipping tea, seemingly out of place with the surrounding noise. When she saw Xin Jiuwei, her cool eyes brightened slightly, and she nodded in acknowledgment.
Xin Jiuwei seized an opportunity to walk into the pavilion and bow deeply to Lin Wanyi: "Miss Wanyi, I will never forget your great kindness." She presented the brocade box containing the jade bracelet with both hands, her words sincere.
Lin Wanyi did not refuse, readily accepting the brocade box and placing it aside. Her voice remained cool and clear: "It is a doctor's duty, Miss Xin, you need not worry about it. Your brother's recovery is the best reward." Looking at Xin Jiuwei's face, which had regained some color, she unusually asked, "Are you... alright?"
"Thanks to you and your aunt, I'm all better now." Xin Jiuwei sat down beside her. The pavilion was relatively secluded, with only the two of them. Xin Jiuwei carefully chose her words before speaking: "Miss Wanyi, I have a question for you. I wonder if it's presumptuous of me?"
"Please feel free to speak."
"I've heard that you have some dealings with Madam Qin from the General of Pingxi's mansion?" Xin Jiuwei asked in a low voice.
A knowing glint flashed in Lin Wanyi's eyes. She picked up her teacup and gently blew away the foam. "Madam Qin suffered from a cold ailment after serving her husband on the frontier in her youth, and my father often treated her. I've met her a few times, but we're not close." She looked up at Xin Jiuwei, her eyes clear. "Miss Xin, are you thinking of...?"
Xin Jiuwei met her gaze frankly: "General Qin is an upright man and enjoys considerable prestige in the Northern Army. My brother Jiuwei is also in the Northern Border and knows the hardships faced by soldiers. If we could... receive some favors from General Qin, it would be a blessing for both my brother and the soldiers on the border. However, my position is awkward, and I fear that rash contact might create discord." She stopped there, not revealing her deeper intentions—to use the Qin family's power to counterbalance Xiao Zhuo and also to provide additional protection for the Xin family.
Lin Wanyi remained silent for a moment. Although she disliked the power struggles among the elite, she was well aware of Xin Jiuwei's difficult situation and that her request was not unreasonable. She put down her teacup, her voice still calm: "Madam Qin is straightforward and values loyalty above all else, and she also cherishes her son dearly. She seems to have some admiration for Miss Xin's courage at the palace banquet. As for General Qin," she paused, hinting, "a straightforward person often believes more in what he sees."
Xin Jiuwei suddenly understood! Lin Wanyi's words gave her clear guidance: the breakthrough point was Madam Qin! As for Qin Lang, she needed to create an opportunity for him to "see it with his own eyes"!
"Thank you for your guidance, Miss Wanyi!" Xin Jiuwei said sincerely.
The two chatted about trivial matters, creating a rare relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. Xin Jiuwei was grateful for Lin Wanyi's sincere help beneath her aloof demeanor.
Halfway through the chrysanthemum appreciation banquet, Xin Jiuwei noticed a maidservant quietly approaching the old lady and whispering a few words in her ear. The old lady's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and smiled at everyone, saying, "I'll excuse myself for a moment, I'll be right back." With that, she walked towards the inner courtyard, supported by the maidservant.
Xin Jiuwei's heart stirred slightly. The old lady left her seat with a strange expression. Could it be... related to the Qin family? She made an excuse to leave her seat and quietly followed her.
Just as they reached the vicinity of the moon gate leading to the inner courtyard, they heard the old lady's suppressed anger and reprimand from inside: "...Foolish! Utterly foolish! Your father's illustrious reputation, how could he... Alas! What a treacherous villain Qi Huaiyu is! How could anyone believe his words?!"
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