Early in the morning, Zhao Xing ran into the courtyard of Liuxiang Garden and shouted, "Miss, the general has sent a letter!"
Yan Ning, who was still washing up, was startled by Zhao Xing's loud shout and ran out. "What letter? What does the letter say?" she asked anxiously.
"General, you have already conquered Xiaojinchuan. The chieftain of Dajinchuan, Sonamjue, killed the chieftain of Xiaojinchuan, Senggesang, in an attempt to negotiate peace with you. But how could you be that kind of person? Sonamjue saw that the peace talks were hopeless, so he fled with his family." Zhao Xing was full of pride, as if he were the one who had won the battle.
"Is his injury any better?" Yan Ning saw that Zhao Xing's hands were empty, and knew that the letter must be with Xi Ying. Her expression darkened, and she thought sadly that she was his legal wife and should be entrusted to her.
Zhao Xing scratched his head and chuckled twice. "Well, the letter didn't mention it, but since the general can lead troops into battle again, he's probably recovered."
"I understand." Yan Ning entered the bedroom with a heavy heart, sat in front of the dressing table, and let Zhu Xiang braid her hair without saying a word.
When Xiang'er heard that Fukang'an had sent a letter, and remembering what You Yuanzhi had told her yesterday that he had injured Fukang'an, she rushed to Xi Ying's room.
When Xi Ying's personal maid Xia'er saw Xiang'er enter, she called out softly, "Aunt Lian!" Xi Ying looked up at Xiang'er, who was rushing in, and then lowered her head again to continue teaching De Lin to recognize characters.
“Mother, I recognize these two characters. This is Father’s official title, General. Am I right?” Delin said in his childish voice.
"Yes, Delin is so smart!" Xi Ying kissed her son with satisfaction.
Although Yan Ning has arrived, Xi Ying has her son by her side, and in the long days to come, someone will keep her company through the loneliness of this mansion. But what about herself? Fukang'an will never allow her to bear him a child. Thinking of this, Xiang'er's heart ached as if pierced by a thousand arrows.
Xiang'er was always competitive and eager to win, only bowing to Xi Ying when Fukang'an sent a letter home. "Madam," Xiang'er stood at the doorway, leaning on the doorframe, not entering, "I heard the General sent a letter. Is he alright?"
"Oh, Xia'er, take Delin down!" Xi Ying had a smile on her face, but to Xiang'er, it was so irritating.
Two-year-old Delin knelt on the ground, cupping his fists, and said, "Your son takes his leave."
After watching Xia'er take Delin away, Xi Ying got up and pulled Xiang'er inside to sit down. "The General mentioned you."
"Really?" Xiang'er's hair ornament trembled with her joy.
“The general said,” Xi Ying looked at Xiang’er with concern, hesitating whether she should speak.
"Please speak freely, Madam!" Xiang'er's joy vanished instantly.
"The general said that if Aunt Lian sets foot in the Fu residence, I can act as his agent to divorce her." Xi Ying held Xiang'er's hand, looking at her with concern.
Xiang'er slumped into the rosewood chair, her lips devoid of their usual luster, her eyes dull and lifeless; her knuckles were pale, her body limp and powerless. With a mighty effort, she shook off Xi Ying's hand and stumbled toward the door. At this moment, Xiang'er's gaze was unfocused as she allowed her personal maid, Rong Xi, to help her back to her courtyard.
"Are you still not giving up on him?" After all the servants in the room had left, You Yuanzhi came out from behind the screen and sat down next to Xiang'er.
"Why is he so heartless to me? Has he forgotten all the little things we shared?" Xiang'er's shoulders trembled, her expression as if she had just weathered a storm.
Looking at the once innocent and carefree Xiang'er now, You Yuanzhi knew that he was the one who had ruined her. He understood Xiang'er's personality; she could never leave Fukang'an.
"I will help you get rid of that Yan Ning!" You Yuanzhi said, clenching his fist. He patted Xiang'er's shoulder and then left.
Xiang'er was immersed in her own sorrow and did not think carefully about the meaning of You Yuanzhi's words.
"Meixiang, why is this room locked?" Yan Ning asked, pointing to Fukang'an's study. Having lived here for several days, Yan Ning had never noticed that the study was locked.
"This servant doesn't know either. This servant has never been to the Fu residence before. The Fu residence has people specifically responsible for tidying up and organizing it." Meixiang glanced in the direction Yan Ning was pointing, but did not stop arranging the tea set in her hands.
Through the openwork carvings on the window, Yan Ning saw some small figures hanging inside, probably shadow puppets. But liking shadow puppets wasn't anything shameful, so why hide it?
"Miss, it's ready." Meixiang handed the brewed tea to Yanning.
Yan Ning took the tea and saw a few chrysanthemum petals floating in the small purple clay teacup. It was late autumn, and the air was crisp and clear. Yan Ning felt her heart settle down, waiting for He Shen to build the Tianxiang Courtyard.
The autumn sun was gentle and warm. Yan Ning lay on the bamboo chair, seemingly asleep but on the verge of death. Ju Xiang reported, "Miss, Liu Quan from the Lord's mansion requests an audience."
"Liu Quan?" Yan Ning suddenly remembered her outburst at He Shen's residence that day, and abruptly stood up, guessing that it must have been her words that aroused He Shen's suspicion.
Yan Ning, Ju Xiang, and Lan Xiang entered the study in the front courtyard and saw Zhao Xingli standing in the hall, locked in a stalemate with Liu Quan. Yan Ning smiled helplessly; they were all people eager to protect their master.
“Miss, the Jiqing Opera Troupe from Yangzhou has come to the capital. My master has specially reserved seats for you to enjoy the show.” As soon as Liu Quan saw Yan Ning enter, he changed his demeanor and knelt down to speak.
"What is the Jiqing Troupe?" Knowing Heshen's character well, Yan Ning dared not be careless about any of his actions.
“Jiqing Troupe is a famous opera troupe in Yangzhou. This time, Boss Hui personally led the troupe.” Liu Quan glanced at Yan Ning in surprise, then lowered his head to explain.
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