They were bickering, "Did you hit your head and get stupid?"
The temperature drops in an instant, and the temperature rises overnight; the tender green buds on the branches alone are enough to sense the vibrant life of spring.
A spring breeze ripples the surface of the pond, causing tiny ice shards to drift and creating concentric circles of ripples.
Birds that have flown south return to their homeland, huddling together to ease their weariness from the journey. The golden, warm sun shines on the raccoon's fluffy fur, making it look like a blooming dandelion.
The wooden rocking chair in the courtyard has a bearskin cushion. The short, dense fur effectively blocks the chill of the early spring wind, while also exuding an air of great nobility and luxury.
Jiang Yanhui lay there leisurely basking in the sun. Bathed in sunlight, her aggression softened, and she exuded tranquility and warmth, making people unconsciously feel a sense of closeness to her.
Ah Chou quietly took a thin blanket from inside the house and gently covered Jiang Yan Hui's knees with it, holding her breath.
After serving Jiang Yanhui closely, Ah Chou roughly figured out Jiang Yanhui's living habits. Most importantly, as Uncle Ban repeatedly told him, he should not disturb Wang Zun's rest.
Perhaps due to long-term frontline combat, Jiang Yanhui rarely slept soundly. The slightest noise would wake her up, and she would find it difficult to fall back asleep.
A gust of wind blew by, and Jiang Yanhui's eyebrows twitched slightly. She slowly opened her eyes. "What time is it?"
Asking without expecting an answer is more like an unconscious habit.
Her hair gently kissed Jiang Yan Hui's cheek. Still feeling sleepy, she lazily pulled up the blanket and half-closed her eyes to wake herself up.
Her question, however, seemed out of place in the surroundings: "Does your body still hurt?"
Ah Chou blushed with embarrassment, her bright green spring clothes making her look youthful and radiant, like a tender willow branch sprouting by the lake.
He shook his head truthfully.
After returning home that day, Ah Chou was planning to fetch water to wash up and then catch up on some sleep to relieve the aches and pains in her body when Doctor Zhang arrived.
Upon learning that it was Jiang Yanhui's idea, A Chou had no choice but to comply. Despite being seen through, she blushed and allowed Physician Zhang to take her pulse, examine her, and dispense the medicine in one smooth motion.
As ashamed as I was, the medicine was excellent; after applying it for just two days, the bruises were almost completely gone.
The warm sunshine felt wonderful on my skin; it was a rare, peaceful afternoon that made me want to while away the time.
Jiang Yan stretched and fully woke up, saying, "A guest is coming."
No sooner had she finished speaking than Aunt Pan led two guests into the courtyard. Ah Chou recognized one of them as Lang Rong, who had spoken up for him and Xiao Le. The other was much older, and Ah Chou had never seen him before.
Jiang Yanhui stood up and bowed. Seeing this, A Chou hurriedly followed suit, glancing again at the woman who could command such respect from Jiang Yanhui.
"You certainly stole some good time," Lang Rong said with a hint of resentment.
The change of seasons is the busiest time in the military camp, and Lang Rong is a worrier who wants to be involved in everything, big or small, so he is so tired that he has faint dark circles under his eyes.
No one living in Lingzhou doesn't love the spring when everything comes back to life. Lang Rong may not be polite, but his spirits are quite good.
This had to happen every year, and Jiang Yanhui was already used to Lang Rong's perfunctory complaints, letting them go in one ear and out the other with a cup of tea.
He glanced sideways and ordered, "Go and summon Dou Yu."
Looking at the smile in Jiang Yan Hui's eyes, a rare sight of him completely relaxed, Ah Chou became even more certain that the two guests in front of him were very important to Jiang Yan Hui.
Without realizing it, he became extremely alert and, upon receiving the order, went to Young Master Dou's courtyard without hesitation.
The servants brought out a mat for cooling off on summer nights and placed it in the courtyard. They also prepared the first batch of tender buds of the year, made them into delicate flower-shaped tea snacks, and arranged them on a pink and green plate, adding a touch of spring and filling the courtyard with fragrance.
Dou Yao loved tea, and was in a great mood upon seeing such fresh tea leaves. He dismissed the tea server who was supposed to wash his hands and brew the tea, and personally took charge of enhancing the aroma.
She joked, "So well prepared."
In front of Dou Yao, Jiang Yan Hui unconsciously revealed the playful side of a junior, "After the busy spring, I'll have a few days of peace and quiet. Dou Yu is still here with me, how can Aunt not come and see her?"
Although the three were of different social statuses, they had been together in Lingzhou for ten years and were no longer bound by formalities. After taking their seats, they naturally chatted in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
A moment later, a head peered out from outside the courtyard gate, dawdling and unwilling to go in. If it weren't for the clueless Ah Chou following closely behind, Dou Yu might have slipped away halfway.
Turning around and meeting Ah Chou's innocent and wide eyes, Dou Yu asked for the third time, "My mother, the eldest one, wasn't angry when she came, was she?"
Ah Chou shook his head like a rattle drum.
Dou Yu knew there was no way to avoid it, so he took a deep breath, displaying a heroic spirit of facing death without fear.
The moment Dou Yu stepped into the courtyard, she heard Dou Yao's loud and clear reprimand. Without even looking up, Dou Yu turned and ran, bumping into Ah Chou who was following behind, and the two of them fell flat on their backsides.
"hiss--"
Dou Yu rubbed his sore nose. He was much taller than A Chou, who was rubbing his forehead, which was red.
Despite the pain, Dou Yu asked, "Are you alright?"
Ah Chou shook his head repeatedly, quickly got up and helped Dou Yu up, then cautiously looked at Jiang Yan Hui who was walking over with Dou Yao, and lowered his eyes in fear.
Jiang Yan replied, "Have you returned everything the etiquette teacher taught you?"
Ah Chou shrank back, a dull ache in his chest. He didn't think it was his fault... Perhaps, perhaps a little, he shouldn't have gotten so close to Young Master Dou, but...
Dou Yu wrinkled her nose and retorted defiantly, "You only know how to talk about me. Who was it that was told by the Grand Tutor that he was unruly when he was a child, and who tearfully complained to the late Emperor, and it took the late Emperor a lot of comforting before the Grand Tutor withdrew his resignation to retire to his hometown!"
“I’m not going to climb over the wall, get stuck on top, and start wailing at the top of my lungs.”
“Then I wouldn’t put bugs in the Grand Tutor’s books, and then run to Consort Shu to play the victim after being punished by kneeling.”
...
The two, driven by a competitive spirit, began to expose each other's past misdeeds, revealing each other's dark history without a care in the world, each more enthusiastic than the last.
Ah Chou was not only surprised that Jiang Yan Hui's blame was not directed at her, but even more shocked to hear Dou Yu's description of Jiang Yan Hui, whom he had never met before.
The only elder present took on the role of peacemaker, stopping the two from recalling embarrassing incidents from each other's childhoods.
Dou Yao smiled and tried to break up the fight, saying, "You're all grown up, why are you bickering like children?"
Dou Yu pouted haughtily, gave a soft hum, and clung to her mother's arm, saying coquettishly, "It was my cousin who said it first."
Without giving Jiang Yan a chance to refute, he pulled Dou Yao into the courtyard, completely forgetting that he had just been afraid of being scolded.
Jiang Yanhui's gaze fell on A Chou's face, which had a red mark on her forehead. The way A Chou stared at her blankly made Jiang Yanhui unable to help but ask, "Did you knock your head silly?"
Coming to her senses, Ah Chou quickly shook her head, hurriedly lowered her eyes, and dared not look at Jiang Yan Hui again. Her heart was pounding uncontrollably, like a wild deer, stubborn and unreasonable.
Dou Yu, who thought he had escaped a calamity, hadn't even had time to grin triumphantly when Jiang Yan returned and casually remarked, "It's thanks to Dou Yu sneaking into the military camp that we were able to catch a spy by chance," that Dou Yao's memory was immediately triggered.
His opponent was truly cunning, giving him no chance to joke around. Dou Yu could only lower his head and obediently accept the scolding, keeping a deep grudge in his heart.
Ah Chou, who had been listening to the conversation behind Jiang Yan's back, realized why Young Master Dou had been so reluctant on the way. It turned out there was a story behind it, and Ah Chou looked at Dou Yu with even more admiration.
If the army stationed in Lingzhou is a giant with an impregnable fortress, then Jiang Yanhui is the giant's agile brain, Lang Rong is the giant's powerful limbs, and Dou Yao is the giant's indispensable heart.
She couldn't leave the military camp for too long. Her return to Lingzhou was only to see if her son was settling in well and to ask about Jiang Yanhui's old injuries.
With her experienced and discerning eye, she could tell that Jiang Yan Hui was in a good mood, and guessed that the reason was the sudden appearance of a male servant by her side.
Looking at Dou Yu, who was thriving in the Prince's mansion, Dou Yao firmly arranged, "I've sent a letter back to the capital. Pack your things, and I'll have someone send you back to the capital in a couple of days."
"I'm not going back!" Dou Yu, instantly bristling, turned away in a spoiled manner. "Going back to the capital will definitely get me scolded by my uncles. You've already scolded me, and I know I was wrong, so no one else can scold me!"
“Lingzhou is not like other places. It is full of dangers. If anything happens, you will have no ability to protect yourself.”
Dou Yao never backs down when it comes to children's safety. No one understands the hidden dangers of this land better than she has been stationed in Lingzhou for many years.
The women carrying goods you pass by, the kind old ladies selling pancakes by the roadside, and even the successful business owners could all be spies from various factions lurking in Lingzhou.
Amidst the turbulent situation, only the capital city offered a glimmer of stability.
Dou Yu wouldn't listen to reason and protested, "My closest relatives are all in Lingzhou. No matter how safe the capital is, it's not as good as Lingzhou for me! I don't want to go back!" If you really want me to go back, just tie me up and stuff me into a carriage.
Dou Yu swallowed those words back. She felt that, given her mother's personality, she really could tie him up and send him back to the capital.
Both mother and son were furious, their faces flushed and necks red as they suppressed their anger. Lang Rong desperately tried to signal to Jiang Yan Hui, who was indifferent and aloof, hoping that the only person present with blood ties who could speak for them could ease the tension.
Jiang Yanhui remained unmoved, even taking the time to place a snack in A Chou's hand. However, the atmosphere was too tense, and A Chou held it without daring to eat it.
Jiang Yanhui finally looked at Dou Yao and Dou Yu, who were locked in a stalemate and neither was willing to back down, and said slowly, "I have received a letter from the capital inviting me to return to the capital for the New Year this year. Dou Yu can come back with me, which is safer than him traveling alone."
"I……"
Dou Yu wanted to refuse, but Jiang Yan glanced at her coldly and said, "This isn't an inn where you can stay as long as you want."
Dou Yu turned off the fire.
Knowing that he would have to go back sooner or later, and that if he didn't listen to Jiang Yanhui's arrangements, he would probably be sent back by now, he hadn't even seen Lingzhou in spring yet, how could he bear to go back like this, so he had no choice but to compromise and agree.
Dou Yao would definitely arrange for his personal guards to escort Dou Yu back to the capital, but even so, she would still worry about Dou Yu's safety on the way. But if Jiang Yanhui accompanied him, it would be different; at least Jiang Yanhui could keep Dou Yu in check and prevent him from having any strange ideas along the way.
With each side taking a step back, the problem was resolved, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Even Ah Chou, who was watching from the sidelines, relaxed considerably.
Jiang Yan turned around and pointed at Ah Chou's hand hidden in her sleeve, "If you hold it any longer, it won't feel so sweet anymore."
——
The garden was peaceful and serene in the afternoon when a sudden, abrupt splash shattered the tranquility. One by one, warm pebbles, imbued with the resentment of the thrower, were hurled into the pond.
Dou Yu frowned, her unhappiness practically written all over her face. The more alone she was, the more easily her dissatisfaction would accumulate.
Looking at the ripples spreading across the pool, Dou Yu sighed helplessly and vigorously rubbed her fair face.
Puff—puff—puff—puff—puff
Five beautiful skips flew in a line, hitting the opposite bank of the pond before sinking. Dou Yu was amazed by the skill.
Seeing Lang Rong standing not far away, he greeted her with a spirited smile, "It's you."
He remembered this person; she had slipped and fallen from the watchtower, but luckily she caught him and prevented him from getting hurt.
"I haven't had a chance to thank you yet, but I can't give you anything. If you want something, go talk to my mother, and she will definitely agree."
Maintaining a safe distance, Lang Rong shook his head without answering, and picked up the pebble from the ground again, throwing it away.
This time it's even more difficult, with six drifts.
Dou Yule clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Wow, that's amazing! Can you teach me?"
The food, clothing, and daily necessities of the Jiangbei Prince's Mansion were undoubtedly excellent. However, everyone in the mansion strictly adhered to the rules and regulations, and when they saw him, they were even more formal and dared not overstep their bounds or joke around, which was quite boring.
Jiang Yan Hui ignored him. Dou Yu finally had a Chou he could get along with, but Chou was always by Jiang Yan Hui's side. Dou Yu had to consider Jiang Yan Hui's attitude if he wanted to find someone.
This time, a person who wasn't intimidated by his status and was also interesting appeared, and Dou Yu immediately became interested.
At Dou Yu's request, Lang Rong taught him everything he knew how to skip stones. After only a few attempts, the clever Dou Yu found the trick and skipped three or four stones in a row, making him as happy as a little white rabbit hopping and skipping.
Seeing that Dou Yu's mood had improved, Lang Rong breathed a sigh of relief.
Dou Yao was needed to stay in the military camp, so she had to return after confirming that her son was alright, leaving Lang Rong with a difficult task: to cheer up Dou Yu.
Dou Yao knew he couldn't rely on Jiang Yanhui to enlighten Dou Yu; it would be a miracle if the two of them didn't tease each other when they got together. That left only the trustworthy and honest Lang Rong.
Lang Rong cleared his throat, glanced at Dou Yu's face, and tried to persuade her, "Actually, the General has her reasons. Lingzhou is indeed not as peaceful as it seems. The weather is getting warmer, and fighting could break out at any time."
“I know, how could I not understand my mother’s difficulties?”
Dou Yu simply sat down on a rock by the pond, playing with the flat, warm pebble in her palm, and murmured, "She guarded Lingzhou, bringing peace to the people of this land, and peace to the world. But she left my father and me at home, waiting anxiously. When my father was seriously ill and on his deathbed, she was fighting on the front lines and could not return. After my father was buried, she was still on the front lines cleaning up the battlefield. Two people who loved each other so much, they didn't even get to see each other one last time."
Dou Yu sniffled as she spoke of her sorrow, “The battlefield is ever-changing; when fighting breaks out, cutting people down is like cutting cabbage. I don’t want to follow in my father’s footsteps and not see my loved ones one last time.”
Lang Rong felt a lump in his throat and blinked his moist eyes.
Dou Yuxi said in surprise, "Hey! Isn't that Ah Chou? It's rare to see him not by my cousin's side."
He quickly pulled himself out of his grief, leaving Lang Rong unsure whether to wipe away his tears or answer his question first.
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