024
As summer approached, in the Imperial Garden's martial arts arena, Si Mianmian was diligently practicing a set of basic boxing techniques for strengthening her body, following Rong Jingyu's lead. Fine beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, and her cheeks glowed with a healthy rosy hue from the exercise. Although her movements lacked power, they unexpectedly exuded a nimble and agile quality. Rong Jingyu leaned against the weapon rack with his arms crossed, maintaining his usual lazy demeanor, occasionally offering a word of correction, but his gaze remained fixed on the earnest little girl practicing.
"Lower your wrist, channel your strength to your fingertips... Yes, that's how you use someone else's force against them, instead of relying solely on brute strength." Rong Jingyu stepped forward, gently supporting Si Mianmian's elbow with his fingers to help her adjust her posture. He was extremely close, and the scent of pine and cypress trees mixed with sunlight instantly enveloped Si Mianmian.
Si Mianmian adjusted her breathing as instructed, slightly out of breath, but pursed her lips, refusing to complain. She knew that in front of this young master, appropriate "persistence" was more likely to win his genuine appreciation than mere "delicacy." After finishing a set of boxing techniques, she took the warm handkerchief handed to her by Qiu He to wipe her sweat, but her gaze was drawn to a dashing figure at the other end of the training ground.
It was a woman dressed in a crimson outfit, wielding a long spear with a red tassel, sparring with Crown Prince Si Jingjin. Her spear moved like a dragon, her body following its trajectory; her moves were fierce yet graceful, clashing with the Crown Prince's longsword, producing a continuous clang of metal. The woman possessed a striking, heroic air, her movements clean and efficient, completely different from the delicate palace women Si Mianmian usually encountered.
"Brother Jingyu, who is that sister?" Si Mianmian blinked her curious eyes and tugged at Rong Jingyu's sleeve. She recognized her as Jiang Wu, the deputy general of the Crown Prince's elder brother, a heroine who had risen through the ranks based on her military achievements. But at this moment, she needed an "innocent" question.
Rong Jingyu followed her gaze, his peach blossom eyes narrowing slightly, a knowing smile flashing across his face: "Oh, her? Jiang Wu, your Crown Prince brother's most capable female general, she's mastered the Jiang family spear technique. What, little darling, you're also interested in swords and spears?" His tone was teasing, clearly implying something.
Si Mianmian's face immediately lit up with admiration: "Wow! Sister Jiang Wu is so amazing! She can actually fight on par with Brother Crown Prince!" She paused, as if she had suddenly thought of something, tilted her head, and murmured to herself in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for the people who were approaching to hear: "Sister Jiang Wu is both beautiful and powerful. Standing next to Brother Crown Prince... she looks so good."
The implication in those words was so clear it was almost undisguised.
Just then, Si Jingjin and Jiang Wu's sparring session came to an end. Si Jingjin sheathed his sword, his breathing steady, though sweat beaded on his forehead. Jiang Wu, on the other hand, twirled her spear, finished her stance, and stood to the side, slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed from the exercise, adding to her vibrant and beautiful appearance.
Si Mianmian immediately flew over like a happy little bird, first bowing respectfully to Si Jingjin: "Greetings, Crown Prince!" Then she turned to Jiang Wu, her almond eyes sparkling as she looked her up and down, her face filled with genuine amazement and affection.
"Sister Jiang Wu! Your marksmanship is so beautiful! Like...like a female general in a play!" Her voice was sweet and crisp, filled with the pure admiration of a young girl.
Jiang Wu was clearly surprised that the recently rising Ninth Princess would take the initiative to speak to her, and with such enthusiasm. She was straightforward and unpretentious, but in the presence of a royal princess, especially the rumoredly favored Princess Zhaochen, she maintained proper etiquette, clasping her hands in a respectful bow, her voice clear and melodious: "This humble general, Jiang Wu, greets the Ninth Princess. Your Highness flatters me; my skills are meager, and I dare not accept such praise."
"You deserve it! You deserve it!" Si Mianmian leaned closer, almost touching Jiang Wu, tilting her little face up, her tone as intimate as that of a longtime friend, "I often hear the palace servants say that Sister Jiang Wu is a heroine among women, who fought alongside Brother Crown Prince on the battlefield and made many contributions! Mianmian admires people like you the most!"
Her unguarded closeness made the straightforward Jiang Wu relax her tense nerves slightly, and a smile involuntarily appeared on her lips: "Your Highness is too kind. It is a soldier's duty to protect the country."
Si Jingjin stood aside, watching Si Mianmian chattering around Jiang Wu with a calm expression. He did not say anything to stop her, but his gaze lingered on Jiang Wu's sweaty face for a moment.
Si Mianmian took in the Crown Prince's subtle reactions, her mind racing. She knew Jiang Wu well; she was straightforward and loyal, and her feelings for the Crown Prince likely went beyond mere platonic affection. If she could probe her true feelings, perhaps… it could be a significant boost to her brother's romantic journey? After all, compared to those scheming noble ladies, such a valiant and valiant deputy general, if she could truly become the Crown Princess, might be a better choice for her brother.
Survival Handbook Rule #24: Connecting people is also a wonderful way to strengthen your network. Helping others often brings unexpected rewards.
Having made up her mind, Si Mianmian found an excuse. Two days later, she invited Jiang Wu to Zhuixia Pavilion to "appreciate" some exotic spices she had recently acquired. Jiang Wu initially wanted to decline, but the eunuch sent by Si Mianmian spoke earnestly, saying that the princess was curious about military affairs and wanted to hear stories from the battlefield. In addition, the crown prince seemed to have tacitly approved of this, so Jiang Wu accepted the invitation.
Inside the Zhuixia Pavilion, Si Mianmian had already prepared tea and snacks, dismissing everyone except Qiuhe who served from a distance. She first sincerely asked Jiang Wu about the customs and anecdotes of the frontier and the army, her eyes focused, occasionally letting out exclamations or laughter, which greatly satisfied Jiang Wu's desire to share and brought them closer.
When the atmosphere was just right, Si Mianmian personally poured Jiang Wu a cup of hot tea and asked softly, seemingly casually, "Sister Jiang Wu, you've followed the Crown Prince through so many life-and-death situations over the years, it must have been tough. Swords have no eyes, sister... aren't you ever afraid?"
Jiang Wu paused slightly in her teacup, her gaze sweeping across the window as if reminiscing, before she smiled calmly: "Defending the country, what hardship is there? As for fear... of course I was afraid when I first went to the battlefield, but seeing His Highness always charging ahead, we subordinates forgot our fear." Her tone was calm, but the fleeting glint in her eyes when she mentioned "His Highness" did not escape Si Mianmian's notice.
Si Mianmian's heart skipped a beat; she knew the time was right. She suddenly leaned forward, close to Jiang Wu, and whispered, her clear eyes filled with the curiosity and earnestness of a little girl exploring a secret, as if it were a private conversation between sisters:
"Sister Jiang Wu," she blurted out the affectionate address, then immediately covered her mouth, revealing a hint of panic at her slip of the tongue, and quickly waved her hand to correct herself, "Ah, no... I meant, Sister Jiang Wu..."
She paused, as if making a great decision, before continuing in a softer, yet clearer voice:
"You and my Crown Prince brother have been through so many life-or-death moments together... Have you... have you ever... even the slightest bit... liked my Crown Prince brother?"
The question was too direct and too bold. Jiang Wu froze instantly, her fingers gripping the teacup tightening sharply until her knuckles turned white. Her face, weathered and tanned by years of sun and wind, flushed rapidly, spreading to her ears. She instinctively wanted to rebuke the princess for her words, but faced with her superior Mianmian's pure, unadulterated eyes, filled only with concern and curiosity, the words stuck in her throat, impossible to utter.
Silence spread through the aroma of tea. Jiang Wu abruptly lowered her head, avoiding Si Mianmian's gaze, her chest heaving slightly, revealing her inner turmoil. After a long while, she took a deep breath, and when she looked up again, she had barely regained her usual composure, though her voice carried a barely perceptible hoarseness and tremor:
“Princess…Your Highness is the ruler, and I am your subject. I only know to be loyal to Your Highness and protect you, even at the cost of my life. My heart is as clear as heaven and earth, but I have absolutely no intention of overstepping my bounds! Please, Your Highness, do not…do not joke.”
Her answer was firm and resolute, a standard declaration of loyalty from a subject to his monarch. However, her still-flushed cheeks, her slightly trembling fingertips, and the repeated phrase "this heart" all betrayed her hidden feelings.
Si Mianmian didn't press further. She simply looked at Jiang Wu quietly, then suddenly reached out her small hand and gently covered Jiang Wu's hand, which was white from being clenched so tightly. The girl's palm was warm and soft.
“Sister Jiang Wu,” Si Mianmian’s voice became unusually gentle, with a thoughtfulness and understanding beyond her years, “You are so kind. It is a blessing for the Crown Prince to have such a loyal and capable deputy general as you.”
She didn't mention the word "like" again, yet it was as if she had said everything. Her words were both an affirmation and a silent comfort and encouragement.
Jiang Wu felt the warmth from the back of her hand and looked into the sincere eyes of the girl before her. The hardest shell of her heart seemed to be gently tapped by something. She opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing. She simply squeezed Si Mianmian's hand lightly in return, then quickly released it and abruptly stood up.
"If the princess has no further instructions, this humble general... this humble general still has military affairs to attend to in the camp, so I will take my leave first." She practically fled, but her back remained ramrod straight.
Si Mianmian didn't stop her, but simply watched her leave with a smile. She knew that today's test had planted a seed in Jiang Wu's heart. As for what kind of ripples this seed would create, perhaps only time would tell.
Survival Handbook Postscript: Sincerity is like a rough gem, requiring patient polishing. Sometimes, a seemingly rash question is the key to opening someone's heart. The crucial point is whether you hold sincerity in your hand when you ask the question.
The cicadas outside the window were still chirping noisily. Si Mianmian picked up the cup of tea that Jiang Wu hadn't touched and that had gone slightly cool, and took a small sip.
Perhaps soon, a new happy event will occur in this deep palace. And this "little white lotus" seems to have inadvertently become a little "matchmaker" once again.
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