The New Year's Eve banquet is the grandest occasion of the year.
Initially, the banquet was only attended by the Emperor and Empress, the favored concubines in the harem, and princes and other members of the royal family.
Since the previous dynasty, it has been advocated that the emperor and the people enjoy themselves together, and officials of the third rank and above are required to bring their families to celebrate the New Year.
Although Song Ziyu was ranked fourth-rank, he was also the top military officer and received this honor every year.
On the carriage to the palace, Jiang Wan handed a silver whistle to Song Yu.
"Be careful of the white sparrow that Song Tingyue brought. If it tries to hurt you, blow this whistle."
The whistle was given to her by the guard who tamed the eagle.
Granny Xia trained the eagle with scent, while the guard used sound.
After the deed was done, the eagle recognized its master by its whistle.
Although Song Tingyue wouldn't be crazy enough to let the eagle injure people everywhere, there's always the possibility of accidents when it comes to taming animals. If that thing goes berserk, it could be very dangerous.
She didn't want Song Yu to be in danger.
Song Yu glanced at the whistle but didn't take it.
This silver whistle is exquisite and small, and it is clear that it was not made on a temporary basis. It is possible that Jiang Wan only has one.
His expression turned slightly grave: "Mother, is tonight's banquet very dangerous?"
Jiang Wan didn't hide anything from him: "Song Tingyue doesn't want to see Pei Feng marry into the Ji family, and plans to use the banquet to ruin the marriage."
“This matter has nothing to do with us, but she and I have a deep grudge. If she suffers any misfortune that would ruin her reputation, she might try to take it out on me.”
Song Yu frowned: "It's better if you keep this whistle."
Jiang Wan smiled and said, "You can keep it. I have other ways to protect myself."
Song Yu glanced at her quietly, then stopped arguing and took the whistle, clutching it in her hand.
As he disembarked from the carriage, taking advantage of Jiang Wan's momentary lapse in attention, he nimbly flicked his fingers and swiftly slipped the whistle into her purse.
His martial arts skills were gradually improving, and these were just child's play for him.
Jiang Wan was not skilled in martial arts and had weaker senses, so she did not notice anything amiss.
Biluo did see it, but was stopped by a look from Song Yu.
She hesitated for a moment, then lowered her head.
Song Yu guessed correctly; the secret guards had indeed left only one whistle behind.
Shi Xu said that the eagle was very aggressive, and if a real crisis came, she was not sure if she could protect Jiang Wan from its claws.
In her heart, Jiang Wan's safety was ultimately the most important thing.
However, if something happens to Song Yu, the lady will be very sad.
After hesitating for a moment, Biluo decided to reveal some information for Song Yu's safety. She deliberately lagged behind a few steps and whispered to him, "That eagle is very fierce. It was tamed by the Crown Prince's secret guards. If there is any danger, you can go to His Highness the Crown Prince."
Song Yu nodded almost imperceptibly.
But a look of surprise flashed across his eyes.
He was suspicious when his mother prepared supplies for him in advance during the snowstorm.
Now they've even managed to get the Crown Prince's secret guards involved.
How many secrets does his mother hold that he doesn't know?
Inside the Yunguang Palace.
Tonight, men and women will not be seated separately; seating will be arranged according to residence.
The seats in the General's Mansion were not at the front; they were located near the palace gate.
Song Ziyu sat at the front, behind him were several female relatives, two people per seat.
Anyway, Song Tingyue would come looking for her, so Jiang Wan casually sat down. When she looked up, she saw Song Ziyu exchanging pleasantries with the Minister of War.
Beside him stood Gu Yurong, who wore a gentle smile.
Song Ziyu was misled by Mu Feng and thought that the defective products came from Linglong Pavilion, so he was willing to say a few good words for Gu Yurong.
"You and I know about the military supplies. The imperial merchants will eventually be returned to the Gu family. After the New Year, I hope you will put in a good word for us before His Majesty."
Song Ziyu lowered his voice and gave him a "you know what I mean" look.
The Minister of War frowned.
Gu Jia is a fraud, and he's already prepared to report him severely. How could anyone possibly speak well of him?
"General Song, what do you mean by that? Are you threatening me?"
He was furious and stormed off.
Song Ziyu was completely bewildered, but Gu Yurong's expression changed, and a sense of unease arose in her heart.
Could there be a change in the military supplies plan?
Jiang Wan found it amusing.
The Minister of War is a straightforward person, and he might add charges against Song Ziyu to the memorial.
It will be even more lively then.
"Sister Anyang".
Pei Xi's voice suddenly came from in front of the hall. He had run into Song Tingyue, who was about to enter, and went up to greet her.
Pei Xi harbored resentment towards Song Tingyue and was no longer as warm towards her as before.
But today, her simple attire reminded Pei Xi of his childhood.
Looking at her limping right foot as she walked, he couldn't help but feel pity and said, "The roads are slippery in the snow. You have a leg injury, so be careful."
Pei Xi spoke without thinking, but touched on Song Tingyue's most sensitive spot.
She gritted her teeth and smiled, "It's alright, I'll sit with A-Wan, she'll take care of me."
Pei Xi's lips twitched.
Recalling the power struggles between the two in Wangyue Tower, he felt disappointed in Song Tingyue again and fell silent.
At this moment, Jiang Wan also came over.
However, she had no interest in Song Tingyue; her gaze fell on Pei Jin.
"Your Highness caught a cold a few days ago, are you better now?"
Pei Jin nodded timidly, still looking weak and vulnerable: "I'm much better, thank you for your concern, Madam Jiang."
He looked completely helpless.
However, all the princes were skilled in martial arts, and even the most useless Pei Xi had opened up his meridians.
I wonder what Pei Jin's true situation is...
Jiang Wan smiled and said, "You don't look too well. I'm skilled in medicine, so why don't I take your pulse?"
Pei Jin's expression stiffened slightly.
Before she could speak, Song Tingyue spoke first.
"The Second Prince is being cared for by the imperial physicians, so he will be fine. A-Wan, would you come with me to the back hall to see that white sparrow? I need to groom its feathers so I can present it to His Majesty later."
Jiang Wan withdrew her gaze and smiled in response.
Seeing that she wasn't insisting, Pei Jin's expression relaxed considerably.
This Madam Jiang... is far too vigilant.
Keeping her around would be a disaster.
Seeing Jiang Wan walk towards the back hall first, as if she really wanted to see the eagle.
He narrowed his eyes and winked at Song Tingyue.
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