As is customary, three days before the Lunar New Year, noblewomen in the capital would go to the Eastern Palace to pay their respects to the Empress.
Early that morning, three carriages were parked in front of the general's mansion.
The matriarch led Song Tingyue in one carriage, Zhou Shi in another, with Gu Yurong and Jiang Wan at the very back.
The wheels rolled along the snow-covered streets and came to a stop at the corner gate of the palace.
Immediately, a eunuch stepped forward to greet them.
Although there were five noblewomen in the General's Mansion, only the First Lady and Jiang Wan wore the official robes of noblewomen, indicating their even more prestigious status.
The previous title was earned by her husband through his life-risking battle on the battlefield.
Jiang Wan, despite her young age, was already a third-rank imperial consort. The young eunuch leading the way bowed deeply, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.
Women are traditionally subordinate to their husbands, but Lady Jiang is ranked one rank higher than her husband, which is extremely rare in the court.
On the contrary, Song Tingyue, who was once the most glorious, has now lost her son, is lame, and her former favor has faded. She is now neglected by the servants in the palace.
Song Tingyue walked behind, staring at Jiang Wan's elegantly dressed back, her eyes filled with a resentful, venomous gaze.
A row of noblewomen stood in front of the Kunning Palace.
Jiang Wan immediately spotted her aunt, Madam Wang, and her cousin, Ji Shiyi, in the crowd.
Wang was dressed elegantly, while Ji Shiyi wore a cherry blossom pink cloak, looking slender and delicate.
Despite her seemingly glamorous appearance, a faint bluish tint appeared under her powdered eyes.
He must be tossing and turning, unable to sleep, because of the arranged marriage.
Song Tingyue noticed this detail and had a better understanding of what was to come.
Soon, news came from the inner palace that the Empress had invited the women to come in for tea.
As Jiang Wan stepped through the door, she saw several concubines sitting below the Empress. Among them, the two most elegantly dressed concubines were Consort Yun and Consort Rong.
Consort Yun is Pei Feng, the biological mother of Pei Xi.
Consort Rong had only one daughter, and Emperor Jingyuan specially entrusted Pei Jin to her care. After many years of raising her, she regarded Pei Jin as her own son.
After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats.
The Empress offered her condolences to each of them, and soon noticed Ji Shiyi: "Such a beautiful girl, I like her at first sight. She will marry the First Prince after the New Year, and we will be family."
As she spoke, she took off the bracelet from her wrist and gave it to Ji Shiyi.
"In my opinion, since the Crown Prince is about to get married, he should also change his temper."
Consort Rong took a sip of tea and suddenly spoke.
"I heard that a few days ago, a maid was dragged out of his palace. She accidentally knocked over an inkstone and was beaten to death on the orders of the First Prince. Bloodstains covered the jade steps at the door."
"If this were a new bride entering the house, wouldn't she be so frightened that she'd fall ill?"
Jiang Wan twitched her ears, quietly raised her eyes, and her gaze fell on her with a light touch.
Consort Yun also looked at her with displeasure.
Consort Rong has always been at odds with her, but today is the day for noblewomen to pay their respects to the emperor. Is it necessary to target her like this?
She said unhappily, "Servants who are clumsy should be punished."
Consort Rong smiled, her gaze sweeping over Ji Shiyi, and said unhurriedly, "The First Prince has a violent temper. Every month, seven or eight people are carried out of the palace covered in white sheets. Last month, one of his concubines couldn't withstand his torment and didn't even get off the bed. She was covered in bruises when she left..."
Ji Shiyi's face turned pale inch by inch, and Wang Shi helped her up so that she could steady herself.
"Alright." The Empress frowned. "Why bring this up during the New Year holidays?"
Consort Rong apologized and then asked, "I noticed that Miss Ji doesn't look well. Is something on your mind?"
Ji Shiyi tugged at her sleeve, looking somewhat flustered: "Your Majesty, no, nothing."
The Empress looked over with concern: "Miss Ji, what's wrong?"
Consort Rong continued, "Her Majesty the Empress is the kindest person in the palace. If you have any difficulties, you should inform the Empress, and she will surely help you."
Jiang Wan sneered inwardly.
The Empress probably has no say in the marriage arranged by Emperor Jingyuan.
However, if Ji Shiyi were to open her mouth and complain, admitting that she did not want to get married, it would be a loss of face for Pei Feng.
With his volatile temper, who knows what he might do in a fit of rage.
Once the two sides developed a rift, the objective was achieved.
Sure enough, Ji Shiyi's face turned pale with fright, and she looked very conflicted.
But he didn't say anything.
Consort Rong was getting a little anxious.
Song Tingyue couldn't help but urge, "Miss Ji, do you have any thoughts about the marriage? Why don't you just say so?"
No matter how the two tried to coax him, Ji Shiyi only showed a frightened and terrified expression, but didn't say a word more.
Song Tingyue was furious at his lack of self-control and secretly tightened her handkerchief.
After the greetings were completed, everyone dispersed.
She used the excuse of changing clothes to enter the inner hall, where a figure sat quietly behind the screen.
Song Tingyue leaned closer: "Ji Shiyi is too cowardly. We've wasted our time."
"What a pity."
The person behind the screen said.
"If there's no other way, Pei Feng will have to rely on you and take the risk."
Song Tingyue bit her lip: "But if I fail, my reputation will be..."
The voice behind the screen softened: "Once I achieve great things, I will make it up to you properly."
Song Tingyue's gaze softened slightly.
The man then asked, "How is the falcon being fed?"
"Everything is normal."
The man said, "Granny Xia is skilled at taming insects and snakes, but this is the first time she has tamed an eagle. Tell her to be careful, and on New Year's Day... there must be no mistakes."
Song Tingyue nodded: "Don't worry."
General's Mansion.
Jiang Wan returned to the courtyard and received a letter from Shi Xu.
He has followed Jiang Wan's instructions to improve the quality of winter clothing for the military.
In addition, there is a master in Linglong Pavilion who is skilled in animal training, but he is too old to help her with her work.
Time is offering a reward to find other suitable candidates.
Jiang Wan calculated the days and instructed Biluo: "Let him not worry about the beast taming. Keep half of the winter clothes that have been made in the pavilion."
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