Biluo returned to the mansion with a basket in her arms. As soon as she entered the Zhiyuan Courtyard, a maidservant approached her with a smile.
"Miss Biluo is finally back! The lady from the clothing shop has arrived, bringing many fashionable fabrics. Madam is currently selecting them inside."
This maid's name is Meixiang; she's a newcomer to Xingzhi Courtyard, having arrived a few days ago.
Jiang Wan hasn't taken on any new maids for a long time. The old servants in Xingzhi Courtyard are all extremely loyal and there's enough for her. She doesn't need anyone else.
Meixiang was only allowed to stay in the courtyard because she was the niece of Granny Chang, who was close to her. Granny Chang pleaded with Jiang Wan to let Meixiang stay, where she did some menial work such as cleaning the courtyard.
She was cheerful and quick-witted, and soon became friends with the other maids.
Meixiang looked into the house, her eyes filled with longing.
"I've heard that shimmering brocade is all the rage in the capital right now. It's so beautiful! I'll never be able to wear such fine material in my lifetime, but just being able to see it is worth it!"
Following her gaze, Biluo saw Zhuque's profile through the carved window sash.
"What's the rush? Once Madam comes out in her ready-made dress, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to see her."
Biluo handed the basket to Meixiang.
"Madam needs to choose fabrics and change clothes, which will take some time. You don't need to stay here. Go and peel these chestnuts. I'm going to make chestnut stewed chicken for Madam tonight."
Meixiang readily agreed and took the basket to the small kitchen.
Biluo looked around and then personally stood guard at the door.
In the house.
Zhuque and Jiang Wan were whispering to each other.
"This trip to Youzhou has been very fruitful. I have gathered a lot of information about Miao territory and also learned some secret arts and anecdotes. Things that I couldn't understand before have become clearer. I will study them and then report back to you."
Jiang Wan nodded, then asked, "What's the situation in Miao territory?"
"The Miao region is now a forbidden area; no one can enter without an official document from the imperial court. I tried twice, but both attempts failed."
Zhuque took out several books.
"These volumes are banned books in the area. It took me some effort to get my hands on them. You can take a look if you are interested."
Jiang Wan flipped through a few pages, smiled, and said, "Very useful, you've worked hard."
Zhuque shook his head: "I only regret that my skills are not good enough. I only have a superficial understanding of folk secrets. I still need to learn little by little and cannot help the Pavilion Master immediately."
"To have achieved this much in just a few days is already a remarkable talent," Jiang Wan said with a smile. "The powder you gave me last time has proven to be very effective."
"It's just that the smell is similar, a way to pass off the real thing as the real thing." Zhuque lowered his head and said, "It was only with the help of him... a friend, that it was made."
She coughed lightly, her hand gripping the teacup tightening slightly.
Jiang Wan looked up at her and said, "We've been friends for years, so speak frankly and don't hide anything from me."
Zhuque then said, "I heard from Shixu earlier that there is a Tianshan snow lotus in the pavilion, which is a miraculous medicine for dispelling wind and dampness. I would like to use it."
She explained.
“I know this medicine is precious. I can ask Shi Xu to name a price, and I will pay for it.”
Jiang Wan looked her over carefully: "Are you injured?"
"It wasn't me, it was..." Zhuque frowned, and after a long while, she said, "It was that guy Shuangbai. He's a complete scoundrel! He followed me all the way to Youzhou, and he still overestimated himself and wanted to sneak into Miao territory. As a result, he fell off a cliff and was injured. He almost froze to death at the foot of Hanling Mountain. Now His Highness the Crown Prince has brought him back to the East Palace."
"The doctor said he has been exposed to cold, and if he doesn't get treatment soon, he might not make it through the month."
Seeing Jiang Wan looking at her with an ambiguous expression, Zhu Que quickly said.
"Rest assured, I have not revealed a single word about your affairs with Linglong Pavilion."
Jiang Wan stared at her for a long time until Zhuque's face flushed and she whispered, "After all, it's a human life, and I don't want to owe anyone a favor."
Jiang Wan looked at her flushed cheeks, her eyes flashing slightly.
What cold air invading the body? You won't live past this month.
Such nonsense can only fool the naive Zhuque.
Shuangbai is from Youzhou and is highly skilled in martial arts. How could he easily fall off a cliff in a familiar place and even lose his life?
Even if we take a step back and assume that his life is truly in danger, with Pei Xuan's abilities, wouldn't he be able to find a snow lotus to save his subordinate's life?
What exactly are these two, master and servant, up to?
Jiang Wan thought about it for a while, but still felt uneasy.
She said, "It's just a snow lotus. I'll talk to Shi Xu about it. You don't need to worry about it. I'll personally go and deliver it to the East Palace for you."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com