As the year drew to a close and the weather turned cold, the capital city was greeted by a heavy snowfall.
Amidst the snow-covered landscape, Jiang Wan, wrapped in a thick rabbit fur cloak, walked along the bluestone path.
Biluo lifted her wet skirt and muttered, "The old lady is something else. She insisted on having someone look after the courtyard in this heavy snow. I don't know what she was thinking."
Emperor Jingyuan agreed to let Song Tingyue stay in the General's Mansion, and the old lady specially arranged a separate courtyard for her and had it renovated and decorated.
The courtyard was spacious and bright, and it was adjacent to her residence, Luhetang, in an excellent location.
Today, many female relatives were specially invited to congratulate Song Tingyue on moving to her new home.
Jiang Wan said calmly, "If we don't make such a big fuss, how can Song Tingyue establish herself in the mansion?"
There were precedents for princesses returning to the capital after marriage alliances.
However, Song Tingyue lost her husband and son, and had no place to stand in Donglai tribe. If she returned home in such a sorry state, she would only be ridiculed.
The old lady's actions were meant to tell everyone that even if Song Tingyue fell on hard times, she was still the noble legitimate daughter of the General's Mansion and her most beloved granddaughter.
No matter how unpleasant people talk about you behind your back, always greet them with a smile to their face.
Jiang Wan stepped into Lianxin Courtyard.
Fresh and elegant, with luxurious details, it is indeed extremely well thought out.
Song Tingyue, dressed in an apricot-flower robe, sat on a warm couch surrounded by people, her smile gentle.
Her leg injury has mostly healed, and she is now able to walk.
She was limping and her posture was not elegant, so she told others that she was not yet healed because she did not want to endure those strange looks.
“A-Wan”.
Song Tingyue waved to Jiang Wan with the same enthusiasm as always.
Many ladies dressed as noblewomen were sitting in the room, but Zhou was not present.
Jiang Wan understood.
Aunt Wang spread the word about what happened to Jiang Wan that day, and outsiders said that Zhou was mistreating her daughter-in-law, which made her lose face.
"I heard that a few days ago you and Mother had some misunderstanding because of the medicine you were brewing for me, which even alarmed Madam Wang."
As expected, Song Tingyue brought up this matter as soon as she opened her mouth.
"Your mother didn't mean to make things difficult for you. She was just worried and acted rashly. Don't take it to heart."
She wanted to take advantage of the large crowd to exonerate Zhou.
"How could that be?" Jiang Wan smiled slowly. "I've been married into the family for many years and I'm used to my mother-in-law's temperament. I don't mind it."
Song Tingyue's smile froze slightly.
What do you mean by "used to it"? Doesn't that imply that Zhou often mistreats her?
The women exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.
It seems there's no peace in the backyard of the General's Mansion.
Gu Yurong smiled and smoothed things over: "In a few days it will be Lin'er's apprenticeship banquet. Protector Xiao will be a guest then, and the ladies must come and show their support."
Protector Xiao was quite famous and was the top scorer in the previous martial arts examination. As is customary, he would preside over the martial arts examination this spring.
For this reason, no son of a military officer would not want to befriend him.
Someone chimed in, "Young Master Lin has obtained General Song's red-tasseled spear, become a disciple of the Hermit of Nanshan, and gained the favor of Protector Xiao. He is sure to achieve great things in the future."
These words struck a chord with Gu Yurong, and she smiled radiantly.
“Speaking of which, Ayu is not young anymore, it’s time for her to learn martial arts.”
She looked at Jiang Wan.
"If you don't have any connections, I can find some military officers and soldiers in the capital for you."
Jiang Wan smiled faintly: "Ayu has a master, and a master-apprentice banquet will be held in a few days."
Gu Yurong: "Who is it?"
Jiang Wan took a sip of tea: "We'll find out when the time comes."
Gu Yurong sneered inwardly.
No matter how capable Ren Jiangwan was, she could not find anyone who could surpass the Hermit of Nanshan.
With the two young masters of the General's Mansion holding their apprenticeship banquets one after the other, Song Lin and Song Yu will inevitably be compared.
Jiang Wan will be in an awkward position then.
Jiang Wan disliked socializing, and after drinking a cup of tea, she took her leave.
As I walked down the corridor, I spotted a familiar figure.
It's Granny Xia.
A golden birdcage hung under the eaves, inside which was a snow-white bird with bright, black, beady eyes. Granny Xia was feeding it water.
Jiang Wan's eyes narrowed slightly.
Granny Xia was from Donglai, and the people of Donglai are skilled at taming animals. The snakes on Qiyun were probably brought there by her.
Jiang Wan asked, "What kind of bird is that?"
Granny Xia bowed, her voice hoarse: "It's a white phoenix, gentle in nature. The princess kept it as a pet when she was bored in bed."
Jiang Wan nodded, turned around and left.
Biluo whispered, "This bird is rare; we've never seen one like it in the capital."
"It's probably a variety from Donglai."
Donglai is rich in birds of prey, some of which can even be used on the battlefield. They are extremely lethal and can kill a person with a single blow.
Jiang Wan did not believe that the white sparrow was the "gentle and docile" creature that Granny Xia had described.
Song Tingyue is raising ferocious beasts, and her target must be herself.
She instructed, "Have the Timeline check what this is."
That night, Jiang Wan changed into a light dress early in the morning.
Today is the day Song Tingyue's allies are trading weapons with the Donglai people, and Pei Xuan wants her to go with them.
After meeting up with Shen Ci in the courtyard, the two headed towards the agreed-upon location.
Jiang Wan instructed, "There shouldn't be any danger today, but Pei Xuan is very perceptive, so try not to talk to him too much later to avoid discovering any loopholes."
Shen Ci: "...Yes."
According to the information provided by Shi Yin, the transaction took place behind a restaurant in the East Alley of the capital.
Across the street from the restaurant was an inn. Pei Xuan and Jiang Wan sat by the window, able to keep an eye on the situation on the back street.
The soldiers of the Eastern Palace had already disguised themselves as civilians and lay in ambush all around.
Everything was ready; all that was left was for the contact person to appear.
Jiang Wan was very confident in Shi Yin's information. Before the appointed time, she closed half of the window and rested with her eyes closed.
"Is this the person who provided the intelligence?"
Pei Xuan toyed with the miniature dagger in his hand, squinted at Shen Ci standing straight behind her, and said quietly.
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