"Today is a day of great joy for Xingzhi Temple. Countless dignitaries have come to offer their congratulations. Every lady who sees you praises your good fortune."
Song Lin chuckled to himself.
"In the end, my second brother is more successful than me. Lin'er congratulates Madam."
Jiang Wan's lips curled slightly, but the smile in her eyes was cold.
Yu'er won the championship, and in order to make the celebration more lively, she distributed reward money to most of the servants in the mansion, except for those in the main courtyard.
On that day, many servants in the main courtyard took the initiative to help, and diligently helped to purchase red silk, wedding baskets and other items.
The fact that Xingzhiyuan and the main courtyard have always been at odds is common knowledge throughout the mansion. Such an unusual turn of events must be due to someone's instructions.
At that time in Luhetang, Gu Yurong was furious and embarrassed because of Song Yu's victory. The only person who could do this was Song Lin.
His purpose was quite simple.
To show goodwill and seek peace.
Song Lin has indeed matured a lot. Recently, he was thoroughly outdone by Song Yu. He no longer makes a fuss like before, but instead can be gentle and polite, and say "Congratulations" with a smile.
It is said that one should not hit a smiling face, but Jiang Wan coldly waved her fan, showing him no mercy whatsoever.
"I heard so many congratulations today, but this is the most insincere one."
"If there's nothing else, I must go and keep the princess company."
Song Lin's smile froze. Seeing that she really turned to leave, he hurriedly said something.
“I am genuinely happy for my second brother’s victory. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have organized a celebration for him that day. Madam saw it with her own eyes.”
He was secretly annoyed.
He thought that his sudden show of goodwill and unusual behavior would arouse Jiang Wan's suspicion, prompting her to test him.
He can then express his desire for peace, and everything will fall into place naturally.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Wan clearly noticed, but pretended not to know, and waited for several days without any movement.
He could only bring it up himself.
In negotiations, the party who takes the initiative to sell and make concessions reveals their needs and loses the upper hand.
As expected, Jiang Wan looked down at him and said coldly, "What do you want to do?"
“Since you returned to the manor, there has been constant infighting between the two courtyards. I know that my mother was partly to blame for the past. I apologize on her behalf and only hope that we can live in harmony from now on.”
Song Lin appeared candid.
"I can guarantee that as long as you show mercy, my mother will behave herself and will never cause any more trouble or bother you."
Jiang Wan looked at him: "Is this your idea, or your mother's?"
Song Lin was slightly taken aback, and just as he was about to answer, he saw her smile slowly.
"It doesn't really matter."
Jiang Wan said, "Song Lin, you are very smart."
He knew in his heart that Song Ziyu was now the first target to be dealt with.
Firstly, he was disillusioned with his father; secondly, if Bi Yuan stayed in the capital, his true identity would inevitably be exposed sooner or later.
Only by eliminating Song Ziyu and concealing his secret can he remain the young master of the General's Mansion forever.
In this situation, he couldn't afford to be distracted by himself, so he lowered his head and took the initiative to make peace, hoping to appease himself temporarily.
“If you don’t mind, I am willing to serve you as before, together with my second brother.”
Song Lin looked up at her, his eyes sincere.
"When I was young and ignorant, I will never forget your great kindness in saving my life."
Jiang Wan looked at him quietly, clearly smiling, yet giving off a chill.
In her past life, when she was bedridden with illness, Song Lin showed a completely different, vicious face when she mentioned the life-saving grace.
"Now the whole capital knows I have a shameful mother, you've completely disgraced me!"
"Why did you come back alive? Why didn't you just fall off the cliff and die?"
Each question tore her heart to shreds.
At that moment, she couldn't believe that such a resentful expression could appear on such an innocent and naive face.
Now she understands; it was the purest form of evil in human nature.
The Song Lin before him was completely different from the one in his previous life. His smile was gentle, and one could even see a hint of filial piety in his eyes.
Jiang Wan's gaze grew colder and colder.
The troublemaker grew up, but he didn't reform.
Instead, they learned to disguise themselves and became demons in human skin.
"If you want to settle this peacefully, wait until your next life."
Her expression was indifferent.
"Whether this is your idea or the Gu family's idea, it doesn't matter."
"Because of you and her, I won't let either of you go."
Song Lin was taken aback. He wanted to say something more, but subconsciously reached out to grab Jiang Wan's sleeve, only to find that he had missed.
He stood there, frozen in place.
…
Song Yu's celebratory banquet was a great success, and the news spread throughout the capital. The young master of the General's Mansion was dashing and promising.
The Empress bestowed gifts, which were personally delivered by Crown Prince Yongning—what an honor!
The crown prince arrived with a smile, but left with a displeased expression; it was unclear what had happened.
Song Ziyu was also dissatisfied.
When he returned to his seat after dealing with matters in the backyard that day, he was told that Mr. Yun Que had already left.
Fearing that he might not take good care of Mr. Yun Que and displease him, he asked Lieutenant Li to inquire, only to learn that the other party had left the capital to travel and enjoy the scenery.
Although the agreed-upon date for returning the tiger tally was still some time away, Song Ziyu couldn't help but worry.
Since they couldn't find the person, they could only vent their anger on Zhu Qing.
"A few batches of materials are not worth your scrambling over like food. If you delay important matters, let's see if you can take responsibility!"
Zhu Qing felt wronged.
This isn't ordinary material; it's Yun brocade! Yun brocade bestowed upon the emperor in the palace!
Gu Yurong instructed them to dress as elegant women, but being of low social status, they had never seen such luxurious things before. When Steward Zhao said that he would give all the Yunjin brocade to Lan You, Zhu Qing's expression changed immediately, and she couldn't help but retort.
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