This is Song Tingyue's first return to the capital since her marriage.
The palace specially sent craftsmen to the general's mansion to renovate the courtyard and decorate it in a new way, just so that she could live comfortably.
The entire general's mansion was sprinkled with water and swept, leaving it spotless.
Biluo muttered, "It's just going back to my parents' home, is it really necessary to make such a big fuss..."
Autumn has arrived, and Jiang Wan, who is sensitive to the cold, has placed a brazier in her room long ago.
Jiang Wan fiddled with the oranges on the charcoal fire and said calmly.
"She has rendered meritorious service to the court, so such treatment is only right."
Song Tingyue was once the eldest daughter of a general's family, renowned for her talent and intelligence; she was even qualified to be a prince's consort.
However, in order to alleviate the pressure on the border, she took the initiative to marry the Marquis of Donglai, which was once a beautiful story in the capital.
Emperor Jingyuan, moved by her sacrifice, bestowed upon her the title of Princess Anyang.
This time, upon her return to the capital, she was given a great deal of face, with the eldest prince, Pei Feng, personally welcoming her.
Biluo peeled an orange and placed it in her hand.
"These oranges were grown by Brother Er Gou's family; he brought two baskets over."
Jiang Wan asked, "Where is he?"
"After delivering the goods, he rushed to the front yard. I heard that he had gotten first place in the military examination and the general wanted to reward him."
Biluo glanced at Jiang Wan, feeling indignant.
"The general used to hate Er Gou so much he wanted him dead, but now that he's performing so well, he's pretending to win him over. How hypocritical! Madam, why don't you tell Er Gou that it was you who helped him become a centurion?"
Jiang Wan ate the orange slowly and deliberately: "No rush."
She wanted to place her own people in the Song family army, and her first choice was Er Gou.
Therefore, she had to ensure that Er Gou would be absolutely loyal to her.
It's not time to close the net yet.
"lady!"
"Cai Die called from outside the door."
"Aunt Ru has come to see you again, this is the third time. Will you still not see her?"
Jiang Wan said, "Let her in."
The curtain was lifted, and Aru, dressed in a purple-colored long dress, walked in and immediately gave a deep bow.
"Without Madam, there would be no Aru today."
Jiang Wan helped her up: "I didn't want to see you because I didn't want people to know about our relationship. Do you understand?"
Aru nodded: "I understand."
Jiang Wan wanted her to be a hidden pawn, to play a crucial role at a critical moment.
On the surface, the two were just an unfamiliar wife and concubine.
"I have come to see you today because I have something to report," Aru said softly. "I heard from the general that Madam Gu's mother is coming to the capital."
Last month, Emperor Jingyuan investigated the Song family's military supplies and uncovered various crimes committed by the Gu family when they were imperial merchants.
The Gu family paid the imperial court 10,000 taels of silver and, through Song Ziyu's connections, escaped imprisonment, severely damaging the Gu family's fortunes.
Gu's mother must have had her own purpose in coming to the capital this time.
Jiang Wan gave her a meaningful look: "The general tells you everything, it seems he dotes on you."
Aru was terrified.
Jiang Wan replied, "I hope you gain favor, so that you will have the leverage to fight against Gu Yurong."
Seeing that she didn't seem to be lying, Aru finally felt relieved.
"It seems that Madam Gu's visit this time is related to Princess Anyang's return to the capital. I will ask the General for more details later."
Jiang Wan nodded and asked someone to see Aru out.
Biluo was somewhat pleased: "With Aunt Ru as a friend, Madam has gained more help."
"We can't really be considered friends; we just have some shared interests for the time being."
Jiang Wan gazed at Aru's retreating figure, a slight smile playing on her lips.
"She's a smart person."
In the blink of an eye, half a month has passed.
Song Tingyue finally arrived in the capital.
The guards stopped in front of the general's mansion. Song Tingyue stepped out of the sedan chair, dressed in a princess's robe adorned with pearls and jade, looking extremely elegant.
Her hand was placed on her lower abdomen, and a slight bulge could be seen under her clothes.
Zhou was overjoyed and wept.
Her family surrounded her as she returned to Cuizhu Hall.
Song Tingyue looked around at the group of women, her gaze finally settling on Jiang Wan.
"This must be A-Wan?"
She called out to them affectionately, as if the two were very close.
This was the first time Jiang Wan had met Song Tingyue.
It has to be said that, as sisters, she is much prettier than Song Shuling.
She has a bright and dignified appearance, and her eyes reveal pure kindness, making people want to get close to her.
Jiang Wan bowed and said, "Princess Anyang."
"We're family, no need for formalities. Just call me sister, like Ziyu does."
Song Tingyue affectionately held her hand: "My mother has always praised you to me. Seeing you today, I can confirm that you are indeed beautiful. Ziyu is so lucky to have such a wife."
Gu Yurong, standing to the side, stiffened slightly, but still maintained a polite smile.
Song Tingyue seemed oblivious, smiling as she touched her belly: "Mother, I felt an instant connection with A-Wan the moment I saw her. I've heard she's been blessed by the gods and is very fortunate. Why don't we let her take care of the baby in my womb until I give birth? What do you say?"
Zhou laughed along, but her laughter was somewhat sarcastic.
"That's wonderful! Ah Wan is very capable! It's best to have her take care of you."
Song Tingyue glanced at the nanny beside her: "Go and tell His Majesty to send the imperial physicians back. Awan is enough for me."
After the nanny left, she said to Jiang Wan, "Look at me, I was so happy that I forgot to ask what you thought."
"Ah Wan, you wouldn't be unwilling, would you?"
Jiang Wan met her eyes and smiled gently: "The princess trusts me, how could I not?"
That night, Song Tingyue rested at Cuizhu Hall.
Inside the bed curtains, Madam Zhou wiped away her tears.
"Your sister has been bullied like this, you must avenge her! It's all that little bitch Jiang Wan's fault..."
Song Tingyue interrupted her.
"The Jiang family is indeed not simple, but in my opinion, A-Ling is impulsive and reckless. Her current situation is undoubtedly due to being instigated by others and being used as a scapegoat."
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