ã€ŠAfter Transmigration, Her Whole Family Are Villainsã€‹


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1

    Late summer afternoon.

    The wind was hot.

    The cicadas and frogs kept making noises.

    Jiang Mianmian slept very well and then felt a little hungry, so she woke up.

    She opened her eyes and saw a woman with a round face smiling at her.

    "Baby is awake, hungry huh?"

    The big-faced woman picked her up and skillfully lifted up her clothes.

    She reflexively opened her mouth and sucked hard.

    The process was smooth and they coordinated very well.

    As Jiang Mianmian swallowed, she thought to herself.

    She had transmigrated into this body mysteriously for a month now. At first she couldn''t see anything clearly. A baby''s eyes don''t work very well and everything looked blurry.

    Later her vision improved somewhat and she felt very disappointed.

    It was a very ordinary family. The house was simple, with a stone bed and some basic farming tools...

    Her luck with this transmigration was a bit mediocre.

    Fortunately this body''s Mom was very gentle and gave her a sense of security.

    Her looks were in, with a very big, round face, or maybe that was just Jiang Mianmian''s perspective looking up at her while nursing.

    After suckling for a while, she got tired, like the feeling of keep sucking on a straw when the drink was already gone, exhausted, so she stopped.

    Mom picked her up, rocked her gently, and stroked her back lightly, making her feel veryfortable. Although she wasn''t full yet, she started to feel sleepy again.

    The door creaked open, letting in a gust of hot air.

    Jiang Mianmian woke up alertly and opened her eyes again, her head still resting on Mom''s shoulder.

    Then she was taken into another embrace.

    It was her Dad.

    She knew from the smell, there was a herbal scent.

    Lying in a different embrace, she became energetic again.

    She tried hard to keep her eyes open to get a good look at her Dad. Again, she only had the lethal chin-up angle, but she got an impression that he was good-looking.

    Her Dad had an unexpectedly outstanding appearance.

    Long ck hair, expressive eyebrows, a tall nose.

    Wearing coarse cloth clothes, yet he had an indescribable refined temperament.

    When he entered the room, it instantly felt brighter.

    She didn''t know if she looked more like her Mom or Dad. Girls should take after their Dads more, she hoped silently.

    As usual, she tried her best to listen in on her parents'' conversation, wanting to find out more useful information.

    For this past month she had just ate, pooped, and slept. When she cked out, she only knew that she had a Dad and Mom, older brothers and sisters, but hadn''t uncovered any other news or received any special abilities...

    "Has Mianmian been good today, did she give you any trouble?"

    "She''s been very good, much easier than the previous two. It''s just that my milk supply is low, so she''s still thin."

    "Why are you home from work so early today?"

    "Someone stole medicinal materials, the superior was furious and said he would crack down, so we came back first."

    When Jiang Mianmian heard about stolen medicinal materials, her ears perked up. She wanted to know if there was more to it, if her Dad would get into trouble or implicated in some way.

    Then she heard Mom ask softly: "Did you get caught taking some? I told you not to take any, don''t take it!"

    Jiang Mianmian: ...(¡Ñ¨Œ¡Ñ)???

    My Dad looks so handsome, how could he do something like this? What kind of plot twist is this?

    "No way, I know what I''m doing. I only took a third, most was taken by the higher-ups."

    "It''s still dangerous, what if something happens!"

    The two kept whispering, discussing stealing tips??

    Jiang Mianmian''s heart was churning, unwilling to believe her own Dad was that kind of person!

    He looks so refined, who would have thought he does this kind of thing??

    Jiang Mianmian''s heart was still uneasy.

    Footsteps sounded outside the door.

    Followed by knocking.

    "Knock knock knock."

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2

    "Squeak."

    The door was pushed open, and the sky outside was half dark.

    A stocky young man rolled in with the sultry evening wind.

    It was elder brother Jiang Feng.

    He was holding arge bamboo basket in his hand.

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help but peek out, hoping for something delicious, something good...

    Big brother Jiang Feng looked a lot like Mother, probably a male version of young Mother.

    He had thick brows, big eyes, a round face, and a loyal and reliable look.

    He came in, put down the bamboo basket, and pushed away the grass on top.

    Sure enough, he took out a long-tailed pheasant from inside...

    Jiang Mianmian''s eyes lit up, blinking her little eyes.

    "Father, Mother, I hunted a mountain chicken, very nutritious, for Mother to eat."

    The pheasant''s tail was so beautiful, like a little peacock, colorful, and Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help but lift her head.

    Her father who was holding her turned in a direction to make it easier for her to watch, and then scolded:

    "Ah Feng, you went hunting in Huayuan Mountain again. I told youst time, Huayuan Mountain belongs to Mr. Zhao in town. Mr. Zhao is cruel and ruthless. If you go hunting in his woods and get caught, you will surely be beaten to death."

    Jiang Mianmian''s heart was also clutched. This was the cannibalistic old society! Even hunting a wild chicken was life-threatening.

    "Father, don''t worry. I took the Vige Chief''s son and the Landlord Liu''s young master with me. The Liu young master''s family even produced a sessful imperial examination candidate. Even if we get caught, with them there, we''ll definitely be fine."

    Jiang Feng still had that honest face.

    Jiang Mianmian: ......(¡Ñ¨Œ¡Ñ)???

    She didn''t expect her thick-browed, big-eyed brother to actually be so cunning. This...

    "Mother I''ll go prepare the pheasant." Jiang Feng took the pheasant and left, afraid of being scolded further.

    The colorful feathers were so pretty. Jiang Mianmian wanted to keep watching, unable to resist the allure, shaking her little head.

    Her father was extremely attentive. He turned her in a direction so she could watch.

    Then she saw the stocky teenager with thick brows and big eyes swiftly chop and cut.

    The lively, beautiful mountain chicken became a dead chicken, plucked clean. It was so small, no different from a little chicken, just with a slightly longer neck.

    When brother was killing the chicken, sister Jiang Yu came home.

    The family wasplete.

    Sister also looked a lot like Mother, a round-faced girl... Mother''s genes were a bit too strong. Jiang Mianmian was a little worried about herself.

    Sister bounced in.

    As soon as sister came in, Father went out to help. She fell back into Mother''s arms.

    "Mother, look!"

    Jiang Yu took out a package from her chest and opened it. Inside was a pile of pink powdery stuff, seeming a bit fragrant.

    Jiang Mianmian sniffed. She wasn''t sure if she had a sense of smell now, but she should.

    "Mother, I went to help cook at Landlord Liu''s. The housekeeper said I worked very nimbly and rewarded me with osmanthus cake. I brought it all back."

    Osmanthus cake? Jiang Mianmian looked at the powder, having thought it was medicinal powder... Oh, my thinking is wrong.

    Seeing sister''s throat move as she talked, she was clearly drooling, yet didn''t eat any.

    This was an honest girl!!

    "It''s usually Cui who goes. Why did it fall to you today?" Mother asked.

    Jiang Yu looked left and right, then whispered to Mother, "Everyone outside is saying that Landlord Liu''s guards and Cui are having an affair. Cui''s fianc¨¦ made a scene. When the housekeeper heard, he didn''t want Cui to work there anymore."

    Jiang Mianmian also pricked up her ears to listen to the gossip. She didn''t expect such colorful news even in a small town.

    Then she saw Mother use her free hand that wasn''t holding her to flick Jiang Yu on the forehead.

    "You must have spread this idle gossip. Aren''t you afraid of people finding out? Spreading such rumors will ruin someone''s entire life."

    Jiang Yu looked unhappy and whispered in defense, "I''m telling the truth. Cui boasted to us, Guard Wu even gave her a silver hairpin. She''s engaged but still fooling around with another man."

    Jiang Mianmian: ......(¡Ñ¨Œ¡Ñ)???

    Sister was a bit fierce. Office politics was so cruel. She just wanted to help out with chores! She just wanted a piece of osmanthus cake!

    Her mouth opened wide in shock.

    Then some powdery cake was stuffed into her mouth. Oh, it was a bit sweet. She licked it and swallowed it, then opened her mouth again...

    "You little rascal, spreading such rumors, aren''t you afraid of being found out? It wouldn''t be good for you either. If you really want to help cook, figure out a way to sprain that troublemaking woman Cui''s leg. She''d have to wait on Mother then, and surely wouldn''t be able to go. Then it would be your turn to go!"

    Jiang Mianmian ate the osmanthus cake, looking up in surprise at kind-browed, kind-eyed, round-faced Mother.

    "Cough cough cough..."

    She nearly choked to death...

    The osmanthus cake was a bit dry!

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3

    The sky turnedpletely dark.

    The crowing of roosters and the barking of dogs continued incessantly.

    Jiang Mianmiany in her mother''s arms, feeling somewhat ufortable and clearing her throat.

    Apart from her difort, the whole family looked veryfortable.

    There was a sense of peacefulness in the air.

    Her mother held her in one hand and chopped firewood with the other, "ng, ng, ng."

    Her father cooked over the stove, slicing unidentified leaves, "Scratch, scratch, scratch."

    Her eldest brother carefully whittled wood with a knife, "Shh, shh, shh."

    Her elder sister washed clothes, hammering them against a wooden board, "Bang, bang, bang."

    The mountain chicken swam in the hot water in the pot, "Gurgle, gurgle."

    Jiang Mianmian yawned.

    She felt sleepy again.

    Her eyelids couldn''t resist closing.

    Then she felt herself beingid down by her mother.

    She knew it was a wooden basin.

    A wooden basin crib, she watched her mother make it, filled with a pile of unidentified dry grass underneath and covered withyers of repeatedly washed rags on top. At first, she resisted, but lying down felt surprisinglyfortable, not prickly at all.

    Her motherid her down, and she woke up, opening her eyelids, but she didn''t cry.

    She was obedient.

    She even did some stretching on her own.

    Trying to use her hands to bring her feet to her mouth...

    Then she felt the wooden basin being moved, and then she saw the sky.

    Her elder sister brought the wooden basin next to her.

    "Mom, I''ll wash clothes and take care of my sister at the same time. You go lie down for a while."

    Jiang Mianmian thought her elder sister had quite a bit of strength; she held the basin steadily, and she didn''t feel any shaking.

    Then she happily looked at the sky.

    There were many stars twinkling in the sky, really many, and there was a little cool breeze, slightly morefortable. At this moment, her sister stood up and covered her with a piece of clothing???

    Jiang Mianmian wanted to protest, but she couldn''t push away the clothing no matter how she twisted.

    Instead, her sister looked at her and giggled.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at her sisterughing, and when sheughed, her eyes resembled those of her handsome father, with curved eyebrows and eyes, quite beautiful.

    Next, she watched the stars while trying to push away the clothes, and then she fell asleep again.

    When she opened her eyes again, it was time for dinner.

    The whole family gathered around to eat, without any rule of silence during meals and sleep.

    Today, there was a big pot of wild chicken and vegetable soup on the table?

    Looking green and smelling quite fragrant.

    Her mother served the food, each person with a big bowl, and she handed a chicken leg to her father, "You still have to do heavy work, so eat more."

    Her elder brother Jiang Feng then handed his bowl of chicken breast to her mother, "Mother, you eat more. Look at little sister, so thin and frail."

    Thin and frail little Mianmian?

    Then she saw her elder sister handing her bowl of chicken neck to her elder brother, "Brother, you eat. I snacked in Landlord Liu''s kitchen today and am not hungry."

    Finally, her father handed his bowl of chicken feet to her sister, "You like nibbling on these, so here you go."

    Little Mianmian could only drink milk, watching the chicken meat go around in the family''s bowls. If she hadn''t heard those words earlier, she would really have felt that this was a family of pure and friendly love.

    The family ate dinner very politely, chewing slowly... carefully chewing and swallowing the wild chicken bones.

    After dinner, the family gathered to enjoy the pastries brought back by Eldest Sister.

    Jiang Mianmian looked on eagerly, not wanting to dive in directly. She hoped tonight''s milk would taste like osmanthus cake.

    Once the adults finished, it was her turn. She sucked on the milk bottle with flushed cheeks, perhaps because Mother had eaten chicken, making tonight''s milk seem a bit richer, or it could have been her imagination.

    Just as Jiang Mianmian sucked hard, feeling like she had emptied it, there was a knock on the door.

    The family quickly hid any evidence of their meal and looked innocuous, with Elder Brother going to answer the door.

    In walked a woman d in silk, her face heavily painted, quite intimidating.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to herself, though the family she was born into looked poor, at least they were decent. If she were born into this woman''s family...

    "What wind blew Sixth Auntie here? Come in and sit," Mother warmly called out.

    The woman, feeling at home, took a seat and scrutinized the baby in Qin''s arms, then gave Jiang Yu several looks over, remarking,

    "Jiang Yu, you''re truly beautiful, with your round and fair face. There''s good news; I heard that the Lord from the provincial capital, Wu Lord, is recruiting. If Jiang Yu catches his eye, not only could she enter the provincial capital with the Lord and live a life of luxury, but the Lord will also pay handsomely!"

    She extended her hand, turning it around.

    On her middle finger was a silver ring, her chubby hand slightly swollen.

    "Ten taels of silver, enough for your brother Feng to find a wife."

    Jiang Mianmian continued staring at the ring, wondering if her finger would rot, then suddenlyprehended.

    Was this human trafficking???

    Perhaps Jiang Mianmian''s eyes widened too much, because after the woman finished speaking, she stared at Jiang Mianmian and said,

    "Poor thing, Feng''s mother, even if we don''t consider Feng, you must think about this little one. I heard she was born weighing just over four catties. There''s an old saying, ''three die, four survive, five weak, six survive, seven healthy, eight robust.'' Your child is dark and thin, not easy to raise. In the future, if she needs food or medicine, it''ll cost money.

    If Jiang Yu goes to the provincial capital to live a life of luxury, she could support her sister. At least it''s a life..."

    Jiang Mianmian... how did this involve her? She suddenly became agitated, struggling.

    Mother held her tightly, rendering herpletely immobile.

    "Mother, just sell me, then buy delicious food and raise my sister to be as strong as me," Elder Sister Jiang Yu said.

    At that moment, Jiang Mianmian felt a pain in her heart as if it were the heart of a newborn baby.

    She cried loudly, her throat hoarse.

    Before, she heard that her sister exposed her friend''s ugly deeds just to snatch a kitchen job, thinking she was a bad girl. Now, she was willing to sell herself just to take care of her sister. How foolish, tap into that selfishness of yours!

    Jiang Mianmian cried with all her might, nonstop.

    But her abilities were limited, and her crying sounded more like wheezing.

    It was as if she was about to suffocate.

    Which startled the entire family.

    "Auntie, we can''t amodate you. Please leave," Mother spoke up.

    "Auntie, please leave. We won''t sell our daughter," Father stated firmly.

    Elder Brother simply escorted Sixth Auntie out.

    Sixth Aunt stood at the doorway, venting her anger with curses, while spitting out a thick phlegm:

    "You worthless bunch, can''t even enjoy a bit offort, deserve to suffer in poverty for a lifetime. If Jiang Lao''er can manage to support your little ones, I''ll eat three pounds of shit."

    But nobody in the family paid any attention to Sixth Aunt''s ranting.

    Jiang Mianmian was genuinely scared, crying uncontrobly in anyone''s arms, unable to stop.

    She gained a firsthand experience of the family''s environment.

    It was too impoverished.

    Jiang Yujie held her sister, gently swaying her.

    "Don''t cry, Mianmian. Big sister won''t leave. I''ll be with you every day, I won''t leave again."

    She spoke through tears as well.

    If there was a way, who would willingly be a servant?

    As Jiang Mianmian cried, she suddenly felt her vision blur¡ªthere was a spring within sight.

    The spring was the size of a bowl mouth, gurgling with water, about the thickness of a finger. As the water sshed into the air, it disappeared without a trace.

    Jiang Mianmian instinctively reached out to touch the spring water, and a drop of sweet water sprinkled onto her, tasting refreshing and crisp. As it entered her mouth, it was sweet and invigorating, and when it reached her nose, her baby-like nasal congestion instantly cleared.

    Wow, the superpower of a time traveler!

    She forgot to cry, gaping in astonishment.

    And Jiang Yujie found that her sister, who she said wouldn''t cry anymore, really stopped crying and even seemed to smile.

    She smiled too, but tears flowed even more intensely.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4

    The second day.

    It wasn''t yet dawn, and the insects were still asleep, and dewdrops hadn''t formed.

    Jiang Mianmian''s father, the second son of the Jiang family, Jiang Changtian, went to work.

    Jiang Mianmian was wrapped up like a dumpling, staring at her father with sleepy eyes.

    Though it was dark, she could see clearly.

    It indicated that the spiritual spring water wasn''t an illusion. Even though she was still half-asleep, her vision had improved.

    No longer as if she had ayer of eye mucus, everything wasn''t a bit blurry.

    Too early.

    She yawned and then her cheek was pinched.

    "Mianmian, Dad is going to work. I''ll bring you something delicious when Ie back."

    Jiang Mianmian cleverly responded with a "yiyayaya."

    Jiang Changtian was surprised. This daughter is too smart, couldn''t help but pinch her little face again.

    Jiang Mianmian:...

    Although you''re pretty, pinching someone''s face is not right.

    After seeing off her father, she was fed by her mother, changed, and fell asleep again.

    When she woke up again, it was already bright.

    Shey in the familiar wooden basin, ced under the eaves, while her mother was chopping firewood.

    She could clearly see her mother holding an axe, splitting that huge wooden stake into halves, then halves again, all the way until it was arm-thick, and piled up piece by piece, looking relieving.

    She shouldn''t have stress at such a young age, but thinking about the curse from the olddy yesterday...

    This family is too poor.

    She''s so small; forget about doing anything, she can''t even talk yet. But if she speaks now, it would be terrifying.

    She could only lie in the wooden basin, watching her mother chop wood. After a while, she fell asleep again.

    Just like that, drinking milk, sleeping, unconsciously urinating and defecating, watching her mother work until it was dark.

    Her elder brother Jiang Feng returned first.

    Then her sister Jiang Yu, and finally, her father.

    Elder brother Jiang Feng didn''t do serious work, spent the day fooling around.

    Sister Jiang Yu went to help cook at Mr. Liu''s house and brought back a small piece of meat today...

    Surprisingly, Dad brought her a small jar of goat milk...

    Even elder brother''s hands were not idle, he brought back three red threads, one for Mom, one for sister, and one for her, ced on her cradle.

    Jiang Mianmian saw the red thread and reached out to grab it. Unfortunately, her hands, like Doraemon''s, were hard to grip when stretched out. If she managed to hold it, letting go made the red thread fall. She had a great time struggling with the red thread.

    Seeing his sister enjoying it, Jiang Feng said happily, "Today, I went to the market to help people and got a thank-you gift."

    Dad, Jiang Changtian, snorted and scolded, "Are you cheating customers again for the girls at Lichun Yard?"

    Jiang Mianmian finally managed to grab the red thread and, upon hearing this, hesitated.

    My big-eyed, thick-browed brother''s business seems a bit beyond myprehension.

    Jiang Feng didn''t joke around as usual but spoke seriously:

    "Last time, Mother nearly beat me to death, so naturally I didn''t dare to go again. But this time, it seems like something serious is going on. Sixth Aunt has always been one to seize any opportunity, looking down on us. Now, she''s set her sights on Jiang Yu. I''m definitely going to find out what''s going on. That''s why I went to Lichun Yard again; the rumors there are always the most reliable."

    As Aunt, holding her axe, set it down, Jiang Yu looked over, curious.

    "In the city, Lord Wu has a mentally challenged son. He''s usually fine, but once he loses control, he can''t restrain himself. He ended up killing his previous maid. So, they''re buying maids from our poor, remote vige, iming they want them to be alluring, offering fifty taels of silver."

    "Smack!" Jiang Yu mmed the wooden mallet she was holding onto the clothes, making a loud sound.

    "That old hag dares to swindle even when selling bodies! Fifty taels! Ahh! Next time I see her, I''ll tear her apart."

    Jiang Changtian looked at his eldest daughter speechlessly. Her mind seemed beyond repair. Is money the priority here? The real concern is that she might end up losing her life if she''s deceived.

    Furious, Jiang Yu pounded the wooden mallet several times, then suddenly stood up. "Today, A Cui boasted to me about going to the city to enjoy herself. Though she''s selfish and annoying, she shouldn''t be deceived like this. I''m going to talk to her!"

    She started to leave.

    "Bang!" Qin Luoxia''s big axe split arge piece of wood, splinters flying.

    Her forehead was sweaty, her round face flushed, but her eyes held traces of blood.

    There was no shouting, no usual grumbling; just a calm statement: "Let''s eat first. Don''t go. If you do, she''ll think you can''t stand to see her doing well. Let''s leave this matter alone."

    Then, the family obediently began to prepare for dinner.

    At this moment, Jiang Mianmian realized that her mother was not as she appeared. She had always thought that her handsome father was the one in charge at home, not the in-looking mother.

    Dinner wasn''t as good as yesterday''s; a pot of vegetables with a piece of meat floating in it, untouched by anyone, eventually ended up in Mother''s bowl.

    Jiang Mianmian felt a bit better now, with a clear spring in her step. But she still felt unsatisfied. The spring water couldn''t rece milk. She felt so hungry.

    In order to have a healthy and abundant source of milk, Jiang Mianmian nned to do something sneaky at night, but ended up falling asleep first.

    Early the next morning, when Father got up and woke her up, she stared with wide eyes at her round-faced mother sleeping soundly, even snoring softly. She reached out and touched her mother''s lips, imagining the flow of spring water, and indeed, she saw a trickle of water entering her mother''s mouth, which she unconsciously swallowed.

    Then she suddenly felt a warmth spreading through her body... Oh no, she had just imagined spring water flowing, and she wet the bed.

    Her whole body, from buttocks to legs to back, was warm... She was soaking in her own fresh urine!

    Jiang Mianmian started crying loudly: "Waaaah..."

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5

    The sky was just beginning to brighten.

    Thin wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys.

    Jiang Mianmian had her diaper changed, her little bottom snug and dry as she nestled in her mother''s embrace, hands cradling her mother''s ample bosom as she eagerly suckled.

    It didn''t seem like a figment of her imagination. Since she nursed from her mother, the milk seemed sweeter this morning, thicker than usual, and instead of the usual two sucks and it''s gone, it flowed continuously, satisfying her until she burped contentedly, signaling the end of her meal.

    After more than a month, finally having a full meal of breast milk, Jiang Mianmian felt alive again.

    Just hoping that next time, she''d start crying before soaking her diaper...

    After finishing her milk, she reached out to y with the spring water, watching it gush from the source, always just a small bowl''s worth, or maybe a cup, with a thinyer at the bottom that would slowly refill after she drank it dry.

    Drinking the spring water, she felt her sense of smell sharpen a bit.

    She could smell the fresh scent of her own poop and milk...

    Qin Luoxia watched her little girl il her arms, unable to suppress a smile.

    She stood up, surprisingly steady on her feet, feeling as though she had regained her agility from before childbirth.

    Well, country women aren''t delicate; she had rested for a month already.

    She was naturally hardworking, having tidied up the house early in the morning, cleaning every nook and cranny, and even chopping all the firewood in the yard in one go.

    After chopping the firewood, she found herself staring at the pile, feeling a bit stunned.

    She seemed to have gained some strength, not even out of breath. Perhaps she had rested too well.

    After finishing her chores, Qin Luoxia made some soup in the morning and ate a piece of dry bread, then tied a cloth around herself, securing her daughter to her chest, and headed out.

    It was Jiang Mianmian''s first time leaving the house, and she was a bit excited. She took a deep breath and caught a whiff of various poop and pee fermenting smells...

    Well, there was no time to hold her breath. Jiang Mianmian could only bury her head in her mother''s embrace.

    After walking for a while, they finally encountered people. It seemed their home was quite remote, not in the center of the vige.

    Her mother greeted people along the way, hearing them call her "Qin Shi," "Xiao Qin," "Luoxia Sister-inw," "Jiang Family Sister-inw," and "Maple''s Mother," feeling that her mother had quite a good reputation.

    In the crowded areas, the smell of poop lessened a bit, and Jiang Mianmian curiously looked around, her big eyes darting around.

    An olddy reached out and touched her leg, grabbing hold of her little thigh.

    Jiang Mianmian was startled, the olddy''s face deeply lined with wrinkles, looking a bit scary, but her eyes were kind.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t kick back as the dry fingers gripped her leg, just curiously staring at the other person.

    The olddy gently pinched Jiang Mianmian''s leg and said, "Strong and lively, a blessed child."

    Qin Luoxia smiled and said to her daughter, "This is your great-aunt, your great-aunt says you''re good, so you must be."

    Jiang Mianmian opened her mouth wide, babbling, kicking her arms and legs.

    Not a single word about her being pretty. Was she not ugly-looking?

    Qin''s family took the baby out for the first time after the postpartum recovery. Just yesterday, Aunt Six, the matchmaker, mentioned that the little girl from the Jiang family couldn''t be raised properly. She was dark and thin, resembling a skinny mouse. This sparked everyone''s curiosity, and they gathered to have a look.

    Observing the little girl in the swaddle, she was indeed a bit dark and thin, but in this era, chubby babies were rare; being dark and thin was the norm. The little girl looked lively, didn''t cry or fuss, and behaved quite well, making her intriguing.

    Originally, Aunt Cui was showing off about how her daughter, Cui, was going to enjoy afortable life in the provincial capital. However, everyone''s attention shifted with the arrival of the baby.

    Aunt Cui couldn''t resist taking a nce.

    With a disdainful sound, shemented, "What''s so attractive about being dark and thin?"

    "Tsk tsk, Aunt Six has a point. This child seems challenging to raise. Feng''s mother, you eat well and stay robust, but you haven''t left anything for the child. The child is too skinny. If the Old Ye from the provincial capital notices your daughter, Yujie, and gives her some medicine, at least she''d grow stronger."

    While saying this, Aunt Cui casually touched the new silver hairpin on her head.

    It was a silver hairpin with two strands hanging down, a noteworthy possession even in the vige.

    Aunt Cui disliked Qin''s family the most in the vige. They had some minor conflicts, and she often boasted about her daughter, Cui,paring her to Jiang Yujie. She imed that Yujie waszy and greedy, contrasting her own daughter''s diligent and frugal nature.

    "Your silver hairpin looks beautiful, Aunt Cui. Does it cost a fortune?" A middle-aged woman chuckled, trying to change the subject.

    Jiang Mianmian curiously looked at the woman in front of her. This was Aunt Cui, the one who threatened to break her legs. Her words were indeed unpleasant.

    It seemed like she had applied some uneven makeup on her face, with prominent cheekbones and fair but somewhat troublesome-looking skin.

    Jiang Mianmian found her own mother''s round face more pleasing.

    Hastily, Jiang Mianmian raised her head and took a breath in her mother''s embrace.

    "This is nothing. Aunt Six said that after my Cui enters the provincial capital in the future, the silver hairpins there will be even more beautiful. The Old Master''s house in the provincial capital has four courtyards, do you know that? Even their servants'' quarters are bigger than our houses. Oh, Feng''s mother, I heard Aunt Six visited your home but didn''t find your daughter Yujie attractive. She said Yujiecks charm, unlike our Cui, who is clever and capable."

    This time, Qin Luoxia didn''t get angry. Instead, she gently rocked the baby in her arms andughed, "Yes, Aunt Six offered eighty taels of silver. Our Yujie is a bit dull, unfortunately."

    Aunt Cui, who was proudly boasting just moments ago, suddenly turned dark. Eighty taels? That old woman only mentioned ten taels. She shamelessly took seventy taels more¡ªunbelievable!

    Aunt Cui immediately changed her expression, forgetting about showing off, and dashed towards Aunt Six''s house.

    She needed to settle the score.

    The crowd followed to witness themotion.

    Qin Luoxia, carrying Jiang Mianmian, mentioned she needed to go home and cook.

    With no more excitement to watch, Jiang Mianmian, in her mother''s arms, started to doze off.

    In a daze, she felt her mother walking. It was like taking the bus to school, swaying gently until she fell into a deep sleep.

    When she woke up again, she found herself on her mother''s back.

    Mama Mian tied a piece of cloth to her back, looking more impressive than carrying a baby, steady and sure.

    Her movements were a bit vigorous at this moment, waking her up.

    Mama Mian''s body undted as if she were digging a hole.

    And suddenly, the little cotton on her back sensed a poop sensation and started wailing.

    Her cry startled Mama Mian.

    Qin Luoxia quickly put the child down, seeing her face turning red, arching her back, knowing she needed to poop.

    This child was really easy to handle. Qin Luoxia lifted her legs apart and started soothing her to poop.

    "Hush, hush, little darling, poop away, hush, hush..."

    Jiang Mianmian felt relieved after pooping and became more awake. She was then carried back on Mama Mian''s back, continuing to sway.

    She thought Mama Mian was going home, but was she actually farming?

    So diligent.

    Watching Mama Mian dig was quite stress-relieving, and Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help but apany with her babbling: "Digging in the small garden... dig, dig..."

    Listening to her daughter''s babbling, Qin Luoxia dug even faster.

    Seeing Mama Mian dig a big, deep hole?

    Really deep, was she nning to nt... people at this depth??

    Then she saw Mama Mian spread rotten grass and various ashes on top, making it look like t ground, indistinguishable from the surroundings in a while.

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help but look around, but her head''s movement and vision were limited.

    And with this turn, if she hadn''t smelled the poop she just made, she wouldn''t remember where Mama Mian had just dug the hole.

    After digging the hole, Mama Mian carried her back.

    There were trees and the sunset along the way.

    Listening to Mama Mian humming: "Yellow earth, green grass grows, my chubby little one at home, chubby and round..."

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help but babble and want to sing:

    "If there''s another life, I want to dig a hole on the road you must pass..."

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6

    "The yellow earth, green grass grows, my home baby girl is fat and round, fat and round..."

    Listening to Mother''s gentle, elongated tones.

    If nothing unexpected happens, Jiang Mianmian falls asleep again.

    When she wakes up again.

    It was already dark.

    In the familiar wooden basin.

    A little hungry.

    She slowly stretched her fingers to her mouth and started sucking her fingers. There was spring water, and a little salty...

    After sucking for a while, she felt the urge to poop. Her face flushed red. She wanted to cry out a warning first, but her throat and butt exerted force at the same time...very smooth.

    "Waah, waah, waah!"

    She used her crying to cover up the sound of her farting.

    Her sister Jiang Yu was in front of her, holding her nose and said, "It''s said that children''s poop doesn''t stink. Why does my sister''s poop stink so much!"

    Although disgusted, she still swiftly changed her diaper.

    Jiang Mianmian looked innocent, and was also a little dizzy from the smell.

    Jiang Mianmian felt her legs being lifted up. Sister was very careful, wiping more gently than Mother.

    After wiping, she didn''t feel her butt would stick either, it should be wiped very clean.

    The freshly wiped little Mianmian sucked her fingers again. Her fingers were actually saltier this time? Yuck!

    Mother finally appeared. She contentedly fed on her food. Today''s food was rtively abundant (there was more poop). She was happy again after eating and couldn''t help but grin.

    She couldn''t control her expression. She just grinned foolishly.

    She went out today and saw the world, now she was a little spirited. She wanted to hear more gossip from her parents again. What was the follow up to the missing medicine ingredients? She waited and waited until she fell asleep without hearing anything.

    She pooped another pile. Very smooth, and another day passed.

    Early morning, someone knocked on the door.

    "Maple''s Mother, are you home?"

    A woman, holding a bunch of wild vegetables, leaned against the door.

    Mother held her and also leaned against the door.

    In Mother''s arms, Jiang Mianmian also found afortable posture.

    "Have you heard? Sixth Aunt fellst night on her way to thetrine and broke her leg. Don''t know which naughty kid actually dug a big pit in the middle of the road."

    Jiang Mian Mian then heard Mother ask in surprise: "Didn''t Sixth Aunt say her family''s chamber pots were all made of old sandalwood? Why did she still have to go out to poop?"

    "Who said no? The strangest thing is that thetrine Sixth Aunt went to was not her own family¡¯strine, but Old Liu''strine. Don''t you think it''s strange?"

    Then Mother''s round face became animated. She widened her eyes and whispered, "What''s going on? Sister, tell me the details. I have plenty of time..."

    "Cui''s Mother heard from someone that being a maid for the Master of the Prefecture pays eighty taels of silver. Sixth Aunt only gave ten taels, wanting to cheat seventy taels. She went and made a scene. You know Cui¡¯s Mother¡¯s mouth, she scolded vulgarities, making trouble at Sixth Aunt''s house for an afternoon. As a result, Sixth Aunt broke her leg at night. Sixth Aunt had people carry her to Cui¡¯s Mother¡¯s house to continue making trouble..."

    Jiang Mianmian''s body swung along with Mother''s nodding rhythm.

    Mother and daughter listened attentively to the gossip.

    Jiang Mianmian listened enough, was hungry, wanted milk, and started howling.

    After drinking her fill for two days, she felt vigorous.

    "This kid''s cry is so loud. Feed the baby first. I just came along to pick vegetables on my way back to cook." Auntie left satisfied after sharing the gossip.

    Jiang Mianmian puckered her butt, getting ready to eat.

    ...

    At night the family gathered.

    Apparently everyone had heard about today''s gossip.

    At dinner, sister Jiang Yu happily said, "Cui''s Mother made a scene insisting that the Master of the Prefecture gave eighty taels. She demanded Sixth Aunt pay her those seventy taels. Sixth Aunt said she didn''t have it. Because of the money, Cui¡¯s Mother is not going to the Prefecture anymore."

    Big brother Jiang Feng curiously asked, "Wasn''t it fifty taels? Eighty taels would kill Sixth Aunt."

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help but chime in: "Yiya yiya, eighty eighty." (Mother said, mother said, eighty taels, eighty taels.)

    "Who cares. It''s vicious consequences for vicious actions. Whoever dug that pit, I heard Sixth Aunt''s leg is broken badly. Even lying for a hundred days won''t heal it. Let''s see if she still dares to go out and harm people." Jiang Yu happily ate the bitter vegetable soup feeling it was fragrant.

    Jiang Mianmian also chimed in: "Yiya yi ya, dig dig dig." (Mother dug, mother dug, dig dig dig.)

    Then her little face was pinched by big brother.

    "Mother, why do I feel like my sister can understand our words? It seems like she''s talking."

    "Go easy with your strength. What could she understand? She''s just happy seeing you all happy." Qin Luoxia said while feeding the little Mianmian a spoonful of soup.

    Bitter! Yuck!

    Jiang Mianmian''s whole face wrinkled. Not tasty. Her mouth pouted as if about to cry.

    Mother held out the spoon again. She tightly shut her mouth, refusing to open it again. Nasty. Reject.

    Seeing this, Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtianughed.

    This child is so clever.

    Late night.

    Jiang Mianmian hazily heard Mother say: "Husband, do you think anyone would suspect that I dug the pit?"

    "No. Sixth Aunt usually does things carelessly. Many people dislike her. If she didn''t go to Old Liu''s house she wouldn''t have broken her leg. It''s her own fault. Go to sleep."

    Jiang Mianmian slept at ease. She soon started snoring softly.

    In her dreams she was still digging pits: dig dig dig...

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7

    "Pfft, pfft, pfft."

    The new day started with farting.

    The whole family did not sleep well.

    Because the little one started having diarrhea and was pooping all night.

    Qin Luoxia herself also went to the toilet several times.

    She thought it was because she ate something bad, affecting the baby.

    Jiang Feng and Jiang Yu also got up to help, mainly to help change diapers for their sister, worried that she would get a diaper rash.

    "It must be Sixth Aunt''s curse, why didn''t she just make her die directly," Jiang Yu said viciously.

    Jiang Feng chimed in, "Don''t worry, Sixth Aunt has offended so many people, she will not end up well."

    Jiang Mianmian felt a little guilty and did not dare to make a sound, just babbling.

    This was really not Sixth Aunt''s fault.

    Little kids really should not eat things from outside, even Magic Spring Water doesn''t work.

    Adults who drank the Magic Spring Water got their tendons and marrow washed, but it just gave her diarrhea.

    The amount she pooped almost caught up to her own weight, which was a bit unscientific.

    She was very hungry now, and very spirited, but Mother did not let her breastfeed.

    She anxiously babbled.

    "Eat, eat."

    Waving her hands and feet!

    ...

    Before dawn, the family was already busy.

    Father Jiang Changtian somehow took out a handful of rice.

    Mother Qin Luoxia took a stone mill out of the corner.

    Big brother Jiang Feng pushed the stone mill, sister Jiang Yu added rice to the stone mill.

    Watching the rice get ground into powder circle after circle by the stone mill.

    Jiang Yu carefully collected the powder into a bowl.

    Father heated up the wok, took out the firewood, leaving only the coals, letting the wok heat up at low heat, then poured the powder from the bowl into the wok to stir fry.

    Mother Qin Luoxia held Jiang Mianmian and watched.

    Jiang Mianmian watched attentively.

    Watching the whole family busy making food for her, she felt a little embarrassed.

    Soon, the powder gave off aroma, then Father scooped up the powder into a pot, took out a spoonful, and dissolved it with hot water.

    The wok used to fry the rice powder was not wasted either, he poured in water and boiled it.

    Father, big brother, and sister each drank a big bowl of wok washing water.

    While Jiang Mianmian ate the stir-fried rice powder dissolved in hot water, with the roasted rice aroma, this was rice porridge, soft and easy to swallow, veryfortable in the stomach.

    She quickly finished one bowl, babbling that she wanted more, but Mother did not give her more.

    Mother rinsed the bowl she used to eat rice porridge with hot water, then drank the bowl rinsing water, that was considered eating.

    The whole family except Jiang Mianmian just had some water to fill their stomachs.

    Day broke.

    Rooster and dog calls were heard from the vige.

    Jiang Mianmian was full and sleepy.

    Father Jiang Changtian yawned loudly, rushed off to work, Jiang Yu also had to go help at thendlord''s house, Jiang Feng ran off as usual.

    Qin Luoxia on the contrary felt very spirited.

    She felt that she could still chop firewood to fill another courtyard, just that there was no more firewood at home.

    Thinking of this, she tied the baby to her chest, carried a bamboo basket on her back, and went to the back mountain.

    Her home was at the edge of the vige, and the mountain was right behind.

    Qin Luoxia was very capable atbor, diligent, after finishing household chores, she could only go into the mountain to look for things.

    She didn''t n on going far, just wanted to look around the mountainside, to see if there were any herbs she could pick, dry, and exchange for some money.

    Jiang Mianmian slept soundly in Mother''s arms.

    She even dreamed she was riding an airne.

    The airne was descending, "Ah ah ah ah" descending fast.

    It was going too fast and she was a little scared, abruptly opening her eyes.

    She saw a scene of green.

    Green leaves, blue sky, white clouds, Mother''s chin.

    She exhaled.

    Then she felt Mother''s strong heartbeat, and strong chest muscles.

    "Yiya yaya!" she cried out.

    Wanting to eat, wanting to eat.

    Hearing the baby cry out, Qin Luoxia immediately felt her breasts were full, her thin clothes instantly wet.

    She didn''t have milk while she was in confinement after giving birth, didn''t expect there would be so much milk after confinement.

    She felt her body was fine now, after emptying all night, she should be able to breastfeed the baby now.

    So she found a big rock to sit on, opened up her clothes, and started nursing.

    The weather was still hot, but the mountain breeze blew, dispelling the heat.

    Sounds of insects and birds in the trees, calling into her ears.

    Jiang Mianmian suckled vigorously with the nipple in her mouth.

    Mother drank the Magic Spring Water, and emptied the toxins from her body, so the milk was very fragrant now.

    Sweet and nourishing.

    Jiang Mianmian drank loudly, like someone was squeezing a bottle and pouring milk into her throat.

    Too fast, couldn''t keep up at all, excess milk directly flowed from the corners of her mouth.

    Qin Luoxia attentively held the baby and patted her back, also taking the chance to rest a bit.

    As Jiang Mianmian was drinking, she got a little tired, and Mother thoughtfully switched sides for her.

    As soon as she started drinking from the other side, her eyes bulged wide, toothless little mouth gaping.

    Behind Mother was a cliff, on the cliff was a little bear cub, tumbling down the cliff...

    The little bear cub crashed straight into the rock and was knocked out.

    Jiang Mianmian was shocked with her mouth wide open, then closed it, a mouthful of rich milk poured down her throat.

    This was probably "waiting by the tree stump for a rabbit (bear)"...

    Will ite again tomorrow?

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8

    "Tweet tweet tweet."

    "Chirp chirp chirp."

    "Rustle rustle rustle"

    "Ribbit ribbit."

    In the afternoon mountain, the sounds of various insects and bird calls interwove, the wind stroked the tree leaves like a qin yer caressing the strings.

    Qin Luoxia gathered a full basket of grass.

    Some could be used as medicine, some could be cooked as vegetables to fill the belly.

    Under the grass there was also an unlucky little ck bear, who for some reason, urgently tumbled down the cliff, then urgently crashed into a rock, knocking itself unconscious.

    She walked against the nting sun, carrying the bear on her back, and her cub in her arms, heading home.

    Usually after a day ofbor in the mountains, her back and waist should ache, but for some reason today, her waist did not hurt nor her legs tire, she walked with vigor.

    Qin Luoxia attributed it to having had a good postpartum rest.

    She jogged lightly down the mountain in a few steps.

    The bird and insect sounds gradually faded, the chicken and dog sounds grew louder ¡ª she was nearly home.

    And at this time, Jiang Mianmian also slowly awoke.

    Mother''s embrace was tooforting, she had slept very soundly.

    The scents of the big mountain felt very refreshing, it also let her sleep veryfortably, giving her a feeling of returning to nature.

    As they neared the vige, the refreshing scent mingled with a peculiar lingering smell of manure...

    Jiang Mianmian felt a little ufortable as she awoke, seeing her mother''s round chin, the eaves of her home, she became happy again.

    Once indoors.

    Jiang Mianmian was first ced by her mother in a wooden tub to sprawlfortably.

    She stretched her arms and legs, then couldn''t resist starting to practice stretches, using her hands to pull her little feet, she didn''t know why, but this move felt veryfortable. As she pulled, she even couldn''t resist putting her little feet in her mouth,pletely unable to control herself...

    Qin Luoxia was nearby hanging up the freshly picked herbs to dry, newly picked herbs had to be spread out to dry, otherwise if piled together they would rot.

    As mother hung the herbs, Jiang Mianmiany sprawled in the tub, asionally gazing towards the nearby bamboo basket, she was still thinking about that little bear.

    It was a bit strange.

    And a bit scary, but mostly just curious.

    She was weak yet loved to y.

    Although now she could only babble, and her hands could only reach her feet, she could pee and poop without needing to remove her pants.

    But after all, she was a reincarnator with special abilities!

    Looking at the little bear in the basket, she was already anticipating, that with the spiritual spring in her hands, she could raise a spiritual bear, take it out with her, and have great face.

    Indeed, opportunities are for those who are prepared.

    Just as mother went indoors to fetch a winnowing basket.

    The basket suddenly tipped over.

    Then the knocked out silly little bear rolled out from inside.

    Its eyes weren''t even open yet it crawled straight to Jiang Mianmian''s wooden tub.

    Jiang Mianmian smelled a stench.

    Much worse than her dad''s smell.

    Like an ape''s.

    And as the little bear stretched its head closer with its mouth open, the smell grew stronger.

    Jiang Mianmian was so frightened she even forgot to scream.

    Damn, she was done for!

    She wanted to raise a bear but ended up feeding one instead.

    The cowardly Jiang Mianmian, even if she wasn''t a coward, with her current infant strength she still couldn''t climb out of this wooden tub.

    Just at this critical moment, right before the tragic ending, a big foot suddenly flew over and kicked the little bear away.

    Qin Luoxia was also given a fright.

    She didn''t expect that during the time she went indoors to fetch a winnowing basket, the blind bear would actually wake up.

    Luckily her legs were quick.

    Seeing the blind bear moving towards her darling''s face, her legs reacted faster than her brain.

    Jiang Mianmian also let out a loud wail.

    Scared the baby stiff.

    Not just hugging mother tightly, but also tightly clutching at mother''s clothes.

    Qin Luoxia also broke out in a cold sweat from the scare, that scene just now, she didn''t dare imagine further.

    Just thinking about it made her shiver slightly.

    She cursed herself for being so careless.

    That was a blind bear!

    Qin Luoxia currently only knew one way to soothe her baby.

    Lifting her top.

    Sure enough, as Jiang Mianmian sucked on her soft, pillowy feeding bowl, she gradually calmed down.

    But she kept huping and trembling as she drank, the shock still in her little heart.

    When she finished drinking, she still didn''t want toe down, insisting on staying stuck to mother.

    She was frightened.

    It was a bear, a real bear...

    Qin Luoxia then tied her daughter to her chest as she worked.

    Jiang Mianmian feltpletely secure.

    Unlike other elders who would perform "mming to the ground" on babies who fell, mother instead directly stewed a pot of bear soup that night...

    As a supplement to their meal.

    In the middle of the night, Jiang Mianmian still unconsciously cried out awake in fright twice.

    Timid, shameful, afraid, she really was afraid.

    In her baby physique, the little bear in her eyes was about the same size as a fully grown big grizzly.

    It left a bit of a psychological shadow...

    The next day.

    Sunny weather.

    The sunshine melted away the gloom.

    Jiang Mianmiany sprawledfortably in the wooden tub, no pants on, basking her bare bottom.

    Ancient childcare methods admittedly did have some merit.

    Although she personally felt a little embarrassed, lying there basking her butt still felt ratherfortable.

    Moreover at home there was no one else besides mother.

    Jiang Mianmian contentedly sprawled there, asionally still practicing lifting her head.

    Then she noticed not far away on the ground there was actually a group of little ants, ck little ants.

    Her wish to raise a bear had thoroughly died.

    If she couldn''t raise a bear, could she still not raise ants?

    Little coward Jiang started intently staring at the little ants.

    She silently waited, quite patiently.

    Mainly because she didn''t have any patience to look elsewhere, turning her head and such took great effort and was tiring.

    When one little ant crawled over, nearing her, she cautiously stretched out her arm, extended a finger, dropped a tiny droplet of spiritual spring water that just happened tond on that ant.

    The little ck antpletely froze in ce.

    Then the spiritual spring water on its body swiftly disappeared, yet the little ant did not leave, instead raising its head and waving its antennae looking all around.

    Jiang Mianmian wanted to observe it further, but she was flipped over by someone.

    Qin Luoxia dressed her daughter and picked her up to feed milk.

    Jiang Mianmian still wanted to look for that little ant, but she was no match for mother.

    She fed a little absentmindedly, wouldn''t that one droplet of spiritual spring water have gone to waste!

    Just then, Qin Luoxia felt her sole itch, she moved her foot away, then continued rocking while hugging and feeding the baby.

    A ck ant with a crumpled antenna wandered around the wooden tub in confusion...

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9

    The weather is hot.

    The sunlight is scorching.

    Thick clouds drift across the sky, blocking the sun.

    But it doesn''t get any cooler, it''s like a steamer with the lid on, even more stifling.

    Qin Luoxia looks up at the sky and feels like it''s going to rain.

    She prepares to collect the herbs she has dried, lest they get wet and go to waste.

    There are more ants on the ground, probably sensing the moisture in the air.

    It''s going to rain.

    A group of worker ants busilye out to find food.

    Their diet is varied.

    They love to eat insects, as well as some leaves, fungi, and honeydew.

    There are also sweet-loving and savory-loving ants in the ant colony.

    The sweet-loving ants cannot resist honeydewpletely, and if presented with both honeydew and insect carcasses, they will only choose the honeydew.

    The savory-loving ants are meat-eaters by nature, so they will definitely choose insects first.

    And Little ck, let''s call it Little ck for now, is a standard sweet-loving ant, obsessed with honeydew.

    It doesn''t know why a liquid that is a hundred times more fragrant than honeydew suddenly falls from the sky, covering itpletely. After drinking it, it suddenly has a bit of contemtion.

    It is stepped on by a giant foot, and if it were before, it would either die or be half-maimed, but this time it only bends its antennae, and surprisingly, nothing happens to it.

    It feels like its whole body has be hard.

    There is a strong attraction that makes it circle around the huge, mountain-like wooden basin.

    Then it encounters another ant.

    Little ck is frightened and takes two steps back because it senses that its scent has changed and is afraid of being discovered by itspanions.

    But when it tries to retreat, it bumps into another ant of the same kind.

    In its little brain, it somehow knows that if its scent is different and it mixes in, it will be torn apart and treated as food.

    Little ck cleverly tries to run away, but finds that more and more ants of the same kind are gathering around it.

    It''s not that they are going to attack it, but they are following it.

    Little ck finds a corner and deliberately meets a lone antpanion. At this moment, it has a thought that if it touches antennae with the other ant and the other party finds out that it''s different, it will strike first, feeling that it can easily tear the other one apart.

    "Touch!"

    A gentle collision, exchanging pheromones at the same time.

    There is no attack, and the ant that collided with it shows a friendly and even affectionate attitude towards it. After a while, the antpanion that collided with it actually brings it a piece of insect meat.

    Little ck is surprised and delighted.

    Its first reaction is to drag the meat back to the nest for the queen to eat.

    After dragging a few steps, it suddenly stops, a question mark appearing in its mind. Why?

    Why should it work so hard to find food for the queen until it dies of exhaustion? Why? Who is it? Why is it alive? What is it doing?

    Little ck''s ant brain sends out simr soul-searching questions to itself.

    The questions are tooplicated and fleeting, and it is once again dominated by another strong desire, to drink honeydew, to drink honeydew, to drink honeydew...

    ...

    A baby''s sleep time is always very sufficient.

    After drinking milk, it''s like being hit with a sleep point.

    Jiang Mianmian easily forgot about the little ant, sinking into her mother''s embrace and falling asleep.

    She was awakened by a knock on the door.

    Startled, her heart pounded in her chest.

    Opening her eyes, she realized it was still daytime.

    Her vision was still a bit blurry.

    Finding herself still in her mother''s arms, she calmed her racing heart.

    Adjusting to afortable waking posture.

    The door was pushed open.

    Doors in the vige were usually left unlocked during the day.

    Entering was a sturdy woman.

    Jiang Mianmian thought her mother was already a tall woman, but the woman who entered was even stronger, making her mother seem slender inparison.

    The sturdy woman entered first, followed by a particrly dignified olddy.

    Although she had wrinkles, you would still find her quite beautiful.

    Her features were delicate, and her skin was fair.

    Jiang Mianmian was curious about the neers, but then heard her mother call out, "Mother."

    Wait, this was her mother''s mother? Her grandmother? No, that''s not right...

    Her eyesight was exceptionally good now.

    Although the olddy was dressed inly, her clothes seemed to have had patterns on them before. Having patterns on clothes was quite rare these days, and having colors was even rarer, let alone patterns.

    At least she was well-off.

    The olddy had a lotus-like face, dressed in a way that didn''t fit in with the vige, and even had servants.

    Her gaze held not only pride but also a sense of innocence.

    Her father, Jiang Changtian, also had exceptional looks, quite different from the uncles and grandfathers in the vige.

    If not for their family background, she would have thought her father was at least a schr, if not an official. She didn''t expect him to be just a farmer, and andless one at that.

    So this woman, should she be her father''s mother?

    So this was her grandmother?

    She had been born for over a month, and her grandmother hadn''te to visit, which was a bit strange.

    The sturdy woman came in, looked around, found a seat, and diligently cleaned it. She took out a handkerchief from her pocket and spread it out before letting the olddy sit down.

    This olddy had servants, so their family should be wealthy.

    Others referred to her father as Second Jiang, so she spected that her father had at least an older brother, Oldest Jiang, but people in the vige rarely mentioned him.

    Even her own family didn''t talk about it, which seemed a bit odd.

    Jiang Mianmian''s infant brain was spinning rapidly, feeling a bit dizzy.

    After the olddy sat down, her back remained straight, with a very graceful demeanor.

    Her neck had wrinkles, but it was slender.

    A swan-like neck, with a high cor that looked very elegant.

    Her gaze fell on Jiang Mianmian, naturally exuding a kind ofpassionate love, making Jiang Mianmian feel uneasy.

    She buried her head in her mother''s arms and stuck out her bottom.

    Normally, with this movement, her mother would have already lifted her clothes to breastfeed her.

    But at this moment, Qin Luoxia remained solemn, gently patting her daughter''s back without doing anything else.

    This mother-inw was quite terrifying.

    She seemed kind and gentle on the surface, but could make someone feel like they would rather be dead.

    When she had just entered, Jiang Mianmian thought her mother-inw was a good person.

    Qin Luoxia had to endure her mother-inw''s kind and gentle words, allowing her husband to bear the disgraceful reputation of being unfilial, cutting off his path to the imperial examination and condemning him to a lifetime of struggling in the countryside.

    "Mother, is there something you need?" Qin Luoxia stood on guard.

    The olddy''s gaze fell on Jiang Mianmian, wearing a look of pity.

    But she remained silent.

    It was the robust woman who spoke first, "Giving birth to a son who bes a wanderer, and a daughter who serves as a maid in others'' homes, why bother bringing another one into a life of suffering and shame?"

    The olddy seemed to disapprove of her tone, furrowing her brow slightly. She sighed in a gentle tone, "A Yao, don''t speak like that. After all, it''s a life."

    The olddy''s voice was pleasant, crisp, and if you closed your eyes, you might mistake her for a young girl. The tone was even and measured, like the standard Mandarin of this world.

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t make sense of the situation - was this a mockery, or genuinepassion?

    Qin Luoxia was equally puzzled by her mother-inw''s thoughts. She was always seen as a virtuous figure, like a female Bodhisattva who had never harmed even an ant.

    ming others for misdeeds was her specialty.

    Qin Luoxia held the baby closer, asking, "Mother, are you here to help us because you think we can''t make it?"

    The olddy''s gaze turned even more sympathetic, and with a Buddha-like demeanor, she said, "You, your actions are not appropriate."

    Though criticizing, her tone was soft and somewhat endearing.

    The robust woman continued with a stern face, "For the sake of being a maid, Yao sister spreads rumors and tarnishes others'' reputations. As a mother, you should reap what you sow. Spreading rumors, causing harm to others, bringing shame to the ancestors. If you still consider yourself part of the Jiang family, you should enforce family discipline."

    Jiang Mianmian was taken aback - how did this olddy seem to know everything?

    She was truly intimidating.

    And what family discipline?

    The olddy sighed again, "I can''t bear the title of ''mother.'' The Jiang family has held the position of vige head for generations, with no descendants serving as maids. Don''t be greedy and ruin Elder Sister Yu''s life."

    Qin Luoxia''s expression darkened, feeling anger within. During Jiang Mianmian''s difficult childbirth, when she went to request some grain, they actually beat her and chased her away.

    Even strangers in the vige would offer assistance during such times.

    Jiang Mianmian could sense her mother''s emotional turmoil. The round chin trembled.

    If it were someone else, Qin Luoxia would have kicked them out. But when it came to opposing the olddy, she always ended up on the losing side.

    That old woman surprisingly had more strength than her; she couldn''t win in a fight.

    Qin Luoxia looked at the baby in her arms, suppressing the mes in her chest.

    Having been in the Jiang family for so long and bearing three children, even as the head pig, she had learned a thing or two.

    Although she had a broad face and a sturdy figure, at this moment, she imitated the olddy''spassionate look, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, speaking in a calm tone:

    "Mrs. Jiang''s admonition is that my elder sister Yu is coarse and uncouth, even vying to be a servant. Unlike your family''s Elder Sister Wan, who has been literate and renowned since childhood, with graceful manners and a kind heart. She must be favored by the heavens, presumably not needing to serve as a maid but could directly be a concubine, don''t you think?"

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10

    Afternoon.

    The wind picked up and it started to rain.

    The ants hid away, except one that got left behind.

    The wind swept away the fragrant scent that Old Lady had left in the yard when she came by earlier.

    Old Lady smelled of sandalwood incense, as if she burned incense and prayed to Buddha every day.

    After Mother Qin said that.

    Old Lady¡¯s eyebrows and eyes, which were as beautiful as a Bodhisattva''s, twisted in anger.

    Her lips quivered in rage.

    When her lips trembled, her spitefulness finally showed.

    How dare this country bumpkinpare her precious Wan''er to others.

    It was preposterous.

    And that Strong Woman directly stretched out her sand pot-sized hands, about to hit them.

    Yet she did not expect to be blocked by Qin Luoxia.

    The Strong Woman¡¯s face turned red.

    She did not expect that after having a child, this country bumpkin would be so strong that she could block her attack?

    She had training.

    Old Lady¡¯s expression was ugly as she spoke, ¡°Qin, mind your own business. Too much injustice will lead to self-destruction. Evil deeds may not lead to immediate misfortune, but blessings have long left you. Yao, let¡¯s go.¡±

    The Strong Woman supported Old Lady as they left.

    What an odd pair.

    Jiang Mianmian was confused by them.

    She wondered if they got rained on along the way. For the first time, Jiang Mianmian wickedly hoped that someone would get drenched in the rain.

    Qin Luoxia was very angry.

    Rage billowed in her chest.

    But she had nowhere to vent it.

    Old Lady was slippery with words. Without evidence or facts, she always took the moral high ground. Whenever she decided you were in the wrong, she would condemn you for it.

    Qin Luoxia took a deep breath. She suddenly felt excited remembering how she had blocked that p today.

    Some said that giving birth and postpartum care could cure previous postpartum illnesses. Did giving birth to Mianmian cure her body?

    She started to work vigorously.

    So Jiang Mianmian watched Mother Qin carry the bed on her back... pick up the stone mill... move pirs... squat on the ground and scrub every corner clean.

    Shabby as it was, at least it was now spotless.

    Finally.

    It started pouring.

    The rain grew heavier.

    Pitter patter, swish swash.

    Jiang Mianmian was hungry, ¡°Yiya yiya¡± (Mother, mother, eat, eat).

    Qin Luoxia sat in a small bamboo chair under the eaves, nursing her daughter.

    Watching the heavy rain in the yard, she felt the wind turn cooler, and the anger in her chest gradually faded away.

    Let bygones be bygones.

    If it wasn¡¯t for Old Lady¡¯s sanctimonious behavior, she wouldn¡¯t have married Master Jiang.

    She should even thank Old Lady.

    The soft rain continued. The sky darkened early.

    That wastrel Jiang Feng still did note home early as usual.

    Like always, he only returned home at dinnertime.

    Today he somehow brought back a piece of red cloth, beaming as he handed it to Mother Qin.

    Qin Luoxia was displeased and ignored him without scolding.

    It was almostpletely dark by the time Jiang Yu came back from doing odd jobs at thendlord¡¯s house. She returned empty handed and unhappy, ¡°Mother, I don¡¯t need to go there anymore starting tomorrow. Lady Cui has agreed to let Cui marry the guard at Landlord Liu¡¯s house. Cui can formally work at Landlord Liu¡¯s house from now on.¡±

    Qin Luoxia only absentmindedly murmured in response.

    It was only when Jiang Changtian returned home that Qin Luoxia perked up.

    Her husband was clever and could give her advice whenever she encountered problems.

    She was a little worried about her eldest daughter. Whenever Old Lady didn¡¯t speak she was fine, but whenever she opened her mouth, it seemed like nothing could stop her from aplishing what she wanted.

    Surprisingly, today Jiang Changtian brought home a bag with four meat buns.

    Four plump meat buns.

    One was squished.

    As Jiang Mianmian watched her father elegantly pull them out of his wide sleeves, steam still rose from them.

    They seemed freshly steamed and smelled fragrant. She had not seen buns in so long.

    Though they called them meat buns here, not baozi.

    Four round buns.

    One squished.

    ¡°What good fortune did you have today Father, to bring home meat buns?¡± Since there were four, Jiang Yu did not stand on courtesy and grabbed one. She took a bite with her hands and asked, satisfied.

    Jiang Changtian smiled, ¡°Your father got a promotion. From now on I will be a junior magistrate. My monthly sry has doubled. I suppose that calls for celebration. From now on, I can buy each of you meat buns once a month. Does that sound good?¡±

    Jiang Feng grabbed a meat bun and handed it to Mother before taking the squished one for himself. He took a huge bite, then another, and finished it in three bites.

    With puffed, full cheeks, he swallowed it all down. Only after kneading his stomach did he speak up, ¡°What about the previous magistrate Wu? He was difficult to deal with. Last time when Mother gave birth to my little sister, I went looking for you and bumped into him. He kicked me and it still hurts here. If he got promoted too, your job would have be even harder Father.¡±

    Jiang Changtian slowly and gracefully finished thest meat bun before replying leisurely, ¡°He died. He was caught stealing government property and beaten to death.¡±

    Silence followed.

    Jiang Mianmian¡¯s eyes went wide, pupils unfocused.

    Her little head still remembered her father mentioning something about stealing medicinal ingredients.

    And now, ah...

    Qin Luoxia was also shocked.

    She was already in a bad mood today. Hearing her husband¡¯s words...

    She showed an uglier smile than a crying face.

    ¡°Death is better than suffering. This world...¡±

    It seemed everyone in the family had hardened hearts. No one mentioned it again and instead they happily prepared dinner.

    Jiang Yu said delightedly, ¡°It¡¯s perfect that I don¡¯t have to work tomorrow. I can stay home and take care of my sister. Father got promoted so we won¡¯t starve anymore.¡±

    After the meat buns padded their stomachs, tonight¡¯s wild vegetable soup tasted even more bitter.

    But everyone ate with big gulps.

    Eat your fill so you won¡¯t wake up hungry midnight.

    Jiang Mianmian sucked her fingers as she nursed. Not taking part in the wild vegetable soup.

    Watching her older siblings with greenplexions.

    Her schrly-looking father was also skin and bones.

    Yet today, Mother had a glowing, oilyplexion and sturdy limbs.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to find an chance to add some spring water to the vegetable soup, at least to improve their health.

    It had been an informative day, full of information.

    Jiang Mianmianpletely forgot about the ant she had fed a drop of spiritual spring water.

    That little ant had already built a home under the wooden basin.

    Her older siblings yed with her for a while. She was determined to conserve her energy and listen in from her bed corner tonight.

    Finally lying in her mother¡¯s arms.

    Lulled to sleep as her mother coaxed her. ced aside.

    In the dark of night.

    She stared wide-eyed, listening to the rustling sounds.

    She saw her father bury his head in her mother¡¯s embrace...

    A muffled voice softly traveled in the darkness, ¡°Wu led me step-by-step. I should have thanked him, but when I learned he wanted to frame me to take the fall, I reported him first. He died, I lived, and took over his position too.¡±

    ¡°Xiaomei, I was terrified afterwards, yet I feel happier. I really am the unfilial and unrighteous petty man you called me. Living is so hard.¡±

    In the darkness.

    Her mother¡¯srge hand slowly caressed her father¡¯s bony back.

    So her father was very thin after all.

    His protruding spine.

    His usual wide robes made him seem refined.

    Jiang Mianmian nibbled on her own little foot. Tears suddenly wet her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

    Her little foot tasted a little salty.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11

    Morning.

    Not cool.

    The room was stuffy.

    Father got up early to go to work.

    There was no wind outside the door either.

    Jiang Mianmian was still sleepy, her eyes not even open yet, but she started eating.

    After eating her fill, she peed passively, then fell back asleep.

    When she opened her eyes again, she saw Eldest sister Jiang Yu''s round chin.

    It was rare for Eldest sister to be home with her in the middle of the day.

    Eldest sister''s chin was round yet delicate.

    Her face was also smaller, without cheek fat.

    Actually Eldest sister was quite pleasant looking, with the fortune of good looks.

    If she just looked like Mom, she would be a bit silly round, but with a touch of Father''s features, she looked more delicate, with fortunate roundness.

    She was the type elders liked.

    It was just best if Eldest sister didn''t speak.

    When she talked, she was always a bit harsh, saying whatever didn''t sound nice.

    Jiang Mianmian turned her head left and right, didn''t see a sign of Mom, sniffed her nose and didn''t smell Mom''s scent either.

    She guessed Mom was probably not home, so she didn''t fuss, knowing it was useless since she couldn''t get milk anyway.

    Shey nicely in her wooden basin and yed.

    Spreading her little legs.

    Eldest sister sat next to her sewing dexterously, threading the needle back and forth.

    Jiang Mianmian watched for a while, feeling her eyes were going to be poked blind, unable to keep staring at the needle.

    She had to divert her attention.

    She turned her head, and just saw a ck ant.

    Standing properly on the edge of her basin.

    Really standing.

    Like it was showing off its abs, thin waist, arms and legs.

    Just it had a few too many arms and legs.

    Jiang Mianmian remembered this was the little ant she had fed spiritual spring water.

    It was actually still here, she thought it had run off.

    Seeing the little ck ant now, she felt it was a bit bigger, seemingly a whole sizerger than yesterday.

    She didn''t dare make a peep, afraid that drop of spiritual spring water she fed it would be wasted if she did.

    She felt her whole family was quite ferocious.

    If Eldest sister saw this ant, she could pinch it dead with a fingertip.

    She gently extended her hand, looking at the little ant, then closed her eyes, and pushed the ant off the edge of the basin with her hand.

    If her hand could grab anything else, she would have used an object to push it.

    But she couldn''t grab anything.

    Opening her eyes, the ant was indeed gone.

    Jiang Mianmian immediately started crying out.

    Waving her hands, wanting to wash her hands.

    But her older sister Jiang Yu couldn''t understand what her little sister was saying.

    Seeing her wave her arms around crying out, she thought Jiang Mianmian had peed, so she came over to change her diaper. Seeing the diaper was dry, she thought she must be hungry instead, and went to the kitchen to make thin rice flour paste for her.

    Jiang Mianmian resignedly ate the rice paste, taking the chance to wipe her hand on Eldest sister''s body several times, before feeling settled inside.

    She ate the rice paste quickly, the bottom of the bowl was basically clean, but Eldest sister still forcefully scraped the bowl with a spoon, making a piercing sound. It seemed she was swallowing saliva as she scraped.

    Jiang Mianmian closed her mouth and stopped eating.

    Well, no one was around, so Eldest sister could secretly take a bite.

    The osmanthus cake you fed mest time wasn''t as tasty as this rice paste.

    But before she realized, Eldest sister pinched her chin, forcing her to open her mouth, and thatst half spoonful of rice paste was shoved into her mouth too.

    Jiang Mianmian ate with a warm heart.

    Although the bowl was scraped extremely clean, not a speck left, Eldest sister still rinsed it with a bowl of water, carefully drinking it all.

    After drinking the water, which had no taste at all, Eldest sister still carefully licked the bowl all over with her tongue.

    In the sunlight, the bowl shined slick and clean.

    Jiang Mianmian thought her sister''s actions were a bit shameful.

    Luckily no outsiders were present, only herself, an infant who couldn''t speak, saw it.

    Just as she thought there were no outsiders, there was a knock at the door.

    The door opened.

    It wasn''t Mom.

    It was an extremely beautiful young girl.

    Calling her exquisite would not be an exaggeration.

    The girl had a fairplexion with a hint of pink, clear bright eyes.

    She was dressedvishly, with a hair ornament of silver hairpins, not like Cui''s Mother''s old silver hairpins, but glittering thin delicate butterfly hairpins, crafted so finely even Chow Tai Fook would kneel in admiration, like a butterfly hadnded on her head.

    Her hair was jet ck and lustrous, extremely thick.

    Not messy and dull yellow like Eldest sister''s round face.

    The girl had an oval face, red lips, giving a good impression at first sight.

    Her lined corless garment wasyered, although not new, butpared to Eldest sister''s coarse hemp cloth, worlds apart.

    Could this be Eldest sister''s stic best friend Cui? She was too beautiful.

    Not what she imagined at all.

    Then she heard Eldest sister speak: "Jiang Wan, what are you doing here, you''re not wee, if you trip and hurt yourself, we can''t afford to pay."

    The girl was also surnamed Jiang?

    Not Cui.

    Jiang Mianmian was even more curious.

    The girl looked at Jiang Mianmian with slight pity in her eyes, and quickly nced away, as if unable to bear looking at her for long.

    That look, it made Jiang Mianmian feel, as if she might not live for long.

    Her heart had a cold feeling.

    "Eldest sister Yu, you misunderstood,st time I fell was because I was careless, not your fault. I came today to give you things."

    Only then did Jiang Mianmian notice the girl was holding arge bundle.

    The bundle wrapping was brand new cloth, not like anything from this family.

    "Last time my mother wrongly med you, I was unconscious and didn''t know. I just woke up and specially came to give youpensation and apologies. Don''t look down on these, I wore them before but I extremely liked them."

    Jiang Yu impatiently said: "I don''t want them, my mother said taking even a scallion stalk from your family, we''d have topensate an acre ofnd."

    Although Jiang Yu spoke harshly, Jiang Wan didn''t get angry and amiablyughed: "Eldest sister Yu, I snuck here, took great pains toe."

    Although Jiang Yu spoke nastily, she still got up and found a clean bowl, pouring a cup of water for her.

    "We don''t have tea, just cold water, drink if you like."

    Jiang Wan good-naturedly took the bowl, her slick jade bangle on her wrist collided with the chipped ceramic bowl, making a crisp clinking sound.

    ...

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12

    The morning breeze was rather mild.

    Jiang Mianmian opened her mouth wide, then closed it again.

    Seeing the youngdy being so polite, she actually felt a little embarrassed.

    She felt that her and elder sister''s mischief had gone a bit too far.

    But she wouldn''t say anything about it.

    She stood next to elder sister Jiang Yu.

    Jiang Yu also lowered her head.

    However, Jiang Wan only took a sip, praised it, and then put down the bowl.

    She opened up her package, and showed Jiang Yu what she had brought.

    Jiang Mianmian was also curious about what was inside.

    She cried "Yiya ya" to indicate she wanted to see.

    Jiang Yu didn''t know what her little sister was up to. Seeing her shout, she just picked her up.

    Inside the package was a set of clothes and a pair of embroidered shoes.

    They weren''t new. Jiang Mianmian could see the colors on the clothes had faded, they had been washed at least several times. The shoe tips showed some wear.

    But Jiang Yu''s eyes shone brightly, extremely excited.

    Jiang Mianmian could feel elder sister''s grip on her tighten.

    If Jiang Yu wasn''t holding her little sister, she wouldn''t have been able to stop herself from touching the clothes.

    Although they were old, the clothes still retained some color and patterns. The fabric was smooth and sleek, different from her own coarse cloth.

    The embroidered shoes were even more beautiful.

    The colors were bright.

    The butterflies on them looked lifelike, with small pearl beads decorating the wings.

    The little pearls shone in the sunlight.

    Seeing Jiang Yu''s expression, Jiang Wan knew she would like them.

    Her fair and delicate hands were also reluctant to stop touching the shoes. These were custom made for her by mother, along with the silver hairpin she wore. Unfortunately the shoes were too small, she couldn''t fit them.

    She liked this cheongsam very much too, but the hem was a bit short.

    She couldn''t wear it either.

    "I heard from Aunt Yao that you were going to the Provincial Capital. You mustn''t go, it''s dangerous there, trust me. Elder sister Jiang Yu, I''m doing this for your own good. Do you still remember, when I was little and naughty and climbed a tree, I fell down by ident, and you were below to cushion me, otherwise I would have died from the fall. I won''t harm you." Jiang Wan spoke earnestly and sincerely.

    Even Jiang Mianmian was inclined to like this youngdy upon hearing this.

    She seemed different from the old woman and maid from yesterday, at least clearly distinguishing right from wrong.

    But then she heard her own elder sister say: "I didn''t intentionally cushion you, I was just unlucky."

    Jiang Mianmian thought...elder sister, sometimes you really don''t need to speak.

    Jiang Wan had an earnest and persistent expression: "In any case, elder sister Jiang Yu, you''re my lifesaver. Remember, you mustn''t go to the Provincial Capital."

    Jiang Yu was a little impatient: "I know, mother certainly won''t let me go. In the past you called me second elder sister, now you call me elder sister Jiang Yu, you''re usually smart, stop pretending to be kind-hearted, a cat crying over a mouse. Hurry back, if you get hurt at our home, we really can''t afford to pay."

    Jiang Wan wasn''t angry at being rebuffed, only said: "I can''t stay long, if mother knows I came to find you, she''ll be angry. Anyway I''m doing this for your sake. I''ll leave first then."

    "Who cares if you came, hurry and go."

    Jiang Yu waved her hand to chase her away.

    Watching Jiang Wan leave, she closed the door with a "bang", somewhat fierce.

    After closing the door, Jiang Yu was still a little worried, peeking out through the crack in the door.

    Jiang Mianmian also stuck out her head to peek along the crack.

    Seeing Jiang Wan hadn''t gone far before someone came to fetch her, Jiang Yu gave a loud snort: "Sure enough, a young miss going out."

    Jiang Yu put her little sister down.

    Then went to look through the package again.

    She carefully searched it once more, there was no money hidden.

    What the family needed most right now was money to buy food.

    She had thought Jiang Wan''s insincere kindness would have left her some money.

    Jiang Yu sat dumbly in front of the fancy clothes and shoes for a while, not daring to touch the clothes. The fabric was so sleek, she was worried her coarse hands would rub and tear it.

    She picked up the shoes.

    So beautiful.

    Especially in the sunlight.

    She was still a young girl after all, loving beauty and finery was in her nature.

    Holding the shoes, her mouth still grumbled: "You give me your unused ragged clothes and shoes out of charity, and expect me to be grateful with tearing eyes. If my father could have taken the exams, I could have worn these too. I''ve heard the schr in the vige say my father had exceptional literary talent. Insincere kindness, fake kindness!"

    Yet she also couldn''t help herself, undoing the shoes.

    She took off her own straw sandals, wanting to try them on.

    Before even putting them on, she could feel she would look extremely beautiful wearing them.

    Jiang Mianmian watched elder sister force her big feet into the tiny embroidered shoes, the shoes swelled up. Elder sister carefully stood up and walked unsteadily.

    The butterflies on the little shoes also swayed as if about to take flight.

    It was very painful to wear, but Jiang Yu was still a bit excited. She walked over to Jiang Mianmian and asked: "Do they look good?"

    Jiang Mianmian: "Yiya ya, yiya ya, yiya ya, yiya ya." (Don''t wear them, elder sister. I''ll buy you bigger shoes in the future. These don''t fit.)

    "Hahaha, you want to wear them too? You''re so little, can''t even walk. Wait, when you grow up, elder sister will earn money to buy nice shoes for you."

    Jiang Yu was reluctant to take off the embroidered shoes.

    She carefully walked a few more circles in the yard wearing them.

    By the time her forehead was sweating, worried that her sweaty feet would dirty the shoes, she finally sat down and gingerly removed the shoes.

    As a result, just after this short time, the back of her heels had chafed and bled. The blood stained the embroidered shoes, making the colors even more vivid.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13

    It rained yesterday.

    Today it is not as hot.

    There is both sunshine and wind.

    Jiang Wan left.

    There is still a faint scent lingering in the courtyard.

    It is not just the fragrance from Jiang Wan''s body, but also the old clothes she left behind carried the fragrance.

    Jiang Mianmian does not really like that smell.

    Jiang Yu sits on the wooden post in the yard, concentrating on tearing off the cracked heel of her foot.

    The pain makes her whimper and tears roll down.

    Jiang Mianmian feels the pain just watching.

    Her little fists tighten unconsciously.

    As a result, after sister tore off the skin on her heel, she did not even treat it, just rinsed it with the cool water in the yard. Seeing that it stopped bleeding, she started sewing again.

    Lying in a small wooden basin, Jiang Mianmian watches her sister happily working again.

    Sister''s personality is quite good. Other than speaking unpleasantly, she is happy most of the time.

    She also does not hold grudges.

    Jiang Mianmian''s infant brain ponders for a while, then feels tired again and wants milk.

    As she turns her head, she sees that little ant has crawled up again.

    Persevering, it carefully crawls on the edge of the wooden basin.

    It is very close. She can see that the little ant is very fit.

    It has good proportions and looks nice - thin waist, six legs seem delicate but powerful.

    The head-body ratio is at least nine heads. The body is slender, dark and shiny, as if with a shell. The tail looks a bit like a chicken heart, with two lines on it, giving it a mysterious feel.

    On its head there are not only two antennae, but also two pincers. The pincers look quite sharp. If it bites her it would definitely hurt a lot.

    She can''t find its eyes, but it seems like the little ck ant is watching her.

    Thinking this, Jiang Mianmian reaches out her hand again, moves closer to the little ant slowly, closes her eyes, and pushes it away...

    Then she cries out, "Waah, waah, waah!"

    No one in the family understands that she is even afraid of ants. The more closely she looks, the more afraid she bes.

    Hearing her sister cry, Jiang Yu hurriedly gets up to check on her.

    Same routine - first pat her bottom. Okay, it''s wet...

    Change her diaper.

    Jiang Mianmian also takes the chance to wipe her ant-pushing finger on sister''s body a few more times.

    With a new diaper, sister does not sew anymore.

    She starts washing clothes.

    The family wears clothes quite thriftily, they don''t wash constantly, mainly just Jiang Mianmian''s diapers.

    Jiang Yu works very efficiently, the diapers she washes have no urine smell left at all.

    But her mouth does not stop.

    Although mother always reminds her to speak less when going out, to avoid trouble, right now she is at home, with only her sister in front, and Jiang Wan who just came and left.

    Jiang Yu has a bellyful of words to say.

    Although her sister may not understand, she cannot help but chatter on.

    "If mother sees I have taken Jiang Wan''s things when shees back, she will definitely be unhappy."

    Jiang Mianmian quickly responds: "Ah ah." (Yes yes)

    "Brother can take things from the prostitute, why can''t I take things from Jiang Wan''s side."

    "Yi ya ya ya" (You''re right)

    "But brother helped them with work, he took payment, I didn''t help Jiang Wan, she gave it to me for no reason. This must be what father said, gift for no reason, either adultery or theft. Whatever, since she gave it, not taking it would be a waste."

    Jiang Mianmian nods: "Ah ah." (That''s true too)

    Sister just keeps repeating herself in circles, not a single useful piece of information was received.

    Jiang Mianmian listens anxiously.

    As a result, when she turns her head again, hey, that little ck ant has crawled up again, crawled to the edge of the wooden basin again, and it even strenuously pushed a leaf on top?

    If you don''t look closely, you''d think a leaf just happened to fall on the basin.

    Jiang Mianmian watches as the little ant drags the leaf, one step, two steps, three steps forward, crawling to the spot she pushed it down before.

    Hiss!

    Does it think I''m ying with it?

    She really does not want to y.

    Or is it pushing the leaf over to thank her?

    It''s said ants eat leaves.

    Jiang Mianmian does not know how tomunicate with this little ant. If she also had antennae on her head that would be great, maybe touching tips would convey meaning.

    Watching the little antboriously dragging the leaf is quite amusing.

    She reaches out her hand, wanting to grab that leaf.

    Then she sees the little ant thinking she wants to push it again. Before her fingers even get close, it tightly grabs the leaf and jumps down first.

    Clutching the leaf, the little ant floats down slowly, like holding a parachute...float...float...

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14

    In the afternoon, it rained again.

    It was very cool.

    The leaves blown by the rain fell.

    There was a ck ant that didn''t know which leaf to hide in.

    Jiang Mianmian was on Elder Sister''s back, watching the rain.

    Elder Sister''s back was not as wide as Mom''s.

    Elder Sister did not have the milky smell of Mom on her body either.

    Elder Sister''s shoulders were a little thinner, and there was no fragrance on her body.

    When Elder Sister apanied her, she fed her, changed her diaper, washed her bottom, did needlework, washed diapers, turned over and dried herbs, cleaned up, and was very busy, basically without rest.

    At this moment, Elder Sister arched her back to make Jiang Mianmianfortable, swaying left and right.

    It made Jiang Mianmian feel like she was in a cradle.

    Jiang Mianmian unconsciously remembered the girl named Jiang Wan today.

    She was about the same age as her elder sister at home, graceful, with a straight back, long neck, slightly raised chin. She must not have to carry younger siblings or do so much work at home.

    Her face was t against Elder Sister¡¯s back, lifeless, hungry, and wanted milk.

    Until the courtyard door was pushed open.

    What caught her eye was a big tree?

    Uh...

    No, it was Mom, Mom carrying a tree?

    "Yaya Yaya!" (Mom, mom, it''s mom.)

    Seeing the person in the rain, it was Mom, Jiang Mianmian was extremely excited.

    Her neck even propped itself up.

    Qin Luoxia was carrying a tree and heard the child''s shout as soon as she entered the door.

    Her chest was instantly unbearably full, and she didn''t hold the baby for fear of getting wet.

    She went into the house first and changed her clothes.

    In the house, Jiang Yu had boiled hot water for washing.

    Qin Luoxia tidied up quickly, then reached out to hold the baby, and lifted her clothes.

    Jiang Mianmian satisfyingly hugged her big rice bowl, swallowing mouthfuls.

    After she was full, she hupped twice before she had time to think.

    But still unwilling to get out of Mom''s arms, clinging tightly to Mom.

    "Mom, where did you go today?" Jiang Yu was eager to show Mom what Jiang Wan had brought, but was afraid of being scolded, so she asked indirectly.

    Qin Luoxia looked a little awkward. She had gone up the mountain to collect herbs today. She had also waited for half the afternoon at the rock where she had fed the baby the other day until it rained, but the bear never came to hit it again, and she was drenched.

    Of course, this kind of thing should not be said to the child.

    However, on the way, she encountered a tree full of red fruits. Qin Luoxia felt that the baby would definitely like it, so she brought the whole tree back and could nt it at the door of the yard.

    "How were you at home today? Was Mianmian obedient and good?" Qin Luoxia asked.

    "Mianmian was very obedient."

    Jiang Yu still dared not say anything with whimpers.

    While Jiang Mianmian had taken a nap in Mom''s arms, when she opened her eyes again, Elder Brother and Father had returned home.

    Jiang Mianmian had just opened her eyes, her eyes were still a little blurred, and she felt she saw a piece of red.

    As a result, after rubbing her eyes, it was not an illusion, it was really a piece of red.

    Elder Brother''s head was bloody, which looked very scary.

    Jiang Mianmian was so frightened that her mouth was open without a sound.

    Today was really inauspicious, Elder Brother and Elder Sister both had a blood disaster.

    Mom and Father did not scold yet, but heard Elder Sister Jiang Yu scold first: "Brother, where did you go messing around again and get into this?"

    Elder Brother Jiang Feng''s head was still bleeding, but he still nonchntly said, "Fighting, hurt, the other side will not end well either."

    In fact, Jiang Feng felt a dull pain on his forehead, he just didn''t want Mom and Father to worry.

    Injured and bleeding must be painful.

    Jiang Mianmian watched and felt the pain was killing her, mainly the head part, and was worried that there might be other seque. This was ancient times with backward medicine.

    She didn''t dare to cry for fear of making things worse.

    Just stared at it carefully.

    At this point she was put in a basin, and saw the ck ant again, but had no mood to tease it.

    She saw the whole family busy.

    Mom and Father did not scold, but treated the wound.

    Mom grabbed a handful of herbs and smashed them hard in a stone mortar.

    Father cleaned the wounds with her diapers.

    Probably her diapers were the softest cloth in the whole family.

    Father held the diaper and soaked it in boiling water, then waited for the water to cool.

    It seemed that her whole family was slightly versed in medicine. Elder Sister knew to rinse the bleeding foot with cold water to stop the bleeding.

    And Father actually had the awareness to use boiled water.

    Was this aspect more widespread in this world?

    Watching Father help Elder Brother clean the wound, unable to see the details, Jiang Mianmian was anxious and couldn''t help shouting "Eh ya ya".

    Elder Sister Jiang Yu came over to hold her.

    Jiang Yu was bold, and actually held her to watch Elder Brother''s wound.

    It was bloody, with a hole broken open, but it was not a knife wound, it should be some sharp weapon that broke it. Jiang Mianmian remembers that she was a half-baked medical student before, who had just been assigned to intern at the hospital, and was still practicing stitching banana peels.

    She understood some things, but not everything.

    It was not a big knife wound, it should not require sutures.

    Even if suturing was required, there was no condition for it here.

    Watching Mom p the smashed herbs all over Elder Brother''s forehead, it looked like she had made him an aloe vera face mask.

    There were no bandages either, so Elder Brother could only lie on the recliner.

    After treating Elder Brother¡¯s wound, Mom and Elder Sister went to cook, and Elder Sister should feel guilty, so she followed Mom all day today and probably hadn¡¯t talked yet.

    Jiang Mianmian fell into Father''s arms.

    Father held her and sat on the small horse bench next to Elder Brother.

    "Who did you fight with? What was the reason? Did you win or lose?" Father asked slowly.

    Although he didn''t scold, Father was so fierce at this moment.

    Jiang Mianmiany in Father''s arms, thinking that fortunately she still couldn''t speak, otherwise she would get into trouble.

    Jiang Feng said:

    "I met Jiang Rong in the county town. He said I stole unwanted clothes and shoes from their home, and said our whole family were habitual thieves.

    I beat Jiang Rong and his two followers. One of the followers had a ck mole in the corner of his eye. I didn''t know him. He was very fierce with good fists and feet, and also brought weapons. I felt I would be beaten to death. I couldn''t beat him.

    So I deliberately hit the ce where the yamen patrols would pass by on their rounds. When I saw the yamen patrols, I smashed my head up. I got 22 taels of silver inpensation. I gave 10 taels to each of the two yamen elder brothers, and kept 2 taels for myself."

    In the room, Jiang Yu, who heard this, finally couldn''t help crying loudly: "Mom, I didn''t steal, I didn''t want it, it was given by Jiang Wan."

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15

    The heavens lowered the curtain of the night, pausing the raindrops. People returning home wouldn''t have to face the darkness or brave the rain.

    For dinner, Mother prepared a wild vegetable soup, a light and healthy broth without any meat, purely natural and free from pollution.

    There was certainly no need to worry about getting fatty liver or high blood pressure. However, there might be a risk of anemia and calcium deficiency.

    But I feel that Mother''s genes are quite powerful. Both my older brother Jiang Feng and my sister Jiang Yu, among the people here, have strong and robust appearances.

    Unlike today''s Jiang Wan, my sister, who doesn''t possess that graceful and delicate demeanor.

    Only Father is slightly thin. After all, he and Mother have no blood rtion. (Perfect logic, isn''t it?)

    From time to time in the evening, the sound of coughing could be heard. But Father couldn''t be too old, definitely not even thirty. People married early during this time, probably in their twenties.

    Listening to Father''s coughing, it sounded like he had caught a cold when he was young and never fully recovered from it. There should be some problem with his lungs.

    If it weren''t for Father''s good looks, a person who is exceptionally thin and coughs all the time would easily give the impression of being hunched and weak.

    After my older brother finished speaking, the sound of my sister''s crying came from inside the house.

    A gust of wind in the courtyard stirred up Father''s cough.

    Jiang Mianmian, who was being held in Father''s arms, felt the violent shaking of his chest.

    He wanted to hold back his cough, but it only made it worse.

    Father turned his face away, trying to avoid himself.

    Then Father quickly put Jiang Mianmian into my older brother''s arms.

    I saw Father sitting on the side, coughing uncontrobly.

    "Cough, cough, cough, cough, cough, cough..."

    Then his pale face turned red.

    With long ck hair cascading down, his fair face slightly flushed, tears streaming from his eyes due to the coughing, making them slightly wet. Sitting on a small stool, he even looked like a painting, exuding a sense of elegance.

    Jiang Mianmian was somewhat dumbfounded.

    But her thoughts were interrupted by the bundle thrown out by my sister.

    Jiang Yu was angry, anxious, and very upset.

    She was angry at herself for being so naive.

    Anxious because her family was really being falsely used of stealing.

    And heartbroken over my older brother''s injuries and why Jiang Wan was acting that way.

    The bundle was thrown onto the ground.

    Scattered all over.

    A pair of beautiful embroidered shoes stained with fresh blood.

    Faded clothes with vibrant patterns.

    The air was filled with fragrance.

    Jiang Yu''s nose turned red from anger and crying.

    Jiang Feng was lying on a recliner, holding his little sister.

    Jiang Mianmian, being held in his arms, stared nkly at the clothes on the ground, not daring to make a sound. It wasn''t her turn to voice her opinion at this moment.

    Mother Qin Luoxia stepped out and raised her hand, palm brushing through the air.

    Jiang Yu thought Mother was going to hit her, so she stubbornly closed her eyes, not running away, waiting to be beaten.

    Although she had never been beaten before, my older brother had been hit by Mother.

    Qin Luoxia raised her hand and picked up the bundle, patting it aside.

    Jiang Feng sneered and said to his sister, Jiang Yu, "Jiang Xiaoyu, are you stupid? When she sent it, it became ours. It''s such a waste to throw it around and damage it. That fabric, Li... whatever those sisters like the most, they would pay a good amount for it. I happen to be injured, so I can buy some delicious food to replenish myself, or else it would be in vain to endure the beating."

    Jiang Yu didn''t endure a beating, but she cried even louder.

    During the meal, she kept her head down and asionally shrugged her shoulders.

    She was genuinely heartbroken. Those shoes were so pretty, she only wore them once and her feet started bleeding.

    She should have worn them longer in the afternoon. It was a waste to bleed for nothing.

    The medicine on Jiang Feng''s head had dried up a bit, so he used a piece of cloth to wrap it.

    Jiang Mianmian estimated... it was still her diaper.

    Oh no, one diaper is missing. I don''t know if there''s enough time to change it.

    She didn''t want to be naked.

    The whole family sat neatly at the dining table.

    It was nice.

    Even though the older brother''s head was bleeding and the older sister''s feet were bleeding.

    Jiang Mianmian wanted to provide some spiritual spring water for her family, but as a baby, her ability to move was limited, and her mother wouldn''t bring her to the pot, probably afraid she would identally fall in.

    The whole family finished their meal.

    Nothing was left.

    Washing the dishes was simple.

    Just rinse them with water.

    Everyone finished eating, and now it was Jiang Mianmian''s turn.

    Jiang Mianmian held onto her mother and ate hungrily.

    Her mother had been out for most of the day, and she was a bit afraid of hunger. The bowl wasn''t in front of her, so she felt extremely insecure.

    After feeding the baby, Qin Luoxia prepared to nt the tree she brought.

    Jiang Mianmian fell into the embrace of her older brother.

    Probably because her older brother was injured today and didn''t have to work, he took on the rxing task of holding the baby.

    Jiang Yu, who had cried earlier, was surprisingly silent and had not made a sound all this time.

    Now she obediently helped her mother pass the tools.

    Her older brother held her with one hand and couldn''t help but pick the red fruits from the tree with the other hand.

    He picked one and put it in his mouth.

    Jiang Mianmian saw her older brother eating and wanted some too.

    She stretched out her hand and made a "ya ya ya" sound.

    She opened her mouth, wanting to eat.

    But then she saw her older brother chew, frown, and spit it out, "Peh, peh, peh!"

    He didn''t even have time to swallow before spitting it out.

    It tasted bitter and astringent, with a sour vor.

    What was this?

    Jiang Changtian looked at his eldest son and couldn''t help shaking his head.

    "Jiaoyu,e help pick the red fruits and leave the green ones."

    Her father called her to help, and she was very efficient.

    She felt guilty because she caused trouble by taking Jiang Wan''s things, which led to her older brother getting hurt.

    Over here, they picked a small basin of red fruits, and the pit was also dug.

    Jiang Mianmian enjoyed watching her mother dig a pit; it was a stress reliever for her.

    Her mother was naturally skilled at digging pits, with quick and nimble movements, diggingrge and round holes.

    After the pit was dug, her mother carried the big tree over and put the roots into the hole.

    Her father helped bury the soil together.

    Her sister, Jiang Yu, also joined in the work, burying the soil and tamping it down.

    Her older brother also held her and helped tamp the soil.

    The whole family worked together to bury the soil, skillfully and efficiently, as if they had done it many times before... (#foggy)

    And then,

    Jiang Mianmian made a "ya ya ya" sound, indicating that she wanted to participate.

    She wanted to join in nting the tree with the whole family.

    However, no one understood what she meant.

    Upon hearing her call, her older brother first patted her bottom and found it to be dry. He then turned to look at their mother, Qin Luoxia.

    "You just ate, so you shouldn''t be hungry," Qin Luoxia said.

    Jiang Mianmian excitedly gestured and babbled.

    In the end, it was surprisingly their father who understood her meaning.

    He picked her up and squatted down, holding her in his arms.

    Jiang Mianmian grabbed a handful of soil from the side, her little fist leaking, iming it was a handful when it was actually just a pinch of soil.

    But she still exerted force and flung it, with the soilnding on the tree roots without anyone knowing. Anyway, her hand identally hit her father''s face.

    Specks of dirtnded on her father''s fairplexion.

    Jiang Changtian wasn''t angry, but instead gave his daughter a kiss.

    "My little darling is the best!"

    Jiang Changtian lifted his daughter high up in the air.

    Jiang Mianmian was held above her father''s head, with a newly nted tree by the family serving as the canopy. The tree wasrge, like a big umbre.

    She giggled uncontrobly.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16

    "Wang Wang Wang."

    "Lonely lonely."

    There was the sound of a dog barking in the vige.

    There was the croaking sound of old frogs.

    It was not lively, but rather gave people a feeling of tranquility.

    The mountain vige at night was very dark.

    asionally there were some faint stars, also very weak, blinking on and off.

    The lights of the vige seemed not as bright as the fireflies in front of them.

    At this time there were no street lights.

    Ordinary families would not leave candles burning all the time, it would be wasteful.

    Fortunately after the rain, the sky was very clean, the clouds had all been washed away by the heavy rain.

    The obedient moon hung in the sky.

    It was not very round, but close to being full.

    This was Jiang Mianmian''s first time staying outside in the yard at night.

    In fact, there was no high wall around her family''s yard, just a small low wall surrounding it, with a gap in one ce that would be easy to climb over.

    The big tree happened to be nted right in front of the corner of the wall where there was a gap, giving the feeling that it was making up for theck of wall.

    Under the big tree.

    Mother brought over another stone stool.

    Around the stone stool, she ced several small horse mats.

    And some bamboo chairs.

    Elder brother Jiang Fengy on the bamboo chair.

    Jiang Yu poured water for everyone.

    They were drinking warm water, with no herbs added.

    Dinner had been bitter enough, in water was good.

    The cups were also made of bamboo tubes, very natural.

    Father also sat on a small horse mat and drank water.

    Mother held her.

    Except for elder brother, everyone else sat on small horse mats, and Father looked particrly upright and beautiful.

    Especially when the night breeze blew up Father''s long hair, he looked even more handsome.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at Father, then stared curiously at the vige again, relying on the moonlight she could still vaguely see some houses.

    The vige was in the shape of a basin, with quite arge housepound in the very center, several buildings connected together.

    The other houses were sparse, dotted around.

    Some were just small thatched huts, it was unclear if they were lived in, or just temporarily built?

    Her family''s location was rtively high, with houses not far away but not clustered together either.

    That side had several concentrated houses, her family''s side was separate.

    With a tree nted at the door, it seemed to have carved out more ground, upying arger area, giving a strange sense of pleasure.

    On a summer night, even after the rain, it was still warm.

    Under the big tree, there were asional flying insects and mosquitoes too.

    Jiang Yu diligently sprinkled some mugwort powder, and the air had a faint scent of mugwort, there were still insects but they didn''t seem to bite people.

    Elder brother Jiang Fengy there without idling, peeling the skin of the little red fruit in his hand.

    Just now Father had boiled this fruit in a pot and scooped it out.

    Now everyone gathered around the stone stool, peeling the skin by hand.

    "This is so bitter, what can you make to eat with it?" Jiang Feng asked while peeling.

    "If you didn''t always sneak out, and came to help me, you would know - this is red crow fruit, the fruit grows like the mouth of a red-billed crow, the peel is bitter, the seeds can be used medicinally, mainly to treat spleen deficiency and stagnation, the flesh is sweet and has diuretic and urinary tract clearing effects," Father slowly exined as he worked.

    This was the first time Jiang Mianmian felt that her father seemed quite knowledgeable.

    This was Chinese medicine, which she didn''t really understand.

    In ancient times with limited ess to knowledge, just looking at a fruit and knowing all this was not easy.

    But for nimble work, still have to look at Mother.

    In the time Father peeled one fruit, Mother could peel five.

    Sister could peel three.

    Elder brother was not peeling carefully, but could still peel two.

    Jiang Mianmian...could not peel a single one.

    She held a fruit in her hand, afraid of dropping it she waved her arm tightly holding on.

    As a result she held too tightly, with a pop, it broke.

    Fruit juice sttered everywhere.

    She still couldn''t help but curiously licked her hand.

    "Ah ah ah ah!"

    A clear cry rang out.

    There was no sweetness, so bitter, terribly bitter, not just bitter but a mix of five vors, the bitterness made her liver, stomach and toes hurt...

    Seeing her sister like this, Jiang Yu who had kept a bitter face all evening could finally not helpughing.

    Laughing loudly.

    Everyone else also could not helpughing.

    ...

    Time passed, wind shook the grass.

    The mugwort ash also blew away.

    A new day.

    Elder brother with a diaper tied around his head was still going out, and left very early, before dawn, carrying that bundle.

    Father also left for work before dawn.

    The father and son left together.

    Early in the morning, sister Jiang Yu carried her standing under the big tree, seeing elder brother and Father off.

    Stood for a good while.

    Jiang Mianmian''s head rested on sister''s shoulder, she also watched for a good while.

    Elder brother and Father''s figures gradually grew smaller and disappeared.

    Sister still did not go back indoors.

    She didn''t know if sister was reluctant to part with Father and elder brother, or reluctant to part with the clothes and embroidered shoes bundle.

    The morning wind was quite strong.

    It blew sister''s hair flying messily.

    Brushing Jiang Mianmian''s face very tickly.

    So she bravely peed.

    Jiang Yu felt the back of her clothes grow warm and wet, and hurried back to the house.

    "Mother, mother..."

    Jiang Mianmian also happened to pull a healthy poop.

    Then drank another meal of milk.

    Mother then wanted to put her in her wooden potty.

    But just as she lowered her down, Jiang Mianmian saw a big ant poking its head out of the bottom of the wooden potty, its head even bigger...

    Wah wah ©Ñ©Ò_©Ñ©Ò

    She clutched mother''s clothes tightly.

    Mother''s hands went ck, she was actually hanging on mother''s clothes, refusing to get in the potty.

    Who knew that she was so scared of the pet she raised herself...

    Qin Luoxia had no choice, thinking that she was more clingy to her today after being away from home yesterday, simply carried her on her back.

    Today she wanted to go deeper into the mountains to see if she could hunt something.

    Jiang Feng''s forehead was bleeding so much, and that girl Jiang Yu, her ankle was rubbed raw such a big patch, yet she didn''t make a sound.

    If she hadn''t gotten up at night to check on her daughter and cover her with a quilt, she wouldn''t have discovered it at all, the flesh would have simply rubbed off.

    Those embroidered shoes were small to begin with, and specially custom made to fit Jiang Wan''s tiny feet, with a mold, forcing them on definitely wouldn''t work.

    Eat this to supplement that, supplement form with form, flesh and blood must certainly be supplemented with flesh and blood.

    Qin Luoxia waited until her husband and Jiang Feng left before rummaging under the bed and taking out a spearhead.

    Covered all over in rust stains, hadn''t been used in a long time.

    She ced the spearhead on the stone b in the yard and sharpened it.

    "Shua shua shua..."

    "Ya ya ya..."

    The iron and stone collided, making nging sounds.

    Mother was always very powerful and rhythmic in her work.

    Even something like sharpening a spear, the rhythm and tempo were extremely good, even making Jiang Mianmian on her back start to doze off.

    She was a little curious what Mother''s maiden family did.

    The rust-stained spearhead quickly became shiny under Qin Luoxia''s hands, giving off a faint glow.

    Jiang Yu squatted in front of Mother, helping by adding water from time to time.

    She knew Mother was secretly hunting without Father knowing.

    Jiang Feng going hunting would get scolded by Father, Father felt it was dangerous.

    "Mother, can I also go into the mountains with you?"

    "No, you stay home and watch the baby." Qin Luoxia tly refused.

    "It''s dangerous in the mountains, if something happens I won''t be able to look after you."

    Girls this age were still a bit rebellious, the more Mother refused, the more Jiang Yu wanted to go.

    Seeing sister still sulking, Jiang Mianmian heard Mother say:

    "Ady''s beauty lies in her tiny feet, following me to work you already have big feet, going climbing mountains, not only will your feet be big but thick too, hard to find a good match in the future."

    Jiang Yu curled her feet.

    She unconvinced said: "But didn''t Mother still marry Father."

    Yet she did not mention wanting to go up the mountain again.

    Jiang Mianmian felt Mother was quite formidable, looking rough and tough, but speaking she grasped the key points very well.

    Qin Luoxia sharpened the spearhead, put it in the frame, ready to assemble the spear when in the mountains.

    Jiang Mianmian drank another meal of milk in Mother''s arms before reluctantly changing to sister''s embrace.

    Watching Mother buckle the sps, nimbly strap on the frame, spear rod in hand walk out the door.

    As soon as she stepped out the door Mother ran into vigers, exchanging greetings.

    "Sister-inw Luoxia going to work ah."

    Mother waved the rod in her hand.

    "When you have nothing better to do, go pick some grass."

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17

    Today is the middle of summer.

    It is rmended to nt and raise livestock, adopt children, and receive gifts. It is advised to avoid grave tending.

    Mother has gone into the mountains.

    Jiang Yu carried his little sister on his back, holding a small golden bucket in his hand¡ªspecifically, a chamber pot.

    The design is somewhat like a wooden flower basket, with a round wooden basin at the bottom and a vine handle on top, resembling an arched bridge.

    Taking advantage of the moderate sunlight, she intended to water the newly nted trees.

    Directly pouring water would burn the trees, so she needed to dilute it at a ratio of approximately one to nine, which worked well.

    Jiang Mianmian covered her eyes. This little golden bucket was exclusively hers.

    At the same time, she was curious whether her diluted urine, mixed with water and used for watering the trees, would have any special effect...

    If it did...

    Hmm...

    After watering the trees, her older sister carried her back to the house.

    Her older sister continued with her needlework.

    Due to the intense sunlight, she sat under the eaves.

    Jiang Mianmian was ced back in the wooden basin and was forced to bond with her pet ants.

    While other time travelers wielded powerful weapons, she couldn''t even defeat a single ant with her bare hands.

    She was too timid.

    As Jiang Mianmiany down, she noticed that the excellent ck ant was by the side of the wooden basin, upying its familiar old spot. The spot even had a slight depression, perhaps made by the ant itself, perfectly fitting its shape.

    Jiang Mianmian silently reached out her hand, clenched it into a fist, extended her hand, clenched it into a fist. The difference between humans and animals lies in the fact that humans can use tools. If she could grab a stick, she would dare to flick the ant back and forth.

    She practiced her grip while keeping an eye on the ant. If it dared toe close, she would immediately... cry out.

    After a long time of seeing no movement from the ant, which obediently stayed put, she shifted her attention back to her older sister.

    Her older sister''s needlework was ordinary, not embroidery, without fancy threads.

    She was probably mending shoe soles for poor families.

    Stitch by stitch, round after round,yer uponyer of threading made the soles sturdy and soft, enabling one to travel longer distances, to farther ces, and still be able to return home from afar.

    As long as she didn''t look at the needle, it was a rxing task.

    Brush, brush, brush, one round waspleted, much faster than any cross-stitch she had seen before.

    Her sister''s hand speed was decisive and steady. The gaps between the stitches were even, the turns were natural, and the knots were well done.

    After watching for a while, Jiang Mianmian became hungry.

    Her mother wasn''t around, so she must be eating rice porridge.

    But she remembered that there was only a small handful of rice porridge that day. It had been a few days, so it must be finished by now.

    Sure enough, after she made a few "yiyaya" sounds, her older sister put down the needlework, checked her diaper, found no urine, then picked her up and went to the y jar in the house to get fine grain powder.

    Wasn''t handwashing necessary in this process??

    Her older sister took the y jar and shook it lightly, it was light and airy, just a little bit left.

    Jiang Yu forcefully overturned the y jar, vigorously tapping it until not a single particle of powder remained.

    Jiang Mianmian was worried that her older sister would break the pottery jar.

    In the end, there was only a small bowl of coarse grain flour left.

    Watching her older sister carefully add water and stir, making sure not a speck of powder flew out.

    Perhaps it was thest bit in the jar, and it hadn''t been fragrant these past couple of days due to the rain, giving off an unpleasant smell.

    Jiang Mianmian took a few bites but didn''t feel like eating anymore.

    Then, just likest time, her sister pinched her mouth open when she wasn''t paying attention and fed her a spoonful.

    One shouldn''t stumble in the same ce three times.

    Jiang Mianmian was prepared to resist this time, determined not to open her mouth.

    But her mouth was forced open again, and another spoonful was poured in.

    She... felt so wronged, as if she was being tortured for a confession.

    She didn''t dare cry out, afraid that if she did, her sister would pour the rest into her mouth.

    She pursed her lips, tears streaming down.

    Jiang Yu, wearing a puzzled expression, couldn''t understand why her younger sister didn''t like eating the coarse grain flour. It was so delicious and fragrant. She had dreamed of eating it.

    Because her sister was adamantly resisting, Jiang Yu couldn''t use any tricks and didn''t dare pinch her chin again, afraid of hurting her.

    It seemed her sister''s skull was a bit hard...

    So Jiang Yu tried to persuade her with words, "Let''s finish thesest two bites, be good. Look, before you started eating coarse grain flour, you were dark and thin, like a monkey on a tree..."

    Hearing her sister''s words, Jiang Mianmian looked frightened. What kind of creature was a monkey on a tree? How ugly was she?

    "Look, after eating coarse grain flour, you suddenly became fair and tender. Coarse grain flour nourishes people. Just think about that girl Jiang Wan. Although she pretends, she grew up eating coarse grain flour, and she looks so pretty, right? Our little sister should also eat coarse grain flour and be just as pretty, or even prettier."

    The more Jiang Mianmian listened, the more tears flowed.

    It wasn''t just because the rice porridge didn''t taste good; she felt inexplicably sad.

    Unable to bear it any longer, she burst into tears.

    And then her sister poured thest bit of rice porridge into her mouth.

    What was even more tragic was that because there was less rice porridge today, her sister didn''t even have a sip of the dishwater and gave it to her to drink.

    Jiang Mianmian drank the water, and her tears fell into the bowl, drop by drop.

    She had only drunk half of it when she let out a big burp.

    It wasn''t because she was full; it was probably because she was both angry and anxious.

    Seeing her sister burping, Jiang Yu stopped feeding her water. Mother said burping meant being full.

    So she decided to drink the remaining half bowl of dishwater herself.

    Because it was hot and couldn''t be kept.

    In the Jiang family, they were taught not to waste food and to eat what they could.

    As soon as she took the first sip, Jiang Yu''s eyes widened.

    It tasted so good and fragrant.

    "Sss..." Jiang Yu took a breath, just like when she used to peel off her calluses.

    Could it be because she didn''t scrape the bowl clean earlier? But this water was already clear.

    Jiang Yu drank the entire bowl of water in one breath and poured herself another.

    But when she took a sip, it didn''t taste like anything.

    Suddenly, Jiang Yu brought the bowl to her sister''s mouth and coaxed, "Mmm, take a sip, just one sip, it''s especially delicious."

    Jiang Mianmian wanted to roll her eyes right then and there.

    One shouldn''t underestimate the wisdom of the ancients. Even her fearless older sister wanted to deceive her.

    Jiang Mianmian reluctantly took a sip inpliance and then closed her mouth.

    Jiang Yu held the bowl earnestly and took a sip of the water inside.

    After drinking, she smacked her lips as if there was no taste.

    Indeed... it was just water, without any fragrance.

    She had just thought she had discovered something magical, that the bowl touched by her younger sister would taste better.

    Jiang Mianmian thought her older sister had too much free time.

    So she peed.

    With a proud expression after finishing, she looked at her own fingers and then at her older sister, waiting for her to change her diaper with a silly and sweet expression on her face.

    Jiang Yu changed Jiang Mianmian''s diaper and couldn''t help but lean down to give her a kiss on the cheek, finding her adorable.

    Jiang Mianmian blushed unexpectedly when her sister kissed her.

    Her older sister was really good to her.

    ...

    In the mountains.

    Qin Luoxia walked along, carrying a long stick and tapping it here and there.

    Whenever she found suitable wild vegetables, she put them into the basket.

    She also met a viger and greeted them.

    Gradually, she went deeper into the mountains.

    The grass on the path became denser.

    Only then did Qin Luoxia take out the spearhead from under the basket and assemble it.

    The spear was pointed, hollow in the middle, and had a blood groove. It was almost as long as her forearm, not like a spear used for hunting, but more like a military standard. Upon closer inspection, there were carved words inside.

    When Qin Luoxia held the assembled spear, she seemed to transform from a woman who had just given birth to a child into a fierce and valiant soldier. She exuded a powerful aura.

    Although she had a round and gentle Buddha-like face, at this moment, she emitted a strong sense of ferocity, like a fierce beast.

    Her speed also increased, and she quickly disappeared into the dense forest.

    asionally, birds would startle and fly away, indicating that something had passed beneath them.

    In the evening.

    Birds flew away one by one in rm.

    Qin Luoxia appeared, carrying a ck, long-haired wild boar on her shoulder.

    The spear was stained with blood, and her hand felt a little sore.

    She wore a stern expression, unusually serious.

    In reality, she was a bit confused.

    She remembered that when her mother was alive, she often mentioned her biological father, describing him as a world-renowned hero who charged into battle and swept through thousands of troops. Her mother med herself for not leaving him a son, otherwise, he would have surely inherited his abilities.

    Could it be that after giving birth to three children, she suddenly inherited her biological father''s invincible courage?

    Originally, she had only wanted to enter the dense forest to hunt some mountain chickens or something, never expecting to encounter a wild boar.

    She was so frightened that she waved the spear around haphazardly.

    Even more unexpectedly, she managed to kill the wild boar.

    She wore a stern expression, extremely worried about how she would exin this to her husband when she returned.

    Last time, when she encountered a small ck bear, she said she had bumped into it, and her husband was somewhat skeptical...

    If she said she had bumped into this wild boar, would her husband believe her?

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18

    The birds in the mountains chirped tweet-tweet.

    The flowing water babbledhh.

    Qin Luoxia felt certain her husband would not believe her.

    So she carried the wild boar to a mountain stream with flowing water.

    She came up with a good n.

    Put the wild boar down.

    A live wild boar was a bit scary, but not as frightening when dead.

    Qin Luoxia butchered the wild boar by the waterside.

    Her spear became a meat cleaver.

    She only realized today how useful this long spear really was.

    It could be taken apart, the shaft separated into three sections.

    Take one section and attach it to the spearhead, it could be used as a short knife, extremely convenient for butchering meat.

    Qin Luoxia worked very decisively and efficiently.

    First she cut off the wild boar''s head.

    When she reached the bony areas, she used her strength to cut through the connective tissue.

    In the afternoon, the nting sun

    Shone on the mountain stream, the falling water like a beaded curtain in varied colors, beads dropping one by one.

    The colored beads fell into the deep pool, rippling circles upon impact.

    By the pool stood a woman with ample bosom, long legs, and long hair. Her back was very fit, her buttocks quite shapely.

    She possessed a natural sensuality.

    Not the weak willows and gentle breeze kind of beauty appreciated in the capital, but the tall and voluptuous exotic beauty.

    She looked up, wiping the blood from her hair.

    Standing below the mountain stream, facing the water droplets, blowing in the cool breeze, at ease.

    If not for the chunks of wild boar meat at her feet, this scene could have depicted a very beautiful portrait of ady.

    After cooling off, Qin Luoxia foundrge leaves to wrap up the chopped wild boar meat, cing them in a basket. She covered them with grass, and carried it home on her back.

    Walking down the road, thinking of her family soon able to drink meat broth and eat meat, Qin Luoxia could not restrain a smile across her face.

    She quickened her pace, jogging a little.

    ...

    The setting sun in the west.

    The birds chirped noisily, urging travelers home.

    Jiang Mianmian''s sleepy face was smushed t.

    Jiang Yu worked while ncing over at her sister.

    She felt her sister was really like a cotton ball, soft and cuddly.

    When asleep, she snored lightly, extremely well-behaved.

    She said it wasn''t a lie that eating refined grains made her sister fairer and better looking.

    Now her sister lookedpletely different from when she was born.

    Back then she was dark as a little mouse.

    Now she was fair as snow, with a perky little nose, rosy lips, and very long eyshes. With eyes closed while sleeping, her long curledshes were justcking in density. Her hair had also darkened.

    She looked more and more like a miniature version of father.

    The more she looked, the more heartache she felt.

    Because she was too focused, Jiang Yu identally pricked her own palm with the needle, raising a blood blister.

    She quickly sucked it into her mouth, as oozing blood would be wasteful.

    Jiang Yu thought about Jiang Wan''s visit yesterday.

    Every encounter with Jiang Wan led to misfortune. Last time when mother had a difficultbor, she went to ask for some refined grains, but met Jiang Wan instead. Jiang Wan said she would get it for her, but there was no grain given in the end. Jiang Wan even fainted, and Jiang Yu was unjustly beaten for it.

    This time was simr. Jiang Wan came to deliver things herself, yet big brother was nearly beaten to death.

    Her mind wasn''t too bright, but she summarized two points.

    Firstly, contact with Jiang Wan only brought ill fortune and disaster.

    Secondly, she felt that going against Jiang Wan''s prohibitions could be the right thing to do.

    Jiang Yu sucked her finger, thinking what she could do if she really went to the city as a maid. She should have a whole set of new clothes first, right? She heard maids of rich households all dressed very well. Not sure about new shoes, after all she would be just a maid, keeping up appearances was enough.

    She had never served people before. At Master Liu''s home she only helped out with chores and errands, never getting close to the masters.

    She heard that young master would beat people when he had fits, and worried she might beat the young master to death if she retaliated.

    But if outnumbered, she would still get beaten, like every visit to the Jiang residence, always being bullied for being alone.

    Moreover she had never left home before, still afraid.

    Forget it, she shouldn''t do foolish things just to defy Jiang Wan.

    A scene suddenly shed across her mind - one day, she would be dressed in fine silks and satins, embroidered shoes with gold beads, many gold hairpins glittering in her hair, sitting in a grand eight-man carriage, parading through the streets.

    Thinking of this scene, she couldn''t help grinning at her own daydream.

    Jiang Mianmian woke up to see big sister sucking her finger, frowning one moment and silly smiling the next, still sucking her finger...she was so startled, could big sister have awakened some psychic power?

    She reflexively sucked her own finger too, though to be honest, sucking a finger covered in her own saliva was quite unhygienic.

    If she could stand, she would definitely go wash her hands eight times before sucking her finger!

    Just then, she seemed to hear familiar footsteps outside the yard.

    Heavy, one step at a time, very steady.

    It must be mothering back.

    Jiang Mianmian anxiously cried "Yiya yaya",

    wanting milk, want milk!

    Sure enough there was soon a knock on the door. Since it was just Jiang Yu and little sister at home today, she had locked the yard gate.

    She heard mother''s voice outside and ran to open the door.

    Qin Luoxia''s basket on her back was packed full of grass poking out.

    Though it should not be heavy, it made a heavy muffled thud when set down.

    Jiang Mianmian cried louder,

    desperate to drink milk.

    Hearing her daughter''s cries, Qin Luoxia''s breasts also swelled, but she endured and first went to change and freshen up briefly before feeding.

    Jiang Mianmian hugged her food bowl recklessly gulping down mouthfuls until her little stomach was filled. Only then did she have the strength to contemte.

    She suddenly noticed the milk today seemed to have a mingled bloody stench, very heavy blood smell.

    What was mother up to?

    Even hunting wouldn''t leave such a strong bloody odor?

    Mother''s scent was like that of her forensic science upperssmate, who joined them for a meal one day and said she just finished dissecting a fresh corpse after an internship...

    Jiang Mianmian looked again at the basket mother put down at the yard entrance, fresh red blood slowly seeping out!

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19

    The sky was getting dark. Elder brother and Father had not yet returned home.

    Elder Sister was holding Jiang Mianmian under the big tree at the yard gate, pacing back and forth several times.

    It was amazing. Though she was so little, she was already looking forward to those returning home.

    Especially when standing under the big tree waiting, looking into the distance. Whenever a small ck dot appeared at the vige entrance, her heart would beat a little faster, a little more excited. But if no one came for a long time, she would be anxious and worried. For Jiang Mianmian, the outside world was like a huge beast about which she knew nothing, so she felt it was extremely dangerous.

    After standing under the tree for a while without anyone appearing, Elder Sister Jiang Yu carried her back into the yard.

    In the yard, Mom was preparing the wild boar meat.

    When Mom had just opened the basket and taken out the smooth pieces of meat, Jiang Mianmian felt her little heart stop for three seconds.

    Elder Sister Jiang Yu, however, had an excited face: ¡°Mom, Mom, you bought meat, there is meat to eat!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t buy it. Today when I went to the woods, I met a wild boar that stupidly charged into my spear. I identally stabbed it to death,¡± said Qin Luoxia calmly.

    Jiang Mianmian thought: ...Mom is lying, wild boars have very long, long fur, how could this one bepletely hairless and white-skinned? It¡¯s impossible that Mom killed a wild boar in the mountains, skinned it, cut it into pieces, and washed it clean. Does Mom have OCD? Hannibal?

    Then she saw Mom put out the meat, arranged very neatly like building blocks...

    Finally, pig¡¯s trotters and a pig head were added. A whole wild pig wasid out t andplete.

    The pig fur was also there. Mom had bundled them very neatly with grass ropes ording to their lengths, there were six bundles of pig fur.

    If Jiang Mianmian hadn''t seen the pig itself, she might have thought those were bundles of pine needles...

    She had never seen such apletely butchered pig before. Was this an ancient version of Lego?

    Seeing the meat, Elder Sister was even more excited than her. She simply didn¡¯t think too much about it. Carrying Jiang Mianmian on her back, she spun around excitedly, asionally going to the door to see if Father and Elder Brother hade back so they could eat meat early.

    As Jiang Yu kept wiping the corners of her mouth...she really was drooling.

    Then Elder Sister would also asionally wipe the drool for her, smiling as she asked: ¡°Are you greedy for the meat? Does Mianmian also want to eat meat?¡±

    Jiang Mianmian thought: ...No, I''m drooling because as a baby my nerves are underdeveloped, I have poor bodily control, my mouth keeps opening, I can''t control my facial muscles, that¡¯s why I¡¯m drooling, not because I¡¯m greedy...oh forget it, it¡¯s hard to exin clearly. Seeing Elder Sister so happily silly, she also yelled ¡°yiya yiya¡± happily.

    It was quite good actually. Just because of a meal of meat, Elder Sister was smiling brightly, looking more and more like Father, carefree, making people happy just seeing her.

    Finally, when the sky was pitch ck, Father and Elder Brother came back.

    Without evening out to the yard gate, Jiang Mianmian could recognize their footsteps.

    Nowadays she relied on spring water every day to supplement her fluid intake.

    Other than those few days of diarrhea where her stool weighed more than her body, the most obvious feeling should be greatly enhanced senses.

    She felt her hearing, smell and vision had all improved tremendously.

    And her taste - unpleasant things were a wondend of strange vours in her mouth...

    Her sense of touch had not improved noticeably since she stayed with her family all the time. She liked Elder Sister kissing her, liked Mom hugging her. She just felt the family really loved her.

    Indeed, although she was just a little baby, she really felt like the center of the universe. They all liked her very much, full of affection.

    Just like even though Elder Sister touched her little butt then pinched her cheek, that smell was a little odd, but the touch was still gentle and loving -_-||

    Jiang Mianmian heard Elder Brother''s footsteps were steady but asionally a little jumpy, he seemed to be in a good mood.

    Father''s footsteps were almost silent, very evenly light, if her hearing had not be stronger, she wouldn''t have noticed him at all.

    ¡°Yiya yiya¡± (Open the door), Jiang Mian Mian called out excitedly too.

    Missing them after not seeing them for a day.

    Sure enough, Jiang Yu opened the door, and it was Elder Brother and Father who came in.

    And both carried quite a lot of things on their backs.

    Probably because they carried so much stuff, they only came home at nightfall, afraid of being seen by others.

    Being poor scared them. Having a little money, they were still worried about showing it off.

    Jiang Yu was curious what they bought.

    Seeing the neatly packaged items, she was very excited.

    Much more excited than seeing the pig meat Mom brought back.

    After all, these were bought with money, things bought with money were precious.

    Jiang Yu picked up a bag, shook it, wondering what it was, even sniffed it up to her nose.

    Without smelling, Jiang Mianmian knew it was Chinese medicine. The smell was very strong.

    Jiang Yu also smelled it out, and obediently put it down.

    Next her face lit up excitedly: ¡°Father actually bought fine grains, great, my sister was crying so hard today because she had nothing to eat.¡±

    Jiang Mianmian thought: ...I was crying because you force-fed me, not because I wanted to eat -_-||

    Then Jiang Mianmian heard Elder Sister shriek.

    "Ah! Ah! Ah!"

    Jiang Mianmian was startled, what happened? Was there meat sorted neatly in Father''s basket too? Skinned?

    But she only saw Elder Sister holding a pair of embroidered shoes.

    There were no butterfly or sequin decorations, but they were brand new, with exquisite embroidered vamps, and they were red.

    "Father, Father, are these for me?" Jiang Yu ran into the room holding the shoes.

    Elder Brother and Father went to wash up first when they got home.

    Jiang Mianmian noticed her family seemed pretty good at this, quite attentive.

    After cleaning up, Elder Brother came over to hug her, holding her sitting in a bamboo chair¡£

    She just heard Father say from inside the room: ¡°Embroidered shoes? I don''t know, I didn''t buy them, ask Feng.¡±

    Then Elder Sister rushed out like a gust of wind again.

    "Brother, brother, are these for me? Brand new?"

    Jiang Feng hugged his sister and nodded arrogantly.

    "Just a pair of embroidered shoes."

    Jiang Yu was overjoyed.

    Sitting on a little stool, she took off her shoes, but did not try on the new embroidered shoes. Instead, she hurriedly took them into the room.

    Jiang Mianmian was puzzled, then remembered this was ancient times, there were gender taboos that Elder Brother should not see her bare feet either probably.

    But soon Elder Sister came out holding the shoes again.

    She sat down in front of Jiang Mianmian, took off her shoes, and carefully put on a pair of socks that looked loose and wide.

    Indeed Jiang Mianmian overthought it. Everyone was underfed and had to work the fields, there were no such taboos.

    Elder Sister was probably just worried about dirtying the new embroidered shoes.

    Then she saw Elder Sister carefully putting on the embroidered shoes, extremely delighted.

    The smile never left her face.

    She walked very steadily in her new shoes, one step at a time, not staggering. She even lightly hopped up, but didn''t dare jump too high for fear of damaging the shoes. Still she couldn''t help but skip and jump a little.

    ¡°I didn''t know new embroidered shoes wouldn¡¯t hurt my feet!" Jiang Yu walked back and forth.

    She even walked up to Elder Brother and asked: ¡°Do they look good?¡±

    The Jiang Mianmian in Elder Brother''s arms nodded: ¡°Yiya yiya.¡± (They look good.)

    Jiang Feng snorted, not answering, butughed cheerfully too.

    Jiang Yu spun around walking left and right, excitedly saying: ¡°I¡¯m going to wear these embroidered shoes tomorrow to show Cui.¡±

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20

    The night breeze blew out a little meaty aroma.

    It drifted far and wide before dissipating.

    The people in the other mountain seemed to have smelled it too.

    Faint yet discernible.

    A child from one household even cried for meat until his parents beat him before he finally stopped making a fuss.

    His wailing was so loud it reached Jiang Mianmian''s home.

    But it did not bother their happy mood one bit.

    In their kitchen, a pot of wild boar meat stewed with muffled bubbling sounds.

    And in a corner of their yard, a makeshift stove held up a weathered pottery vat, stewing Chinese medicine for Jiang Feng.

    Yet the herbal smell could not overwhelm the meaty fragrance.

    On the contrary, it made the wild boar meat smell even more mouthwatering,

    As if it was medical cuisine pork.

    Jiang Yu held her younger sister Jiang Mianmian, wandering between the kitchen and the medicine pot in the yard.

    Strangely, not only did the elder sister drool at the sight of the meat pot, she also drooled when looking at the medicine pot, seemingly wanting to have a taste of both...

    Their parents went back into the room to have a private conversation.

    asionally, Jiang Mianmian could hear her mother saying: "Dear, trust me, I''m not making things up. That wild boar might have had an eye disease. I dug its eyes out and looked - one eye had a lot more white in it..."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Her eldest brother Jiang Feng seemed extremely tired. He fell asleep on the bamboo chair with her urine-soaked cloth wrapped around his head. His eyes were shut tight and his hands asionally twitched.

    The cloth looked a little dirty as blood had seeped through from his wounds.

    Jiang Mianmian was a bit worried. Could the wounds get infected?

    The medicine finished stewing.

    Jiang Yu carried her sister Jiang Mianmian to pour out the medicine.

    She first emptied most of the liquid, then wrapped the remaining medicine dregs in a piece of cloth. She squeezed and twisted the package vigorously like one would do when making dumplings, until no more liquid could be extracted.

    During this process, Jiang Mianmian secretly added a few drops of spiritual spring water into the medicine decoction when her sister wasn''t looking.

    Seeing steam rising from the pot after adding it, she worried that the treatment effects might bepromised since vitamins apparently shouldn''t be boiled.

    Just as she was thinking of adding a bit more, her brother''s sudden bellow gave her a huge fright and she peed herself...

    "Jiang Little Yu, that is my medicine. Are you trying to sneak a drink?"

    Jiang Yu was also startled. Then she felt the back of her dress dampen.

    She only wanted to try a sip, but panicked when seeing her brother wake up, feeling a little guilty.

    "Oh no, Mianmian peed herself again. Mother, mother, Mianmian wet herself again!" Jiang Yu shouted loudly towards the room.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    After getting her diaper changed, little Mianmian with a dry bottom satfortably in her father''s arms.

    Of all the hugs, mother''s felt the nicest - mother always carried a sweet milky scent.

    Father''s hug came second. Father often smelled lightly of Chinese medicine, which was also pleasant.

    At dinnertime, the family sat together around the table.

    And ate solemnly.

    Mother dished out a big bowl of meat broth for each person, with pure meat and broth, just a few pieces of the herbs used for stewing, focused on the meat.

    From their previous hunt, the family only ate a tiny portion of the bear meat. Father sold off the rest.

    One night while eavesdropping from her bedside, Jiang Mianmian learned that father had used the money to buy a piece of fine fabric, which he gifted his top superior after getting promoted.

    Father understood office politics.

    Tonight''s meat was quite substantial.

    No one bothered giving up their share for another.

    All focused on emptying the bowls before them.

    They ate in silence - too busy chewing to talk.

    Only little Mianmian, feeling bored, constantly nced left and right.

    Perhaps because her previous extreme diarrhea scared them, nobody tried slipping her titbits now.

    She didn''t even get a share of the meat broth, waiting to have milk instead.

    After mother finished eating, it became Mianmian''s turn to eat.

    Mianmian nestledfortably in mother''s arms, hugging her food bowl while swallowing mouthfuls.

    When done, sister Jiang Yu carried her on her back again.

    She watched her brother drink his medicine.

    Sister Jiang Yu went to gather the bowls.

    To Jiang Mianmian''s surprise, her sister actually rinsed the medicine bowl a little before drinking the wash water...

    Just had to get a taste out of stubborn persistence.

    Jiang Yu''s face crumpled after drinking it. "Yup, very bitter. Bleh bleh bleh!"

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    After taking the medicine, brotherid back down on the bamboo chair. Jiang Yu paced up to him a little nervously and asked softly: "Brother, did you sell those clothes and shoes? How much money did you get?"

    Jiang Feng threw a look at Jiang Yu and grumbled irritably: "Still thinking about them? Those shoes were way too small for you, and the shoulder width of those clothes wouldn''t have fit either with your scrawny build."

    Jiang Yu huffed indignantly: "I''m not thinking about them! Just curious how much they could''ve sold for. Brother, how do you know so much about women''s dresses and shoes anyway? Maybe I should let Mother and Father know about this..."

    Jiang Feng broke out in fits of coughing. "Cough cough cough cough!"

    Seeing that scared Jiang Mianmian, worrying his coughing spells might make the wounds start bleeding again.

    "Ungrateful brat. Got 1 or 2 silvers for them, and spent 100 wen getting you those embroidered shoes." Jiang Feng said angrily.

    Jiang Yu''s eyes widened in pleasant surprise as she counted on her fingers. "Wow, so those clothes and shoes were worth that much? 1 or 2 taels of silver... Granny Liu said she''d buy me off for 1 or 2 taels too. Ahh...wish I had worn them longer!"

    Jiang Feng rolled his eyes hard. With all that blood soaked into the shoes, she actually thinks about wearing them longer - his sister was obviously an idiot beyond salvation.

    "Bring Mianmian over and let me give you a piggyback ride. In case your stupidity is contagious and she''s incurable if infected too."

    The bantering between the siblings flowed into Jiang Mianmian''s ears as shey in the yard, gazing at the twinkling stars in the night sky. They looked like giant-eyed aliens, curiously watching this juicy family drama unfold...

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21

    The stars twinkled in the summer sky.

    shing one by one, like stove fires lighting up.

    Heating up the earth hot.

    Night fell, but it did not cool down.

    The cries of children gradually diminished.

    The barking of dogs also diminished, probably tired.

    The croaking of frogs and chirping of cicadas grew more and more passionate.

    No air conditioning, no electric fans.

    The room was extremely stuffy.

    For poor families to enjoy the cool, they usually take off their shirts and sit under trees, waiting for the wind.

    The Jiang family also sat under the newly nted big tree.

    Everyone was still neatly dressed, no one took off their shirt.

    The space under the tree was more open, and asionally a light breeze, gentle and shallow, at most it could lift Jiang''s father''s hair tips.

    Jiang''s father''s long gown was made of linen, a little stiff and hard to lift up.

    It was so hot that Jiang herself was lying alone in a wooden basin.

    The wooden basin was ced on a stone pier, Jiang¡¯s mother held a palm leaf fan in her hand, waving the fan, trying her best to let everyone feel a little breeze.

    Jiang could also feel a tiny bit of coolness, but she was a little curious where her little ants had gone. Did Mother move the wooden basin out and see the ants? I hope she didn''t step on them...

    Or would it be in the straw mat?

    Whimpering worriedly, she shifted in the wooden basin with creaking noises.

    Finally it was Jiang''s father who picked her up.

    Father was rtively cooler, even in the hot summer he was still cool as jade. To put it nicely, it showed he was a gentleman; to put it badly, it meant he was weak with deficient qi and too frail. Even in the hot weather he still had a delicate constitution.

    Leaning in her father''s arms, Jiangfortably watched the sky.

    asionally hearing father cough lightly beside her face.

    Then her injured brother Jiang Feng also coughed twice.

    "Cough cough."

    "Cough cough cough."

    Time passed slowly.

    ......

    The stars twinkled in the sky.

    The que of Jiang Manor had been eroded by the long years, already faded.

    Jiang Rong quietly returned home with the servants and guards.

    Unexpectedly, when he entered, the house was brightly lit.

    As soon as Jiang Rong entered, he was led into the hall.

    In the hall was Grandmother, Mother, Father, all present. His sister Jiang Wan stood by Grandmother''s side, signaling to him with her eyes.

    Jiang Rong thought to himself, I''m finished, Father is here, he would definitely get a beating today.

    "Kneel down!" the dignified man in the hall shouted.

    Jiang Rong nimbly knelt down, and the servants and guards behind him knelt down even earlier.

    "I told you to go to school, but instead of studying well every day, you fight. Not only that, you even dared to withdraw a hundred taels of silver to go to those dirty ces. Looking at you now, you will inevitably cause big trouble sooner orter. Might as well beat you to death early." The man was really angry. Looking at his own son kneeling before him, his eyebrows showed only impatience. He held a long whip, wanting to beat his son personally.

    Sitting in the center was an olddy wearing Buddhist robes, with an ethereal expression. The solid gold jade pendant set with emerald dangling from her hand swayed lightly back and forth.

    Hearing her son''s words, she frowned slightly and said, "What is this talk of death, the child is still young, if he doesn''t understand then teach him, how can you just talk about beating him to death. Amitabha, Bodhisattva forgive sins."

    Hearing his mother''s words, Jiang Huaiyuan frowned even more.

    When his younger brother made a mistake back then, his mother was extremely strict. Was it tough love? But now when it came to her own son, no matter what mistakes he made, she wouldn''t let others discipline him. This would surely lead to future troubles.

    Seeing her husband holding a whip, a graceful and beautiful woman was so worried she wished she could throw herself on her son to protect him.

    "Dear husband, first listen to Rong''er exin before deciding on punishment. Rong''er has always been obedient. There must be a reason behind his unusual behavior today." Wu pulled at her husband''s sleeve and pleaded coquettishly.

    Seeing Wu''s actions, the olddy''s eyebrows wrinkled slightly, and the pendant in her hand swayed faster.

    "Yes, Father and Mother, Grandmother, please listen to my exnation." Jiang Rong immediately stood up and ran to kneel in front of Grandmother, hugging her legs and crying,

    "Grandmother, I didn''t deliberately fight. It was Jiang Feng who wanted to cheat money and deliberately provoked me, then deliberately injured himself in front of the yamen runners and falsely imed twenty-two taels of silver from me.

    And I withdrew a hundred taels of silver from the treasury not because I wanted to go to those dirty ces, but because of my sister''s reputation.

    That viin Jiang Feng not only cheated my money, he even secretly took my sister¡¯s clothes and embroidered shoes and sold them for twenty taels of silver to those dirty ces. I hurriedly withdrew a hundred taels to redeem her belongings to preserve my sister''s reputation."

    Jiang Wan also knelt down beside her brother.

    She couldn''t believe Jiang Feng would actually do such a thing. How could he...

    She originally didn''t have much impression of this elder brother, because he had...

    Now hearing about this, she also felt disgusted.

    Thinking of her clothes and shoes being worn by those dirty people, she couldn''t help shivering in revulsion.

    Without saying anything, her tears had already brimmed her eyes and streamed down her face.

    Just seeing her like this made one''s heart ache and wish to do everything for her.

    Jiang Huaiyuan had originally wanted to beat his unfilial son, but had not expected tonight''s incident to also involve his usually obedient Wan''er. Holding the whip, he didn''t know whether to throw it down or keep holding it.

    Jiang Wan was extremely beautiful, inheriting the charm of her mother. Although still a budding beauty, her forehead was smooth and round like her father''s, very magnanimous. Her eyes were more like Grandmother¡¯s, moist and affectionate. She had almost wlessly inherited the best traits of the whole family¨Dbright eyes and white teeth, peerless beauty, yet dignified and elegant.

    In contrast, Jiang Rong resembled his stern father in looks.

    His eyes were a bit like his mother''s, lively and restless, giving off a naughty feel.

    As Jiang Wan knelt down, she started ming herself, "Wan¡¯er was thinking that Elder Sister Yu''s clothes were tattered when she visitedst time, so she gifted her a set of clothes and shoes that Wan¡¯er extremely cherished. Wan¡¯er didn''t expect them to... Wan¡¯er knows she was wrong."

    The olddy was so angry her hand shook as she forcefully pped the armrest.

    The solid gold jade pendant set with emerald was also jangled loudly. "That whole family is rotten to the bone. Back then I expelled him from the family, yet you still pleaded for him. Look now, Amitabha, Amitabha."

    Wu also couldn''t helpining angrily, "We already gave him a hundred taels back then. And now he first cheated Rong''er of twenty-two taels, then went to those dirty ces to swindle another twenty taels. That amount of silver is what ordinary families use for several years! And I heard they even wanted to sell their daughter into servitude. This whole family is truly insatiably greedy."

    The olddy was so annoyed by the crying Wu that she went back to her room.

    Jiang Rong was sent back and threw himself on the bed, lying prone.

    His father had struck heavily this time. Even his clothes were torn.

    Jiang Rong had been pampered since childhood, with delicate skin and tender flesh that would be bruised from a pinch. Now his back was criss-crossed with ghastly welts.

    Seeing this, the olddy felt distressed and bestowed a jade pillow for him toy his stomach on, so it would be cooler.

    She also ordered the servants to move in two ice buckets and ce them near the door, directing the maids to fan him with the cold air, so the wind blowing towards him would be cooler.

    Seeing Wu''s tears, the olddy really couldn''t stand watching and left.

    Seeing her son''s back, Wu couldn''t help crying and wailing, "How could your Father be so heartless? It''s all that ck-hearted family''s fault. Remember to avoid them in the future. Wherever they go, misfortune follows. No good wille of them."

    Seeing her daughter still standing there, she was even more furious: "You blockhead, fool, if it wasn''t for you, your brother wouldn''t have been beaten. Go back to your room."

    Jiang Wan looked at her brother''s back, which wasn''t badly hurt, and felt quite heartbroken, because her brother was injured because of her. She couldn''t help but say: "Brother, don''t worry, good and evil will eventually be repaid."

    Jiang Rong cried out in pain, but he wasn''t actually hurting that much. The room was nice and cool andfortable.

    He waved his hand to call his sister back, not wanting her to see him in such an embarrassing state. "I''m fine, don''t worry about me."

    After Jiang Wan had gone back, it was just his mother in the room. Jiang Rong didn''t want to pretend anymore. He tried to get up, but when he turned over he felt a pain in his waist where Jiang Feng had kicked him.

    Even though the guards had been holding Jiang Feng back, he had still tried toe and kick him.

    Jiang Rong suddenly became curious and asked: "Mother, why was second uncle expelled from the family by Grandmother back then? What mistake did he make?"

    Jiang Rong felt Grandmother was very kind and benevolent. Second uncle must have done something unforgivable for Grandmother to banish him from the family.

    When asked this question, Wu''s face looked a little ufortable.

    She hadn''t actually known at first, and it turned out to have something to do with her.

    Aunt Yao had said that Second Uncle had peeped at her while she was bathing, and had found her clothes hidden in his room.

    Fortunately the Old Lady had believed her, and she was innocent.

    Otherwise her reputation would have been ruined beyond redemption.

    Wu hade from a prestigious family, and had alwaysined about how the Jiang family had dragged her down to live in the countryside.

    After this incident, she didn''tin anymore, and was actually very grateful to her mother-inw. She used to think her mother-inw was petty and nosy, but after this incident she realized the Old Lady was fair-minded and upheld justice, and had protected her reputation as a daughter-inw by banishing her own son from the family.

    However, when she thought about the banished young man who had looked so refined and handsome, she was shocked that he had harbored such vulgar thoughts about her.

    He had no moral principles.

    But deep down she also felt a little proud, thinking that he must have been bewitched by her heavenly beauty and unparalleled looks, which led him to make that mistake.

    When Jiang Rong saw his mother lost in thought without answering his question, he said he was going to sleep and turned over.

    Wu nagged him for a few more things before leaving.

    After his mother had left, Jiang Rongy still for a while but couldn''t getfortable. His waist still felt vaguely painful where Jiang Feng had kicked him, which made him very angry. He took it out on his guard in frustration, casually picking up things from beside the bed and throwing them.

    "Didn''t you say that Jiang Feng had been hit in the head by your weapon and hadn''t been able to fully escape, how could he still go to Lichun Yard today?"

    The guard wasn''t annoyed at being hit. On the contrary, heforted: "Young Master, just wait until tomorrow when you see them. The money they got will only be enough to buy him a coffin."

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22

    The stars filled the sky.

    This midsummer day was particrly long.

    The green hawthorn fruit on the trees were slowly dyed red by the night breeze.

    Babies always get hungry very quickly.

    They need to get up several times a night to drink milk.

    When Qin Luoxia was feeding milk, she would also go check on the other two children.

    Jiang Mianmian was sometimes dazed while drinking milk, and other times wide awake.

    It couldn''t be helped, babies sleep a lot during the day, so it''s normal for them to wake up at night.

    It felt like it was almost midnight now, without a watch or clock, she didn''t know what time it was, just that it was very quiet outside.

    Other than the sound of insects, there were no other noises.

    Perhaps because he had drunk meat soup tonight, Jiang Changtian seemed to be sleeping better, without bursts of coughing.

    Otherwise, he would lightly cough once or twice.

    Jiang Mianmian went with her mother to see her sister.

    Jiang Yu didn''t sleep very well, sprawled all over, with her head against the corner of the bed, as if she might crawl away at any moment...

    Qin Luoxia held Jiang Mianmian in one hand, and with the other pushed Jiang Yu to the middle and covered her with a nket.

    The nkets in the house were quite nice looking, a bit like hemp cloth, made by patching together various old fabrics.

    Purely handmade.

    She remembered this kind of purely hand-sewn cloth could sell for over 100 yuan for the size of an A4 sheet of paper, a whole nket would be amazing...

    One was to pursue that kind of simple beauty.

    The other was true poverty, thinking of every way to get by.

    Jiang Yu and her brother were in the same room, separated by two door panels.

    The eldest son naturally slept very well, so there was no need to worry, Qin Luoxia just nced at him in passing.

    But she discovered something wrong.

    The eldest was burning hot all over, curled up in a ball, Qin Luoxia reached out and touched his face, her hand was scalded.

    She was badly frightened.

    "Feng, Feng."

    Qin Luoxia shook her son, but there was no response.

    He had seemed fine when he caught a cold in the evening, just coughing a bit more.

    She hadn''t expected him to develop a fever now.

    Qin Luoxia was panic-stricken.

    Jiang Mianmian was also very worried, a fever could easily be reduced now, but in ancient times a fever could kill, high fevers that didn''t go down could leave one mentally handicapped or directly dead.

    Qin Luoxia hurriedly went back to the room to call her husband.

    Jiang Yu who didn''t sleep well was also roused, Jiang Mianmian was given to Jiang Yu.

    Normally the younger would be put together with the older to sleep, but Qin Luoxia worried that if she put Mianmian on Jiang Yu''s bed, she might get kicked off in her sleep.

    Jiang Yu was still groggy and didn''t know what was happening, she just took her sister into her arms, the embrace was warm.

    Jiang Mianmian felt a bit ufortable, her sister''s embrace wasn''t as broad as her mother''s.

    But she didn''t make trouble at this time, just adjusted to afortable position.

    Jiang Yu rubbed the sleep from her eyes, bing a bit more clear-headed, and held her sister watching their parentse over.

    Jiang Changtian was woken up and also badly frightened.

    He wasn''t a doctor, just working under the county magistrate''s subordinates.

    He was just an odd-job worker, an odd-job worker for the county magistrate''s odd-job workers.

    Looking after the herbs collected from the surrounding areas, selecting the best, then sending them to the prefecture city, the prefecture city sending them to the capital, the capital sending them into the imperial pce.

    Supposedly there was a noble person whose health wasn''t good, needing medicine to maintain it.

    Of course this was too distant.

    Jiang Changtian was just the lowest link in the entire supply chain.

    Just making a living here.

    He was a very smart person, while others just got by, he didn''t give up on learning.

    Even if he was just receiving herbs and guarding the door, he earnestly studied the uses of all kinds of herbs, he could discern with them in hand whether the herbs were good or not, their year, he could also estimate it.

    But this was still different from an actual doctor, at most he could be considered half an apothecary.

    Seeing Feng had already developed a high fever and lost consciousness, his heart sank like a plumb line, endlessly dropping.

    Jiang Changtian''s hands shook, he strongly suppressed his urge to cough, his face also flushed red.

    "It''s fine, it''s fine, he took medicinest night, that medicine treated the symptoms,st night he was fine, today will definitely also be fine." Jiang Changtian repeatedly consoled.

    "Luoxia, go fetch a basin of cold water."

    As Jiang Changtian directed, he undid his son''s clothes.

    Undoing the clothes, he discovered his son''s body actually had manyrge and small scars.

    Only the wound on his head that bled was very obvious.

    He hadn''t made a sound about the other injuries.

    Jiang Changtian opened his mouth wide, desperately holding back his tears from falling.

    Now was not the time to cry, he could not cry.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23

    It waste at night and everything was quiet.

    The weak candlelight flickered.

    Qin Luoxia brought over a wooden basin of water and wiped her son''s body over and over again - his arms, face, hands.

    Jiang Changtian removed the cloth from his son''s forehead and discovered that the wound there seemed to have rotted, and was actually giving off a faint stench.

    A normal wound would not be like this.

    Even if it was caused by a dirty, blunt object, it would not rot so quickly.

    When Jiang Changtian saw this wound, his mind rapidly thought of various medicinal herbs.

    Yet now, he waspletely unable to recall what herb could treat this.

    Qin Luoxia also did not wail, but wiped her son''s head, neck and body with a cloth over and over again - the hot areas.

    "Luoxia, I will go find medicine. Don''t panic, he will be alright," Jiang Changtian instructed.

    Yet his gaze did not dare linger on his son.

    He was worried that if he looked a moment longer, he would not be able to endure it.

    He could only look at the candlelight in the room, its light was weak, swaying unsteadily.

    Swaying in a way that made one''s eyes hurt.

    Jiang Yu had already carried her little sister on her back. At this time, she also did not dare make a sound, helping her mother wring out cloths and change the water.

    Tears streamed down her face continuously.

    Her usually lively and jumping around older brother now seemed as if dead. She was afraid.

    Jiang Mianmian was also scared.

    Nothing will happen, she had dripped spiritual spring water into the medicine, it would definitely be effective.

    Jiang Mianmian tried to psych herself up, but was also uncertain, it felt unreal.

    She only knew that getting a fever here could kill someone.

    From next door came the "bang" sound of something falling over.

    Qin Luoxia was a little worried and told her eldest daughter to change the water and wipe him down while she went to take a look.

    When Qin Luoxia arrived at the next room, she saw her husband had actually pushed over the cab and crawled inside, looking very disheveled.

    In all the years she had married him, she had never seen him look so disheveled.

    Jiang Changtian groped around for a long time before finally taking something out.

    He crawled out from the cab and turned to see his wife.

    "Saved, we''re saved. Luoxia, look, this is ginseng, this ginseng can save lives. Feng''er will get better after eating this," Jiang Changtian said, clutching a rootless ginseng. He did not say that this was the very ginseng that had led to the execution of the steward Wu.

    He had pilfered it from the things they had stolen from steward Wu, taking out a portion for himself.

    Afterwards when he found out, he dared not make a sound, and had hidden it tightly.

    He did not actually know if this would help Feng''er, but because someone had died due to it, it had to be useful.

    "How to take it?" Qin Luoxia asked, pulling up her swaying husband.

    "Cut it into slices, if he can''t swallow slices, grind it into powder and mix with water to pour down," Jiang Changtian supported his wife and replied.

    Qin Luoxia did not dy, first cutting a slice for her husband before taking the rest to grind down.

    Jiang Changtian held that slice of ginseng, wanting to stuff it into Feng''er''s mouth, but he waspletely unconscious and it was useless, even prying open his mouth did not work.

    Jiang Changtian''s hands shook continuously.

    Yet he still told his daughter, "Yu''er,e over here. Hold onto this medicine and don''t let it fall out."

    He went to change the water for wiping.

    From the yard came the "bang bang bang" sound of grinding medicine, at a very quick pace.

    Jiang Mianmian listened anxiously. Then, unable to hold it, she wet herself. She could not help it, because after drinking milk she would need to pee.

    Jiang Yu also felt the wet warmth on her back, but she could not be bothered about it either, and continued carrying her sister while trying her best to stuff that slice of ginseng into her elder brother''s mouth.

    At the same time, she gently rocked her back: "Mianmian, it''s alright. When elder brother wakes up, sister will change your diaper for you. Be good."

    Qin Luoxia finished grinding the medicine and brought it in a bowl, adding a little water.

    Seeing her son still had no reaction, she swallowed hard several times, forcibly holding herself back.

    People in extreme grief cannot cry out, as if they were acting out a silent y.

    "It''s fine, it''s alright. The medicine is here, dear, there is medicine. He''ll be fine after eating it," Qin Luoxia patted her husband on the back.

    "Yu''er you hold the medicine steady. Dear,e help me." Qin Luoxia calmly directed.

    She sat at the head of the bed and with her husband''s help propped their son up to lean against her embrace.

    Her son had grown to a mid-sized youth, and they had not been so intimate for a long time. She had watched him running around wildly outside every day, doing some outrageous things, seeming like an adult. Yet she did not expect that now he was like a small furnace leaning against her, the criss-crossing injuries on his body purplish-ck. His lips were also purplish-ck.

    Qin Luoxia held her son. Her throat constricted with suppressed sobs, yet she still firmly said:

    "Dear, you feed the medicine. I''ll support Feng''er."

    Seeing his son like this, Jiang Changtian''s hands shook such that he could barely aim the spoon at his mouth.

    This was his first child.

    He himself was originally just like a child.

    It was only after having Feng''er that he slowly became more responsible, and stopped being so reckless.

    His former self had been like a trapped beast, disgruntled with the world and resentful of everything.

    Watching his wife forcefully pry open their son''s jaw to open his mouth,

    Jiang Changtian said with shaking hands, "It''s no use like this. His throat is closed up and he can''t swallow it down. I''ll press on the acupoint under his chin, Yu''er you feed him."

    Jiang Yu took over the bowl of medicine, nervously stirring the medicine repeatedly.

    Jiang Mianmian watched this scene and was also very afraid. She had not expected her easygoing, giggling brother who carried her and yed with her to actually have so many injuries big and small on his body.

    All she could do was, while her sister took over stirring the medicine bowl, quickly lean over the rim while no one was looking, and with great effort, drip all her remaining spiritual spring water into it until it was depleted - likely just a thinyer covering the bottom of the bowl, maybe just one spoonful.

    After she finished dripping it in, she slumped over exhaustedly, softly lying against her sister''s back.

    She did not care that her urine-soaked diaper was still on. She felt that if she soaked any longer, her urine would evaporate.

    Jiang Yu fed her elder brother mouthful by mouthful like feeding gruel to a baby. Spit up medicine was scraped up with the spoon and fed back to him.

    Jiang Changtian supported his son with one hand, and firmly pressed the acupoint on the right side of his son''s neck to get the medicine down.

    They did not know if it would work.

    At least the medicine had all gone in.

    Red marks also appeared on Jiang Feng''s jaw and neck.

    Jiang Changtian continued to wipe down his son''s arms and body.

    The family members took turns. The medicine was fed, all they could do was bring down his temperature. Everything else was left up to fate.

    Jiang Changtian''s eyes were red, his long hair draped over his thin shoulders. For some reason, seeing her father like this made Jiang Mianmian feel he looked so pitiful.

    Their whole family''s personalities seemed quite lively, except for father.

    Father walked lightly, spoke lightly, evenughed lightly. Father also held her very lightly, carefully.

    He seldom showed emotion. Except for that night he had copsed into mother''s arms crying.

    Although he was father, he did not seem mature, nor brave.

    Outside, the insects'' chirping grew lower and lower.

    Inside, the candlelight dimmed little by little.

    Nearly burned out.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24

    The length of time is resilient.

    It can be infinitely long.

    It can also pass in an instant.

    If it''s normal for people to stay up all night, work overnight mechanically, it might feel infinitely long.

    The entire muscle cells are on strike.

    But when you are extremely focused and longing for a miracle, this lengthy process, you simply cannot attend to it.

    You are busy, constantly busy.

    Hoping that your busyness can be of some use, can change something.

    The more towards the end, the more powerless.

    The water has been changed several dozen buckets.

    At the horizon there is even slowly the light of dawn.

    The candlelight went out.

    At this moment, the room fell into darkness.

    Jiang Yu hugged her sister sitting on a small chair, she was both tired and afraid, frightened and fell asleep for a while, hugging her sister very tightly.

    In between, Jiang Mianmian also slept several times.

    The baby didn¡¯t have the strength, and she also used up all the spiritual spring water at one go, which consumed her strength. She just opened her eyes slightly, knowing that her dad and mom were taking turns wiping down her brother.

    At this moment.

    The candlelight burned out.

    In the darkness.

    Jiang Changtian was extremely desperate, and also extremely regretful.

    Everything in front of him was ck.

    In the darkness, he couldn¡¯t find a glimmer of light.

    He felt cold, very cold.

    He touched his son¡¯s body, it was no longer hot, it seemed to be cool.

    He suppressed but could not hold back sobbing softly, like the wail of a wild beast.

    Since he was little he felt his birth mother detested him. His mother was amiable towards everyone, only towards him, she couldn¡¯t hide her disgust even if she tried.

    When his father was around it was still alright. After his father passed away, the way his mother looked at him was colder than looking at a beggar on the streets.

    At that time he thought, he would definitely not have children in the future. If giving birth to a child would be met with such abhorrence, why bother.

    Butter, after he was expelled from home, he got married, he had children.

    He lived in extreme poverty and distress, but his heart was at peace.

    He was willing to do anything for this family.

    Kill people, arson.

    But his Feng died.

    Just yesterday he was still bickering with him. He was so cocky. He picked embroidered shoes for his sister. He was so sensible. He was covered in wounds yet didn¡¯t yell once. He, he is going to hurt to death because of him.

    He felt such pain.

    Such Pain.

    Jiang Changtian gripped his son¡¯s hand tightly.

    Tears uncontrobly streamed down.

    His whole body trembled.

    His body shook as he cried. Everything turned ck in front of him. Next he copsed into an embrace.

    His wife held him.

    Not letting him fall down.

    This woman with in looks, was always there during any time.

    Jiang Changtian would forever remember, when he almost drowned to death, she was the one who jumped into the river and dragged him out, carrying him ashore back home.

    She was tall and strong with a sturdy build.

    But her shoulders were broad and reliable.

    She could cook.

    It didn¡¯t taste good, but it made you full.

    Jiang Changtian didn¡¯t expect he would marry her.

    But at this moment as he held his wife.

    He felt she was also trembling. Her voice was shaking, but his wife still steadily stroked his back, steadily saying: ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay, we have money that can buy a good coffin. Feng likes bright colors, we can buy a gorgeous colored one. Next life, next life, we¡¯ll have him reborn into a good family as a rich household¡¯s young master, he¡¯ll live better than now, very good. My dear, it¡¯s okay, it''s okay.¡±

    ¡°No...¡± Jiang Changtian wailed.

    Why.

    Why was heaven so unfair.

    What wrong did Feng do? He didn¡¯t harm anyone. The prostitutes all liked him. He smiled at everyone. He smiled at everyone...

    If good and evil had their rpense, let the retribution befall him.

    Let him die, let him die a violent death without intact bones or corpse, pierced by thousands of arrows, pierced through the heart. Don¡¯t hurt his child, don¡¯t...

    Jiang Changtian cried and wailed and trembled.

    He hated it so much, so much hate.

    His Feng died. He wanted a life for a life. He wanted to kill. He wanted them to taste suffering a hundredfold, a thousand times over.

    Why did they get to bepletely unscathed and dressed in fineries.

    Why did they get to condemn life and death while holding prayer beads.

    Why did they sit high in their government offices.

    They should fall down, they should die, should writhe in dirt like him, struggle like him. They should be as tainted as him.

    He tasted bitterness that he wanted them to taste even more. He wanted to make them regret and repent night and day.

    Jiang Changtian clenched his teeth tightly, biting until he bled. The bloody taste spread through his mouth.

    In the end he could no longer withstand it and spit out a mouthful of blood.

    ...

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25

    "Auntie."

    "Auntie."

    "Auntie."

    The rooster crowed.

    "Wow..."

    "Wow..."

    "Wow..."

    Jiang Changtian spat blood.

    Jiang Feng spat.

    Jiang Mianmian spat up milk.

    Shuguang suddenly rushed in from outside the door.

    She came in a mighty rush, in a flutter.

    In that instant, everyone came alive.

    Jiang Mianmian had just heard her father''s stifled sobs. She couldn''t stand it. She had probably been restless all night too, caught a chill, or was too emotionally strained, and spat up milk directly.

    Master Jiang Changtian spat a mouthful of blood, pent-up emotions finally released.

    Big brother spat, spat slimy liquid everywhere, a hundred times more putrid than Jiang Mianmian''s poop.

    The stench was vicious.

    Jiang Mianmian caught a whiff of that smell, already spitting up milk, and couldn''t help but spit up again, stomach full of sour liquid.

    But looking at her parents'' faces full of joy helping clean up and wash, not disgusted at all.

    Sister Jiang Yu helped clean up Jiang Mianmian.

    She didn''t dare wash her, just changed her into new clothes.

    Probably no hot water or hair dryer in these times, washing a baby would easily make her sick.

    Jiang Mianmian could still smell a little sourness on herself.

    Jiang Feng spat even more buckets of ck water, not like a human at all.

    But at this moment, the Jiang couple didn''t find it odd at all, just overjoyed.

    Probably even if their son had turned into a monster demon, they''d still be happy, as long as he was alive.

    Their hearts and eyes were full of nothing but delight.

    The feeling of losing something and getting it back, the couple gazed at each other, more determined, more steady.

    No one knew, this couple had embraced each other in the dark of night.

    Embraced each other in front of the child they thought had died.

    What they thought, what they went through.

    If anger and resentment could take form, destroying a city wouldn''t be enough.

    That was a father''s love, a mother''s love, in its most primal form.

    Jiang Feng nkly looked ahead, and weakly said, "Is this Mianmian''s poop on me? Why''s it so smelly?"

    Jiang Mianmian: "Awawa." (Hey! Don''t falsely use my innocence)

    Hearing her son say this, Qin Luoxiaughed through her tears.

    "Don''t talk nonsense, your sister is a sweetheart. Are you hungry? Let mother make you some food."

    "Dad, I''m so hungry, I want to eat beef," Jiang Feng''s voice was still weak, but what he said was still infuriating.

    Usually he''d surely get scolded, his parents would scold him a bit.

    Wanting beef, where wouldmon folk get beef, why not ask for the heavens while you''re at it.

    Unexpectedly Master Jiang Changtian said, "Alright, we''ll have beef tomorrow. You''ve only just recovered, rest for now."

    Jiang Feng looked at his father in great surprise.

    Lying there, Jiang Feng suddenlyughed again.

    ...

    Dawn broke.

    Qin Luoxia went to cook.

    Jiang Changtian brought in a bamboo chair into his son''s room andid down, instantly falling asleep.

    Soon came the sound of snores.

    Jiang Yu was young, she had also been up most of the night, but she had napped a few times. Now in her brother''s room, eyes wide staring at her brother.

    She wanted to speak, but her brother made a shushing gesture.

    She could only stare wide-eyed at her brother. Stared for a while, and unexpectedly fell asleep sitting up.

    Cleverly wedging her head against the back of the chair so she wouldn''t fall over.

    Jiang Feng looked at his sister, then his father.

    He seemed to have had a long dream.

    Last night after lying down he felt awful, his whole body hurt, he wanted to spit up, he thought maybe sleeping would help.

    His father and mother had work tomorrow, though he felt bad, he thought he could tough it out and it would pass.

    Moreover he had taken medicine, had meat soup at night, he was already much better.

    Just hazily faded into unconsciousness like this.

    But losing consciousness didn''t make him better.

    He vaguely sensed his parents feeding him medicine.

    He heard his parents crying.

    But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t open his eyes or speak.

    It was as if he had really died.

    He panicked, he couldn''t die, what would the family do if he died?

    His little sister was still so small, that dummy Jiang Xiaoyu would surely be tricked, father was ill, mother had never enjoyed a day of good fortune. He couldn''t die.

    But the harder he struggled, the worse it got.

    He felt like he was changed into new colorful clothes, ced in a coffin, buried in the dirt.

    Mother had dug the hole herself, father and Jiang Xiaoyu shoveled the dirt together.

    He didn''t want to be alone in the dark.

    He wanted his father, mother, sister, Jiang Xiaoyu.

    But he couldn''t get out, he could only watch his own body slowly rot away in the dark.

    Then one day, a hole appeared next to him.

    A familiar feeling, another coffin, small.

    He saw that it was his youngest sister, so tiny, eyes closed, lying in the hole beside him.

    He saw the mother who dug the hole, the father, didn''t see Jiang Xiaoyu.

    Father''s hair had turned white, mother had many more wrinkles, it was cold in the dirt, winter.

    Originally he desperately wanted to get out, because he saw his parents.

    But now his tiny little sister was beside him, he worried she would be scared, she was so small.

    He could only stay here apanying her, watching his own body rot further, fall apart.

    Later, he became bones, and his sister became bones too.

    Strangely, theirs were unattractive bones, not white.

    The quality wasn''t great either, brittle.

    Later, another hole appeared next to him, he saw that it was father.

    Father dug the hole, mother didn''t dig, because this hole was to bury mother.

    Jiang Xiaoyu still wasn''t there.

    Jiang Feng saw mother, always on his mind, he was just bones now, but in this moment, the bones still felt like they could cry, they could ache.

    Because he saw father digging the hole alone, burying alone.

    That day, he heard someone crying outside the dirt, crying for a long, long time.

    Just one person.

    He wanted to keep thempany.

    He thought sister had mother''spany, she wouldn''t be scared now.

    He wanted to crawl out again, crawl out and keep fatherpany, he missed Jiang Xiaoyu again, didn''t know where she had been tricked off to.

    But he couldn''t get out, time flew, mother also turned to bones, mother''s bones were white and beautiful, but the neck bones were shattered.

    He often heard crying sounds.

    Maybe it was the wind.

    He couldn''t stand these sounds,ter he couldn''t tell the cries from the wind anymore.

    His bones had gone bad, slowly turning to dust, he suddenly nced at himself, even forgot who he was.

    He only knew he couldn''t stand the crying.

    Especially men''s crying.

    The crying was so noisy, noisy for so long.

    But suddenly one day, the crying stopped.

    Stopped for a long time.

    No one cried anymore.

    He started missing it again.

    Missed it a lot.

    Forgot why, just missed it a lot.

    Then he heard crying again.

    Very near, right by his ear.

    He opened his eyes.

    He saw flesh, felt father and mother.

    Saw Jiang Yu, Jiang Mianmian.

    Then he threw up.

    Wildly threw up.

    He didn''t know what he spat out, like rotten earth, he spat a lot of ck water, he came alive.

    He was still alive.

    Little sister was also alive, Jiang Xiaoyu was right before his eyes, mother was alive, father was too.

    His whole body shook, eyes bloodshot.

    He came alive.

    He crawled out.

    He tried to speak.

    "Is this Mianmian''s poop on me? Why''s it so smelly?"

    He heard a response.

    "Awawa."

    He was certain he had crawled out, because in the dirt, he had said many things to his sister, but his sister never responded.

    "Don''t talk nonsense, your sister is a sweetheart. Are you hungry? Let mother make you some food."

    Mother''s voice.

    Mother would respond now too.

    Jiang Feng''s eyes brimmed with tears.

    He continued, "Dad, I''m so hungry, I want to eat beef."

    Father also responded, "Alright, we''ll have beef tomorrow. You''ve only just recovered, rest for now."

    Jiang Fengy back down, smiling.

    He had crawled out.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26

    Morning.

    There are birds chirping in the trees.

    "Chirp chirp chirp, chirp chirp chirp."

    The Jiang family had an unusually hearty breakfast together today.

    Everyone had a bowl of congee made with millet and meat broth.

    The aroma was mouthwatering.

    Jiang Mianmian could smell how fragrant it was and felt like she could drink some too.

    But after a small sip, it was still a bit harsh on her throat. There seemed to be some grain fragments in the millet, her mother''s milk was still easier to drink.

    Unusually, Jiang Changtian didn''t go to work this morning either.

    To be honest, this was the first time Jiang Mianmian had seen her father in broad daylight sinceing into this world.

    He would leave before dawn every day, and onlye back when it was dark.

    But the Jiang Changtian of today didn''t look as good as yesterday''s, it was as if he had aged ten years overnight.

    On closer inspection, quite a lot of his hair had turned white.

    But he didn''t look bad per se, one could even say he had obtained a certain weathered and broken beauty.

    But which family member would want that kind of beauty for their loved ones, it was better to be normal.

    Jiang Mianmian thought, she had the Spring of Life, it would be fine.

    She was even able to bring back her older brother from the brink of death.

    And there was an unexpected pleasant surprise too.

    She had been worried all this while that once the Spring water was used up it would be gone for good, and hence didn''t dare to use it all up in one go.

    But yesterday she had used all of it at one go, and found that today, the Spring seemed to have gotten a little richer in flow. Where previously it could only fill up a thinyer at the bottom of a bowl, about enough for one spoonful, now it looked like the level was slightly higher, at least two spoonfuls'' worth.

    But there was some side effect.

    It seemed that her older brother who drank the water became especially clingy to her.

    Lying in bed, he still wanted his older sister Jiang Yu to shift her wooden tub over so he could look at Jiang Mianmian.

    "You''re the patient yourself, why do you want to keep looking at me?"

    Jiang Mianmian felt a little helpless.

    But there was no way around it, it must be because she was too cute, adorable and well-behaved.

    Lying in her wooden tub, Jiang Mianmian stretched her little legs towards her mouth, practicing her stretches.

    At the same time she curiously peered out of the window.

    The house was made of wood and stone.

    Her brother''s room window happened to be made of wood panels.

    Ancient architecture was rather flexible, the craftsmanship looked advanced.

    The wood panels were joined together, with a groove at the bottom that allowed the window to be slid open.

    Pushing it open in the daytime allowed a view of the trees outside in the courtyard, a very nice window scene.

    Curious to spot where the birds were but unable to see any, though she could still hear their chirping.

    "Chirp chirp chirp, chirp chirp chirp."

    As she looked out, she couldn''t help but let her mouth run freely with saliva...

    Not that she was drooling from hunger, but because her nervous system control was not great, leading to an inability to properly close her mouth. Yes, really.

    Lying on the bed next to her was her brother, gazing nkly at her, as if he had been watching her his whole life.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to herself, weren''t the side effects of the Magic Spring water a little too huge? Her brother seemed a bit slow-witted now.

    At the same time she felt a bit more pressure on herself.

    This family would fall apart without her.

    Mother doted on her, father doted on her, sister loved to kiss her, even kissing her little bottom, and brother was glued to her.

    Jiang Mianmian felt she had to hurry up and grow up quickly.

    As she tried hard to use her hands to grab her little feet, she identally put them in her mouth again.

    Looking at the birds on the tree, then at her brother lying next to her, her eyes then spotted that little ant again.

    It was rather amazing, it had actually dug a small hole next to her wooden tub.

    Right now it was poking its head out from that small hole, swaying as it looked at her.

    Jiang Mianmian somehow sensed that it was smiling at her from its ck, ugly little head...

    Perhaps because she was in a good mood herself.

    After all, elder brother was alright, he recovered.

    The Magic Spring waters had also increased.

    Jiang Mianmian looked up to see her brother gazing at her.

    She subconsciously broke into a smile.

    She didn''t have teeth yet, so smiling just meant dripping saliva.

    Jiang Feng smiled too.

    He greedily soaked in the sun.

    Greedily breathed in the wind.

    Greedily watched his lively little sister.

    He could never watch her enough.

    At this moment Jiang Changtian and Qin Luoxia entered the room, along with older sister Jiang Yu.

    Jiang Mianmian was swept into her sister''s embrace.

    Then she saw Mother carrying a fire pot into the room.

    Were they going to do some fire pot ritual to drive away evil spirits?

    Elder brother still couldn''t get out of bed...

    Or was it some ancient ritual?

    Curious, Jiang Mianmian craned her neck to take a peek.

    She then saw Mother heat up the spear she had sharpened the other day over the fire pot.

    Jiang Mianmian had an uneasy feeling about this. What were they trying to do?

    She then witnessed Father cleaning the wound on elder brother''s forehead.

    It was above his left eye.

    The wound still emitted a faint, rotten smell.

    It looked rather hideous.

    Jiang Changtian said, "Feng''er, this might hurt a little, bite down on this."

    He stuffed a piece of soft cork into his son''s mouth.

    Jiang Feng smiled weakly, "Father, I''m not afraid of pain, truly, not one bit."

    He had endured that endless night, watching countless worms slowly gnaw at his body, watching himself be a skeleton, watching himself turn to dust. He was not afraid of pain, truly.

    "Yes, my good son is not afraid of pain." Jiang Changtian patted his son on the shoulder.

    But still stuffed the cork firmly into his mouth.

    He then turned to his wife, "Luoxia, pass me the spear."

    Qin Luoxia picked up the red hot spear. "Dear husband, let me do it, my hands are faster."

    Jiang Changtian shook his head. "You''re stronger, you hold Feng''er down."

    Jiang Mianmian watched as Father tied up his long hair in a bun.

    Heavens, a man with a bun was unexpectedly still so handsome. With all his features exposed, Father looked even more striking.

    Then her eyes were covered by Sister.

    She heard a muffled groan.

    Struggling with all her might, she finally managed to peek out from between Sister''s fingers to see the scene before her.

    Father had actually pressed the red hot spear to Brother''s wound!

    Such an act was too cruel.

    This was punishment given only to prisoners.

    Yet she saw Father''s hand did not tremble at all. This man who would cough at the slightest trigger, who walked in an unsteady flutter, now held a red hot spear firmly in hand, pressing it repeatedly to his own son''s head. Qin Luoxia held down her son''s convulsing body.

    Jiang Feng said he felt no pain, yet still bit down hard on the cork, emitting muffled groans.

    In his heart he truly did not feel pain, instead he felt joy, tion, pleasure. This kind of pain made him feel alive.

    Only that his body would convulse uncontrobly.

    Jiang Changtian was doing something utterly heartless, yet his expression was one of utmost concentration and fastidiousness, his handpletely steady.

    To Jiang Mianmian, Father now looked like an extremely skilled surgeon, like a ruthless robotic surgery apparatus.

    Because she observed that Father was not simply coarsely branding that wound with the red hot iron, but moving with great precision to treat every little bit of damaged tissue, striving to clean out all of the rotten flesh in that wound, yet not destroying any healthy flesh.

    Initially Jiang Yu''s eyes were squeezed shut as she covered her sister''s eyes.

    But upon hearing the muffled groans, she too could not help but open her eyes.

    Witnessing Father''s actions, tears flowed freely down her cheeks. This was all her fault, because Jiang Wan had given her clothes and shoes as gifts, and out of greed she had kept them, resulting in elder brother getting beaten.

    Elder brother had nearly died because of it.

    And now had to suffer such agony.

    She herself would get scalded from bowls that were merely warm.

    Yet her brother''s flesh was being seared till fragrant. *sobs*

    As the iron left the fire, it would gradually turn from red to ck, yet the temperature remained extremely high.

    Jiang Changtian''s hand grew increasingly steady. Other than trembling slightly on the first press, his subsequent presses became more and more firm.

    He no longer seemed like he was carrying out branding punishment on his own son''s head, but was painting a picture.

    Using the red hot iron, he drew line by line against the flesh, transforming that twisted rotten wound before him into a vivid, lifelike painting, just like a ck mand.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27

    The wind was warm and gentle.

    Little Jiang Mianmian gaped in astonishment, drooling all over.

    Elder brother Jiang Feng''s face was originally honest and loyal.

    Looking at him straight on, he still seemed honest and loyal.

    After being injured, his body also had a feeling of weakness, making him seem even more honest.

    But you couldn''t look at the left side of his face.

    On his left eye was something magical - there was actually a flower.

    It was like a tattoo.

    And a three-dimensional embossed tattoo at that.

    The hideous wound had actually turned into a three-dimensional flower.

    From this left angle, it had a sense of beauty like Guanyin subduing a demon.

    It was a little frightening.

    ...

    But father was amazing to know how to treat the wound this way. It seemed like an ancient version of a high-frequency electric knife, using ultra high temperatures to separate and solidify bodily tissues, stopping bleeding and preventing cross infection.

    Mother Jiang let go of elder brother. Elder brother spit out the cork and foolishly smiled.

    "Father, Mother, I feel I''ve recovered. I''m extremely spirited now."

    Little Jiang Mianmian saw father put down his spear and sit back in the bamboo chair.

    Jiang Changtian''s back was drenched in sweat.

    But his face revealed a rxed smile.

    "Yes, you''ve recovered. You''ll continue to recover. Sleep first now."

    Jiang Feng didn''t want to sleep. He was reluctant to sleep, afraid to sleep.

    But he eventually fell asleep.

    Because father Jiang Changtian had set up a reclining chair next to him, and fell asleep together.

    He would wake with a start asionally, and as long as he saw father next to him, heard father''s breathing, he would fall back asleep until he was in deep slumber.

    Little Jiang Mianmian was carried by mother to the yard andid on her stomach to sun her bottom.

    Mother folded her arms and legs, exposing her bottom, and ced her under a tree to sun.

    It wasn''t direct sunlight, but dappled light filtering through the tree leaves.

    But...

    This position was really embarrassing.

    She was mooning the whole vige!

    Even though people didn''t have telescopes now, or Google Maps, still...

    At first Little Jiang Mianmian wanted to resist, butter realized lying in the sun felt toofortable. She fell asleep.

    She had actually fallen asleep just like that.

    When she opened her eyes again, she remembered she had been mooning.

    Luckily her bottom was covered now, but she was still sleeping on her stomach.

    It seemed sleeping on her stomach was also very cozy.

    Then she saw elder sister walking back and forth in front of her in new embroidered shoes.

    Elder sister was so smug...

    Turning her head she saw elder brother lying next to her on a bamboo recliner.

    It was noon. Father had rested for an hour and gone to work.

    After father left, Jiang Feng woke up.

    He was suddenly very afraid of the dark.

    Afraid of being alone.

    Lying under the tree, basking in the sunlight, watching his little sister, only then could he feel at ease.

    At this moment as hey on the bamboo recliner looking out at the vige, he would turn to check on his sleeping little sister from time to time.

    Seeing that little sister was awake, she turned her head and gave him a foolish grin.

    Jiang Feng also smiled.

    Little sister really loved tough.

    Herughter melted his heart.

    The bones ached.

    Little Jiang Yu walked around him in circles with a silly look on her face, showing off her new embroidered shoes.

    Round and round she went.

    Dizzying him.

    Jiang Feng said, "Weren''t you going to show off to Little Cui? Why haven''t you left yet."

    Little Jiang Yu carefully walked in small steps and said, "Mother said to take care of you and little sister, and not run around. I can just wear them at home."

    Little Jiang Mianmian had sunned enough. Supporting herself on her little arms, she slowly shifted her center of gravity and pushed with effort, lifted her hips, and plop...

    She failed to roll over.

    Beside her rang out elder sister''sughter.

    "Hahahahaha, little sister you look just like that little turtle, she actually can''t roll over."

    Little Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Let''s see you roll over after just over a month, show me.

    Then she was manually rolled over by elder sister.

    Little Jiang Mianmian was so angry she peed...

    Dare tough at me, I dare to make you smell my pee, poop, and farts.

    After getting a new diaper, little Jiang Mianmian lying in the small wooden basin saw elder brother still watching her, a smile at the corner of his mouth.

    She babbled a greeting, "Yiya yaya", then went back to ying on her own.

    She had no choice, turning to look at elder brother was tiring.

    Others drank from the magic spring water and got rich and powerful, embarking on great ventures and turning their lives around. She drank from the magic spring water, and just wanted to work hard to roll over...and even failed at that.

    Little Jiang Mianmian was not discouraged. Human nature is to find someone weaker to bully, which makes you feel a little happier.

    She looked at the little ants in her family''s yard, and dragged another leaf over the hole they had dug. The holes had a staggered, uneven height, like little chairs. The ants sat there leisurely, the leaf like a sunshade. Give it a straw and a drink, and little Jiang Mianmian suspected it would sit with one leg crossed over the other drinking away.

    She wondered how ants cross their legs. Do they cross two legs together, or four legs together?

    After watching for a while, little Jiang Mianmian decisively pushed the leaf off the side of the wooden basin.

    The sunlight immediately shone directly on the little ant''s head.

    Little Jiang Mianmian actually saw the little ant give her a helpless re, then jump down itself.

    After a while, a leaf slowly moved up from the edge of the basin again.

    Oh no!

    Little Jiang Mianmian suddenly felt she liked it a little.

    It tried so hard.

    Just as little Jiang Mianmian was watching intently, arge hand suddenly reached over.

    The little ant and leaf fell into that big hand.

    Little Jiang Mianmian was given a fright.

    Looking up, it was elder brother. He must have noticed what she was doing since he woke up and kept watching her.

    Little Jiang Mianmian worried elder brother would crush her little ant. That was an ant that had drank magic spring water. She hurriedly protested.

    "Yiyaya, yiyaya." (Give it back to me)

    She waved her arms and yelled loudly.

    Since waking up, Jiang Feng had kept his eyes fixed on little sister, as if it had be a habit.

    He stared unblinking, watching her move, trying hard to roll over, even ying with a little ant. Every move she made warmed his heart.

    No one understood that feeling.

    It wasn''t like a dream. It wasn''t, because the pain was too great, the bones all hurting finely and incessantly.

    He also discovered he had be much stronger, because when he used his arms to get up from bed, he broke off a piece of his bed frame.

    He remembered mother saying the bed she made for him was from very hard, precious old wood. But the piece of wood he broke off, he lightly squeezed it in his hand, and it turned into powder.

    Leaning on the recliner, he slowly released the wooden dust from his hand bit by bit.

    He thought this must be rted to what he had experienced. He must have really died. His whole family would die. He was too unwilling to ept it, so he came back.

    He would keep this secret. He absolutely wouldn''t tell anyone.

    That kind of experience, just thinking about it made his face stream with bitter tears.

    He looked at the green leaf in his hand, the little ant on the leaf, snarling and waving its ws.

    Seeing little sister stretch out her hand eagerly, he could understand her cries. Really, after watching little sister his whole life, he had only hoped she could say a sentence in response.

    Now she was responding sentence by sentence.

    He gently ced the leaf and ant back where they were, then reached out and stroked little sister''s head.

    Warm, soft, not hard, not brittle. He cracked a smile.

    Little Jiang Mianmian saw the ante back and breathed a sigh of relief.

    Then she felt elder brother stroking her head. She didn''t know why, but it gave her the chills, feeling like elder brother was stroking not her head, but her skull...

    ...

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28

    "Chirp~~~"

    "Chirp~~~"

    The calls of birds came intermittently.

    Qin Luoxia went deep into the mountain forest again.

    She knew this ce was dangerous.

    Even though she had just promised her husband she would note here to take risks again.

    But after her husband left today, she still came.

    She was illiterate and could not describe her emotions.

    Anger, resentment, hatred, pain.

    Last night was really long.

    She stayed by Feng''s side, and somehow she was thinking about whether there was enough money at home to buy a coffin.

    To buy a coffin was her insistence.

    Because since she was little, her Mom kept nagging her: when your Dad died, his corpse was not even fully recovered, fragmented all over the wilderness, dead without a whole corpse. Your Dad could not reincarnate and could only be a lone ghost.

    Later when her Mom was critically ill about to die, she only closed her eyes after seeing Qin Luoxia had bought the coffin.

    She spent all the money she had saved up for her wedding, and even borrowed a lot of debts, just to buy that coffin.

    Her Mom was satisfied and closed her eyes.

    Qin Luoxia became an old maid who could not get married.

    The coffin was very important.

    Qin Luoxia held a spear, shuttling through the dense forest.

    Her pace became faster and faster, and her tall figure became more and more agile.

    If there were rocks blocking the way, she jumped over them. If there were wide gullies, she leapt over them. If there were cliffs, she climbed over them. She moved like a flexible big ape, and was extremely skilled in the dense mountain forest.

    But the ufortable feeling in her heart still could not be vented out.

    She saw her Husband spit blood.

    She was scared.

    Her Mom also spit blood before she died.

    At that time, she went to get the doctor for her Mom. The doctor said to take the galldder of a fierce python to swallow as medicine, as that could supplement the blood from the heart and mouth.

    At that time, she was just a little girl, at most a stronger little girl than the other girls in the vige. She was even afraid of ordinary snakes, let alone finding a fierce giant python.

    When her Mom brought her to this vige to settle down, her Mom told others they escaped here from the north.

    Also because she was exceptionally tall, and was often bullied when she was little. There were always people talking behind their backs, saying her Mom was humiliated by foreigners, so she gave birth to Qin Luoxia. They said Qin Luoxia was a mixed race child.

    Deep down in her heart, Qin Luoxia also thought so.

    Because she was much taller than the other little girls.

    But in the period before her Mom died, her Mom kept muttering that her Dad was a hero of the world, single-handedly charged through thousands of soldiers and horses, and was an invincible general.

    She thought her Mom became silly due to illness.

    She never dared to believe this im.

    Sometimes when she thought back, she treated it as a dream, as her Mom¡¯s beautiful fantasy before death.

    Her Mom actually looked pretty good herself. Qin Luoxia was quite ordinary. She probably looked like her Dad.

    She felt the luckiest thing in her life was to marry her Husband.

    Her Husband was like an immortal figure in her eyes. He treated her extremely well. When she did something wrong, her Husband would patiently teach her, unlike other men in the vige who often beat and scolded their wives.

    Her Husband also did not dislike her tall stature. She felt that her Husband truly liked her when he hugged her.

    Her Husband said he felt at ease hugging her.

    Last night when her Husband hugged her, many scenes shed through her mind.

    Because she dared not think of Feng, she dared not think of anything rted to Feng.

    She tried hard to fill her mind with other things.

    So she forced herself to think about the scene of herself hunting wild boars in the forest during the day.

    Then the appearance of the entire forest really emerged in her mind. The ces she had been to, even though she just passed by them before, when she recalled again, she surprisingly remembered them bit by bit - which tree was where, which rock was where, which gorge was where, and even where which bird or beast would be. It seemed she was recalling them one by one.

    In that moment, she thought that she believed what her Mom said before death. Her Dad was indeed an invincible general, amander-in-chief, a great general. How else could such detailed memories of the whole forest emerge in her mind?

    At that moment, the entire forest in her mind was like a battlefield that she was going to conquer.

    Until she thought of how Feng had also been to the forest, everything abruptly stopped and disappeared along with the crying sounds.

    As if everything just now was merely an illusion of extreme sadness.

    Just like before her Mom died, fantasizing her Dad to be a hero of the world.

    But now she still came.

    She did not care whether her Mom was epileptic or if she herself had hallucinations. She had toe.

    She couldn''t be without her Husband. She was going to hunt a python.

    She entered the forest and then happily discovered that it was not an illusion after all.

    She had only been here once, yet her mind remembered it all clearly. She even knew where there would be rocks and cliffs in advance. She ran extremely fast, as if running on t ground.

    In the forest, she moved towards the previous mountain stream. The experience from the images in her mind told her that under the mountain stream was the most likely ce to find a giant python.

    The image of an inconspicuous bush she saw in the stream before floated up in her mind.

    At that time she seemed to have only taken a nce at it while carving wild boar meat.

    But when recalling again now, she actually remembered it clearly.

    Many years ago, the old doctor had said that near the habitat of a fierce giant python, there would be a kind of nt that grew leaves shaped like tongues. She actually remembered it.

    The image and words matched up.

    She determined there must be a giant python under this mountain stream.

    Then she ran over in one breath.

    The mountain stream was originally halfway up a hill. The water above it flowed down into a waterfall, while the area below was like a cliff bottom. Even at noon, it radiated chilliness and was extremely secluded.

    Qin Luoxia was certain that the giant python must be below, because pythons were afraid of heat and would look for shady ces.

    It seemed her Husband had said that too.

    Her Husband was very knowledgeable and knew everything.

    Moreover, that tongue-shaped nt was below too. The stems were thick, and she imagined seeing a giant python coiling around that nt, moving about.

    The damp marks on those ck rocks seemed to be traces left behind by a giant python crawling out day after day.

    Qin Luoxia sat by the mountain stream.

    Last time, she had sat here to divide wild boar meat.

    That was just yesterday.

    She was delighted at her luck, happy that her family could eat meat, and also a little worried about being scolded by her Husband.

    In short, she was full of drive back then.

    But now, it seemed something was different.

    After experiencing her son almost dying and her Husband spitting bloodst night, Qin Luoxia sat by the mountain stream, blowing in the mountain breeze, asionally having water droplets ssh onto her.

    In the distance was the dense forest, below was the deep cliff.

    She did not know how topose poems, nor dared she shout at the distance. She just scraped the cliff with her spear, again and again. Again and again, the hard cliff quickly showed deep marks.

    She did not know what she was thinking about.

    In fact, her mind had always been simple ¨C eat fully, dress warmly, let her whole family eat fully and dress warmly.

    When the seventh mark appeared on the cliff, Qin Luoxia moved.

    At this moment, she was like a soaring eagle spreading its wings.

    She seemed to jump straight down, but in fact there was skill in her movement. One foot tapped the cliff, her body flew out, then she grabbed the vine in the middle, and using the vine¡¯s momentum, leapt to the front.

    The giant figure disappeared after a few moves, as if merging into the depths of the cliff bottom.

    "Chirp~~~"

    "Chirp~~~"

    asionally some bird calls passed by.

    "Drip~~"

    "Drip~~"

    The sound of water hitting rocks.

    "Thud~~"

    "Thud~~"

    The echo from water dripping into the deep pool.

    "Rustle~~"

    The sound of leaves shaking and swaying in the wind.

    Natural sounds.

    Tranquil and peaceful.

    It is said that listening to such sounds makes it easy to fall asleep, and can treat insomnia.

    But these sounds

    Covered up the sounds of strife in the forest.

    Covered up the essence of thew of the jungle.

    The sounds of the weak being killed, their blood flowing out, would also be murmuring. Hitting the rocks it would also drip drip, falling into the deep pool also ding dong ding dong.

    The sound of dying breath was also subtle, chirp chirp chirp, faint and small.

    Knives cutting meat, if done quickly enough, would also give a rustling sound.

    Encountering bones and hard scales, there would be crisp collision sounds.

    When the sun nted slightly,

    Qin Luoxia dragged up a giant python from under the mountain stream, drenched in blood.

    Like returning from hell.

    But the confident smile on her face was more like a triumphant warrioring home.

    With her ordinary looks, she shone brightly in this moment.

    A familiar ce.

    Using the flowing water to wash away the blood, she began dismembering the giant python.

    She also had many wounds on her body, but they could not conceal her happiness and delight.

    She did it.

    She could.

    Previously, she looked down on herself for being tall, strong and sturdy, feeling different from others and embarrassed. She would always try to make herself the same as everyone else, even unconsciously lowering her head and hunching her shoulders in crowds.

    But today, with the clear n of hunting down the giant python in her mind, and having seeded in carrying it out, she suddenly felt extremely confident.

    She was no mongrel. Her mother had no madness. Her real father was an unparalleled brave warrior. She had inherited the fearless valor of her father.

    Marrying her husband would not disgrace him.

    Previously, she was just a little stronger than others. But afterst night, perhaps like her husband said - people who experience the thrills between life and death can stimte their potential to the maximum.

    That was how she felt now. Not only had she be extremely strong, her mind worked differently too. It was as if she could vividly recall things she had seen before as long as she thought carefully about them.

    Qin Luoxia swiftly dismembered the giant python.

    She carefully extracted the snake¡¯s galldder and stored it separately.

    Then she stood right under the waterfall to wash the bloodstains off her body.

    It was very hot. By the time she got home, she would probably be dry.

    After wringing the water out of her hair by the pond, the reflection in the deep pond showed a long-haired woman.

    She pondered and decided to keep the secret of her identity.

    Her husband was an ordinary schr after all. She was already too sturdy for a woman. The older women in the vige said, ¡°When the wife overpowers the husband, the marriage is doomed.¡±

    And her husband¡¯s mother was pretentious most of all.

    But Qin Luoxia felt that her husband truly loved his mother deep down, which was why he treated all children extremely well, neverying a hand on them or even speaking harshly.

    What her husband liked were gentle, dignified women.

    She could not be rash and expose her true nature, or it would frighten her husband.

    After treating all the bloodstains and wounds on her body, Qin Luoxia also sorted out her thoughts logically.

    She then wrapped up the sliced python meat withrge leaves and skillfully ced them into the bamboo basket. She piled foraged vegetables over them.

    As she sprinted home, she thought to herself that if her husband consumed the deadly viper¡¯s galldder, his health would strengthen, and they might even be able to have another baby. Her son Feng was too lonely being the only child, with no one to help him in fights.

    A powerful figure dashed through the forest.

    A grizzly bear shrank back into its cave.

    ¡°Chirp!¡±

    ¡°Chirp!¡±

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29

    The evening breeze was thick and sticky.

    Jiang Mianmian was sweating.

    Her hair was damp and mmy.

    She didn''t feel veryfortable.

    She was also a little hungry, because there was no time to make rice paste for her at home, so she drank thin gruel with meat soup.

    She and the wounded brother had special treatment.

    Although Jiang Yu looked like she was drooling, she was very sensible and firmly refused to drink any.

    She walked with her head held high and chest out proudly, wearing her new embroidered shoes, like a haughty little hen.

    Then she drank water from thedle.

    She was also very stubborn. No matter what her big brother said, she wouldn''t drink it.

    Jiang Mianmian felt her sister had a strong personality. She was very vain in some ways, always wanting topete with her stic best friend Cui, but in some ways she was very persistent and treated her family very well.

    Her heart was a little rough. Her brother seemed to have just survived life and death and was delirious...

    It was because she had the spring water that she was not so panicked. Yet her sister had survived such an evening and early in the morning still remembered to wear her new embroidered shoes.

    Jiang Mianmian was quite envious of her sister''s personality.

    She felt that no matter where she went, she would probably do well.

    She felt sticky and ufortable herself. She missed her mother, wanted to drink milk, and thought about these days.

    No air conditioning, no electric fan, no refrigerator, no Aptamil, Wyeth, Abbott, Feihe, Royal...

    She could only drink breast milk. But her mother''s milk was not at home! o(¨i_¨i)o

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help pouting.

    Then she felt her body float up as her sister picked her up and buried her head against her to sniff deeply.

    Jiang Mianmian resignedly felt a little smug.

    In her heart she felt a tiny bitforted.

    My sister really loves me!

    Her sister must have sniffed her like a cat.

    Her sister really dotes on her.

    Jiang Yu sniffed and said,

    "Mianmian, do you miss Mother? Mother will be back very soon. Sister will rock you."

    Jiang Yu held her sister and rocked her gently at first, then swung her with wide motions. Sure enough, she saw her sister smile with her mouth open, and sheughed too.

    Jiang Mianmian''s mouth couldn''t close from the rocking.

    Sometimes when babies'' mouths are open they''re notughing, they just can''t control their muscles.

    The rocking had shaken all her drool out...

    "Oh, Mother, Mother is back, really back!" Jiang Yu suddenly shouted.

    She finally stopped rocking.

    Jiang Mianmian, dizzy, nced in the distance.

    She saw a sturdy figure running quickly nearer. Wasn''t the speed a bit too fast?

    Like a bear pouncing.

    Jiang Mianmian was startled.

    She felt her sister had rocked her dizzy.

    She struggled to reach her eyes with her hand and rubbed them. Opening her eyes again, she saw it was Mothering.

    She had indeed been seeing things.

    Mother''s figure had reached them. Oh no, Jiang Mianmian smelled the bloody, stinking odor again, even stronger thanst time.

    With that stench, it definitely wasn''t human blood.

    Mother must have gone hunting again.

    Jiang Mianmian felt a little uneasy. She had given the spring water to her mother and brother. If their bodies changed, would they get suspicious?

    In this family, only her sister seemed a littlecking in intelligence. The others were very shrewd.

    She didn''t hear them say anything. Jiang Mianmian acted as if she knew nothing. After all, she was still a baby who couldn''t even talk. What sinister thoughts could a baby have?

    She saw Mothering back carrying a bamboo basket and her brother started to stand up to help take it.

    Qin Luoxia quickly refused.

    "You''re still injured, don''t move."

    The bamboo basket was extremely heavy. That python was really heavy. She was worried it would crush her son''s small body.

    Not to mention her son was injured.

    Jiang Feng felt he really had mutated, because just now as hey on the bamboo chair, he had casually picked up a rock to test himself.

    Except for the round pebbles that he couldn''t crush, he could throw those out extremely far, and even felt he could use them as weapons to smash prey. The irregr rocks, he could squeeze and crush them when he exerted his strength.

    This was definitely beyond normal human strength.

    He didn''t dare reveal this casually, as he couldn''t exin it.

    Moreover, he was still injured now. Perhaps when healed, his strength would be even greater.

    But when he saw Mothering back carrying the bamboo basket, he instinctively started to stand up to help.

    Mother and son grabbed the basket at the same time.

    Tugging.

    At the same time both were surprised, found it strange, but showed no expression.

    Tugging.

    Jiang Feng let go, and Qin Luoxia held on.

    A very ordinary process.

    Jiang Yu didn''t notice anything.

    Jiang Mianmian hadn''t noticed either, but for some reason, seeing her mother''s and brother''s auras so strange in that instant, like watching a ck bear tugging with a wolf.

    She must be hallucinating in broad daylight.

    She felt she must have drunk too much of the spring water.

    It was just Mother and brother after all.

    She babbled, "Yiya yaya ya!"

    Mother and brother looked over at the same time.

    Mother''s smile was warmer and gentler than usual.

    Brother''s smile was simpler and more honest.

    "Yiya yiya," Jiang Mianmian waved her arms and legs.

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30

    Smoke rises.

    Cleaning up, starting a fire, the water in the pot goes from calm to rippling.

    Stewing medicine, picking wild vegetables, tending to the stove.

    When Mom returns, the house bes lively.

    Mom doesn''t let elder brother work, so he sits on a chair and prepares the wild vegetables.

    Sister Jiang Yu continues to stew yesterday''s medicine in the y pot.

    Medicine bought with money should never be wasted.

    Yesterday''s medicine residue is also kept, intending to stew it together with another batch, which is equivalent to having three doses of medicine.

    Mom quietly prepares the python meat.

    Jiang Mianmian knows this because Mom doesn''t avoid her, probably thinking that she''s still too young to understand.

    And then Jiang Mianmian, on Mom''s back, nervously watches the pieces of meat.

    They''re cut like salmon; she doesn''t know howrge the original body must have been.

    And then she sees the head of the original body.

    Ah, ah, ah, ah...

    Mom is killing me.

    Jiang Mianmian feels like her baby''s heartbeat has stopped several times.

    I''m scared, baby.

    A brightly colored, giant python head, neatly ced there.

    At first nce, she thought it was a dragon head.

    Like the kind you see in lion dance performances... lifelike.

    Ah, ah, ah, ah...

    This head is ced on their chopping board.

    Ah, ah, ah, its eyes are yellow, with vertical pupils.

    Wasn''t it said that even when a snake''s head is chopped off, precautions should be taken to prevent it from biting?

    If this head bites, it could swallow her whole in one bite.

    But Jiang Mianmian looks carefully and realizes that it has been cut into an artistic piece... it shouldn''t bite.

    It''s so scary, so scary.

    It scares her so much that she hups twice.

    Even the tender skin of a baby has goosebumps, surely she has them too.

    Mom works diligently, humming unconsciously.

    Jiang Mianmian can''t quite understand the lyrics, probably a local folk song.

    She can only understand one sentence: "Fish fish~ silly cat~ plump~... fish fish~ silly cat~ plump~"

    She doesn''t know if that''s what it means, but the melody sounds like it.

    It sounds like a song of abundant harvest.

    She can feel that Mom''s mood is also good.

    And Mom works at a very fast pace, a bit dizzying.

    Jiang Mianmian, who hups twice, falls asleep amidst Mom''s rhythmic work.

    Before falling asleep, she hazily thinks that she will remember this scene when she grows up.

    Mom''s back is so soft, like a boat, swaying gently, drifting aimlessly, but she never has to worry about falling off, feeling very secure.

    In the realm of dreams, everything is sweet.

    At this moment, in the evening.

    The room is actually a bit dim.

    A woman bows her head, holding arge knife, cutting the meat without any emotion, a giant python head that refuses to close its eyes sits there, coldly staring.

    This woman is even colder than the giant python.

    Like a deranged killer.

    However, if you approach and take a closer look, you will see that the reason she is crouching is to make her back slope at a slightly inclined angle, allowing the baby on her back to sleep more soundly.

    The baby''s face is pressed against her back, sleeping t, cheeks puffed up, asionally murmuring, breathing lightly, like snoring softly, capable of blowing tiny bubbles.

    She is the most ruthless hunter, and also the gentlest mother.

    ...

    Evening.

    In the county government office, the grand hall, with a mirror hanging high, the que is solemn and deste.

    Already in the state of getting off work.

    Anything can be dealt with in the morning.

    In the afternoon, generally no cases will be taken.

    The county government office is located in the center of the county town, with the City God Temple on the left and some well-established mansions of the gentry on the right.

    In the current world, there is unrest with both natural and man-made disasters.

    Corrupt officials hold power, and sycophants have influence.

    Themon people are struggling to make a living.

    The rich own vastnds, while the poor have no ce to stand.

    In a corner of the county government office, there sits a man who looks like a schr.

    Inside the house, various medicinal herbs are neatly arranged, with each herbbeled with its name, usage, year, and quality.

    This should have been a messy house with too many things piled up.

    But it has been tidied up meticulously, with a wooden board connected to the window, forming a makeshift table.

    Stacks of grass roots are piled up as stools.

    A man in a coarse cloth robe sits here, and he must have been sitting for a long time, as the grass roots have been worn smooth and shiny.

    The table made of wooden boards is connected to a small wooden window, allowing light toe through, providing enough illumination for reading and writing.

    The man''s handwriting is elegant and refined. If it were used for writing articles, regardless of the content, just looking at the characters would make people unable to resist apuding and praising his skill in calligraphy.

    However, these densely packed characters are not verses or literary works, but annotations for each herb.

    The ink on the table is of the poorest quality, easily forming clumps. He has to be extra careful when writing, and there is always a pungent smell, fortunately masked by the scent of the herbs in the room.

    In such a corner, the man has written many, many words. If he were a schr, he would have calluses on his hands from writing, but he is not. He has many calluses on his hands, overshadowing the calluses from writing.

    A person whocks filial piety and fraternal respect cannot take the imperial examinations.

    No one will vouch for him.

    He was cut off from the path of learning many years ago.

    But at that time, he didn''t understand how important this matter was.

    In the following days, hebored, repeatedbor, day after day ofbor, never seeing hope, never seeing a future. Not only did he have no future, but neither did his children.

    A lifetime of doing the most arduous and tiring work, eating meager meals.

    Lifelong, worse off than pigs and dogs.

    He gradually understood. He struggled and even knelt down to beg for his children.

    When he was expelled from his family back then, he didn''t kneel, butter, when he had children, he knelt down easily.

    He didn''t tell his wife that he knelt down, and he received more insults and humiliation in return.

    Originally, under a man''s knees, there is no gold. After you kneel, others will only spit on you and trample on your spine, trying to bend and crush it.

    They will make you lowly and forever unable to rise.

    When you give, there will always be a reward. When you give your sincere heart, you will always be hurt.

    This room is small and stuffy, with only a tiny window and a faint light.

    However, here he reads and writes every book he can get his hands on, repeatedly, recording everything.

    The work he does, earning little money, has one advantage¡ªit allows him to write.

    He is ashamed as the head of the family, unable to provide enough food and clothing for his wife and children.

    Utterly incapable.

    It''s getting dusk.

    The bell of the City God Temple starts ringing.

    It will ring three times.

    After the third chime, the wealthy households were about to have their evening meal.

    From his seat, he had a limited view, but it happened to epass a small door. Whenever that door opened, he could catch a glimpse of the street beyond, including the side entrance of a courtyard across the street.

    The side door opened five times a day.

    People came and went.

    He lightly tapped the tabletop with his hand.

    As the side door opened, two individuals emerged.

    He extended his right hand, rubbing his stiff neck and turning his head.

    Then he lowered his head and continued writing.

    The room was filled with the scent of medicine.

    Ink marks gradually appeared on the paper.

    Arsenic, croton, Sichuan lovage rhizome, white aconite, pinellia, southern star, greendybug, croton seed, Chinese gamboge, radix sanguisorbae, Chinese hibiscus, red cinnabar, toad secretions, and foreign golden flower...

    Medicine is three parts poison, and these medicines are highly toxic.

    Below the prescription, there was another piece of paper detailing a person''s life.

    Wu Liu, with a mole at the corner of his eye, skilled in using a stiletto, height of five feet three inches, enjoys eating meat pies from the Western Street corner. He has a lover who is already married, residing at No. 46 West Street...

    He finished writing.

    Then he tore both pages and crumpled them up.

    It grew dark outside.

    He stood up and pushed the door open.

    A man walked out, his long hair flowing, his steps gentle.

    Whenever he encountered someone, he would politely greet them.

    He had a good reputation.

    "Hey, hey, hey,e on!!" Several gambling constables shouted when they saw Jiang Second approaching, "Mr. Jiang, join us for a game!"

    Jiang Changtian waved his hand, exining with a good temper, "My wife and children are waiting for me. I have to go home."

    Walking out of the county government office, passing by the City God Temple, where incense was thriving. The worse the world became, the more prosperous the incense.

    Not far from the City God Temple, the bustling crowd increased.

    The fragrance of women overwhelmed the scent of incense.

    Red sleeves were enticing. "Come, sir,e and have a seat."

    Jiang Changtian walked past without ncing sideways.

    As he passed by a steamed bun shop, he paused, hesitated for a moment, and bought two meat buns.

    Then he pocketed the buns and continued walking, slightly quickening his pace.

    The sky gradually darkened, and the trees on both sides seemed eerie.

    He used to be afraid of the dark.

    His mother always locked him alone in a room with no light, and he would see countless frightening things in the pitch-ck room.

    Butter, he became a father, and he gradually lost his fear.

    Because children are like amp, illuminating the dark chambers of his heart.

    He walked briskly, with the wind in his ears.

    Gradually, he heard the crowing of roosters and the barking of dogs.

    A smile unconsciously appeared on his face.

    He was almost home.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31

    The sunset today is very beautiful.

    So red, vast and magnificent.

    Jiang Mianmian woke up from her nap on Mother''s back, drank some milk hazily, and peed.

    Now fully awake.

    She stretched and sat side by side with her elder brother under the big tree at the door to bask in the sunset glow.

    Like those olddies ceaselessly waving their silk scarves when taking photos.

    Sometimes flying up, sometimes waving high, sometimes criss-crossing.

    Jiang Mianmian''s little face turned red from watching.

    She turned and nced at her elder brother, whose eyes were closed, seemingly asleep, the flowers at the corner of his eyes vivid with life, perhaps because of the sunset''s radiance.

    Then she looked at the little ant by the wooden basin, and the little ant seemed to smile at her.

    Jiang Mianmian felt she could ept this already.

    After all, after seeing the giant python''s head staring at you with eyes wide open in death, and falling asleep next to it...

    Looking at the little ant''s head now seemed intimate, adorable, gentle and dear.

    She even daringly reached out and touched the ant''s antennae.

    So hard, if it grows up, steaming it, cracking it open with an iron spoon, dipping in some vinegar, slurp~

    No, that''s mantis shrimp...

    She couldn''t help but want to wipe the corner of her mouth that was watering.

    Then she felt her elder brother''s fingers wipe the corner of her mouth.

    Oh...

    She waved her little arms.

    "Yiya ya!" (Thank you)

    Then her elder brother''s hand started stroking her head again, very naturally...

    Her head rubbed by elder brother, again, and again.

    "Yiya ya." (Don''t rub my head)

    Jiang Mianmian waved her arms in protest.

    So angry that she spat out a bubble of drool.

    Seems like the protest was ineffective.

    The more fiercely she protested, the more earnestly her elder brother seemed to rub her head.

    Feeling her elder brother massage her scalp, very gently.

    She could even hear her elder brother purring slightly.

    Jiang Mianmian pouted.

    Just as Jiang Mianmian was thinking, she suddenly noticed that little ant somehow carrying a red berry, walking step by step towards the wooden basin.

    Not pushing, not rolling, but carrying!!

    Jiang Mianmian recognized it. This, this is scientifically called a raspberry,monly known as a red bubble, sweet, delicious.

    This little ant is sentient!

    Jiang Mianmian''s heart beat faster, feeling a particr excitement.

    Because she was still a baby who couldn''t even control her own bowel movements.

    This feeling of helplessness was most frightening.

    But now she could control a little ant.

    She watched the little ck ant steadily carrying a red bubble walking over, looking very rxed, taking just a few steps to reach her hand.

    An ant can carry something 400 times its own weight, drag something 1700 times its own body weight, this was information she had looked up when she kept an ant farm before.

    Though the ants she kept werezy, probably domesticated, not willing to work.

    But this ant really paid her back.

    Knowing her hands weren''t dexterous, it actually pushed the red bubble into her palm, and was careful not to let its antennae touch her.

    Aw aw aw.

    Looking at the pretty red bubble rolling in her palm, Jiang Mianmian couldn''t control the secretion from the corner of her mouth...she wanted to eat it.

    Though, should she wash it first before eating?

    Looking at the beautiful red, the fine hairs on it still fresh and erect, she couldn''t stand it, salivating even more.

    She tried hard to control her strength, worried she''d identally squash the red bubble in excitement.

    Heaven knows how difficult it is for a baby to urately get something from her hand into her own mouth.

    When she wanted to nibble her hand, she could just nibble whenever she wanted.

    But when holding something in her hands, she just couldn''t get it to her mouth urately.

    Finally, Jiang Mianmian exerted the effort of suckling milk, and tossed the red bubble into her mouth.

    The sweet taste exploded in her mouth, too sweet, too too delicious.

    Having no teeth, she experienced that slow sucking sensation of elderlydies, lingering sweetness.

    After eating she was very happy.

    She had fed the little ant spring water, and felt a little reluctant before, but today she finally saw a return on her investment.

    "Yiya ya."

    "Yiya ya."

    Unable to restrain her hands and feet from dancing.

    Her sister''s voice suddenly sounded in her ear.

    "Oh, there''s a steamed bun with meat vor."

    Jiang Mianmian sniffed her nose, no way, with her strong senses she didn''t smell anything.

    "Father, it''s Father who''s back, with steamed buns with meat." Jiang Yu said while bouncing up and down.

    Jiang Mianmian saw a tall man emerge from the darkness, walking step by step, his long hair fluttering.

    Jiang Yu excitedly ran down, not even caring about dirtying her new embroidered shoes.

    Night has fallen.

    The cries of chickens, dogs, and children sounded one after another.

    Jiang Feng woke up from his nap, stroked his sister''s head, watched Little Jiang Yu run to meet Father, looked back at Mother leaning in the doorway, this is the best scene.

    Jiang Mianmian stirred her head anxiously, she was a little worried about going bald prematurely...

    What''s on her head should count as baby hair right.

    If baby hair falls out it''ll still grow back right? It''ll grow back right?

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32

    Night time.

    Inside the house.

    Jiang Mianmian was in the house watching her mother Qin Luoxia secretly feeding something to her father Jiang Changtian.

    It was the size of a fist, golden yellow, a bit sticky, a very big thing.

    "Dear, eat this." Qin Luoxia had a serious look on her face.

    There was also a bowl of water ced next to it, prepared for her husband to wash it down with.

    Jiang Mianmian felt a little sympathy for her father.

    She had witnessed the whole process of her mother preparing this, so she already knew what it was.

    Snake galldder.

    Normally a snake galldder would be the size of a pigeon egg, but this one was as big as arge chicken egg...or possibly even a goose egg.

    Jiang Changtian also had a confused look on his face as he stared at the thing in front of him.

    He was quite knowledgeable in medicine.

    Judging by the look and smell, he roughly knew what this was.

    The fishy smell was very strong, definitely from a snake.

    But it was so big, it looked fake, like a sheep''s galldder that had been coated with the smell of a snake...

    "Xia, dear, this...this is snake galldder? Isn''t this galldder a bit too big?"

    Qin Luoxia held her child while pretending to be busy feeding milk, and urged: "Of course it''s a big galldder. I caught this snake wandering on the road and decided to feed it to you. Eat it all in one go."

    Jiang Mianmian, who had just finished drinking milk, was suddenly fed more milk.

    "Mm~"

    Because of the way her mother was holding her, her arm happened to be stretched out and she could reach the bowl of clear water.

    Jiang Mianmian thought, anyone who ate such a terrifying thing would probably have diarrhea for a day or two, which was normal.

    She casually stretched out her hand to pour the Magic Spring Water in.

    Mimicking her older brother, she poured all of it out before letting go.

    Then she realized her whole body was wet...

    She had peed.

    She did her best.

    So Qin Luoxia busied herself changing her daughter''s diaper, while urging her husband to hurry up and eat.

    Jiang Changtian looked at the ugly, smelly thing in front of him, feeling like it would poison him to death.

    But still he picked it up and slowly chewed and swallowed mouthful by mouthful.

    Snake galldder, bitter then sweet, dispels wind and dampness, brightens eyes and mind, clears lungs and stops coughing, prolongs life.

    There was no sweetness, only bitterness piercing through to his crown.

    It was so bitter that tears wereing out of his eyes.

    But still he swallowed mouthful by mouthful, because he noticed there were scars and wounds on his wife''s wrists that she was trying to hide from him.

    When Qin Luoxia lied, she didn''t dare to look him in the eye.

    After swallowing the fishy snake galldder, Jiang Changtian picked up the water next to him and downed everything in one breath.

    The snake galldder was probably too bitter, it made the cool water taste exceptionally sweet.

    After drinking the water, Jiang Changtian took his daughter from his wife and held her in his arms.

    He rested her head on his shoulder, and gently patted her back until Mianmian let out a small burp from the milk, then he stopped.

    Jiang Mianmian liked being held by her father. He was very gentle and measured.

    When father held her he was always extremely careful, trying his best to make her feelfortable and even respected.

    Jiang Mianmian was actually quite curious what effects the Magic Spring Water would have.

    When mother drank it, she had diarrhea, but it seemed her body became stronger and more powerful. The things she hunted were bing more ferocious.

    When older brother drank it, he vomited, and was recovering. His resistance probably increased and his fever went away. No other body changes were noticeable, he just stuck to her even more and loved touching her head.

    As for herself drinking the Magic Spring Water, her strength didn''t seem to increase much, but her five senses became enhanced.

    She could sense even the slightest wind blowing through the grass.

    And her perception of other people''s good or ill intent became more keen.

    As for father, she looked forward to seeing!

    Qin Luoxia was also very much looking forward to seeing if her husband''s health would improve after eating the snake galldder.

    The result was that Jiang Changtian was running to the toilet over and over again by midnight, his face pale white.

    Jiang Mianmian woke once in the middle of the night while drinking milk, and saw her dear father running to the bathroom. Still dazed with sleepiness she thought, even a father as handsome as him has to go to the toilet himself, then she fell back asleep.

    Qin Luoxia was very worried her husband had an upset stomach from the snake galldder.

    But at the same time, she felt like that experienced doctor did seem to know a thing or two, saying that the mother was depleted, and only the galldder of a vicious python could save her life. At that time she had even asked, isn''t the vicious python poisonous? The doctor said to fight poison with poison was the only cure.

    Her husband must be expelling the poison.

    Jiang Feng also heard his father''s movements, but he knew his father would be fine so he didn''t worry too much.

    At night while listening to the restless movements of Little Jiang Yu sleeping next door, he slowly fell asleep.

    Jiang Changtian ran to the outhouse over and over, but he didn''tin at all.

    He just thought it was a problem with his own body.

    Ever since he was little he often ate spoiled food, so his digestive system was not very good and his health was weak.

    After eating anything a little different he would easily get diarrhea, so he was a bit used to it.

    It wasn''t until after getting married that he slowly nursed his stomach back to health.

    But after eating that snake galldder tonight, it looked like his old issues had red up again.

    However Jiang Changtian didn''t me his wife one bit.

    He knew that in order for Xia to obtain this snake galldder, she must have gone through a lot of hardship.

    She didn''t let him see, but in the darkness he felt out several wounds by touch.

    He also hoped his own health would improve, so he could shelter and protect his family, so he could go further without bing a burden dragging them down.

    But this bout of diarrhea was quite severe.

    Jiang Changtian actually had a bit of a cleanliness obsession, and was quite prideful in certain ways. He declined his wife''s offer to apany him, and went to the outhouse himself.

    Back and forth over and over.

    Worried he would wake up his wife and daughter, instead of going back to the room he simplyid down on the bamboo chair under the tree.

    Waiting for daylight.

    It was the dog days of summer and still hot even early in the morning without a cold wind.

    Jiang Changtianying on the bamboo chair actually didn''t feel difort in his body, instead feeling quite awake, as he watched the sky slowly brighten and the round sun slowly peek over the eastern horizon.

    At times like this he again felt that life had meaning.

    As the morning sun rose, it was as if his body had gained some power.

    As hey there Jiang Changtian let his hair loose without tying it up, possibly looking somewhat disheveled but this was just at home so it didn''t really matter.

    He quietly observed the sunrise by himself.

    Feeling somewhat moved, somewhat relieved of burdens.

    Inside the room, Jiang Mianmian woke up, hungry.

    By habit she searched around for a milk source.

    Upon touching her mother she adeptly started to nurse.

    It seemed father was not around, as her mother nursed her and wrapped an old piece of clothing tightly around her before carrying her outside.

    The courtyard gate opened.

    Qin Luoxia carrying her child walked out yawning, and aond witnessed her husband lying on the bamboo chair.

    The first rays of morning light happened to shine on his body.

    At this instant Qin Luoxia felt, but did not know how to describe it, her heart skipped a beat.

    Back then when she had jumped into the river to fish him out, she thought she was fishing up a beautiful water spirit female ghost, and never expected it to be a man.

    Years of hard work and suffering seemed to have blended him into the crowd.

    But looking at him now, it suddenly gave her the feeling of that first glimpse.

    The rays of dawn shone on him and his whole body seemed to be bathed in a golden glow, like a true heavenly immortal descended to earth.

    Jiang Mianmian had been nursing but suddenly felt the rhythm was off, like her mother had stopped patting her.

    She nced to the side, then was so shocked she opened her mouth.

    In the early morning on her family''s bamboo chairy an exceptionally beautiful long-haired man...

    His entire body seemed to be surrounded by a golden glow, with an imposing noble air.

    Jiang Mianmian was so shocked she closed her mouth again, swallowing another huge mouthful of milk.

    What...how on earth did the beneficial effects of the Magic Spring Water get so confused!

    For mother it increased her strength, but for father how did it turn into beautifying his looks? Father was already the most good-looking one in the whole family, being exceptionally outstanding.

    Now he was well beyond outstanding.

    Jiang Minamian drank a whole mouthful of milk without even daring to let out a soft moo, afraid she might disturb this handsome version of father.

    Then upon hearing movement Jiang Changtian turned his head around, seeing his wife and daughter also bathed in the light of dawn, he smiled back "Good morning, Xia."

    Qin Luoxia''s face quickly turned red in the morning light.

    She tossed her daughter in her arms to her husband, and dashed back towards the house in just a few steps.

    Jiang Mianmian was left lying in her father''s arms with apletely dumbfounded look on her face.

    Unable to close her mouth as drool poured out...

    Shaking her fist!

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33

    "Bang bang bang!"

    Early in the morning, Mother was chopping firewood.

    On ordinary days, the firewood would be chopped in half or at most in quarters with one blow of the axe, just enough to fit into the stove.

    But this morning, Qin Luoxia was too excited to keep still.

    When others got excited, they would fidget. When Mother got excited, she went at it with gusto!

    She continued chopping the firewood that had already been split.

    The thick firewood chunks were chopped into small, neat, orderly pieces by her.

    Jiang Mianmian felt they could be used as her building blocks to y when she grew up a bit older.

    Qin Luoxia looked at her Husband''s appearance, feeling that it was thanks to the venemous python galldder she had obtained.

    Her Husband was usually good-looking, but he always seemed a bit unreal, giving off the impression that he was sickly.

    There were also those gossipy olddies in the vige who always said she and her Mother were jinxes, destined to be widowed because her Husband looked short-lived.

    Although she had always felt that those olddies were just jealous of her good Husband who was good-looking and kind.

    But deep down, she still had her worries.

    Now, everything was good. In the morning, when she looked at her Husband, she blushed. Looking twice, her face turned redder. Looking a third time, Qin Luoxia couldn''t help but reflect on herself - how could she deserve to marry such a Husband.

    She thought she must have saved thousands of lives in her previous life to deserve such blessings in this life.

    As she chopped firewood, she wondered where else in the deep forest she could find another fierce python. Usually pythons that big were solitary creatures who marked their territories. It was already impressive to have one in a forest.

    She really wanted to go to the Huayuan Mountain behind Steward Zhao''s house. She heard that the forest there was big.

    As Qin Luoxia thought, she chopped the firewood vigorously,

    Chopping until her face turned as red as the legendary pioneer who split the sky and earth.

    ...

    In the morning, Jiang Yu woke up and saw her Father.

    She stared nkly for a good while before speaking, "Father, are you really my biological father?"

    Jiang Changtian reached out and lightly flicked his daughter''s forehead.

    What nonsense was she sputtering so early in the morning.

    Jiang Yu kept shaking her head at her Father and sighed, "I''m done for. I won''t be able to get married. Father is like this now. As for Brother Wu and Brother Guo...I really can''t stand looking at them o(¨i_¨i)o."

    This was probably why even though Jiang Yu and her sister Jiang Cui fought a lot, Jiang Cui was still willing to y with her. Jiang Yu really could not spare another nce for Brother Wu.

    Jiang Changtian said to his daughter, "Don''t worry, if you don''t like them, Father won''t force you to marry."

    Jiang Feng looked at his dear Father radiating light, but his heart ached even more.

    His Father was such a wonderful man. He did not deserve to go through those things.

    Jiang Feng became even more silent.

    After finishing chopping the firewood, Qin Luoxia shooed the children away to stop them from continuing to ogle her Husband.

    She dragged her Husband and Jiang Mianmian into the room since Jiang Mianmian was in her Father''s arms.

    "My dear, you can''t go out like this. What if others ask? And I won''t be able to find another snake as daring as that one. Let me tidy you up a bit?" Qin Luoxia asked gently.

    Jiang Changtianughed and nodded, also feeling somewhat bitter.

    So Qin Luoxia began painting and powdering her Husband''s face. She remembered wanting to be beautiful before, wanting to be like the other girls in the vige. So she had painted and powdered herself like this, but it always backfired. Whenever others saw her after, they wouldugh uproariously. She must have looked hideous.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at Mother''s skills...this was a mess, it wouldn''t hold.

    Jiang Changtian took over and said, "Let me do it."

    He washed his face again and looked at his reflection in the water basin.

    He also froze briefly, as if recognizing the appearance.

    Just a sh, a light touch, the ripples in the basin dispersed the image.

    He started tidying himself up.

    He actually knew how since he was little.

    He felt his Mother always looked at him with disgust, wondering if it was because he looked different from his elder brother. When Mother looked at elder brother, her eyes were full of tender love and care.

    He would unconsciously paint his own face, trying to look more like elder brother - darker, broader face, shorter jaw, narrower forehead...

    So after Jiang Changtian tidied himself up in a few moves, Qin Luoxia saw he looked the same as usual - handsome but without that heart-skipping, stumbling feeling anymore.

    He still looked a little sickly.

    Jiang Mianmian witnessed the whole thing in her Mother''s arms and sighed in admiration.

    The people in my family all have such odd skills...

    A magical reverse makeup artistry. Father is so skilled with it.

    Using just a ck coal pen he can change the shape of his face...

    ...

    A new day.

    Father went to work.

    After Father left, elder brother also went out.

    Mother went into the mountain to dig wild vegetables again.

    Jiang Mianmian and sister Jiang Yu were left to take care of the house.

    Early in the morning, sister had already changed into her new embroidered shoes. She was very happy at home, walking with a clip clop sound.

    Jiang Mianmian did not envy her. She easily bent her little feet, sniffing them whenever she wanted, biting them whenever she wanted. Her little feet had freedom.

    She was a little concerned about yesterday''s red bubbles. They were so sweet.

    When she looked at her little ck ants again, she felt that ck ugly look was actually quite affectionate.

    The little ck ants were a bit fierce. With the current food shortage situation, anything somewhat edible would definitely be harvested. She didn''t know where the little ck ants were getting their food from.

    When Jiang Yu put her into the wooden basin, Jiang Mianmian started looking for the little ants.

    The little ants were still in the hole they dug. Seeing her arrival, they stuck their heads out.

    In order to eat a red bubble, Jiang Mianmian boldly reached out to touch the ant''s head.

    It felt like two little needles, a little numb and tingly.

    Then she tried hard to think "want to eat, want to eat!"

    But after she touched it, the ant didn''t move and just went back into its hole...

    Jiang Mianmian stared wide-eyed in curiosity. Could it be on its "period" and didn''t want to move?

    Speaking of, the ant she raised should be male right? Only the queen ant is female.

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help butin with a few "eh yah yah" sounds.

    So difficult tomunicate! She couldn''t speak. The ant couldn''t speak either...

    Even if she could speak in the future, the ant still wouldn''t understand her...

    Raising a lonely pet!

    Jiang Yu sat under a tree pounding clothes.

    Although the family was poor, there were five people, so there were still a lot of chores to do.

    Jiang Mianmian decided to ignore the little ant and never touch it again. She turned over to bask in the sun and prepare to sleep.

    Just then she noticed what looked like a long red line on the road not far away.

    Looking more closely, a group of small ants were carrying one, two, three... red bubbles in her direction.

    Heavens!

    Jiang Mian thought her eyes were ying tricks on her.

    She rubbed her chubby little hands over her eyes.

    Then she clearly saw that four ants were neatly carrying one red bubble. The trail of red bubbles advanced steadily in an orderly fashion.

    Jiang Mianmian watched as if witnessing a streamlined industrial assembly line of an ant kingdom.

    When the red bubble entourage arrived under the wooden basin, her little ck ant actually got up to receive them...

    Comparing her little ant that she was used to against the others, it was simply a crane standing among chickens, shockingly huge.

    It was also shockingly arrogant.

    The other ants needed four to jointly carry a red bubble. Her little ck ant directly hauled a red bubble alone, huffing and puffing as it climbed up to her and pushed the bubble into her hand.

    Happiness came too quickly and suddenly!

    Jiang Mianmian felt as if seeing the little ant waving its strong little limbs, saying "I''m supporting you!!"

    Today, Jiang Mianmian was already adept at stuffing the bubbles into her mouth.

    These were a little sour, not as ripe as yesterday''s.

    Tears rolled out of Jiang Mianmian''s eyes. Her face scrunched up into a ball. For a moment, she couldn''t tell if it was from the sour red bubbles or from the sour feeling that her little ant actually had a group of little followers now...

    ncing over, sister was still diligently pounding clothes, water sshing onto her face.

    Jiang Mianmian''s hands were full of red bubbles now.

    The wooden basin was also covered by many red bubbles.

    She felt she was almost buried by them...

    Would she be mistaken as the ant queen? With a group of ants huffing and puffing to bring food to her...

    She was so big, white and tender, unable to move...

    Constantly drooling, wanting to eat...

    Howl~~

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34

    In the morning.

    A little maid tiptoed to take down the big redntern on the door that looked like a bubble. She blew out the candle inside.

    Another little maid carefully carried warm water towards the olddy''s room.

    The olddy was extremely particr about health preservation. She would not touch anything cold in the morning, otherwise it would easily hurt her lungs.

    She was also particr about her breakfast. It did not look abundant but was well matched, all longevity foods.

    The soft and hard vegetarian dishes were very well bnced.

    As the olddy''s door was gently pushed open, the whole family was also waking up.

    Everyone had their own maids attending to them for washing and dressing up.

    Jiang Wan also got up early. After getting up and washing briefly, she sat upright and first copied a Buddhist scripture. She was very serious, sitting straight, holding the brush firmly, every stroke mindfully.

    Grandmother liked Buddhist scriptures.

    She would copy one every day to send to her.

    Her boudoir was very big. There were also quite a few bottles and jars on the antique shelves, but the most conspicuous was that she had a bookshelf with many books on it.

    These books were really precious.

    Nowadays, most people outside did not know words.

    Being able to read made one be respectfully addressed as a teacher.

    For her to not only be literate but also have so many books, not only a prominent family was needed, but also a heritage.

    On the desk, apart from the Buddhist scripture, there were also a few books ced rather casually that looked quite worn, apparently often read daily.

    Under the books were also a fewndscape paintings, just some ordinary mountains and waters, but the angles were very good, with innate interest. They were also stamped with Wan''er''s seal.

    Next to the bookshelf was another window overlooking the garden bridge and flowing water outside. Inside the window was ced a guqin. The ce where one would rest their hands on the guqin was glossy, Jiang Wan often yed and practiced it.

    The bookshelf contained all kinds of books, there was also a section specially for chess manuals and books.

    After copying the Buddhist scripture, Jiang Wan got up and washed her hands with the maid¡¯s attendance.

    She took the towel handed over by the maid and politely thanked her.

    The little maid blushed slightly.

    ......

    Thedy of the house Wu also got up, herplexion ruddy.

    Her husband got up even earlier, probably went to the martial arts field to exercise.

    Although her life was far less extravagant than before, her jewelry was not following thetest trends, and the people she interacted with in this remote ce were those she would never have associated with in the past.

    But she was obviously living very well too.

    Her husband doted on her, and their harmonious life was also perfect.

    Although her husband did not have a handsome appearance like second uncle, he was gentle and talented in both civil and military arts, superior to that skinny second uncle by hundreds of times.

    Only after marriage did she know a man''s looks were useless.

    Wu was in a very good mood and ordered the head maid Bi Luo, "Go to the yard and pick a new branch, change it, liven things up."

    ......

    Under the big tree in the martial arts field, luxuriant with branches and leaves.

    A man in ink blue training clothes made powerful punches, breathing orderly.

    Very robust.

    Jiang Huaisheng was a rare talented gentleman in this era, born in nobility, aplished in the six arts, outstanding in everything.

    Even in this rural ce, he did not give up on diligent study and training, strict with himself day after day.

    ......

    The most worrying person in the family was probably the young master Jiang Rong.

    Jiang Rong was whipped twice by his father before, took sick leave for two days as an excuse.

    Resting further would probably lead to another whipping, so he also got up early today to go to school.

    He wore the new robe his mother rushed to have made.

    He first went to pay respects to Grandmother, and saw Grandmother''s demeanor was the same as usual, no different.

    He thought, Jiang Feng must not have gotten into trouble then. Although Grandmother had expelled that family from the n, if anything happened to them, she would be the first to know here.

    His sister was also the same as usual, dull and boring.

    After paying respects, Jiang Rong took the chance while Father had not arrived, and quickly slipped away.

    Today, guard Wu Liu did note.

    He did not know where that guy went.

    With Wu Liu following him everyday Jiang Rong did not feel anything, but now that he was absent, he inexplicably felt a little empty.

    He must be afraid of being punished by himself.

    Jiang Rong slowly walked towards the county school with the servants.

    Unexpectedly, he saw several loafers ahead not far away, one of them was Jiang Feng.

    Jiang Feng also seemed to have spotted him.

    And Jiang Feng''s eyes were strangely intimidating for some reason.

    He involuntarily took a step back, but also felt very cowardly. What was there to be afraid of on the main street.

    He swaggered past Jiang Feng with the servants.

    Sure enough Jiang Feng was not looking at him.

    He was chatting with the loafers around, smiling.

    Jiang Feng smiled as he watched young master Jiang Rong walk past him with servants.

    The wound under his hair-covered eyes was itchy.

    The teenager next to him held a steamed bun, swallowing mouthfuls while bumping his arm, "Brother Feng, shall we do it! Um, my big brother said, we just need to go along to intimidate, no need to really take action. They will take care of the real action. With us there will be strength in numbers. Later they get the meat, we can drink the soup."

    Jiang Rong heard from afar and could not help cursing in his heart.

    It was nothing but robbing and looting!

    A dog cannot change eating shit.

    Viins were viins to the bone, making such evil deeds sound justified.

    No need for him to deal with them, loafers like Jiang Feng would eventually do themselves in.

    Jiang Rong quickened his pace, feeling that being close to the likes of Jiang Feng would lower his own status. He was also surnamed Jiang, an insult to his surname.

    Hearing the teenager¡¯s words, Jiang Feng calmly asked, "How many people do we have? How many does big brother have? Who are we intimidating?"

    The teenager scratched his head, forcefully swallowed the steamed bun in his throat, and said in bewilderment, "Just us who hang out together, seven or eight. Big brother said we just need to intimidate. The ones to intimidate are some rich young masters who came out to y, very rich, wearing silks and satins."

    "Brother Feng, are you going or not, it just takes one word from you. We all trust you. If you go we will follow you." Another teenager had no steamed bun, but kept swallowing as he stared at the one eating.

    Jiang Feng looked at Jiang Rong''s retreating figure in his silk robe, nodded and said, "Let''s go, help big brother intimidate. I must go."

    "Let''s go, let''s go. Big brother said he has meat for us, we will definitely have soup to drink." The teenager pulled Jiang Feng along.

    No pulling happened.

    Jiang Feng patted his patched-up robe andughed, "Let''s go drink soup."

    The few teenagers walked arm in arm, swaggering...

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35

    Under the red hawkthorn tree.

    The girl in coarse linen skirt climbed onto the chair and tied a red string to the tree branch.

    She offered the beloved red string that Eldest Brother had given her.

    Tiptoeing and craning her neck, she carefully hung it on the tree.

    The red string fluttered in the wind.

    After tying the red string, the girl stood under the tree and sincerely paid her respects.

    She mumbled: ¡°Bless Tree Fairy to grow taller and thicker, and bear more and abundant fruits.¡±

    Jiang Mianmiany bemused in the wooden basin, wondering if she should pay her respects too.

    However, her little fists were hard, easily spread apart like Ultraman¡¯s, but bringing them together seemed rather difficult.

    She was like a fierce little Tyrannosaurus now, even with 100% bare handbat skills, she could not use them...her hands were too short to close together!!

    She could only wave her arms to cheer Big Sister on.

    After paying respects, Jiang Yu happily picked all the red bubbles in the basin and put them in a bowl.

    What a big bowl.

    While picking, Jiang Yu identally burst a few bubbles. Burst bubbles could not be contained, so she had no choice but to pop them into her mouth.

    Mumbling to herself: ¡°Tree Fairy, please bestow a little more fruits.¡±

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Should she rename her little ant Jiang Little Tree?

    Jiang Yu picked the biggest red bubble, gently bit into it. Indeed very sweet. Then she broke it open to check for worms before feeding the other half to her sister.

    Seeing Little Sister eat earnestly, it must be super sweet. Little Sister grinned happily.

    She could not resist but tasted another one herself.

    She would eat ten while Little Sister had one.

    While eating, Jiang Yu confessed guiltily, ¡°Eldest Brother does not like to eat these, Father also does not like to eat, Mother does not like to eat either. I have no choice but to share them with my little sister. By sharing with my sister, it does not count as eating alone.¡±

    "Ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling..."

    A crisp ringing suddenly sounded from the vige.

    Jiang Yu''s eyes widened.

    "The Tree Fairy is indeed divine. Little Peddler is here!"

    Then Jiang Mianmian found herself lifted by Big Sister, legs pried open...

    "Psshh, pee pee..."

    Ashamed but cooperative, Jiang Mianmian peed.

    She understood the urgency her Big Sister felt to pee first before going out to y.

    When she interned at the hospital, the first thing she did before meeting the attending physician was to find the toilet...she felt much less nervous after peeing.

    Had to visit the toilet first before seeing patients.

    God knows, she, a medical intern, was more afraid than the patients themselves during ward rounds!

    In retrospect, the toilet initiated every important moment in her life...

    Such is life, bittersweet.

    After helping her sister pee, Jiang Yu wrapped up the diaper, carried her on her back, then returned home to retrieve a small wooden box hidden under the bed which contained a few copper coins in a cloth pouch. She took the coins and hid them on herself.

    Jiang Mianmian learned another one of Big Sister¡¯s money-hiding spots.

    When she is grown up, would Big Sister cry if she reced the copper coins with rocks?

    Jiang Mianmian felt her train of thoughts seemed off. Why would she even entertain such ideas?

    Jiang Yu took the money, strapped on Little Sister, and headed excitedly to the vige center in new embroidered shoes.

    Just before leaving, she suddenly needed to pee again...she put Little Sister back in the basin and dashed to the toilet.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...how alike Big Sister is.

    Lying in the wooden basin, Jiang Mianmian spotted Little Ant probing its head out, seemingly upset that the red bubbles were taken away by Big Sister just now.

    Jiang Mianmian tentatively touched Little Ant''s head with her finger: want to go out and y together? But you cannot crawl on me, I''m afraid of that.

    She felt it was quite a mouthful of words for her. Unsure if Little Fellow could understand all that. By the time Big Sister came to carry her, she saw Little Ant had hopped onto Big Sister¡¯s new embroidered shoe.

    Jiang Mianmian was strapped onto Big Sister¡¯s back.

    Bottom padded, calves dangling.

    It was exceptionally bustling under the big tree at the vige entrance today.

    Following Big Sister, Jiang Mianmian squeezed into the crowd and saw Little Peddler surrounded by everyone.

    She had imagined Little Peddler to be a young peddler, but to her surprise, the little peddler turned out to be a dwarf.

    Very short stature, huge head, long hands, a very muscr dwarf.

    Beside him was a tall cupboard and a basket. His hands busied non-stop cing things from the basket onto the cupboard.

    The silk flowers were especially popr among the maidens and young daughters-inw.

    To Jiang Mianmian, those silk flowers looked simr to cheap stic flowers. Given no stic exists now, those bright and vivid colors must not have been easy to produce.

    Each silk flower cost ten copper coins. Jiang Mianmian overheard people asking around. Clearly Big Sister¡¯s coins were insufficient.

    She had seen Big Sister counting just eight coins earlier.

    ¡°Little Peddler, could you give us a better price? Eight copper coins for all of us to buy some flowers together? The more the merrier!¡± a blushing young wife asked.

    Little Peddler shook his head vigorously: ¡°I¡¯m afraid not. It costs eight copper coins to make each flower. The remaining two coins barely cover my travel expenses for food and lodging. For purchases of ten or more flowers, nine copper coins is the lowest I can go.¡±

    Jiang Mianmian observed as themotion unfolded.

    Big Sister touched the silk flowers then withdrew her hand.

    She went on to check out other things.

    Just then, Cui showed up.

    Cui had taken leave toe. Apparently she was faring rather well at Landlord Liu¡¯s household.

    Cui muscled her way through the crowd and eximed loudly, ¡°Little Peddler, did you bring the hairpin I asked you to get for mest time?¡±

    Little Peddler looked up at Cui andughed, ¡°Young Miss Cui, you can rest assured that I remember everything you ask of me. But that hairpin is too valuable, I was afraid of losing it, so I left it at the inn in the county town. After I''m done selling my wares here, you cane with me to retrieve it, or send someone to apany me.¡±

    "Cui, buying yet another hairpin! Amongst our vige, only your family leads such a good life!¡±

    ¡°Cui, when will we eat candy at your wedding banquet?¡±

    ¡°Cui, your mother Er Wu used to be famously frugal. A vegetable leaf had to be split over three meals. Who would have expected she allowed you to be so extravagant!¡±

    Perched on Big Sister¡¯s back, Jiang Mianmian was unexpectedly sprayed by...spittle from the chatter!...

    Spittle can literally kill...not just a figure of speech.

    These loud talkers truly spit everywhere as they spoke.

    She shrank back in fright, burying her head quickly.

    Even thick-skinned Cui could not stand so much spittle. She tugged Jiang Yu and asked, "What are you buying? Got everything?"

    Jiang Yu looked around sheepishly and asked, ¡°Uncle Peddler, do you have that white candy you broughtst time?¡±

    Little Peddler nced up at Jiang Yu, smiling even wider. His big hand patted his huge head, ¡°What a pity, I left that entire bag of candy at the inn too. Too many things to carry, I really cannot manage it all on my back. But I¡¯ve brought peach candy this time.¡±

    Having said that, Little Peddler busied himself with the other young wives and grannies again.

    He cracked jokes and shared gossip from outside, elicitingughter and gasps from the crowd. Even those not buying loitered around just to watch the spectacle.

    After all, purchasing power in the vige was limited. Most were just poor vigers here to see something novel and lively. The few with money were the likes of Landlord Liu¡¯s family. They procured goods directly from the county town or prefecture instead.

    Soon, Little Peddler packed up his cupboard and basket, ready to leave.

    At the side, Cui tugged and persuaded Jiang Yu, ¡°Come with me to collect the hairpin. You can borrow it to wear for half a day after I get it.¡±

    Jiang Yu declined, ¡°I can¡¯t go. I need to mind my little sister.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to buy candy too?¡±

    Jiang Yu swallowed her saliva and shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve only got four copper coins. Can''t buy much.¡±

    She actually had eight coins, teehee.

    Seeing that Little Peddler had already hoisted his load and about to depart, Cui stamped her feet, ¡°I¡¯ll treat you to meat buns at the county town, we can split one bun.¡±

    Jiang Yu wiped her mouth and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. I don''t care for meat buns actually. I just want to keep youpany.¡±

    Cui rolled her eyes at her.

    The two scurried to catch up, bickering as they went.

    Jiang Mianmian felt something was not right, but the vigers seemed to think everything was normal. Some people had gone with the little peddler to fetch things before, and everyone was quite familiar with him.

    Maybe she was overthinking things.

    Once they left the vige, the path narrowed, but not extremely so. A cart could still get through, and three people could walk abreast, albeit a bit squeezed together.

    Jiang Mianmian curiously looked left and right.

    On both sides there were dense woods, which were a bit frightening.

    Suddenly, a mountain hawk-owl was startled from the woods. Its wings pped noisily as it flew over their heads, like a dark cloud scudding past.

    The mountain hawk-owl''s cries were sharp and urgent...

    "Screech! Screech!"

    "p! p!"

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36

    "Caw~ Caw~"

    "Caw~ Caw~"

    Outside the wooden carved window, the big tree was lush.

    The olddy couldn''t stand the cicadas'' noise which she felt was interfering with her Buddhist ritual.

    The servants had a daily task of catching cicadas.

    Early this morning, however, there was a magpie with ck head, neck and back but white belly and long tail standing on the branch cawing "Caw~ Caw~".

    The olddy frowned slightly.

    The weather was a bit hot. The manor in the countryside could only put some ice buckets, not too many, afraid of letting in the cold.

    If it was in the capital city, there were cooling pavilions to escape the summer heat and avoid getting all sticky like this.

    The olddy was advanced in age, afraid of both heat and cold.

    "Grandmother, the magpie''s cry is here to announce good news. Why don''t Cui apany you to the Qingyuan Temple outside the city to have some vegetarian food. You can stay overnight there before returning. Cui wants to offer the Buddhist scripture she copied for you to the Longevity Buddha, praying for grandmother''s longevity of a hundred years and for the good health and safety of the whole family."

    The olddy looked at her granddaughter, tall and graceful, wearing a half old and half new ruqun, with slender fair hands ced on the Buddhist scripture wrapped in an ink-blue cover, looking just like herself in her golden hairpin years.

    "It''s kind of you to have such filial piety, Ah Yao you go prepare."

    Since they were staying overnight, there were a lot more things to prepare.

    Food, utilities, beddings, incense, etc.

    By the time everything was ready, it was almost noon when the grandmother and granddaughter finally set off in the pnquin.

    ......

    "Croak~" "Croak~"

    The mountain cats and eagles frightened Jiang Yu.

    She looked back at her younger sister and saw her sister''s face resting against her back obediently. She reached out and patted her younger sister''s bottom.

    Cui was also given a fright.

    She pretended to stay calm and said: "Your younger sister is quite well-behaved, not crying or making any noise."

    Little Mianmian was scared dumbfounded. My god, what kind of bird was that, how could it be so big, couldn''t even fit in a pot for stewing.

    She opened her mouth wide and drooled.

    Seeing the little one''s reaction, Cui found her quite amusing. She took another look at the little peddler ahead and shouted: "Hey, little peddler why are you walking so fast, wait for us!"

    Jiang Mianmian looked up, he did seem to be walking very fast, carrying a huge load on his shoulder yet darting like an arrow, already quite a distance ahead of them.

    Jiang Yu quickened her pace to catch up with Cui, while lifting her younger sister''s bottom with one hand andining: "What a loss! What a loss! Cui, I want more meat buns to eat. I wore new embroidered shoes to apany you on such a long walk, my shoes are almost worn out!"

    With her bottom lifted by someone, Jiang Mianmian felt her legs had been kept apart for too long and needed a rest, otherwise keeping this position for too long would easily make her bow-legged and affect her looks when she grows up.

    "Uh-oh, uh-oh." She called out while waving her arms.

    The little peddler ahead put down his load and sat down to take a rest.

    The peddler took out his water bag and asked Cui and Jiang Yu: "Youngdies, do you want to drink some water? It has sugar added, sweet for your mouth."

    Both Cui and Jiang Yu shook their heads to decline.

    But the little peddler still found two bamboo cups and poured water for them, drinking some himself too.

    Seeing the little peddler drank it, Cui and Jiang Yu then picked up the bamboo cups and drank the water.

    Jiang Yu smacked her lips, "A bit sweet but also some strange vor, could it have gone bad?"

    Still, she finished all the water in her cup earnestly.

    Eager to be on their way, Cui also drank up her water.

    They didn''t have their guard up because there had been others following the little peddler to fetch goods, if anything went wrong, the little peddler with his small stature definitely couldn''t overpower them.

    And then Jiang Mianmian watched Cui and Jiang Yu sway and fall to the ground...

    Her eyes widened.

    Her mouth closed.

    Was this a human trafficker? What human suffering was this?

    Just then a brawny woman carrying a load on her shoulder ran out from the woods.

    "You only promised to trick one back didn''t you? Boss, but you''ve brought three!"

    The woman nudged the two bodies on the ground and picked each one up to stuff them into her basket.

    "This little one looks exquisite, not crying or making any noise, we can bring her back to bear offspring for us." The little peddler said.

    The woman pried open the baby''s legs to take a look and spat, "A bad deal, don''t want her."

    Jiang Mianmian: ......The humiliation was too much.

    "Although she doesn''t have value down there, we can raise her to marry into the Kuang family and have her work for us so Juan Er can enjoy prosperity in future." The little peddler carefully ced the baby into his basket.

    "Why not give her some water?" The woman suggested.

    The little peddler shook his head firmly: "No, too small, it would make her an idiot then she''d be useless. This child looks extraordinary, like she''s born into a wealthy family. Even if Kuang Er doesn''t like her, after raising her up she can be sold for good money. Maybe we''d even have enough to treat Kuang Er''s illness and stop wandering destitute."

    The little peddler and the woman carried their loads onwards and turned towards the outskirts of the city.

    "After selling these two girls, we can''t peddle goods on this side anymore." The little peddler sighed.

    The woman sneered: "The money earned from peddling, was it enough for you to eat and drink or was it enough for Kuang Er''s medication? This ce has always been poor with nothing valuable after watching for so long."

    Lying in the little peddler''s basket, Jiang Mianmian had a bamboo lid covering her head and tattered cotton cloth cushioning her body. The smell was a bit strong but there was still lighting through the bamboo lid.

    The swaying basket felt somewhat like a cradle, even morefortable than being piggybacked by her elder sister.

    Yet she felt very anxious.

    Listening to the conversation between the two, their ent was a bit heavy and speech rather quick, she could only grasp the gist of it.

    They seemed to be professional child traffickers.

    Pondering what to do...what to do...

    It''s too difficult for a less than one year old baby to save herself.

    Just then she saw Little Hei who had actually followed her here, perching obediently on top of the bamboo lid, looking like when she would lie inside the wooden basin at home, strangely giving her some sense of relief.

    She reached out a finger to poke Little Hei''s antenna on its head. Jiang Mianmian felt very anxious but still tried to concisely convey her request.

    If you see people, go bite the little peddler, the short one, be careful of your safety.

    Worried that Little Hei might not understand, she also gave it a drop of spiritual water.

    It''s time for you to show your true capabilities.

    Seeing Little Hei finished the spiritual water and nimbly crawled away, even looking back at her once, she obedientlyy there.

    She felt as if she was a kidnapped ant queen...

    Huge yet useless.

    The little peddler and the eldest daughter-inw hurried on carrying their loads.

    Coming towards them face-to-face was a luxurious pnquin, with bearers, maidservants and two guards.

    The little peddler and the eldest daughter-inw did not appear flustered, they had done this many times, they would simply move on to another ce after the deed.

    As long as they didn''t abduct children from wealthy families, it would be fine. Missing children from poor families could not afford to search for them.

    The two carried on steadily with their loads, revealing humble smiles as they stood by the roadside to give way when they crossed path with the pnquin face-to-face.

    Suddenly the little peddler cried out loudly twice: "Ouch! Ouch!"

    As if bitten by some insect and in great pain that he couldn''t help but yell at the top of his voice.

    The pnquin stopped.

    The pnquin curtain lifted to reveal an exquisite fairplexion.

    On her head was a white jade hairpin and pearl earrings hung from her ears. With dark hair and big eyes.

    "Grandmother, they look to be two peddlers." The youngdy said as she turned towards the olddy.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37

    ¡°Baring teeth, baring teeth~¡±

    ¡°Baring teeth, baring teeth~¡±

    Noon.

    No birds in the woods.

    There is the sound of cicadas.

    The sound of the cicadas is as dense as a fishing, trapping people in the middle.

    A few teenagers in the woods are yfully baring their teeth at each other.

    One of the teenagers has climbed up a tree and is sitting on a branch, looking down from above.

    Sitting up high, it seems there is wind.

    The breeze brushes away the bangs from the teenager''s forehead, revealing an indistinct dark red scar that looks like a flower from afar.

    The teenager sits on the tree branch, gazing into the distance.

    There is a road, the sunlight has steamed the road, no one is on it.

    He thinks, if Mother knew he came here with others to ambush and rob on the road, she would probablye rushing over here with an axe.

    But he does not actually want to rob passersby, he is just here waiting for the big brother in Dogzi''s mouth.

    Dogzi said his big brother is the fourth master of the stockade, very powerful.

    After they pull this off, big brother will surely be the third master. By then big brother will lead a life of wine and meat, this is their signed pledge.

    They do not know what ¡°signed pledge¡± means, they just feel it makes them sound distinguished.

    ¡°Any decent man who joins us must sign a pledge."

    They won''t believe you if you don''tmit crimes and shed blood.

    Once you shed blood, there is no way back.

    Father said you can''tmit crimes, at least not openly, that''s the dumbest thing to do.

    If you must do it, make sure you have an escape route.

    The road ahead is narrow and winding, the way forward and the way back cannot be seen...it''s the best ce for an ambush and robbery....

    The afternoon sunlight shines softly on the face of the girl in the bridal sedan chair.

    Greed shes through the eyes of the young peddler.

    Before he can put on a humble demeanor, he can¡¯t help crying out ¡°Aiyou!¡±.

    The peddler''s wife is even more impatient. Because in her basket, one on each side, are two young girls.

    She took a quick nce just now and saw there was also an olddy in the bridal sedan chair, holding prayer beads, looking just like a living bodhisattva.

    Usually it was her who did the abducting, while he just helped carry the load.

    She was quite fierce towards him, but did not talk much in front of others.

    Usually they would just pass by people like them without interaction. Such distinguished people would not even look their way.

    But he had to yell for some reason! Asking for death!

    She suddenly noticed that the lid of one of her baskets was not properly closed, exposing a section of sleeve. Sweat dripped down her forehead.

    The peddler also noticed the sleeve, but he grabbed his wife¡¯s shaking hand and pinched hard.

    Then he smiled obsequiously at the people in the bridal sedan chair, ¡°I¡¯m just a local peddler, carrying nice goods from the county town to sell in viges. Deardies, do you see anything you like? I have everything.¡±

    The peddler said with tears rolling down his cheeks. His wife kowtowed beside him.

    At the same time she used her body to block the basket.

    Aunt Yao looked at the baskets in disgust, ¡°What nice things could a county town have, you say you have everything?¡±

    The olddy also frowned slightly. It was too hot to stop in the middle of the road.

    She still needed to go pay respects to Buddha.

    Suddenly there was a "nk" sound.

    The lid of the peddler¡¯s basket rolled off.

    Everyone¡¯s gaze involuntarily looked over.

    Inside the tattered ck cloth was surprisingly a fair and lovely baby.

    The little baby was waving its arms around, looking very cute.

    Sweat dripped from the woman''s forehead to the ground. She regretted that she didn¡¯t strangle this little thing just now.

    Jiang Mianmian didn¡¯t dare cry.

    Because she was worried that crying would get the baby strangled, and also that crying would annoy passersby.

    She could only try her best to kick off the lid, then put on her cutest look that she knew her family loved.

    At home when she did this, big sister would kiss her, big brother would pat her head, Mother would ask if she was hungry, and Father would carry her.

    After kicking off the lid, with her excellent vision, she immediately recognized the people inside the bridal sedan chair.

    She was a little excited to see familiar faces.

    Familiar people must be better than human traffickers, right? Big sister was still inside the other basket. Little girls getting abducted would surely meet a terrible fate.

    She now felt the young girl in the sedan chair looked even prettier thanst time she saw her.

    Not just pink and jade-carved, simply an immortal beauty descended to earth. A fairy sister.

    She waved her arms and babbled ¡°Yiya yaya ya!¡±

    Sure enough, the young girl spoke.

    ¡°Is this your child? She''s quite cute.¡±

    The peddler endured the pain on his body, grabbed the baby and knelt by the roadside with his wife. ¡°We are poor with no one to look after the child. We can only peddle goods and bring her along. If Madam finds my child to your liking, she has been blessed in her previous eight lives. I hereby give my child to Madam. As long as Madam feeds her, it¡¯s better than letting her suffer with us.¡±

    As the peddler spoke, tears kept rolling down his face. His wife kowtowed beside him.

    At the same time she used her body to hide the basket.

    Jiang Wan was a little startled by this scene. She turned to look at Grandmother.

    The olddy frowned, ¡°How can we let a child of unknown origin into our home? Just give them some money and send them away.¡±

    Jiang Wan took out some loose silver and tossed it out, ¡°I was justplimenting your cute child, not trying to snatch her away. A child should of course stay with her parents where she will be happiest. Take this money and buy her something nice to eat. Consider this our fateful meeting.¡±

    With that, the sedan chair curtain dropped down.

    The group swaggered away.

    The peddler and his wife knelt to watch the sedan chair leave.

    The sedan chair continued on.

    The olddy muttered ¡°Amitabha¡±.

    Old servant Aunt Yao kept her eyes ahead and did not speak out of turn. She was worldly-wise and could tell with one nce that something was off about those peddlers, and also noticed the coarse cloth in the basket.

    Peddlers who wandered the streets and alleys vending goods to make a living, who knew what crimes they hadmitted to survive?

    Although the peddler and his wife were of very different heights, they hid things quite well. But they could not conceal the fierce brutality in their temperament. Such destitute and vicious people attracted endless troubles.

    Aunt Yao did not want to cause any trouble or ruin the old madam¡¯s mood, since the madam seldom ventured out.

    She also chose not to expose the situation, letting Miss Wan do her good deed.

    Sitting in the sedan chair, Jiang Wan thought back to the previous scene, feeling that something was amiss. The child seemed familiar, as she had an excellent memory that could recall texts after reading them just two to three times.

    But she just could not remember where she had seen the child before.

    In any case, she had given them money to buy a good meal, so that was a good deed aplished.

    Jiang Wan fingered the Buddhist scripture she had copied, looking forward to visiting Qingyuan Temple.

    The scenery in the back courtyard of Qingyuan Temple was most splendid.

    As the temple was located high up with a panoramic view, it was ideal as a scene to paint.

    ...

    Watching as the sedan chair disappeared into the distance, the peddler and his wife gleefully picked up the scattered silver coins off the ground.

    Despite the dirt on them, the wife put some straight into her mouth to bite, thrilled to see teeth imprints on the silver coin. ¡°Boss, these really are silver coins! Just now I wanted to strangle this little thing, didn''t expect she''d bring us such fortune.¡±

    The peddler was also drenched in sweat. He put the baby back into the basket and covered it. ¡°Hurry, check my back to see if something stung me. It hurts to death!¡±

    The wife lifted his shirt to reveal two big swollen lumps that were red and inmed. But after taking off his shirt and even pulling down his pants for inspection, she could not find any insect that caused it.

    ¡°We must hurry and leave town. Otherwise when those vigerse looking, it will be trouble.¡± His wife transferred some of the goods from his shoulder pole basket into her own basket.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lightened of some load, the peddler clenched his teeth and struggled to stand up on shaking legs. His face was pale as he stumbled onward.

    ¡°Hurry up. Once we sell these girls off, we can buy medicine for Kuang Er waiting at home.¡±

    Under the zing sun, the shabby couple shouldered their heavy loads to eke out a living and raise money for medicine desperately needed by their sick child.

    Inside the baskets were three other people''s children.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38

    ......

    The county school ssroom was full of children on whom families pinned high hopes.

    Therge hall had bright windows, wide desks, soft chairs.

    The teacher was on the tform, reading aloud with great expression, tapping the desktop with his fingers, beating out the rhythm.

    Below, the students followed along, nodding their heads.

    Some read attentively, some absentmindedly.

    Jiang Rong nodded his head as he read. He was actually very smart - after hearing the teacher read once or twice he understood, but this broken county school, the teacher had no skill either, teaching the same thing every day.

    Saying read a book a hundred times and its meaning will be apparent.

    He had memorized it all, following along was a waste of time.

    But the teacher was a tattletale, so he could only nod his head as he followed along, asionally ncing out the window.

    Outside the window there was a tree, on the tree there were birds. It seemed the birds noticed his gaze, fluttering their wings as they flew away.

    Jiang Rong was a little envious - the birds flew so high, so freely.

    ......

    The birds in the forest suddenly took off en masse.

    pping their wings, fluttering about.

    Gou Zi''s braggart elder brother had arrived.

    Several frolicking youths quieted down.

    Including Gou Zi.

    Jiang Feng saw them first from atop a tree.

    There were only four of them.

    All carrying weapons, thest one had a spear, walking between two others holding axes, the one at the front wielding a hatchet.

    The one with the hatchet had a jagged scar across his face, hideous and ugly.

    Jiang Feng unconsciously touched his own scar on his forehead.

    Father had treated it, it shouldn''t be so unsightly.

    He thought of a joke - having facial scars means you cannot enter the imperial court as an official.

    Gou Zi weed them eagerly, calling them "elder brother" in a fawning tone.

    Jiang Feng also jumped down from the tree, following behind calling out "elder brother".

    There had been eight of them originally.

    Er Niu had broken his leg fighting two days prior so he could note.

    Xiao Si''s mother was critically ill, unable to get out of bed, so he stayed at her side and also could note.

    The remaining six good-for-nothing youths,

    all from poor families, with nothing to do and no books to read, muddling along, finding each other''spany.

    Their silhouettes could always be found in the streets and alleyways.

    Big troubles they did not dare cause, small troubles were endless.

    Youths like them had no future, not even the promise of a wife.

    No one knew how Gou Zi had gotten to know this elder brother, but he said he would lead his sworn brothers to some advantage.

    The moment they walked out of the city gates their fates changed.

    They had taken a one way ticket out.

    The lives of the poor aren''t worth money, so they did not ponder excessively. They simply continued onward - even if they died with arms outstretched to heaven, if they didn''t die they would eat for thousands of years.

    Among the group of youths, Jiang Feng was one of the few who thought things through.

    Because he had family, people he cared about.

    And because he cared about his family, he had alsoe along.

    He called out especially loudly, "Elder brother!"

    Seeing the fresh-faced youngsters before them, the men wielding axes, knives and spears smiled gently but with a trace of cruel mockery.

    They too had once been so innocent and soft.

    Seeing Gou Zi''s elder brother, the youths grew somewhat nervous, even subconsciously shrinking back.

    Jiang Feng quietly moved forward a little.

    When they had arrived they were clearly told they would be here as backup, but seeing the vige men brandishing axes, knives and spears, full of heroic spirit and lofty ambition, the youths felt afraid yet envious.

    The elder brother wielding the hatchet patted Gou Zi and squeezed up front to pat Jiang Feng as well, praising them, "Goodds, follow me and enjoy riches and delicacies."

    Gou Zi had only dared promise hispanions that the elder brother would eat meat while they drank bone broth, he hadn''t expected the elder brother to directly say they would together eat extravagantly and drink exotically. Gou Zi grew somewhat excited, even blushing.

    "Elder brother, whatever you ask us to do we will do without question, all my sworn brothers here will listen to you." Gou Zi thumped his chest and stuck out his neck.

    Jiang Feng echoed along with hispanions, he wasn''t the burliest of them, nor the thinnest. Usually hustling enough to fill his belly, his body wouldn''t possibly be plump. Compared to Gou Zi who had more connections, he was a bit more robust.

    But Jiang Feng was clever, also managing to scrounge up enough to eat, never hungry enough to starve himself.

    His gaze was very sincere, his features quite upright. Among the group of youths he looked quite reliable.

    Even the bandits'' first impression of Jiang Feng was quite good.

    "There will be chancester for you to prove yourselves, no rush. First lesson from elder brother today - you must have patience, wait." The bandit wielding the hatchet sat down to wipe his weapon. Thick bloodstains covered the haft of the hatchet, its de extremely sharp.

    The other bandits also sat to clean their weapons.

    The unarmed, empty-handed youths felt strangely hot-blooded seeing this.

    Jiang Feng squeezed up to the side of the bandit leader and asked, "Elder brother, could you give us weapons too? Otherwiseter when the fighting starts I''m worried we won''t be able to help. I want to be imposing like you too."

    The bandit leader looked unexpectedly at the youth regarding him with such trusting admiration and saw great potential. If he didn''t die, he could be taken back to the stronghold.

    "We have them. Old Nine, take them to get weapons."

    The spear-wielding bandit then led them into the dense woods. Beneath arge tree weapons were surprisingly buried.

    There were spears and sabers, long and short, stained with blood and covered in rust.

    Jiang Feng chose a spear. Mother had one at home he had yed with before.

    The youths had not expected that after being called to act as backup they would truly be given weapons.

    In their minds they assumed it would be like the fights betweenpanions they had watched from the sidelines, shouting encouragement.

    Seeing these weapons now, the youths grew excited, as if they had joined in some monumental affair,

    not as if they hade to ambush and rob someone, but rather like participating in their owning-of-age ceremony.

    Gou Zi picked out a big saber. The group held their chosen weapons and lightly sparred around the elder brother, quite merrily.

    The bandits did not stop them, only watching.

    Jiang Feng joined in the horsey, taking the chance to familiarize himself with the spear''s feel. His swings seemed wild with no aim at all.

    Jiang Feng noticed the one who had taken them to get weapons had climbed up a tree.

    Suddenly that man pped the tree branch and the bandit leader raised his hatchet.

    The youths ceased their sparring.

    Learning the elders, they stealthily made their way down in the woods, crouching, peering ahead.

    Not far off on the road came people.

    There was a sedan chair, servants, maids, guards, a moneyed family.

    The youths'' eyes lit up as they looked expectantly to the bandit leader.

    Jiang Feng narrowed his eyes and recognized the sedan chair as the Jiang family''s. He also recognized those servants and guards.

    His heart raced, quickening by a dozen beats.

    He even found it hard to restrain himself, wanting to charge out.

    Gripping the spear, he turned it this way and that, hands sweating.

    He felt as if charging out right now would set him free, let him vent.

    But a thought from Father always sounded in his mind - Feng''er, given the choice we should aim to be good people. Good people gain at every turn.

    He looked back to the bandit leader.

    And saw him sitting calmly.

    Gou Zi whispered, "Elder brother, do we go?"

    "Anxiousness betrays intent, there are hidden observers, don''t make rash moves." The bandit leader continued wiping his hatchet.

    The group of youths watched yearningly as the ostentatious sedan chair passed by.

    One of Jiang Feng''s hands gripped the spear, the other grasped a small round pebble he kept rubbing.

    A group of ants on the ground busily ran to and fro.

    After a long while, more people came.

    This time the young men were eager to act.

    But it was only two peddlers carrying baskets.

    Jiang Feng recognized them too. That dwarf peddler - little sister Little Jiang Yu chattered on every day about how his candies were the sweetest, most delicious.

    Thinking of Little Jiang Yu, Jiang Feng couldn''t help a slight smile, a dimple on the youth''s cheek.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39

    ...

    Qingyuan Temple.

    The bodhisattva statue sculpted in gold had dimples on its cheeks, its Buddha eyes full ofpassion.

    The hundred-year-old temple had prospering incense.

    Upon entering the temple, the summer heat all disappeared.

    The irritability on people''s bodies also dissipated as they stepped into the temple.

    The Old Lady was a devout incense customer of the temple, generous with her donations, giving a lot every time she came.

    The one weing her was a steady middle-aged monk.

    The monk spoke eloquently, with Zen in his words, making the Old Lady''s expression even more gentle.

    Jiang Wan also listened attentively.

    When entering a temple, they naturally had to burn incense and worship Buddha first.

    Jiang Wan and her grandmother washed their hands and faces, then went before Buddha.

    The Old Lady had a special cushion for sitting.

    Despite her young age, Jiang Wan performed admirably, extremely devout.

    Therge Buddha looked at this grandmother and granddaughter pair with eyes full ofpassion, very intimate.

    The Old Lady held an eighteen bead rosary, silently reciting Buddhist scriptures.

    The golden bodhisattva statue towered high.

    The green-d young maiden was gentle and graceful.

    The Buddha stood tall like a mountain.

    The maiden knelt calmly.

    Incense smoke curled before Buddha.

    The maiden sincerely chanted scriptures.

    The maiden''s voice was gentle and pleasant, very melodious.

    The bodhisattva listened with a full smile.

    Jiang Wan worshipped with utmost devotion, for there were also some mysteries in her heart.

    She only felt at ease when chanting scriptures.

    She gazed at therge Buddha, when suddenly, the image of the infant in the peddler''s arms from before popped up in her mind.

    That infant seemed to be looking at her, eyes brimming with tears.

    She suddenly recalled.

    She had seen her before.

    When she went to see Jiang Yu, she nced at the wooden basin beside her, which held a baby. The baby''s swaddling clothes were patched together, and the baby was very pale.

    She didn''t look further, subconsciously feeling the baby probably wouldn''t live long.

    She thought back to that scene again, remembering that when the woman was kowtowing, there were coarse cloths sticking out from behind her basket, like Jiang Yu''s clothes.

    She paled in shock.

    Her straight back nearly copsed onto the kneeling cushion.

    She tightly shut her eyes, not daring to look into Buddha''s eyes.

    She repeatedly chanted scripture verse, voice urgent and intermittent.

    After chanting the Buddhist scriptures three times, she opened her eyes again to look at the Buddha before her.

    The smiling Buddha suddenly transformed into that baby''s appearance, tears brimming in theughing Buddha''s eyes.

    The tear drops were heavy as if about to crash onto her head.

    Jiang Wan was sweating at her forehead.

    She continued chanting scriptures.

    "All appearances are illusions; If a bodhisattva has any perception of self, human, sentient being, or life span, they cannot be called a bodhisattva. All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, bubbles, dew, or lightning shes ¡ª thus they should be contemted..."

    She repeatedly recited this.

    She knelt before Buddha, sincerely praying for the bodhisattva to bless Jiang Yu and her little sister to be safe. She didn''t mean it, she simply didn''t notice. Perhaps this was fate, truly difficult to change.

    The color gradually returned to her pale face.

    The Buddha smiled with tearful eyes.

    The maiden knelt devoutly before Buddha, frail and pious.

    ...

    Jiang Mianmiany in the basket, weakly sucking her fingers.

    She helplessly looked up.

    The lid covering her was very tight, she couldn''t kick it open.

    Luckily it was made of woven bamboo to let air through, otherwise she would''ve suffocated.

    The onlyfort was that at the button of the lid, many small ants were busily nibbling.

    Xiao Hei directed the ants, using his antennae to poke her fingers every now and then, seeminglyforting her.

    The basket kept shaking, she knew she was moving forward.

    She could hear the peddler and his wife talking.

    "Dear, are you still holding up? Feeling sick? Endure a little longer, we''re almost at the next county town."

    "I can endure."

    "The doctor said six more herbal patches and the basket will heal."

    "Mm, peasant girls die fast. The kilns need girls. Selling these two should get twenty taels. Enough medicine for the basket for half a year."

    "Dear, can you manage? The road is unsafe, we must hurry."

    "Juan''er, Juan''er, I''m really tired, let me rest a bit. It''s just us two peddlers, bandits won''t be interested."

    The carrying pole was set down with a crash.

    The bitten little peddler plopped onto the ground.

    He didn''t know what venomous bug had bitten him. Now he felt chest tightness and breathing difficulty when walking.

    "Juan''er, help check my back again."

    The little peddler pulled up his clothes.

    The woman put down the basket and turned to look, frightened by what she saw. At first there were only a few lumps, but now his whole back was covered in a raised thickyer.

    "Dear, aren''t you medicine seller? Give me the antidote for insect bites."

    "Fake goods, useless." The little peddler frowned tightly.

    The lid dropped again with a "kaji".

    The little peddler red with pain.

    Juan¡¯er lost her temper.

    "I said strangle it, such a tiny loss-making good can sell for money?"

    She charged at the basket, about to strike.

    But she drew back several steps in rm... as if seeing a ghost.

    She had thought the baby''s swaddling clothes were her husband''s jacket. But upon closer look, under them was densely packed ants, seemingly carrying up the baby.

    Seeing the fierce woman rushing over, Jiang Mianmian was also badly frightened, feeling doomed. She could no longer hold back loud wails, "Ah¡ª Ah¡ª"

    The clear, loud cries of the baby echoed throughout the woods.

    ...

    Several youths in the woods twitched with evil intentions, only to find they were just two shabby peddlers.

    The youths knew better than to rob such poor and hardy peddlers. Such men had nothing to lose and fought ruthlessly. Bandits never knew who would die.

    But then they heard the baby''s cries.

    Why would peddlers bring such a small child to trade?

    Kidnappers!

    Gou Zi restrained himself least of all. His sister was kidnapped by traffickers and never found again.

    "Boss, boss, I, I''m going down!" Gou Zi''s face flushed as he held a big saber.

    Without waiting for the boss''s approval, one youth already charged out.

    Then came the self-perceived mighty momentum of youths stumbling out.

    The four bandits didn''t stop them, even staying seated.

    To teach the baby bunnies a lesson before stepping in.

    Seeing people charge from the woods, Juan¡¯er grabbed her pole, shielding her family.

    The little peddler endured the pain to stand, drawing out a de-tipped staff from his goods, ready to thrust.

    In a sh, the couple took on fierce stances, relying on each other.

    Standing there, no one knew who were the robbers.

    Jiang Feng heard the familiar cries and lost his mind.

    He rushed ahead first.

    Seeing the baby in the basket was Mianmian, his spear pried open the other two baskets, finding Little Jiang Yu in one.

    Jiang Feng''s face paled, eyes bloodshot staring at the peddlers.

    Though a dwarf, the peddler was very strong, thick arms and sturdy legs, seeming highly explosive. The woman''s arms were twice thicker than Gou Zi¡¯s.

    Lying in the basket, Jiang Mianmian gaped, forgetting to cry. She didn''t expect her brother''s business scope to be so wide, besides soliciting girls, there was even highway robbery...

    She didn''t know whether to cry,ugh, or cheer.

    "You''re a kidnapper, we''re reporting you to the officials!" shouted a teenager, his legs shaking as he walked at the back. He was also holding a spear, but could only use it as a walking stick to stop himself from falling in an undignified manner.

    The bandits behindughed. Report to officials? Catch who?

    Jiang Feng was furious, looking at Little Jiang Yu curled up in a basket, usually so talkative but now treated like goods, thrown in a basket.

    Looking at the crying Mantou, she had been wailing loudly earlier, but stopped crying when she saw him, eyes still filled with tears. She recognized her brother, she could recognize him.

    Jiang Feng''s usual personality was to let others take the lead while he picked up the pieces behind.

    So the group respected Gou Zi, but still felt they had a good rtionship with Jiang Feng.

    "No need to report to officials, ve traders shall be executed by strangtion, those who witness it can kill on sight," Jiang Feng shouted, spear in hand as he charged forward.

    The teenagers followed to charge with him.

    The threegging behind charged in with eyes closed.

    There were six of them, but only two kidnappers who were exceptionally vicious.

    At first contact, Gou Zi was kicked flying while Mantou''s face was shed open with flesh and blood spurting out.

    They had been in fights before, but never killed anyone.

    Neither had Jiang Feng.

    He had never killed anyone before.

    But his spear steadily stabbed into the peddler''s body.

    Pulling it out brought out blood and flesh.

    Stabbing it in again, then pulling it out again.

    "Spurt, spurt," in a steady beat.

    At first he was unfamiliar, not used to the sensation of the spear tip piercing through clothes then into flesh, through bone.

    Slowly he adapted.

    He had hunted before.

    Used wooden spears, with sharp wooden tips.

    With every stab, fresh blood would spurt out.

    He would also get injured, but the opponent was worse off.

    His arm was heavily struck by the woman''s rod, seemingly feeling the sensation of fractured bone.

    Yet he firmly held up the spear, stabbing, stabbing, stabbing.

    By the end, he was shouting, "Can''t kill people, I can''t kill people, I can''t kill people!"

    The little peddler and womany on the ground, bodies filled with holes still bleeding out, but not dead. It was as if this spear-wielding youth knew medical acupoints, every stab pierced so deep, yet if he was the slightest bit off they would have died hundreds of times over.

    Yet the youth still held the spear, stabbing in and out of their bodies...

    Lying on the ground were five teenagers.

    The four bandits in the dense woods were shocked into standing up.

    A clear, piercing cry alerted the maddened Jiang Feng still maniacally wielding the spear.

    Jiang Feng threw down the spear and vigorously rubbed his blood-soaked hands on the green grass nearby to wipe them clean, before going over to hug up the wailing baby.

    "Brother''s here, brother''s here, don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid."

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40

    The crying sounds of a baby, sharp beyondpare.

    Piercing very far, very far.

    Jiang Mianmian was really frightened to tears.

    "Wa wa, wa wa!"

    She cried until she was out of breath.

    The scene just now was really scary. First it was a melee, then it was just her elder brother relentlessly stabbing those two people.

    "Wah wah!" So much blood, so so much blood.

    She had never seen so much blood readily avable at the blood bank...

    "Brother is here, brother is here, don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid." When her bloodstained elder brother hugged her.

    She cried even harder.

    She didn''t know if it was from fear or from relief.

    When she finally fell into the familiar embrace, Jiang Mianmian wet herself.

    The piss and shit she had been holding in for a long time, as her brother picked her up...

    She cried even louder.

    Jiang Feng smelled the stinky smell, but his bloody face smiled.

    "Antidote!" Jiang Feng held his bottom-wet little sister in one hand, and a spear in the other, walking to the little peddler couple.

    The little peddler shook his head in horror: "There is no antidote, drinking more water will do."

    The dog on the side hurriedly crawled up, took out his own waterskin, and went to pour it into Jiang Yu first.

    Jiang Yu was poured a bag of water, spurted it out, and opened her eyes nkly.

    Jiang Feng put Mianmian''s butt on Jiang Little Yu''s face and handed it to her: "Peed, change diaper."

    Jiang Little Yu looked around, saw another basket of Atui, and the peddler lying on the ground next to the peddler''s wife, with blood oozing all over their bodies. Her elder brother was covered in blood holding her sister.

    She wailed loudly and started bawling.

    She would never dare to be greedy again in the future.

    She cried while changing Mianmian''s diaper. She had brought extra diapers when going out.

    Jiang Feng took out ropes from his body and called for help to tie up the two peddlers.

    The four bandits in the dense forest did note out. The group of six teenagers stumbled along, all seriously injured.

    At this time, on the road, two teenagers rode galloping horses and came kicking up dust.

    The horses were extremely good, well-proportioned, muscr, manes shiny and red in the sunlight, and the saddles were also very magnificent, with five-colored ropes hanging from the stirrups.

    The two teenagers on the horses were even better.

    Their clothes were not only silks and satins, but they also wore armor over their chests and legs to protect vital areas.

    The teenagers'' waists were girded with swords.

    Real swords, with beautiful hilts, and decorations on the hilts without any rust.

    Fine steeds, treasured swords, armor.

    Compared to Jiang Feng and the others, they looked as shabby as rats from the fields.

    Messy.

    Jiang Yu was still crying while changing her sister''s diaper.

    Jiang Mianmian was nervous, scared, startled, and had peed herself...

    She didn''t know whether tough or cry.

    Watching her sister lift up her feet while crying and changing her diaper, she couldn''t help but rub her feet on her sister''s face, as if to say don''t cry anymore.

    The two wealthy teenagers who were riding horses and traveling the world saw the scene before them like a traffic ident. They didn''t ride away quickly like veterans, but stopped.

    The four bandits in the dense forest saw the two teenagers riding horses and came over, their eyes were burning hot, ready to strike. These were the people they had been waiting for today.

    Elder Brother Hu had received news that two big fat sheep were passing by, possibly with deep backgrounds, whether to eat them or not depended on him.

    Elder Brother Hu was a prudent man, which was why he had brought over a few greenhorns to test the waters first.

    The scene was a mess, very miserable.

    But there was a girl kneeling by the roadside, changing a baby''s diaper.

    That baby''s whole body was as white as snow, very white face, very white legs, very white butt, eyes brimming with tears, looking like a startled snow rabbit.

    "Miss, do you need any help?" The square-faced teenager who reined in his horse first called out to Jiang Yu.

    Jiang Yu looked back.

    The round-faced girl, with a pair of cried-red eyes, holding a baby, looked back at him.

    She gazed at him.

    There was bloodstains around them, overturned baskets, scattered daily items, but the square-faced teenager on horseback blushed.

    He thought, it must be the scorching afternoon sun.

    The teenager next to him tapped his arm: "Meng Young Hero, your passion for justice is stirred up again. You just saved a maid and got yourself into a heap of trouble."

    The square-faced teenager said solemnly: "When injustice is seen on the road, draw sword to render help. That maid sold her body, but she shouldn''t have been beaten to death by her master. I saved her to fulfill my sense of righteousness. If righteousness does not exist, how can one live!"

    "You did fulfill your sense of righteousness, but you dumped that maid on me, how troublesome."

    The square-faced teenager somewhat apologetically said: "Elder Brother He is most righteous."

    At this time, the little peddler suddenly shouted loudly: "Help, young heroes, help, save me, we must report this to the officials, report to the officials!"

    Jiang Feng who was tying up the little peddler, identally poked one of his wounds with a finger, and blood gushed out.

    "Ah, pain, help!" The little peddler thrashed around.

    His wife Ju''er, on the verge of death, also shouted: "Save--save me--report to officials--report to officials--"

    A few loafers were frightened by the peddler''s words.

    They were still holding rusty weapons in their hands.

    Hearing the words "bandits" and "reporting to officials" suddenly, and seeing the armor, the teenage boys seemed to be dreaming, and vaguely remembered what they were here to do.

    They really came to rob...

    Mantou suddenly remembered seeing a beheaded bandit at the yamen, he was so scared he sat down on the ground.

    At this time, Jiang Yu who was holding her sister hurriedly stood up.

    Seeing that her elder brother had tied up the little peddler, she rushed over and lifted her leg to kick, kicking the peddler in the face repeatedly.

    With her new embroidered shoes.

    She kicked while scolding: "Damn bandits, your whole family are bandits, tricking me to buy candy, where''s the candy? Candy? Candy?"

    Jiang Yu scolded and cried at the same time, then kicked the peddler''s teeth bloody, staining her new embroidered shoes with blood.

    Seeing that her new embroidered shoes were stained with blood again, she cried even louder, bawling loudly: "How could you sell me off like this, how could you not tell my dad and mom, how could you not give money, no money!"

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41

    Once upon a time, there was a mountain called Qingyuan Mountain.

    Inside the mountain, there was a temple called Qingyuan Temple.

    Within the temple, there was a yellow wall, adorned with vibrant colors.

    The ancient temple''s yellow wall was adorned with embroidered shoes embedded with pearls, strolling beneath it.

    She walked slowly, as if she embodied the essence of time.

    When the sunlight reached the horizon, it transformed into a radiant glow, making the yellow wall even more resplendent.

    She rarely asked for anything, but today she suddenly requested her grandmother toe to Qingyuan Temple and pay respects to the Buddha.

    She seemed to have a premonition that she would encounter someone important here.

    She prayed to the Buddha while waiting for that person.

    It was an indescribable feeling.

    As if it were a significant encounter, a pivotal moment.

    Therefore, she never lingered on her journey, fearing she might miss it.

    She only felt at ease when she arrived at Qingyuan Temple.

    Casually strolling beneath the wall, step by step, her embroidered shoes were stained with a little mud, causing her brows to furrow slightly.

    ...

    Jiang Yu''s embroidered shoes were stained with blood.

    Her heart ached, and she burst into tears even louder.

    Jiang Mianmian was carefully nestled in her sister''s arms, behaving obediently and not daring to make any trouble.

    She vowed never to rece her sister''s secret savings with stones again.

    The other young boys felt a pang in their hearts as they watched.

    The dog whimpered on the side.

    He missed his little sister. She was so young and had disappeared without a trace.

    Their father had gone to work on a ship, hoping to find her, but he ended up drowning.

    Their mother fell ill and passed away, constantly uttering their sister''s name, Ah Fu, Ah Fu.

    The young girl cried loudly, but she also kicked with great force.

    The square-faced young man on horseback thought to himself that if he had saved this girl, he wouldn''t need to trouble Brother He.

    This girl wouldn''t take a beating without uttering a word; she would fight back.

    Even if it meant getting injured and bleeding.

    If you hit her, she would at least bite you.

    She was as tenacious as a little wolf-dog.

    He wanted to save her.

    The other young man on horseback trembled ufortably. This countryside girl was too fierce, quite intimidating...

    After kicking the peddler, her foot hurt.

    Jiang Yu wiped away her tears with her sleeve and looked up at the tall young man, saying, "These people are with my brother who came to rescue us. We were kidnapped. I beg you, sir, to help us report to the authorities. My brother and the others are injured. Can you take us back together?"

    For some reason, the fierce little girl with a red nose from crying had just spoken to him, and now the square-faced young man''s face turned red.

    "Yes, yes, my family''s guards are right behind. They will be here soon. We will go into the city together, and I will report to the authorities. Miss, you don''t need to go to the yamen (government office). I will arrange for someone to escort you home first."

    Jiang Mianmian, in her sister''s embrace, also saw the square-faced young man on horseback.

    She thought to herself, "This person is really good."

    Meanwhile, Jiang Feng, whose hand remained uninjured, kept holding onto his spear.

    His gaze pierced through the elegantly dressed young man, always focused on the dense forest.

    Within the dense forest, the trees were lush, thick, and cast a shadowy green hue.

    The birds did not fly.

    The cicadas continued to chirp.

    Elder Brother Hu and the others were inside.

    Jiang Feng''s hand trembled slightly as he gripped the spear, feeling a bit weak.

    Cui slowly regained consciousness after being doused with water. As she looked around, she saw the pool of blood, Jiang Ge, and Jiang Yu. Overwhelmed, she felt weak and fainted again.

    Jiang Yu held his sister tightly in his arms and sped his fists in gratitude to the square-faced young man on horseback, saying, "Thank you, young hero, for saving our lives. I have no way to repay your kindness except to offer myself to you!"

    The square-faced young man blushed under the glow of the setting sun.

    Jiang Mianmian, with a bewildered expression, wondered what kind of scene this was. Had she heard too many lines from stage ys?

    Jiang Feng, his face covered in blood, wanted to knock some sense into Jiang Xiaoyu''s head. What a foolish person! Those lines are only meant to be heard in stage ys. Who actually does such things?

    He tugged at his sister''s hand.

    Cui, who had been "frightened unconscious" in the basket, almost opened her eyes. Jiang Yu was so impressive.

    The other young man on horseback rolled his eyes, thinking, "Here we go again... Is he trying to get in on this?"

    Meng Shaoxia, with his trustworthy square face, had encountered several waves of people wanting to repay him along the way. Frightened, he had been running the whole time.

    Jiang Yu pushed her brother, who was holding her hand, forward and said, "But I don''t know anything. I''mzy and useless. My parents couldn''t bear to part with me. They wouldn''t even let me be a maid in the house of the master in the capital. So, I''ll give you my brother instead. My brother speaks well, works hard, and is efficient. Everyone likes him."

    Jiang Yu''s round face was sincere, with tears still glistening in her eyes and fresh blood stains on her shoes. The little doll in her arms yed with her fingers.

    She saw that this square-faced person was a wealthy and good-hearted individual. Her brother spent his days wandering the streets, so it would be better to follow this person. Perhaps they could make something of themselves. The old saying goes, "Eat shit if you follow a dog, eat meat if you follow a wolf."

    After Jiang Yu finished speaking, the other wayward individuals felt envious. They envied Jiang Ge for having such a good sister. Given the opportunity, they all wanted to be associated with him. For them, being with a young master who had a BMW and a precious sword was definitely better than aimlessly wandering the streets.

    They couldn''t even match up to a bandit with an axe.

    Jiang Feng held his foolish sister''s hand tightly and looked up, his eyes inexplicably moist.

    He was afraid that if he didn''t look up, tears would fall.

    The square-faced young man dismounted and his face was no longer as red. He politely said, "You were already saving yourselves, I didn''t do much, just a small effort. No need to thank me."

    As he surveyed the scene, he saw that the round-faced girl''s brother was covered in blood, his spear also stained with blood. The two strong beggars lying on the ground had holes in their bodies, and the other young men were injured to varying degrees.

    Although the girl''s brother had a scar on his forehead, it didn''t detract from his appearance. Despite being covered in blood, his eyes were clear, and he exuded a righteous aura.

    He had the air of a chivalrous hero who could kill someone from ten steps away but chose not to. The square-faced young man greatly admired him.

    He respectfully sped his fists at the round-faced girl''s brother and said, "I am Meng Shaoxia from the Meng family in the capital. My ws don''t overshadow your brilliance. Your skills are exceptional, and given time, you are destined for great achievements."

    The other young man on horseback saw that Meng Shaoxia, despite being from a noble family and having an overly kind heart, had excellent judgment. Throughout the journey, he had been keen in his observations.

    As Meng Xiong spoke, Jiang Feng realized that the scene before him seemed to be the work of the girl''s older brother. Without his presence, it would have been impossible to achieve this without any guards.

    Jiang Feng also dismounted and sped his fists in a gesture of respect. "I am He Chen of the He family from Qingzhou."

    Both of them introduced themselves.

    They were both prominent families of the time.

    But these rowdy fellows from the countryside didn''t understand the customs.

    Jiang Yu didn''t understand, and Jiang Mianmian understood even less. She just thought it was cool to introduce herself this way.

    "Yi ya ya ya" (I am Jiang Mianmian~~baa), she shouted loudly.

    The peddler couple lying on the ground couldn''t speak because of the pain.

    Why did they have to exchange greetings? Shouldn''t they report to the authorities? It hurts so much.

    And Jiang Feng, from childhood to adulthood, rarely had anyone treat him with such seriousness and greet him respectfully.

    He also sped his fists and said, "I am Jiang Feng from Qingyuan Mountain."

    He Chen burst intoughter.

    Meng Shaoxia alsoughed. "Today, you take the name Qingyuan Mountain, and in the future, Qingyuan Mountain will be honored because of you."

    Jiang Feng alsoughed, his face sttered with blood, unable to hide his dimples.

    His arm didn''t seem to hurt as much anymore.

    Jiang Feng thought to himself that this square-faced young man spoke even better than him.

    He Chen, a member of the long-standing He family in Qingzhou, alsoughed and said, "We were originally heading to Qingyuan Temple, but since we''ve encountered Jiang Feng of Qingyuan Mountain, we''ve found a destined person. Let''s go, we''ll enter the city and have a drink."

    Jiang Yu pursed her lips, not understanding what these people were saying. Did the square-faced young man agree or not? She was anxious!

    Jiang Mianmian stared at her sister Jiang Yu with wide eyes, feeling that her sister''s brain was quite useful at times, and she wasn''t socially awkward at all.

    As they conversed, the sound of horse hooves grew louder.

    The escorts of the two young men on their precious horses followed behind.

    The leading escort shouted, "Young masters, young masters, Qingyuan Temple is right ahead. We took the wrong road."

    "We''re not going there anymore. We''re entering the city."

    The setting sun shone upon the group as they headed back.

    The rowdy fellows rode horses for the first time, twisting their buttocks and carrying various injuries, but they couldn''t suppress their smiles on their faces.

    Receiving praise for doing a good deed for the first time, the young mastersmended them.

    They had forgotten that they hade to rob...

    The dense forest behind them remained quiet.

    When the bend was about to obscure the view of the dense forest, Jiang Feng turned his head and saw a person''s face in the forest, revealing a smile and gesturing a swing of a giant axe across his neck.

    Jiang Feng rode his horse and shouted loudly into the open valley, "I am Jiang Rong of Qingyuan Mountain!"

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42

    The mountains were tall and the forests dense, often shrouded in fog.

    Today, Mom Qin Luoxia still wanted to go search for another giant python.

    So she trekked across the hills and streams, unconsciously reaching another remote mountain area.

    She moved swiftly, estimating the time, as she still needed to return to nurse the baby.

    In the dense forest, she moved as freely as on t ground, running until she reached Qingyuan Mountain.

    Qingyuan Mountain belonged to Mr. Zhao''s family, and her husband didn''t allow her daughter Jiang Feng to go there either, as she didn''t want to cause trouble for her husband.

    So she ran a bit farther away.

    The area of Qingyuan Mountain was evenrger, with a temple on the mountain that she had never visited, because she heard that worshipping the Buddha and burning incense required giving money.

    Even when Mom was gravely ill, she had wanted to go pray to the Buddha, but had no money at all, with the little money she had going towards buying Mom''s medicine and preparing for a coffin, so she was never able to visit the temple.

    The Buddha doesn''t deliver the poor, as the poor don''t even have the donation tray money to visit the temple.

    She had never visited Qingyuan Temple before, and now she actually wanted to hunt for giant pythons at Qingyuan Temple, which was somewhat disrespectful, as even the cats, dogs, birds, and snakes at temples carry the scent of incense offerings.

    Qin Luoxia had never been there before.

    So she had taken the wrong path.

    Looking at the rugged cliffs, with scattered dwellings on top, she felt it didn''t seem to be a temple.

    She had heard that temples were very beautiful, very wealthy, with glittering golden adornments.

    She decided to take a look around first, then think carefully about where she might find giant pythons when she returned.

    As she was wandering, she unexpectedly encountered four men.

    There were people in these deep mountain forests, strangers.

    One carried an axe, two carried machetes, and one carried a long spear.

    Qin Luoxia hid herself, not daring to move, as a virtuous married woman whose husband was present, she shouldn''t casually appear before strange men, but in the vige among familiar faces it didn''t matter.

    In these deep old forests, she still had some caution.

    As shey in ambush, she hid so naturally that in an instant she became one with the mountain forest.

    When those four men came closest to her, they were only a few zhang away.

    She saw that their axes wererger than her wood-chopping axe, and their machetes wererger than hers, but the spear of the man carrying the long spear wasn''t as good as hers.

    The man carrying the long spear seemed a bit clever, as he nced in her direction a few times.

    Qin Luoxia heard the four men speaking.

    "Elder Brother Hu, what use are these idiots?"

    "Sending them to their deaths, taking the me."

    "I have a bad feeling about this time, Elder Brother Hu. If there was really something good, the Second Master would have gone himself."

    "Seeking wealth and fortune amid danger, whether it seeds or not, we''ll see."

    Qin Luoxia was so frightened by what these people said that her milk almost let down - goodness, she had actually encountered mountain bandits!

    With the mountain bandits appearing here, the dwellings on the cliff she had seen earlier must not be a temple, but a banditir!

    How terrifying, how terrifying.

    She hid even more securely, and after these people had walked far away, she turned and fled.

    Because she was so tense and afraid, as she ran back, she identally knocked over a tree.

    The four mountain bandits were walking normally behind, and when they passed by the fallen tree:

    "Elder Brother Hu, something''s not right about this tree, it seemed fine yesterday," the bandit carrying the long spear said curiously.

    The two bandits carrying machetes also stopped, using their machetes to gesticte that a tree this thick would take them a long time to chop down.

    Elder Brother Hu, shouldering his axe, stood in thought before the fallen tree for three seconds, then said, "It must have been knocked over by the Blind Bear. There are Blind Bears in the mountains, but they didn''t used toe to this area. You all watch out when patrolling the mountains, don''t run into that thing, or it''s certain death if you do."

    The group of four continued forward.

    The bandit carrying the long spear looked back at the fallen tree, feeling that something seemed off, but he couldn''t put his finger on it - there were no Blind Bear footprints on the ground either, but if Elder Brother Hu said it was a Blind Bear, then it was.

    Qin Luoxia ran all the way back home in a frenzy, the outside world truly was too dangerous, her husband was right.

    As she neared home, she only then remembered to dig up some wild vegetables.

    But the wild vegetables near home had already been dug up bare by everyone else, so after thinking it over, she uprooted a tree to take home instead, as her family seemed to enjoy sitting in the shade of trees to cool off.

    One tree was still a bit too bare though, so she nted another one, making it more lush.

    Qin Luoxia huffed and puffed as she carried the tree back home.

    But there was no one at home.

    She asked around in the vige, and people said Elder Sister Yu had taken her little sister Mianmian along with Cui to go to the county town with the peddler to buy things.

    Cui''s mother was already scolding loudly at the vige entrance: "They''ve been gone for so long and still haven''t returned, they must be cking off again. Thatzy girl Elder Sister Yu is such a bad influence, leading my Cui astray."

    Qin Luoxia felt that something was amiss - although greedy, Elder Sister Yu knew her limits, and with the sun already tilting west, how could they not have returned yet?

    Her mischievous daughter, even if going out, would keep track of the time and definitely rush back home before she returned.

    She hurried back home to get her long spear, then headed towards the county town.

    Along the way, Qin Luoxia med herself more and more - it was all her fault, she hadn''t watched over her family properly.

    Her husband had gone to work, yet she had lost track of Elder Sister Yu and little Mianmian.

    Her husband adored children so much, not minding at all that they were girls, doting on each and every child.

    Qin Luoxia''s heart raced with worry, but she kept reminding herself not to panic, not to panic, to think of her husband.

    No matter what happened, her husband could always remain calm andposed.

    She too must stay calm, stay calm.

    Leaving the vige, she examined the path carefully.

    Scanning the surrounding mountains and forests.

    She found a ce where someone had been hiding, with signs that people had sat there, even leaving behind two baskets.

    The peddler had aplices; one person couldn''t have abducted three children alone.

    At the fork in the road, one path led into the county town, the other led out.

    Without hesitation, Qin Luoxia took the path leading out of town.

    Along the way, she could see carriage tracks, with some nobility also leaving town - she didn''t know if she might encounter that peddler abductor, who had suspiciously kidnapped children, and if she did, whether she could rescue them or not.

    Qin Luoxia could only try to think positively, to keep herself from panicking too much.

    But her heart only sank further, as she kept seeing scraps of cloth strewn along the path, picking them up and smelling the scent of milk that little Mianmian carried from being nursed.

    It was the same milk she had nursed, she could definitely recognize the smell.

    Qin Luoxia walked faster and faster, her pace elerating.

    She didn''t dare imagine what could have happened, only hoping for the best, that nothing bad had urred - there were scraps of little Mianmian''s clothing dropped along the way, leaving her a trail to follow.

    Her heart was in turmoil, her figure bing a blur as she retraced her path over and over.

    The evening glow in the sky burned crimson red.

    As red as Qin Luoxia''s eyes.

    Suddenly she heard the sounds of approaching hoof beats.

    She stood in the middle of the path, not moving aside, intending to stop someone and ask if they had seen the peddler.

    Qin Luoxia held her long spear, standing in the center of the path.

    "Whoa!"

    In the wilderness with no one around, horses generally galloped at top speed.

    And it was dusk, with beautiful scenery on both sides of the mountains and forests.

    The person in the very front didn''t notice someone blocking the path at all.

    Only seeing her at thest moment before reining in the horse, causing it to rear up in fright.

    The rider was about to angrily rebuke why there was someone standing in the middle of the path in front of the horse caravan, courting death.

    But horses are more sensitive than humans, and this person at the front gave off the aura of a ferocious python or grizzly bear, causing the horses not just to halt, but to retreat in unison.

    In an instant, riders were thrown from horses in a pileup collision.

    "Are we being waid by bandits?"

    People from the rear of the caravan eximed in surprise.

    Who would dare such a brazen act, so close to the county town?

    A few ruffians, puffed up with bravado at first, only felt fear creeping in as their small minds finally grasped just what they had been intending to do - they weren''t capable of anything, yet hade to way this massive caravan, a deathwish for sure.

    The errand boy also realized that his acquaintance Elder Brother Hu hadn''t really intended to let him join in some fun, but had simply sent him to his death.

    Yet he hadn''t expected to encounter bandits again right when they were almost home - could it be that Elder Brother Hu had brought the mountain stronghold''s men to ambush them?

    Jiang Feng protectively held her two younger sisters, looking around warily.

    While the two peddlers, hovering between life and death, had a glimmer of hope in their eyes - if there really were bandits waying them, they could exploit the chaos and maybe survive.

    He Chen and Meng Shaoxia''s eyes lit up. They pretended to be fat sheep, luring many bandits along the way, and essentially cleared out the evildoers. They didn''t expect to encounter this in the county town - it was too brazen! How exciting. Their horses were better to begin with, and they suddenly spurted ahead.

    But they discovered it was just an old woman?

    An old woman with a veryrge chest...

    Qin Luoxia was also nervous upon seeing so many people, but she couldn''t worry about being nervous now. She asked loudly, "Has anyone seen a dwarf peddler?"

    He Chen, who rode up on his horse, didn''t expect someone to be looking for that hunchback. Curious, he asked, "Who are you to that peddler? Why are you looking for him?"

    Qin Luoxia heard his question and her heart raced. "That peddler is a kidnapper who took my child. I''m out looking for my child."

    Meng Shaoxia''s gaze fell on the old woman''s long spear, finding it rather strange.

    He saw the old woman standing alone in the middle of the road, with his entire escort squad strangely lined up a full zhang behind her, and there were traces of horses retreating on the ground.

    "It''s Mom!" Jiang Mianmian had good hearing and could hear Mom''s voice from afar. She could also smell her familiar milky scent.

    She cried out loudly, "Wah wah wah!"

    As she kept crying, she started weeping, "Wah wah wah!"

    Qin Luoxia also heard the baby crying. Not bothering to ask questions, she dashed straight into the middle of the squad.

    She saw Fenger covered in blood, her foolish Elder Sister Yu, and the wailing Mianmian.

    Qin Luoxia''s saliva churned in her throat as tears streamed uncontrobly down her face.

    She almost lost her child. How could she face her husband?

    The escort squad and the two young noblemen looked at this family reunion in astonishment.

    It was very moving, but they were still perplexed as to how this old woman had barged in.

    Meanwhile, the hope in the peddler couple''s eyes was extinguished once more.

    Qin Luoxiaforted her little daughter as she embraced her. Jiang Mianmian cried tears of joy upon falling into Mom''s arms.

    The outside world was too dangerous. From now on, she wouldn''t go anywhere. She would just cling to Mom - Mom''s broad, sturdy body was the best ce to be.

    She cried until she huped.

    She wanted milk, but felt a bit shy.

    Qin Luoxia hugged her child and first thanked the two young masters leading the squad.

    Her gaze fell upon the peddler couple, and Qin Luoxia said, "I heard they resorted to this out of desperation to afford medicine for their sick child. A parent''s heart for their child is pitiful. May I say a few words to them?"

    Everyone saw this old woman holding a nursing baby, clearly having just given birth. Women at this stage were the most tender-hearted. That couple was even willing to sell her child, yet she said they were pitiful.

    This round-faced, kind-eyed old woman looked very friendly.

    No one objected.

    Mom approached the peddler couple. Jiang Mianmian clung tightly to Mom in her arms, a bit scared. She pressed against Mom, tightly breathing in her scent.

    Hope flickered in the peddler couple''s eyes again. Yes, they had their difficulties.

    The wife cried through tears and snot, "We had no choice. It''s all for our child. We didn''t want to do this."

    Jiang Mianmian wanted to spit. Their child is a child, but others'' children aren''t?

    Mom nodded in agreement. "I understand, I understand. I''m a mother too."

    Mom leaned in close to the peddler''s wife and whispered, "If you go to the county office, you''ll definitely be executed. I know you can''t bear to leave your child behind. Tomorrow, I''ll send him to reunite with your family. I heard he''s just a dimwitted pill-taker, but plump and healthy - he hasn''t suffered any hardship, right? I won''t let him suffer either. It''ll just take me a moment to twist his neck, and he''lle find you. Remember to wait for him, otherwise that child will get lost on the Road to Underworld all alone."

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43

    The night fell.

    Another tree appeared outside Jiang Mianmian''s house, one was a hawthorn tree, and the other she didn''t know its name.

    The leaves wererge and thick.

    The head of the household, Jiang Changtian, returned home.

    He learned from the hawkers at the county government office that his family almost fell apart, losing two-thirds of its members out of five.

    Jiang Changtian still smiled as he watched the hawker couple, listened to the gossiping crowd.

    "The kidnappers are despicable."

    "Kidnappers should be beaten to death."

    "These two kidnappers are also pitiful, being injured like this, all deted."

    ...

    Jiang Changtian smiled lightly, earnestly watching and listening.

    No one could tell that he was the victim.

    He even talked in detail with people about where these two kidnappers came from and how they kidnapped.

    It was said that they were rescued by a group of young heroes.

    If they hadn''t been rescued, they would have been sold into adobe caves, so pitiful.

    The girls in the adobe caves were not treated as humans, they were treated like animals.

    The kidnappers said they had their difficulties, they had a dumb son who needed medicine.

    The hawker''s hometown was in the same county, not far away. They entrusted someone to take care of their dumb son, but they still engaged in such activities outside.

    How could medicine be so expensive, they must have been deceived...

    ...

    Jiang Changtian turned and left.

    He walked quickly home.

    Even on the way home, he wore a smile on his face and greeted people warmly.

    He was such a person, the more he hated inside, the warmer his smile on the outside, the more his appearance shone, as if even deliberately concealed, it seemed impossible to hide.

    He thought, his mother was right, he was a bad person, bad to the bone.

    There was wickedness and cruelty in his bones.

    Always on the verge of going crazy.

    Just like now.

    On his way home, passing by the forty-fourth, forty-fifth, forty-sixth, forty-seventh streets...

    His steps didn''t pause.

    He walked forward as usual, turned a corner, and bought four meat buns.

    Then he walked back.

    As usual.

    Walking briskly home.

    He, with the appearance of a thin schr, carried meat buns and a sharp knife in his pocket.

    A little small, sharp, very sharp.

    The knife was his courage.

    His family was his soul.

    ...

    Arriving home.

    Seeing Xiaomei nting trees.

    Seeing Feng Ge leaning on a chair with his hand drooping.

    Seeing Yu Jie holding Mianmian.

    Seeing everyone there.

    He slowly exhaled.

    The hand under his sleeve still couldn''t stop trembling.

    Shaking badly.

    He habitually wanted to cough, but couldn''t.

    It seemed that the snake bile Xiaomei fed him had a very good effect.

    Otherwise, he felt that he couldn''t support himself to walk home. The closer he got home, the more afraid he became.

    Afraid of finding no one at home.

    Afraid that the news he heard was false, and the kidnappers had already sold the people.

    Now seeing everyone at home, he still couldn''t stop trembling.

    He gave the meat buns to his second daughter and reached out to hug his youngest daughter.

    Feeling the slight weight in his arms, soft and milky, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

    It''s not a dream.

    His family was all here.

    ...

    For dinner, they had a hearty meal of unknown cured meat (python meat) cooked vegetables, coarse grains, and meat buns.

    After the terrifying day, Jiang Mianmian could already secretly add extra ingredients for her family.

    The living environment was too harsh, she urgently needed to improve everyone''s physical fitness.

    Not seeking great wealth and prosperity, but just striving to survive.

    The family enjoyed their meal with exceptional relish, thinking it was the aroma of the meat, especially with the addition of meat buns, how could it not be delicious.

    Jiang Yu ate particrly heartily, wiping tears as she ate, thinking, if she really were sold, she definitely wouldn''t get to taste such delicious meat soup and meat buns again.

    Jiang Feng ate with great relish, burying his head in his food, one arm still hanging limply, afraid to look at his parents, unsure how to exin his ambush outside the city.

    Jiang Changtian ate very seriously, savoring each mouthful, elevating the wild vegetable soup with an air of elegance.

    Qin Luoxia ate a lot, she had to eat more to produce milk.

    Food not only filled their empty stomachs but alsopensated for their mental unease.

    At any time, it''s best to eat first, then you''ll have the strength to carry on.

    After finishing the meal,

    Mother fed Mianmian.

    Father washed the dishes.

    Jiang Mianmian cleaned up.

    Her elder brother tried to help but was pushed away, feeling a bit flustered.

    Mianmian ate her meal with gusto, grabbing onto her mother, devouring it voraciously.

    She was scared enough as it is.

    Her swaddling clothes were all torn up by Little ck, leaving marks everywhere they went.

    Mother was really clever, she actually found them.

    Mianmian became even more reliant on her mother, she swore that next time her mother went to gather wild vegetables, she would throw a tantrum and insist on going along, even if it meant rolling around and making a mess.

    Although her elder sister was also very good, her elder sister followed her stomach...

    And her elder brother, Mianmian wondered how her mother would deal with him if she found out he went out to rob.

    Mianmian wanted to wait and see themotion...

    But after drinking her fill of milk, she unexpectedly couldn''t control her drowsiness and fell into a deep sleep.

    Really, she couldn''t control it, too tired, too sleepy.

    She slept so deeply that she snored.

    When Mianmian woke up again, she found it was very dark outside, it should be midnight already.

    But there was only father in the bed, mother was not there.

    "Mama, mama," she called out with her mouth wide open.

    Jiang Changtian picked up the child andforted her, "Your elder sister got scared during the day, she''s got a slight fever now, your mother went to take care of her, she''ll be back soon."

    In the dark night, father rocked her gently in his arms.

    She also wanted to see how her elder sister was doing, after all, she was just a little girl in her early teens, ording to modern standards, a primary school student, she would definitely be scared.

    "Mama, mama," Mianmian tugged on her father''s sleeve.

    Jiang Changtian surprisingly understood, he wrapped a piece of clothing around the little girl and carried her out.

    Qin Luoxia saw her husband carrying their daughter over and took her in her arms to feed her.

    "Husband, you should go back to sleep for a while, Yu''er is fine, just a slight fever, it''s probably because she drank the water the peddler gave, it''s not clean, she''s had diarrhea several times, the poor girl is embarrassed for you to see." Qin Luoxia said while feeding the baby.

    Jiang Changtian yawned but didn''t go to sleep, instead, he went to the kitchen to boil water.

    Mianmian drank her milk, her eyes rolling around, in the middle of the night, she waspletely awake, full of energy, thinking that her elder sister had diarrhea, it must be because she added spring water to her dinner.

    But her elder sister hadn''t drunk the diarrhea version of spring water.

    Based on her observations, Auntie became stronger after drinking the Spirit Spring water. Her milk became tastier, seeminglyrger, and more abundant, although other changes remained unobserved.

    Her elder brother also likely gained strength; otherwise, the peddler couple wouldn''t be so aggressive, defeating her other brothers easily. Armed with a spear, her elder brother could catch them effortlessly, and they couldn''t escape.

    Another change in her elder brother was his affectionate gestures, often rubbing her head and sticking close.

    As for Father, after drinking the Spirit Spring water, his cough seemed to vanish. Although he didn''t appear physically stronger, he held her with a light touch, and his hands still felt a bit chilly. However, his appearance seemed noticeably improved.

    She wondered about her elder sister''s situation. Watching her limp towards them, legs numb, and emitting a foul odor, she sipped her milk while using her hand to push her sister away, reluctant to let her get close.

    Jiang Yu: ...

    She genuinely witnessed her milk-drinking sister roll her eyes and express disdain. Really!

    Having enjoyed good health since childhood, rarely falling ill, this time was a hardship. The stench from her illness was unbearable, probably due to the peddler''s tainted water. She vowed never to consume dubious substances again, promising to taste before considering finishing the meal.

    Jiang Mianmian innocently continued drinking milk, benefiting from a healthy and abundant milk source, growing taller and taller.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44

    Late at night.

    The candle me flickered out.

    Jiang Mianmian''s eyes widened, unable to sleep.

    There''s no way around it, a baby''s sleep schedule is just like this, sudden.

    Sleep when you want, wake when you want.

    She tossed and turned in bed.

    She felt the bed was enormous, rolling over was her mother''s embrace, rolling back was her father''s chest, how nice.

    Her parents were both a bit tired, but she was still wide awake.

    After rolling for a while, she was finally held down by her mother, tucked in tightly.

    "Be good, your dad has to work tomorrow, let''s sleep, okay?"

    Her mother sang her a luby.

    In the darkness, an unknown melody drifted.

    Jiang Mianmian thought, perhaps this was a luby her mother''s mother sang to her.

    She listened attentively.

    "Fishy~ silly cat~ chubby~~ fishy~ silly cat~ chubby~~... feather~~ you~~ when~~ will~~ you~~ return~~"

    Jiang Mianmian seemed to understand a little, it wasn''t about fish, silly cat, chubby, but about feather, when will you return.

    Like someone calling out in the wilderness, heartbreaking yet gentle and melodious.

    She thought her mother''s mother''s luby was too mncholic, and there was even an ent, chubby and return, don''t have the same pronunciation...

    But as she listened, she also grew drowsy.

    Her mother''s voice made her feel at ease.

    In a daze, she heard her mother ask her father, "Where is that crooked old house from?"

    Her father replied, "He County, go to sleep."

    Her father''s hand also reached over.

    Falling into sweet darkness.

    ...

    "Auntie oh!"

    "Auntie oh!"

    The rooster crowed, waking the soundly sleeping Jiang Mianmian.

    Surprisingly, her parents weren''t beside her.

    When she woke up, she was still a bit dazed, a bit clueless.

    Should she drink milk first or pee first...

    Forget it, cry first.

    "Waaaah!"

    She screamed at the top of her lungs.

    Then her older brother came in.

    He picked her up in his arms.

    "Don''t cry, don''t cry, big brother is here, big brother is here."

    Jiang Feng rocked his little sister gently.

    He rushed in as soon as he heard his sister crying.

    Jiang Mianmian stopped crying when she fell into her brother''s embrace.

    Originally, she cried to announce to the world, I''m awake,e attend to me.

    Now that she stopped crying, her older brother actually put her back on the bed, and then...

    Her older brother touched her from head to toe~!!!

    Her older brother is a pervert!!

    Jiang Mianmian really felt like she was a robotic doll, her older brother was checking if all her parts were okay.

    Jiang Feng carefully checked his little sister, found everything was fine, his sister was very lively, and there were no traces of poisoning, then he helped his sister put on her clothes again.

    Outside the room, their mother''s voice came, "Carry the child, why so slow."

    "Coming,ing right away." Jiang Feng replied.

    Jiang Feng''s arm swelled up from yesterday''s beating, it felt like it was broken, but he could endure it, and didn''t dare to make a sound, afraid his parents would worry.

    He applied the medicine himself.

    Jiang Feng''s father insisted he learn, but in reality, he couldn''t stand seeing his father act subservient in front of others. His father, in his opinion, shouldn''t be like that.

    His father was constantly ridiculed,beled a bookworm with no future. They mockingly called him "Second Fool" behind his back.

    "Second Fool."

    That''s how they referred to his father.

    Publicly, they addressed him as Mr. Jiang, dripping with sarcasm.

    While he understood social dynamics, he couldn''t bear to see these dynamics y out on his father.

    He always believed his father was the best, deserving of the best.

    Reluctant to work alongside his father, he secretly made efforts to learn what his father taught him.

    Jiang Feng had some knowledge of medicine.

    Aware that his recent injury was severe ¨C the wife of a peddler had struck his arm with great force, making him hear what seemed like bones breaking.

    Yet, to his surprise, after a night of wild vegetable and meat soup and some rest, his arm felt healed, bones seemingly rejoined. Now, carrying his sister was effortless, as if the swelling had vanished.

    He became increasingly convinced that he had experienced death, those visions were real, and he crawled out of hell.

    His body was different now.

    Stronger, recovering rapidly; perhaps, he wasn''t quite human anymore, maybe a vengeful ghost cloaked in human skin.

    Yet, even so, he felt content.

    Regardless of being human or ghost, as long as he could protect his family.

    He quickly checked on his sister, worried about her well-being.

    Seeing her helplessly staring at him, Jiang Feng couldn''t help but chuckle.

    He affectionately kissed her soft head.

    Jiang Mianmian looked up at the sky in resignation.

    Her older brother enjoyed kissing her head.

    Her older sister liked kissing her belly.

    Mother liked kissing her face.

    Father... liked kissing her little feet.

    Ah, the busy center of the universe is me.

    A new day begins.

    Father has already gone to work.

    Jiang Mianmian had her milk, diaper changed, and was now sunbathing her little bottom in a wooden basin.

    Jiang Yu had been crying half the night; she was actually quite energetic now.

    But Mother thought she was weak and served her a thick, meaty wild vegetable porridge.

    She was overjoyed.

    Suddenly, she understood a new skill ¨C by feigning illness slightly, she could get extra delicious food.

    Holding her own bowl of porridge, she delicately savored it all morning, reluctant to finish in one go. Each spoonful felt like ice, licking it slowly.

    Jiang Mianmian watched her sister, feeling like her sister was asking for a scolding.

    Exuding an air of "Mother,e and scold me, Mother, hurry and scold me."

    Suddenly, voices came from below the mountain.

    Jiang Mianmian saw her sister gulp down the remaining half-bowl of porridge in one go, like a voracious eater.

    In an instant, the bowl was empty, licked clean.

    The empty bowl was ced on a stone pedestal.

    Jiang Mianmian also heard the voices and suddenly realized the embarrassment; she was sunbathing her bottom and couldn''t be surrounded.

    Wasting the effort she put into posing since early morning, with a "plop," she sessfullyy down.

    Thankfully, Qin Luoxia was quick to act, realizing her embarrassment and helping her put on clothes.

    "Mrs. Luoxia, Mrs. Luoxia!"

    A familiar sharp voice echoed.

    The visitor was Cui''s Mother.

    Cui''s Mother was carrying a basket with wild vegetables, six eggs, and a piece of red cloth.

    Qin Luoxia came out when she heard the voice, warmly greeting the visitor, "Why did youe, Auntie?"

    Cui''s Mother handed the basket to Qin Luoxia, saying, "Sister-inw, thanks to your brother Feng, this is a token of our gratitude. My husband insisted I bring it."

    Qin Luoxia quickly refused, "No need, no need. We''re all from the same vige, everyone would do the same."

    But Cui''s Mother insisted.

    ncing at Jiang Yu sitting on a small stool nearby, energetic and lively, seeing the bowl in front of her, she knew the little girl must have finished her meal upon seeing her arrival, unlike Cui at home who wasn''t as energetic, still asleep after a whole night.

    She asked, "Is Yu doing well? Her face looks pale, must have been frightened."

    "Oh yes, she was restless all night, must have suffered. Is Cui doing well at home?" Qin Luoxia inquired.

    Cui''s Mother bragged habitually, "Cui''s fine, didn''t suffer like Yu did. She said she felt something was off about the water the peddler gave, didn''t drink much. But your Yu couldn''t resist, drank it all, suffered, didn''t she?"

    Jiang Yu: ... But Cui drank it all too...

    After speaking, Cui''s Mother felt her words weren''t appropriate, after all, she was here to thank them.

    But she couldn''t help it, her mouth was like that, often offending people.

    Her husband called for her, so she hurriedly left the basket and ran off.

    "I''m going back, sister-inw, use these to nourish Feng''s body, bye." Cui''s Mother yelled loudly as she left.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at the wild vegetables, eggs, and red cloth in the basket, feeling strangely like the olddy wasn''t so bad after all.

    Egg soup smells delicious~

    So Jiang Mianmian was defeated by an egg soup and fell asleep...

    Qin Luoxia packed up neatly, carrying the basket, and headed back into the mountains.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45

    "Sister-inw Qin Luoxia, off to work!"

    "Yes, digging up some wild vegetables."

    "Don''t overdo it, the sun is rather fierce."

    "I know, I''ll be careful. Thank you, auntie."

    ......

    Under the big tree at the vige entrance, a group of people were chatting.

    They wouldment on every passerby.

    Watching Qin Luoxia''s figure disappear into the distance, they started talking: "Second Jiang has really hit the jackpot with his wife. She''s so capable and hard-working."

    "And her temper is so good, she never gets angry with anyone."

    "Her personality is great too."

    "If you ask me, her personality is a little too good, a bit of a pushover."

    "Not a pushover, just naive. With that huge mansion in the county town, if it were me, I''d raise hell, cry and throw tantrums until I got something out of it."

    "Tsk, you have no idea how deep the waters of the wealthy run."

    "I heard that Second Jiang was kicked out of his family because he poisoned his own father to death~"

    "What? No way, Second Jiang isn''t that kind of person."

    "Just hearsay, they say his father was gravely ill, and Second Jiang identally gave him the wrong medicine, switched it with something else, and his father died after drinking it."

    "Ah~"

    "Tsk~"

    ......

    There were many versions of the story about Second Jiang circting in the vige, this was just one of them.

    The main point was that Second Jiang used to be from a wealthy family, but now he was just as poor as them, if not poorer. After all, Second Jiang was inept at everything - farming, carrying manure, chopping wood - he would probably starve to death.

    But Second Jiang had been educated, so the vigers still naturally respected him as a schrly person.

    And initially, they thought there was no long-standing grudge between father and son, so perhaps Second Jiang would return to the manor one day.

    As for Qin Luoxia, an orphan girl from elsewhere, being able to marry Second Jiang, everyone was rather envious.

    In a vige, all sorts of talk happens.

    But after so many years, with Second Jiang having children and finding work, living just like them, they got used to it. They would still tease Second Jiang, and say some sour grapes remarks behind his back, but they also epted him and Qin Luoxia.

    After all, the two of them were good people. Whenever anyone in the vige needed help, they were always willing to lend a hand.

    Second Jiang also had some medical knowledge, and vigers would often ask him for help with headaches and fevers.

    Second Jiang never charged a fee, just telling them which herbs to gather.

    The couple had a good reputation in the vige.

    Hearing this version of the story, the others were shocked, but not many believed it.

    And someone even came out to refute it.

    Yan Laosan, who was leaning against the tree trunk, drunk, cursed: "Nonsense, in those big manor houses, even the maids and servants don''t know what''s going on. The idea that a child could identally give the wrong medicine to a sick person and no one would stop them is clearly made up."

    Everyone''s gaze shifted to Laosan.

    Laosan was also a famous figure in the vige.

    He was an outsider, a refugee from the famine.

    But his mother abandoned him here and ran off with another group of famine refugees.

    Out of pity, the vigers took care of him, and the clever Laosan did odd jobs to get by.

    He stumbled and bumbled his way to adulthood.

    After growing up, the vigers no longer supported him, as he was able-bodied and had to work for himself.

    But Laosan waszy, only doing the bare minimum for sustenance, never going the extra mile.

    He never married either, so at his age, he was considered a vige idler.

    He didn''t have any bad habits like stealing chickens or mischief, he just ate and drank, loved to sing, and was surprisingly good at it.

    Everyone mocked him, saying a grown man like him should just go and be a street performer.

    Of course, suggesting someone be a street performer was an insult - even though the vigers were poor, they still looked down on those types of people.

    Yan Laosan did as he pleased, his hair unkempt, sleeping under trees during the day and finding broken-down shacks to sleep in at night.

    When he spoke up to refute the rumor, others justughed at him.

    "Yan Laosan, you''re just a refugee, what do you know about manor houses? You''ve never even set foot in one."

    "Laosan, if you ask me, you should drink less and save up to find yourself a wife..."

    Yan Laosan waved his hand, annoyed by the noise, and stumbled away.

    His hair disheveled, beard unkempt, clothes in disarray, his figure swaying unsteadily.

    The others burst intoughter.

    Amidst theughter, a young wife muttered, "Yan Laosan would probably look quite handsome if he cleaned himself up."

    ......

    "To the county town."

    "To the county town."

    "Not far from the county town."

    Once out of the vige, Qin Luoxia''s pace quickened.

    Her shadow stumbled and trailed behind her body.

    She held her breath and hurried to the county town.

    Last night, she had nned it all out - the fastest route there and back before needing to nurse the baby.

    As she approached the county town, there were more signs of human habitation.

    Under the scorching sun, people were still tilling the fields.

    The county town was clearly more prosperous than their vige, with t, fertile fields and abundant water sources.

    Qin Luoxia disguised herself as a peasant woman, her face covered by a cloth, making it impossible to see her features.

    She walked with her head bowed, shoulders hunched, looking somewhat fearful.

    Evidently, news of the peddler couple''s abduction had not reached this area yet.

    The county town was quiterge, surrounded by prosperous farnds, and the streets were twice as wide as their vige''s.

    Qin Luoxia wandered around the town, eventually squatting in a corner to nibble on a dry bread roll, bite by bite.

    Across from her hiding spot was a seedy brothel, one of those dank dens.

    Even in broad daylight, the doors opened asionally.

    Disheveled young women opened and closed the doors mechanically.

    Sounds of beatings and cries asionally emerged from within.

    "You mangy mutt, daring to steal food, if you eat even one more bite, I''ll break your legs today."

    "Even if you''re dying, you still have to spread your legs. Did you think you were still ady?"

    Qin Luoxia just squatted in the corner, swallowing the bread one bite at a time.

    No water to wash it down, the bread got stuck in her throat, making her eyes sting with pain.

    Perhaps because Qin Luoxia had been squatting there for too long, a man eventually came out to chase her away.

    "What kind of beggar wench are you? This is no ce for you, scram."

    The man raised his foot to kick her.

    Before he could, Qin Luoxia scrambled away in disarray.

    After leaving that ce, Qin Luoxia found another alleyway, setting down her basket to appear as if she was selling herbs.

    In the alley, a few children were ying.

    One of them was a chubby, sturdy boy, with a plump face and meaty arms, but he seemed to be mentally disabled. The other children bullied him from time to time, quickly dirtying his new, finely made clothes.

    The fat boy didn''t seem to know how to avoid them, justughing foolishly when hit.

    Hisugh was strikingly simr to Little Peddler''s.

    Little Peddler was a dwarf.

    The fat boy wasn''t, his body seemed healthy, just his mind was slow.

    Qin Luoxia could imagine how overjoyed a dwarf couple would be to have a healthy son.

    The children yed and roughhoused, with adults chatting nearby, an ordinary scene.

    The fat boy seemed unaware he was being bullied, always trying to join the other children''s games.

    At one point, a child lost control of his legs and kicked the fat boy hard in the back, sending him flying and crashing to the ground.

    An old woman lounging against the wall and snacking on melon seeds shouted, "That''s enough, hit him again and when his father returns, he''ll catch you all and sell you off!"

    This was amon threat used against the children in the alley. At first, the children were afraid, as dwarves could be quite frightening. But after being threatened so often, they no longer feared it,ughing and running off.

    The old woman, who was hired to watch the fat boy, made no move to help him up, continuing to chat and fan herself.

    A child getting bumped and bruised was normal, especially a slow-witted one.

    The fat boy was indeed very plump, with chubby elbows and round fingers that had dimples. He was clearly well-fed, as no scrawny child could be that fat.

    Qin Luoxia helped the fallen boy up, gently patting the dust off his clothes.

    Qin Luoxia''s grip was very gentle.

    She saw him bump into something, causing a nosebleed.

    She tenderly helped him wipe the blood off.

    Perhaps because she was also well-built, resembling his mother a bit.

    The chubby little boy grinned foolishly.

    Drooling while smiling.

    He looked at the woman before him and called out, "Mom, food, delicious food."

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46

    Summer.

    No wind.

    The sunlight was scorching.

    Jiang Mianmian had been lounging and ying in the wooden tub under arge tree for a long while.

    She yed with her own feet, then yed with Xiao Hei for a bit, watching Xiao Hei holding arge leaf and walking around, which made her giggle.

    Then she observed her Elder Sister.

    Her Elder brother was nowhere to be seen again.

    Mom had also left.

    Only Elder Sister was at home.

    She wanted to see if drinking the spirit spring water had any effect on Elder Sister.

    It seemed there was.

    After Elder Sister fed her the rice porridge, she also had a meal.

    Elder Sister was an invalid, so the food left for her today was quite thick.

    But after eating, Elder Sister started searching everywhere for more food.

    Jiang Mianmian saw Elder Sister first drooling at the birds on the tree, then she took off her embroidered shoes, climbed up the tree. She couldn''t catch any birds, but picked a few leaves and jumped down.

    "These leaves are thicker, they smell like they could be eaten," Jiang Yu muttered to herself.

    She washed the leaves, then started chewing on them like a bamboo rat. Jiang Mianmian watched as the leaves rapidly shrank and disappeared...

    Elder Sister''s cheeks moved up and down.

    Jiang Mianmian looked up at the sky helplessly.

    This spirit spring water wasn''t omnipotent...

    It probably just boosted the skills they already possessed.

    She was a baby, her senses were still developing, so drinking the spirit spring water greatly enhanced her senses.

    But essentially she was still a baby, not suddenly grown up against the natural order.

    As for Elder Sister though... seeing her round face scrunched up from chewing the leaves, yet she persisted in eating another leaf.

    Wasn''t she afraid they might be poisonous?

    "Munch munch, munch munch."

    "Munch munch, munch munch..."

    Actually, watching the leaves disappear and listening to that sound was quite rxing.

    Elder Sister eating leaves was so adorable...

    If Elder Sister lived in modern times, she could be an inte celebrity just by eating leaves, and never go hungry.

    Jiang Mianmian watched Elder Sister enviously, bent over her own little feet and tried to bite them. They tasted a bit salty, so she spat it out in disgust.

    Just as she was bored and hopeless, she seemed to smell Mom''s scent.

    "Wah wah wah!"

    "Wah wah wah!"

    Jiang Mianmian started calling out.

    Jiang Yu saw what looked like Mom''s figure in the distance at the vige entrance.

    Then looking at the wah-ing baby sister, it was simply amazing.

    They say infants can sense their own mothers, from so far away, the baby sister knew Mom wasing back?

    She reached out and patted the baby''s bottom.

    "Oh, wet." She''d peed.

    Jiang Yu was a bit startled.

    Jiang Yu had just finished changing the baby''s diaper when Mom arrived at the doorway.

    Mom seemed to be panting, her face flushed red.

    Jiang Mianmian sniffed hard too.

    Last time Mom killed such a huge python, she came back calm as ever, what did she do this time to be in such a hurry?

    It didn''t seem like there were any strange smells.

    Wait, there was a faint smell of human blood?

    No, it seemed like the smell of a child, did Mom have another child with her outside?

    "Ah ah, ah ah!" (Hold me, hold me.) Jiang Mianmian waved her clenched fists.

    Qin Luoxia washed up a bit, then picked up her daughter.

    She lifted her clothes and breastfed her.

    As Jiang Mianmian drank the milk contentedly, she felt something strange - Mom''s heartbeat was much faster than usual.

    Suddenly Mom buried her head against her body. Jiang Mianmian thought, Mom must really miss me since she''s been away so long, she won''t mind the smell of another child on her.

    Qin Luoxia cried as she held her child.

    She was very afraid.

    She had done something bad.

    A very bad thing.

    She had originally nned to kill that child.

    But when she got close, she couldn''t bring herself to do it.

    That one word "Mom", she couldn''t bring herself to do it.

    She thought about it for a long time, but couldn''t bring herself to do it.

    She only ripped off a piece of cloth from the chubby child''s clothes, used it to wipe the child''s nosebleed.

    She brought that piece of cloth back with her.

    That chubby child happily went off to y with his friends, still getting beaten.

    She walked away with her basket.

    She could hear the children''sughter echoing from the alley.

    She returned to that earthen kiln.

    Faint cries could asionally be hearding from inside the earthen kiln.

    She lit a fire.

    The earthen kiln was the root of all evil.

    The idiot didn''t understand anything, as long as his parents died, he would only have a long life of suffering ahead.

    In this world, death is easier than living.

    Qin Luoxia cried at her own weakness, cried for her child, and cried for herself.

    But she was also a mother now, she couldn''t cry.

    She used to hate it intensely whenever her own mother cried.

    Whenever her mother cried, she felt like dying together.

    Don''t cry, crying doesn''t solve any problems.

    So now that she was a mother, she absolutely couldn''t cry, couldn''t.

    She had to smile, let the child see a smiling mother, don''t let the child worry.

    This world wasn''t that bad.

    Smile.

    You still have Mom and Dad.

    Don''t be afraid.

    Mom''s tears fell silently, soaking Jiang Mianmian''s swaddle.

    Jiang Mianmian felt something was off only when her arm got wet.

    She opened her mouth, pushed Mom away, and looked up at her.

    But she saw a broad smile on Mom''s round face, her eyes red and moist, thick brows arched.

    "Did you eat enough, child? From now on, Mom will take you everywhere, Mom will never lose you again, and you''ll never mistake Mom for someone else," Qin Luoxia said tremblingly in a gentle voice.

    Jiang Mianmian waved her arms, reaching out to touch Mom''s face, wiping it hard.

    Mom had cried.

    Jiang Mianmian''s tears welled up instantly.

    She couldn''t stand seeing people cry.

    When doing internships at the hospital, whenever she saw patients or their families cry, her eyes would quickly redden, and she had been reprimanded by her superiors a few times.

    They said medical staff who cried at the drop of a hat would scare the patients, making them think they were going to die.

    Even if it wasn''t someone close crying, she couldn''t help but tear up.

    Let alone her own mother.

    She wanted to shout, Mom, don''t cry, don''t cry.

    But she was too upset to speak.

    "Wah wah wah."

    "Ah ah ah."

    "Boo boo boo."

    "Mom, Mom, Mom." Jiang Mianmian struggled to make those sounds.

    Her hands wiped hard at Mom''s face.

    Qin Luoxia was overjoyed.

    Her child could call her Mom now.

    She could no longer hold back, even as tears streamed down, she smiled radiantly.

    "Mom is here, Mom will always be here, don''t be afraid, don''t be scared."

    ...

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47

    The Eighth Day of the Month.

    Clear weather.

    Auspicious for burial, memorial ceremonies, delivering the coffin to the grave, and inappropriate for--

    A brothel in the county caught fire.

    The fire was raging fiercely.

    The mes were as bright as the scorching sun.

    The zing fire consumed the dark corners.

    Warming the buried bones of many unknown young girls under the ground.

    The bones that never received sunlight would be cold.

    A fire was just what they needed.

    ...

    The grand Buddha statue at Qingyuan Temple was shining brilliantly under the sun.

    My merciful Buddha saves all beings.

    They ate vegetarian meals.

    Bowed to the Buddha.

    Chanted sutras.

    And made generous donations.

    After spending a night there,

    Jiang Wan and her grandmother headed back to their mansion.

    Jiang Wan did not seem very happy, feeling that she had missed something profound.

    Moreover, she did not sleep well the previous night, dreaming of the Buddha''s tears falling like stones, hitting her head and causing it to bleed.

    She saw an infant''s face several times in her dreams, waking up in fright repeatedly.

    In the morning, she did not look well.

    When her grandmother asked about it,

    She only said she was not used to sleeping in the temple''s guest room, which was not asfortable as home, but did not mention her nightmares.

    She knew her grandmother disliked hearing unpleasant things.

    So she chose to share something pleasant instead.

    "There was a small tree in the temple that smelled wonderful. The master said it was a myrtle, with a calming fragrance. Grandmother, I asked someone to transnt it into a pot and bring it back to ce in the Buddha hall."

    The Old Lady nodded in agreement.

    She seemed to have slept poorly as well, with half-closed eyes.

    After returning to the mansion, there were quite a few matters to attend to.

    The Lady of the House, Wu, did not manage any household affairs as long as her husband treated her well and she had no authority over the household.

    There was one rather important matter.

    The bodyguard of Rong Young Master, Wu Liu, had gone missing for three days.

    Wu Liu had been diligently guarding the young master, but recently had a conflict with Jiang Feng.

    This matter involving Jiang Feng caused the Old Lady''s brow to furrow deeply.

    Yao spoke up to the household manager beside the Old Lady: "Go and summon someone from the local magistrate''s office."

    It seemed as though the county magistrate''s office was owned by the Jiang family.

    This showed that although the Jiang family was not prominent now, they did have a profound background.

    Soon, a man resembling a private advisor arrived.

    Jiang Wan apanied her grandmother and did not excuse herself.

    When the private advisor heard that a household bodyguard had been missing for two or three days, he inwardly scoffed, thinking this was not a significant matter at all. The bodyguard might have just gone to visit a prostitute and fallen asleep. It was such a trivial matter, yet he was summoned here.

    However, there would certainly be a generous reward.

    And upon arriving, with the fragrant incense and a gorgeously beautiful youngdy present, the private advisor considered it an opportunity to broaden his horizons.

    He politely inquired about the case details.

    When he learned it involved Jiang Feng, the wayward son, the private advisor hesitated for a moment and said, "Unfortunately, there is a case at the magistrate''s office involving Jiang Feng. Jiang Feng and his gang captured a couple who were human traffickers, iming they had abducted his two younger sisters and another vige girl."

    Upon hearing this, Jiang Wan was stunned for a moment.

    But then she breathed a sigh of relief, not expecting...

    She also felt somewhat uneasy, not realizing that the couple she had kindly rewarded were actually human traffickers.

    The Old Lady''s prayer beads also paused momentarily.

    "Amitabha Buddha, are the children alright?"

    "The children are fine, but those two human traffickers were severely beaten."

    "Why would theymit such a heinous act that harms virtue and incur retribution? Are they not afraid of the consequences?" The Old Lady spoke word by word, her prayer beads moving faster.

    "Well, it''s quite pitiful. Those two traffickers said they had a sick child at home who needed medicine to survive, so they had no choice but to resort to this. They imed it was their first time and they had never done it before, panicking and getting caught in the act." The private advisor carefully chose words that would appeal to the wealthy family.

    The maid Yao remained observant and silent, thinking to herself that those two traffickers clearly looked like seasoned professionals, so how could it possibly be their first time?

    The Old Lady chanted a Buddhist phrase: "Amitabha Buddha, although their act was despicable, it is also pitiable. All parents share the same heart for their children. The crime does not warrant death."

    The beautiful youngdy beside her also sighed softly, "How pitiful, the heart of all parents."

    The private advisor praised them verbally, "The Old Lady and youngdy truly havepassionate hearts."

    In his mind, he thought those traffickers deserved to be beaten to death. Why did he speak up? But facing the Old Lady and youngdy''s stance, he had no choice but to convey the message when he returned to the County Magistrate to have the sentence reduced.

    Fortunately, he did receive a generous reward, equivalent to a month''s sry.

    He happily returned and ordered his subordinates to apprehend the person responsible.

    No matter where that bodyguard was, they should capture the wayward son Jiang Feng first.

    Then he hurriedly went to see the County Magistrate.

    ...

    At thergest restaurant in the county town, Qingfeng Restaurant,

    A few young men drank a bit of wine and became intoxicated, vomiting in a corner of the courtyard.

    While vomiting, theymented,

    What a pity, such good food.

    Jiang Feng did not vomit, surprisingly having a good alcohol tolerance.

    One could not tell at all that he rarely drank.

    He and his friends had epted an invitation from two young masters of the Bao family to dine together.

    Everyone had changed into their most presentable clothes,

    With the least number of patches possible.

    Even so, they all looked quite unkempt and disheveled.

    Some had injured faces, some had missing limbs, and others wereme.

    Their demeanor was alsocking, standing without proper posture and sitting without grace. Moreover, due to nervousness, they disyed unsightly behavior.

    After all, they were just wayward youths, street urchins without any education or exposure to the world.

    Their origins and knowledge were far inferior to the bodyguards of those young masters.

    On ordinary days, they would not even dare to beg for leftovers at Qingfeng Restaurant.

    Yet today, they had ascended to the upper floor.

    Feeling constrained.

    In fact, the two young masters mainly wanted to invite Jiang Feng.

    But Jiang Feng did not ept the invitation alone, instead bringing his friends along.

    This action of his did not make Meng Shaoxia and He Chen feel that he was overstepping, but rather appreciate his loyalty, considering him a decent person.

    Jiang Feng did not have particrly extensive knowledge, only sharing some local customs, scenery of the nearby mountains, speaking in aposed manner without being arrogant or humble. His pleasant voice, clear gaze, and good impression won him favor.

    "I was worried that you would not be able toe today, seeing how injured you were yesterday. By the way, how are your sisters doing?" Meng Shaoxia asked.

    "My elder sister was quite frightenedst night and had a low fever, but she recovered in the morning. My younger sister is alright. Thank you, young masters, for your brave assistance. We brothers have a bad reputation in the county, so if we had turned those traffickers in to the authorities, we might have been caned first before they were used of false charges," Jiang Feng responded with a wry smile.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen were not surprised, for although they were young masters, their wealthy upbringing and extensive knowledge allowed them to understand the predicament faced by Jiang Feng and hispanions.

    Hearing Jiang Feng speak so candidly only made them appreciate his honesty even more.

    As Jiang Feng spoke, he took out two packages wrapped in leaves, about the size of bricks, tied with ropes and each adorned with a small red cloth square.

    They looked in yet beautiful.

    "These are gifts of gratitude from my sisters to you two, young masters. We are poor and have nothing of value, so it is just some smoked and dried game meat from our hunting in the mountains. If you are traveling and cannot find lodging, it can serve as provisions."

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen had never received such humble gifts before.

    Dried game meat?

    But seeing the respectful young man before them, without a hint of shame and full of sincerity, cherishing the game meat as a treasure,

    Recalling how his friends wolfed down the food, though Jiang Feng ate quickly, they did not seem to have their fill.

    They were quite astonished.

    After their journey, the two young masters no longer uttered such phrases as "How can one not consume finer delicacies?"

    So this impoverished gift must be truly precious for Jiang Feng.

    The gift was valuable, and the sentiment even more so.

    They dly epted the gifts.

    Initially, He Chen only took an interest in Jiang Feng because of his brother Meng''s favorable impression. But now, he genuinely liked this young man as well.

    Doing good deeds is a pleasant thing, satisfying one''s expectations of oneself.

    Doing good deeds and receiving gratitude from the beneficiaries is a more pleasant experience, fulfilling one''s expectations of this world.

    Meng Shaoxia looked at the dried meat, thinking to herself, "The little girl''s words are indeed unreliable. At first, she said she would offer herself, then she pushed her brother forward, but now even her brother is not offered, and it''s just a package of dried meat."

    The little square of red cloth on the dried meat looked quite adorable.

    The little round face smiled.

    ...

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48

    The hot weather.

    In the county government office, there was a courtyard in an annex room that allowed venttion and stayed cool.

    The clerks enjoyed lingering there, chatting idly and gambling.

    They were all sried government workers, with ample ie and prestige, able to swagger around the county with their heads held high.

    The clerks were like iron, while the magistrate flowed like water.

    These old hands knew how to handle the magistrate above them - those who were powerful would be managed, those who weren''t would be left alone, and the weak ones simply couldn''t be controlled, even getting their noses stepped on.

    The current magistrate was quite capable, but was toozy to control them, being engrossed in self-improvement and poetic pursuits.

    It was actually the private advisor who handled all the big and small affairs of the county government office.

    Originally, a group of clerks were gambling, but when the private advisor arrived, most of them dispersed.

    Those remaining no longer gambled, instead idling around aimlessly.

    One clerk named Old Liu who was rather familiar with Xiao Jiang from the Medicine Preparation Department strolled over.

    That day, many herbs had arrived again, and Jiang Changtian was in the process of sorting them out. He had to categorize each herb for storage,bel them with their properties, ce of origin, year harvested, and so on.

    Initially, there wasn''t suchplexity, but because Jiang Changtian did it this way, it led to their county''s tributary herbs being praised by the higher authorities. Moreover, the herbbels Jiang Changtian created even became adopted nationwide.

    Despite his awkward status, Jiang Changtian managed to retain his temporary position thanks to this.

    "Xiao Jiang, still sorting the herbs? Your cousin Feng has caused trouble again," said Old Liu as he stood at the entrance.

    Jiang Changtian froze, inadvertently knocking over some herbs, as if too stunned by the news. He hurriedly stood up straight and called out to the man at the door, "Elder Brother Liu, pleasee in and sit. Let me brew you a cup of cooling herbal tea."

    "My boy is at it again with his little gang of rascals? Truly a never-ending worry. Elder Brother Liu is better off, with Baozhu already able to hold his own in the jail." Jiang Changtianmented as he handed over a cup of tea.

    Old Liu sauntered in and epted the tea, served in a bamboo tube with a faint bitter taste. But after drinking it, one could indeed feel the dissipating heat and increasedfort.

    "My Baozhu isn''t all that great, it''s all thanks to his uncle that he has a more steady temperament that his uncle approves of," he boasted about his son.

    Old Liu continued, "The private advisor said that a guard from the Jiang manor went missing, and they suspect it''s rted to your cousin Feng. They''ve sent people to arrest Feng. Oh, and the private advisor also said that the two kidnappers no longer need to be executed - some nobleman intervened on ount of them attempting to buy medicine to save a child''s life, considering their circumstances pitiable."

    Jiang Changtian poured himself a cup of tea as well. Upon hearing this, he sipped the bitter cooling tea slowly, savoring the sensation of it gradually flowing down his throat.

    ...

    Jiang Changtian revealed a slight smile, "My cousin Feng isn''t as capable as your Baozhu, just idling about on the streets. For him to trulymit a crime, his heart is too timid, he wouldn''t dare. Perhaps he offended one of the young master Jiang''s guards, who had beaten Feng up a few days ago. This might not have been enough to vent that guard''s anger, soter, I''ll ask Elder Brother Liu''s subordinates to show some leniency. He''s just a mischievous child."

    "Sure, no problem. This cooling tea isn''t bad," Old Liu said as he took the two packets of herbs that Jiang Changtian handed to him. "This cooling tea is brewed by mixing these two herb packets. My wife gathered them herself. Use two portions of therger packet and one portion of the smaller packet. It can cool internal heat and aid sleep, suitable even for children and the elderly at home."

    After receiving the herbs, Old Liu cheerfully strolled away.

    The long-haired youth continued sorting the herbs in the small room.

    He neatly arranged the messy herbs, cutting off any protruding parts with a knife, swift and precise, a single slice and everything was tidy.

    A sliver of light shone through the small window of the room.

    Through the window, a closed door could be seen.

    ...

    The clerks quickly tracked down Jiang Feng after inquiring along the way.

    Unexpectedly, this wastrel was found at the Qingfeng Wine Tavern.

    These sried clerks rarely dined here, onlying asionally when someone treated them.

    Had it been elsewhere, the clerks would have barged in and apprehended him without hesitation.

    But here, they might encounter some individuals best not provoked.

    So the clerks politely went upstairs.

    There they saw Jiang Feng and his gang of idlers actually drinking with two young masters from the capital.

    At another table sat a group of guards.

    They had seen those young masters'' guards the previous day, all armored.

    It was those guards who had apprehended the kidnappers and brought them in.

    The clerks were quite envious.

    Though they were sried clerks with an imposing presence in the county,pared to the capital''s young masters'' guards, they were mere street mutts.

    They had never worn armor in their lifetime, let alone ridden fine steeds, wielded spears or swords...

    All that was beyond their reach.

    Rusty des and crude clubs were sufficient.

    After all, in handling county affairs, who would dare resist?

    Seeing the fine wine and delicacies before them, cups clinking in merriment amidst such grandeur, the normally arrogant clerks meekly said, "Jiang Feng, if you would be so kind as to apany us."

    The gang of rascals were initially startled, instinctively fearful upon seeing the clerks.

    "What did my brother Feng do to warrant a trip to the government office?" Gou Zi asked.

    Jiang Feng was also surprised, "What about the kidnapper case yesterday?"

    The clerks, usually assertive when apprehending people, found themselves strangely tongue-tied before the two elegantly dressed young masters.

    "A guard from the Jiang manor has been missing for a few days. Before his disappearance, he reportedly had a conflict with you, so we need to bring you to the government office for questioning," the speaking clerk exined, somewhat embarrassed as he was the very one who had encountered Jiang Feng being beaten on the streets that day and received apensation of ten taels of silver.

    On that asion, Jiang Feng was surrounded and beaten by the young master Jiang''s servants and guards, with one guard even using a deadly weapon. Jiang Feng was covered in blood, nearly beaten to death until those clerks appeared and the guard finally stopped.

    Upon hearing this, Jiang Feng gently touched the wound on his forehead.

    His recovery was good, but there was still arge area of discoloration.

    He had looked in the basin and his father was truly skilled, having treated the wound such that it didn''t look too unsightly, appearing almost like a flower from a distance.

    But when touched, it still felt uneven and bumpy.

    No longer painful, but sometimes itchy, as if the itch came from deep within his skull.

    "He went missing, so they want to arrest my brother Feng and take him to the government office, just because that guard nearly killed him?" Mantou asked in bewilderment, sensing something amiss despite the justification.

    "I understand that the clerk masters are simply following orders. No need to worry, my movements over the past few days can be verified. I believe you will not wrongfully use an innocent person," Jiang Feng said to the clerks.

    "Our apologies, it''s just procedure," the clerks said as they prepared to shackle him.

    Jiang Feng turned back to the two young masters and apologized, "I''ve disturbed your enjoyment of the delicacies. If I am able toe back soon enough, I hope to have another opportunity to finish this meal with you both."

    "Hold on," Meng Shaoxia stood up to stop them.

    He believed the youth before him. When faced with the kidnappers, despite his outrage, Jiang Feng had shown restraint, not resorting to lethal force. Such a person would not recklessly seek revenge.

    "Let''s go together and see how your magistrate handles this case. I am Meng Shaoxia of the Meng family from the capital. My uncle happens to be the Nine Gates Commander."

    "I am He Chen of the He family from Qingzhou. My uncle is also Inspector He."

    "Whoa!" The gang of rascals stared at He Chen in awe, highly revering him.

    For they had heard storytellers recount how Inspector He had brought down a corrupt prime minister, a man of letters capable of reducing entire ns to ashes with just two sentences.

    The clerks also felt a chill run down their spines.

    Jiang Feng was curious, wondering what positions the Nine Gates Commander and Inspector held.

    But hearing these two young masters mention such esteemed rtives, the clerks immediately bent at the waist.

    They didn''t even bother shackling him, politely requesting that he apany them instead.

    Jiang Feng found this experience quite extraordinary.

    He tasted the vor of power, albeit utterly remote and unrted to him. Yet he could genuinely feel its impact.

    The power of authority, it turned out, was so formidable, almost god-like, that the mere mention of it couldmand awe from others.

    Jiang Feng was escorted by the constables to the County Government Office.

    The group of rakes felt not the slightest fear, strutting along with a swaggering air, as if Feng was not being taken in for questioning, but rather being led in as an honored guest.

    Above the towering gates hung the inscription "Clear Mirror."

    In the reflection cast by the towering gates, Jiang Feng saw the varied demeanors of his entourage.

    Sons of heaven, impoverished youths, chuckling merrily, restless and unsettled, the petty reveling in sess, the fox donning the tiger''s skin, the fox donning the tiger''s skin!

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49

    In the county jail, there weren''t many prisoners.

    It was the young and inexperienced jailer Baozhu lounging idly by the door.

    He didn''t like this job.

    Criminals would stay for a while before being moved, either to a different cell or to be executed.

    Only he had to stay permanently.

    He was even more miserable than the prisoners.

    Fortunately, the head jailer was his uncle, so he could asionally ck off, even leaving the door open to let in some fresh air.

    He envied the carefree life of Jiang Feng, roaming the streets, basking in the sun and boasting.

    But his neighbor Aunt Wang said his job was good, sparing him from wind and rain, with a lifetime of food and shelter secured.

    Aunt Wang''s daughter Xiao Huan was very pretty.

    Inside the jail, the Peddler and his wife were on the verge of death.

    They were badly injured.

    The Peddler had even been bitten by some unknown poisonous insect, leaving him in agony all over, groaning from time to time.

    Since they were sentenced to death anyway, no one cared about them.

    Suddenly, the cell door opened.

    Baozhu hurriedly stood up.

    "Uncle, why are you here?"

    "How many times have I told you, don''t call me uncle in the yamen, call me Chief Constable Liu."

    Liu the Chief Constable brought in a man who looked like a physician, and Baozhu curiously followed them.

    "Ah, Chief Constable Liu, these two kidnappers are supposed to be sentenced, why are you calling a physician for them?" Baozhu asked curiously.

    Liu the Chief Constable sneered, "They''re lucky, someone important pleaded for leniency, they won''t be executed now. You keep an eye on them, don''t let them die."

    The Peddler and his wife thought they were doomed, but unexpectedly they were being spared.

    "Husband, husband, we''re saved, we don''t have to die," the woman excitedly shook her husband.

    The physician disdainfully examined the dwarves.

    After taking their pulse, he said, "Looks like they were bitten by ants, some herbal ointment will do. For the other wounds, as long as the bleeding stops, it''ll be fine."

    The woman didn''t quite believe it, how could it be ant bites, how could ants inflict so many venomous bites like they were swarmed by a colony?

    The Peddler grabbed his wife''s hand to stop her fromining.

    Instead, he turned to the yamen runners and said, "We want to press charges against those who attacked us. They weren''t rescuing anyone, they were highway robbers who assaulted us and falsely used us. We''re a disabled man and a helpless woman, we couldn''t fight back."

    The young and impulsive Baozhu wanted to spit out a curse then and there.

    The physician left behind some herbal medicine and departed, leaving an ominous feeling.

    Liu the Chief Constable said, "Our magistrate will get to the bottom of this case, you just wait here."

    As the Chief Constable left, the Peddler couple saw the yamen runners bringing in a youth who was the one who had assaulted them yesterday. They were thrilled, this was retribution, this was justice served.

    They were saved.

    The Peddler regretted not smothering that infant to death earlier, then he wouldn''t have ended up in this situation.

    Juan Er helped apply the herbal ointment on her husband, murmuring, "Thank you benefactor for saving our lives, may you and your family enjoy longevity, longevity."

    After applying the medicine, the couple huddled together, leaning on each other for support.

    As long as they didn''t die, they had no fear. They would definitely return to take care of Kuang Er.

    ...

    Outside the jail, the sun was shining brightly.

    After leaving, the physician went to the Dispensary Officer Xiao Jiang to prepare more medicine.

    He was well acquainted with Xiao Jiang. The medicines needed for official use were ounted for, and any surplus could be sold at a discount to pharmacies. Although the money didn''t go to Xiao Jiang, Xiao Jiang facilitated convenience for them to make some profit on the side.

    "I could tell right away it was ant bites. That Peddler must have stumbled into an ant nest somewhere. That ignorant fool of a wife actually doubted my medical expertise. Both of them are vile and venomous. I don''t know what the county magistrate was thinking, sparing such scum."

    After chatting for a while, the physician took two packets of herbal tea with him.

    Jiang Changtian slowly drank the remaining half cup of tea from the bamboo tube. It had gone cold and be more bitter, but his mind was clearer.

    ...

    Jiang Rong was drinking tea in the master''s room.

    It was a rough cdon cup containing ordinary tea. He took a sip and didn''t touch it again.

    Normally, he wouldn''te to the yamen himself just because a guard went missing.

    But when he heard they had captured Jiang Feng, he wanted to see for himself.

    He couldn''t help it, he was born disliking Jiang Feng, detesting him, couldn''t stand the sight of him.

    While drinking tea, a yamen runner rushed in and whispered something to the master.

    The master hurriedly stood up, nced at Jiang Rong, and said, "Please make yourself at home, Young Master Jiang."

    Then he rushed off to see the county magistrate.

    This was bad. He had thought it was a small matter, but didn''t expect it to cause such big trouble.

    The ambitious county magistrate would surely punish him severely upon learning about this mess.

    Indeed, when the county magistrate heard the master''s words, he immediately smashed a teacup on his head.

    "You imbecile, go door-to-door and find that missing Jiang family guard. This county town is tiny, how could he just vanish? Find him immediately!"

    The county magistrate then hurriedly adjusted his official robes and rushed out to greet his guests.

    This wasn''t the first time Jiang Feng had seen the county magistrate.

    Previously, he had only glimpsed him from afar.

    He had always seen the magistrate as a formidable figure shrouded in authority and mystery.

    But today, he saw the magistrate smiling broadly as he walked out, affably greeting Brothers Meng and He.

    Like an ignorant vige woman fawning over a sessful rtive.

    Speaking with exaggerated importance.

    "I am a graduate of the imperial examination twenty-four years ago, three years after your uncle, but we had the same teacher."

    ...

    He suddenly felt likeughing.

    So this was how the world worked.

    The awe-inspiring county magistrate would also bend over backwards.

    Smiling warmly like a gentle spring breeze, not intimidating at all.

    Cultured and refined, kind and courteous.

    Jiang Feng, like an ignorant child, responded earnestly when the county magistrate self-deprecatingly called himself "Uncle."

    The county magistrate was briefly flustered, stroking his beard, unsure how to respond.

    He Zhen and Meng Shaoxia found it quite amusing.

    On their journey, they had encountered many minor local officials acting simrly.

    But they hadn''t expected Jiang Feng to be so guileless, believing whatever others said.

    Being too naive made one susceptible to being deceived.

    Meng Shaoxia thought to himself, his own younger sister was like that too, so naive that she had been deceived.

    The group chatted amicably.

    Jiang Rong grew impatient waiting. Weren''t they supposed to make an arrest? Where was the person?

    The county magistrate had talked about hosting a dinner reception, but never inquired about the case details at all.

    It was as if Jiang Feng had simplye to visit a friend.

    Until a yamen runner rushed in to report, "Your Honor, the body of the missing Wu Liu has been found at 46 West Street. He was murdered by poisoning. The culprit has been apprehended - Wu Liu''s mistress''s husband."

    ording to the culprit''s confession, Wu Liu and his wife had conspired to poison him, but he discovered their plot and poisoned Wu Liu instead. He spared his wife''s life as she was the mother of his child, but she was badly beaten and lying at home.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Zhen hadn''t expected to witness an actual murder case.

    When Jiang Rong received the news, he was also stunned, especially when he saw Wu Liu''s corpse disyed at the yamen gates. He stumbled back several steps.

    Wu Liu had died a horrible death from poisoning, his face mutted beyond recognition, his entire body rotten and reeking of putrid odor.

    Jiang Rong recalled Wu Liu telling him that Jiang Feng would surely die. But Jiang Feng didn''t die, Wu Liu did instead.

    Due to the murder case, a crowd had gathered outside the yamen gates to gawk at the spectacle.

    Everyone was astonished.

    A meat bun vendor who hade to watch remarked, "Just thinking about it is terrifying. Our shop is nearby, but we didn''t even smell the stench."

    "Old Niu seems like a decent guy. Killing his wife''s lover, that shouldn''t be considered a crime, right?"

    "Old Niu was cruel too. I heard he broke his wife''s legs and left her lying on the bed with her lover, even after the lover''s body started to rot."

    "If it were me, I wouldn''t be able to stand it either. They say that vile woman would even lock her child in the woodshed when she was being unfaithful."

    ...

    With the culprit apprehended, Jiang Feng was naturally released without charge.

    He needed to hurry home and share the good news with his family.

    That evil Wu Liu met his retribution, being killed by someone.

    Night fell.

    Jiang Feng waited for his father, and they walked home together.

    In front of his father, he was no longer the pretentious, mature Jiang Feng from outside. He revealed his youthful nature, walking with a light and bouncy step.

    Jiang Changtian didn''t buy any meat buns today, because the seller went to watch themotion.

    Along the way, he listened to his son animatedly recounting the story of the two young gentlemen from the capital, the courteousness of the county magistrate, full of youthful spirit.

    He was better off than himself when he was young. He had dreams, he dared to dream.

    "Father, do you think I can be an official one day?"

    "Father, do you think evil people will be punished?"

    "Father, will I be formidable one day?"

    "You can."

    "They will."

    "You will."

    Jiang Changtian responded.

    But in truth, he thought, my child, you cannot be an official. You have scars on your face, and your father was unfilial and disrespectful, thus ineligible for the imperial examinations. Unless you join the army, start from the very bottom, and be at the vanguard in battle, facing swords and traps. It won''t matter for you, you''ll die quickly. The battlefield is littered with countless bones, but there is only one triumphant general.

    Evil people are not punished. If you don''t kill them, they will continue to live above thew. They harm you, and receive rewards. Next time, they will harm you again. They bear no grudge against you, but they harm you, and profit from it. Because they harmed you, they deserve to die.

    I don''t know if you''ll be formidable, but I hope you live, safe and sound.

    The mountain road is long.

    The night breeze is warm.

    Jiang Changtian thought, at the very least, he would be a good father.

    He would walk behind his child, propelling him forward, clearing all thorns from his path.

    For his child, he was willing to stain his hands with fresh blood,mit all evils without regret.

    Jiang Feng, having spoken animatedly, suddenly realized his father was falling behind. He turned back and called out, "Father, hurry up, Mother and sisters are waiting for us at home."

    Jiang Changtian nodded, "Coming."

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50

    Night finally fell.

    Jiang Mianmian felt a little happy seeing the nighte, because when it got dark, her elder brother and father would return home.

    There were many mosquitoes at night.

    Originally, theing of night was an unpleasant thing, but with the anticipated return of loved ones, it became a wonderful thing.

    She watched the two of theme back together.

    Elder Sister happily went to greet them.

    While Mom, holding Jiang Mianmian, stood under the tree, also with a smile on her face.

    At that moment, Jiang Mianmian could feel Mom''s joy.

    She must have wanted to run up to them too, but Elder Sister beat her to it.

    Jiang Mianmian also joined in the excitement, babbling: "Ah yah yah yah."

    Jiang Yu went up, wrinkled her nose as she approached her elder brother, and indignantly said: "Brother, have you been sneaking food behind my back?"

    It was the first time Jiang Feng had been caught by the local constables and taken to the magistrate''s office, so it could be said that he had a harrowing day.

    Although their group of idlers never worked, they had never been summoned to the magistrate''s office before.

    They had seen the constables seize people, acting ferociously, not caring if the person was guilty or not, taking them in and giving them thirtyshes before even questioning them. No one got off easy.

    In truth, he was very scared too.

    But at that time, in front of those two noble young masters, he felt that if he showed fear and begged, it would be a loss of face.

    As a vagrant, he actually had no face to begin with, being cursed and kicked around wasmon.

    However, those two young men were refined and courteous, treating him with equality and respect. In front of them, Jiang Feng unconsciously wanted to save face.

    He did not beg, did not cry, and did not throw a tantrum.

    And then amazingly, nothing happened to him...

    On the way back, his excited recounting to Father was partly due to this reason.

    For the first time, the young man experienced the meaning of face.

    The face of a high-ranking official in the capital.

    His own vain face.

    The face lent by Elder Meng and Elder He''s elders.

    He borrowed face from Elder Meng and Elder He.

    He liked this feeling, he thought that if one day he became powerful, others would have to give him face, and also give face to his family.

    But for now, little Jiang Yu tugged at his sleeve, pulling him back to reality.

    If he had not been caught, he would definitely have brought food back for the family. There was so much food at the restaurant, it would be a waste to just throw away the leftovers.

    "Don''t mention it, I almost got thrown into the magistrate''s office today. It''s good we got to eat, you little glutton." Jiang Feng gave his sister a light rap on the head.

    Hearing this, Qin Luoxia became very worried and asked: "Did you get into trouble again?"

    Jiang Changtian went over, taking the child from his wife''s arms and shaking his head: "It''s nothing, I''ll tell you about it at home."

    Jiang Mianmiany in her father''s arms for a while before being passed to her elder brother.

    It seemed her elder brother was deep in thought, constantly stroking her head with one hand.

    She was worried about being petted bald, so she struggled to get free and evennded a small punch on her elder brother.

    Jiang Feng didn''t expect his little sister would actually punch him.

    He looked stunned.

    "Hit me one more time, Mianmian is so powerful, too powerful!"

    Jiang Mianmian...

    Tried her best to make a fist, and gave her elder brother another tiny punch.

    It stung her fingers.

    Her elder brother roared withughter.

    He lifted her up high, going to show off to their parents.

    "Mianmian can punch people now, Father, Mom, little sister is so powerful!"

    Jiang Feng held Jiang Mianmian, who waved her little fists, strenuously punching each of their father, mother, and elder sister once.

    The whole family marveled endlessly.

    Father: "Your fists are very strong, in the future you''ll be like your mom, no one can bully you. Powerful, our Mianmian is the most powerful."

    Mom: "You grip your fists so steadily, just like your father. These hands will surely be able to grip a writing brush, you''ll be able to write characters in the future. Our Mianmian is powerful."

    Elder Sister: "Little sister is so energetic, the babies of other families in the vige are so much older yet can''t do anything. But my little sister can already punch people, she''s too powerful!"

    Jiang Feng said with pride: "Yes, our Mianmian is the most powerful."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    To those unaware, it would seem like I had conquered the world. I just made a fist and punched each of you once, or rather, you all moved your bodies towards my little fists.

    Such praise, it will make me arrogant so easily.

    Qin Luoxia proudly added: "Today she can even call me ''Mother.'' Mianmian, call Mother."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    "Pee pee pee!" Jiang Mianmian exerted all her effort.

    I guess I''ll stick to demonstrating punches.

    "I think little sister is saying ''bird bird bird,'' she must want to eat the birds in the tree, there are so many birds in the tree today," said Jiang Yu.

    Elder brother Jiang Feng felt her bottom: "Mom, little sister peed."

    Jiang Mianmian: ... I couldn''t hold it in, punching is so tiring that I identally peed.

    Shey there innocently.

    Father changed her diaper.

    And after changing it, he actually kissed her bottom! So embarrassing.

    The whole family had a lively dinner, eating meat, wild vegetables, and a thick soup.

    Ever since Mom started foraging for wild vegetables and hunting game, the family meals had be much more abundant.

    Everyone''splexions had improved a lot too.

    When Jiang Changtian returned home, he washed his face, and after washing, his graceful demeanor was striking. Fortunately, his own family all knew Father was handsome, except for Jiang Mianmian who would sometimes stare at Father in a daze, drooling a little, the others were all normal.

    Everyone thought it was due to eating meat.

    Eating meat made their faces radiant.

    Those noble sons and daughters were so good-looking, it must be because they grew up eating meat.

    After the experience of their eldest son nearly dying, Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian no longer saved every little bit of silver, instead spending it on their children first. They didn''t have much to begin with anyway.

    Even a dimwitted crippled son could eat until plump and chubby, but their own children were too thin.

    Qin Luoxia didn''t realize that her mindset had shifted a little. Previously, she had wanted to save money for a coffin fund.

    But after going through Feng almost dying and the thought of buying a coffin, her heart felt like it had been carved out, aching terribly.

    So she decided not to save that money anymore.

    At the dinner table, Jiang Feng recounted the day''s events.

    Jiang Mianmian was so engrossed in listening that she even forgot to stare at Father.

    What?

    The bad person who injured her elder brother had been poisoned to death?

    Hearing this, Jiang Yu became very excited: "This is the karmic retribution for good and evil, that person was so wicked, injuring elder brother. His weapon was even coated with poison, it''s fortunate that elder brother has great luck and survived. But in the end, he himself was poisoned to death, serves him right."

    Qin Luoxia did notment, instead putting a piece of meat into her husband''s bowl.

    "You''re too thin, you need to eat more."

    Jiang Changtian picked it up and ate it seriously.

    In fact, he didn''t like eating meat. From a young age, whenever his body wasn''t doing well, his family would starve him. After being starved for too long, he lost his appetite and didn''t want to eat anything. Just seeing the greasy meat made him feel like throwing up.

    That nauseating, repulsive feeling.

    When living on the streets, if he was starving, he would naturally eat meat. Not to mention meat, he would eat grass, eat dirt, eat anything to survive. But that underlying sense of revulsion still existed.

    The family didn''t seem to notice. They probably couldn''t understand how someone could dislike eating meat.

    But Jiang Mianmian noticed that when Father lowered his head to eat meat, he was actually frowning.

    Just like a picky child.

    Sigh, Father looks like someone who only drinks dewdrops, ethereal and sublime.

    In the future, I can secretly add something to Father''s after-meal tea.

    In the whole family, Father looked the thinnest.

    Night time.

    The stars hung high.

    Fireflies flitted about.

    The indomitable Mrs. Qin during the day turned back into the youthful Miss Luoxia in front of Father.

    Jiang Mianmian saw that Father was actually helping Mom wash her feet.

    She was utterly stunned.

    Even in modern times, husbands helping their wives wash feet is rare.

    Although Mom seemed a little embarrassed, it was clearly not the first time.

    Jiang Mianmian watched from Mom''s arms as Father, his long hair reaching his waist, sat on a small stool and earnestly massaged Mom''s feet...

    She suddenly understood why Mom could swing that machete so forcefully when decapitating that python!

    If I had a beautiful long-haired man washing my feet at night, I could swing a machete all day without fatigue too!

    "Luoxia, you''ve been walking a lot these past two days, why don''t you rest at home tomorrow."

    Although Jiang Changtian''s strength was not great, he could urately find the acupressure points, giving a very soothing massage.

    Qin Luoxia tried her best to keep her expression neutral, sometimes feeling a little ticklish.

    She had many things she wanted to do, but when her husband said that, she found herself agreeing in a daze: "Okay, okay."

    After soaking her feet and feeding the baby, Qin Luoxia was still pacing around, unable to go to bed.

    Jiang Changtian let out a sigh and asked, "Luoxia, is there something you want to say?"

    Jiang Mianmian pricked up her ears, she too wanted to know what her Mom had been up to today. When her Mom returned, she was clearly in a bad mood and had even cried.

    Qin Luoxia lifted her clothes again and lowered her head to feed the baby.

    Jiang Mianmian thought: ...Being forced to eat more, I''ll get fat, burp.

    In the dim moonlight, the beautiful woman, with her head slightly lowered, lifted her clothes to reveal a glimpse of snowy white skin. With her high nose bridge and round face, she was actually quite a beauty, though she didn''t realize it herself.

    "Husband, I''ve done something wrong. I thought about that scoundrel who kidnapped our child, and I wanted to kill his child. But when I went to the county, I saw their foolish son, and I couldn''t bring myself to do it. That fool was beaten and had a nosebleed, and I even helped him wipe his nose. The fool didn''t recognize his own mother, but he called me ''Mother'', and I..." Qin Luoxia''s voice choked up again.

    Jiang Mianmian also choked up, her Mom was so emotional that she sprayed milk and got choked.

    She thought to herself, her Mom was too fierce, even going to the kidnapper''s den.

    Jiang Changtian embraced his wife.

    His wife was very tall, and when they stood side by side, they were almost the same height, with him being perhaps a little taller.

    He loved his wife dearly.

    He liked her tall stature and athletic body.

    Whenever he embraced her, he felt a sense offort and joy.

    So many times when he had returned home exhausted and in despair, just being able to hug his wife gave him the hope to carry on.

    Jiang Changtian hugged his wife and child, gently patting his wife''s back.

    "Luoxia, it''s not your fault. You did the right thing. You have a kind heart, don''t let your hands be stained with blood. It''s not worth it. You did the right thing. That fool being alive is a thousand times more miserable than death. Don''t be saddened by such people, they''re not worth it."

    Qin Luoxia had also wanted to mention that she had set a fire, but when her husband said she had a kind heart, and he had always thought of her as kind-hearted, she didn''t dare tell him, afraid of scaring him.

    "I tore the fool''s clothes, and they were stained with his nosebleed. You should find a way to send them to the kidnapping couple, so they''ll have something to remember him by before they die." Qin Luoxia said.

    Jiang Changtian nodded, not telling her that the kidnapping couple''s death sentences had beenmuted.

    He didn''t tell her that it was he who had set things up for Old Wu to return home early and discover Wu Liu, with blood on his hands, havingmitted murder. He had blood on his own hands too, but he couldn''t tell his Luoxia, afraid of scaring her into thinking he was not a good person.

    He embraced his wife and child, and that was enough.

    Squeezed in her parents'' embrace, Jiang Mianmian thought that when she grew up, she probably wouldn''t forget this night, this embrace. It was a bit cramped, but it gave her a sense of security.

    Her Father and Mother were both very, very good people.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51

    As dawn broke, a wailing cry suddenly rang out from the jail cell, startling Baozhu, the guard on duty.

    He scrambled to his feet.

    He saw the female kidnapper sobbing uncontrobly.

    As she cried, she shook and pushed the dwarf beside her: "Master, Master, what''s wrong with you? Help, this ointment is poisonous, someonee quickly,e quickly!"

    Yet no matter how loudly she wailed or how forcefully she shook him, the male kidnapper had already stopped breathing.

    It was Baozhu''s first time encountering such a situation, and he was a bit flustered. Who could he find this early? Everyone hadn''t arrived at the yamen yet to start their shifts.

    He stood at the cell door, looking around.

    He spotted a tall, upright figure, like a guiding star.

    "Mr. Jiang," Baozhu called out loudly.

    Jiang Changtian walked over and asked, "Is there something the matter, Liu the Chief Constable?"

    Baozhu had initially been flustered, but being addressed as Liu the Chief Constable, he unconsciously puffed out his chest, his face reddening slightly.

    "Yes, it''s like this. One of the two kidnappers we locked up seems to be in trouble. I''m not sure what''s going on. Mr. Jiang, you know something about medicine, right? Could you please take a look?"

    "Liu the Chief Constable, although I have some medical knowledge, the other party is a serious criminal. It wouldn''t be appropriate for me to go in, especially since it involves my family. Would it be possible for me to take a look from out here?"

    Hearing Mr. Jiang repeatedly address him as Liu the Chief Constable, Baozhu felt greatly respected and could only nod in agreement.

    Jiang Changtian then followed Baozhu to the cell where the two kidnappers were being held.

    When the dwarf kidnapper''s wife, Jianer, saw the visitor, she found him exuding an aura of nobility. Could this be the esteemed person who would plead for her and her husband''s case?

    Cradling her husband, Jianer knelt down and kowtowed, bowing her head to the ground.

    "Your Excellency, please save my husband. He... he... Your Excellency, please call a doctor. My husband is in dire straits."

    Jiang Changtian took out a blue patterned silk cloth and covered his nose with it.

    He said to Baozhu, "Liu the Chief Constable, you should stand back. I''m worried it might be a malignant disease. We wouldn''t want to risk infection."

    Hearing this, Baozhu immediately retreated a good distance.

    He hadn''t taken a wife yet.

    Jiang Changtian then addressed the people in the cell, "Pinch his philtrum and see if he responds."

    Jianer forcefully pinched the dwarf kidnapper''s philtrum, but he remained motionless.

    Jiang Changtian shook his head and said, "By the looks of it, he''s already dead, likely passing away sometime during the night. You must have been sleeping too soundly to notice. Tsk, tsk, judging by his expression, he probably died in agony, silently suffering until the end. You were sleeping right next to him and didn''t hear a thing?"

    Jianer looked bewildered. How could this be? Had her husband called out to her during the night?

    Had he suffered greatly before his death?

    How could she have beenpletely unaware?

    She opened her eyes wide, wanting to refute his words.

    But when she looked up at the nobleman, she saw him covering his nose with the silk cloth, his expression one of disdain.

    Suddenly, her gaze fell upon the silk cloth in the nobleman''s hand.

    The more she looked at it, the more familiar it seemed.

    "Your Excellency, where did you get that handkerchief?" she asked.

    Jiang Changtian said to the woman in the cell, "I am no nobleman. I am the aggrieved party. Of the three youngdies you kidnapped, two of them are my own daughters."

    Jianer suddenly dropped her husband''s body from her embrace and sprang to her feet, as if wanting to charge out.

    She shouted at Jiang Changtian, "I ask you, where did you get that handkerchief?"

    Jiang Changtian unfolded the silk cloth he had been using to cover his nose. It was a beautiful silk fabric, but stained with some filth, dotted with red spots.

    "This was given to me by my wife. I don''t know where she got it from. Although it''s silk, it was stained with some blood. But the cloth is of good quality, so I didn''t want to throw it away and instead made it into a handkerchief. Ah, by the way, my wife said she kept her promise to you." Jiang Changtian covered his mouth and nose with the handkerchief and retreated.

    He said to Baozhu, who was standing at the door, "Liu the Chief Constable, your work is indeed arduous and dangerous. You should also prepare a handkerchief. Next time you encounter a dead body like this, if it''s a malignant disease, you could get infected. What a hassle. That woman seems to have been infected. She''s acting crazy."

    Baozhu hurriedly nodded. Mr. Jiang was truly a good man.

    He watched as Mr. Jiang left.

    When he turned back, he saw that the female kidnapper was no longer cradling her husband and wailing. Instead, she was muttering incoherently to herself.

    He quickly retreated even further.

    Finally, when people arrived at the yamen to take over the shift, Baozhu let out a sigh of relief.

    He immediately led people to see the two kidnappers.

    But suddenly, the female kidnapper charged and mmed her head against the wall, shattering the bricks. Her head was covered in blood, and she immediately breathed herst.

    In an instant, the cell now contained two corpses.

    Jiang Changtian returned to his side room and continued sorting medicinal herbs.

    A faint light shone through the small window.

    On the wooden window sill, three new lines had been carved.

    ..............................

    ..............................

    ..............................

    Small skit: Many yearster.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52

    Dawn.

    Two young men were practicing swordy on the spacious training field.

    The square-faced youth was clearly more skilled.

    His swords were drawn and sheathed with precision, without a hint of waste.

    After his de left three gashes on his opponent''s staff, He Chen angrily threw away his long spear.

    "I''m done sparring with you. Your family has been warriors for generations, giving you an unfair advantage. I''ve been killed by you thirty times already."

    Meng Shaoxia sheathed his sword, took a damp cloth from an attendant, and wiped the sweat from his forehead, grinning broadly.

    "If your family was like mine, with martial arts passed down through generations, your parents would have drilled you relentlessly too. However, my skills aren''t the best. If I had the chance to spar with Jiang Feng, I feel he would be formidable."

    He Chen recalled the sight of the two cripples from before and involuntarily shuddered.

    "Not necessarily. They outnumbered us and killed our martial arts instructor with their chaotic fists. Those two cripples were merely ordinary people."

    As they spoke of the cripples, an attendant came to report that the two cripples were dead.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen were both stunned.

    In truth, they had seen death on their journey, but for three deaths to ur within two days, all of which were somehow connected to them, seemed too much of a coincidence.

    "How did they die?" Meng Shaoxia asked curiously.

    "The male cripple was bitten by a venomous snake and died from the poison overnight. The female cripple, overwhelmed with grief, dashed her head against a wall and died," the guard replied.

    "Inseparable in life and death, they were truly devoted lovers," He Chen marveled.

    Meng Shaoxia still frowned slightly.

    "Come, let''s go wash up. Don''t we still have to visit the Jiang Family?" He Chen nudged his brother.

    They had only learned from the County Magistrate yesterday that the renowned Jiang Family of the capital had descendants living in seclusion here.

    Grand Preceptor Jiang had passed away, but Old Lady Jiang still lived.

    Grand Preceptor Jiang had an impable reputation, with a noble and virtuous character.

    Meng Shaoxia''s grandfather and maternal grandfather had both mentioned him.

    He Chen had also heard elders speak of this man.

    However, after the Crown Prince was dethroned and imprisoned, the Jiang Family scattered, and Grand Preceptor Jiang''s family was exiled, leaving the capital.

    On the journey of exile, the Emperor pardoned Grand Preceptor Jiang, but sadly, due to his failing health, he passed away.

    They never expected his descendants to be living in seclusion in Ming County.

    And the deceased guard had been the bodyguard of Jiang Family''s heir.

    Since they were already here, it would be improper not to pay a visit.

    Moreover, in recent years, the Emperor had grown increasingly fond of reminiscing about his old ministers, so the Jiang Family might regain its former glory.

    Grand Preceptor Jiang had two sons and a daughter. His daughter had married the Seventh Prince, who was not favored by the Emperor and was sent to govern his fief early on.

    The eldest son, Jiang Huaisheng, was said to be talented in both literary and martial arts, but was unfortunately implicated due to his father''s circumstances.

    There was little mention of the younger son, who seemed rather unaplished.

    However, the Jiang Family had an excellent reputation, without any concubines or the like, and a simple household. Even at their worst, they could not have fallen too far.

    Unlike He Chen''s family, which was a mess with countless siblings, too many to count.

    Meng Shaoxia''s family was somewhat pitiable - not that they didn''t take concubines, but rather, their lineage was precarious, with all sorts of misfortunes and idents, resulting in a scarcity of male heirs. In Meng Shaoxia''s generation, he was the only remaining son, a lone seedling.

    Even the Emperor was concerned about the Meng Family''s lineage and jokingly suggested sending a few princes to the Meng Family.

    Thus, from a young age, Meng Shaoxia was required to build his strength and health, and whenever he went out, he was apanied by a horde of guards, for fear that any mishap might cause the Meng Family line to end.

    After freshening up and changing into appropriate visiting attire, the two set out to call on the Jiang Family.

    They had sent their visiting cards yesterday.

    They were going as younger generation members to pay respects to Old Lady Jiang.

    Old Lady Jiang herself was quite legendary, said to be a close confidante of Eldest Princess Huiyun, even giving birth around the same time. Now that Eldest Princess Huiyun was devoted to Buddhism, Old Lady Jiang had also retreated to this secluded ce.

    The once brilliantdies of their generation had faded into the long river of time.

    A new generation of youths now trod upon the morning light.

    Knock, knock, knock.

    The tiger-head door knocker struck, and the great gates of the Jiang Family manor slowly opened.

    ...

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53

    Jiang Wan knew there would be guests at her home today.

    She felt a bit flustered.

    The Jiang family had not received guests for many years.

    That morning, as usual, she woke up early and recited the sutras, which calmed her mind.

    The day before, her brother''s guard had died tragically, casting a dark cloud over the household.

    The elderlydy was furious that Wu Liu actually had such a bad habit, which could have corrupted Jiang Rong.

    Moreover, the cause of death was so disgraceful that it would embarrass them in front of the esteemed guests.

    Jiang Wan felt sympathetic, so that morning she recited the sutra for sending the deceased to the next life, a way to bid him farewell.

    The vanities of this world are but a handful of yellow dust.

    After finishing the sutra recitation, her maidservant Mai Zi helped her with grooming and dressing.

    Mai Zi carefully and gentlybed Jiang Wan''s long, lush, and beautiful ck hair.

    "Mydy, you''re bing more beautiful every day. I''ve never seen anyone more beautiful than you. You must be the fairest in thend," Mai Zi tteringly remarked with her lively manner.

    Jiang Wan smiled. This was merely due to their rural setting. Besides, being the fairest was not necessarily a good thing. Legend had it that Princess Huiyun, the only sister of the current Emperor, was extremely beautiful. However, after a fire severely burned her face, she now spent her days as a hermit, refusing to be seen.

    After grooming, Jiang Wan went to greet her grandmother.

    Today, all members of the family were present.

    Her father, mother, and brother were there.

    She was thest to arrive.

    After the family finished breakfast and rinsed their mouths, the guests had arrived.

    In reality, only two younger people were visiting, so there was no need for the entire family to assemble.

    However, the Jiang family had been away from the center of power for too long, and their rural life was indeed devoid of any excitement. Hence, the entire family had assembled with a bit too much pomp and circumstance.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen, two young gentlemen from prestigious families, conducted themselves with grace and poise. Even if they were slightly surprised, they did not show it.

    The Jiang residence was spacious and bright. Although not luxuriously ornate, the porcin vases on the antique shelves and the paintings on the walls disyed the family''s cultivated background.

    Upon seeing the two handsome and refined young men, Jiang Huaisheng was delighted by their vigorous spirits and noble bearing.

    Being a refined gentleman himself, he engaged in pleasant conversation with them.

    Seeing these two outstanding young men, he felt even more disappointed in his own son. Despite being of simr age, they had already traveled extensively and could handle affairs independently, while his son could not evenplete his studies at the county school, constantly behaving in a muddled and devious manner.

    Jiang Wan joined in receiving the guests, her face slightly flushed. Although she knew it was improper, her grandmother said they had to meet people, and there were not many taboos in this rural area.

    She immediately noticed the young man with a square face and was briefly stunned.

    Then she looked at the other young man, with his sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, high nose bridge, and thin lips. Dressed in luxurious robes and hat, he was both handsome and debonair.

    "Sister Wan greets the two gentlemen," Jiang Wan said politely as she bowed.

    Jiang Rong also bowed, but he had been shaken by the gruesome death of his guard the previous day and did not sleep well, resulting in dark circles under his eyes.

    Having lived in the countryside for a long time, he had be arrogant in this small ce. However, when facing the distinguished scions of great families from the capital, he inexplicably felt somewhat timid.

    Jiang Rong was actually not bad-looking, with a slender and plump build that was considered desirable in this era. However, his bearing was much weaker.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen found it rather strange.

    The eldest son of the Jiang family seemed quite ordinary, whereas Sister Jiang Wan had an exceptional bearing. Like a reclusive orchid, she would immediately catch one''s attention in a room full of people.

    Her attire was not brand new but perfectly fitting. Her hair ornaments were minimal, and her shiny ck hair cascaded over her shoulders. Even before she smiled, one could see the hint of dimples, revealing that she was raised in a good and harmonious family.

    Standing gracefully like a fresh lotus after the rain.

    He Chen was even more flustered when she addressed him as "Brother He," inexplicably feeling his face flush. He was no longer a naive youth, with many sisters in his family and having seen many nobledies. Yet, for some reason, he found the youngdy before him exceptionally beautiful and extraordinary, as if she were radiating light.

    Meng Shaoxia also felt it was rather strange. Although Sister Jiang Wan''s demeanor was not typically his preference, as he did not like the rigid and conventional style of most well-breddies, he found himself inexplicably drawn to her.

    As younger visitors, they had brought gifts and were invited to stay for a meal.

    The entire exchange was delightful.

    The elderly Lady Jiang was fond of Buddhist teachings and had a warm and kind presence. Despite her advanced age, traces of her former beauty remained.

    Master Jiang, as rumored, was well-versed in current affairs despite being away from the court. His lofty and perspicacious insights greatly impressed the two young men.

    Furthermore, his martial arts skills were formidable, and he enthusiastically sparred with Meng Shaoxia in the family''s practice arena, engaging in a lively bout.

    After bing morefortable, Jiang Rong became more talkative, knowledgeable about food, drink, and amusements. However, he seemed somewhat afraid of his father and would not speak freely in his presence.

    Sister Jiang Wan, however, impressed both young men.

    Living in this rural setting, her beauty was like a radiant lotus flower, truly dazzling.

    Surprisingly, her speech was also eloquent and insightful, revealing her extraordinary knowledge, like an unpolished gem whose brilliance was just beginning to shine, leaving them in awe.

    The noon meal was sumptuous. Althoughcking the exotic delicacies found in the capital, it was absolutely delicious, featuring various snacks, local specialties, and vegetarian and meat dishes. In fact, it was the best meal they had eaten in some time.

    The Jiang family''s maids and servants were well-trained and orderly.

    The hosts and guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

    When bidding farewell, both young men felt a lingering reluctance to leave.

    It was only after departing that they realized the Jiang family had another younger son whom they did not see at all that day.

    The younger son of Master Jiang should be around the same age as the Heir Apparent Han, who was the current Emperor''s most beloved nephew, even more so than his own sons, and was always kept by his side wherever he went.

    He Chen instructed his subordinates to discreetly inquire about the reason.

    They learned that the Jiang family''s younger son had actually been expelled from the household by the elderlydy due to "unfilial behavior and disrespect."

    This was a grave offense.

    (Confucius: I never said that.)

    As scions of prestigious families, they would not pry into the private affairs of others. They had visited the Jiang family and had excellent impressions of the elderly Lady Jiang, Master Jiang, and Sister Jiang Wan.

    Jiang Rong was not outstanding but had no ill intentions, much like a typical young master.

    The matriarch did not speak much, and He Chen was distantly rted to her, addressing her as "Aunt." She was a beauty with a straightforward character.

    Although it was just a visit and they could not discern much, their initial impression was that the younger son of the Jiang family must havemitted grave misdeeds for the elderly Lady Jiang to be so resolute, and Master Jiang would not have agreed otherwise.

    The two young men decided to stay for a few more days.

    However, their families'' guards soon arrived in Ming County, urging them to return quickly, as the situation seemed unstable.

    Due to the hot weather, drought, and natural disasters, the border regions were in turmoil, and there were even rebels incitingrge groups of disced people to revolt.

    Thus, both families urgently dispatched messengers to summon them back.

    Their journey had only just begun, as they had agreed to travel the world together.

    They felt slightly disheartened.

    Meng Shaoxia suggested, "Why don''t we visit Brother Jiang Feng this afternoon and ask if he is willing to join us?"

    He Chen felt an inexplicable reluctance to leave the Jiang family, even though they had only met once. He even felt as if he and Sister Jiang Wan shared an unspoken connection, as if she understood him perfectly despite being separated by a room full of people.

    Meng Shaoxia also found Sister Jiang Wan to be quite knowledgeable andpatible with his temperament.

    However, he was more impressed by the young man Jiang Feng, as he had encountered him first.

    He sent someone to inquire and learned that Jiang Feng should be at home today and had not gone out.

    So, the two men, apanied by their guards, rode their horses toward the vige where Jiang Feng resided.

    The mountain path was winding and narrow.

    The horses did not move quickly.

    After a short rest, they caught sight of the vige in the distance, with scattered houses, the sounds of chickens and dogs, appearing somewhat dpidated and unfamiliar.

    At the entrance to the vige stood arge tree.

    An old man was resting in the shade of the tree.

    After asking for directions, they continued riding up the mountain.

    The sun was nting in the west.

    It was not an ideal time to visit someone''s home.

    The uneven path made He Chen feel impatient.

    Suddenly...

    "Giggle, giggle."

    "Giggle, giggle."

    The sound ofughter could be heard.

    Clear and melodious, like tinkling chimes under the eaves.

    ...

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54

    Wooden huts and farms, good fields, dogs, trees, cooking smoke.

    This is the scene that literati most enjoy depicting in their paintings of rural viges.

    In reality, there should also be dog poop, chicken poop, urine, and scrawny old men with tattered clothes by the roadside.

    The old men''s ribs.

    The old men''s wrinkles.

    Running idiots.

    When the two young masters from the BMW family entered this down-and-out vige, both of them felt a slight regret.

    Meng Shaoxia felt that this ce was too run-down, and looking at the tattered clothes of the vigers, he worried about seeing Jiang Feng and his sister in distress, afraid they would feel ufortable.

    He should have given them a heads-up first, he couldn''t just visit unannounced, but he didn''t have time.

    He Chen was used to being pampered in luxury, and at this moment, the sweet dimpled smile of Miss Waner kept flickering in his mind. He thought every move she made was graceful, and felt that she was looking at him, her eyes glowing with affection for him.

    But the stench that wafted past his nose dispelled that sweet first encounter.

    It stank, and the young stallion had stepped in some indescribable poop.

    ...

    The two of them walked up the hill, away from the densely popted vige, and the smell felt a bit better.

    They even heardughter, as if suddenly awakened.

    There was a glimmer of hope.

    They finally climbed up to the home the vigers had pointed out.

    What met their eyes were tworge trees, a dpidated mud wall, a tiled roof, and a wooden house.

    Under the trees were a few bamboo chairs and a stone stool.

    A ragged youth cradling an infant saw them and hastily stood up, holding the baby with one hand and saluting with the other.

    "Brother Meng, Brother He, I didn''t expect you woulde. Please, sit down."

    Jiang Feng was delighted.

    He never imagined that these two esteemed young masters from prestigious families woulde to his door in person.

    Actually, the excitement had gradually worn offst night as hey in bed.

    When he told his father, he was very excited, feeling like he had face and was quite impressive.

    But when hey in bed, he seriously reflected on himself again.

    The core of face is power and strength.

    Face cannot be given by others.

    Right now, he was very small and weak, insisting on self-respect was just empty bravado, and he was ultimately still insecure.

    If Brother Meng and Brother He hadn''t spoken up yesterday, and he had been taken away to be beaten dozens of times, not to mention the physical suffering, where would his face be?

    He couldn''t rely on luck, as good fortune wouldn''tst forever.

    He still needed to be stronger himself.

    Jiang Feng gently touched the wound on his forehead, reminding himself not to lead such a dissipated life as before.

    After he had counseled himself, Jiang Feng thought that the next time he saw Brother Meng, he would shamelessly beg him to teach him a set of sword techniques or something.

    It didn''t need to be advanced, just what the guards learned would be fine.

    In this world, setting other things aside, the poor have no face, but they do have a bit of force.

    If he had good martial skills, he wouldn''t be easily bullied anymore.

    There was also that ill-intentioned mountain bandit Tiger Ge, lurking in the background, which worried Jiang Feng.

    At this moment, seeing the two of them appear at his doorstep, Jiang Feng was overjoyed.

    Both Meng Shaoxia and He Chen felt the poor youth Jiang Feng''s smile and delight.

    There was no politeness or trepidation on the youth''s face, only sheer surprise and joy.

    His clothes were even more tattered than yesterday, covered in patches, and where there were no patches, the fabric had faded from washing. His robe was a bit short too, exposing his sturdy calves which bore some scars.

    He wore straw sandals on his feet.

    Yet he showed no embarrassment, only a sincere smile to wee them.

    When he smiled, his teeth were very white.

    The wound on his forehead was still there, but it did not detract from his appearance at all, even resembling the flower headpieces worn bydies.

    He was cradling an infant, yet it did not make him look undignified at all.

    Compared to yesterday, he seemed even more approachable, peaceful, andfortable.

    The two young masters from BMW families immediately cheered up again.

    They felt it was worth the winding journey.

    Not a wasted effort.

    And although Jiang Feng''s home was in the vige, it seemed to have a certain rustic elegance distinct from other households.

    His home was very clean and tidy, without any stench.

    There was even a woodcarving on the door lintel with a couplet.

    On top it said: "Home", with the upper line reading "Auspicious clouds herald the sun" and the lower line "Fragrant grass wees spring."

    It was a very ordinary couplet, but the calligraphy was superb, done by someone of high skill, though it was unknown who had carved it.

    Meng Shaoxia, who had no appreciation for calligraphy, still found it quite pleasing to look at.

    He looked around but did not see Jiang Feng''s round-faced sister, only a little girl who seemed to be asleep in his arms.

    But he had just heard a girl''sughter, yet no one was in sight.

    However, the more He Chen looked at the dpidated door lintel, the happier he became, feeling a rustic charm with a touch of sophistication.

    The calligraphy had an elegant and refined ir.

    It was like discovering a treasure amidst a pile of misceneous items.

    Intrigued, he asked, "Who wrote the couplet on the door?"

    "It was my father," came a clear voice from the tree.

    Meng Shaoxia looked up.

    There, perched high on a branch and swinging her legs, was a youngdy.

    She had a round face and a mischievous grin.

    Suddenly, she stood up, nimble as a little monkey.

    He Chen''s mouth fell open, for he had never seen a girl climbing trees before.

    "Brother, I''m going to jump down!" Jiang Yu called out, and with that, she leaped from the tree.

    Jiang Feng, who was holding little Cotton, quickly dodged out of the way.

    But Meng Shaoxia dashed forward.

    Jiang Yu leaped down,nding squarely on the square-faced youth and knocking him to the ground.

    She sat atop Meng Shaoxia, feeling very embarrassed as she said, "I''m so sorry, Brother Fang, my brother and I were just ying around."

    Meng Shaoxia, feeling the weight of the girl on top of him and seeing stars from the impact that had made his mind go nk, forgetting about any Jiang or Wan''er, stared at the white bird in the tree instead.

    He spoke up, "My surname is Meng."

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55

    Afternoon.

    Another nice nap.

    At first, Jiang Mianmian resisted her brother stroking her head.

    Butter, as he stroked and stroked, it felt quite soothing and enjoyable.

    She fell asleep instantly.

    Even forgetting that she was teasing the ants just now.

    After nearly being kidnapped, little Mianmian formed a deeper bond with her ant friends, no longer as afraid of the little ants.

    She even felt that having a pocket as a rescue pouch was super convenient.

    But the little ants were also very busy, going in and out, with more friends than her.

    She was woken up by her sister Jiang Yu''s "gaga"ughter.

    Opening her eyes, she found two unfamiliar people in their home.

    The two young masters hade to visit without prior notice, so it was already rude. Hence, they brought gifts.

    They sent writing tools and tea to the Jiang residence, which was an appropriate gift.

    For Jiang Feng, they prepared four pastries, a tea gift, a cloth, and some money (silver ingots) for hair styling.

    Of course, these were prepared by their subordinates, based on who they were meeting.

    Since Jiang Feng was a poor schr, sending writing tools might have been seen as mocking his poverty.

    But pastries and tea could be consumed.

    Cloth and silver were practical and useful, as cloth could also be used as currency.

    This was also to reciprocate the jerky Jiang Feng had gifted them earlier.

    They thought that jerky was from a wild boar, poor people''s meat, so they hadn''t nned to eat it.

    But the gesture was appreciated, so they wished to return the favor.

    Jiang Yu''s "gaga"ughter was because she smelled the pastries.

    She looked at the two young masters in an extremely friendly way.

    Smiling with her whole face.

    She was as busy as the little ant, going in and out of the house to fetch a bamboo tube, then to draw water, extremely diligent.

    She also generously contributed Red crow fruit medicine made by her father, which she ate as dried fruit, filling a small te.

    Castor roots, a finger''s length, chewed into a sweet taste, spitting out the residue.

    Python jerky, in small strips, could stave off hunger, getting more fragrant the more you chewed.

    In an instant, Jiang Yu was like a busy little bee, setting out three small tes of strange pastries on the stone stool and pouring tea for the guests.

    Meng Shaoxia watched the busy little girl''s movements and thought, if he had such a hardworking figure at home, he might not want to travel the world.

    He Chen felt that Jiang Feng''s sister was very diligent and lively, bouncing and jumping as she walked, yet not at all rude, but rather making one happy just by watching her.

    They felt very rxed here.

    Apletely different feeling from their visit to the Jiang residence this morning.

    Jiang Mianmian woke up, and despite having guests, she still went "Wee-ah wee-ah" (wanting to pee).

    Fortunately, her family understood her very well.

    Her brother excused himself and took her to pee.

    As Jiang Mianmian had her legs spread to pee freely, she felt relieved that her brother would let her save face.

    Sometimes she just peed under a tree.

    She felt those two trees grew better and more lush.

    Today, her brother carried her to the side of the wall to a small patch ofnd that her mother had cultivated, where some wild onions grew, which was Jiang Mianmian''s personal plot, as the onions were all watered by her pee.

    Extremely lush...

    After peeing, Jiang Mianmian became lively again.

    Her brother went to wash his hands, and Jiang Mianmian fell into her sister''s embrace.

    Jiang Yu stared intensely at the two young men.

    Jiang Mianmian also looked at them curiously.

    Their clothes were really beautiful, with pretty patterns and silky smooth, glittering golden in the sunlight, looking so expensive.

    They wore headdresses too, she couldn''t make out what they were, but they seemed able to tie a beautiful high ponytail, very nice, able to save a drooping hairstyle.

    They rode horses here, so their hair wouldn''t be messy, did they use hair gel?

    They had swords at their waists, but when seated they didn''t poke themselves.

    Their shoes were also nice, with pointed toes, a bit like boots, yet a hip-hop version.

    Jiang Mianmian observed very intently.

    Last night at the dinner table, she had heard her brother mention encountering two extremely wealthy and powerful young masters, so Jiang Mianmian was very curious about what rich second-generation folks of this era were like.

    After looking them over, they were just dressed very nicely, exceptionally well, with great demeanor, sitting properly, speaking politely. But, Jiang Mianmian felt that in terms of looks and air, they couldn''t match her father.

    Iparable to her father.

    Oh dear.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t know if she had too strong a filter, or if it was an infant''s skewed aesthetics.

    That she actually felt her scruffy herb-picking father had more grace and better looks than these capital city young masters.

    A bit too narcissistic.

    She even felt that with her brother sitting there, he wasn''t inferior either, just his clothes and shoes were iner, but his face was even better looking than those small faces.

    Jiang Mianmian''s eyes rolled around observing them.

    Jiang Yu stared intensely.

    Meng Shaoxia''s face slowly reddened, seeing Jiang Feng''s sister staring at him, her eyes full of frank adoration (#dense fog), he felt flustered.

    How could she be so direct?

    Although he was handsome and dashing, such directness made him unable to handle it.

    His family had only passed the lineage to sons for generations, so his marriage would likely beplicated, with his parents, grandparents, seven uncles and seven aunts, four aunts-inw and four uncles-inw, and paternal grandparents all having a say.

    The reason his father could marry his mother was because his paternal grandparents were quite capable.

    But in the end, his mother only bore him.

    Although his martial family did not have high requirements for the family status of their marriage partners, his grandfather had told him that due to the aged Emperor''s growing suspicions, his wife''s family status could not be too lofty.

    But her background still needed to be examined, if he just brought a woman home from wandering, he would definitely get his legs broken.

    The more Meng Shaoxia thought, the more solemn his expression became.

    As for He Chen, he was not bothered by Jiang Yu''s stares, as his family were schr-officials, taking the civil service path - in other words, physical looks were important.

    He had no particr feelings towards the chubby little round-faced girl in rough clothing.

    She just seemed like a plump little girl.

    He was drawn to elegance and refinement.

    So he was not affected by Jiang Yu''s gaze, but rather curiously observed the infant in Jiang Feng''s sister''s arms.

    Was this the kidnapped child they had rescuedst time? He hadn''t paid attention then either.

    Nor when he first arrived.

    But now, seeing the infant staring at him with big eyes.

    He Chen was startled.

    This morning at the Jiang residence, he felt he had seen the most beautiful girl in the world in Miss Jiang Wan, like an uncovered gem, her radiant beauty just beginning to emerge.

    Yet now he found himself feeling that this infant, when grown, would be a thousand times more beautiful than Jiang Wan...

    Because this infant looked like an unpolished gem, not veiled in dust, a whole, truly sculptured jade beauty.

    So beautiful, it was indescribable.

    He even felt the patched, ragged swaddling clothes soiled her.

    She should lie in the most luxurious room, on the mostvishly adorned bed, with a golden chamber pot (#wtf), instead of this mud-brick wall, dirt floor, tiled roof, wooden tub.

    He Chen felt his mind was broken.

    That he would have such a strange feeling towards this tiny infant.

    But this infant was too beautiful.

    Not as beautiful as Jiang Feng and his sister.

    Could this infant be the one that was kidnapped...?

    Jiang Yu stared intensely at the two, thinking they must have eaten well at noon, at least sixteen dishes, really, she could smell it, just imagining made tears want to flow from the corners of her mouth.

    How could anyone be so extravagant, sixteen dishes in one meal?

    One dish would be enough for her.

    Jiang Mianmian thought these two capital city yboys looked a bit dazed.

    Their horses looked quite nice too, now her attention had shifted to the horses.

    This horse looks so fine, with firm muscles and a beautiful tail. Even its back is covered in hair, pressed down by the saddle.

    If Mother caught sight of this horse, she might cut its hair off in chunks, sorting the lengths, and bundle them up as little brooms - the small brushes on our table are made from wild boar bristles she collected.

    As she watched, she noticed her little ck ant moving up along one of the horses'' legs with great effort.

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help but cheer it on: "Go, go, go!"

    "Brother Meng, Brother He, if you don''t mind our humble abode, please stay for dinner tonight," said Jiang Feng after washing his hands.

    He had checked the kitchen and saw they had some dried meat, wild vegetables, and coarse grains - already quite a feast by his family''s standards.

    He noticed the two young masters had brought many gifts.

    It would be disrespectful not to offer a meal to guests, so the practical Jiang Feng sincerely invited them to stay for dinner, caring less about appearances today.

    Mother should be back soon.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen exchanged a nce, then inexplicably agreed to Jiang Feng''s sincere invitation.

    Jiang Yu was surprised they actually agreed to stay for the meal, but she was happy - with guests, dinner would certainly be more plentiful.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen themselves were surprised at their own eptance.

    But since they hade, they would stay.

    Then they saw Jiang Feng call his sister inside.

    The mud walls provided little soundproofing, especially with Jiang Feng''s sister''s rather loud voice.

    "I''ll go borrow some fine grains from Landlord Liu. Do you think he''ll lend them?"

    "Alright, I''ll be right back. I''ll make sure to get some."

    They watched as the round-faced youngdy greeted them and scampered down the mountain path.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen felt a little awkward.

    Being invited for a meal, yet having to borrow grains.

    Meng Shaoxia picked up a pastry from the te in front of him and took a bite. The sour, bitter taste of the red crow fruit made his cheeks pucker, almost rounding his angr face.

    Seeing Meng''s expression, He Chen learned his lesson and took a small piece of dried meat, putting it in his mouth. It made a loud crunch, and he froze - had he broken a tooth...?

    ...

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56

    ...

    In the afternoon, after waking up from a nap.

    She heard from the servants that her two brothers-inw had gone to visit Jiang Feng in the countryside.

    Jiang Wan felt slightly uneasy.

    She had just had a very long dream, as vivid as reality.

    Yet now, some things didn''t seem to add up.

    However, her father would soon recover and have a smooth official career, and in theter years of the sage ruler, the various princes struggled, but no one expected that the eventual victor would be the little-known Seventh Prince, and her aunt, the Seventh Prince''s consort, became the empress.

    The turbulent chapter of her life was slowly unfolding in the capital.

    For now, she just needed to wait.

    In her dream, her uncle''s family was nowhere to be seen.

    The servants had mentioned that her uncle''s family stayed here and met an unfortunate end, as they were too extreme in their actions and received the retribution they deserved.

    Only Jiang Yu, who went to be a maid in the provincial city, inadvertently got rescued andter met Jiang Wan in the capital.

    But at that time, Jiang Yu had actually be the concubine of her potential betrothed, which was so awkward that it made Jiang Wan theughingstock of the capital.

    In the dream world, one''s fate was not in one''s control, and emotions were beyond one''smand.

    Upon waking up, Jiang Wan continued to copy Buddhist scriptures.

    In the afternoon, she learned that the peddler couple had died.

    In order to earn money to buy medicine for their sick child, they had no choice but tomit a wrongdoing. Pitiful and tragic.

    Though not blessed with good looks, their love for each other was true. After the husband died, the wife took her own life, following him in death. Amentable yet praiseworthy act.

    Jiang Wan solemnly copied two copies of the Buddhist scripture for rebirth.

    Her maid Maizi sat in the corner, fanning herself vigorously in front of an ice basin, trying to cool down the room. Sweat dripped from her forehead.

    She was grateful to her mistress for allowing her to sit and fan herself, feeling morefortable.

    ...

    Following her brother''s instructions, Jiang Yu managed to borrow some grain from Landlord Liu.

    It was the kind of grain with an interest-free period.

    As long as she could repay it within a month, there would be no interest. But if she went beyond a month, she would have to pay interest.

    Jiang Yu carried the grain, feeling like she could smell its fragrance, and hurried home.

    When she arrived home, her forehead was covered in sweat, and her eyes were sparkling.

    She grabbed arge palm-leaf fan and vigorously fanned herself.

    She even fanned the two honored guests on the side.

    Because her brother had actually set out the desserts brought by the guests.

    They were yellow and green in color, looking sweet.

    Jiang Feng looked at Little Jiang Yu speechlessly. He didn''t want to set out the desserts either.

    But earlier, when he saw his two brothers taste the desserts she had set out, one turned sour and almost lost a tooth, and the other nearly chipped a tooth, he quickly set out the guests'' desserts.

    Jiang Yu vigorously fanned the guests while also helping herself to a piece of dessert, first cing it in front of the two guests, then giving one to her brother, and finally taking one for herself.

    Her expressions were extremely candid and unrestrained.

    Both Meng Shaoxia and He Chen understood.

    Meng Shaoxia realized that he might have misunderstood her earlier.

    She just wanted to eat, not... something else.

    Her greediness when eating made one feel a little sympathetic, but her upbringing was still quite decent, as she showed courtesy to others and to her elder brother.

    Little Jiang Mianmian was also curious about the desserts, but she wasn''t particrly interested. She wanted to drink milk instead.

    She missed her mother.

    Last night, her mother had promised her father that she wouldn''t go out.

    But as soon as her father left, her mother left too.

    Waaah o(¨i©n¨i)o, and she didn''t even take Jiang Mianmian with her.

    Jiang Feng noticed that He Chen kept curiously looking at the little bundle in his arms.

    "Brother He, would you like to hold her?" Jiang Feng asked.

    He Chen looked bewildered.

    Huh?

    Hold her?

    He hadn''t even held a littledy before, even though this littledy was really, really tiny.

    "Okay, sure."

    He clumsily reached out and took the baby, alive, warm, and squirming.

    At the moment of contact, he was so startled that he almost threw the swaddling cloth away.

    It felt like touching a soft, big white worm.

    Fortunately, he restrained himself.

    He carefully held the infant, and following Jiang Feng''s guidance, sat down, holding the baby with one hand supporting the little head, letting the baby''s bottom and body rest on hisp.

    "A baby''s neck is very soft, so you need to support the head to avoid breaking it," Jiang Feng exined earnestly.

    He Chen felt even more flustered. Why did he agree to hold the baby? He was so scared.

    Even though this infant was beautiful, unlike the rest of the family, he was still very afraid.

    In arge family, infants were extremely precious, and the closest he hade to one this small was a brief nce, never touching them, as they were always surrounded by a group of wet nurses.

    Yet Jiang Feng was so trusting as to let him hold the baby.

    Jiang Feng really trusted him greatly.

    Fortunately, as he sat there supporting the baby''s head with his hand, the little one didn''t cry like the babies he had seen in his family, who either cried or cried like little kittens.

    This baby was very well-behaved, looking at him with big, deep ck eyes, then opening her mouth in a smile and drooling. With one hand supporting the baby''s head and cradling her, he could use his other hand to wipe her drool.

    As he wiped the drool, he couldn''t help but smile.

    How could he have thought that this tiny baby would grow up to be an absolute beauty?

    Wouldn''t that mean he was wiping drool off an absolute beauty?

    Well, this absolute beauty''s drool was quite plentiful. After wiping it, more drool flowed out.

    He gently wiped the soft, tender flesh of the baby, afraid of rubbing too hard.

    As he held the infant like this, the mantra-like "Waner, Waner" in his mind seemed to gradually fade away.

    Jiang Mianmian leaned against this man''s embrace, feeling indifferent. In fact, the coarse cotton fabric seemed more breathable than the fine clothes he was wearing. But he smelled of fragrance, a faint scent of perfume.

    Seeing how he had brought so many delicious treats, making her sister so happy and her brother seemingly happy too, she made an effort to smile at him out of courtesy.

    Deep down, there was a tinge of sadness, as a child from a poor family had to force a smile at such a young age.

    Then she drooled even more...

    He Chen: I can''t wipe it all... I just can''t wipe it all...

    Meng Shaoxia didn''t dare to look at Jiang Feng''s sister eating anymore, because he realized how adorable she looked while eating, chewing away like a little squirrel, watching the food disappear into her mouth. He couldn''t resist and handed her another piece of dessert.

    But after doing so, he realized his action was abrupt.

    To his surprise, the little girl opened her mouth and took it.

    Meng Shaoxia turned red and quickly changed the subject.

    He was worried that he might not be able to resist feeding her another piece.

    "Brother Jiang, would you like to spar with me?" he asked.

    Jiang Feng had also been thinking about how to ask the other party to teach him some sword techniques. One cannot receive without giving, and he felt ufortable asking for something without offering help in return.

    Upon hearing Meng''s invitation to spar, his eyes lit up.

    This was a perfect opportunity to witness Meng''s swordsmanship, and perhaps if Meng won and was in a good mood, he might be willing to teach Jiang Feng.

    "I don''t have a sword. Can we use a staff instead?" Jiang Feng found a rtively smooth wooden staff from the family''s woodpile.

    Meng Shaoxia hadn''t expected such a question. Earlier that morning, he had practiced with Uncle Jiang at the Jiang family''s martial arts grounds, where there were plenty of weapons for them to choose from. So he had asked without thinking, not realizing that Jiang Feng didn''t even have a sword.

    "Okay," he agreed, treating his sword as a staff to make it fair.

    The two young men, one dressed in fine clothes and riding a horse, the other in coarse cotton garments, one wielding a dragon-patterned sword, the other holding a staff from the backyard woodpile, one wearing fine boots, the other wearing straw sandals, faced each other and took their stances.

    "Ready."

    "Ready."

    Meng Shaoxia gave a warning first: "I have been practicing the sword since childhood, never missing a day regardless of the weather. My sword is very fast."

    Jiang Feng nodded solemnly, filled with admiration.

    It was said that the poor focused on literary pursuits while the rich practiced martial arts. To practice martial arts, one must eat meat every day to build strength.

    If he had meat to eat at every meal in the past, he probably wouldn''t have wanted to practice martial arts.

    He gripped the staff tightly.

    Without further thought.

    He would respond with sincerity, for sincerity was the ultimate technique.

    The young masters were willing to y with him because he was sincere and rarely told lies.

    Since Brother Meng wanted to spar, he would have to respond sincerely with his full abilities.

    This way, Brother Meng will be happy to win.

    He took a deep breath, no longer thinking about random things.

    His eyes were only on the little squarish face in front of him and his sword.

    Little Jiang Yu took advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention to her, and quietly swept up the crumbs that had just fallen onto the table surface with her hand and ate them.

    The pastries were too crumbly.

    He Chen was on high alert, holding the infant in his arms, his hands never stopping, like a perpetual motion machine wiping drool.

    Jiang Mianmian cried "Ah, ah, ah!" cheering for her brother.

    Two horses, wagging their tails, were watching the vige below, asionally lowering their heads to take a drink of water.

    One of the white horses felt its ears itching.

    There was no wind.

    Meng Shaoxia drew his sword.

    The sword didn''t leave its scabbard, but his speed was extremely fast, without any dy or wasted movement, shing towards Jiang Feng.

    Jiang Feng drew his staff to block.

    "Bang!" The staff broke.

    The sword fell to the ground.

    Meng Shaoxia clutched his wrist in pain.

    Jiang Feng felt a bit embarrassed, "Brother Meng, I''m sorry, this firewood is too brittle. It got dried out and just snapped with one hit."

    He Chen wanted tough, his abdomen heaving up and down, but he didn''t dareugh out loud. Brother Meng was having a rough day.

    Jiang Mianmian clenched her fists and waved them, "Ah ah ah ah!" (Brother is the best!)

    Little Jiang Yu saw the little squarish face looking bewildered, mouth agape, with a very frustrated expression, so she stuffed a pastry into his mouth.

    "Don''t be sad. My brother''s strength is just average. My mother''s strength is great. When my mother wants to beat up my brother, he can never run away." Little Jiang Yu hurried to console him, worried that this rich little squarish face would take it out on her brother.

    Meng Shaoxia''s pale face gradually reddened again, and his wrist didn''t hurt as much.

    She cares about me!

    The pastry is so stuffy... *burp* *burp*...

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57

    "Kah."

    "Kah."

    "Kah."

    Under a massive tree, a strong human circled around.

    Qin Luoxia stood on a mountain not far from home.

    It really wasn''t far; at her current pace, she hadn''t even reached the neighboring county.

    Thest time she passed by here.

    She discovered there was a towering tree.

    In a hurry, she didn''t linger long.

    But after returning home, she carefully recalled that it seemed there were eagles resting on that tree.

    She came to this giant tree early in the morning.

    Upon arrival, she circled around the big tree.

    In the eyes of humans, it was just a beautiful woman circling around the tree, gazing upward, even with a touch of artistry.

    In the eyes of animals, it was a bear-like creature circling the tree, seemingly intending to devour some animal on the tree.

    The birds in the forest sounded quite rmed.

    She patiently waited.

    When noon arrived with the scorching sun overhead, sure enough, arge eagle soared and descended from the sky.

    Qin Luoxia held a self-made slingshot, crafted from the tendons of a python she had caught, tied onto a Y-shaped tree branch. She loaded stones into it, pulled back, and could shoot the stones out.

    She had practiced for a long time.

    As the eagle descended, she pulled back the snake tendons and released with force.

    "Bang!"

    "Bang!"

    "Bang!"

    She rapidly fired three stones.

    A piercing shriek echoed from the sky, and then a massive eagle fell down, blood sttering.

    This time, Qin Luoxia did not linger; she stuffed the eagle''s head between its wings and rushed back home with the basket.

    Stewing the old eagle in tianma could treat head ailments.

    She had heard her husband mention it.

    Fenr''s injury was on his head, he had sustained a head wound. These past few days, when she saw the child, he seemed a bit different, with a gaze as if he had been startled, looking quite terrified. At night when she went to see him, he no longer stretched out his legs as before, but curled up into a ball. She worried there might be some aftereffects, so she thought of this remedy.

    Her husband had brought back some tianma.

    Old eagles were not easy toe by.

    Today, she finally caught one.

    Qin Luoxia rushed home with her basket covered in wild grass.

    By hurrying, she managed to return before dusk.

    Her mother-inw had not entered the house yet.

    Jiang Mianmian could smell her mother from afar.

    She cooed and called out to her.

    Jiang Yu, hearing her sister''s voice, instinctively looked up and outside, indeed seeing her mother had returned.

    She excitedly stood up.

    And He Chen and Meng Shaoxia, upon hearing that it was Jiang''s mother who hade back, also stood up.

    For they were sworn brothers with Jiang Feng, and thus were juniors to Qin''s wife.

    They stood waiting for a while before seeing a robust, rosy-cheeked woman carrying a basket.

    Her whole being exuded a vibrant warmth.

    They had actually encountered her once before on the road outside the city.

    But at that time, they had encountered thugs and didn''t get a good look at her.

    Qin Luoxia found guests at home and saw two well-dressed young men at the entrance, the same young masters who had rescued her family that day. She warmly greeted them: "Perfect timing, please stay for dinner tonight, you must stay. Yu''er!"

    Jiang Yu had learned to respond quickly: "Mother, I have already borrowed some grain."

    Qin Luoxia flushed slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed by this dead girl''s remark.

    Jiang Mianmian: "Coo coo coo, coo coo." (Mother, look at me, look at me.)

    "You all sit and have tea. I''ll go cook dinner; it''ll be ready soon. When my husband returns, let him keep youpany."

    Last time, she had barged in while searching for her daughter, without even looking at anyone, acting fiercely.

    In the vige, since everyone was familiar, Qin Luoxia felt very at ease and unrestrained.

    But when facing these young masters from the capital, Qin Luoxia still felt somewhat nervous, not daring to look at them much, feeling unworthy to speak. It would be better if her husband were here; he could converse with them.

    Qin Luoxia tidied herself up and came to hold Mianmian.

    She also dragged away her eldest daughter, who was still eyeing the desserts.

    Jiang Yu: ¡¥\_(¥Ä)_/¡¥

    Jiang Mianmian contentedly nursed while cradled in her mother''s arms until she saw her sister pull out a massive eagle from the basket her mother had used to carry wild vegetables.

    "Pfft!" She choked on her milk!

    So the saying about eagles snatching children wasn''t just to scare people? This eagle was certainlyrge enough to snatch up a child.

    Her mother''s vegetable basket truly seemed like the Doraemon''s pocket, containing not just vegetables but all sorts of things.

    "Mother, the wings of such arge bird must be delicious," Jiang Yu said, swallowing her saliva.

    He Chen and Meng Shaoxia, sitting under therge tree by the courtyard entrance, followed Jiang Yu''s gaze inward.

    Since the door was open, they could see everything at a nce.

    The youngdy was carrying a massive old eagle?? It looked to weigh several dozen pounds?? Suchrge eagles were rarely seen even in the sky. How did she catch it??

    Their bows and arrows couldn''t even reach that height, unless there was a world-renowned master archer.

    Or they found the nest of such an eagle, but the nests of eagles thisrge were generally extremely high and treacherous, difficult to locate.

    "This is for medicinal soup, to stew with tianma, it can treat illnesses. You all should drink more of itter," Qin Luoxia said happily.

    As long as she did something good for her family, no matter how difficult, she felt it was worthwhile.

    "Cough cough cough." Jiang Mianmian really did choke on her milk.

    She had previously heard a diabetic patient say that stewing an old eagle with tianma could treat headaches. The patient had bought an old eagle and was sentenced to a year in prison. In prison, he ate on schedule, got sunlight on schedule, worked on schedule, and slept on schedule. After a year of release, his headaches were cured.

    But after being released, he overate and drank excessively, developing diabetes.

    Jiang Mianmian curiously looked at the massive old eagle; a single pot couldn''t fit it all. It resembled the one that had flown out from the mountains that day, so enormous.

    "Mother, how did you catch it? I can''t even catch the little birds in the trees," Jiang Yu asked inquisitively.

    Qin Luoxia held her daughter upright, her head resting on her shoulder, and gently patted her back.

    After a few pats, she said, "I don''t know how it was injured, but I saw it on the road and brought it back."

    Jiang Yu: ......

    Jiang Mianmian: ......

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58

    The sunset in the west grew increasingly red.

    The barking of vige dogs grew louder.

    Calling their families toe home.

    Little Jiang Yu entered the courtyard to work.

    Meng Shaoxia became a little distracted.

    His wrist was still slightly aching.

    His mind wandered, wondering how such arge eagle could be injured, then thinking that since he too was injured, he should apply some medicinal wine to his wrist when he returned.

    He Chen was simply curious about what the ferocious bird looked like, as he had never observed one up close.

    Jiang Feng had always been good at reading people''s expressions.

    Noticing that the two young masters seemed intrigued by his household, he generously invited them into the courtyard.

    To the Precious Horse Young Heroes, the courtyard appeared rather cramped, as they had never been in such a small courtyard before.

    It had a dirt floor and mud walls, with visible soil particles on the walls, in windows without carvings, no hanging paintings, and no antique vases on disy shelves. However, there were several ck y jars lined up in the corner.

    The courtyard was tidy and well-kept, with bamboo poles leaning against the wall for an unknown purpose. (They were clothes poles, and Jiang Feng had just brought in and put away the diapers.)

    They didn''t seem sturdy enough for physical exercise or to support a person''s weight, which piqued Meng Shaoxia''s curiosity as he nced at them.

    He Chen stared at the mud wall, part of which had copsed, revealing arge tree outside. Viewed from this angle, it was unexpectedly beautiful, like a scene from a painting.

    Jiang Feng happily exined, "The location of my home is excellent because we have a well right in the courtyard, so we don''t need to go out to fetch water. It''s very convenient for drinking and cooking."

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen followed Jiang Feng''s direction and noticed the covered area, which turned out to be a well.

    Next to the well were stepping stones, wooden poles, and wooden buckets.

    And a young girl was restraining a giant eagle.

    Meng Shaoxia''s gaze became flustered once more.

    He Chen observed the giant eagle.

    Jiang Feng took Mianmian from Mom''s arms.

    He cradled her in one arm and stroked her head with the other hand, a familiar and natural gesture.

    Jiang Mianmian wore an expression of resigned enjoyment, hoping that drinking only milk and well water would help her keep her hair.

    With guests present, Qin Luoxia didn''t know what to say, so she remained taciturn and focused on her work, handling the old eagle.

    Little Jiang Yu lent a hand.

    And so, the two young masters from the capital witnessed the ferocious bird being swiftly plucked bare, its feathers scattered everywhere, and its body chopped into pieces...

    Jiang Feng''s sister deftly assisted in rinsing away any traces, leaving no bones, debris, or bloodstains behind.

    The rarely seen giant eagle was quickly filled an entire basin, neatly arranged, making it impossible to discern its former appearance.

    Noticing Mom''s practiced movements, Jiang Feng instinctively tried to divert the attention of the two young masters.

    "Our family is small, and our living quarters are simple. My parents share one room, my sister and I share another, there''s one for storage, and one for cooking. When my little sister grows up, we can clear out the storage room for me, and the two sisters can share a room."

    "Come, Young Masters Meng and He, let me show you my room."

    Meng Shaoxia pondered whether Jiang Feng''s sister really shared a room with him. If so, wouldn''t he be able to see the youngdy''s boudoir?

    Jiang Feng, carrying Mianmian, led the two to his room.

    The room was small, with a low ceiling overhead. The furnishings were extremely simple, containing two small wooden beds separated by a wooden partition.

    One of the beds had a small wooden window nearby.

    At first, Meng Shaoxia felt a mix of nervousness and excitement, as he was entering a youngdy''s boudoir.

    Strange thoughts arose in his mind.

    However, upon entering, he saw one bed, a pillow, and a patched quilt neatly folded, showing no indication that it was a girl''s room.

    By the bedside was an old, small cab on which a pair of embroidered shoes was neatly ced.

    He recognized them¡ªthe youngdy had worn those very shoes when she fiercely kicked the beggar that day.

    There were bloodstains on the embroidered shoes.

    On the mud wall, a protruding beam held a red cord. (Jiang Yu''s had been hung on a tree, and this one was given to her by her mother.)

    This was the only touch of color, revealing that it was indeed a youngdy''s boudoir.

    Meng Shaoxia felt a sense of disappointment.

    However, He Chen''s gaze was drawn to Jiang Feng''s side of the room.

    Near the window stood a small table, on whichy an open book that appeared well-read and tattered.

    He flipped through it and was surprised to find it was a book on medicinal herbs, filled with dense,plex text he had never encountered before.

    He Chen remarked in astonishment, "Brother Jiang, you can actually read?"

    Initially, they had assumed Jiang Feng was illiterate, as it was moremon foryabouts in the streets to be uneducated. Finding a literate person in themoners'' world was like finding a needle in a haystack.

    When asked about his ability to read, Jiang Feng recalled the times his father had taught him to recognize characters as a child.

    His posture became gentler as he swayed slightly while holding his sister.

    He had been a diligent student back then, with an excellent memory, able to remember everything his father taught him.

    His father would often praise his intelligence.

    However, over time, his father taught him less and less.

    His father only taught them to recognize characters.

    As he grew older, Jiang Feng realized how precious the ability to read and study was, and how it could change one''s destiny and bring honor to one''s family for some people.

    Yet he and his fathercked even the qualification to participate in the imperial examinations, failing the filial piety requirement.

    He didn''t know what his future held, but having studied gave him more contemtion than other young men, making him feel out of ce. Eventually, he became ayabout on the streets.

    He continued swaying gently, holding his sister, and responded with an awkward smile, "Not only can I read, but my sister can too. My mom probably recognizes a few characters as well, all taught by my father. It was difficult teaching my sister, though. He had to tell her they represented something delicious for her to remember."

    As he spoke these words in the dim room, the young man''s eyes became red with tears.

    He envied the young masters before him, not for their wealth or prestigious family backgrounds, but for the opportunity to study and take the imperial examinations.

    ...

    In the darkness, the older brother buried his face in Jiang Mianmian''s embrace, thinking he had drooled on her face.

    She let out a soft cry.

    Then he heard her brother''sughter.

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59

    The night fell.

    The kitchen was an important battlefield for thedy of the house.

    Knocking sounds came from the kitchen from time to time.

    Little Jiang Yu rushed out to borrow some seasonings, then hurried to the foot of the wall to pull some wild chives, bustling about.

    Torches were lit in the courtyard, and a kind of grass powder was also lit.

    A faint herbal fragrance surrounded them, which could drive away mosquitoes.

    The mosquitoes at night were poisonous.

    The two fair and tender young heroes would be bitten all over.

    Jiang Mianmian apanied the young heroes waiting for dinner.

    Amazingly, she had now fallen into the embrace of Square Face Young Hero.

    This Square Face Young Hero was quite experienced in holding babies, his support for her back curve wasfortable, unlike the other young hero who was stiff.

    Meng Shaoxia had rich experience in holding babies at his maternal grandparents'' home.

    Because his uncles and aunts had many children, they would let him practice holding them, hoping that he would be blessed with good fortune in the future and break the family''s fate of passing down to only one child per generation.

    Feelingfortable, Jiang Mianmian''s movements became more lively, swinging her fists, kicking her legs, twisting her head to look for her little ant, and then watching her elder brother sweep the floor.

    Because Young Master He insisted on guiding him in writing.

    After seeing the extremely rudimentary bedroom, He Chen truly felt pity for Jiang Feng.

    He felt sorry that a child from a poor family could actually read and write.

    Brother Jiang said his father worked at the Medicine Preparation Department and knew something about medicine, so he thought his father was a doctor.

    Jiang Feng was strong in martial arts, able to knock Meng''s sword away with just a firewood stick, so he couldn''t instruct him.

    But he could teach him how to read and write.

    However, the Jiang family didn''t have extra paper and pens.

    Jiang Feng had to take a firewood stick from the firewood pile to use as a pen and paper.

    Jiang Feng swept the ground clean and leveled it.

    He cleared a rectangr area, holding the firewood stick in his hand.

    Meng Shaoxia held the baby and watched from the side. This young master instantly blended in with this family after holding their child, looking very appropriate.

    He felt that Brother Jiang looked a bit familiar at this moment.

    When they were sparring with swords earlier, Brother Jiang had the same look.

    No longer casual, his gaze had changed, bing very serious and focused.

    Jiang Feng said with some embarrassment, "It''s been a long time since Ist put brush to paper, so my writing won''t be good."

    He Chen encouraged loudly, "No matter, I started learning to write at the age of three, practicing for an hour every day without break, rain or shine. You don''t need topare yourself to me, just write what you want to write."

    He spoke proudly because the He family of Qingzhou was originally the foremost literary family in the world.

    He had already passed the provincial examination twice, and on this journey, he was preparing for the next examination to win the top position of number one schr, striving to add another top graduate to the He Family.

    Others might think the number one position was unattainable, but in the He Family, it was just an encouraging remark between uncle and nephew.

    His uncle had been the number one schr in the past.

    Jiang Feng looked around his home.

    Finally, his gaze fell on the two horses.

    The horses were beautiful, not fat, but they felt powerful.

    The horses were out of ce in his home.

    So he used the stick to write on the muddy ground:

    "This horse is no ordinary horse, the constetions are its origin."

    He Chen smiled in appreciation and nodded slightly. Not bad, although simple and straightforward, it was already a decent verse.

    Watching Brother Jiang continue writing:

    "Striking forward its lean bones, it still carries a bronze sound." (Note 1)

    He Chen''s nodding motion stopped.

    He opened his mouth several times, then closed it again.

    And what He Chen wanted to point out to Jiang Feng, upon seeing these words, this poem, he was stunned for a long time.

    The handwriting was a bit clumsy, indeed showingck of practice.

    But the force behind each character pierced through the mud, striking fiercely.

    Brother Jiang was writing about horses.

    Or so it should be.

    But this poem, it was as if the elders in his family were speaking.

    Line after line about horses, yet line after line not about horses.

    He Chen closed his mouth, his handsome face bing somewhat heavy.

    He looked around at the dpidated thatched hut, mud walls, barking dogs, and buzzing insects.

    "Striking forward its lean bones, it still carries a bronze sound!"

    He Chen seemed to see through the short, worn robes of the young man, revealing bronze bones.

    Seeing countless people swinging sticks at those bronze bones, echoing bronze sounds that shook the heart and soul.

    He looked up at the sky.

    Stars filled the heavens.

    He had once prided himself, thinking that there were only eight measures of talent in the world, and he upied one measure.

    But this impoverished dwelling, this young man who didn''t even have a brush or paper, produced a poem that pped him in the face.

    At this moment, he thought that in his journey across thend, he had seen the person he wanted to see, and this was the greatest gain of his trip.

    He did notment further, but instead said, "Brother Jiang, I will be leaving tomorrow. Would you be willing toe with me to Qingzhou?"

    Meng Shaoxia was rmed, How dare Brother He try to take someone away, after all the poor girls he had forced on him along the way, it still wasn''t enough?!

    "Brother Jiang,e with me to the capital city. Your martial arts are exceptional, you would be suitable for my family."

    "Go to Qingzhou, you have a talent for literature that should not be wasted."

    ...

    ...

    ...

    (Note 1: This poem is written by Li He of the Tang Dynasty:

    "Twenty-Three Horse Poems, No. 4"

    This horse is no ordinary horse, the constetions are its origin.

    Striking forward its lean bones, it still carries a bronze sound.)

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60

    ...

    A fragrant aroma wafted from the small courtyard.

    Perhaps they had been waiting for a while.

    Perhaps the modest lunch had not been enough.

    The two young princes from the Baomu family felt hungry.

    At the same time, they sensed that the aroma was a tad too intense.

    Curious as to what kind of food it was.

    The dining table had been moved to the center of the courtyard.

    It was not an borately carved round table, but rather a makeshift one assembled from weathered wooden nks.

    One of the table legs had once been broken and waster patched up.

    The chairs were not intricately carved with backrests either, just bamboo chairs, wooden stools, and benches.

    These furnishings seemed familiar to them.

    Yet, sitting at such a table to dine, without any servants attending to them, no candlelight ornterns, lit only by starlight, moonlight, and firelight, with fireflies providing illumination, was an altogether different experience.

    From Little Jiang Yu''s eyes, which shone brighter than the stars, one could tell that tonight''s fare would surpass their usual fare at home.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen fell into silence.

    Jiang Feng had not agreed to either of them, saying he needed to consider it overnight.

    Jiang Mianmian nestled in her elder brother''s embrace.

    She understood that these two young princes wanted to invite her brother to go with them.

    But her brother had not agreed directly.

    Jiang Mianmian frowned slightly. Although her brother stroked her head every day, she worried a little about him going bald. But if one day he stopped stroking her head, she would definitely feel strange.

    From their demeanor, these two seemed to be at least good people with pleasant personalities. If her brother went with them, it would certainly be better than roaming the streets.

    Jiang Mianmian hesitated.

    In ancient times, travel by horse and carriage was slow and inconvenient. If her elder brother truly left, who knew when he would return or when they could see each other again?

    So she obediently remained in her brother''s embrace, her entire being pensive.

    As if those two young princes had invited her instead of her brother.

    At such a young age, she was already so thoughtful.

    Of course, in the eyes of adults, she was just an extremely beautiful infant, wearing a dazed expression.

    She resembled her father, Jiang Changtian, more and more, and grew more beautiful, seeming to glow.

    Their family had no doubts, for her father was indeed very beautiful.

    Qin Luoxia favored the youngest, Mianmian, the most in her heart, because she resembled her husband the most.

    She felt she was not good-looking.

    It was better for their children to resemble her husband.

    There were not enough bowls and tes on the table, some of which Little Jiang Yu had borrowed from the vige down the mountain.

    In the center was an earthen pot, the only one owned by Mianmian''s family.

    The whole family had not started eating, waiting for their father.

    Even though Little Jiang Yu had swallowed his saliva many times, he did not touch the food on the table, obediently waiting for their father.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen waited together with them.

    They had politely suggested waiting, but this family truly intended to wait.

    It was a novel experience.

    Waiting for someone to eat.

    Waiting for the head of the family, a very important person.

    It seemed that this family was extremely impoverished, and this meal that made Jiang Feng''s sister drool was not actually abundant.

    Each person had a bowl of rice, not pure white rice, but mixed with millet and some coarse grains, though mostly fine grains.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen would not have noticed this detail ordinarily, only realizing it from the colorful appearance of the rice.

    In the center was arge earthen pot, smelling very fragrant, which was the main dish for tonight ¨C venison stewed with wild vegetables, quite a rarity that even they had never tasted.

    Beside it were a te of wild scallions, a te of pickled vegetables, and a te of jerky (which nearly broke He Chen''s tooth).

    That was it.

    Even their bodyguards likely ate better than this.

    The servants in their households definitely had better provisions than this.

    Their ns would never stoop to skimping on servants'' meals.

    Yet faced with this meager table, Jiang Feng''s family seemed as excited as if encountering delicacies from the mountains and the sea.

    Even Little Jiang Yu scooped rice with reverence.

    As if counting every grain of rice.

    Despite this, they all maintained decorum and good manners.

    They did not sneak any bites, earnestly waiting.

    Waiting for the head of the family to return.

    Jiang Changtian, who was often away from home earning a living, finally returned under the starry sky.

    Upon reaching the entrance, he paused, noticing the guests in the courtyard.

    Qin Luoxia approached the doorway, brushing the dust off his clothes as she spoke, "Husband, Feng''s good friends havee. Since they rarely visit, we saved dinner for you, and everyone is waiting."

    Jiang Changtian entered, bowed, and said, "Excuse me for a moment."

    He needed to wash up.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen finally saw the father of Jiang Feng, Little Jiang Yu, and the youngest, Jiang Mianmian, who was carried in her brother''s arms.

    They had expected him to be like their mother ¨C a sturdy woman. Instead, he seemed rather shy, barely looking at them when addressing them.

    This was the demeanor of most people they encountered, so it was not unusual.

    They had not anticipated the arrival of a slender young man.

    In the dim courtyard, they could only discern his long hair, loose clothing, and thin frame, not as robust as Madam Qin.

    Jiang Changtian returned to the room to wash up.

    After some hesitation, he wiped off the makeup from his face.

    He retied his hair.

    When his father was alive, he too had been a well-pampered young master from a prominent n. He knew what people of their standing preferred.

    He slowly dried his hands.

    Turning around, he stepped out of the room.

    The old, ill-maintained door creaked noisily.

    Jiang Changtian emerged, a gentle smile on his face.

    "My apologies for the dy. Thank you for waiting."

    "No dy, Father, we haven''t been waiting long at all," Little Jiang Yu said excitedly.

    Jiang Mianmian waved her arms too, babbling, "Eeyaayaayaaya" (Carry me, Father, carry me!)

    Qin Luoxia beamed with pride, "This is my husband, he speaks so well."

    Jiang Feng was also proud, "This is my father, no need to bow and scrape."

    The whole family was lively and animated.

    Yet Meng Shaoxia and He Chen grew uneasy.

    They even stood up hurriedly in their fluster.

    Feeling that remaining seated would be disrespectful.

    "Please, be seated," Meng Shaoxia offered his small bamboo chair.

    He Chen identally kicked over the small stool he had been sitting on.

    ...

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61

    ...

    The y pot could retain heat.

    After a while, when the lid was opened, steam was still rising.

    Arge pot of boiling soup.

    The long-haired beauty raised her slender hand, removed the lid, then sprinkled the dish of pickled vegetables and the dish of dried meat into the y pot.

    Next, she stirred it with a longdle.

    Then she scattered the te of wild leeks into the y pot.

    A rich aroma wafted out.

    This was a new way of eating recently discovered at home.

    Whether it was wild vegetable soup or any other soup, even a mouthful of boiling water with some wild leeks sprinkled in would smell extremely fragrant.

    Jiang Yu watched her father''s actions, hands sped together holding chopsticks, excitedly as if she could take flight, her smile barely contained, happy.

    Jiang Feng also smiled, very pleased. At this moment, his smile was not silly, but rather cheerful.

    Qin Luoxia gazed at her husband''s actions, her adoring eyes unable to hide her affection, thinking her husband did everything perfectly.

    Jiang Mianmian was simply happy, with the whole family together. She liked this feeling.

    Every evening was happier than the day, with the whole family reunited.

    She sat in her elder brother''s embrace, happily wiggling her little feet.

    Meanwhile, Meng Shaoxia felt a little restrained, as did He Chen.

    Meng Shaoxia had just stood up to offer his seat, as initially, he and He Chen were seated in the honored positions.

    Actually, in the small courtyard''s ramshackle table, there was no distinction of rank, but they had hurriedly vacated their seats.

    In the end, Jiang Changtian, the father, did not sit in the honored seat, but at the lowliest ce beside Jiang Feng''s mother.

    As for He Chen''s family, they were an old-fashioned schrly n, following the path of civil officialdom, in short, they were literary nobles. (This was mentioned before, so it''s copied here.)

    Today, he first encountered a peerless beauty like a pearl covered in dust in this small county town.

    Then he saw a baby in this deep vige who was as beautiful as an uncovered pearl.

    Next, he witnessed Jiang, the elder brother, who was both a martial and literary master, able to knock Meng''s precious sword away with a mere stick, andpose a resounding poem with that same stick.

    Now, now, he saw a beauty stirring a y pot with a longdle under the moonlight.

    In moments of ultimate beauty, beauty transcends gender.

    So everything had its origin.

    The reason a baby as beautiful as a pearl existed in this deep vige was because she resembled her father.

    The reason Jiang, the elder brother, was both a martial and literary master, was because his father was the beautiful man before them.

    The man was merely stirring a pot of food.

    Yet he stirred He Chen''s heart and soul.

    His silence was deafening.

    At this moment, he was like the shy Madam Qin, not daring to meet the other''s gaze, feeling unworthy to speak.

    He suddenly became introverted.

    As for Meng Shaoxia, he was not a literary noble, indifferent to physical beauty. With too many female rtives on his mother''s side, he simply felt that the overly handsome man before him had a dangerous aura. (Meng Shaoxia''s maternal grandfather oversaww enforcement and public security.)

    When a person reached the pinnacle of a certain attribute, they became extraordinary.

    He never imagined that the father of the simple-minded Jiang Yu would look like this.

    That such a man would be a mere county clerk seemed almostughable.

    If he were a physician, he could surely cure countless women''s ailments.

    Jiang Changtian stirred the y pot, then portioned out arge half-bowl for everyone, saying, "Eat."

    Jiang Yu immediately stuffed arge mouthful of rice and soup into her mouth.

    Delicious!

    Jiang Feng also ate heartily, the in ricebined with the rich soup was incredibly fragrant.

    Moreover, eating at home with his father, mother, and sister was even more delicious than the best restaurant.

    Qin Luoxia ate with a touch more poise, given the guests present, but still tookrge mouthfuls.

    Jiang Changtian ate at a normal pace, neither too slow nor too fast, his posture graceful, his innate elegance fully on disy at this humble dinner table.

    Meng Shaoxia''s attention was originally fixed on the beautiful father across from him.

    But he couldn''t help being drawn to little sister Jiang as she ate.

    Watching her eat was simply delightful, so satisfied and content. He imitated her way of eating.

    Meng Shaoxia was not one to indulge in physical pleasures, living a more refined life than He Chen. But this simple meal was unexpectedly delicious.

    It wasn''t because he was starving, but because it truly tasted remarkably good.

    Not being picky about fine delicacies or in fare, he had dined at all the famous restaurants in the capital and attended imperial banquets. His uncles and aunts from various regions were renowned chefs, so he was well-traveled when it came to cuisine. Although he had no special demands, he was worldly in this regard.

    As the food entered his mouth, he felt an unusual sense of satisfaction.

    His mind briefly went nk, not thinking of anything else, solely focused on eating.

    He even felt that all the fatigue from his recent travels had dissipated.

    His aching wrist didn''t seem to hurt as much.

    He lowered his head and began eating heartily.

    Watching Meng eat with such gusto, He Chen thought him truly open-minded.

    With such a beauty seated across from you, how could you eat?

    He couldn''t control himself from ncing towards the beauty at the lowest seat.

    He and Meng were seated in the main positions, directly facing the lowest seat, so he only had to look up to see her.

    He ate absentmindedly.

    He felt it was rude to look at her, even fearing that if she met his gaze, he would feel flustered.

    But this was merely his misconception, as Jiang Changtian, the father, did not look at him, simply eating his meal attentively.

    Originally, he was apprehensive about dining at Jiang''s residence, worried about chipping a tooth again. For a cultured schr like himself, if he smiled and revealed a golden tooth...

    But now, his thoughts werepletely removed from the food.

    Seeing everyone else pick up their chopsticks, he mimicked the action.

    As the rice entered his mouth, his throat felt tight, the coarse grains scratching it.

    But he paid it no mind.

    Still somewhat distracted, he continued eating.

    He took another dry bite of rice and choked on it...

    "Cough!" He hurriedly covered his mouth.

    Even coughing felt impolite in the beauty''s presence, so he quickly picked up his bowl and drank some soup.

    The warm, thick soup slid down his throat, and He Chen froze again.

    The coarse rice he had just eaten, which scratched his throat, now seemed worthwhile.

    It was as if he had eaten those two bites of coarse rice to prepare his throat.

    As if he had been busy all day, traveling far, his body fatigued and hungry, all in preparation for this mouthful of soup.

    This mouthful of hot soup slid down his throat and into his stomach.

    In an instant, his whole body felt warm, a trembling sensation coursing through him.

    He couldn''t spare a nce for the beauty, taking another sip of soup, his hand holding the bowl trembling slightly.

    Suddenly, he felt exhrated.

    The literary gatherings of Qingzhou possessed eight parts of the world''s literary essence.

    Qingzhou''s cuisine was no less renowned.

    Part of the reason was that Qingzhou had many literati, whoposed and circted various poems, including those about exquisite dishes.

    Another reason was that with so many literati gathered there, it naturally attracted a confluence of culinary delights.

    He Chen had received many invitations to banquets and celebrations, asked to offer hisments and critiques.

    He had tasted many delicious foods.

    He could rank them from first to sixth ce.

    But never had he encountered a soup like this one before.

    The wild vegetables were slightly bitter, as were the medicinal herbs. The eagle meat was sweet and savory, with the smoky aroma of cured meat, the salty taste of pickled vegetables, and the fragrance of wild leeks.

    Yet they all blended together into an unimaginable deliciousness.

    It made him feel refreshed from head to toe.

    He even felt his pores opening, a light sweat breaking out over his whole body.

    He had expected the humble fare of this impoverished family to be difficult to swallow, as he saw how Jiang Feng''s little sister ate everything as if it were a heavenly delicacy. The pastries they brought were merely purchased from the county town, average in taste, not even freshly made. Yet little sister Jiang Feng ate them as if they were the world''s finest delicacies.

    So he had no expectations for this evening meal.

    Moreover, with such a beauty present, he had no attention to spare for what he was eating.

    But...

    He also lowered his head and began eating ravenously.

    For when faced with such an exquisite dish, if one hesitated, it would be gone.

    He Chen ate quickly and hurriedly.

    Even the coarse rice was chewed into a fragrant mouthful.

    Heckedposure, unable to steal nces at the beauty, as when eating such delicious food, he suddenly understood Jiang Feng''s little sister,prehending the blissful feeling she expressed with her crinkled eyes and content smile.

    The eagle meat was extremely smooth and tender, the wild vegetables had a fresh fragrance, and the hard jerky had been soaked to just the right chewiness. The pickled vegetables were crisp, and even the wild chives were incredibly delicious.

    Those wild chives that could be seen everywhere along the roadside, he wouldn''t have eaten them before, just using them to garnish the dishes. If he had tasted them, he would have avoided them at all costs and spat them out.

    But when he gulped down the soup, the wild chives were incredibly delicious, with an indescribable refreshing sensation.

    He felt as though his senses had suddenly be sharper, bringing him one step closer to bing a top schr.

    He was truly distraught. For so long earlier, he had been dazed, preupied with gazing at the beauty.

    By the time he came to his senses, there was barely any meat soup or wild vegetables left in the y pot.

    Jiang Mianmian drooled as she watched everyone eat. Hmm, she wasn''t envious at all, as she drank from her mother''s breasts just the same.

    Since her mother had eaten these things, give or take, it was as if she had eaten them too.

    Besides, she had just urinated on the wild chives there that afternoon, so she didn''t want to eat them (-.-)

    ...

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62

    ...

    After the meal, there was no wine.

    There was in water.

    Boiling water, with a slight pot smell, and not very ptable.

    Yet Mengshaoxia and Hecheng drank several bowls of water.

    They ate and drank their fill.

    And let out two belches.

    They also had to leave.

    They hadn''t nned on staying overnight anyway, as they had lodgings in the county town.

    And this house didn''t seem like a ce that could amodate guests for the night.

    However, Hecheng didn''t understand.

    Jiang Feng''s father was such a beauty, how could he be living in a ce like this? How could he possibly just be an idle helper at the county office?

    These days,vish lifestyles were in vogue in the imperial pce, and literati in Qingzhou would size up a person''s appearance first.

    With his looks, even if he submitted a nk exam paper, he would probably still be ranked in the imperial examinations.

    How could he...

    It felt abrupt to say anything in front of a beauty.

    So it was the square-faced Mengshaoxia who curiously asked, "Where is Uncle Jiang''s ancestral home? You must not be a local, right?"

    When he asked this, the entire Jiang family fell silent for a moment.

    The long-haired young man sitting on the bamboo chair, cradling an infant, calmly responded, "If you''re asking about my ancestral home, I suppose I should be from Jiangyin."

    "The Jiang family of Jiangyin?" Hecheng asked eagerly, indeed he was from a distinguished lineage - one could tell at first nce that this beauty was from a prestigious family.

    Jiang Changtian gently massaged the tiny hands of the infant Jiang Mianmian in his embrace. Her little hands were always clenched into fists, palms sweaty. Her father would help her open her palms and knead them one by one, so she could use her hands more dextrously.

    "My father once served as Grand Preceptor to the Crown Prince, Director of the Imperial Academy, and Minister of Rites. My father''s name is Jiang Bai. When I was born, he named me Changtian, wishing that I would live a life as vast and boundless as the sky, unfettered and romantic."

    Beneath the night sky, in the small courtyard, sitting on the bamboo chair, the long-haired young man spoke slowly.

    Hecheng and Mengshaoxia were both stunned.

    Hecheng wanted to say something but didn''t know what.

    Mengshaoxia hadn''t expected that Miss Jiang Yu was the granddaughter of Grand Preceptor Jiang.

    Jiang Feng was also taken aback when he heard this, as his father had never mentioned it before.

    But immediately, a profound bitterness welled up in his chest.

    Thinking of his father kowtowing and bowing to the county office runners.

    He desperately wished he could grow up soon, grow up to be his father''s support.

    So his father wouldn''t have to recall those people.

    Qinluoxia stood behind her husband, wringing her clothing tightly with both hands.

    Jiang Yu fell silent too.

    She felt her father was so pitiful.

    If her parents didn''t want her, she would cry herself to death just thinking about it. But her father''s parents truly didn''t want him.

    "But what misunderstanding could there be?"

    Hecheng recalled their visit to the Jiang manor earlier that day.

    Although notvishly grand, there were pavilions and towers, ancient paintings and vases, windows draped with gossamer curtains made from Sichuan silk gauze.

    Old Madam Jiang was resplendent in luxury.

    His distant aunt, Lady Jiang, adorned in golden hairpins and jade bracelets.

    Although Mister Jiang wasn''t dressed opulently, he clearly had never been troubled by money - that spacious practice courtyard, bright study chamber.

    Miss Jiang Wanxia in her semi-new silk dress, a warm white jade bangle on her raised arm, green gemstones studded on her shoes, fair skin, sweet smile, knowledgeable and cultured, showing no signs of ever having suffered hardship.

    Mengshaoxia also reviewed the scene in his mind.

    Thinking again of Miss Jiang Wanxia, her appearance and bearing exquisitely refined, generous demeanor, and endearing manner towards her maidservants.

    Looking at the round-faced youngdy before him in her coarse linen clothes, sitting there with reddened eyes like a little rabbit.

    Mengshaoxia felt like knocking on her silly little head.

    Jiang Changtian finished kneading one of the little girl''s hands and moved on to the other.

    His voice grew even softer.

    Because he didn''t wish to dwell on those matters that would make him seem pitiful and fragile.

    He didn''t want to appear choked up or affected.

    He spoke in the lightest tone possible,

    hardly any friction in his vocal cords.

    "From a young age, my mother abhorred me, saying my eyes harbored evil and she felt repulsed just looking at me. I studied diligently in secret, hoping to escape the family through the imperial examinations. But my mother informed the schrs, saying that Icked filial piety and virtue, unfit to be human. Thus ending my path to the examinations."

    As Jiang Mianmian had her hands massaged, listening to her father''s speech, so different from usual.

    Word by word, very slow.

    Her father''s body was slightly trembling.

    She looked up at her father.

    But saw him smiling down at her, head lowered.

    "Mother wanted me dead, but I didn''t want to die, because I had my child."

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63

    ...

    The young master returned at night.

    The stars lit his path.

    Frogs and insects apanied him.

    Atst, the two bid farewell to that little courtyard.

    That courtyard with a corner of the mud wall copsed, that courtyard with a table whose legs had been reced, that courtyard where the arrogant young man boasted of having a well.

    That small courtyard with only four simple houses.

    That courtyard where one had to use bowls to catch the rain during heavy downpours, that courtyard where one had to be careful of flying roof tiles during strong winds.

    That courtyard with two trees in front of the gate.

    Night fell, and guests could no longer linger.

    They had to take their leave.

    For they had to depart early the next morning.

    But Meng Shaoxia''s horse refused to move, unable to be led away or carried.

    It was rather awkward.

    Meng Shaoxia wondered if the horse had somehow sensed his inner feelings.

    The horse seemed more sensible than him.

    So he rode on the guard''s horse instead.

    The young masters returned at night, apanied in silence by their guards.

    They usually enjoyed such weather, feeling excitement when traveling at night on the road.

    They would engage in lofty discussions, and at times Meng Shaoxia would even mischievously recount some indescribable cases unsuitable for the night.

    Hearing them, He Chen felt both thrilled and appalled.

    But tonight, there was silence.

    Perhaps there was too much to say, yet they knew not how to begin.

    When they came, the journey seemed long, winding through the deep vige.

    But as they departed, it felt too swift, and soon that little courtyard vanished into the darkness behind them.

    They arrived at the county town, where there was no curfew, and street vendors still called out, selling snacks.

    Passing by a street, they heard theughter of youngdies.

    The aroma of rice noodles wafted by.

    Yet the two young masters wore solemn expressions.

    At the inn, they saw the gifts sent by the Jiang family.

    Learning of their departure the next day, the Jiang family had thoughtfully prepared many items for them.

    Not to mention food and drink.

    There were thick cloaks to guard against changing weather.

    Luxurious felt nkets, in case they needed to sleep outdoors.

    Local specialties of Mingxian, medicinal herbs, porcin wares - all fine enough to present as gifts upon their return.

    There were also fragrant sachets prepared by Miss Jiang Wan, said to repel mosquitoes and refresh the mind.

    The elder Madam Jiang had given them prayer beads blessed by the Grand Master of Qingyuan Temple for their elders.

    And much, much more.

    The gifts filled half a room.

    Such sincerity and thoughtfulness.

    That morning, they had visited the Jiang manor.

    Lord Jiang was gracious and amiable, a talented schr and warrior.

    Lady Jiang was elegantly beautiful.

    The elder Madam Jiang exuded a Buddhist aura of refined grace.

    Miss Jiang Wan was a talented beauty, well-versed in arts and literature.

    Jiang Rong was plump and prosperous.

    The Jiang family had ample wealth and prestige, with an orderly household that left a very favorable impression on them.

    So much so that they had developed a prejudiced dislike for the unmet youngest son of the Jiang family, Jiang''s youngest son.

    Unfilial, disrespectful and neglectful of ancestors, parents, marrying and reveling during the mourning period.

    Undutiful,cking fraternal love, harming kin,mitting unpardonable acts.

    Such a name must mean he hadmitted grave misdeeds.

    In Meng Shaoxia''s family, there were no such people, but his uncle who oversaww enforcement in the capital often dealt with strange cases revealing the depths of human evil, beyond imagination.

    In He Chen''splicated family, there were indeed unfilial descendants who had been expelled from the household.

    Yet all this now seemed absurd in contrast to the humble dwelling of Jiang Feng''s family.

    Even these generous gifts before them appeared insincere.

    They were not children, nor were they ignorantmoners. They were educated and had seen the world, understanding principles.

    They believed what they had witnessed.

    They saw Jiang Feng proudly say his home was good because they had a well, withoutint about the difficult mountain paths or the dpidated courtyard, withoutmenting their difficult life.

    He merely smiled, saying they had a well, so they did not need to fetch water from afar, making washing convenient.

    They saw Jiang Yu secretly brush away crumbs from the table, cupping them in her hands and furtively eating them. They all witnessed it - unrefined,cking in decorum.

    They saw the red string hanging in Jiang Yu''s room.

    They saw Jiang''s father return home dusty and weary after work, tenderly embracing his child with a smile.

    They saw Jiang''s mother return with a heavy basket on her back, drenched in sweat under the sunset glow.

    They saw their hardship, yet everyone smiled.

    Appreciating the delicious snacks, feeling blessed by the hearty dinner.

    Initially, when He Chen read the poetry by Jiang Feng, he felt some disbelief, even doubting in his heart.

    The poem was too gloomy.

    The young man had always greeted them with a smile.

    He did not believe Jiang Feng understood such bitterness.

    But now he understood, he understood why Jiang Feng did not immediately agree to follow him to Qingzhou, for an unfilial person''s descendants could not sit for the imperial examinations.

    They even wondered if Jiang Feng had truly rescued He Chen''s sister by chance that day from those ruffians, or if they had been lured outside the city to be robbed, with the two of them as the intended victims.

    Yet they could not bring themselves to dislike him.

    All their teachings of benevolence and righteousness, all their knowledge of the ssics, paled before a simple pot of wild vegetable soup.

    The rice they could not swallow was the fine grain they rarely had, the grain they had to borrow and pay interest for.

    To entertain guests, each person had a bowl.

    Little Jiang Yu ate so earnestly, so carefully, fearful of wasting a single grain of rice.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen gazed at the mountain of gifts before them, still silent.

    The servants asked how to handle them.

    The two remained silent.

    Such thoughtful gestures, yet they felt even more ill at ease.

    Had they not met Jiang Feng and learned of his family, they might have epted the gifts joyfully, highly impressed by the Jiangs.

    For even in such reduced circumstances, they still maintained their dignity, truly admirable.

    But after witnessing Jiang Feng''s family, they understood what true hardship meant, what was truly admirable.

    A voice repeated in He Chen''s mind that these were the elders'' issues, unrted to the generous and kind Miss Jiang Wan.

    Yet he could not escape it.

    Miss Jiang Wan treated even her maidservants with gentleness and courtesy, yet her own cousin wore clothes inferior to her maid''s.

    The night grew deep.

    They had to depart early the next day.

    They should rest soon.

    But the two wealthy young masters born with silver spoons could not sleep.

    Meng Shaoxia had a dream where he intervened to rescue a youngdy being beaten by pursuers in the capital city. She was said to have injured their young master, and she was beaten bloody.

    But her eyes were as fierce as a wolf''s.

    He rescued her, but she remained unconscious, so he did not ask He Chen for help in finding her a ce, instead taking her with him.

    When she awoke, she had lost all memory of who she was.

    She was like a child, remembering nothing.

    So he kept her by his side, teaching her.

    She was gluttonous, wanting to eat everything, and her speech was rather unrefined.

    But whenever he saw her eat or heard her speak, he wanted tough, feeling joyful.

    He sent people to inquire in the capital, but amid the chaos of war, they could not find who had sold her.

    Yet being sold as a maidservant, she could not havee from a prestigious family.

    Seeing his fondness for her, his mother agreed to take her as a concubine.

    She was delighted, still gluttonous, still speaking without refinement.

    But by then, he had be a renowned marshal for his military exploits.

    Others praised his valor, but in truth, each time he went to battle, he merely wished to return swiftly, to bring her delicacies.

    He worried for her, for her thoughtless speech might offend others, and he feared that if he died in war, without his protection, she would suffer.

    Later, when he was to be betrothed, his intended was a niece of the reigning empress.

    The new emperor sought to ally with his military family, while harboring suspicions of their martial power.

    That day, she returned weeping bitterly.

    She said she had seen his betrothed, and she remembered everything - that she was now an orphan, that if there was a next life, she hoped never to go to the capital, that she wished to die by her parents'' side.

    The next day.

    She hanged herself in her room.

    He went ahead with the betrothal.

    He finalized the marriage arrangements,pleting the six rites.

    ...

    The rooster crowed.

    Meng Shaoxia awoke.

    Tears streamed down his face, his pillow damp.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64

    ......

    Suddenly it started raining.

    The morning became cool.

    On a rainy day, guests are invited to stay.

    It''s not a day for traveling.

    But the servants of the two families still got up early and packed up.

    He Chen and Meng Shaoxia''s rooms faced each other.

    Meng Shaoxia, who practiced sword regardless of weather, did not practice sword.

    He Chen, who practiced calligraphy regardless of weather, did not practice calligraphy either.

    Meng Shaoxia woke up, surprised to find his own cheeks wet.

    It was just a dream, yet he had cried.

    Cried with immense sorrow.

    But as he tried to recall, the dream dissipated, leaving only endless grief.

    He could not even remember who he had dreamed about.

    Shaoxia was docile since childhood, the elders said his name was well chosen, with a slight w that does not obscure the jade, a little imperfection in life that allows it to linger on.

    But suddenly he felt he was missing a lot, as if his heart had been scooped out, leaving an emptiness.

    He Chen also had a chaotic dream.

    In the dream, he was infatuated with Meng''s betrothed, feeling that Meng treated her poorly, standing up for her, even falling out with Meng, cutting ties.

    But then Meng was killed in battle.

    He wanted to take care of the poor woman in Meng''s ce, determined to marry her regardless of her previous engagement.

    Even at the cost of falling out with his parents.

    But she did not marry him either, bing a concubine in the Crown Prince''s pce instead.

    The Crown Prince was the Emperor''s son, but not by the Empress who was his aunt.

    He pitied her difficult situation.

    Secretly helping her at every turn.

    The He family became staunch supporters of the Crown Prince faction.

    Eventually, the Crown Prince became Emperor.

    She rose from a beauty to a noble consort to the Empress.

    When they met again, the Empress was high above while he knelt on the ground.

    He knelt at the execution grounds, stretching out his neck, seeing the lofty Empress.

    Though an Empress, she was still so affectionate, personally bidding him farewell.

    He smiled, but the smile turned to tears.

    His head fell, still shedding tears.

    His entire household was executed, all because of her.

    That rolling head kept crying tears.

    ......

    When He Chen woke up, he did not remember his dream.

    He only felt a sore neck.

    He could not help but rub his neck.

    He thought he might have slept in an awkward position, the pillow at the inn was not good, the height not right.

    The two young men woke up feeling sleep deprived.

    Packed their luggage.

    Dressed up.

    Dark circles under their eyes.

    Silent toward each other.

    After packing up, they prepared to depart.

    But were told someone was looking for them at the inn.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen''s eyes lit up, it must be Brother Jiang.

    Last night the two had discussed letting Jiang follow Meng, as Jiang''s martial arts were excellent, following the Meng household would allow him to be an aplished military officer.

    "Big Brother Meng, Big Brother He." In the courtyard, in white robes, a tall ponytailed Jiang Wan dressed as a man held a folding fan, smiling radiantly.

    Beside her was her chubby elder brother.

    Her brother held an umbre for her.

    Through the curtain of rain, she was like a spring blossom, nobly fair and white.

    She stood in the rain, her smile pure and clear.

    "Knowing the two brothers are about to leave, Sister Wan and Brother havee to see you off."

    Jiang Rong nodded in agreement.

    Suddenly He Chen felt his neck ache, he instinctively stepped back, reaching to rub his neck.

    Meng Shaoxia also felt his heart pounding, stepping back and clutching his chest.

    Jiang Wan and Jiang Rong did not understand.

    Why did the two young masters from prestigious families look so terrified as they retreated?

    Jiang Wan had checked herself in the mirror, she looked very nice in this male attire, fresh and graceful, very appropriate.

    She had evenposed a farewell poem to recite.

    But before she could open her mouth to recite it.

    The two young masters had turned and fled on their horses.

    As if being chased by wild dogs.

    Jiang Rong was utterly baffled, wondering aloud: "Could they have some urgent matter?"

    Jiang Wan looked at the curtain of rain, also puzzled.

    The rain grew heavier, sshing mud onto her pristine white robe, staining it.

    Her delicate brows furrowed slightly.

    ......

    Out of Ming County.

    After the rain, the sky cleared.

    A rainbow even appeared in the sky.

    The colorful arc bridged the heavens.

    The two Precious Horse Young Heroes felt their spirits lifted.

    Finally somewhat awake.

    They rode toward the rainbow.

    The rainbow gradually faded.

    They saw the trio of siblings and a horse waiting by the road.

    The horse was grazing.

    Was the younger sister grazing too?

    Jiang Feng was holding his little sister, not dressed for travel, still in in linen clothes and straw sandals.

    The Precious Horse Young Heroes reined in their horses and dismounted.

    ......

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65

    Last night.

    The moon was bright and the stars were few.

    Jiang Feng had not slept well either.

    He looked out the small window in the room.

    He could see the distant stars, high and far away.

    He could see the crescent moon, curved and bright.

    The other day Little Jiang Yu had said she wanted to betroth him to two young masters from the Capital City, but those two young masters had not taken the bait.

    They did not directly refuse, but they were very polite.

    Later when he thought about it, it was actually a refusal.

    In his heart, there was a sense of loss, but this kind of loss was inexpressible.

    It should have been like this.

    For people like them, how could he, a wayward son, aim so high.

    He had not expected that one day, Meng Brother and He Elder Brother would simultaneously invite him.

    Jiang Feng was surprised and at the same time felt a sense of pride and honor.

    A kind of pride in being recognized.

    He even had fanciful thoughts.

    Imagining himself going to the Meng Family in the Capital City, showing off his skills, riding fine horses with the guards, donning impressive armor, striding boldly, and being praised as a young master.

    Imagining himself going to the He Family in Qingzhou, wearing elegant robes, greeting the schrs with a bow, drinking wine and chanting poems,posing a fine poem that would be sung by the maidens, praised by all for his literary talent.

    Thinking and thinking, he smiled.

    Smiling and smiling, he woke up.

    If he had not had that near-death experience that day, he might have eagerly epted.

    To follow them, to see the world, to travel the vastndscapes, where could a young man not go, everywhere there was a path.

    But he dared not go.

    He was afraid that Little Jiang Yu would lose him again.

    He was afraid that his sister and mother would lie on the muddy ground again, he was afraid his father would cry alone.

    He could not leave.

    He had to stay.

    He wanted to stay, to stay, he had grown up, his shoulders were strong, he could bear many things, he could also bear the responsibility for this family.

    Thinking this way, his heart settled down.

    He finally fell asleep.

    At peace, without dreams.

    ...

    Early in the morning, Jiang Mianmian was already moring for her brother to carry her.

    Her arms stretched high, reaching towards her brother.

    She had not slept wellst night either, waking up twice to drink milk, urinating twice, and having a bowel movement once in between.

    She was still thinking about her brother leaving.

    But she could not express it.

    She was very worried that when she woke up, her brother would be gone.

    Like a little bear cub running away from home, bravely venturing into the world.

    So early in the morning when she saw her brother, she excitedly rushed over to be held.

    Her life was still very short, only about two months, but her brother, mother, father, and sister had apanied her for her entire life.

    To be separated from any of them, she would be very sad.

    Early in the morning when her brother patted her head, she obediently did not resist.

    But until their father went to work, her brother did not mention leaving.

    So her brother was not leaving?

    Jiang Mianmian was very happy.

    Of course, she hoped the family would stay together.

    The world was dangerous, and her ability was limited, if her brother went far away, and something happened, she would not be able to handle it.

    She clung to her brother all morning, not getting down.

    After eatingst night''s leftovers, a thick hot pot broth, their mother went to dig up wild vegetables.

    Her brother carried her, her sister led the white horse, and together they went to the roadside to wait for people.

    They also saw a rainbow, very beautiful.

    When the rainbow dispersed, Young Master He''s entourage appeared.

    Jiang Mianmiany in her brother''s embrace, curiously watching the entourage.

    Last time she was rescued, she had seen it once, but she hadn''t had a chance to look at it then.

    It could be described as an impressive procession.

    Many horses.

    Many belongings as well.

    In ancient times without traffic lights, it was unknown how they would pass when encountering several groups at an intersection.

    Jiang Mianmian thought about it, and she couldn''t help but drool.

    Young Master He dismounted and saw Jiang Feng''s sister drooling in his arms, triggering his obsessivepulsive tendencies.

    "That Jiang Brother!" he pointed at the baby in his arms, then at her mouth.

    Jiang Feng thought he still wanted to hold his sister, after all his sister was too adorable, loved by all who saw her.

    Moreover, they were about to leave.

    Carriage travel was slow, the Capital City was far, Qingzhou even farther, perhaps this would be their final farewell, maybe forever.

    Jiang Feng readily handed his sister to him: "Here, hold her again."

    He Chen hurriedly took the baby, pulled out a handkerchief, and helped wipe her drool, only rxing after it was cleaned up.

    Meng Shaoxia looked at the round-faced little girl chewing on grass and suddenly asked, "Little Yu, did you sleep wellst night?"

    Jiang Yu was a bit stunned, she was Jiang Yu, not Little Fish, only her brother called her Little Jiang Yu, not Little Yu.

    But seeing this square-faced brother was speaking to her, she nodded: "Slept very well, ate well, so slept very well."

    Meng Shaoxia smiled.

    He reached out his hand, and just as he was about to touch Jiang Yu''s head, he suddenly pulled it back.

    Jiang Yu looked up curiously.

    She thought he wanted to touch her headpiece.

    She smiled: "Is the flower on my head pretty? My brother gave me this red cord."

    Meng Shaoxia nodded: "Very pretty, extremely nice."

    Meng Shaoxia turned to Jiang Feng and said seriously: "Jiang Brother,e to the Capital City with me. Your family can travel with us, it''s not very peacefultely, with war and chaos."

    He Chen looked at Meng Brother, feeling that Meng Brother was indeed more decisive than himself at crucial moments.

    He had actually invited Jiang Brother''s entire family to leave.

    Jiang Yu was astonished, this square-faced brother wanted their whole family to follow him? Repaying a life debt by taking the whole family?

    Jiang Feng was also stunned for a moment.

    He had already decided not to leave, but Meng Brother''s proposal made his heart waver for an instant.

    But for his family to depend entirely on Meng Brother when they were neither rtives nor friends, unless they became servants.

    He shook his head and declined.

    "Thank you for the kind invitation, Meng Brother and He Brother. Feng was moved, tossing and turning unable to sleepst night, excited by the prospect. I have grown up without ever leaving home, my experience is shallow, and I have longed for the Capital City and Qingzhou endlessly."

    The youth paused, then continued:

    "I have never seen the prosperity of the Capital City, nor experienced the schrly atmosphere of Qingzhou, my heart yearns for it. But at home, my sister is young, my mother is introverted, my father is frail, and I am the only one in my prime. I long for the prosperity of distantnds, but I cherish the peace at home even more. So Feng, with gratitude to you two brothers, Feng will remain at home."

    Jiang Feng bowed in thanks.

    His eyes reddened, but his face wore a rxed smile, relieved by his choice.

    The youth dared not seek grand ambitions, for he had to take care of his family.

    The youth had no regrets.

    He would remain at home.

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66

    The rain had just passed.

    The grass by the roadside was lush and damp.

    And very green.

    Dew drops glistened on the des under the sunlight.

    Like the sparkling eyes of Little Jiang Yu.

    For Meng Shaoxia was about to depart, yet he even brought her a box of sweets.

    Meng Shaoxia unsheathed his sword from his waist, cradled it with both hands, and presented it to Jiang Feng.

    "This sword is named Morning Sun, bestowed by my grandfather. It has seen battle and blood, but only against those deserving of death. Jiang, upon our first meeting I felt an instant kinship with you, and wish to gift you this treasured de."

    Meng Shaoxia held out the sword.

    Jiang Feng was moved.

    He was ustomed to the ways of themoners, appearing honest on the outside, but not truly simple.

    His words and actions were more a subconscious rule for survival.

    But this squarely-jawed, noble youth from the capital before him was one of the few truly sincere people he had ever met.

    "No, no, no, I am unworthy of such a fine sword. It would be wasted on me," Jiang Feng hurriedly declined.

    In truth, he had no desire for Meng''s sword.

    At most, he had coveted the swords worn by the guards, which already seemed grand to him.

    The sword before him had an unadorned scabbard, with a simple floral pattern carved into it.

    The hilt was well-polished, showing signs of frequent use - this was no mere ornament.

    The most striking feature was the jade pommel at the end of the grip, its white slowly transitioning into a deep, bloody crimson.

    Brilliant scarlet.

    Its name was Morning Sun.

    Meng Shaoxia insisted on thrusting the sword into Jiang Feng''s embrace.

    "You are worthy. A heroic de for a valiant man. In days toe, from the distant capital, I shall surely hear Jiang Feng of Qingyuan Mountain''s name resounding."

    Cradling the infant, He Chen''s blood stirred at Meng''s gesture.

    The words escaped his lips: "Why don''t we be sworn brothers?"

    But Meng paid him no heed.

    Jiang was admiring the precious sword.

    The babe in his arms blinked wide eyes at him, dribbling once more.

    After presenting the treasured de, Meng Shaoxia then removed his jade pendant and offered it to Jiang Yu.

    "This jade pendant has apanied me for many years, bringing me fortune in times of peril. I gift it to you, Little Yu. Take it and mature, and do not misce yourself again."

    Jiang Yu had been dreaming of sweets, when suddenly this jade ornament was thrust into her hands. Startled, she clutched it tightly, fearful that if she loosened her grip, the jade would fall and shatter, leading to demands forpensation.

    She had never handled anything so precious before.

    "I, I, I don''t want it," Jiang Yu protested, extending the jade pendant back towards Meng Shaoxia''s face.

    "Do not be nervous. It is merely a parting gift. Look, we all wear ornaments just to present them as gifts upon meeting others," Meng Shaoxia exined with a smile.

    Behind him, an elderly attendant on the carriage covered his eyes.

    In this single journey, the young master had given away everything he carried, save for his clothes.

    That jade pendant was the Old Madam''s heirloom, passed down to the current young master''s generation - an exceptionally rare warm jade core, known as the Jade Spirit. Searching the entire realm may not yield another like it.

    Jiang Yu turned her curious gaze towards He Chen.

    Meeting Meng''s eyes, He Chen could only nod. "Yes, yes, a parting gift."

    He called out to his attendant, "Come, help me remove my jade pendant."

    The attendant took the jade pendant from He Chen''s person.

    Though not a heirloom, it was still an exquisite piece. But unlike what Meng had imed about wearing ornaments just to gift them, He Chen did not adorn himself as a walking jewelry stand.

    From now on, he would feel a pang whenever wearing a jade pendant.

    He hung the pendant on the swaddling cloth carrying the infant.

    "A parting gift for Little Cotton. When you grow up to be a beauty that topples nations, I shall boast that I once carried you in my arms," He Chenughed heartily.

    Little Cotton gazed at the jade ornament before her, utterly fascinated.

    She reached out her plump little hands to grab it.

    So smooth and cool to the touch, a perfect ring she could easily grasp. And beautifully decorated too, truly lovely.

    She liked it.

    Her chubby fingers slipped right through the center - it must be a jade bangle, the inner ring carved for wearing as a bracelet, though perfectly sized for an infant.

    Little Cotton shed a wide, toothless, drooling grin at the young master before her.

    He Chen watched the babe smile broadly once more, a puddle of drool apanying her joyful expression.

    It dispelled the mncholy of their parting.

    He had not expected Jiang Feng to refuse.

    Even if unwilling to apany them to Qingzhou, he could have gone with Meng to the capital. Meng was truly an exceptional man - righteous and noble, from an esteemed lineage.

    But Jiang Feng said he dared not leave home - his sister was but a young girl, his mother timid, his father frail. The youth proimed his duty was to care for his family.

    As scions of great ns, He Chen and Meng Shaoxia understood the plight of the nless.

    The worst punishment for a nsman''s misdeeds was expulsion - inevitably met with wails of anguished regret and pleas for mercy.

    For without a n, one was akin to driftwood, a wandering speck of foam.

    Subject to the abuse of all, grown men and stray mongrels alike.

    Jiang Feng''s family lived such an existence.

    Yet Jiang Feng''s refusal only earned He Chen''s greater admiration.

    He was indeed, as the verse proimed: "Knocking on thin bones, still ringing with a copper tone."

    A stalwartd of unyielding mettle. Though his rejection was unexpected, it seemed only fitting.

    The previous night, He Chen had written a letter to his uncle in the capital, transcribing Jiang''s poem and recounting his impressions. Whenever perplexed, he would confide in his uncle.

    Though upied with affairs, his uncle was ever attentive, responding to each inquiry.

    With a household in such disarray, it was his uncle''s devoted guidance that allowed He Chen to grow into an upright man.

    Perhaps there had been a premonition that Jiang Feng would decline.

    For he had deciphered the deeper meaning in Jiang''s verses.

    He Chen had his attendants prepare writing materials, paper, and the books he carried, leaving them all for Jiang.

    Meng Shaoxia had bestowed his treasured sword and precious jade, even leaving behind his fine steed.

    For the steed would not go of its own ord...

    He had not anticipated Jiang Feng''s rejection.

    Yet he had prepared many parting gifts for Jiang''s family.

    Many sweets.

    Fine grains.

    Bolts of patterned cloth, hair ribbons.

    But little in the way of silver coins.

    They dared not presentvish mary gifts, for fear of inviting cmity with excessive wealth.

    With lingering reluctance, their parting came atst.

    Meng Shaoxia turned back repeatedly.

    Gazing at his horse, at the young woman standing beside it, one hand holding a box of sweets, the other waving vigorously in farewell.

    Watching that youth, cradling an infant, a precious sword at his hip.

    The babe was even waving its little arms from Jiang''s embrace, as if bidding them farewell.

    Meng took a few steps forward, then turned back again.

    A few more steps, and another backwards nce.

    The young woman must have grown weary of waving, for she now sat on a roadside boulder.

    Seeing him look back, she raised her hand in another parting gesture.

    Unable to resist, He Chen also turned to look behind him.

    Watching those few figures dwindle into the distance.

    They were venturing ever farther away.

    ...

    In ages past, carriages and horses moved at such a sluggish pace.

    In ages past, the paths were ever so long.

    In ages past, people bidding farewell would invariablypose poems.

    In ages past, people cherished their bonds, for chances to meet were scarce, and partings even rarer.

    Li Bai wrote: "The waters of Peach Blossom Pool run deep a thousand fathoms, yet cannot match the depth of Wanglun''s parting affection."

    Wang Bo wrote: "Within these realms, true friends remain, though distantnds be like neighbors now."

    Wang Wei wrote: "I urge you, drink another cup of wine, for westward lies Yang Pass, with no old friends beyond."

    Bai Juyi wrote: "On the distant hills, grasses rise and fall with each passing year."

    Gao Shi wrote: "Fret not the road aheadcks kindred spirits, for who in all the world would fail to recognize you, friend?"

    ...

    Swaying upon their mounts, He Chen and Meng Shaoxia each became lost in contemtion.

    As if reciting their own farewells in silence.

    After traveling some distance, they neared a dense forest thicket, its tangled boughs utterly imprable, concealing any who might lurk within.

    An ideal ce for an ambush.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen exchanged smiles, then broke into heartyughter.

    For it was here they had encountered a band of roving rascals turned kidnappers, caught in the act of abducting a young woman who soundly thrashed her captors - not for attempting to sell her, but for neglecting to leave her parents a ransom note.

    A shadowed grove, a earthen path, the drone of cicadas - an utterlymonce scene.

    Yet the people they chanced to meet rendered it extraordinary.

    "What a marvelous journey this has been!" He Chen eximed with mirth.

    Meng Shaoxia nodded. "Indeed, marvelous."

    "Meng, were you perhaps smitten with Little Jiang Yu? That jade pendant of yours was the revered Jade Spirit - I''ve heard my grandmother speak of it often," He Chen inquired with curiosity.

    Meng Shaoxia said: "I admire her candor, her hearty appetite, and her sincere devotion to her family. My heart is filled with joy, but I do not wish to be presumptuous. Allow me to return and inform my parents, so that we may follow the proper marriage rituals ande to seek her hand."

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67

    After the rain.

    Clear sky.

    Jiang Wan changed into her male attire.

    Jiang Rong also changed into a new outfit.

    They left early in the morning and got caught in a bit of rain.

    By lunchtime, Jiang Huaisheng discovered that his son Jiang Rong was skipping school again today.

    He immediately pulled out his whip.

    Jiang Rong protested and shouted for help.

    He ran to his grandmother.

    "Father, listen to me, it''s not that I don''t want to go, but I''ve been feeling like someone suspicious is following me on the streets, it''s really creepy."

    Jiang Huaisheng didn''t believe him, thinking his son was making excuses to skip school.

    Others were also skeptical.

    But Old Lady Jiang spoke up: "Since Wu Liu''s incident, Rong, you''ve be sensitive and emotional. It''s understandable, but you should take it as a lesson. Don''t neglect your studies because of it."

    With his grandmother''s words, Jiang Rong could only nod obediently.

    "However, those two young masters are anxious to return home, indicating that the current situation is indeed chaotic. Huaisheng, write a letter to your sister and ask her to send some guards over."

    Jiang Huaisheng thought it would be troublesome to involve his sister, considering her sensitive status as the wife of the Seventh Prince, and sending guards would attract attention.

    But he was a filial son and always obeyed his mother''s words.

    Since his mother had spoken, he could only agree: "I''ll write the letter now."

    Jiang Wan heard her grandmother''s suggestion to have her aunt send people over and said happily, "Grandmother, I''ve painted a picture of us worshipping Buddha in the temple. Let''s send it to Auntie together so she can look at it when she misses you."

    Old Lady Jiang tapped her nose, "You mischievous girl, I''m not that young anymore. But your painting does resemble your auntie. However, your auntie doesn''t like worshipping Buddha, she''s quite wild. I wonder if she''s toned down a bit now."

    ...

    After the rain.

    Clear sky.

    Jiang Mianmiany in a wooden tub.

    Looking at the tree above her, there was a red string hanging from it, swaying in the breeze.

    When she got tired, she looked at her little ck ant.

    The little ck ant had brought her red bubbles, helped her carry the crutch, and even rallied a group of ants to try to move her.

    Now it was even more impressive.

    It brought her a horse.

    This horse, how should I put it, Jiang Mianmian didn''t quite understand the purchasing power of silver nowadays, but it was probably like an ordinary family suddenly having a Ferrari.

    Can''t even afford the gas...

    Can''t feed the horse every day with hotpot water, can we? Or just grass?

    Grass seems doable...

    Although her family''s meals were simple, watching the two precious horse young men eating so heartily made her want to taste a bite.

    It smelled so good.

    Jiang Mianmian really wanted tomunicate with Xiao Hei and tell him that not all creatures thate to their territory should stay.

    But Xiao Hei seemed to have gotten a bit smarter after the incident with the crutchst time, with a stronger sense of autonomy. Jiang Mianmian didn''t dare to casually give him spring water, afraid that she wouldn''t grow as fast as Xiao Hei.

    Xiao Hei didn''t care whether there was an owner or not. Once it reached its territory, it wanted to leave things behind.

    The precious horse young men''s horse was now tied to a tree, sometimes going to eat wild onions, and sometimesing over to sniff Jiang Mianmian.

    It felt very familiar.

    Xiao Hei had carved out a new nest on the horse''s head.

    A small ck ant proudly resided on the beautiful, fluffy horse mane, disying its might.

    Many people came to the vige.

    Watching the excitement.

    Never expected Jiang Feng to make it big, befriending influential figures.

    Truly the young master of the capital city, so generous.

    The gifts piled up one after another.

    In our vige, even an extra de of grass in someone''s yard sparks gossip, so with all themotion at the Jiangs'' these past few days, and hosting guests too, naturally, the vigers are curious.

    But previously, they didn''t dare to look.

    Only after the esteemed guest left did theye flocking to see what was happening.

    Cui''s mother watched with envy.

    She forcefully tapped Cui''s head and scolded, "You blockhead, look at others, so adept at socializing. You were rescued too, why didn''t you try to build connections? Look at all these gifts they received."

    Cui didn''t dodge the taps on her head, just murmured, "Didn''t you say we shouldn''t draw attention, to maintain our reputation?"

    Cui''s mother was speechless for a while, staring at the white horse, "Such a huge animal, how can they afford to feed it when people don''t even have enough to eat?"

    Just then, some guards came carrying things and said, "Our young master''s beloved horse is entrusted to Young Master Jiang. Here''s the fodder for it. It''s quite picky with its food. Thank you for taking care of it. The young master wille to take the horseter."

    People found this reasonable.

    After all, it''s not just any horse.

    So, they''re just asking for help looking after it for a while.

    They''lle back for it.

    Doesn''t that mean the young master from the capital city will return?

    Some envious eyes in the crowd eased up a bit.

    People looked around, but there wasn''t any money, just some fodder for the horse. It''s said that this horse is very valuable, it even eats eggs. If it gets thin while in the care of the esteemed guest, they might be punished upon their return.

    The word spread that Jiang Feng is helping the esteemed guest look after their horse, gaining favor with them.

    The vigers dispersed after the spectacle.

    The excitement died down.

    The courtyard became quiet.

    Jiang Yu received so many delicious treats for the first time, feeling bewildered, which one to eat first?

    She never thought she''d be worrying about such things in her life.

    Though worried, she felt so happy.

    She couldn''t help but bump her head against her sister''s belly.

    "Jiang Mianmian, Jiang Mianmian, you''re luckier than me. You''re so little, yet you get to taste all these delicious treats."

    Jiang Mianmian giggled as her sister''s head bumped against her, tickling her.

    Jiang Yu happily thought about what to eat.

    Jiang Feng was arranging the gifts.

    There were indeed many gifts, diluting the sadness of parting.

    Of course, only Jiang Feng felt a bit sad, while Jiang Yu was just enjoying herself.

    Jumping around.

    Jiang Mianmian felt more jostled in her sister''s arms than usual.

    "Brother, they''re so generous, why didn''t you go with them? If you went, maybe you''d be a general in the future ande back to treat us tovish meals every day."

    Jiang Feng''s slight sadness was chased away by Jiang Xiaoyu''s words.

    "Always thinking about food, never using your brain."

    Jiang Yu got a knock on her head, but it didn''t hurt at all.

    Her skull was tough.

    She chuckled, "Is having a brain just for the sake of living a good life? Well, living a good life means having good food. I''ll just skip using my brain and go straight to enjoying delicious food, right?"

    Jiang Feng: ...

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    What Sister said seems to make sense, although I feel something''s not quite right.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen divided the gifts they received into two piles.

    The poorer the family, the more they value gifts from others, keeping track mentally to ensure they reciprocate.

    Only two young masters stayed for a meal at their humble home, yet they received so many gifts, despite the meal being quite simple.

    They truly feel unworthy of receiving such generosity.

    And as for repaying the kindness, from families like theirs, there''s nothing they could ask for in return. They might never be able to repay in their lifetime, which adds to their sense of unworthiness.

    When bidding farewell, they each received a bag of dried meat. They had nothing else at home to offer, so they gave everything they had, even picking a couple of wild onions to include.

    Jiang Feng was sorting through He Chen''s gifts¡ªbrushes, ink, paper, and inkstones¡ªeach item precious to him. Besides these, the guards even brought a milk goat...

    While Jiang Yu, carrying her sister on her back, examined Meng Shaoxia''s gifts.

    She felt Meng Shaoxia''s gifts were more thoughtful and to her liking.

    There were many snacks, floral fabrics, and even a floral headpiece.

    She opened the bottom-most box.

    "Ah!" Jiang Yu eximed, then quickly covered her mouth.

    Inside the boxy a pair of rainbow-colored embroidered shoes, adorned with arge pearl, shining beautifully.

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68

    Night fell.

    Jiang Changtian returned home apanied by the moonlight once again.

    As he neared the vige, he saw a person standing by the roadside.

    He was startled.

    Upon recognizing the visitor, Jiang Changtian rxed.

    "Yan Laosan, what are you doing sitting here?" Jiang Changtian asked the man known as Yan Laosan in the vige.

    He was one of the few who addressed Yan Laosan by his name instead of calling him Laosan.

    Yan Laosan was also one of the few who called Jiang Changtian by his given name, Changtian, rather than addressing him as Laoer.

    "I was waiting for you," Yan Laosan said.

    "Perfect. We had guests yesterday, so there should still be some food left at home. Come and eat."

    Yan Laosan nodded, stood up, and stumbled slightly.

    Jiang Changtian gave him a curious look but said nothing more.

    The two men walked back to the vige together.

    The vigers were not surprised.

    Yan Laosan and Jiang Laoer seemed to have had a good rtionship all along, and everyone called him Laosan after Laoer started doing so.

    Yan Laosan was a little younger, but he neverbed his hair or shaved his beard, so he looked older.

    "Laosan, you''re going to Laoer''s house to mooch food again!" the vigers teased.

    "Laoer''s family has good food today. A noble guest sent them lots of gifts. Laosan, you sure know how to pick your timing."

    "Sly old Laosan!"

    "Laosan, you even brought a gift, just like a noble guest. What treasure are you carrying?" someone reached out to try and take it.

    Yan Laosan hugged the object tightly, not allowing anyone to touch it.

    "Jiang Erge, your daughter Fengr is not bad. My mother''s family has a niece who is hardworking and strong. I''ll bring her over to meet you soon."

    Jiang Changtian politely responded, either smiling or declining with courtesy.

    Yan Laosan, who would normally have retorted and argued with the vigers, using all kinds of reasoning, remained silent today. He hugged the object in his arms and followed Jiang Laoer slowly.

    The person who tried to touch Yan Laosan''s possession cursed, "What treasure? You''re holding it like it''s your family jewels!"

    The crowd burst intoughter.

    Theughter faded behind them as the two men continued walking.

    When Jiang Changtian reached his home, there were people waiting to greet him.

    Jiang Yu excitedly called out, "Father, Father!"

    Jiang Mianmian excitedly babbled, "Ya ya ya, ya ya ya" (Father, Father).

    Qin Luoxia smiled warmly.

    Seeing Yan Laosan, Qin Luoxia still smiled broadly and said, "Saaner is here, perfect. Let''s eat together."

    Jiang Yu politely greeted, "Uncle San."

    Jiang Feng also called out, "Father, Uncle San."

    Jiang Mianmian curiously looked at the visitor.

    He seemed to be very close to her family, like her father''s brother?

    But he was dressed even shabbier than her father and looked like he was in an even worse state.

    However, she was a well-mannered child. She waved her arms and joined in greeting him, "Suu suu suu..."

    Jiang Changtian washed his hands, picked up Mianmian, and smiled, "Yan Laosan,e here. She can even call you uncle now."

    Yan Laosan curiously looked at the little girl in Jiang Changtian''s arms. "She looks like you."

    He took a bronze token from his body and ced it in the swaddling cloth, saying, "This is my gift to you."

    Jiang Changtian was slightly surprised. This was a personal item, so why was Laosan being so formal?

    During the evening meal, the family sat together, with the addition of Yan Laosan.

    Yan Laosan ate intently, but then tears started falling from his eyes.

    "Sister-inw Luoxia, if I had known marrying you would mean such delicious food, I would have jumped off the bridge you crossed every day back then, so you could fish me out."

    Qin Luoxia tapped the table with her chopsticks and scolded him, "Saaner, if you say such nonsense again, I''ll beat you up. In front of your brother and the children, what nonsense are you spouting? If you jumped, I would have just watched you float away. I wouldn''t have fished you out."

    "My mother liked my father because he was good-looking. Uncle San, you''re not handsome enough," Jiang Yu bluntlymented.

    Yan Laosan justughed, then pointed at Jiang Feng and mocked, "Useless boy, even when a noble invited you to the Capital City, you didn''t go. If a noble took a liking to me, I would have run there happily, even if it meant carrying his shoes."

    Jiang Feng had sorted out his thoughts all evening and had let go of his regrets. Although he felt some disappointment, as a man, it was his duty to provide for his family, so there was nothing to regret.

    He responded cheerfully as usual, "What could I do, Uncle San? I couldn''t bear to leave my mother. I can''t find food as delicious as hers anywhere else. If you be sessful one day, take me with you, and I can eat and drink luxuriously."

    Yan Laosan suddenly said, "Alright then, I was nning to go out and make my fortune anyway. Fengr, I have no children of my own. Acknowledge me as your godfather. If I be sessful, I''ll take you to enjoy the finest food and drink. If I don''t make it, and I die, just remember to burn some paper offerings for me."

    Jiang Feng was stunned for a moment and nced at his father''s expression.

    Then he stood up and kowtowed three times.

    "Bam bam bam."

    "Godfather."

    Qin Luoxia pondered inwardly. This Laosan was acting strange today, going on about wanting to marry her, this little brat.

    Jiang Mianmian wondered if this man was one of her mother''s former suitors. Her mother had admirers too?

    Jiang Yu curiously asked, "Uncle San, can my sister and Ie too? We can burn paper offerings for you as well."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Everyone else: ...

    Yan Laosan''s eyes were red, but he couldn''t help butugh.

    "If you''re willing to acknowledge me, I''m delighted. All of a sudden, I''ve gained three children. My life is nowplete, and Ick nothing."

    So Jiang Yu hugged her sister, and they both kowtowed alongside their brother.

    And just like that, the three siblings gained a godfather.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t even get a good look at her new godfather.

    After the meal and drinking water, Jiang Mianmian had purposely added something to her father''s tea, but before he could drink it, their new godfather solemnly handed Jiang Changtian a bundle.

    "Changtian, this is my treasure. Help me find a ce to bury it. If I be wealthy one day, I''lle back and retrieve it. If I don''t return, consider me dead."

    "Where are you going?" Jiang Changtian asked.

    "I''m skilled at singing. I heard the nobles in the Imperial City love listening to singing, so I n to go there and sell my singing, and I''ll sell it to the highest bidder."

    After saying that, Yan Laosan became very excited. He snatched the water in front of Jiang Changtian and drank it all in one gulp.

    He went up and hugged Jiang Changtian, chokingly calling out, "Brother."

    Then he looked around at Jiang Feng, Jiang Yu, and Jiang Mianmian, and finally called out to Qin Luoxia, who was standing by the doorway, "Sister-inw, I''m leaving."

    Qin Luoxia felt that Saaner was acting strange, so she went back inside, took out a small piece of silver, added half of it, and added another full piece.

    She came out with the silver and handed it to her son, saying, "Go, give this to your godfather."

    Jiang Feng took the silver and ran after him.

    At the vige entrance, he gave the silver to his godfather.

    He watched his godfather''s figure disappear into the darkness.

    He felt a tinge of envy.

    He waved and shouted, "Godfather, you must work hard!"

    Yan Laosan didn''t look back as he walked away.

    From the darkness, a song drifted: "My heart''s true desire, though I die nine times, I''ll have no regrets..." (Note 1)

    The melodious song flowed endlessly, and the birds fell silent.

    ...

    ...

    ...

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69

    Night fell.

    The barking of dogs in the vige became quieter.

    Some barked gleefully, while others quieted down after a beating.

    In ancient times, people slept early.

    Candlelight was precious.

    Jiang Mianmian''s Father and Mom were still awake.

    Father opened a bundle, inside which was a jar that he didn''t open - it was sealed tightly.

    The night was pitch ck, yet the couple sneakily started digging a hole.

    Elder Brother and Elder Sister were already asleep.

    Father and Mom were acting like thieves as they got out of bed.

    Jiang Mianmian, bundled in Mom''s arms, was shaken awake in a daze.

    Only then did she realize what they were doing.

    The hole they dug was deep.

    Father personally ced the jar at the bottom.

    Then he covered it with soil.

    Layer afteryer of dirt, the jar slowly disappeared from sight.

    Jiang Mianmian was curious about what precious treasure they were burying so carefully.

    Was she to dig it out and take a look when she grew up?

    After the couple had buried the jar, they washed their hands and went back to sleep.

    Jiang Mianmian happened to have another nighttime feed.

    Then shey in the middle.

    In the darkness, she felt no fear, surrounded by the scent of Father and Mom on either side.

    In the darkness, she heard Mom whisper: "How could Third Son be so cruel to himself, how could he bring himself to do this?"

    Father didn''t answer.

    But Jiang Mianmian felt a slender hand gently stroking her back.

    She was almost lulled to sleep, when she vaguely heard Father say: "Third Son wille back, he''s more capable than me."

    "Yes, he acknowledged our child as his adopted son. If he can''te back, let the child burn paper offerings for him. He''s be an iplete man, pitiable. Even in the underworld, he''d be bullied."

    Qin Luoxia sighed andy down next to Father.

    Jiang Mianmian suddenly became a bit more lucid...suddenly understanding what Father and Mom had secretly buried.

    (¡Ño¡Ñ)...

    On his first day as her adopted father, Third Son had gone forth to seek his fortune, castrating himself with a sh of the knife.

    What a fantastical world this was.

    In the darkness, she spread her little feet and tasted them - they were a bit salty.

    She heard Mom''s soft snoring.

    She, too, snuggled up to Father and Mom, and fell asleep.

    Jiang Changtian listened to the even breathing of his wife and child, but he had not yet fallen asleep.

    He found it a bit hard to fall asleep.

    Feng didn''t follow the nobledy.

    He didn''t know if that was good or not - it seemed there was no bright future for him here, just like himself.

    But that day, Feng had given him a fright.

    He dared not think of what would have be of him and Sister Xia if Feng had left that day.

    As a father, he understood selfishness.

    He couldn''t bear for his child to seek fortune, worried that if he left, he wouldn''te back.

    He worried that if... if something happened to him out there, without his parents to collect his remains, the child would be left in the cold.

    Jiang Changtian didn''t dare sigh, he justy with open eyes.

    His eyes slowly became moist despite himself.

    In this small vige, the only one he could truly talk to was Third Son.

    He was his friend.

    He said his name was Yan Jiexi.

    Jie Xi had ruined his body, his yin and yang were imbnced. There were rumors of chaos erupting outside again, and the journey to the Capital City was long - he might not even make it there alive before dying on the road.

    That was what he wished for.

    He had already done it, he didn''t need persuasion, only to forge resolutely ahead.

    He didn''t needfort either, acknowledging the child as his adopted son wasn''t about having a way out, but because he knew it was a dead end.

    In this chaotic era, the path for the poor was like a series of narrow bridges...

    He felt a baby crawling into his embrace.

    Jiang Changtian wiped the corners of his eyes and pulled the baby closer.

    His small movement caused his wife Luoxia to suddenly reach out her arm and pull him and the baby into her embrace.

    He thought he had woken her up, but he hadn''t.

    Sister Xia was still snoring softly.

    Sister Xia''s strength was great - even in her sleep, her arm held them firmly in her embrace, to the point where he couldn''t break free. He chuckled bitterly, then finally fell asleep too.

    This time, he slept very soundly.

    Deep night.

    In a guesthouse''s firewood shed in the county town.

    A disheveled formy curled up.

    Looking like a dead person.

    But on closer inspection, his body trembled slightly.

    He had let someone castrate him, thinking he would be fine after resting for a few days.

    He needed to enter the pce, the living quarters of the noblest ofdies, and the only way for someone of no rank or status was to be castrated.

    Utterly lowly, treated like mere goods, that was the only way to gain entry.

    That ce needed arge number of castrated men.

    Because they died frequently, consumed quickly.

    However, he hadn''t expected to feel so unwell tonight.

    He thought he was going to die.

    His body emitted a foul odor for some unknown reason.

    His lower body didn''t hurt, but he sensed something wasn''t quite right down there either.

    His only constion was that it was summer - otherwise he would have frozen to death first.

    He curled up, thinking he couldn''t die, he had promised his adopted son to work hard and let him eat well and livefortably.

    He couldn''t die.

    He absolutely couldn''t die.

    The long night dragged on, torturously.

    And as he endured, the night eventually passed.

    Dawn broke.

    Slowly, rays of light pierced through a gap, shining onto a figure''s face in the firewood shed.

    Illuminating a face of indeterminate gender beneath matted, disheveled hair.

    His tattered, filthy form took on an otherworldly quality in that sliver of light.

    He hadn''t died.

    Day had broken.

    A filthy, beggar-like figure joined a convoy of armed escorts.

    He had two and a half silver pieces in his pocket.

    He sang loudly: "The road stretches ever long and winding..."

    The head escort scolded him, telling him to switch to a more auspicious song instead of that ominous one.

    So he sang again: "Whose jade arms cradle the beauty''s flowing locks, whose crimson lips have tasted the kisses of multitudes..."

    The head escort turned around: "Now that''s a nice tune!"

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70

    ...

    A letter travels slowly, just like a horse-drawn carriage.

    Time passes leisurely.

    When Inspector He finally received the letter from his nephew,

    It was during a chaotic time in the imperial court.

    In fact, the court was always in chaos.

    The Emperor enjoyed indulgences and was exceptionally intelligent. If only he devoted a fraction of his mind to governing the realm, it would not be in such disarray.

    A clever person who seeks pleasure will inevitably throw the court and kingdom into utter chaos. It would be better to have a foolish ruler and let capable ministers handle affairs.

    Inspector He was a rare official with ambition who cared for themon people while also considering the Emperor''s wishes.

    He had high intelligence and capability.

    But he was also very weary,

    Careful not to make any missteps.

    Inspector He had always held his nephew He Chen in high regard and supported his travels throughout thend.

    The Meng Family had fine traditions, and Chen made wise choices in his friendships.

    He received several letters along the way, witnessing his nephew''s growth. Though slightly naive, it was reassuring.

    Youth should possess a youthful spirit.

    Thest letter arrived especiallyte due to the turmoil outside.

    This letter was somewhat different from the previous ones.

    Itcked the usual youthful vigor but contained something else.

    He had made a new friend,

    One he referred to as a friend, indicating deep respect.

    But there also seemed to be some confusion.

    Shockingly, this friend was the son of an unfilial and disrespectful man.

    Chen had visited the friend''s home, which was impoverished. To entertain them, the family had to borrow grain.

    It was then that Chen realized grain could rue interest,pounding endlessly.

    Everyone in the vige wasndless.

    The fields belonged to Lord Liu.

    After years of famine, the vigers had mortgaged theirnd to Lord Liu to borrow grain and survive. Those who could not repay lost theirnd. If they died, their descendants inherited the debt.

    Seeing his nephew''s understanding of the vigers'' plight brought Inspector He great satisfaction.

    A thousand sentences in books cannotpare to personal experience.

    However, human nature is perilous, and his young nephew could easily be deceived.

    A man branded as unfilial and disrespectful must have some unsavory aspects, for such a crime is grave.

    In the previous dynasty, a son was condemned to a brutal execution for being unfilial and defying his mother, who was also sentenced to three years for failing to raise him properly. Both were deemed guilty.

    Though our current dynasty has no such cases, being unfilial is still a serious crime.

    "As this is a private family matter, I should not pry. But Uncle, could you investigate the background of the former Grand Preceptor Jiang''s youngest son? I find this man''s graceful demeanor and refined conduct most unusual. In his presence, even my nephew, who typically looks down on others, seems ill at ease."

    Inspector He recalled the case of Grand Preceptor Jiang.

    Jiang was the Preceptor of the Former Crown Prince. When the Crown Prince was demoted and confined, Jiang''s family was exiled. Later, the Emperor relented, reportedly due to pleas from Princess Huiyun, and pardoned Jiang''s exile sentence mid-journey.

    However, Jiang''s poor health could not withstand the hardship, and he passed away on the way.

    As this involved the Former Crown Prince, it remained a taboo subject in court.

    Aside from Princess Huiyun, the Emperor''s sister, no one dared mention it.

    Investigating would be troublesome, but he would keep an eye out for opportunities.

    Reading his nephew''s description of that family''s elegance, Inspector He shook his head.

    Perhaps their charm had simply captivated the youth.

    Ah, still a naive young man!

    But when he read his nephew''s poem: "That youth used a stick to write on the earthen courtyard: ''This horse is nomon steed, the stars are its true abode. Striking its lean bones ahead, still rings with a copper tone.'' Uncle, I was struck dumb, my mouth agape, speechless for a long while..."

    Upon reaching this part, the light letter in Inspector He''s hand suddenly felt heavy.

    "Striking its lean bones ahead, still rings with a copper tone."

    "Striking its lean bones ahead, still rings with a copper tone."

    "Striking its lean bones ahead, still rings with a copper tone."

    He first murmured it softly, then spoke louder, and finally recited it aloud as if lecturing an audience: "Striking its lean bones ahead, still rings with a copper tone."

    An image of a copper-boned youth formed in Inspector He''s mind.

    A name emerged in Inspector He''s thoughts.

    Copper-Boned Jiang Feng!

    ...

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71

    Early morning.

    Jiang Mianmian woke up.

    She felt that she was lying face down, so she mustered her strength, stuck out her butt, and with a plop, sess!

    Her surroundings grew bright.

    She had actually managed to roll over.

    Jiang Mianmian was a bit delighted. Heavens knew that for someone who couldn''t even roll over, she felt like a little turtle.

    She excitedly tried again, rolling herself onto her stomach once more.

    Another roll, and she was on her back again.

    She kept rolling over and over, getting increasingly close to the edge of the bed... (This book was almost finished again) when Qin Luoxia came into the room, her heart leaping in fright.

    She swiftly scooped up the baby and moved her to the center of the bed.

    Qin Luoxia was both startled and overjoyed, never expecting such a young child to be able to roll over already.

    Her Mianmian must take after her father, smart from a young age.

    Jiang Changtian finished washing up and entered the room, ready to tell his wife that he was leaving for work.

    But Qin Luoxia excitedly grabbed him, saying, "Husband,e quick and see, Mianmian can roll over now."

    Jiang Mianmian then, encouraged by her mother''s cheers and her father''s proud gaze, stuck out her butt, propped herself up on her little hands, and with effort, rolled over.

    She felt a bit shy, yet also proud.

    She struggled to keep her expressionposed, humbly awaiting praise.

    Sure enough, her father was overjoyed.

    He scooped her up and held her high.

    "Mianmian is so amazing! When you''re a bit older, daddy will buy you candy to eat."

    And he nted kisses all over her drool-covered face.

    Jiang Mianmian was ecstatic from the praise, drooling profusely herself.

    When her elder sister and brother woke up,

    Jiang Mianmian demonstrated her rolling over skills for each of them.

    Jiang Yu looked at her younger sister with envious eyes, sighing, "Little sister is so amazing, able to roll over so early. So agile! When you''re older, sister will take you to catch birds in the trees to eat."

    Jiang Feng was truly amazed.

    Watching his little sister effortfully stick out her butt to roll over, then lying there proudly with a smile, he felt thankful.

    Thankful that he hadn''t left home.

    That he hadn''t missed a single moment of his sister''s growth.

    Being able to watch his little sister grow up was a blessing.

    Jiang Mianmian was again scooped up and held high by her elder brother, showered with praise.

    She was overjoyed too.

    She thought, childhood is so nice, just being able to roll over was considered extraordinarily amazing.

    When you grow up, never mind rolling over, even doing a somersault wouldn''t earn any praise, some might even point and say, "Look, there''s a monkey!"

    Jiang Mianmian grew tired from all the rolling and had some milk, peed and pooped, theny there watching her brother practice swordsmanship.

    In the courtyard, a young man wielded a sword, practicing moves intently.

    The long de asionally made "woosh woosh" sounds as it cut through the air.

    This sword manual was what Jiang Feng had shamelessly begged Meng Shaoxia for.

    Sometimes, a bit of shamelessness is needed.

    The youth practiced swordsmanship very diligently.

    If he got thirsty, he''d drink a cup of water, then continue practicing.

    At first clumsy and awkward, he soon began developing form.

    He was learning very basic sword techniques, nothing tooplex.

    Since he had no foundation in swordsmanship, Meng Shaoxia had given him basic military sword techniques.

    Simple and easy to learn, without obscure intricacies, but distilled from the umted experience of generations.

    Jiang Feng was patient, practicing for two to three hours each day.

    He felt he was slow, not as talented as Meng, with worse natural abilities and a muchter start, his only advantage being diligence.

    He''d practice swordsmanship early in the morning and again before bed.

    The youth''s sweat flew.

    Initially, the youth''s sword chopped firewood into flying splinters.

    Mianmian had just learned to roll over, rolling back and forth.

    Later, the youth''s sword cleanly split the firewood, without any splintering.

    Mianmian could smoothly roll over, then sit up.

    Eventer, the youth''s sword sliced leaves off tree branches, without disturbing any other leaves.

    On this day, Mianmian had learned to crawl.

    Her progress was just as swift as her brother''s!

    The whole family praised her, just because she could crawl now.

    Her brother''s sword could cut leaves off trees, and Jiang Mianmian felt she had witnessed the legendary sword aura.

    But no one praised him.

    Everyone surrounded her with praise.

    "Little sister is so amazing, a true prodigy," Jiang Yu eximed in delight.

    Father pped and cheered her on from the side.

    Mother waved a hatchet around.

    Her brother held his sword aloft and sighed.

    A smile also graced his face.

    Everyone watched her crawl.

    Jiang Mianmian crawled so hard, so hard.

    She put all her milk-drinking energy into it.

    Because she knew, earning praise when grown up would be so difficult.

    Brother had achieved the sword aura, the sword aura... you all just take a look at brother, I only learned to crawl, it''s nothing that amazing, even if I couldn''t crawl now, I''d learn in a few months anyway.

    Never mind, it''s still childhood, the time to be able to earn praise, might as well give it my all, it''s just crawling a few steps, I can do it.

    She crawled in her thick padded clothes, crawling and crawling, until tired, then sitting up, identally rolling over, but the thick clothes meant no pain at all.

    The prodigious Jiang Mianmian had learned to crawl.

    Winter had arrived.

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72

    On a winter day, exhaling forms a puff of white mist.

    At the gate of the courtyard, one of the two trees sheds its leaves as the seasons change, now bare.

    The other tree remains a deep green hue that looks chilly.

    Jiang Mianmian, bundled in a thick padded jacket, adds more burden to her already awkward body.

    Making her appear adorably plump and round like a ball.

    At six months old, she mastered crawling, outright winning at the starting line ¦ä(£þ¦á£þ)¦ä.

    She used her time saved to... crawl.

    Crawling helps develop an infant''s vestibr-cereber coordination, a milestone in growth thatys a solid foundation for standing and walkingter on.

    One stride fast, every stride fast! (Roll on, champion Mianmian!)

    Qin Luoxia noticed her daughter loved crawling but was obsessed with cleanliness. This child wouldn''t touch a speck of dirt, refusing to grab anything unless she saw it cleaned.

    She insisted on crawling on a mat, never on the bare ground.

    Qin Luoxia wove a straw mat for her to crawl on.

    While crawling, a ck ant would often lead the way~~

    The family had long noticed the ant''s presence but assumed it was a guardian spirit since the hunchback was said to have been bitten to death by an ant.

    Other households had snake or fox spirits, but for Mianmian, it was an ant~~

    Jiang Mianmian would race the ant, always winning because the little ck ant would wait for her to catch up.

    The little white horse was also very fond of Mianmian. In her home, this horse didn''t serve as transport - Father didn''t ride it to work, and Jiang Feng didn''t take it into town for fear it might be too showy and get stolen, with nowhere to park it.

    So most of the time, the white horse just guarded the courtyard like a watchdog, standing by Mianmian.

    It was easy to feed, enjoying wild chives and even tree leaves. It didn''t eat much grain, which they couldn''t afford anyway.

    The world had grown more chaotic, with no word from those two young noblemen from the Capital City.

    The milk goat was sold because Mother felt it was an insult that shecked milk - she had plenty and it would be a waste. The household also couldn''t support tworge livestock, so it was sold for money.

    Jiang Mianmian worked hard at crawling with encouragement from the white horse.

    With such a magnificent white steed before her, she dreamed of riding it too.

    She imagined growing up to ride a sleek white Ferrari, making a stylish entrance.

    Though just an infant, Jiang Mianmian''s days were busy.

    Eating, drinking, relieving herself, and sleeping took up much of her time.

    While awake, she crawled to exercise and entertained her family with antics...keeping everyone amused.

    From news Father and Brother brought from outside, it seemed famine, banditry, and war gued thend.

    After the summer drought came the winter freeze, an exceptionally cold one this year.

    Jiang Mianmian had no personal experience of this.

    Her family was better off.

    At least they could eat their fill, though their clothes were still patched. But everyone had a padded jacket, and they''d reced their straw sandals with cloth shoes that had soles.

    Though their clothes didn''t look like much, the family''splexions were healthy.

    The vige gossipers with jealous eyes used them of sucking the horse''s blood, that one family couldn''t be supported by a single horse - they must all be "horse leeches."

    In reality, Jiang Mianmian felt the gifts from those two Capital City nobles contributed, but no family could rely solely on two gifts. Their current situation was mainly due to the family''s own hard work.

    Mother brought home game more frequently.

    Father earned more silver. (Jiang Mianmian didn''t know how Father managed it; he didn''t say, and Mother didn''t ask.)

    Her elder brother seemed to have found his stride, bringing home all sorts of odds and ends.

    Her elder sister had developed a knack for foraging in the mountains, always returning with delicacies.

    The mushrooms Sister dug up smelled so fragrant, even though Jiang Mianmian felt she might wet herself, that aroma made her drool three pounds'' worth.

    Yet Sister never had an issue eating them.

    Once those mushrooms were so vividly colored, more vibrant than Sister''s embroidered slippers by her bedside. Yet Sister boiled and gobbled them down, treating herself to extra portions. Aside from a couple of trips to the outhouse, she was perfectly fine.

    But the mountain hen Mother had caught and brought home to raise died from poisoning~~

    Because Sister had used that same pot to serve the hen''s food.

    Jiang Mianmian got a terrible fright.

    She dared not casually touch Sister''s food ever again~~~

    Sister earned a beating from Mother.

    A real beating.

    Jiang Mianmian watched with trepidation in her heart.

    Thankfully, to this day, she had never been struck by Mother.

    Qin Luoxia felt her youngest daughter''s cleanliness fixation was exactly like her father''s.

    Mother, who readily wielded an axe at the elder siblings, was most patient with the baby Mianmian.

    On this day, Mother didn''t venture into the mountains.

    In winter there was little game, or the animals hid deeper.

    She couldn''t catch too many, leaving some for food next year.

    The family was rationing their dried meat, enough tost this winter.

    Qin Luoxia sat on the straw mat doing needlework.

    Beside her was a brazier with a small fire going to keep the outdoor area warm,

    since Mianmian preferred being outside.

    This child was easy to care for, never fussy or crying, but insistent about certain things - cleanliness and sunlight.

    She disliked the dark, dingy house interior, only willing to stay indoors for sleep.

    Jiang Mianmian crawled over, struggling to sit before Mother to watch her needlework.

    Mother''s stitching was remarkably fine, surprising for someone Jiang Mianmian often saw wielding an axe.

    She pointed at the right side of her own clothes, wanting Mother to sew her a pocket.

    "Mama, mama, pocket," Jiang Mianmian said. She no longer drooled easily, and though her speech wasn''t clear, she could express herself.

    She simply didn''t understand where people kept their belongings, thinking it convenient to have pockets sewn into her clothes to put her hands in or carry her little friend the ck ant.

    Qin Luoxia was patching clothes for her eldest son Feng, whose garments tore quickly from sword practice and needed constant mending.

    Seeing her plump little daughter sitting before her, fat little hands with dimpled fingerprints outstretched, she felt utterly endeared.

    The baby girl was a miniature version of her husband, but even rounder and fairer, melting her heart at the sight.

    Unable to resist, she set aside her work to nt a kiss on those sweet lips, then asked, "Does my little treasure want me to sew pockets on her clothes?"

    Jiang Mianmian nodded her round little head seriously.

    Qin Luoxiaughed again.

    The more she looked, the more delighted she felt.

    "I''ll sew them right away," she said.

    Seeing the sun was quite bright and the brazier nearby kept them warm, she removed Mianmian''s outer garment.

    Jiang Mianmian cooperatively extended her arms.

    Qin Luoxiaughed once more.

    Her round face now had dimples on both cheeks.

    Perhaps it was from recovering after childbirth - her features weren''t as swollen or chubby as when Jiang Mianmian first saw her, making her look lovelier.

    Jiang Mianmian felt her mother exuded an innate maternal beauty; just being near her made her feel at ease.

    Qin Luoxia found two scraps of fabric and sewed them on where Mianmian had pointed, like patching holes. But she left the tops open instead of sealing them shut, creating makeshift pockets that could indeed hold small items quite conveniently.

    As Jiang Mianmian sat waiting for Mother to finish, her elder sister Jiang Yu returned and joined them by the brazier.

    Out of habit, she scooped up her little sister and cradled her.

    Jiang Mianmian leaned against her sister''s chest, sensing that her tiny "bread buns" seemed to have developed a bit~~

    Soft to the touch.

    "Mother, Achui is really getting married. You told me to take her a cloth, so I did, but it felt so underwhelming giving it. Why would a girl want to get married? She''d be freer staying at home," Jiang Yu said wistfully.

    She was a year younger than Qin Luoxia. Qin Luoxia was already of marriageable age, so she was probably not far behind.

    But the thought of that terrified her. Life at home was so good; at home, she would always remain a maiden.

    Qin Luoxia tapped Jiang Mianmian''s head lightly. "What nonsense are you thinking about? When you eventually meet your destined gentleman, not even he could stop you from getting married."

    Jiang Yu said with certainty, "That won''t happen. Living with others can never be asfortable as living at home, eating whatever you want, whenever you want, and however you want."

    "Mom, what are you doing?" Jiang Yu asked curiously as she watched her mother sewing something.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to herself, "Hmph, my sister will soon know about my innovative reform. Perhaps it will start a trend, and everyone''s clothes will have pockets in the front."

    "Your sister''s arms are short, so I''m sewing a couple of pockets on the front of her clothes for her to put things in," Qin Luoxia said tenderly.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...o(¨i©n¨i)o

    When Jiang Yu saw the pockets, her eyes lit up. "How convenient for carrying snacks!"

    "Mom, Mom, sew a couple for me too, no, six of them," said Jiang Yu, thinking she could use them to separate different snacks.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...o(¨s¡õ¨t)o

    "Are you silly? Your sister is just a child, so a couple of pockets are fine. But you''re a grown maiden. What would it look like with all those pockets? So foolish! Who puts things in outside pockets? What if someone saw it and asked for it? Would you give it to them?" Qin Luoxia scolded her.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Ah, let me just y cute. The great invention of the time-traveler has failed for the first time.

    The whole afternoon was spent idling by her sister and mother.

    The weather was cold.

    But theirpany was warm.

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73

    The winter night fell early.

    Father and Elder brother returned together.

    Outside was cold, but inside the house had a warm feeling.

    Dinner was prepared by Elder Sister, a big pot of soup, and it was a day to eat in rice.

    The family would eat in rice every two or three days, which Jiang Mianmian remembered clearly, and she would actively request to cook on those days.

    She wanted to soak the rice for a longer time so that it would yield more when cooked.

    After Jiang Changtian had warmed up, he came to hug his daughter.

    Jiang Mianmian also loved being hugged by Father the most.

    Seeing Father extend his arms, she couldn''t wait to pounce over.

    Being bundled up and well-fed, Jiang Mianmian had a substantial weight, like a small scale weight.

    She bumped into Father''s body.

    Jiang Changtian held his little daughter and was almost choked.

    He couldn''t help but cough.

    Qin Luoxia was startled, worried that her husband might catch a cold in the winter after not coughing for half a year.

    Last month, Old man Liu from the vige had just passed away from catching a cold.

    Jiang Feng took Mianmian over.

    Jiang Mianmian felt that everyone was too anxious about Father. She sensed that Father''s health was quite good, not that bad, especially since he had been drinking the Magic Spring Water.

    Father just had a thin physique.

    But she also enjoyed being held by Elder brother.

    Elder brother would lift her up and make her fly, really fly.

    Jiang Mianmian was thrown up into the air by Elder brother''s hands, then caught, thrown up again, and caught again.

    She found it very fun.

    She couldn''t help butugh "hee hee hee."

    Jiang Feng proudly said, "Mianmian can call me ''Brother'' now, how amazing."

    Jiang Mianmian''s drool even flew onto Brother''s face.

    She was securely caught back into Brother''s embrace.

    After ying for a while,

    the family began to eat dinner.

    Although the portions were divided, Mother, Elder Sister, and Elder Brother ate very quickly, always with a sense of urgency that if they ate too slowly, there wouldn''t be anything left.

    Father ate a bit slower, while Jiang Mianmian ate the slowest.

    She could now eat at the table because she could sit, in a small bamboo chair that Mother had made.

    She had developed self-awareness and resolutely refused to eat anything that Mother had chewed...

    Cut into pieces was fine, but chewed was uneptable.

    This was why Qin Luoxia felt that her youngest daughter was deservedly Father''s daughter, with that same cleanliness when eating.

    At this moment, only the father and daughter had not finished eating.

    Jiang Changtian ate elegantly, while Jiang Mianmian tried her best to eat neatly. After all, she wasn''t a real baby, and she would feel ashamed if she got soup and rice all over herself.

    But she was still a baby,cking dexterity with her hands, so she ate very slowly.

    She looked exceptionally obedient, a little baby slowly bringing the spoon to her mouth.

    It was not easy to precisely find her mouth with the spoon~~.

    Jiang Yu watched anxiously, "If my sister eats like this, she''ll starve if she doesn''t marry into a wealthy family in the future."

    She earned a head flick from Elder brother, "Don''t talk nonsense."

    As Mianmian was concentrating on eating, there was a knock at the door.

    "Bang bang bang!"

    Visitors at mealtimes were always uninvited.

    Jiang Changtian drank his soup, and Jiang Mianmian alertly looked at the food in front of her, wondering if she should hide the small pieces of meat.

    But she was an exception.

    Elder Sister quickly cleared the table, leaving only Mianmian''s food untouched.

    Letting her continue eating.

    Jiang Mianmian sat at the table and saw the visitor.

    The person who entered was an old woman wearing silk clothes, her face heavily made up, appearing quite frightening. (This paragraph is copied from Chapter 3.)

    She walked in a very awkward manner, one leg fine and the other a limp, hobbling in with a limp, limp, limp.

    It was none other than Sixth Aunt, who had broken her leg six months ago.

    She could now walk on the ground, but one of her legs wasme and would not recover.

    When Sixth Aunt came in and saw a plump, fair baby eating with meat in her bowl, she was amazed. The infant was incredibly beautiful, certainly well-fed with meat by Jiang the Second.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to herself that this old woman had previously said if she survived, she would eat three pounds of feces.

    But she hadn''t eaten any yet.

    With this thought, she looked at the dark pieces of meat in her rice bowl and suddenly lost her appetite...

    Sixth Aunt then turned to look at Jiang Yu, who had grown even more beautiful.

    She used to often hear Cui''s Mother say that her Cui was pretty, but now looking at her, Cui''s face was long and thin, clearlycking good fortune.

    Jiang Yu, on the other hand, was truly beautiful.

    After all, she had Jiang the Second''s genes.

    Remembering the tall white horse she had seen outside, greed was barely concealed in Sixth Aunt''s eyes.

    She hobbled in with a limp, smiling before speaking.

    She opened her mouth wide and said, "Good news, great news, Sixth Aunt hase to share the joy with you all!"

    Jiang Mianmian thought, here ites,st time this old woman came with "great news," it was to sell Elder Sister.

    What good news could there be this time?

    Seeing the Jiang family remain unresponsive, Sixth Aunt was not fazed at all and continued, "Elder Sister Yu has great fortune, Lord Liu has taken a liking to your Elder Sister Yu and wants to take her as his concubine, able to bear children immediately after entering his household. All you need to provide as a bride price is one horse."

    "Hic." Jiang Mianmian was so startled that she huped.

    Father patted her back.

    Qin Luoxia felt that breaking just one of Sixth Aunt''s legsst time was too merciful - she should have broken both her legs.

    Jiang Yu spoke up first, "I won''t be a concubine. Lord Liu is too stingy - in his household, they reuse the sticks for wiping after using the toilet, washing them before the next use. If he wants to take me, asking for our horse too? He can forget it!"

    Jiang Mianmian: ...Gross, I can''t eat anymore, I really can''t finish this dinner.

    Jiang Feng also said, "My sister won''t be a concubine. Lord Liu is even older than our father - Sixth Aunt, you should umte some virtue and leave."

    Jiang Changtian did not speak but simply looked at the old woman in front of him, even with a polite smile on his face.

    Qin Luoxia''s chest heaved up and down, her hand itching to reach for the axe.

    Sixth Aunt sneered at the family''s attitude.

    She hobbled over and sat down on a chair herself.

    "It''s only because Lord Liu heard that your Elder Sister Yu is fertile that he''s giving you this opportunity. Your entire family will be destitute - do you believe that if I shout in the vige that Lord Liu wants a concubine, there will be plenty of others sending their daughters?"

    "My daughter does not want such fortune. Sixth Aunt, please leave," Qin Luoxia firmly refused.

    Sixth Aunt waved her handkerchiefzily and said slowly, "This entire vige is Lord Liu''s territory. If you don''t marry her off, you''d better leave soon. Every mountain and body of water here belongs to Lord Liu''s family. Even the wild vegetables you dig up and the animals you hunt belong to Lord Liu. Lord Liu doesn''t keep ount, so you treat them as your own possessions?"

    "To put it bluntly, the very air you breathe is a favor from Lord Liu. If Lord Liu wants to drive you out of the vige, leaving would mean death. The outside world is in chaos now - there are fresh corpses lying by the roadside. With the turmoil outside, when would the nobles in the Capital City have time for you? If you''re sensible, you''ll obedientlyply - there''s still a path to life. Three days from now on an auspicious day, Lord Liu will send a small sedan to pick up Elder Sister Yu and the horse. Elder Sister Yu''s prosperous life lies ahead!"

    Having finished, Sixth Aunt paid no heed to the expressions of the others. She stood up and hobbled herme leg out, step by step.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74

    ...

    As night fell,

    Ming County also began its curfew.

    Without the bustling sounds of peddlers,

    the entire county felt deste and cold.

    The City God Temple closed its doors for the night,

    not even harboring the frozen bones of the dead.

    Across the street from the yamen, the Jiang Manor was brightly lit.

    Not because there was anything special happening at home,

    but because of Jiang Rong.

    Recently, Jiang Rong had stopped attending the county school,

    iming suspicious individuals were following him.

    His family thought it was just an excuse to skip school.

    Even Jiang Wan thought her older brother was justzy,

    casually dismissing his ims.

    Although Jiang Lady ordered guards to apany her daughter,

    who was the Seventh Prince Consort, over,

    it was more of a precaution than anything else.

    But they hadn''t expected Jiang Rong to almost be abducted by bandits.

    Fortunately, the guards arrived in time to rescue him.

    Jiang Rong wasn''t seriously injured,

    and he didn''t face the harsh punishment his father had threatened,

    but he was genuinely shaken.

    Because those bandits had actually killed someone,

    right in front of him, as casually as ughtering a chicken or sheep.

    Since then, Jiang Rong had been prone to night terrors.

    So, the Jiang Manor remained brightly lit at night.

    As an elderlydy, Jiang Lady already felt her years catching up to her,

    and now she had to worry about her grandson.

    As soon as Jiang Rong fell asleep, he would startle awake with fearful cries of "Don''t kill me, don''t kill me!"

    He hadn''t been to the county school in a while,

    but that was partly because things outside were too chaotic,

    and the county school had suspended sses for a while.

    During this time, Jiang Wan stayed with her grandmother,

    copying scriptures daily in her grandmother''s room,

    praying for her brother''s swift recovery.

    Although her brother wasn''t particrly sessful,

    he was always kind to her.

    Jiang Wan used to be frightened by her dreams,

    but now she wanted to dream again,

    to see the scenes more clearly.

    However, every time she woke up,

    she couldn''t recall the details,

    only a vague sense of the overall direction or encountering certain people.

    She felt it was a warning from the heavens.

    In fact, since she was young,

    she felt somewhat different from others.

    She seemed to easily make others like her,

    but only if she genuinely treated them well;

    if she didn''t like them, their affection wouldn''tst.

    So, she constantly reminded herself to be sincere and kind.

    Night fell.

    Jiang Huaisheng and his wife suddenly came to Jiang Lady''s room.

    Jiang Lady frowned and asked, "Is something wrong with Rong''er again?"

    Jiang Huaisheng shook his head, while Wu bowed her head.

    Jiang Lady looked at her son and daughter-inw;

    her son resembled his father,

    handsome and upright, which she liked,

    but her daughter-inw was too enchanting in appearance

    and too free-spirited in nature, which she had always looked down upon.

    "Mother, Fei''er has good news; I came to tell you."

    Jiang Lady forced a somewhat stiff smile and nodded, "Good, Wu, take care of yourself, don''t worry about household matters."

    "Mother understands, thank you for your hard work," Wu obediently replied.

    She had always wanted to have another child,

    but her husband said the times were tough,

    and being pregnant meant suffering in this world.

    After each childbirth, she would drink contraceptive soup.

    But this time, with Jiang Rong''s brush with danger,

    her mother-inw mentioned theck of heirs in the family,

    so she stopped drinking the contraceptive soup,

    and finally became pregnant again.

    She didn''t necessarily want to rece Rong''er, but she felt that having more offspring in the family would bring greater prosperity.

    As she watched her son and daughter-inw leave, the olddy unconsciously furrowed her brows. She felt that Wu was heartless; Rong''er struggled to sleep at night, yet she could still conceive. However, she also acknowledged that having more descendants would indeed be beneficial.

    Jiang Wan furrowed her brows lightly. In her dream, she saw their family would soon be heading to the capital. If her mother conceived at this time, when would they be able to leave?

    Moreover, she probably didn''t have any siblings.

    These changes left her somewhat flustered.

    For example, their two elder brothers unexpectedly sent many gifts to Uncle Er''s family before leaving.

    She hadn''t expected them to know each other.

    Jiang Wan let out a soft sigh.

    Hearing her granddaughter sigh, Jiang Wan patted her back. She knew that only Wan''er was most considerate, understanding her. Wan''er must also be worrying about her elder brother.

    "Grandmother, those mountain bandits are despicable. They said they kidnapped the wrong person; they meant to kidnap a libertine surnamed Jiang, referring to Jiang Feng. He causes trouble, so why should my brother bear the consequences for him? My brother is such a good person, never having done anything wrong, yet he suffers such a great injustice. I''m truly heartbroken," Jiang Wan said sorrowfully, leaning against her grandmother''s arm.

    Jiang''s grandmother twirled her prayer beads in her hand, much faster than usual.

    "Good will be rewarded with good, and evil will be punished. Those who do wrong will meet their demise. Wan''er, don''t worry. You''re still young, you don''t need to stay with me. Rest early," she said.

    "Yes, then I''ll go check on my brother again. Grandmother, you don''t need to worry too much; everything will be fine."

    Night fell, and bright rednterns hung high. A young girl dressed in a white ruqun walked in the courtyard, politely greeting the guards as she passed by.

    Like a fleeting flower, pure and beautiful.

    ...

    Night fell.

    Silent.

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t finish her dinner; she just couldn''t eat. At this moment, she was nestled in her mother''s arms, nursing.

    Actually, she was already quite big, feeling that she could wean off milk. But she was greedy for her mother''s embrace.

    Drinking milk gave her a sense of security. No matter what happened, she felt fearless while nursing.

    Jiang Mianmian had just felt that their family life was going well, but she didn''t expect such a thing to happen.

    In fact, their so-called well-being was just being able to eat a meal of in rice every three days.

    But even so, their whole family was content.

    But even so, it couldn''tst.

    Even the milk Jiang Mianmian was drinking tasted bitter, really.

    With no appetite, she sat on the bed, unable to resist putting her fingers in her mouth¡ªshe really couldn''t resist it, like a baby unable to control their hands, they easily put them in their mouth, especially since she still had her milk teeth.

    She sat there earnestly sucking her fingers, participating in this major event in the family.

    What to do? What to do?

    Seeing the whole family''s serious expressions, even her little sister was sucking her fingers with her round face furrowed, Jiang Yu spoke up, "Otherwise, let me go. I''ll find some poisonous mushrooms and make them for the whole family to eat, so we''ll all die together."

    Jiang Mianmian stared wide-eyed at her sister, feeling an itchiness in her gums, as if a tooth was hardening and about to erupt.

    These words were once spoken by Jiang Feng, but in the past six months, as he practiced swordsmanship, his swordsmanship improved, and his heart became even more tranquil. It was because he also studied books, which were not easy toe by these days. Previously, he had no books and relied solely on verbal teachings from his father.

    The only book he had was the "Materia Medica," which his father had organized for him, copied on paper avable from the yamen.

    But the books sent by Master He were excellent. He flipped through them every day, and in fact, had already memorized them backward. Touching the words on the paper still made him feel precious.

    One of the books was the "Book of Penal Law," which described the corresponding punishments for various wrongdoings.

    If one were to murder an entire family, they would undoubtedly be sentenced to death.

    He deeply believed that now, wielding his sword, he could ughter twenty-three people from Master Liu''s household in one night. But if he did so, he would have to flee to the ends of the earth, and it would also bring trouble to his family.

    Qin Luoxia gritted her teeth. Who would go to Master Liu and speak ill of her daughter? Why did so many people target her daughter?

    Let her know, she would stab him with a spear.

    Jiang Changtian''s slender fingers lightly tapped his knee. After a long time, he spoke, "Go to sleep. Your father has a way. Don''t talk about living or dying. It hasn''te to that point. As long as your father is here, he won''t let you be someone''s concubine."

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75

    Morning.

    The Bearded wonton stall was steaming hot.

    The aroma could be smelled from afar.

    The neatly dressed Jiang Changtian was passing by the stall, but he usually wouldn''t stop.

    He rarely ate food from outside.

    First, it was a waste of money, and second, his stomach was weak, so he might not be able to tolerate anything he ate.

    Moreover, he had already eaten before going out.

    His appetite was quite mild, and just filling his stomach was enough.

    But today, he unexpectedly saw a person at the stall who absolutely should not have been there.

    It was his extremely well-mannered elder brother, Jiang Huaisheng.

    He thought about it for a while and stopped his steps, waiting.

    Soon, he saw the maning with a food box, smiling.

    His elder brother was actually buying this kind of street food himself, when there were cooks in the manor.

    "Elder brother."

    In the cold wind, Jiang Changtian trembled slightly and called out.

    Jiang Huaisheng looked up and saw the man in front of him, who was taller than him.

    He was taken aback for a moment.

    "Elder brother, what are you doing here?"

    The smile on Jiang Huaisheng''s face hadn''tpletely faded, showing that he had encountered something he was very happy about.

    "Fei''er is pregnant."

    Jiang Changtian responded subconsciously, "It''s not my business."

    Jiang Huaisheng: ...

    His smile disappearedpletely, and his expression became solemn.

    "What are you doing here?"

    "I''m going to work, I''m not like you, elder brother, who has food and clothing in abundance. I have to work to support my family." Jiang Changtian said indifferently.

    Hearing the yin-yang tone, Jiang Huaisheng couldn''t help but get a bit angry.

    He knew that their mother had secretly helped Jiang Changtian with some money, and there had always been an expenditure in the household, although he didn''t manage the family affairs. Sometimes he would even check the ounts, otherwise, in this world, when others didn''t have enough to eat, why should Changtian, who couldn''t do anything, be able to raise himself and his children so plump and healthy.

    He was angry at his brother''sck of struggle, his absurd behavior, and his mouth full of lies, which made their mother worry.

    Jiang Huaisheng was very filial, so he hated the unfilial ones the most.

    Their father had favored the younger brother since childhood, but he actually shattered the medicine that saved their father''s life, and their father never closed his eyes until death - this was a thorn in his heart, a beast.

    His wife Fei''er had always been lenient towards the younger brother, worrying about his clothing and food in hot and cold seasons, but he actually had such a despicable heart, worse than a beast.

    "You have be a father, take good care of yourself." Jiang Huaisheng didn''t want to talk to him anymore, and his good mood in the morning hadpletely dissipated.

    Fei''er said she wanted to eat street food, and he didn''t dare to trouble others, worrying that his mother would be concerned, so he came to buy it himself.

    Jiang Changtian suddenly spoke, "Rong''er heard that he was frightened, is he doing better now?"

    "Rong''er was frightened on behalf of Feng''er, but before that, his bodyguard Wu Liu had injured Feng''er, and now Wu Liu is also dead. Mother said that Wu Liu''s death is definitely rted to you. I don''t want to pursue it further, let''s just leave it at that." Jiang Huaisheng also loved his eldest son very much, and his love was apanied by strict discipline.

    He saw Rong''er''s current condition and learned that he had personally killed several mountain bandits, but found that the target was actually Feng''er, and it was Feng''er who had done it on purpose.

    His younger brother had been of a strange character since childhood, and he didn''t expect that his brother''s child would also be like this, with a crooked temperament from the roots.

    He looked at his brother with an increasingly disgusted gaze, considering himself a gentleman.

    Jiang Changtian just looked at his elder brother. His elder brother''s clothes were brand new, unlike him, whose clothes were already worn out at the edges, and his sister Elder Sister Yu had tried her best to patch them up, but they were still whitened from wear.

    He smiled and said, "The day after tomorrow, Lord Liu in our vige wants to take my sister Elder Sister Yu as a concubine. Elder brother, would you be willing toe and drink some congrattory wine?"

    Jiang Huaisheng stared in disbelief, almost throwing the food box at his brother''s head.

    How could he have the audacity to say such a thing, that he would let his daughter be a concubine.

    "Are you crazy?"

    "I''m not crazy. Lord Liu is six years older than you this year. He said he wants to take Elder Sister Yu, otherwise he will drive us out of the vige and we''ll have nowhere to stand." Jiang Changtian looked at his elder brother.

    At this moment, his face was almost exactly like his elder brother''s, just a bit thinner.

    He remembered his elder brother''s appearance very clearly, because when he was young, he admired his elder brother deeply. His elder brother was physically strong, decisive and fair, and also treated him well.

    It was very cold in the winter day, and standing and talking for a while made his body somewhat stiff.

    Actually, he didn''t feel too cold. This year, as the winter set in, his physique had be much better than before.

    In the past, he always had a hard time in the winter, coughing severely, with painful joints.

    This year, he rarely coughed, and his joints didn''t hurt much either.

    He felt it was thanks to Sister Xia, who had gone over mountains and valleys to find all kinds of nourishing things for him to eat in order to strengthen his body.

    But at this moment, standing in front of his elder brother, he still felt a little cold.

    He shouldn''t have said those words.

    But he still said them.

    Perhaps deep down, he still had some yearnings for his elder brother.

    Because in the past, his elder brother''s gaze towards him also had a touch of tenderness.

    He still remembered the exile journey, when his elder brother carried him and walked for a very long distance. That day, his elder brother''s feet were all blistered and bleeding.

    He remembered his elder brother only had one steamed bun, and he gave him half of it.

    That time was really good, he wished he could walk that road for the rest of his life.

    That road was so difficult, but to him, it was thest warmth.

    Because on the road, his mother didn''t push him away either, and he even leaned against his mother''s leg and slept on the cart for a night.

    Jiang Changtian smiled as he looked at his elder brother.

    His elder brother came to buy street food himself, so his elder brother must have expectations for his next child.

    He also wanted to brag a bit to his elder brother about how good his little daughter was, how smart and obedient, and how she looked just like him.

    The cold wind was blowing.

    He just said:

    "Congrattions, elder brother, you are going to be a father again."

    As a father, one must protect one''s own child.

    He still had to go out and hustle.

    After saying that, he quickly turned and walked away, his figure slightly unsteady and hurried.

    He soon disappeared into the white mist.

    Jiang Huaisheng looked at the retreating figure, thin and tall.

    In the winter, others would dress in bulky clothes, but he wouldn''t, he was still broad like the wind was blowing through him.

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76

    Jiang Manor.

    The early morning was still peaceful.

    Jiang Huaisheng brought his wife a small te of dumplings from the roadside stall, but they had already cooled down.

    Mrs. Wu took only one bite before turning pale and feeling nauseous.

    Jiang Huaisheng patted her back until she felt better, then said, "The weather is cold and the roads are slippery, you should not go out. You can walk around the house if you''re bored, or read some books."

    He then went to pay his respects to his mother.

    Jiang Huaisheng hesitated for a moment, then brought up the matter of Elder Sister Yu.

    "Mother, may I send someone to warn that arrogant Lord Liu?"

    Lady Jiang rubbed her rosary beads.

    Jiang Wan and Jiang Rong were already at their grandmother''s side, keeping herpany for the morning meal.

    Hearing her father''s words, Jiang Wan covered her mouth in surprise. Was Elder Sister Yu still going to be a concubine?

    Jiang Rong, with his chubby face and prominent dark circles, said, "That sharp-tongued and biting Jiang Yu, who would want her as a concubine? Their eyes must be blind!"

    The matriarch simply asked, "Why did you go out so early? There is chaos and unrest outside, Rong''er nearly got into trouble, if anything were to happen to you, it would break this old woman''s heart."

    When asked why he had gone out, Jiang Huaisheng did not want to say, fearing that his mother would think it was because of Fei''er''s greed that made him go.

    He could only listen as his mother scolded him.

    ...

    Jiang Changtian arrived at the yamen.

    He saw the secretary berating the constables.

    There was scolding on normal days, but today it was especially loud.

    Jiang Changtian quickly stepped back.

    If the constables saw him witnessing their reprimand, they would tease him and bully him in return.

    "The mountain bandits from J¨« Mountain County have rebelled with themoners, they''ve killed the County Magistrate and crowned themselves king. Now they''re bringing more and more people to attack the provincial capital, the Magistrate hasn''t slept all night, and you all are just lounging around. If the rebelse here, what can you do? Wee them with open arms?"

    Jiang Changtian left the yamen.

    The yamen was in disarray today, no one would pay attention to him.

    He was just a minor official in the Medicine Preparation Department, with little power.

    In fact, he had once earned the favor of the County Magistrate, who looked highly upon him, but after learning that he was an unfilial and ungrateful person, the Magistrate had be filled with disgust towards him.

    Whenever they crossed paths, the Magistrate felt it was inauspicious, and avoided him.

    His life was like being trapped in a short wooden barrel, with a lid that prevented him from rising up.

    No matter how dexterous or eloquent he was, he could only struggle within the barrel.

    He was only fit to converse with the lowly.

    He wandered around the market.

    There were still many people on the streets during the day, as they had to make a living.

    The Medicine Preparation Department was responsible for procuring medicinal herbs.

    In addition to the mandatory allocations from the viges, the yamen also had a budget to purchase herbs.

    As a minor official, Jiang Changtian had the power to make these small-scale purchases. Since herbs were numerous and fragmented, it was not a major business, and the higher-ups did not pay much attention to it. However, the previous manager had been beaten to death for losing some of the herbs.

    Jiang Changtian went to a small inn at the edge of the city.

    "Master Jiang hase," a young boy saw him and excitedly ran over.

    The boy''s mother''s illness had been cured by the medicines Jiang Changtian provided for free.

    He thought Jiang Changtian was much more capable than the local doctors.

    Jiang Changtian entered the courtyard of the inn, where there were quite a few people, all looking fierce and burly.

    He asked as usual, "Do you have any herbs today?"

    Seeing the frail and delicate-looking man enter, the others restrained their violent aura.

    An old man with a scarred face approached, smiling, "Master, why have youe to collect the herbs so early? Normally youe in the afternoon."

    Jiang Changtian frankly exined, "The secretary was scolding people, I was afraid of getting into trouble, so I came out first."

    The old man chuckled, "The secretary is the Magistrate, you should indeed avoid him. The herbs we have this time are not many, take a look and see if you can use them. The medicine you gave me for my bruisesst time was very effective, do you have any more? The times are turbulent."

    "Who says they aren''t? The secretary said the mountain bandits from J¨« Mountain County have attacked the county yamen, overthrown the Magistrate, and crowned themselves king. I heard the authorities have already sent troops to deal with those constables."

    The old man paused for a moment, then casually asked, "Troops from where?"

    Jiang Changtian shook his head simply, "I don''t know the details, I just caught a bit of it, something about trapping them like crabs in a pot, so I quickly came out."

    He continued, "If you ask me, attacking the yamen is just courting death. If they need money, they should go rob the wealthy families, like Lord Liu in our vige. He''s going to take a sixth concubine in a few days, his household has mountains of gold and silver, yet he still wants to have more children to inherit it all."

    The old man slowly turned to get the herbs, slowly saying, "Master, how did you know Lord Liu is taking a concubine?"

    Jiang Changtian looked at him earnestly and said, "Lord Liu is from our vige, of course we know he''s taking a concubine. He''s famous for being frugal, acting poor on the outside, but his cer is full of silver. He buries silver coins in the ground, but they still peek out, and the farmhand who''s a rtive found them."

    Jiang Changtian took the herbs, "Is this all? The quality isn''t great, I''ll take them, but the price should be two coins less than before, otherwise I can''t exin it."

    Jiang Changtian took the herbs, and also said, "Have the youngde with me to get the ointment, I still have some left, not much though."

    The old man had the boy who had called out to Jiang Changtian earlier help carry the herbs.

    Jiang Changtian carried the light bundle himself, while the boy shouldered arge load, and the two figures disappeared into the alley, vanishing from sight.

    This was a bandit hideout.

    The bandits'' stronghold was deep in the mountains, which also made it suitable for collecting herbs.

    Jiang Changtian woulde regrly to collect the herbs.

    His low status meant he associated with these riffraff.

    As he walked out of the alley and headed back towards the yamen, when he passed the big-bearded dumpling stall from this morning, he suddenly spoke to the youngd, "Are you hungry?"

    The boy swallowed hard and shook his head, "No, sir."

    Jiang Changtian handed the stall owner six coins, "Give arge bowl, with more broth, and an empty bowl as well."

    The stall''s sign said the price was five coins per bowl.

    The owner quickly took the money and provided a bowl of dumplings and a bowl of broth.

    Jiang Changtian led the boy to a small table by the stall and sat down.

    The boy thought the broth was for him, and he was already very happy, as it was meat broth and the dumplings had meat in them.

    But Jiang Changtian pushed the dumplings towards him and drank the broth himself.

    "Eat, I''ve already had breakfast."

    Jiang Changtian slowly sipped the broth.

    The boy was mesmerized by the steam rising from the dumplings, his eyes filled with tears.

    Master Jiang was so kind, if his father were still alive, he must have been just like Master Jiang.

    His father had been killed by a powerful lord, who had wielded a precious sword and struck him down.

    That lord looked a bit like Master Jiang, but Master Jiang was much more handsome.

    He ate the dumplings, tears streaming down his face, the dumplings were scalding hot.

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77

    Sixteen.

    It is auspicious to call friends and have fun, drinking tea.

    Inauspicious to write. (The author''s true thoughts~~)

    ...

    The cold wind is biting.

    Jiang Changtian sent away Little Dou.

    Little Dou''s pouch was filled with ointment for treating bruises and sprains.

    He quickly left the yamen.

    He has a natural fear of the yamen.

    Because he knows what his uncles do.

    But Old Scar Uncle told him toe and be sharp.

    He saw that there were many more people in the yamen than usual, all bustling about, as if preparing for something big.

    Little Dou was afraid, and walked faster than usual, but couldn''t help looking back at the man standing in front of the small house, Mr. Jiang.

    He ran a few steps, then stopped and waved to Mr. Jiang.

    Mr. Jiang is a good person.

    His mother said that one should remember kindness.

    The gentleman also waved to him, with a rather serious expression.

    Little Dou followed the gentleman''s gaze and was startled - the one in therge robe and hat must be the County Magistrate, the County Magistrate actually came out, and he saw him up close, he was quite curious.

    He saw the County Magistrate was seeing off someone, the County Magistrate was bowing to a graceful olddy.

    Wearing such arge official uniform, yet able to bow, the circles on his waist swaying.

    Little Dou paused for a moment, and was scolded by someone, startling him back to his senses, realizing he had gone crazy, actually watching the excitement in the yamen.

    This time he fled without looking back.

    He soon disappeared from sight.

    The graceful and magnificent olddy the County Magistrate personally saw off was Old Lady Jiang, Jiang Changtian''s mother.

    Because there was some unrest in the county, the County Magistrate had specially invited Old Lady Jiang, who had imperial guards, toe and discuss it.

    Jiang Changtian had not seen his mother for a long time.

    His mother had not changed.

    Just as he remembered.

    Graceful and elegant, even in this small county, she had an innate aura.

    Under this elegant demeanor, even the most gentle interactions with people would make them feel somewhat awe-struck.

    He had aged.

    His mother was still young.

    He had be the father of three children.

    His mother was still young.

    His mother was apanied by a beautiful youngdy.

    About the same age as his Elder Sister Yu, who was always thinking about food.

    The youngdy was polite and courteous, not obsequious nor haughty in front of the County Magistrate, aloof yet approachable, very much like Old Lady Jiang.

    Sensing something.

    The Old Lady Jiang, who was chatting with the County Magistrate, turned her head.

    She saw the tall, thin young man standing by the small door.

    That young man''s face looked very much like her eldest son, startling her.

    Jiang Wan also turned her head and saw that man.

    In appearance, he resembled her father by six parts, but also seemed much more handsome.

    Just standing there, he had an air of autumn winds and autumn waters.

    His bearing was even more like a gentleman than the County Magistrate before them.

    The County Magistrate also noticed the change in the Old Lady''s expression.

    He found an excuse and hurriedly took his leave, saying he had important official business to attend to.

    Not interfering in family matters.

    Jiang Changtian paused.

    After having Feng, he had be much more steady.

    He even often reflected on himself.

    Only after bing a parent did he understand a parent''s grace.

    Feeling that he must have done many things in the past that had hurt his mother.

    Later, when he taught Feng to read and write, he found that Feng was exceptionally intelligent, even more so than himself. Poems and books that he had to read several times to remember, Feng could recite after reading them just twice.

    Feng, with her little buns, stood in front of him swaying as she recited the long poems and texts.

    Jiang Changtian was overjoyed.

    A surge of emotion and gratitude filled his heart.

    So the next day, he specially went to the Jiang Manor. He knelt at the manor gate for half a day, and then knelt at the Old Lady''s door for half a day.

    He knelt until it was dark.

    Only then did he see his mother.

    The new baby of the eldest brother was as beautiful as ice and snow, and a smile blossomed on the Old Lady''s face.

    The eldest brother was also joyful.

    He understood this feeling of being a parent.

    He thought that since they were all happy today, his request should be easier to grant.

    He didn''t seek glory and wealth, didn''t seek high status and grand manor, he only wanted one word from his mother. He didn''t want to take the imperial examinations, nor did he aspire to be a top schr, bringing glory to the family. He didn''t dare to dream of that.

    He only hoped that Feng could study and progress normally.

    He hoped he could leave a path for his child.

    Not for you to pave, just don''t obstruct, and we''ll climb it ourselves.

    He knelt for a day.

    His health had never been good.

    He was already tottering.

    He knew his appearance was pitiful.

    He thought, seeing him so pitiful, his mother might have a little sympathy.

    After all, she was his mother.

    The mother saw him.

    The ice-and-snow beauty of a baby suddenly wailed loudly.

    The mother, without a word to him, hastily had him driven out.

    The whole family gathered around the baby, concerned about something amiss.

    He never got a single nce from his mother.

    That night was also so cold.

    He almost thought he would die.

    In the end, it was the night watchman who supported him to the corner of the wall.

    He leaned against the wall, looking at the darkening sky, thinking of ending it all.

    Because the darkness before him had no end.

    Finally, Sister Xia came to find him.

    Sister Xia said nothing.

    She carried him back to the vige.

    Just like that year, when Sister Xia fished him out of the water and carried him home.

    That path was so dark.

    He burned with a fever.

    Sister Xia''s shoulders were so warm.

    After that, he never set foot in the Jiang Manor again.

    Even though he passed by it daily on his way to work, to him it was as distant as the ends of the earth.

    He hadn''t even seen his mother.

    Strange, mother and son had not seen each other for many years.

    Yet he didn''t miss her at all.

    He had three children to support, constantly busy making a living, he rarely recalled the past.

    He greeted people with a smile every day, nodding and bowing.

    Scrounging for a few coins, fawning over others.

    He forgot that he used to have a retinue when he went out, now he is not even as good as a servant.

    He forgot that he used to have gold nuggets to y with as marbles, tossing them all around.

    Now he carefully keeps any nice-looking stones he finds, bringing them home to amuse the children.

    He forgot that the graceful and magnificent olddy before him was his mother.

    Jiang Wan supported her grandmother.

    There was an inner voice urging her to quickly take her grandmother and leave.

    Leave quickly.

    But she was also inexplicably curious about that man.

    He was really quite good-looking.

    So, sumbing to a strange impulse, she followed her grandmother towards that small side room.

    As they approached, the scent of Chinese medicine wafted out.

    Not unpleasant.

    Jiang Wan couldn''t help peeking inside.

    It was very neatly organized.

    There was a table and chairs in front of the small window.

    On the windowsill were three knife marks, made by some mischievous child.

    ...

    ...

    Today is a cking off day.

    Jiang Changtian got off work early.

    No one was bothered to keep an eye on him.

    When he returned to the vige, it was still bright out.

    Luoxia was sitting under the big tree at the vige entrance, chatting with someone while holding a baby.

    His little Mian saw him first.

    "Father, father!" a sweet, soft call.

    And she reached out her hands to him.

    He patted himself down, then took the child.

    Heavy and soft.

    He held Mian in his arms, one hand supporting her back, one hand cupping her bottom.

    Cradling her securely.

    He listened to the vigers'' chatter with a smile, but he was a bit absent-minded.

    Even when Old Fifth Uncle called him, he didn''t respond, lost in thought.

    Luoxia also noticed her husband''s unusual behavior and gently nudged him.

    "Master, Old Fifth Uncle is calling you."

    Jiang Changtian finally snapped out of it.

    His expression was a bit flustered.

    "Sister Xia, let''s quickly pack up our things. Today at the county yamen, I heard news that the bandits from Ji Mountain have attacked the county yamen, proimed themselves king, and are nowing this way in a huge force. We''d better hide for a while. Bandits passing through are like a typhoon, leaving not a de of grass."

    "Old Fifth Uncle, you all should also pack up your valuables, we''ll hide for a couple of days, and once it''s passed, it''ll be fine."

    Jiang Changtian said solemnly.

    "I have returned home early today, and it is because I have received this news. I braved the dangers to rush back here. The county magistrates all know about this matter, but they are not telling the viges along the way, hoping to slow down the bandits'' steps."

    Jiang Changtian held the baby in his arms, his expression grave and his words well-reasoned.

    The people there believed him for the most part.

    After all, in these times, schrs were held in high esteem.

    Moreover, Second Young Master Jiang was also a capable man, working in the county office. He had three children of his own, so he would certainly not be making things up.

    Jiang Changtian exined the seriousness of the situation to everyone, then quickly returned home with his wife and child.

    Little Mian, nestled in her father''s embrace, was startled by what she had heard.

    What a wretched world this was.

    These good days were not tost long, as the bandits wereing. They were already so poor, what could the bandits possibly want to steal? Some wild vegetables?

    No, not even that - these days, even people could be stolen. The most important thing now was to hide themselves.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at her father''s stern expression, and a new thought urred to her. If the bandits came, her sister would not have to be a concubine after all. Today, when she and her mother went for a stroll in the vige, no one had mentioned her sister bing a concubine.

    Jiang Mianmian felt her heartbeat quicken as her father walked on.

    She rummaged through her new little pocket, pulling out a small ant.

    No, that wasn''t it. She tucked the ant back in.

    She reached into another pocket and pulled out a piece of fruit candy.

    Holding the candy up, she pressed it to the corner of her father''s serious mouth.

    "Father, eat, eat, it''s sweet," said Jiang Mianmian.

    When you eat something sweet, you will feel happy.

    Jiang Changtian was taken by surprise, but opened his mouth, and the sweet, slightly sour fruit candy melted on his tongue.

    So sweet.

    The setting sun shone on the path.

    His wife was by his side.

    The child was in his arms.

    And there was candy in his mouth.

    That was enough.

    What did the affairs of others have to do with him?

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78

    The setting sun cast a crimson glow over the evening.

    Jiang Mianmian sat beside the stove on a straw mat.

    ying with the small ants in her hands.

    She was no longer afraid of the tiny ants now.

    Growing up, her courage had grown as well.

    The ants crawled in her palm as she clenched and opened her fist, over and over.

    The little ants entertained her by making various movements.

    Jiang Mianmian giggled at their antics.

    In a world with few toys for children, one had to invent their own amusement.

    Otherwise, infancy would seem endlessly long.

    Jiang Mianmian officially named the little ck ant Jiang Xiaoshu.

    Before, she dared not give it a name, fearing it would make her responsible for it.

    If it died, recing it with another ant wouldn''t be the same.

    Without a name, it seemed interchangeable, like keeping fish ¨C one group dies, another reces them, identical.

    After ying with Jiang Xiaoshu for a while, she crawled over to y with the big white horse.

    The white horse loved putting its head close to Mianmian, and she would use her little ws to y with its mane.

    Girls all liked ying with things like this, simr to Barbie dolls.

    Jiang Mianmian braided the mane of the horse, sometimes tying it into knots.

    Without Barbie dolls, she had to y with the horse''s head instead.

    The rest of the family busied themselves packing things.

    asionally, they would nce at Mianmian.

    Seeing her chubby figure sitting there, busy with the horse''s head, couldn''t help but bring a smile to their faces.

    Even though the whole family was preparing for a frantic escape, the sight of the baby, earnestly braiding the horse''s mane in the sunset, touched the softest part of their hearts.

    ...

    Jiang Changtian cooked for everyone.

    He lit the fire, added water, chopped vegetables, and stirred the pot with a long spoon.

    From the outside, only his silhouette could be seen.

    A gentleman should stay out of the kitchen, but he was skilled at cooking.

    He used to have no idea about meat.

    Now he knew which grasses were edible, which weren''t, and which could be eaten in desperation.

    These days were truly bitter, incredibly so.

    He couldn''t ept it.

    Why did it have to be like this?

    Jie Xi could even sacrifice herself for a better future.

    In this chaotic world, without struggle, one would only perish miserably.

    He was filled with anger and frustration.

    He knew he wasn''t acting normally because he had just met Old Lady Jiang today.

    Old Lady Jiang said, "Why haven''t you died yet? You should die. You''re a cmity, and so are your children."

    With her benevolent appearance, gentle demeanor, and elegant beauty.

    Her words were sharper than any de.

    He held a knife, slicing the dried meat thinly, piece by piece, as if it were a form of torture.

    Then he pushed the meat into the pot, watching the slices tumble in the boiling water.

    Sshes of boiling water scalded his wrist, but he felt nothing.

    ...

    Qin Luoxia and Jiang Feng hid all the valuable items in the house underground.

    This was a pit Qin Luoxia had dug, which had grownrger over time.

    It was an excellent hiding spot.

    Originally, it already contained a lot of dried meat.

    Jiang Feng was startled when he came in.

    Jiang Changtian took a deep look at his mother, who was arranging things. So much game meat, how many animals had she hunted?

    He had been confident in his swordsmanship, but now he felt a slightck of confidence.

    Jiang Yu knew the ce well, where the family hid food; nothing escaped her nose.

    She had also hidden a lot of dried mushrooms, dried fruits, and dried rodents in this cer.

    "The bandits shouldn''t find this ce, right? If they take away the food I''ve hidden, I''ll really fight them." Jiang Yu looked at these treasures, reluctant to part with them.

    There wasn''t anything valuable at home, so they just packed and left.

    The main thing was to bring enough food for the journey, what cotton could eat, and as much clothing as possible.

    The most valuable thing was the horse, which they could bring along. The horse was very clever; it could run faster than people in the mountains. In crucial moments, it could even carry the daughter.

    They packed up everything.

    Jiang Changtian also prepared the food.

    Tonight''s meal was simple because being full made it easier to run.

    Jiang Changtian cooked, but he didn''t eat much himself.

    He held Jiang Mianmian in his arms and fed her first.

    When Jiang Mianmian opened her mouth, her father gave her a spoonful of soft rice with meat soup, which she happily finished. Then she opened her mouth again, and her father''s next spoonful was already there.

    The two of them worked together seamlessly.

    While Jiang Mianmian was eating, she suddenly noticed that her father''s hand was burnt.

    Without hesitation, she spat out some saliva onto her own hand.

    Jiang Changtian thought his daughter was choking and quickly stopped feeding her.

    But unexpectedly, his daughter lifted her hand, which was wet with saliva, and gently applied it to his burnt hand.

    "Dad, Dad, hoo hoo, it doesn''t hurt, it hurts." Jiang Mianmian earnestly blew on it to help.

    In reality, she had secretly applied a little bit of spirit water.

    It didn''t hurt when he was just burnt, but now, when his daughter earnestly blew on it, it really hurt.

    He realized that he had been burnt in several ces.

    His skin was also quite fair, especially under his wrist.

    Qin Luoxia stood up nervously.

    Jiang Mianmian then fell into her sister''s arms.

    Mother took father to rinse off the burn.

    Brother fetched water.

    At this moment, it was winter, and the water was very cold. As soon as it was rinsed, the burning sensation disappeared, but the wrist waspletely red.

    It was quite chilly.

    "Why are you so careless? Next time, I''ll cook." Qin Luoxia tearfullymented.

    Her husband was such a good person; she couldn''t bear to see him in any difort.

    "Still hurting?"

    Jiang Changtian nodded, "Hurts."

    Because someone who cared asked, he had the right to say it hurt, the right to shed tears.

    His eyes were slightly red as he looked at his wife.

    Qin Luoxia also imitated her daughter''s appearance, blowing carefully.

    "It''s okay, it''s okay, it won''t hurt with cold water. Next time, I''ll cook."

    Jiang Changtian smiled, his face full of tear marks, "No, Luoxia, in the future, we''ll have a big house to live in, with servants, and cooks to prepare meals. You won''t have to cook, really."

    Qin Luoxia was amused by her husband''s words.

    What big house, servants galore, she didn''t dare to even think about it; she just wanted everyone to be safe and sound.

    It would be good if the children could eat and dress warmly.

    Tonight, they still had to hide from the bandits.

    All households were preparing.

    Sixth Aunt''s family has two sons and two daughters, both daughters married off to viges outside, essentially sold for a good price, fetching a high dowry, which was actually selling daughters for money.

    In a normal family, why would they pay so much? Those willing to pay more inevitably have some issues; those who care for their daughters would not let them marry off like that.

    The eldest son already lives separately, with Sixth Aunt finding himcking.

    The younger son is idle and spends extravagantly, which Sixth Aunt finds appealing.

    Both Sixth Aunt and her husband are idle andzy, resembling each other.

    Seeing others packing, the husband asks, "Should we pack too?"

    Sixth Aunt replies, "I''ll go ask Lord Liu, that Second Jiang is very cunning, who knows if he''s up to something."

    The whole vige is busy preparing food, with a festive air reminiscent of New Year''s.

    Because of the impending evacuation, people worry about not having enough to eat, so they decide to consume their stored food tonight. Even if they die, they''ll have a full meal. Better than starving ghosts.

    Sixth Aunt hobbles over to Lord Liu''s house.

    Lord Liu''s household remains unchanged.

    This reassures her.

    Lord Liu sees Sixth Aunting to inquire about hiding.

    He chuckles.

    Seated in his ornate chair, he shakes his tobo pouch.

    "Such a bunch of lowlifes, always believing rumors. The bandits from J¨« Mountain County are heading to the provincial capital, why would theye here? Hide things, hide away. What do they have to steal? They don''t even have a bowl of rice at home."

    In this vige, Lord Liu knows everything about every family.

    Any family borrowing something from him has it noted down.

    Only Second Jiang''s family has a good horse, a good daughter, and some treasures gifted by a gentleman from the capital.

    In the past six months, Second Jiang''s family hasn''t borrowed anything from them, despicable.

    Hearing Lord Liu''s words, Sixth Aunt rxes, seizing the opportunity to tter, "It''s all Second Jiang spreading rumors, I reckon he doesn''t want his precious daughter to enjoy your favor."

    Beside him, Old Madam Liu, plump and amiable, smiles, "The girl is stubborn, a few beatings after she enters our house, and she''ll behave. As for the horse, my son needs a good one."

    Although initially wary of Second Jiang, over the years, they haven''t seen his family act against them, like a featherless chicken, anyone can eat him.

    Lord Liu doesn''t allow anyone in the vige to have a better life than him.

    Those who are unfilial and disobedient are lowlifes, no matter how much they study, y with swords, or ride horses, they should be ves for life, bearing children to serve.

    Lord Liu nods in agreement, crossing his legs.

    He has dominated the vige for many years, boasting that he knows the number of ants in the vige. These people are all lowlifes, unable to escape his control.

    That night, Jiang Mianmian''s family really headed into the mountains.

    Jiang Mianmian tied to her mother, her brother dragging her along, her father dragging the horse, followed by a long line of ants...

    It seems like all the ants in the entire vige are on the move.

    Lord Liu looked up when he saw a group of ants bustling under the eaves, scurrying out. He lifted his brows in wonder, gazing at the darkening sky: Was a storm brewing?

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79

    Night falls.

    The road through the mountains is not easy to traverse.

    But Mom walks with steady steps.

    Mom leads the way, clearing the path ahead.

    There are no stumbling blocks along the way.

    The advantage of having a baby bes apparent. Otherwise, when she learns to walk, she might have to flee on her own~~

    She is so optimistic.

    Jiang Mianmian truly feels optimistic, though she has never truly experienced hardships.

    Those who have endured hardships for even a day would not be so optimistic.

    It''s also because although their family is poor, it hasn''t affected her directly.

    She has always felt secure.

    Even when fleeing for their lives, she believes that with Dad, Mom, Elder Brother, and Elder Sister around, she will be fine.

    The four of them are all taller than her.

    During their escape, Elder Sister still manages to dig up some mushrooms from the dark ground, eximing in surprise, "There were no mushrooms here during the day. Could they be easier to find at night?"

    Elder Brother, walking at the back, asionally urges Jiang Yu, "If you keep picking mushrooms, I''ll leave you behind."

    Perhaps the one facing the most difficulty is Dad, who falls twice, but doesn''t utter a word.

    When Jiang Mianmian sees Dad fall, she can''t help but shout in her soft voice, "Dad, Dad,e on."

    Jiang Changtian doesn''t understand what e on" means.

    Qin Luoxia says, "Maybe she thinks adding oil, like when she saw me apply oil to your burned hand earlier, would help, so she''s telling you to ''add oil.''"

    Jiang Changtian, not feeling any pain from the falls, gets up and can''t help but kiss Jiang Mianmian''s head.

    "Dad''s fine,e on, everything''s fine."

    It''s surprising that e on" can be interpreted this way; forgot that people don''t "add oil" at this time.

    Jiang Mianmian, whose head has been kissed by Dad, feels very happy.

    Despite fleeing for their lives, she feels like they''re just a family on a trip together.

    Fortunately, they haven''t gone far when Mom finds a cave for everyone.

    Qin Luoxia lights a match, feeling somewhat awkward as she says, "I found this ce when I was picking wild vegetablesst time. It''s quite nice."

    The cave winds inward, with a faint smell, but it seems to have been cleaned.

    Inside the cave hang many dried wild boars? Bears? Wolves?

    Like oversized wind chimes.

    Qin Luoxia coughs ufortably a few times.

    "I encountered them while picking wild vegetables. Bringing them back to the vige would attract too much attention, so I decided to roast them here and let them air dry."

    Jiang Yu excitedly says, "Mom, I also picked fresh mushrooms. Stewing them will definitely be delicious."

    Jiang Feng: ... I need to work harder. My sword isn''t sharp enough; I might not even be able to beat Mom.

    Jiang Changtian... Luoxia has sacrificed too much for me. I must make her happy.

    Jiang Mianmian... Mom seems like Popeye, hanging up Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo in the cave?

    This cave is in an excellent location, not far from the vige but well-hidden because the entrance bends, making it hard to spot from outside.

    The vigers have experience in fleeing and hide in various homes, increasing their chances of survival.

    Qin Luoxia is also selfish; she found this ce and didn''t think of bringing anyone else. As long as she takes care of her own family, that''s enough.

    After all, when it''s a matter of life and death, thinking about others at this time might mean not knowing how to survive at all.

    A small fire is lit inside the cave.

    Even Mom brought out a straw mat, and Jiang Mianmian was ced on it, surrounded by the family around the fire pit.

    Jiang Mianmian saw Mom take out a pottery jar again.

    There was water in the pottery jar, and a makeshift water-boiling rack was set up.

    Jiang Yu wanted to throw mushrooms into it, but Elder Brother flicked her on the head, making her obedient.

    She held her head and said, "These mushrooms are very white, I''ve eaten them before, they''re not poisonous, really."

    Jiang Mianmian shook her head, "No, no, no~~"

    She didn''t want the whole family to end up on the nk.

    Jiang Changtian couldn''t help but smile, but felt even more heartache.

    Qin Luoxia rolled her eyes at her daughter''s words.

    She was really at a loss for words. When she was pregnant with her, it was a difficult time, there was nothing to eat, and now it''s like she''s reincarnated as a hungry ghost, not worrying about anything except food.

    "Drink some hot water, the old saying goes that hot water cures all illnesses," Qin Luoxia said.

    It was what her Mom said, her Mom said her Dad once said it. In the army, winter was really cold,cking clothes and food, a sip of hot water made you feel alive again.

    The whole family gathered around the small fire pit, boiling water in the small pottery jar. When the water boiled, each person got a bamboo cup of hot water.

    Jiang Mianmian''s was ced farther away, worried that she might touch it and had to cool down first.

    Jiang Mianmian was feeling a bit sleepy.

    She nestled into Father''s arms.

    Father sat with his legs crossed, sitting very straight.

    Even if it was just their own family, Father still had a dignified look.

    Qin Luoxia was actually a bit tired, leaning against the mountain behind her, she felt a bit drowsy.

    She said, "I''ll nap for a bit first, wake me upter, I''ll keep watch."

    As she said that, she leaned back, and surprisingly fell asleep quickly.

    When she slept, she subconsciously leaned on her husband''s shoulder, sleeping even deeper.

    Jiang Feng and Jiang Yu, on the other hand, were a bit excited.

    Probably feeling the same as Jiang Mianmian.

    For children, it didn''t feel like fleeing, it felt more like a field trip.

    Jiang Changtiany in the cave with a child in his arms, his wife leaning against him.

    With one hand, he gently rubbed his sister-inw''s head, and with the other hand, he patted the baby in his arms.

    Seeing the two older children wide awake, without any sign of sleepiness, he spoke, "Let Daddy teach you some principles of dealing with people."

    Jiang Mianmian snuggled in Father''s arms, she also wanted to listen.

    But she was a bit sleepy, yawning slightly with her eyes half-closed.

    Jiang Feng and Jiang Yu both nodded seriously.

    Usually, Father worked very hard, leaving early and returningte. Even if they liked to spend time with Father, they didn''t want to bother him, fearing that Father was too tired.

    Today, in the cave, the whole family was together, and this feeling was different.

    Jiang Yu and Jiang Feng both behaved like good babies, obediently learning to sit straight from Father.

    The wind in the cave was very gentle, and the fire pit was stable.

    Everyone''s shadows were cast on the cave wall by the fire pit, tall and imposing.

    Jiang Mianmian was leaning in Father''s arms, looking at this moment, inexplicably feeling a sense of solemnity, wondering if Confucius taught like this?

    Traveling the world with a group of students, passing by a cave to shelter from the cold overnight, feeling inspired, starting to teach by the fire pit.

    Due to the long journey and iplete provisions along the way, diligent students had no choice but to record on the walls, thus creating murals?

    Jiang Mianmian yawned again.

    Her father''s voice rang above her head.

    "If you hate someone, how do you eradicate them?"

    Jiang Yu widened his eyes.

    Jiang Feng also looked somewhat stunned.

    Jiang Mianmian was starting to wake up. This was valuable information, wasn''t it? Her father had some insights, but wait, what was he teaching?

    Dealing with people, wasn''t it about helping them live, not causing their demise?!

    Jiang Yu spoke up, "Poison them, so that no one suspects a thing."

    Jiang Feng added, "If you want to use someone, there''s no shortage of excuses. First, give them a false usation, then eliminate them."

    Jiang Mianmian also wanted to speak... but after pondering for a while, she realized she truly didn''t understand this topic. In a society governed byw, this wasn''t permissible.

    The young man with long hair had a calm face and a gentle expression.

    With one hand he made his wife''s head morefortable, and with the other, he held their child closer.

    He spoke slowly, "Feng''er is right. First, establish guilt, tell the world that this person has a violent temper, is a proficient liar, is inconsistent, and harbors malicious intentions. No matter what others think, he will gradually be influenced by this description and be such a person."

    Jiang Mianmian wasn''t sleepy anymore. Wasn''t this justbeling someone?

    "Next, frame them. Dig pits and set traps for them continuously, one after another, lure them into the scheme, and leave them no way out."

    "Lastly, study their weaknesses, wait for the right moment, attack them at their weakest point, leaving them with no ce to bury themselves, no one to believe or listen to them, and let them bring about their own demise."

    Inside the cave, her father''s voice echoed gently.

    Warm and calm.

    Yet Jiang Mianmian felt inexplicably sad listening to it.

    His words seemed to carry a hint of sorrow.

    She looked up and saw her elder sister sleeping across the fire.

    How could her sister fall asleep? This lesson was crucial. Jiang Mianmian wished she could wake her sister up to continue listening; this was a professional course, useful for future household struggles.

    But she worried that shouting would disturb her father''s teaching and wake her mother, so she could only stifle a yawn and continue listening.

    Jiang Yu leaned against his older brother''s leg, snoring softly like their mother.

    Jiang Feng remained seated, continuing to ask, "What then, Father? What if it''s not enough? What if the opponent is strong? What if they don''t die?"

    "If they are strong, you can elevate them, praise them everywhere, let them be arrogant, offend people."

    "If they are strong, and you have to obey them, you can pretend toply openly while secretly disobeying, seeming loyal and gaining their trust, and then betray themter."

    Jiang Feng nodded earnestly.

    With one hand holding a sword and the other stroking Jiang Yu''s head.

    "Father, you sleep for a while, I''ll watch. I can handle it."

    Jiang Changtian looked at the young man, with his long hair and sword, and suddenly realized that his son had grown up, more grounded and taller than before.

    "Alright. I''ll sleep for a while, then it''s your turn."

    Jiang Changtian nestled against his wife, holding their baby, and closed his eyes.

    Jiang Mianmian, no longer feeling sleepy, also fell asleep in her father''s embrace.

    With his head resting against Father''s, and his feet kicking Mother''s head gently, Jiang Xiaoshu nced around. By the fire pit, White Horse swished its tail, not far from the entrance of the cave. On the other side of the fire pit were his elder brother and sister. With the whole family present, she drifted off to sleep, soon sumbing to soft, gentle snores.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80

    The cave.

    The campfire.

    The young man seemed like a knight protecting a princess.

    He looked at his family, all asleep.

    He gently moved his sister Little Jiang Yu aside, took off his jacket, and covered her with it.

    Taking off his jacket made him feel a bit chilly.

    He stood up and began practicing sword forms.

    The same few moves¡ªone swing, one chop, one sh,pletely devoid of any profound technique.

    Jiang Feng practiced meticulously.

    The campfire illuminated the cave, casting the shadow of the young swordsman on the cave walls, as if witnessing an ancient immortal master performing a sword dance through the ages.

    The more he practiced, the more fluid his movements became, the more at ease he felt, first finding the sword in his hand heavy, then just right, and finally forgetting he was holding a sword at all.

    For all he saw were his loved ones, and he had be their protector, at peace.

    Qin Luoxia fell asleep quickly, but soon woke up again. Seeing Jiang Feng practicing, and with her Husband and Mianmian by her side, she adjusted her posture to hold them both in her embrace, and went back to sleep.

    She didn''t bother with Jiang Yu, who was sleeping sprawled out against the cave wall, limbs akimbo, impossible to hold, as long as she didn''t roll into the fire.

    Before dozing off again, Qin Luoxia wondered if her second daughter would be able to get married, or if on her wedding night she might kick her Husband out, with that temper of hers. Maybe she would end up having to take in a son-inw, making Qin Luoxia worry whoever''s family he came from.

    Jiang Changtian''s sleep was light, unable to rest properly in an unfamiliar ce. He thought he had slept, but it was only for a moment before Jiang Feng got up, waking him. He watched Jiang Feng practice for a while, then closed his eyes again.

    He was going over his actions that day.

    He had told the local Ming County mountain bandits not to attack the county office, as there was an ambush waiting, and lured them to attack Squire Liu instead.

    He had told the vigers that bandits from J¨« Mountain County would being, warning them to hide.

    Squire Liu had received his message, but surely wouldn''t believe it, since the J¨« Mountain County bandits never came this way.

    His actions were clumsy and didn''t stand up to scrutiny.

    Just like when he unintentionally told that merchant caravan that Wu Liu was his wife''s lover, and carelessly mentioned where to buy poison and what toxins would be most lethal.

    Instantly fatal.

    He had been sloppy.

    If anyone seriously investigated the case, they might trace it back to him.

    But when he saw Wu Liu''s rotting corpse, he felt happy.

    Genuinely happy.

    He even felt that eating meat that day was no longer a disgusting act.

    Meat that was usually hard to swallow became strangely appetizing when he pictured Wu Liu''s corpse, as if he could taste the vor instead of feeling nauseous.

    He thought, his mother was right¡ªhe had a demon inside, a beautiful face but a demon''s heart. That''s the kind of person he was.

    He had to hide that demonic side, not wanting Sister Xia to know. He craved her embrace, her care, her adoration.

    He was utterly false.

    Look.

    His mother was right.

    To have someone killed, just use them of a crime.

    He would doubt himself, believing he was that kind of person, and slowly be that person.

    Unfilial, disrespectful, heartless and dishonest, his mouth full of lies.

    Not only had he be that, he had surpassed it.

    He had even learned to kill.

    The first he killed was himself.

    Tonight, those bandits woulde, they would definitelye.

    Because when he went during the day, the bandits were sharpening their des.

    Those who had turned to banditrycked great wisdom. If they had it, they wouldn''t have fallen to such depths.

    They were desperate.

    Hearing that the J¨« Mountain County bandits had upied the county office and dered themselves kings, they became desperate.

    Worried that if they didn''t act, they would be left behind, hoping to strike it rich.

    But the J¨« Mountain County bandits were different¡ªhe had inquired carefully at the county office and could not tell if they were real bandits or not. They were well-trained and rebelling for certain, or perhaps only using the guise of bandits.

    The Ming County bandits were simply impoverished, their mountain hideout remote, just a group of vicious but dim-witted men.

    He told them to attack the county office, which they didn''t really have the guts for, but werepelled to go through with to save face in the ouw brotherhood after being riled up on rumors.

    They were being swept along and would retreat at the first sign of an ambush, but at that point they needed something to show for their efforts, to avoid losing ouw credibility.

    So they would definitelye.

    And tonight.

    Jiang Changtian kept his eyes closed.

    Carefully going over every word he had said, each step, meticulously recalling the sturdy men he had seen, merely ncing at them earlier but now vividly remembering how many there were and what weapons they carried.

    Squire Liu''s estate also had guards.

    Squire Liu certainly wouldn''t believe him, being a prominent figure disinclined to hide away.

    But he would arrange more guards than usual.

    In the vige, Sixth Auntie wouldn''t hide, probably assuming he was behind some trickery, following Squire Liu instead.

    Those close to Squire Liu would likely seek refuge at his estate.

    Others concerned for their lives would flee to the mountains like them.

    Night raids by bandits rarely scattered into the mountains chasing impoverished vigers.

    Considering everything, Jiang Changtian then drifted back to sleep.

    This time, Sister Xia held him in her embrace, and he fell quickly into a deep slumber.

    Once Jiang Changtian''s breathing became even, Qin Luoxia opened her eyes.

    Her gaze was sharp.

    She gestured silently to Jiang Feng.

    "You keep watch. I''m going out to look around," she mouthed soundlessly.

    Jiang Feng wanted to go instead, but seeing the hung game in the cave and his mother''s resolute eyes, he obediently nodded.

    Qin Luoxia gentlyid her Husband down, tucking Mianmian into his embrace.

    Then she rose.

    Taking up the long spear she had prepared, she left the cave.

    Outside, the wind cut like a knife.

    The cold air sharpened Qin Luoxia''s senses.

    Behind her in the cave were her loved ones.

    Outside stretched the boundless darkness of the mountains.

    The gentle wife and mother who had just held her Husband and child was now binding her sleeves and trousers, her face covered in cloth wrappings, her head hooded. Her tall, strong frame bound with strips of cloth across her chest and around her waist made her look like a sturdy man.

    She had made up her mind. Whether the bandits came or not, Squire Liu would die tonight.

    She had never killed before.

    Buttely, she had in many fierce beasts.

    She knew nothing of great justice or right and wrong.

    She only knew that her mother had said her father died in battle, his remains never found, uncertain of whom or what he had fought and died for, leaving behind wife and children to wander begging for survival.

    Her mother had brought her along that path of destitution until arriving here. She knew the hardships her mother had endured, the regrets her mother voiced on her deathbed about having no face to meet her father.

    How she wished she had been grown then, able to protect her mother.

    Now she would ensure her family all remained alive and intact. Anyone who tried to harm them, she could kill their entire n.

    She wasn''t afraid to kill, truly.

    From a young age fleeing famine, she had seen the dead.

    Seen people kill.

    At this moment, Qin Luoxia exuded none of the gentle warmth she showed cuddling her little daughter.

    Her whole being radiated ferocity, like a predator calmly hunting prey in the deep forest.

    She raced swiftly towards the vige.

    Melting into the night.

    The cold wind howled.

    The rustling leaves sang their mournful tune.

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81

    It was night.

    The vige was silent except for the lonely barking of dogs.

    asionally, there were one or two barks.

    There were no sounds of children crying.

    It was very quiet.

    The vast vige became a bit eerie in its stillness.

    Although it wasn''t brightly lit, when everything was dark with no trace of light, it could still be a bit scary.

    At Lord Liu''s house, Sixth Aunt''s old man sat outside the gate, smoking the poor quality cigarettes he rolled himself, looking at the dark vige and thinking about sneaking into Second Jiang''s house to see if he could find some treasures.

    When escaping, he couldn''t take everything with him, so he had to hide what he couldn''t take. He wasn''t sure where to hide them.

    However, it was too dark now, and he felt toozy to climb. He decided to wait until tomorrow. If they hadn''t returned by then, he would bring his son to search, and they would definitely find something.

    Lord Liu was also very frugal and didn''t light manymps at night.

    At night, they increased the guards, who relied on the moonlight for illumination.

    Wu, Cui''s fianc¨¦, was also there.

    Landlord Liu was stingy and didn''t give much monthly pay, but Wu''s mother had been bedridden for years, so he needed the money and had toe.

    Fortunately, he managed to deceive the young girl Cui with his skills (good-looking face, strong physique), and they were about to get married soon. His mother didn''t like Cui''s mother and thought that marrying Cui would bring more trouble, but given his circumstances, Cui not minding was already quite good.

    He thought that after marriage, Cui would take care of his mother at home, while he worked hard at Landlord Liu''s house. Ten yearster, maybe he would save enough money to redeem their ownnd, nt it themselves, and live afortable life with Cui. They could have children, and the thought of the future seemed beautiful.

    A feathered arrow shot in, narrowly grazing Wu''s shoulder, and for a moment, his heart stopped in shock.

    Then he shouted, "The bandits are here, the bandits are really here."

    The arrows came in faster than his voice.

    The fire lit up.

    The old man outside the gate had already fallen to the ground, shot in the chest, bleeding. Hey twitching, thinking before he died that he should have gone to Second Jiang''s house just now. He missed out on a good deal and died quickly.

    Shouts, screams.

    The vigers who hadn''t run far, still harboring a sense of luck, hearing these cries, sweat broke out on their backs in the cold night, feeling deep gratitude towards Second Jiang. Luckily, he risked his life toe and report the news, otherwise they would not have escaped death.

    The bandits had arrived.

    If the vigers hadn''t hidden, they might have noticed something.

    But the vigers had all fled, leaving the bandits with a clear path straight to Lord Liu''s house.

    The bandits didn''t dare to attack the county yamen because the constables were strong, ate well, and had better weapons than them. But these gentry, they weren''t afraid of them.

    The gentry''s guards didn''t fight to the death, if they could win, they fought, if not, they hid.

    Lord Liu, who usually treated his servants harshly, was now reaping the fruits of his cruelty.

    Wu initially shouted once, then tried to find a way to hide.

    The bandits hade thinking of riches, but when they arrived at Lord Liu''s house, they had to search for candles.

    Except for Lord Liu''s family dressed in luxury and eating well, the other servants looked even poorer than the bandits.

    Facing a group of bandits with covered faces and fierce expressions.

    Lord Liu angrily shouted, "My daughter is the favored concubine of the County Magistrate, aren''t you afraid of death?"

    A spear pierced through his heart.

    Lord Liu pointed at the masked figure in front of him, his hand trembling, he recognized the person who threw the spear.

    He recognized those eyes.

    He had once wanted to take her as a concubine, back when she had big round eyes and a round face, a smiling young girl.

    He looked down in horror at the spear in his chest, blood everywhere, he tried to speak but no sound came out, all the people heard was, "Please, please..."

    The bandit leader spat and cursed, "Bad luck, who did it so fast, this old man is dead and still polite, asking for what, asking toe in?"

    ...

    ...

    ...

    Qin Luoxia stumbled and ran into the forest.

    Normally she could easily avoid thorns, but this time they pierced her feet.

    She didn''t care about the pain, she didn''t even feel it.

    She ran desperately.

    Ran desperately.

    Ran desperately.

    The dense forest was filled with the scent of leaves.

    Covering up the smell of blood, her mind gradually began to clear.

    She couldn''t run back to the cave.

    She was covered in blood.

    It would scare her husband and child.

    She stumbled and ran towards the mountain stream.

    She thought of her husband and child, andpletely calmed down.

    Cold winter.

    The mountain stream had dried up, but there was still water in the pool.

    She touched the water, icy cold.

    Qin Luoxia had cleaned many prey here before.

    And today, she was cleaning herself.

    She had some wounds, but nothing serious, the people who hurt her were all dead.

    She killed Lord Liu.

    Later, seeing the bandits attacking women and children, she killed those bandits too.

    Too many killings.

    She realized, humans are more fragile than beasts.

    Beasts have fur, which hinders the spear from going in, humans don''t.

    Beasts run fast, some can even fly, hard to catch.

    Humans run slow, can''t fly, easily caught.

    Beasts resist, humans resist too.

    Human resistance sometimes caused her injuries, because humans have weapons, humans know how to cooperate.

    But it''s not a big problem.

    She dealt with it all.

    The cold water quickly stopped the bleeding from her wounds.

    She cleaned her wounds by the pool, her blood-soaked clothes soaking in the water, turning the water in the pool a dark red.

    Her breath formed white mist in the air.

    No birds or beasts dared to approach.

    Not even the sound of insects chirping.

    Quiet.

    The sound of dripping water.

    After cleaning herself, she changed her clothes and walked back.

    At dawn.

    The sky had a morning glow.

    Qin Luoxia arrived at the entrance of the cave.

    She saw a man standing at the entrance, his long hair fluttering in the cold wind, his robe rustling.

    His nose was red from the cold.

    But it didn''t affect his handsome appearance.

    The radiance of the dawn was nothingpared to the hem of her husband''s garment.

    "Husband, I''m back," Qin Luoxia smiled.

    Jiang Changtian looked at Luoxia, at her appearance, he didn''t ask anything, but embraced her.

    He had waited for her for a long time, a very long time.

    He was worried about her.

    Seeing Luoxiae back, seeing her smile.

    He felt relieved.

    He held her in his arms, with the radiance of dawn before him.

    Jiang Mianmian crawled out of the cave, seeing the two embracing at the entrance, neither of them noticed her. She grumbled to herself, turned around and climbed back, well, she would go y with Jiang Xiaoshu.

    Ah Niang''s body had a strong, bloody smell.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t want to know what had happened, probably went to pick wild vegetables again.

    In this chaotic world, who isn''t like a vegetable.

    Halfway up, she was grabbed back and lifted by Ah Niang.

    Jiang Mianmian fell into her father''s arms, the cold wind making her sneeze, "Achoo!"

    Qin Luoxia looked at this father-daughter pair with simr features, both blushing, both exquisitely beautiful.

    She chuckled.

    As if she was still that round-faced little girl from years ago.

    Smiling, with curved eyebrows and eyes.

    ...

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82

    ...

    The evening glow travels a thousand miles, while the morning glow does not venture out the door.

    At dawn, a radiant glow fills the horizon.

    As the glow dissipates, white clouds gather.

    In the mountains, a white mist prevails.

    The thick white mist condenses into raindrops.

    It begins to rain.

    Sitting in a mountain cave, listening to the sound of rain.

    Pitter-patter, swish, ding-dong, ding-dong.

    Like a symphony.

    It is said that the reason why the sound of rain helps us sleep is because our ancestors lived in caves, and when they heard the rain, they knew they were safe - during heavy rain, wild beasts wouldn''t attack, so they could sleep soundly.

    This gene has been passed down to modern times, although we no longer need to fear wild beasts, we still sleep more soundly on rainy nights.

    The mountain cave where a fire had been burning all night wasn''t so damp.

    Jiang Yu was rinsing rice.

    While her older sister was rinsing the rice, little Mianmian was ying mischievously nearby, secretly adding Magic Spring Water.

    Father fell twicest night, so adding some Magic Spring Water will give him strength.

    Mother went digging for wild vegetablesst night, it was very tiring, so adding some Magic Spring Water will give her strength.

    Elder brother practiced sword fighting half the nightst night, it was very tiring, so adding some Magic Spring Water will give him strength.

    Older sister talked in her sleep a lotst night, muttering many names of vegetables, it was very tiring, so adding some Magic Spring Water will give her strength.

    She needed to add strength too, she felt like she could soon prop herself up against the wall if she kept trying, so she needed to add strength too.

    Mianmian babbled on seriously as she added the Magic Spring Water.

    To her family''s eyes, she was just little fluffy Mianmian, a frizzy-haired bundle of softness sitting cross-legged by the earthenware jar, her chubby little hands ying in the water, reaching into the jar, mumbling words intently with an adorably serious look.

    Jiang Yu asked, "What are you doing?"

    Mianmian answered seriously, "Adding strength."

    Jiang Yu couldn''t help but kiss her little sister''s chubby cheek and pull her hand out of the jar.

    "Silly girl. There''s no oil, oil is precious. This is just rice, fragrant rice doesn''t need any oil added."

    There was no water source in the mountain cave, so the water was fetched by their mother. Even though it had been in contact with her little sister''s hands, Jiang Yu didn''t pour it out, instead taking it to boil over the fire.

    Jiang Yu simmered the rice, thinking about how they would soon be able to eat the fragrant rice again, feeling happy at the thought. If they could eat fragrant rice every day while on the run, she would want to be on the run every day.

    Qin Luoxia took out the pickled wild vegetables she had made when their conditions improved and they had salt. She had turned those wild nts into tasty pickled side dishes.

    Among them was a sticky, gooey mashed wild garlic.

    Mianmian felt her mother''s pickles resembled natto, but she couldn''t tell what it was since she had never tried it before - she had not reached that stage of the culinary repertoire yet.

    For breakfast, the whole family ate heartily.

    Jiang Yu, Jiang Feng, and Qin Luoxia all felt the fragrant rice was delicious.

    The salted pickled vegetables were undoubtedly also delicious.

    As for Jiang Changtian, he felt that as long as he was with his family, anything would taste delicious.

    Mianmian slowly stirred with her wooden spoon, scooping one spoonful after another into her mouth, asionally dropping a few grains of rice which Jiang Xiaoshu would immediately crouch down and eat, cleaning the floor spotless.

    Of course, if any little bugs came near Mianmian, he would swiftly gobble them up too.

    This was why, despite being in the wild, Mianmian had not been bothered by mosquitoes or insects, her fair skin without a single bite mark.

    Being on the run was hardly a peaceful life, but it was as if there was an ant army carrying her burdens for her.

    Especially when it rained, if any centipedes or poisonous creatures tried to sneak in, the ants at the cave entrance would carry them away.

    The cave stayed clean and tidy, allowing Mianmian to crawl around freely.

    After breakfast, the heavy rain outside became a light drizzle.

    The sounds of birds chirping, insects humming, and water droplets filled the air as all living things brimmed with vitality.

    Those who had been hiding in the mountains cautiously made their way back to the vige.

    In the depths of winter, hiding in the mountains without food or water would lead to death.

    People always yearn for home, even if home is just a thatched hut - it''s still home, and no matter where one is, the scent of home is always missed.

    A light misty drizzle fell.

    The spider webs along the path wereden with glistening dewdrops.

    Jiang Yu''s family also packed up and headed towards the vige.

    At night, the vige had seemed very far away, but during the day, they felt like they arrived surprisingly quickly.

    Along the way, they saw towering trees and dense forests, feeling the environment was truly amazing.

    It was also possible that from Mianmian''s infant perspective, everything appeared exceptionallyrge and grand.

    She felt her face slowly bing damp, unsure if she was walking through mist.

    The trees, grass, and woods were drenched, and the path was slippery. After walking for a while, the adults'' pant legs were all soaked.

    Father rode on horseback, while Mianmian was carried on her mother''s back. Jiang Yu and Jiang Feng walked on their own.

    The group made their way through the dense forest. After a while, the trees thinned out, signaling they were nearing the vige.

    The woods closer to the vige were frequented daily, so there were fewer overgrown weeds.

    As Jiang Yu''s family approached their home, they saw a crowd of people gathered at their doorstep.

    No one entered the house because the doorway of Jiang the Second''s home was swarmed by a dense mass of ants, crawling all over the lintel.

    In ancient times, people were superstitious and wouldn''t casually disturb unfamiliar situations they couldn''tprehend.

    Squatting at the doorstep was the leader, none other than Old Fifth Uncle who had spoken with Jiang Changtian at the vige entrance that day.

    Old Fifth Uncle watched as Jiang the Second''s family of five emerged from the mountains. Seeing Jiang the Second seated atop a white horse, from a distance he appeared like a sage from legend.

    Leading the way was the tall and sturdy Mother of Jiang Feng, carrying a hoe and a plump baby in her arms.

    Behind her rode Jiang the Second on a white horse, his long hair flowing gracefully, his face radiant and fair.

    After him came Sister Jiang Yu, yfully swinging a wooden staff as she skipped along.

    Andst was Brother Jiang Feng, carrying a shoulder poleden with wild vegetables they had dug up from the mountains - clearly people who knew how to survive.

    ...

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83

    Early in the morning, someone returned to the vige.

    Even the heavy rain couldn''t stop the way home.

    Last night, many terrifying noises were heard.

    Especially in the cold night of the deep mountains, the more you listened, the more frightened you became.

    Everyone didn''t get a good rest.

    Early in the morning, they couldn''t hold back and returned to the vige.

    As a result, it seemed that Lord Liu''s house was also quiet.

    The heavy rain washed Lord Liu''s tall walls clean, the green tiles were wet.

    The colors were vibrant.

    The vigers who were close by clearly heard cries.

    But they never expected that when they returned to the vige, it would be so quiet.

    A group of people gathered, and then the bravest ones went to knock on the door.

    The result was that with just a gentle push of the door, they saw Sixth Aunt''s husband lying on the ground, with an arrow in his chest, eyes wide open, mouth agape, rain washing his face, therge mole on his face even more prominent.

    Inside were various corpses, some familiar, some unfamiliar.

    They found Hua''er''s fianc¨¦, Wu, who was pinned under the corpses.

    When Wu saw the vigers return, he burst into tears.

    He was truly scared.

    His arm was grazed by an arrow, his leg might be twisted, but he didn''t die.

    Now he was cold and hungry, feeling like he was about to freeze to death, soaked in water, with a robber''s corpse pressed on top of him.

    "The robbers came, they killed Lord Liu, killed many people, and then for some reason, they started fighting each other, all dead, all dead..."

    His lips were purple, trembling as he spoke.

    The vigers dragged him out.

    They went inside again.

    Inside was also a scene of unspeakable cruelty.

    The once high and mighty Old Madam Liu was dead, not wearing any clothes.

    Suddenly, a viger wailed, kneeling on the ground, shouting with tears streaming down his face, "Hua''er, Hua''er, look, Old low woman is dead, dead."

    His daughter Hua''er, who Lord Liu took a liking to, saying she was well-nourished, Lord Liu said they couldn''t pay back the money, so he took the daughter as payment. Their family borrowed a bag of coarse grains at the beginning of the year to work for a year, but they didn''t pay it back, thinking that at least their daughter could have a decent meal and not starve to death.

    But on the third day, their daughter was beaten to death.

    Old low woman said their daughter stole her earrings.

    Beaten to death.

    He wanted to see his daughter, to ask if she had eaten, but all he saw was a tattered straw mat, with a pair of feet exposed outside, covered in scars, no shoes, no...

    "Hua''er, oh Hua''er... look, look."

    The wailing continued.

    Most of the vigers had returned to the vige.

    Old Fifth Uncle was old, but he couldn''t make decisions, so he brought everyone to find Second Jiang.

    After all, without Second Jiang this time, they would all be corpses.

    Second Jiang had read books and was knowledgeable, so they wanted to ask him for advice.

    Then they saw the Jiang Family of five returning.

    Second Jiang was riding a white horse.

    Today''s Second Jiang seemed different from before, his face was so handsome, as if it had been exchanged by a demon in the mountains.

    "Second, you''re back, are you all okay?" Old Fifth Uncle shouted warmly.

    Qin Luoxia greeted them with a child in her arms, "Uncle Dagen, Uncle Dagen, Snore Brother... why have you alle over."

    Jiang Changtian quickly dismounted and politely said to the crowd, "Juste in directly, sit inside, we are all family, no need to be polite."

    The crowd saw Second Jiang approaching and panicked, taking a step back in a fluster.

    Is Second Jiang always like this?

    Is he always like this?

    I haven''t really looked closely,ing and going early andte.

    He looks too otherworldly.

    The vige''s big girls can''t find anyone prettier than him.

    Looking at his beautiful and kind face, one would feel reluctant to say anything harsh to him.

    No wonder Luoxia, that little girl, looks like a snow doll, just like she followed Second Jiang, identical.

    The crowd was shocked by Second Jiang''s appearance.

    Then they remembered there was something even more shocking in front of them.

    They''re all dead, all dead, Lord Liu''s family is almost all dead, many bandits are dead, what should we do?

    ¡­

    Jiang Mianmian fell asleep swaying on her mother''s back and woke up to the familiar smell when she got home.

    Opening her eyes, she saw many people.

    She also saw many ants.

    Qin Luoxia went to open the door, she reached out, and the ants on the door scattered, then quickly disappeared.

    She pushed the door open and entered the courtyard.

    Everyone followed in, seeing that the courtyard was not much different from their own, just cleaner.

    Jiang Mianmian fell into her sister''s embrace.

    Her mother went to pour water for everyone.

    Jiang Feng helped his father greet the guests.

    Jiang Yu was assigned to Jiang Mianmian.

    She curiously held her sister to watch the excitement.

    Jiang Feng served tea for everyone.

    Moved chairs.

    And handed out a piece of bread to go with the tea to each person.

    Some ate directly, some put it in their bags, some awkwardly looked at Second Jiang sitting in front of them.

    Second Jiang had clear features, a gentle demeanor, looking at him made people feel at ease, thinking he was a very good person.

    "Second Brother, what do we do now? The bandits and Lord Liu''s family are all dead, Cui''s fianc¨¦ Xiao Wu survived, saying there was infighting among the bandits. Oh, and Sixth Aunt is still alive, but both legs are broken, can''t really make out what she''s saying, just groaning."

    Old Fifth Uncle spoke up.

    "They''re all dead?" Jiang Changtian showed a shocked expression, followed by contemtion.

    This unruly group of people surprisingly didn''t interrupt when Second Jiang fell silent, but patiently waited quietly.

    "Lord Liu''s daughter is the county magistrate''s concubine. If we report to the officials rashly, we might get med, we''re all alive, how did Lord Liu''s family end up dead? Secondly, this group of bandits is dead, there must be other bandits, if the banditse again, I don''t know when, then we definitely won''t have this luck again, we won''t be able to escape."

    As Jiang Changtian spoke, he tapped his knee, sitting on a small stool, having also fled overnight, he looked like he had just returned from a heavenly peach banquet, even more beautiful.

    "Old Fifth Uncle, if you trust me, I''ll take charge for everyone. If you don''t trust me, then our family dare not stay, we can just take our family to the capital city to seek refuge with a nobleman. That nobleman values our Feng''er very much, even leaving behind a horse, hoping that Feng''er will go to seek refuge with them."

    "We trust, we trust!"

    "Mr. Jiang, please don''t leave. The entire vige depends on you to show us a way to survive."

    "Yes, Jiang, you must stay. We will follow your lead, whatever you say, we will do."

    "Mr. Jiang, you saved the lives of my whole family. From now on, our lives belong to you. We will follow you wherever you go." A man patted his chest and spoke earnestly.

    Old Fifth Uncle also stood up and bowed respectfully, "Jiang, Jiang Changtian, we all beg of you."

    Jiang Changtian was persuaded by everyone.

    He then said seriously, "Lord Liu''s family has a good amount of food stored. If we distribute it among everyone, we should be able tost a few days. But at present, we are facing a life and death crisis, and our survival is uncertain. We must first unite and defend against external enemies. My daughter Feng has a secret manual given by a benefactor. She has been practicing for a short while and has made significant progress."

    At this moment, Jiang Feng took out a sword, disying only seventy percent of his skill, and with one strike, he split a tree stump in half as if it were tofu.

    The onlookers were envious. If they had this skill, their wives and children would not have to go hungry.

    "I can have Feng teach everyone how to practice. Men and women of all ages can follow along. Once we all improve, we can defend against external enemies together. As long as we survive, by next spring, we can divide the fields and mountains, based on everyone''s performance. In the future, everyone will have their ownnd, their own fields, and enough food to eat, no longer oppressed by Lord Liu."

    "Jiang!"

    "Mr. Jiang!"

    "Brother Jiang."

    The eager calls echoed one after another, as the vigers thought about havingnd and fields to divide next year, and they trembled with excitement.

    Watching Jiang Second as if he were a living bodhisattva saving the suffering and in distress.

    Listening to the respectful calls, Jiang Changtian''s expression became even more humble and kind, exuding a sense of ethereal aura.

    He had visited each of these people''s homes to treat illnesses and provide herbal medicine, helping each family establish themselves in the vige.

    Yet everyone called him Second Jiang.

    Now, he had brought in bandits and killed an entire family.

    Everyone called him Jiang, Mr. Jiang.

    He was surrounded by the crowd and made his way through, seeing a figure bustling in the kitchen wearing an apron.

    He smiled.

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84

    Winter chill.

    The frigid wind blows fierce.

    A slight coldness in the home.

    Early morning.

    Mianmian awoke.

    She found herself sleeping on her stomach and had turned over onto her back.

    Then she saw Father sitting by the window, writing.

    Suddenly remembering what her teacher taught aboutplimenting someone in medical school.

    "We''ve all cut open others, so we should judge from appearance to essence."

    Mianmian carefully looked at Father. His jawline was sharp but not too wide, for his face was thin, the skin tightly hugging the jawbone at a perfect angle, needing no cutting or filling.

    Where Father''s nasal bone met his forehead, the transition was very distinct. A slight furrow of his brow would gather the muscles of his face, giving an impression of a faint frown yet deep emotion that made one care about him.

    Father''s eyes were slightly narrowed at the outer corners with a slight redness at the inner corners, the typical peach blossom phoenix eyes.

    The deep inner corners meant he naturally seemed a loyal and righteous man. When deep in thought, his eyes would narrow slightly, appearing alluring and charming.

    The whites of Father''s eyes were just a touchrger than usual, so when silent, he exuded an imposing and domineering aura. (Note 1)

    Mianmian stared at Father in a daze, then lingeredzily in bed, subconsciously sucking her finger, thinking to herself, "Oh no."

    As a child, sucking her finger and drinking a bit of invigorating elixir could be excused as awakening her mind.

    But when she grew up, sucking her finger would be seen as idiotic.

    She should learn to restrain herself, only sucking her finger when no one was around.

    Hearing the noise, Jiang Changtian turned his head.

    He saw his little daughter lying in bed, seriously sucking her finger, and a smile naturally appeared on his face.

    "The littledy is awake," he said, rising to his feet.

    He reached out to pick up his daughter.

    Mianmian fell into Father''s fresh, clean embrace.

    She felt happy.

    Not only could she look at this handsome man, but she could hug him too.

    "Father will dress you," he said.

    Jiang Changtian held the child with one arm while rummaging through the small clothes at the bedside with his other hand.

    Mianmian stretched out her finger, pointing at a small padded jacket, saying, "Father, I want to wear that one."

    Her infant voice was soft and endearing, as if speaking too slowly would make her drool, but she sounded very earnest.

    Jiang Changtian respected his daughter''s choice, taking the small padded jacket to dress her.

    After putting on the padded jacket, he added a split crotch cotton robe that Sister Xia said Mianmian had gestured for, likely because she kept falling in dresses, so Xia sewed up the bottom like adult underwear, allowing her little legs to spread without tripping.

    It was just a bit inconvenient for using the restroom, as she couldn''t squat directly but had to remove the robe.

    But that wasn''t an issue, as Mianmian had never soiled her clothing, always being very clean.

    Once dressed, Jiang Changtian took out a small woodenb to brush his daughter''s hair.

    In the past, he was always so busy, seldom having time like this to spend with his child.

    He was very patient, and Mianmian''s hair was well-behaved, not tangled, though her hairline at the forehead and nape seemed a bit thin. But Jiang Changtian didn''t mention it, as his little daughter, even at this young age, already seemed quite concerned with appearances.

    She was the only child in the family who insisted on choosing her own clothes. (When it was Jiang Feng and Jiang Yu''s turn... did we even have a choice? We only had one set of clothes each.)

    ording to Sister Xia, little Mianmian even asked for pockets and embroidery on her clothes at such a young age.

    Jiang Changtian tied Mianmian''s hair into two little buns shaped like wild onion flowers, looking very cute.

    Then he took a damp cloth to wipe her face and the finger she had been sucking, admonishing her as he cleaned, "Our Mianmian is a pretty littledy, so you can''t suck your fingers anymore, okay?"

    Mianmian nodded solemnly, "Mm, won''t suck fingers."

    She blushed slightly.

    Having been reborn, she retained a hint of adult memories, but those memories would slowly fade.

    And she truly was an infant, instinctively behaving ording to her bodily impulses.

    For her, the present was vivid, real, and alive.

    "Where''s Mother?" Mianmian asked curiously.

    "Mother went to work with the vigedies," Jiang Changtian replied.

    "Elder Sister Yu went out with Sister Xia too.

    Feng is leading the vige youths in sword practice.

    So I''m home taking care of you."

    He helped Mianmian get dressed and cleaned up, even brushing her two tiny sprouted teeth, before taking her to eat.

    The pot held warm egg custard with bits of meat and wild vegetables.

    The elders Jiang Yu and Jiang Feng both liked meat, as did Sister Xia, but Mianmian was rather picky, only eating a little meat but insisting on having vegetables too.

    She was like him in preferring vegetables over meat.

    His little daughter was easy to care for. He served the egg custard along with a bowl of boiled sheep''s milk.

    This milk sheep was originally sold to Lord Liu, but after his death, it returned to their family.

    Sheep''s milk is gamey, so even the greedy Yu didn''t particrly like it.

    Recently, Sister Xia had been busy, and little Mianmian refused to drink her mother''s milk.

    So the sheep''s milk became Mianmian''s sustenance, drinking it four times a day - morning, noon, and before bed.

    The extra milk was for Qin Luoxia''s husband to drink.

    After all, this milk sheep nourished the two fairest in the family.

    Mianmian closed her eyes and drank the sheep''s milk. She didn''t want to be a short, stunted child. In ancient times, it seemed easy to have nutritional imbnces, and people died young. Anyone with a bit of money wanted to research longevity and immortality.

    She would start cultivating her health from a young age, drinking more milk to grow tall.

    After finishing her own breakfast and ensuring Father drank a bowl of sheep''s milk too, Mianmian tilted her head up, waiting for him to use a handkerchief to wipe the milk from the corners of her mouth. Then she slid off the chair, wobbling on her two little legs.

    The legs were hers, the mind was hers, but she didn''t control them very well.

    If not careful, she would tumble to the ground.

    She practiced walking but fell several times.

    It really wasn''t easy for an infant to develop motor skills, but luckily in winter she wore padded clothing to cushion her falls.

    It was too cold to go outside and y anyway.

    After eating, Mianmian unsteadily toddled a few steps in front of Father before plopping down to y with wooden building blocks. Her brothers had made them by cutting wood with their swords into identical pieces of various shapes. She would entertain herself by assembling them, sometimes toozy to pick up distant pieces and having little ants help carry them over.

    Jiang Changtian returned to writing after tending to his daughter.

    Mianmian yed for a while until she grew bored. She struggled to her feet, wobbling along the wall until reaching her father.

    Seeing his little daughter approach, Jiang Changtian lifted her into hisp.

    "Does the littledy want to learn characters too?" he asked.

    Mianmian shook her head. "Want Father, not learn."

    Jiang Changtian smiled. "Then sit obediently while Father finishes this, and I''ll y with you after."

    Mianmian nodded.

    Sitting in Father''sp, she watched intently as he wrote with a brush.

    She wondered what Father was writing?

    Father couldn''t be the top schr, s, she knew her dad couldn''t achieve that.

    The wish for an official''s child to follow in his footsteps seemed unattainable.

    She saw a mass of densely-packed characters in front of her, most in the traditional script. Her heart sank, realizing she''d likely have to study them.

    She could only wildly guess based on the half-simr characters, bing illiterate once more.

    ''The Art of Governing the People''

    One, Fooling the People: Unify their thoughts, entice them with benefits, make promises to them.

    Two, Weakening the People: Reward lightly, punish severely.

    Three, Exhausting the People: Find tasks for the people, exhaust them with work, leaving them no leisure to mind other matters.

    Four, Humiliating the People: Strip them of dignity, instigate mutual usation and exposure.

    Five, Impoverishing the People: Deprive them of wealth beyond basic living needs.

    Six, If the previous five methods fail, kill them. (Note 2)

    Jiang Mianmian was utterly shocked, her chubby hand striking the paper inadvertently.

    The ink blot from the word "kill" spread, staining her hand as well.

    Father grasped her little hand gingerly, carefully wiping it with a cloth, saying as he cleaned: "Does my daughter want to learn the characters too? When your hand is steadier, Father will teach you writing. Be good."

    Once clean, Father kissed her palm.

    Jiang Mianmian gazed up at Father nkly.

    She let out a sheepish "Baa!"

    Darn it!

    ......

    ......

    ......

    (Note 1, source from an online post, a medical student''s analysis describing a male celebrity.)

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85

    Cold winter.

    In the backyard of the County Government Office.

    Liu Xian''er, the young concubine of the County Magistrate, was wearing a snow-white dress, her eyes reddened as she flung herself into the old master''s embrace.

    Liu Xian''er was a gift from a local gentry family to the newly arrived County Magistrate before he brought his wife and concubines.

    They had enjoyed a sweet period together for a while.

    After all, the County Magistrate was new to Ming County and felt lost, so having a prettypanion to converse with was delightful.

    Moreover, although Liu Xian''er was no celestial beauty, she was young and charming, came with a generous dowry, and was well-acquainted with the local area, so the County Magistrate doted on her for some time.

    However, things changed after his wife and concubines arrived.

    His wife was from a prominent family, far more sophisticated than this country girl, and the County Magistrate soon cast Liu Xian''er aside.

    Ming County was a bitter, cold ce, a necessary stop on the road to exile, so it was hardly an enviable posting.

    The County Magistrate was determined to advance his career, butcked connections and ability, so he spent many years bemoaning hisck of opportunity.

    He would asionally visit Liu Xian''er''s quarters.

    In recent days, she had been weeping and wailing, and he could barely avoid her.

    "My lord, you must avenge me," Liu Xian''er cried.

    Without his official robes, the County Magistrate looked somewhat thin and struggled to break free, only able to console her, "The county has already issued orders to capture those bandits."

    "But my family''s assets were seized by lowly vigers, my lord. Please help me reim them," Liu Xian''er''s eyes were red as she stamped her feet in anguish.

    The County Magistrate thought to himself, ''Don''t you think I realized that? By the time I received the news, it was long after the fact. When I sent officers to investigate, they reported that the vigers, men and women, young and old, wielded sticks like guns and swords, ferocious beyond belief.''

    ''It couldn''t possibly be bandits fighting among themselves - that''s unthinkable. The vigers must have ambushed them like catching snakes in a jar and ughtered them cleanly.''

    ''These vigers, oppressed so harshly by Old Master Liu, have all be brazen bandits themselves, more fearsome than real bandits. With so much trouble already, it''s best not to provoke them further.''

    "You told me before that your family''s assets were your dowry, and there was no other money left. What other assets are there? My lord has matters to attend to and won''t waste words with you." The County Magistrate pushed his concubine away and fled in a panic.

    Even more absurdly, Second Jiang, who used to be a lowly county runner, now has his own subordinates working for him???

    A County Magistrate like himself has to attend court sessions in person.

    ...

    Cold winter.

    The Jiang Manor.

    Mrs. Jiang''s belly was showing a slight curve, and her face had grown rounder.

    Yet she did not appear less beautiful, but rather more radiant.

    The old saying goes, if a woman is carrying a daughter, the mother will be more beautiful.

    She was focused on nurturing her pregnancy and did not often appear before the Old Lady, as she did not manage household affairs and could be thoroughly pampered.

    Jiang Rong had been doing much bettertely, no longer gued by nightmares, but he did not attend the county school either, spending his days plotting mischief and fun.

    Meanwhile, Jiang Wan learned from her grandmother that Jiang Yu had not taken a concubine because the gentry family was wiped out!!

    She was startled by the news.

    Old Lady Jiang''s prayer beads suddenly scattered across the floor, the string snapping.

    ...

    Cold winter.

    The pce.

    Towering walls soared overhead.

    A shrill voice called out, "Neers, follow me. Today we''ll teach you the first rule: remember your status. We are the lowliest insects, the bricks underfoot are worth more than us. When you encounter nobles, do not look them in the eye. Only raise your head when they tell you to."

    A group of men in gray robes followed in orderly fashion.

    Most were quite young in age.

    There were one or two older ones, either with connections or some special ability.

    Among the crowd was an exceptionally handsome man, taller than the others and appearing slightly older, but with a beautiful, almost feminine countenance that made him stand out.

    The leading eunuch at the front noticed this new arrival.

    He smiled with satisfaction.

    ''Such a pretty face, it makes one want to defile him!''

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86

    Evening.

    The elder brother returned.

    His face was flushed and he looked very happy.

    Seeing her brother walking towards her.

    Jiang Mianmian stretched out her chubby little hands and pressed down on the small green onion on her forehead.

    Not letting her brother pull it.

    She sessfully prevented her brother from pulling her hair, but her whole body was picked up by him.

    Jiang Feng held his little sister up high.

    Jiang Mianmian became excited.

    Being held, being held by her young little brother, was also an exciting thing.

    "Has Mianmian been a good girl at home today?" Jiang Feng asked.

    "Very good," Jiang Mianmian replied.

    Jiang Feng couldn''t help but smile.

    He held his sister in his arms and unconsciously patted her head, only to encounter her two chubby hands.

    "Dad tied it, can''t touch it," Jiang Mianmian shook her head.

    "Okay, I won''t touch." Seeing the crooked little green onion, Jiang Feng said he wouldn''t touch it, but couldn''t help but tug at it.

    Smiling with crescent eyes.

    Jiang Mianmian was a little angry.

    Her elder brother didn''t keep his word. She wanted to hit him with her little hands, but it seemed like she couldn''t hit people, so she pped the table next to her instead.

    As a result, there was a small block on the table surface, and after she started ying with toys, her ythings were scattered all over the house.

    Then there was a popping sound.

    Jiang Mianmian froze.

    The small block in front of her had been ttened by her p.

    Really, the small wooden block had been ttened by her.

    At first, she was startled, then seeing her brother''s surprised look, she couldn''t exin.

    "Ah~~" she cried out, wailing.

    As she cried, she wondered if after drinking the Spirit Spring water every day, she had finally caused a qualitative change and gained superpowers.

    This strength gave her a great sense of security, woo woo woo, she was so happy. With this strength, she could carry patients by herself.

    Jiang Feng watched his wailing little sister, her green onion swaying even more crooked as she cried. Was she scared by her own great strength?

    Jiang Feng wondered if his sister was like him,ing from that ce.

    If that was the case, it would exin why a little ant always followed her, and why she was always talking to that little ant, naming it Jiang Xiaoshu.

    It would also exin why her strength had increased, as his own strength had suddenly increased as well.

    Thinking it was like that, Jiang Feng''s eyes turned red as he hugged his sister tightly: "Don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid, Mianmian, don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid."

    Jiang Mianmian was hugged tightly by her brother. She cried because she didn''t know how to exin, wanting to gloss over it, but her brother suddenly became so sad, hugging her, looking like he wanted to cry more than she did.

    She had no choice but to stop crying, looking up at her brother, whose eyes were indeed red.

    Thinking Mianmian was still scared, Jiang Feng picked up a block next to him, crushed it into powder to show her, squeezing it into a powder state.

    He spoke, "You see, your brother can too, Mianmian don''t be afraid."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Suddenly, Jiang Mianmian felt full of vigor, feeling that from today on, she was no longer a supporting role, her strength had also increased, roar roar roar.

    Jiang Mianmian became excited.

    She wriggled out of her brother''s embrace, wobbling as she went to find her mother.

    She wanted to show her mother how powerful she was.

    Her mother was cooking in the kitchen.

    Jiang Mianmian tugged at her mother''s skirt and looked up at her.

    Her mother was so tall.

    Qin Luoxia looked down at her little daughter, her hair swaying, so cute, she adored her.

    "Go out and y, I''m worried you''ll get burned." As adorable as she was, she still couldn''t let the child mess around in the kitchen.

    As Qin Luoxia spoke, she added meat mince to the pot.

    Then she saw her daughter pinching with one hand the beef jerky that had almost broken He Cheng''s teeth, easily crushing it into powder and sprinkling it into the pot.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at that powder...

    Qin Luoxia looked at her little daughter still tugging at her skirt and asked, "What does Mianmian need from mother?"

    Jiang Mianmian handed over the small block in her hand, she had originally intended to show off crushing the block, but nevermind.

    Qin Luoxia thought her daughter was giving her the small piece of wood, so she quickly took it and put it in her pocket.

    She lowered her head and put a small steamed bun in her daughter''s hand, saying, "You take this and go eat it outside."

    So Jiang Mianmian was sent away with a steamed bun.

    She took the steamed bun and went to find her sister.

    Her sister was actually embroidering flowers, Jiang Mianmian watched as her troubled sister poked back and forth with the needle, it seemed like she wasn''t very good at embroidering flowers, she saw that her sister was quite good at mending shoes and clothes.

    But now she was trying to embroider flowers with colorful thread.

    As Jiang Mianmian approached, she heard her sister shout angrily: "So annoying."

    Then she broke the needle in her hand.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    She carefully called out, "Sister."

    Jiang Yu looked up and saw the steamed bun in her sister''s hand.

    She smiled, "Sister won''t eat, you eat it yourself."

    Jiang Mianmian put away the block in her other hand.

    Her sister only saw the food.

    Jiang Mianmian was a little touched, her gluttonous sister, though greedy, had always let her have things, and whenever there was something good to eat, she would always want to share it with her, unlike others who never gave her any.

    But some of the food her sister gave her, she dared not eat.

    "Sister eat." Jiang Mianmian gave the steamed bun to her sister, she was full, not hungry.

    After leaving the steamed bun, she received kisses from her sister that left her face covered in saliva, Jiang Mianmian prepared to go find her father.

    In the whole family, she couldn''t beat anyone, perhaps only her gentle father needed her protection.

    After much effort, with her short little legs, Jiang Mianmian finally found her father in the back courtyard.

    By the way, they hadn''t moved, but the vigers had helped repair and expand the house, so they now had a back courtyard.

    When Jiang Mianmian arrived, she saw that in the dead of winter, her father was cleaning a Ferrari white horse.

    Her father loved cleanliness, and the white horse was also very clean.

    As she came over, her father was grabbing one of the horse''s legs and lifting it up, wiping its hoof.

    Seeing his little daughtering, Jiang Changtian quickly stopped her: "Mianmian, sit over there, don''te over, I''m worried the horse might hurt you."

    Jiang Mianmian obediently sat on a small stool nearby, waiting for her father.

    But then she saw her father wipe the horse''s hoof clean, then pick up the horse and put it aside, continuing to wipe it.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Father, Father was actually also very strong, she had thought her father was just more handsome now, and even more gentle...

    Her father, this handsome deceiver.

    Jiang Mianmian was so angry that she crushed the block in her hand, slid off the small stool, and walked away.

    "Thump."

    She fell.

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87

    Winter.

    Kan''er Vige.

    Jiang Mianmian now knows the name of her vige, Kan''er Vige.

    Kan means steps, a vige with many stairs?

    It seems to be a slightly inauspicious name for a vige, kan''er, like an obstacle.

    But hearing the vigers say kan''er kan''er with their ent, it sounds pleasant.

    Night has fallen.

    The wind outside sounds like the cry of an infant.

    Whimpering ceaselessly.

    The Jiang family is gathered around the table having dinner.

    Since it''s cold in winter, Jiang Mianmian rarely goes out of the vige for a stroll, so she doesn''t know much about the vige these days.

    But at dinnertime, she would hear her family chatting, as if there have been great changes.

    Of course, the most direct change is in her own home.

    Elder Sister and Elder Brother now sleep in separate rooms.

    Elder Sister has her own independent room.

    There''s a small cab for storing things.

    Those beautiful embroidered shoes with beads are no longer kept at the bedside, but in a drawer of the cab, which Jiang Mianmian cannot open at will. If she opens it, Elder Sister would get upset with her.

    But Elder Sister is just all talk, at most she would shout at her.

    Jiang Mianmian would stand there looking pitiful, her big eyes blinking rapidly until they turned moist, and Elder Sister would immediately regret raising her voice and apologize to her.

    Jiang Mianmian doesn''t know why, but she has this strange talent of eliciting sympathy without any training.

    Elder Brother also has his own room.

    With a desk, wooden window, and bed.

    Two rooms have been added to their home.

    Now their home has front, back, left and right courtyards.

    Father, Mom and Jiang Mianmian share one room, and Jiang Mianmian has a small bed of her own.

    Elder Sister has her own room, Elder Brother has his own room, there''s a storage room, and a guest room.

    When vigerse to see Father, if there''s wind and rain, they will be received in the guest room.

    Facing therge tree at the entrance, the view is excellent.

    The room is quite simple.

    Just a few mats, a table.

    No cabs, but there''s a shelf with a few books on it.

    Every viger whoes in and sees the books treats them with great reverence.

    In this era, books are extremely precious, often kept as closely guarded secrets by major ns and not shared outside.

    Common people cannot read them, as they have never had the opportunity to learn.

    Each family treats them as invaluable heirlooms.

    So the two noblemen who gifted books to the Jiang family were truly great benefactors.

    Who knows how they are doing now.

    In ancient times, travel was slow by horse carriage and the journey was far. Jiang Mianmian has grown up, but they haven''t sent a single letter. s, they were so young, they couldn''t have died, could they?

    The few books disyed in the guest room were recopied by Elder Brother.

    Apart from the improvement in living conditions, the most noticeable change for the family is in terms of food.

    Now they have a proper meal every day.

    Jiang Mianmian is a little worried that Elder Sister might eat too much and be too round and plump to get married.

    It seems she worried unnecessarily, as a plump girl is highly sought after for marriage these days.

    Much more so than those frail, willowy girls.

    Quite a few people have alreadye to inquire about marrying Elder Sister.

    Father and Mom are not in a hurry.

    Elder Sister is not in a hurry either.

    Jiang Mianmian greatly admires Father, feeling that he alone could sell the whole vige, and everyone would still have to pay him.

    After Lord Liu''s family died, the biggest beneficiary was her own family.

    Their family''s status in the vige seems to have changed, but they did not move into Lord Liu''s residence, despite the vigers'' sincere invitation.

    Father only asked the vigers to help renovate their house.

    As for Lord Liu''s grandpound, it has be a ce for the vigers to gather and practice martial arts.

    Father took charge of inspecting the other buildings, and those families whose houses were too dpidated to make it through winter were moved into Lord Liu''s residence.

    The grand mansion was quickly divided up.

    It became like arge mixed courtyard.

    Everyone is very grateful to Father, feeling that he is different from others. If it were someone else in power, they would surely not be willing to give up Lord Liu''s grand mansion. But Mr. Jiang is kindhearted and thinks of the entire vige, leaving the good ces for the vigers.

    Father also kept some areas, saying that based on everyone''s performance, those who do well can be rewarded.

    Apparently, after spring arrives, there will also be a distribution of farnd. Everyone is working like crazy, taking on any jobs to put in a good performance and get a better reward.

    In fact, Jiang Mianmian overheard Father exining to Mom: "That ce had too many deaths, it''s inauspicious, and the vantage point is not good either, too easy to be attacked. Let''s not rush into living there."

    In any case, all the vigers are now praising her Father in every way.

    It feels like her Father is the reincarnation of a great virtuous being from nine lifetimes ago.

    People also praise Mom, saying she is hardworking and virtuous.

    They praise Elder Brother, saying he is young and aplished, upright in his dealings, andmands great respect as he leads the entire vige in sword practice.

    They also praise Elder Sister, saying she has an auspiciously round face...

    Of course, they also praise Jiang Mianmian, saying she is beautiful, resembling her Father.

    Jiang Mianmian feels like her family has be the new Lord Liu, more like Lord Jiang.

    She has experienced a small leap in social ss.

    Jiang Mianmian feels like she has be the daughter of a smallndowner, with a slightly morefortable life.

    When your status is high, you are surrounded by kind and benevolent people.

    At least, that''s how it is in the vige.

    Dinnertime.

    The family eats very attentively.

    Father picks at the vegetables as he eats.

    Jiang Mianmian has an extra serving of meat and egg porridge with vegetable bits.

    She also drank the vegetable and meat broth cooked by Mom.

    Elder Sister eats very seriously, not talking much while eating.

    Elder Brother also eats seriously, his appetite has increased, and with his increased physical activity, he eats a lot.

    In fact, he could eat a lot before too, but back then he never seemed to get full at each meal, his face was not thin like Mom''s, but his body was very thin.

    It''s only in the past half year that he has gradually be stronger.

    Now that the whole family can eat their fill, life feels very good and content.

    After the meal.

    This is Jiang Mianmian''s favorite time.

    At this time, the family would sit together and chat.

    This habit feels wonderful.

    She can also learn about things happening outside.

    Elder Brother Jiang Feng spoke first: "Father, I heard that the bandits from J¨« Mountain County have attacked and taken a second county, and are now very close to the Provincial Capital. People in the county town are panicked. Can my friends move their families to our vige?"

    Jiang Changtian nodded: "Yes, let them bring their families over. Pick out some clever ones to scout for information outside. Once they''re in our vige, we''ll follow the new vige rules. See if there are any clever young men you can also bring back."

    Jiang Yu spoke up: "Dad, Qin Luoxia said she''s getting married, can you go and officiate the ceremony?"

    Jiang Changtian nodded.

    But after looking at his round-faced daughter Yu, he said: "Wait until spring, Father will invite a female teacher for you to study some things."

    Jiang Yu: ...

    Qin Luoxia echoed, "Yes, there''s something to study."

    Jiang Mianmian gloated from the side,ughing loudly, she didn''t need to, she was still young.

    Then Father said, "Your younger sister needs to start her education too."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Jiang Mianmian was pulled into Elder Brother''s embrace.

    "Father, will the Provincial Capital be captured?" Jiang Feng asked worriedly, stroking his younger sister''s head.

    Jiang Mianmian was also curious, looking up with wide round eyes.

    Father said, "It will be, it should be soon."

    Jiang Yu''s eyes sparkled, Father was so impressive, knowing about things so far away from home. She wondered if Father knew about the taverns in the Provincial Capital. She heard there was a tavern called "One Bowl You Can''t Finish," where the meat was so fragrant it could kill you.

    "Husband, what should we do?" Qin Luoxia asked in a panic, she had a natural fear and dread of war.

    Jiang Changtian held his wife''s hand and rubbed it, saying, "It doesn''t matter whoes, we''ll listen to whoever is in charge."

    Jiang Mianmian nodded, yes yes, Father was right, the matters of the Provincial Capital were too far from their vige, it had nothing to do with them.

    Jiang Feng changed the position of his hand rubbing Jiang Mianmian''s head, moving his fingers to rub upwards from the back of her head.

    "Father, why don''t we take men to attack the County Town? We can cooperate from the inside and outside. My buddies and I have gathered intelligence. If we capture the County Yamen, even the rich households won''t dare to do anything, they''ll just try to save themselves. When the rebels capture the Provincial Capital, they''ll definitely need new subordinates." Jiang Feng said excitedly.

    Jiang Changtian tapped his son''s head, "We don''t do anything against righteous principles. We''re just trying to live a good life, don''t talk about fighting and killing. Remember, we raided the bandits''ir not to get weapons or loot - those were just bonuses. Our main purpose was to benefit the vigers and passing merchants, we have to act with honor."

    Jiang Feng understood and nodded, "Then if the County Town is in chaos, can we go help maintain stability, Father?"

    Jiang Changtian nodded, "Yes."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Suddenly she felt that after being andlord''s daughter for just a short while, she might soon be a rebel''s daughter. Her family background was changing too quickly...

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88

    The snow fell.

    Jiang Mianmiany in front of the window, watching the fluttering snowkes outside.

    She was amazed.

    This was the first snow of winter.

    And also the first snow of her life.

    Her tiny body only reached the very bottom of the wooden window, and to see outside, she needed to cling to the window and stand on tiptoes.

    Watching the kes drift, the lid of the well in the courtyard slowly turned white.

    The ck soil also turned white.

    She saw Mom hurry out, carrying arge bundle of firewood back inside.

    From the next house came Elder Sister''s shouts.

    "Ah!"

    Followed by Elder brother''s voice.

    "Don''t make such a fuss, you''re a youngdy, you won''t get married like that."

    "Mom said we should make dumplings on a snowy day, ah ah ah,st New Year we didn''t even get to eat dumplings." Elder Sister''s voice was excitedly loud.

    Jiang Mianmian took out Jiang Xiaoshu from her pocket and ced it on the windowsill. Seeing it curl up and retreat from the cold, she put Jiang Xiaoshu back in her pocket.

    Ants are cold-blooded creatures, very active in autumn. During autumn, Jiang Mianmian often collected various foods.

    In winter, Jiang Xiaoshu was alsozy, and most of the time liked to stay close to her, and she often kept it in her pocket.

    Jiang Mianmian now liked to carry Jiang Xiaoshu, because with Jiang Xiaoshu, she was a clean baby, and wouldn''t make a mess everywhere when eating.

    Jiang Mianmian watched the snow for a long time.

    Until a figure picked her up.

    It was Father.

    Jiang Changtian, after finishing his work, came back and saw his little daughter standing on tiptoes, clinging to the window to look outside. Her tiny figure had a strange sense of loneliness.

    He picked her up and felt her cheeks and hands, icy cold.

    It seemed like she had been standing there for a long time.

    He couldn''t help but ask, "What is Mianmian looking at?"

    Jiang Mianmian, with a reddened nose, said, "Looking at white."

    "That''s snow, it''s snowing." Jiang Changtian held his daughter and looked out the window.

    "Husband, husband, bring Mianmian over here." Mom''s call came from the next room.

    Breaking the somewhat distant and fragmented atmosphere between father and daughter.

    Jiang Changtian carried his daughter to the next room, which was the kitchen.

    Qin Luoxia''s strong figure was kneading dough.

    Jiang Feng was chopping stuffing.

    Jiang Yu was tending the fire.

    Qin Luoxia brushed aside a loose strand of hair with her elbow and said with a beaming smile, "Husband, we''re making dumplings for dinner,e help out."

    "Okay." Jiang Changtian put his daughter on her small chair and began rolling up his sleeves.

    Revealing his slender arms.

    Jiang Yu happily spun around like an ant on a hot pan in the small kitchen.

    Qin Luoxia kneaded the dough well, then deftly pinched off small pieces.

    "Later, you guys first round these small dough pieces, then roll them out with a rolling pin or tten them by hand. Either way works, then we can stuff and wrap them."

    Jiang Mianmian got a small dough ball.

    She rolled the ball, watching Mom sprinkle salt, pork, and wild chives into the stuffing, pinching her fingers as if sprinkling arsenic... (¡Ño¡Ñ)...

    Jiang Mianmian knocked her head, wondering why she had such a strange thought.

    Jiang Yu, Jiang Feng, and Father all gathered around the table, rolling the dough.

    Mom had also finished mixing the stuffing - lots of wild vegetables, a little meat, a little pickled vegetables, a little salt, a little wild chives, and finally, a thick pat ofrd.

    She mixed the vegetables until they glistened with oil.

    The whole family gathered around the small table to wrap dumplings together.

    Except for Jiang Mianmian, who was still rolling her dough ball, her hand coordination not quite strong enough yet.

    Father was a bit slow too, but the dumplings he wrapped were beautiful and delicate, like small purses.

    Mom was the fastest, Mom did everything quickly.

    When she was around, the house felt warm.

    Outside, the snow grew heavier, the slender branches giving way under the weight with soft cracking sounds.

    The snow that fell to the ground melted quickly in the bottomyer, seeping into the earth.

    But the top was soon covered by fresh snow,yer uponyer, like a thick nket.

    The pot of water bubbled, and the wrapped dumplings could go in. The fire zed, reddening Elder Sister''s cheeks.

    Jiang Mianmian noticed Elder Sister''s face seemed roundertely.

    Jiang Feng was helping take out dumplings, while Father was wiping the table.

    Jiang Mianmian was still ying with the dough ball in her hand.

    She ttened the little ball, took out Jiang Xiaoshu, and stamped it, leaving many tiny ant impressions on the dough, a long trail.

    For the little girl who loved ying with ants, her family was no longer surprised.

    Smoke rose from the pot, and a fragrant aroma wafted out.

    Qin Luoxia stirred the bottom of the pot with argedle, asionally adding some cold water.

    Watching the big dumplings bob up and down, she wiped her hands with her apron and said, "Husband, why don''t you have a drink?"

    Jiang Changtian was a little surprised, but he never refused his wife''s requests.

    He nodded.

    Qin Luoxia asked Jiang Feng to watch the pot while she went to fetch the wine.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to herself, her family must be well-off now, to have wine when they used to divide every drop of hot pot broth among them all. She wondered where Mom hid the wine.

    She stretched out her arms and called, "Mom, carry me."

    Qin Luoxia didn''t realize her daughter wanted to see where she stored things, so she picked her up, carrying her on her back.

    Then she went to the cer, and Jiang Mianmian saw that it was now wide,rge, and deep - Mom had dug out an underground room.

    Mom rummaged in a corner and brought out a small jug.

    Outside, there was snow, and Mom''s footprints trailed behind, one by one.

    Jiang Mianmian, on her mother''s back, found the winding footprints very intimate.

    They returned to the warm, steamy kitchen, where the dumplings had floated to the top and were ready to eat.

    Mom served everyone arge bowl.

    With pickled vegetables in the middle.

    She opened the jug and poured wine for Father, Jiang Feng, and Jiang Yu.

    For Jiang Mianmian, she poured a bowl of dumpling soup, tantly tricking her and pretending to pour it from the jug, using the jug to hide it.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...Even if I''m naive, everyone else''s wine doesn''t steam, only mine does. I can tell the difference.

    Qin Luoxia raised her cup first, then said to her husband, "Today is your birthday, let''s eat well and drink well, and wish for our days to get better and better."

    Jiang Changtian''s tears immediately welled up.

    He had forgotten.

    He didn''t remember that today was his birthday.

    No one in the family had ever celebrated it for him before.

    Jiang Feng handed Father a brush he had made himself, "This is for you from me, Father."

    Jiang Yu also took out a crooked little handkerchief, it was unclear what was on it, and gave it to Father, saying, "Wishing Father good health and growing younger with each year."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Unreasonable. Such a big event, yet they hid it from little Jiang Mianmian. She didn''t even have a chance to prepare a gift.

    Jiang Mianmian reached into her pocket, rummaging around until she finally fished out a small, round, yellowish stone that Jiang Xiaoshu had brought for her. It looked quite pretty, so she had kept it in her pocket.

    "Father, here, here, Happy Birthday, Father." Jiang Mianmian handed over the little stone.

    Jiang Changtian epted the gift from his child.

    He raised the cup of wine in front of him and drained it in one gulp.

    He didn''t drink alcohol, not since that time he was wrongfully used. Yet today, with his wife and child by his side, he could drink without worry.

    Jiang Changtian had a very low alcohol tolerance and passed out after just one cup.

    He slumped over the table, emitting soft snores.

    Asleep.

    Mom carried Father away.

    Outside, snow was falling.

    Jiang Mianmian and her Elder Sister and Elder brother ate dumplings.

    So today was Father''s birthday.

    Mom had been gone for so long and still hadn''t returned.

    The dumplings had gotten cold.

    What a pity.

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89

    It snowed.

    The red walls of the Imperial Pce in the Capital City were covered in white.

    The entire pce was draped in a pristine snow-white roof, looking exceptionally pure.

    A minister memorialized that the auspicious snow heralded a bountiful year. It hadn''t snowed for three years, so this snowfall was a great blessing.

    It happened to be Heir Apparent Han''s birthday.

    The Emperor wished to personally celebrate Heir Apparent Han''s birthday.

    Everyone in the Capital City knew that Heir Apparent Han was the Emperor''s favorite, more revered than even the Crown Prince himself.

    Offending the Crown Prince would not lead to severe consequences, for he was magnanimous.

    But offending Heir Apparent Han meant dire troubles, for he was not so forgiving and could make one''s life miserable.

    The Emperor merely smiled it off, finding his nephew''s candid nature adorable.

    Heir Apparent Han''s consort was ill-fated, passing away just three years into their marriage.

    The Emperor intended to select a new consort for Heir Apparent Han.

    On this day, all noblewomen of rank brought their eligible daughters to the pce.

    The pce banquetsted until midnight.

    Songs and dances filled the air.

    Wine flowed freely.

    The Emperor, inebriated, embraced his young favorite consort and enjoyed the stage performances.

    A soldier carrying urgent dispatches was stopped outside the pce gates.

    Jingzhou Prefecture has fallen!

    In a small room within the pce, a severely beaten young eunuch stumbled out into the snow, staggering.

    He lurched and tumbled, crashing onto the ornate stage.

    d in a tattered red robe, his face paler than snow, he sang a heart-wrenching tune, like a bleeding oriole''s mournful cry. The Emperor abruptly left the stage and unsteadily lifted the eunuch.

    ...

    After the snow.

    The sky cleared.

    The sun did not fail us, and we must not fail the sun. (Note 1)

    Jiang Mianmian arose early, bundled up especially warmly.

    Her mother said it was colder after the snow than during.

    She was dressed like a ball, wrapped inyers uponyers.

    She counted about eight garments on herself, with two extra cloaks on top.

    The snow in the courtyard was so deep, like a thick cotton nket.

    Bundled up, Jiang Mianmian dashed into the courtyard.

    Her little legs wobbled and stumbled, she paused for a moment, then her whole body tilted and she fell face-first into the snow.

    Not a hint of pain.

    With effort, she pushed up her round ball-like self with her hands, struggling to stand her legs, lifting her little bottom to cheer herself on, then got up and continued toddling forward.

    Plop!

    Down she went again.

    Jiang Mianmian grew tired and didn''t want to get up. Her face couldn''t even touch the ground, she was so round. Like a little turtle, belly on the ground, limbs iling.

    "Hehehe." Augh came from outside the courtyard.

    Jiang Mianmian strained to look up.

    At the gate stood a young boy in a small cloak, with bright armor on his knees and chest, holding a little sword.

    Beside him stood a staunchly expressionless tall and sturdy man, and a thin schr in a long gown with two thin mustaches.

    It was the boy who hadughed at her.

    The boy had very white teeth and a handsomeugh.

    Toothbrushes weren''t very effective back then, so white teeth were rare.

    Jiang Mianmian''s head grew tired from looking up and fell back down.

    Anotherugh came from the gate.

    "Master Jiang, Master Jiang, you have guests," Little Wu called out loudly.

    Jiang Mianmian watched the little ants scurry busily at the gate. The vigers were less alert than her little ants - by the time they called out, she could have been carried away already.

    The group at the gate found the baby sprawled on the ground exceptionally adorable.

    Just then, a white horse in the snow opened its mouth and grabbed the baby''s back.

    The sturdy man beside the young boy nearly drew his sword to strike the horse.

    But they saw the horse had merely grasped the baby''s clothes in its teeth and was dragging her up.

    Once she was seated upright, the horse released its grip.

    It stood before the child like a majestic guard.

    Jiang Mianmian sat in the snow, ring sternly at the mocking little boy. She may have lost this round, but would not be defeated so easily.

    Jiang Changtian came out and picked up the seated Mianmian.

    The guests at the gate had an effortless, natural air of superiority, including the boy.

    Visiting another''s home and seeing an exquisite baby was surprising, but not shocking.

    After all, she was just a baby.

    However, when they saw the long-haired youth in a gray gown emerge, they were stunned.

    "A jade-like presence, graceful as a soaring dragon!"

    The youth''s blue gown was dusted with powder, as if he had been cooking.

    He first picked up the baby, gently patting the snow off her, caressing her face and limbs, before turning to greet them.

    The youth smiled before speaking, his demeanor gentle and kind.

    "I did not expect such honored guests. Please,e in."

    The group entered, their footsteps leaving trails in the pristine courtyard snow.

    Jiang Changtian paid no mind and ushered them into the receiving room.

    It was quite modest - just a table and a few bamboo mats, two wooden shelves on the wall. One shelf held a few books, the other a row of upturned bamboo cups.

    No paintings adorned the walls.

    No decorative vases.

    Not a single flower branch.

    But one could see two trees from the doorway.

    One was bare branches, the other still had snow-covered leaves.

    "Please, sit. My humble abode is in, but make yourselvesfortable," said Jiang Changtian.

    Qin Luoxia arrived carrying two bamboo-woven y pots, essentially charcoal braziers for heating.

    In this small room, the two braziers provided some warmth.

    "Thank you, Sister Luoxia. Could you also bring a pot of tea?" asked Jiang Changtian.

    Qin Luoxia nced at the baby in his arms and asked, "Husband, shall I take Mianmian?"

    The thin-mustached schr had assumed the capable woman carrying things was a servant.

    A rustic yet vigorous vige woman - but given Jiang''s refined appearance, having her as a maid was understandable.

    He did not expect her to be Jiang''s wife.

    "No need, Mianmian is well-behaved. I''ll hold her. You go prepare some dishes," Jiang Changtian said warmly.

    Jiang Mianmian sensed some unspoken tension between her parents. Hmph.

    Qin Luoxia blushed and quickly returned with arge pot of water.

    Deftly, she warmed the bamboo cups, filled them with water, and ced the pot on the brazier to keep the water hot.

    She moved exceptionally quickly, serving hot water before anyone had a chance to speak.

    Jiang Mianmian was also given a cup.

    She sweetly said, "Thank you, mother."

    The little bearded man spoke up, "Many thanks, madam."

    The young boy echoed, "Many thanks, madam."

    Being called ''madam'' twice caused Qin Luoxia to blush, though she still responded gracefully.

    Everyone could see her slight difort, yet they all sensed she was an extremely kind and gentle woman.

    The iron tower man stood outside the house, while the youngd and the bearded gentleman sat inside, along with Jiang Mianmian and her father.

    Qin Luoxia came out and offered the iron tower man a cup of water, saying, "Brother, please have some to warm yourself up."

    The iron tower man shook his head to decline.

    Qin Luoxia did not insist, though while handing him the water, she nced at his weapons - tworge, sharp, and heavy des that looked like fine swords.

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90

    The courtyard was nketed in pristine white snow.

    At the corner of the wall, charcoal fire warmed the water.

    From the neighboring kitchen wafted the aroma of baked goods.

    "The swirling winds and flying dragons, how magnificent they are,

    The withering grass and trees, how dejected they appear."

    Little Moustache dropped his book bag,

    Letting out an indistinct exmation.

    Jiang Mianmian looked up at him.

    Father took off the hat from her head, revealing her crooked little sprout, and straightened it.

    Then Little Moustache and Father exchanged fist greetings.

    Little Mianmian also extended her little hand for the fist greeting.

    Little Moustache brought the young master to pay a visit, having heard that there was a formidable figure in the area.

    It was said that this person had brought in bandits to kill the local gentry, then eliminated the bandits, upying the gentry''snd. He then led the vigers to suppress bandits elsewhere. Nearby vigers had also flocked to join him, forming a small force.

    While bandits were rampaging in other ces and the number of refugees was increasing, in Ming County alone, the bandits had been eradicated by a group of vigers, the number of refugees did not rise, and the county town remained undisturbed, appearing almost like a utopia.

    There were many rumors about their leader, Mr. Jiang.

    Some said he was a son from a prominent family who was disowned for being unfilial and disobedient.

    Others imed he had an elegant demeanor and extraordinary countenance, destined for greatness.

    Regardless of the rumors, he was undoubtedly a man of profound cunning.

    Now, with the New Year approaching soon,

    The Lord had conquered the Provincial Capital and would not be able tounch another expedition in the short term.

    Thus, as a disciple, Gong Qichi took the initiative to request a mission, iming he could capture the nearby counties without deploying troops.

    Of course, not deploying troops did not mean he would not bring any; there were still many soldiers.

    First, diplomacy; if that failed, then force. They would fight only if necessary.

    Through his eloquence alone, he had indeed taken over the nearby counties of He and Xian.

    There was a minor hup where the County Magistratemitted suicide,

    But it was not a significant issue.

    Now he had arrived in Ming County,

    Only to encounter an intriguing situation.

    Unlike the chaos rampant elsewhere, the vigers around Ming County were surprisingly stable.

    There were also very few refugees.

    As a result, he learned of this Mr. Jiang.

    Everyone sang his praises, saying he helped those in need, was righteous and generous, wise and discerning, and immensely talented.

    Gong Qichi brought the young master to pay him a visit.

    His main task, apart from hoisting the g, was also to serve as the young master''s tutor.

    Gong Qichi had an extraordinary identity - he had once been a top schr.

    He was known as a man of top schrly talent, but he had indeed attained that highest rank.

    Later, however, he was stripped of his position due to fabricated charges.

    Now he had be a disciple of the rebel leader Zi Lu, also serving as the tutor for Zi Lu''s only legitimate son.

    Zi Lu appeared out of nowhere,

    With an impressive demeanor,

    Surrounded by capable people.

    Ostensibly, he was a cultured bandit chief.

    Upon his emergence, with lightning speed, he rallied refugees, conquered county towns, and seized the Provincial Capital.

    That Gong Qichi could serve as the tutor for Zi Lu''s legitimate son spoke volumes of his high standing within the group.

    The young boy before them was Zi Lu''s only legitimate son, Zi Congheng.

    Zi Lu had several adopted sons, but only one legitimate heir.

    Although Gong Qichi felt honored to be the tutor of the Lord''s only legitimate son, he was also deeply worried.

    The Lord had several exceptional adopted sons, each with their own talents.

    But the young master, while good-looking, did not resemble the Lord.

    He was exceptionally intelligent but seemed to have some illness.

    Gong Qichi always brought the young master with him when he went out, not because he wanted to show him the world, but because he genuinely did not feel at ease leaving him alone.

    In the cold snowy aftermath, the young master Zi Congheng sat upright, holding a bamboo cup, not speaking, but observing the people before him intently.

    Zi Congheng watched the youth closely for a while, then turned to look at the little toddler.

    The toddler had just fallen, then got up diligently, only to fall again, not crying or fussing, just lying obediently on the snowy ground.

    She reminded him of the long-lived tortoise he kept.

    Gong Qichi was also observing.

    He found that Mr. Jiang was different from the rumors.

    At least, he saw aspects that the rumors did not mention.

    Mr. Jiang truly loved his wife and child, and his affection seemed genuine, not contrived.

    Of course, if this too was an act, then his cunning was indeed profound.

    "I wonder what advice Gong Qichi and young master Zi have for my humble abode?" After helping his daughter fix her hair and cing her on a small cushion nearby, Jiang Changtian sat down and asked the guests politely.

    Gong Qichi was somewhat taken aback. They had not introduced themselves,

    Yet Mr. Jiang had urately addressed them by name.

    Young master Zi''s expression did not change.

    "How did Mr. Jiang know we wereing?" Gong Qichi asked curiously.

    Jiang Changtian took a sip of water, gesturing for them to drink as well.

    After clearing his throat, he continued, "Ever since Commander Zi arrived at the Provincial Capital, we have been hoping that Commander Zi woulde and rescue us. To be honest, it was only yesterday that my family had our first meal of dumplings, and that was because the original gentry had been killed by bandits. That gentry''s daughter was the County Magistrate''s concubine, and we were all very afraid. We practiced martial arts every day, but only for self-defense."

    "Moreover!" He smiled bitterly, looking at Little Moustache with sincere eyes. "As someone disowned by a prominent family for being unfilial and disobedient, without qualifications to take the imperial examinations or any path to advancement, I can only hope that Commander Zi will rise to greater heights and soar to new heights, so that I too can pursue my ambitions."

    These words instantly struck a chord with Gong Qichi.

    He, a newly appointed top schr, had been stripped of his position and exiled due to fabricated charges, leaving him no path for advancement, forcing him to follow a rebel leader.

    And he had not expected Mr. Jiang to address them as "Commander Zi" right from the start - what an excellent title, better than the one he had held as a top schr.

    Zi Congheng nced at the youth, then continued observing the little toddler.

    Seeing her father''s sincere and moist eyes, his furrowed brow, Jiang Mianmian knew that Father was about to unleash his "sincere, kind-hearted, and emotional resonance" buff skill.

    Thest time Father had a conversation with someone here, she saw that the person had initiallye with a ferocious attitude toin, but as they talked, the person suddenly knelt down, weeping bitterly and confessing his wrongdoings, admitting his guilt and epting punishment...

    Gong Qichi had initiallye with his guard up, but in the presence of this man, he found himself opening up instinctively, wishing he could have a heart-to-heart conversation with him.

    Schrs tend to be emotionally expressive.

    Gong Qichi felt as though he had found a kindred spirit, and his attention towards the young master lessened slightly.

    Moreover, with the young master right before his eyes, surely nothing could happen.

    Jiang Mianmian noticed that the young boy beside her had been staring at her intently.

    She curiously looked back at him.

    After a long time, Jiang Mianmian saw a wealthy person from this era once again.

    Her family could now eat their fill, and her clothes no longer had patches all over them, but Jiang Mianmian felt that they were still some distance away from being wealthy.

    They had achieved modest sufficiency, nothing more.

    The little girl in front of her had a fairplexion, was tall, had delicate features, and was dressed very well. Her clothing had a silky sheen, thin yet warm, likely lined with fur, unlike Mianmian who was bundled up like a ball.

    The girl also wore jade pendants, while Mianmian had one that her mother kept.

    Her elder sister had one too, which she kept for herself.

    However, the other girl had a sword that looked quite nice, with a suitable length.

    It was adorned with symmetrically ced gems.

    Jiang Mianmian did not have one.

    Her family didn''t let her y with sharp objects.

    Jiang Mianmian studied the other girl intently.

    Zi Congheng, the young master, observed this little girl even more intently.

    Her hair was askew, the small braid that had been neatly tied was now crooked after she tugged at it.

    Her cor was crooked.

    Her little robe was also askew.

    "Master Zi is wise in recognizing talent, having Mr. Gong Qichi, a great schr, by his side. He is admired by all. The young master, despite his youth, remains fearless in the face of danger, earning respect. Last night''s snowfall was unexpected, but it has graced our humble abode with pristine beauty, perfect for weing our esteemed guests."

    Mr. Jiang Changtian''s words were sincere and heartfelt.

    He spoke highly of Gong Qichi, a former top schr who had fallen on hard times, putting the man''s heart at ease.

    Zi Congheng, however, showed no reaction.

    Suddenly, he reached out his hand.

    He tugged at the little girl sitting on the cushion beside him, straightening her crooked little braid to the center.

    Then he spoke, "You don''t have much hair, tying it like that will make it look even less."

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t believe him. How could she be going bald when she drank the magic spring water every day?

    Had her brother really pulled out so much of her hair?

    She was too astonished to see everyone staring at her.

    Slowly, tears welled up in herrge eyes and rolled down...

    ...

    ...

    ...

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91

    The snow fell.

    A wooden hut.

    Woven mats.

    A charcoal brazier.

    The cry of an infant.

    The iron-tower of a man standing at the entrance turned his head and gazed at the ants crawling on the snowy ground.

    How strange, it''s snowing yet there are ants.

    In groups and groups.

    Qin Luoxia heard her child crying and rushed out.

    Seeing her husband already holding Mianmian to soothe her, she still felt uneasy.

    For her Mianmian seldom cried.

    She was very well-behaved, especially in front of others, never crying carelessly.

    She took a nce, her husband''s expression was neither serious nor strange, seeming to simply converse, so she did not go in.

    Watching the ants crawling unhurriedly on the snow, Qin Luoxia turned and went to the kitchen.

    The burly iron tower of a man did not know why, but just now he suddenly felt a tightness in his breath.

    As if encountering a mortal enemy.

    Perhaps it was an illusion, for there was no one else here, only the vige woman in an apron who had just shown him an apologetic smile.

    "The baby cries and gives me a fright," Qin Luoxia said to the sturdy man.

    The iron tower was single, without wife or child, so he did not understand.

    But looking at the vige woman before him, he suddenly felt that he too should take a wife.

    Inside the hut.

    Gong Qichi repeatedly apologized, "Forgive me, forgive me. My young lord did not mean it, he just likes little girls."

    As he finished speaking, Gong Qichi wanted to p himself.

    He had never encountered such a situation before. Thest time he brought the young lord to meet the He County Magistrate, the magistratemitted suicide right in front of them, yet the young lord did not even furrow his brow, veryposed.

    And before that, the Lord had also taken the young lord into battle, witnessing the fall of cities, carnage, mountains of corpses and seas of blood, but the young lord, still so young, did not even bat an eyelid. (Could it be that the young lord''s brows are naturally immobile?)

    It was because of that incident that he developed a heart of cherishing talent, volunteering to be the young lord''s tutor.

    Yet he never expected to encounter this kind of thing.

    He was conversing, while the young lord went and pulled the lock of a youngdy.

    Gong Qichi himself had children, but he had always been stern in front of them, never seeing them be so naughty.

    Jiang Mianmian, having been a baby for so long, cried cleverly when things did not go her way.

    After all, as long as she cried, she could attract everyone''s attention.

    Fulfilling her needs.

    This is the most basic skill of infancy, every baby born with it innately.

    Someone pulled her hair and even said she was bald, just the thought saddened her.

    She hid in her father''s embrace, crying hups.

    While also ring at the little boy with tear-filled eyes.

    These brats were the most difficult to deal with, if adults did not scold them, they would run rampant.

    She could not beat him, so crying was the best solution.

    Sure enough, the little man with a thin mustache before her kept apologizing.

    Yet not a harsh word for that boy.

    Jiang Changtian also did not expect to have such a small mishap.

    But holding his crying daughter, he inexplicably felt likeughing.

    His daughter usually seemed a little too mature, her small age yet always with a look of hidden worries, Jiang Changtian was concerned his daughter might have issues.

    Now holding his daughter crying heartbrokenly, Jiang Changtian actually felt relieved.

    "No matter, no matter, children ying, it''s fine," Jiang Changtian said, holding his daughter who had stopped crying.

    Then they continued their discussion.

    The Young Lord Zi did not speak again, nor make any movement.

    He sat there motionless like a soulless, exquisite doll figurine, brows unmoving.

    Jiang Mianmian sat in her father''s embrace.

    Wiggling her little bottom, she soon felt hot.

    She was wearing too manyyers.

    There was a brazier in the room.

    She was hot.

    But she did not want to disturb her father, as she knew her father was discussing important matters.

    Jiang Changtian and Gong Qichi, one having lost his chance at an official career, the other having passed the examinations only to lose his office, conversed merrily, admiring each other.

    Originally he hade to persuade a surrender.

    Yet now not a word of persuasion had been spoken.

    From discussing thendscapes and cultures along the way, they had moved on to the climate of Jingzhou.

    "Jingzhou''s winters are cold, has Mister Gong adapted yet?"

    "You may call me Qichi, or by my style name, Ye Hang. Although Jingzhou''s winters are cold, they are not damp and chilly, with abundant sunshine, always putting one in good spirits."

    Jiang Changtian had weighed this man.

    Born to a humble family yet exceedingly aplished, passing the highest examinations to reach life''s peak, then after bing a top schr, his life took a downward turn, falling to the depths.

    He had a strong desire to advance himself.

    Yet unlike those of pure rustic origins, he was educated, having read extensively, with a schrly air.

    "Ye Hang, the night sail, celestial geography, the stars of all directions, past and present, all understood - an excellent name, Brother Ye Hang is truly learned and talented," Jiang Changtian praised.

    Gong Qichi''s expression smiled slightly, his thin mustache curling upwards.

    So Brother Jiang was indeed a kindred spirit.

    Others hearing his style name Ye Hang assumed it referred to sailing boats at night, a difficult and arduous path, a talented man unappreciated.

    But that was not the case - when others traveled by boat at night, wherever they went, whatever was discussed, the knowledge of all under heaven, only in the night sail was there the most formidable challenge.

    He took the name Ye Hang as an extremely confident and self-assured expression.

    Yet Brother Jiang understood it at just a listen.

    The two continued conversing.

    Although Jiang Changtian initially reminisced about their circumstances, once he opened the topic, he quickly moved to all sorts of casual chat, not dwelling on the subject of status.

    Very carefree.

    Discussingndscapes and cultures.

    Discussing worldviews and perspectives on life.

    Discussing the greater situation.

    Discussing livelihood issues.

    And of course Jiang Changtian was equally engrossed.

    Aside from Jie Xi, he had not met anyone of equal footing to converse with in a long time.

    In the eyes of the vigers, the two of them were like a pair ofughingstocks.

    The more they talked, the more invested they became.

    Until the Young Lord Zi suddenly spoke, "Take off your clothes."

    Jiang Changtian was dazed for a moment.

    Gong Qichi froze.

    They saw the young lord say to the little girl, "Do you need my help?"

    Jiang Mianmian looked utterly baffled.

    Only then did Jiang Changtian notice his daughter''s little face was flushed red, as the room had grown hot.

    His daughter was wearing a bit too much.

    He reached out and helped his daughter undo the outermost robe.

    Seeing she was still bundled up, he undid another robe.

    Like peeling a shell.

    After peeling off threeyers, her neck could finally move freely.

    Gong Qichi could not help but take out his handkerchief and wipe his brow.

    Thinking it was good the young lord did not personally help undress the little girl.

    If on the first meeting he undressed someone else''s young daughter, that would be too terrifying.

    Perhaps it was because Jiang''s young daughter was too adorable, attracting the young lord''s attention.

    On this snowy day, the guests did not linger.

    Although Qin Luoxia had prepared noodles, Gong Qichi did not stay with the young lord.

    After all, it was their first visit.

    To insist on staying for a meal would also be too rude.

    Nor did they have such ns.

    As they were leaving, Jiang Changtian escorted them and ended up slipping on the snow, almost falling over.

    He personally apanied them to the vige entrance and loudly assured them, "Please be at ease, Young Lord Zi. We will gather the grain and money as soon as possible. I wish you sess in unifying the realm, Lord. I also hope to have the opportunity to discuss matters at length with Brother Ye Hang by candlelight."

    Gong Qichi looked at the long-haired youth holding an infant and repeatedly escorting them to the vige entrance. He couldn''t help but exim, "Brother Jiang is truly a sincere man, a virtuous schr. We will surely meet again."

    Little Jiang Mianmian waved her tiny hands.

    Young Lord Zi''s expression remained stern, but when they finally turned to leave, he also waved his hand.

    Gong Qichi, leading the young lord and the ck Pagoda guards, rode their horses toward the county town.

    Outside the vige entrance, the procession was vast.

    It was mealtime, and they were a bit hungry, needing to hurry to the county town for lunch.

    They could have eaten in the vige, too.

    Gong Qichi didn''t know why he didn''t let the army eat in the vige.

    Instead, he led them to the county town.

    On the way, the cold wind was biting, but the scenery on both sides was excellent.

    The wind cleared their minds.

    Gong Qichi came to his senses a bit, realizing he was a rebel and should have let the army eat in the vige.

    The atmosphere when chatting with Brother Jiang was so pleasant that he forgot about this.

    He remembered his role as the young lord''s teacher and asked, "Young Lord, what do you think of Sir Jiang?"

    He didn''t really expect an answer.

    The young lord often didn''t speak much.

    But unexpectedly, the young lord responded.

    "He is ill, seriously ill, more so than me."

    Gong Qichi: ...

    Back at home, eating piping hot noodles, Jiang Changtian asked Jiang Mianmian, "Mianmian, what did you think of that young man today?"

    Jiang Mianmian slurped up a noodle she had finally fished out, broth glistening at the corner of her mouth. In a sweet voice, she said, "He is ill."

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92

    After the snow fell, the clear skies came.

    An ideal time for brewing tea.

    A refined activity indeed.

    Though the Jiang Manor did not span as wide as the grand mansions in the Capital City, its living quarters were still quite spacious.

    Originally, theyout was designed with three separate residences - one for the Old Lady Jiang as the main house, one for the eldest son Jiang Huaisheng, and one for the second son Jiang Changtian.

    Houses were prepared for when they marry and start their own families.

    But now, theyout had Jiang Huaisheng upying one residence, while the Old Lady Jiang resided in the main house.

    The remaining space housed the Old Lady''s Buddhist hall, tea room, study, guest room, and training grounds - quite afortable living arrangement.

    Today the weather was lovely.

    Jiang Wan brewed tea and enjoyed the scenery of snowfall in the tea room.

    In her youth, the Old Lady Jiang was quite the refineddy herself.

    But time had passed, and much had changed.

    Brewing tea in a foreignnd after so many years brought a renewed sense of appreciation.

    The water in Ming County was quite hard.

    The tea it brewed had a sharp aroma, but if the temperature was not controlled well, it could turn bitter.

    Drinking tea on a snowy day had its own unique charm.

    d in an elegant gown, adorned with a pearl headpiece, the Old Lady Jiang held a small blue-green ceramic cup with a graceful demeanor as she savored the tea.

    Despite the snowy weather outside,

    The tea room was open to allow viewing of the snow scene.

    Yet it did not feel cold inside.

    Quality charcoal burned in the copper brazier, emanating warmth without smoke.

    Jiang Wan, dressed in a white light cloak, sat gracefully with her wrist gently raised as she brewed the tea.

    Snow white, cloak white, her fair skin too.

    The warm cloak embraced her slender, porcin-like neck, showcasing a unique beauty.

    At the courtyard entrance, a guard or two stood vigntly, able to glimpse the scene of the gracefuldy brewing tea inside.

    Catching a nce, they dared not look further, refocusing their gaze ahead under the trees.

    Jiang Wan took a sip of the tea she had brewed.

    A hint of bitterness at first, but followed by a lingering sweetness, its aroma rich and full - perfect for snowy days.

    This premium green tea was a gift from her aunt.

    Light snow, pearl charcoal, fine tea, maiden, anddy.

    A picturesque scene of elegance and refinement.

    Suddenly, the butler came rushing in, flustered:

    "Disaster! The rebels have invaded the city!"

    The rebels moved swiftly, seizing the County Government Office and taking control of the entire county town.

    Important positions were reced with new faces.

    The city gates and sentries were changed.

    They even booked the Qingfeng Restaurant,

    Inviting guests for a banquet.

    Wealthy and influential families in town all received invitations.

    Causing panic andints, albeit better than receiving knives.

    They couldn''t help but curse the ipetence of the County Government for leaving the doors wide open for the invaders.

    The invitations requested the presence of wives and daughters, which the families found outrageous - nobledies would never attend such chaotic gatherings.

    If a banquet, they argued it should be separate asions.

    The Jiang Manor also received an invitation.

    When the invitation was delivered and the Old Lady Jiang was present, hearing that they were invited to a banquet with wives and daughters to attend, she clutched her belly, face pale, nearly fainting from the shock.

    Jiang Huaisheng''s expression was grim - his life had been far too turbulent.

    His sister had earlier written advising them to enter the Capital City, but the journey was dyed due to his wife''s pregnancy, never expecting rebels to now invade their town.

    The Old Lady Jiang was also distressed, having just enjoyed her tea in peace that morning, only to learn of the rebel invasion, leaving her short of breath.

    Fortunately, a lifetime of hardship had trained her to remainposed in such turmoil.

    Of them all, Jiang Wan was the most calm upon receiving the news.

    "Where there is a cmity lies the seed of fortune. Did not our aunt advise us to watch and wait? Since the rebels have sent invitations, it means they are not the type to indiscriminately ughter innocents. We should simply attend the banquet."

    Jiang Rong, however, recalling the bandits killing before his eyes, cried out loudly: "I won''t go! I won''t go! Rebels are nothing but bandits! I won''t attend!"

    The young grandson was throwing a tantrum.

    His daughter-inw was pale, looking faint.

    Without warning, the Old Lady Jiang struck Jiang Rong with her cane.

    "Ow!" Jiang Rong cried out in pain.

    Never did he expect his doting grandmother to actually strike him.

    "Silence. Huaisheng, Wan, and I shall attend tonight''s banquet," dered the Old Lady Jiang.

    Retreating to her chambers with the help of Aunt Yao, the Old Lady Jiang''s aura of authority dissipated as shezily reclined on the soft bedding.

    Aunt Yao knelt down, massaging the Old Lady''s knees.

    "Your arthritis is ring up again, mydy?"

    The Old Lady nodded wearily, eyes closed.

    "Wan had long advised me to enter the Capital City. I should have heeded her words. It was only because that wretched boy was causing a fuss here that I couldn''t bear leaving. Never did I expect we would end up in such a predicament - I, a nobledy of distinguished status, having to attend a rebel''s banquet."

    Aunt Yao''s massage became gentler, consoling: "These rebels seem unlike mere mountain bandits. The young master said their conduct has the air of nobility. All will be well. But for themoners, the rebels did not send invitations - only knives."

    ...

    That noon, Jiang Mianmian had a simple meal with just her parents.

    Her older brother trained the vige militia and shared theirrge pot meals.

    Her sister''s best friend was getting married the next day and had started the wedding banquet celebrations today.

    Their mother cooked a pot of noodles.

    The broth was made with wild vegetables and meat, the noodles hand-kneaded.

    Eating a piping hot bowl of noodle soup with wild chives on a snowy winter day - pure bliss that induced a runny nose from the aroma.

    Thoughcking many teeth, Jiang Mianmian found the noodles delectable as she chewed carefully to savor the vors.

    She heartily finished one small bowl, then had another.

    Normally she might have worried about the day''s events, with the rebel visitors arriving.

    But seeing how casually her father greeted the rebel representative, the little Mr. Gong, Jiang Mianmian sensed there was no real danger.

    And then there was that handsome young rebel man - even when silent, he was quite a sight.

    Jiang Mianmian chewed on another strand of noodle, thinking her sister would surely regret attending the wedding banquet if she knew they were having noodles at home - their mother''s homemade noodles were more delicious than any outside fare.

    That gossipy Cui''s Mother was rumored to be a terrible cook.

    Sure enough,ter that evening, Jiang Yu stormed back home.

    Not even leftovers from the banquet in hand, though one would normally pack some to take home.

    "Mother! Mother!" Jiang Yu fumed, face flushed red. "From now on, I won''t marry out, and neither will my sister! We''ll just stay home forever!"

    Qin Luoxia was shoveling snow andughed at her second daughter''s tantrum: "What''s this all about? If you don''t want to marry, that''s fine. But why can''t your sister marryter on?"

    Jiang Yu didn''t exin, but it was clear she was upset, eyes reddened.

    The youngdy seemed distraught over something.

    Even little Jiang Mianmian was curious - given her father''s current standing in the vige, surely no one would dare mistreat her sister?

    When she was ying with her older sister in her older sister''s room, she took out a small gold bean and said, "Guest, give this to me and my older sister to see."

    This was a handful of small gold beans that the little bearded man had slipped to her when he left.

    Her mother had confiscated them, leaving her with one.

    "Cui''s Mother told Cui that when you get married, you belong to someone else''s family. If you get beaten, you have to endure it," she said, hugging her younger sister sadly as tears like golden beans fell from her eyes.

    Jiang Mianmian reached out to wipe her older sister''s tears, saying, "Older Sister, don''t be afraid. My father, mother, and older brother are very powerful and will beat him."

    Jiang Mianmian struggled to speak in full sentences.

    Her voice sounded childishly out of tune.

    Jiang Yu burst into loud sobs, crying as she took the gold bean from her younger sister''s palm and put it away...

    Jiang Mianmian''s eyes also turned red.

    In the evening, someone delivered an invitation for Mr. Jiang to attend a banquet at the Qingfeng Restaurant in the county town.

    It was noted that he could bring his wife and children.

    Jiang Changtian looked at the invitation and said to the messenger, "Great, it seems Mr. Gong has taken over Ming County. We must attend."

    The guard who delivered the invitation did not leave immediately but respectfully said, "Mr. Gong said since the roads are slippery with snow, we should escort you to the banquet."

    Their mother warmly invited the guards to sit down, urging them to take a seat and serving them a bowl of thick, hot noodle soup.

    "It''s cold out, have something warm before you go. We''ll get ready in the meantime."

    The guards had delivered many invitations and faced cold shoulders and curses along the way.

    Only at Mr. Jiang''s manor did they receive a warm bowl of soup.

    The snow in the courtyard had been shoveled clean, but the trees outside were still covered in snow.

    Under the eaves were a few cracked ceramic pots, with fresh green onion sprouts growing inside.

    After the warm soup, the guard felt a little warmth in his body.

    He heard a young girl calling from the next room, "Mother, I don''t have new clothes to wear."

    He couldn''t help but smile, thinking that once his lord conquers another city, he would go back and bring his wife and daughter.

    Buy his daughter new clothes.

    This winter day was truly cold, but this bowl of soup was truly warm.

    ...

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93

    "Crunch."

    "Crunch."

    The thick boots crunched in the snow, making a loud noise.

    The road leading into the county town had already been trampled by arge army.

    The snow was packed hard.

    The path was a bit slippery.

    But it wouldn''t cause anyone to sink down, so the speed wasn''t affected.

    The entire family of five from the Jiang household had set out.

    Jiang Mianmian was bundled up like a ball again, but since she was small, she had no say in the matter. Being a ball, even if she fell, it wouldn''t hurt much.

    After all, no one would pay attention to her anyway.

    Her little pocket also carried Jiang Xiaoshu.

    Although Elder Sister Jiang Yuined about not having new clothes to wear, at the thought of going to the county town for a feast, she couldn''t help but drool in submission.

    She asked Jiang Feng nervously, "Brother, you''ve been there before. Where do we eat, do we need to wear bibs? Do we use the spoon with the left or right hand? I heard the townspeople are particr about etiquette, and that the spoon and chopsticks must be used with separate hands."

    Jiang Feng was a bit nervous too.

    But being asked such a string of questions by his younger sister Little Jiang Yu made him both amused and saddened.

    Well, he had only been there once before.

    Thest time was thest time.

    "Just go and see how others eat, then do the same. Don''t speak, just focus on eating," Jiang Feng said.

    "What if they poison the food?" Jiang Yu asked again.

    Jiang Feng: ...

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Father spoke up, "They probably won''t. If they wanted to poison us, they wouldn''t need to go through so much trouble. They could just poison the well."

    Qin Luoxia looked at her Husband with adoring eyes, her Husband was so wise.

    In the end, Jiang Yu just wore a regr padded jacket. It was already pretty good, with no patches on the outside. But people are always greedy, and the young girl yearned for beautiful, bright dresses.

    Jiang Mianmian understood. If she were a little older, she would also ask for new clothes.

    Jiang Feng felt somewhat excited.

    Previously, he hadn''t agreed to let the two Young Masters follow him.

    But his Godfather had gone off on his own to brave the world.

    In the midnight dreams that came to him, the Youth had a tinge of regret.

    But now, he was filled with immense gratitude that he hadn''t left.

    Otherwise, after all this time, there would have been no letters to keep in touch with his family, and they would surely have worried.

    In this chaotic world, human life is as fragile as grass. He was grateful that he could be with his family, that they were all safe and sound.

    Moreover, he was much more confident now than he used to be.

    In the past, he had only been putting on airs with others, hollow on the inside.

    Now he had be much more stable, still jesting but no longer without any backing.

    He had led the vigers to attack the banditir, killing Elder Brother Hu with his own hands. At that moment, he felt that he had grown up.

    He was making rapid progress every day, learning hunting from Mom and how to conduct himself from Father. Although still young, he now gave others a sense of being more stable and reliable, and people no longer called him the wayward Jiang Feng.

    Today, Jiang Feng didn''t have a sword, wearing a blue robe of the same color scheme as Father''s, with a padded jacket underneath but not too thick.

    He wasn''t really afraid of the cold, more afraid of the dark and being alone.

    When his family was together, he feared nothing.

    Qin Luoxia had also changed into a new set of clothes, but not made of fine silk or satin, just an ordinary padded jacket.

    The household had only recently been able to eat their fill. Although that night, Qin Luoxia had scoured Lord Liu''s house, she didn''t have extravagant habits.

    Having endured hardship for so long, she dared not be greedy or wasteful.

    She had to n for the long-term and consider the children.

    Being well-fed, warmly dressed, and clean was enough.

    She only paid special attention to her Husband''s clothes, although they were also just blue robes, they were well-made, with the lengths just right and pleats.

    Jiang Feng''s clothes were made from leftover cloth, but he was active, so more cloth was needed. There was no need for too much attention to detail, and the sleeves were a bit short.

    The family walked toward the county town as if going to a market fair.

    Outside, Jiang Mianmian''s little nose was red from the cold, but she was still very excited.

    Woo woo woo, family, who knows? For the first time in her life, she was finally, finally going into town!

    She danced with excitement, overjoyed.

    Seeing Traitor Brother nearby, she couldn''t help but give him a sweet smile.

    Jiang Changtian chatted amiably with the guards.

    "Might I ask the brave warrior''s honored surname and great name?"

    "Ma Nansheng. My mother had a difficultbor giving birth to me."

    "A difficult birth, but smooth sailing after growing up."

    "How many in your household?"

    "Seven. Me, my Wife, two children, a younger Sister, and my parents."

    "Not easy."

    "Yes. The Lord gave us money recently, which I''ve already sent home, so they shouldn''t go hungry."

    "Life will get better and better for all of us."

    "Yes."

    "Do you miss home?"

    "Yes."

    "If you have time in the future,e visit us. We don''t have much to offer, but my sister-inw can make you some noodle soup."

    "Yes."

    As they walked further, the sky grew darker, and the wind picked up.

    The guards'' eyes were red from the wind.

    Jiang Mianmian''s face was also flushed red from the cold.

    Swaying in her Mother''s warm embrace, she grew sleepy again.

    ...

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94

    ...

    The traitorous posts arrived swiftly.

    The time for the banquet came even faster.

    Who posts in the afternoon and attends a dinner in the evening?

    How hasty.

    As if rushing to be reborn.

    Usually, one posts and then attends a dinner two or three dayster.

    That way, people can pack up and flee.

    Or allow the clothing, jewelry, and watercolor shops in the county town to earn a bit more profit.

    After all, thedies and wives must purchase new items when going out as guests.

    Each household was busily preparing.

    Inparison, Old Lady Jiang''s womenfolk had it better.

    After all, they had experienced great turmoil before.

    Old Lady Jiang''s attire was more solemn than usual, choosing a deep-colored gown with winding lotus patterns - very dignified.

    Jiang Huaisheng did not make any special effort to dress up. He wore the same dark satin robe as usual, adding a cloak when going out.

    Jiang Wan deliberately dressed inly, not to look attractive, but chose clothes slightly older and shabbier than usual. Her entire appearance was low-key, removing all jewelry and using deep-colored powder to darken herplexion.

    At such a banquet, trying to stand out would be courting death.

    Jiang Rong hid in her room, afraid of being called out, not even daring to see them off.

    Mrs. Jiang was pregnant and resting in bed to stabilize the pregnancy after a recent fright.

    Three generations of the Jiang family went out together.

    Although they did not dress up specially, their guards were unlike others''.

    If not for the Jiang guards'' different attire from the traitors, one might mistake them for traitors too.

    They looked very formidable.

    When Old Lady Jiang arrived, the County Magistrate personally came out to wee her.

    The esteemed County Magistrate acted like a small waiter at the Pure Wind Winery, standing by the entrance to greet and send off guests.

    He dared notin and had to ster a smile on his face.

    Since he could not bear tomit suicide, he could only force a smile.

    He weed Old Lady Jiang and her family inside to be seated.

    And introduced the identities of the traitors - oh no, Master Gong, Young General Zi, and Young Lord Zi.

    From the county side, Young General Zi, the second adopted son of General Zi Lu, had alsoe.

    The Jiang family had an impressive background, with one daughter even being the Seventh Prince Consort. They did not understand the power struggles and factions in the capital, but to the County Magistrate, they were considered royalty and seated ordingly.

    Upon the introduction, Gong Qichi looked at them curiously.

    So this was the Old Lady who drove the Long Tian brothers out of the family?

    And this Jiang Huaisheng was Jiang''s elder brother?

    This family did not seem too intelligent, yet lived extremely well with fine robes and shoes, clearly from a wealthy family of means.

    Following behind her grandmother, Jiang Wan looked towards the arrivals.

    She was somewhat startled, nearly losingposure.

    The man with thin mustaches seated there wouldter be an important minister in court.

    After her uncle ascended the throne, he would be given an important position.

    But now, he was actually a traitor.

    And seated next to the traitor was a young boy with a serious expression. Jiang Wan nced at him and moved on.

    Upon hearing the County Magistrate''s introduction, the young boy was the only legitimate son of the traitor Zi Lu.

    Jiang Wan understood somewhat.

    In her dream, the traitors rebelled but the ultimate winner was the current Seventh Prince, her uncle.

    It was said that the traitor''s only son died, driving the traitor mad with rage, killing many of his subordinates. The traitors'' den turned on itself, leading to defeat.

    However, the serious-looking man seated next to the young boy made Jiang Wan startled again.

    This man was actually Zi Lu''s adopted son, but she recognized him as the trusted aide of the Crown Prince.

    In other words, the trusted aide of her uncle the Seventh Prince''s eldest son.

    Jiang Wan did not expect that by attending a traitors'' banquet,

    She would encounter so many familiar faces from the future.

    She had not even entered the capital, yet glimpsed the changing tides of the realm.

    The prelude to the great shifts unfolding before her eyes.

    In this life, she would walk proudly by his side.

    ...

    Since Old Lady Jiang had arrived, they were likely thest guests expected.

    Yet the traitors still showed no signs of starting the banquet and seemed to be waiting for someone else.

    Who in Ming County could have a more prestigious status?

    Or was the head traitor still toe?

    The crowd grew slightly impatient from the wait.

    Jiang Wan sat calmly, asionally exchanging a few words with her grandmother.

    When she nced up, she coincidentally met the gaze of Young General Zi seated next to the young boy, causing her to nervously show a small smile.

    The youngdy carried herself with dignity, respectful to her elders with perfect posture, slender wrists, and an elegant appearance.

    Zi Ganjiang, Zi Lu''s adopted son, was from a poor background before being taken in by Zi Lu.

    For his bravery in battle, he was granted the name "Ganjiang" (Valiant General).

    He looked down on these youngdies from prestigious families, finding them too weak and their shrill cries annoying.

    Yet today, he noticed a young girl in the crowd who seemed quite different. She had some tricks up her sleeve, deliberately darkening her face and dressing inly without overly ornate essories.

    But being a youngdy, her slender neck and wrists still showed a snowy whiteplexion.

    When he looked over, she seemed slightly afraid yet still showed him a shy, warm smile.

    For some inexplicable reason, that single smile struck his heart.

    He felt a flutter, suddenly recalling his adoptive father''s recent question about taking a wife.

    Zi Congheng spoke up: "You go ahead, don''t mind me. I won''t wander off."

    He sat by the window with Hei Ta guarding behind the Young Lord.

    The young boy showed no expression, gazing out the window.

    The streets were empty and quiet.

    The snow-covered ground was muddied by trampled footprints.

    Suddenly, a lively group approached.

    He immediately spotted the chubby little girl being carried in someone''s arms.

    Her face was flushed red from the cold, yet she smiled like a blossoming flower.

    She looked prettier than his longevity tortoise, with two perfectly aligned little teeth.

    ...

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95

    The day was not yet dark.

    The roadsidenterns were lit.

    Thenterns of the Qingfeng Restaurant were especially bright.

    Standing beneath thentern, the County Magistrate''s official robes looked exceptionally appealing.

    Jiang Changtian''s family arrived, apanied by escorts.

    The County Magistrate unconsciously disyed a weing smile.

    But upon seeing who had arrived, the County Magistrate''s smile froze.

    Who could have imagined that he, a prestigious County Magistrate, would bow to greet someone who was once merely a temporary worker under hismand?

    His back was almost unable to bend.

    As a father and mother official, how could he bow to such an unfilial and undutiful person?

    The world had gone awry!

    At that moment, Gong Qichi came rushing down the stairs.

    He hurried over to greet them.

    "Changtian, you''vee! We''ve been waiting for you. Brother and sister, pleasee in." Gong Qichi extended his hand and grasped Jiang Changtian''s hand.

    His hand was warm, while Jiang Changtian''s was slightly cool.

    Jiang Changtian smiled, "Brother Qichi, I didn''t expect to meet you again so soon. You truly are hasty. Upon receiving the invitation, I brought my whole family immediately. This is my eldest son, Jiang Feng, and this is my younger daughter Jiang Yu. You''ve met my youngest daughter Mianmian before."

    Jiang Feng and Jiang Yu respectfully bowed and addressed him as "Uncle Gong."

    Little Jiang Mianmian followed, calling out, "Uncle!"

    Gong Qichi was pleased that Jiang Changtian had brought his entire family, including the young child, and that none of them were carrying weapons.

    He had acquired many things that day and casually handed out gifts ¨C a jade pendant for Jiang Mianmian, a gold bracelet for Jiang Yu, and a gold medal for Jiang Feng, who thought to himself, "Rebelling is truly rewarding, with so much money."

    They were all delighted.

    Jiang Changtian seemed to have just noticed the County Magistrate bowing low nearby. He looked surprised and said, "My Lord, why are you here?"

    The County Magistrate smiled wryly, "I came out specially to wee you. Please,e in."

    Upstairs, everyone was eagerly awaiting their arrival.

    They were curious to see who the rebel leader had personally rushed down to greet.

    Gong Qichi had visited Jiang Changtian in the morning and then came to the county town.

    The county town was much more chaotic than Kan''er Vige.

    Even before they arrived, the county government officials had begun fighting among themselves.

    Some even took the opportunity to loot from wealthy households.

    The County Magistrate had prepared to flee but was hesitant.

    It was aughable sight to behold.

    Compared to this, Jiang Changtian''s demeanor stood out.

    In ancient times, travel was inconvenient and distances were vast, so people rarely ventured out and had a limited circle of acquaintances.

    The ancients had more abundant emotions; once they recognized someone as a kindred spirit, they cherished and confided in them wholeheartedly, willing to sacrifice themselves for each other.

    Not only was transportation slow, but life expectancy was also short.

    In their brief lives, gaining a kindred spirit was something to be treasured dearly.

    Gong Qichi personally weed and led Jiang Changtian''s family, escorting them upstairs to the reserved main seats.

    Everyone first looked at their robes, then at the people themselves.

    Seeing that the neers'' attire was in, even inferior to what the rebels wore, they became even more curious about who they were to receive such an honored wee from the rebels.

    Zi Ganjiang, the adopted son of thete Zi, had not gone to visit Jiang Changtian that morning. As a militarymander, he preferred action over idle talk and had no interest in visiting some schr.

    However, his adoptive father had only asked him to assist Gong Qichi, so he had no authority to make decisions.

    The arrivals were an entire family, even carrying an infant.

    Everyone was even more curious.

    When they saw Jiang Changtian''s face, someone in the crowd gasped in surprise.

    From the sound of it, it was a woman.

    Did their county have such a stunningly handsome man?

    In that instant, everyone forgot about the clothes and focused solely on his face.

    Thedies from wealthy households, who rarely ventured out, turned red in the face,pletely forgetting that they hade to attend a rebel''s banquet and instead behaving as if they were attending a matchmaking event.

    However, upon noticing the wife and children apanying him, some of thedies regained a sliver of rationality.

    This was the first time Jiang Changtian revealed his true appearance to others.

    Among the crowd, Jiang Huaisheng did not initially recognize that the man was his younger brother Jiang Changtian.

    It was only when he saw Jiang Feng that he realized the truth.

    He had previously encountered Jiang Feng and, displeased with his dissolute behavior, had reprimanded him as if disciplining his own son.

    He still remembered the resentful look in Jiang Feng''s eyes.

    Jiang Huaisheng felt no remorse, for he had only acted because Jiang Feng was his nephew. Had it been someone else, he wouldn''t have given them a second nce.

    Now that he recognized his younger brother Changtian, he became angry.

    If not for the inappropriate setting, he would have disciplined him himself.

    What was he dressed like? This was not how he used to look; Jiang Huaisheng hadn''t even recognized him.

    In this chaotic world where life was as fragile as grass, what was he trying to do by going out looking like that?

    As for Old Lady Jiang, upon seeing the neers, her pupils dted, and she felt her blood freeze, her body trembling slightly.

    She gripped her string of beads tightly.

    Yao had helped her restring the ne, but now she was clutching it so forcefully that the top bead seemed to being loose again.

    Jiang Wan had been sitting beside her grandmother, attending to her. Her grandmother had been sitting upright, exuding an air of calm and dignity that surpassed everyone else present.

    Now, her grandmother suddenly grabbed Jiang Wan''s hand with great force, causing her pain.

    She also looked towards the neers.

    Was that her second uncle?

    How strange, she had never seen him before, not even in her dreams.

    She saw Jiang Yu.

    inly dressed, but with an innocent, guileless smile on her face.

    She saw Jiang Feng, who had been bound by her brother.

    Even more inly dressed, his sleeves shorter than his hands, yet with a dashing appearance that outshone even Zi Ganjiang''s adopted son.

    She saw the child cradled in the tall woman''s arms.

    Not long ago, she had seen her again.

    Thest time, she was in the hands of the peddler couple, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Jiang Wan.

    Now, she was looking at Jiang Wan in the flesh, and Jiang Wan''s hand trembled slightly.

    ...

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96

    It was snowing again.

    Outside, the snow drifted and swirled.

    The innkeeper of Qingfeng Restaurant was trying hard to stay alert.

    Tonight''s meal was quite sumptuous, but he didn''t know if the guests would pay after finishing.

    He had told the waiters to stay and work overtime, worried that they might have to clean up bloodstainster.

    The night seemed endless.

    ......

    Upstairs, there were many people, but it wasn''t lively at all.

    Instead, it was very quiet.

    The guests had all taken their seats.

    Gong Qichi announced the start of the banquet.

    Everyone seemed to have a poor appetite, surely they didn''t juste here to eat in the heavy snow?

    Of course, some dide specifically to eat.

    At first, Jiang Yu was quite nervous.

    There were too many people here, more than she had ever seen gathered together.

    Even when her cousin Aqiu got married, there weren''t this many people.

    And these people were dressed so well, each one looking sleek and colorful, like the mushrooms she picked up in the mountains, vivid and vibrant.

    However, her attention was soon drawn to the dishes being served one by one.

    The trip was worthwhile, worthwhile indeed.

    The excited Jiang Yu even started using idioms.

    She felt that today was truly different, and she wanted to remember this special day.

    Because today was the first time she hade to a restaurant.

    She had to remember it.

    The twelfth day of thest month.

    On this day, Jiang Yu was beaming with joy, her round face glowing, looking exceptionally beautiful.

    Zi Ganjiang was initially curious about why Gong Qichi was so excited to wee someone, was it that important?

    Schrs were just full of odd habits.

    Making a fuss about nothing, hypocritical.

    But when he saw the people Gong Qichi weed, it turned out to be a family dressed very inly.

    They didn''t even dress as well as the servants seated here.

    When Zi Ganjiang saw the young man Gong Qichi was leading by the hand, he was stunned.

    This person was good-looking.

    His handsome appearance alone made others feel inferior.

    No wonder Gong Qichi kept going on about him, someone unforgettable once seen.

    Zi Ganjiang thought that if his stepfather saw him, he might even pull him to worship as a son-inw, as his stepfather was a man of sentiment who made friends without regard for status.

    Zi Ganjiang couldn''t help but look at the people around him too.

    He was so good-looking, yet not arrogant at all like Gong Qichi, and his family seemed ordinary.

    That young man seemed about the same age as himself, and when Zi Ganjiang looked at him, he gave him an honest smile.

    That girl, that girl smiled so radiantly, not shy or nervous, her round face filled with a bright smile that made one feel at ease upon seeing it.

    Zi Ganjiang looked once, then looked again.

    He suddenly realized that he liked this kind of round-faced girl, smiling warmly and happily.

    But earlier when he saw that nobledy who had disguised her appearance, he somehow thought about getting married, what was that all about? When did he be so arrogant as to want to marry a nobledy?

    Why would he want to marry that kind of frail, ambiguous girl whose every smile had three meanings? Had he gone mad?

    Zi Ganjiang''s mind went nk for a moment, not understanding why he was nking out, making him appear cold and aloof as if displeased that Gong Qichi had left him to wee others.

    Gong Qichi truly invited Brother Jiang and his family to dine.

    After inviting Jiang Changtian to be seated, he said, "Tonight, we shall not leave until we''re drunk, or we may light candles and have a night-long chat."

    But Jiang Changtian declined, "Not tonight, a young man in my vige is getting married, and they called me to help in the early morning. Marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime event, I''ve already promised, I can''t go back on my word."

    The crowd was surprised, not expecting this man to outright refuse the rebel leader.

    Wasn''t he afraid of offending him?

    Some even recognized him as the unfilial son expelled from the Jiang Family.

    Many had watched themotion back then.

    They thought it was just the usual issue in a major n, perhaps the second son was born to thete master and a concubine.

    Old Lady Jiang seemed rather tough, not one to tolerate such things.

    Or maybe that boy really did have issues, making Old Lady Jiang unable to stand him anymore.

    Unexpectedly, Gong Qichi didn''t get offended, but instead became even happier, feeling that his recognized friend lived up to his virtue of keeping promises.

    Had he really broken his priormitment just because of Gong Qichi''s invitation, Gong Qichi would have lost respect for him instead.

    "Changtian, you''re too straightforward." Gong Qichi smiled.

    He was the rebel leader now, after all.

    Jiang Changtian also smiled, "No, I''m actually very adaptable, but because it''s Brother Yehang, I put it this way, because Brother Yehang is also a man of his word."

    Gong Qichi roared withughter.

    He liked his candor even more.

    Gong Qichi and Jiang Changtian chatted amiably for a while, appearing like a rebel with an excellent personality.

    Jiang Wan, seated next to her grandmother, felt inexplicably flustered watching this scene.

    She couldn''t help but nce at that rebel''s adopted son, Zi Ganjiang, several times, only to see him looking back at her too, but his expression grew increasingly cold and stern, probably very displeased that Little Moustache had taken the liberty of leaving him behind.

    Young Lord Zi sat between Gong Qichi and Zi Ganjiang, with a burly man in ck standing behind him.

    He watched as Gong Qichi and Jiang Changtian, her father, engaged in friendly banter, his face expressionless.

    He thought, if Gong Qichi spat and his salivanded in the roast duck in front of him, he wouldn''t eat it.

    He would see what Jiang Yu''s father could eat, and if he could eat it, he would admire him.

    Young Lord Zi''s gaze fell on Jiang Yu again.

    She was being held by her mother, her eyes blinking as she looked around.

    Young Lord Zi noticed something interesting.

    Among the people present, there was an olddy and a young woman who seemed afraid of Jiang Yu, their eyes showing a hint of fear whenever they looked at her.

    Young Lord Zi had been somewhat unusual since childhood.

    At the age of three, he had exposed an assassin who wanted to kill his father.

    That assassin was extremely well-disguised, and even in death, he never knew how he had been exposed.

    Little did he expect that it was just because he had revealed his true face in front of that three-year-old child.

    At the time, everyone thought Young Lord Zi was a mute who couldn''t speak.

    Zi Lu had also started taking in adopted sons.

    But unexpectedly, Young Lord Zi''s first words were to his father: "He wants to kill you."

    His first utterance led to someone''s death.

    His second words, a yearter, to his father: "There will be an earthquake, move."

    Zi Lu trusted his son and quickly relocated with his men.

    Of course, there were those who didn''t believe him, or didn''t execute the orders swiftly enough.

    They all died.

    From the age of three, Young Lord Zi only spoke one sentence a year, his first sentence killed a man, his second sentence saved hundreds but also killed dozens.

    Originally, he rarely spoke or even cried out. Zi Ganjiang didn''t dare give his own son a proper name, always calling him by the little nickname "Turtle Boy." He even kept a small tortoise as a pet, hoping his son would live a long and healthy life. It wasn''t until he turned three that he started speaking, and Zi Ganjiang finally gave him the name Congheng, meaning "profoundly knowledgeable."

    At five years old, Congheng gained a tutor.

    The tutor rambled on endlessly, but asionally Congheng would speak normally.

    At this moment, Young Lord Zi nced again at the olddy, while the maid behind the olddy seemed intent on killing Little Moustache.

    The evening banquet was starting to get interesting.

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97

    Snow was falling outside the window.

    But inside the room, it was quite warm.

    There were too many people.

    Jiang Mianmian felt a bit hot, so she took out little Jiang Xiaoshu from her pocket and let it wander around, being careful not to get stepped on.

    Watching Jiang Xiaoshu slide along Mom''s dress hem onto the floor, Jiang Mianmian''s attention shifted again.

    She unexpectedly spotted that family.

    Basically, that family had be a taboo in her own home.

    She had seen them twice before.

    Once they came to her home.

    To stop Elder Sister from going to the Provincial Capital.

    Another time, they seemed to be leaving the city to burn incense, she heard them say something about worshipping Buddha.

    That time, she almost got kidnapped.

    Just thinking about it still made her feel a lingering fear.

    Back then she couldn''t speak yet, but she was really about to get mad enough to die.

    After a long time, Jiang Mianmian felt it had been quite a while, and now she could speak in a halting manner and walk in a wobbling way.

    Those two people were quite striking.

    All the people sitting here seemed to be quite wealthy, dressed very nicely.

    With silks, satins, furs, and whatnot, even crammed together they were still quite colorful.

    But it couldn''t conceal the appearance of those two.

    Jiang Mianmian thought that they were probably not unworthy of being rted to her father, truly quite striking.

    Sitting there, they were better-looking than everyone else.

    Old Lady Jiang looked at first nce like one of those dignifieddies of good pedigree, born into an esteemed family, with excellent conditions at home. Her sitting posture was graceful, and her bearing was refined.

    And the youngdy next to Old Lady Jiang, although her face seemed a little darker than before, those features were still the best-looking present, looking at her gave an inexplicable feeling that she was somehow special, the more you looked the more you couldn''t help but look again.

    Jiang Mianmian found it so strange, how could someone possess such a quality, it was simply too amazing.

    Would one''s values follow one''s features?

    No, this person seemed to be at odds with her own family, Jiang Mianmian hurriedly closed her eyes, while extending her chubby little hands to rub them.

    She opened her eyes and quickly turned her head away.

    Turning her head, she saw not far away the young boy, that rebel young master, sitting there expressionless.

    Jiang Mianmian looked over at him, the young boy was still expressionless, looking dazed and stupid, she thought to herself, the son of a rebel really has it hard, having to put on a front at such a young age.

    Her attention then turned to the dishes on the table.

    Looking at them, they didn''t seem like things she could eat.

    Her teeth weren''t good.

    She was a bit thirsty, really wanting to drink some water.

    But she was a bit reluctant to use the cups outside, they might not be clean.

    But if she licked her fingers, it might be seen by others, which would be a bit embarrassing.

    Jiang Mianmian looked around, everything seemed so new.

    She saw the rebel leader, that little bearded uncle, and obediently gave a smile, life is hard, even a county magistrate has to sell smiles, so she had to sell smiles too.

    She didn''t know how adorable her smile looked with just those two little teeth.

    Zi Ganjiang''s expressionless face almost broke at that moment.

    Gong Qichi announced the start of the banquet and ate earnestly.

    He didn''t care whether others could eat or not, he would eat his fill first.

    The others really couldn''t eat well, trembling nervously, not knowing the purpose of this banquet.

    It couldn''t be that the rebels hade and invited everyone to a meal, even calling their wives and daughters.

    Those with a bad temper were already scowling, unable to take it anymore.

    But seeing the County Magistrate carefully ying along with a smile, and looking at the dense soldiers stationed upstairs and downstairs, everyone could only force a smile with difficulty.

    Old Lady Jiang was trembling nervously at first, but quickly recovered herposure.

    Everyone else was tense and fearful, so no one felt that Old Lady Jiang had done anything wrong.

    Jiang Huaisheng didn''t expect that his younger brother Jiang Changtian would actually be an honored guest of the rebel leader, the way the two of them got along so well, his brows furrowed tightly.

    Damn rebels!

    If their father were still alive, seeing this scene, he would definitely be very angry.

    Jiang Huaisheng had no appetite, only wearing a grim expression on his face.

    Halfway through the meal.

    Gong Qichi finally spoke, saying a lot of verbose things.

    Everyone fell silent.

    Zi Ganjiang, Gong Qichi''s foster son, spoke up: "Each family must hand over two-thirds of their family fortune, leaving behind one person as a hostage. Once the full amount is handed over, you may take them back."

    These words caused an uproar at the scene.

    How could this be reasonable, to casually demand two-thirds of their family fortunes in a single sentence.

    He was even more greedy than their County Magistrate.

    The scene was immediately filled with murmurs andmotion.

    Jiang Changtian didn''t even furrow his brow, the rebels invited them to eat, so of course it wasn''t really just to eat.

    He had already prepared grain, medicinal herbs, linen, dried meat, everything that could be taken out, he had taken it all out earlier when Gong Qichi and his men came.

    Of course there was no money.

    All the vigers were poor, not having money was normal.

    But their sincerity wasplete.

    Without waiting for Brother Yehang to speak, he took the initiative to offer everything up.

    As for the scene, he saw his elder brother, mother, niece and Sister-inw, guards, he regarded them as if he didn''t recognize these people at all.

    He didn''t even give them an extra nce.

    He only spoke earnestly with Brother Yehang, asionally paying attention to his wife and children, during their conversation, he even remembered to serve food to his wife.

    Sister Xia likes to eat meat, but with so many people she might not feelfortable using her chopsticks.

    While chatting with Gong Qichi, Jiang Changtian would chat while also serving food to his wife.

    Without even turning his face, he could urately serve her food.

    This caused those wealthy families to look down on him, men and women shouldn''t dine together, even if at the same table it would be fine, but he was personally serving her food, serving should be done by servants.

    That woman, what virtue did she possess, being so tall, looking like a foreigner, not possessing ady''s beauty at all.

    Jiang Mianmian was used to it.

    Her father did the same at home.

    Qin Luoxia''s face was a bit flushed, under everyone''s gaze, but she tried her best to sit up straight, not wanting to embarrass her husband.

    She strived to appear gracious, yet her face was still uncontrobly red.

    Seeing her appearance, Old Lady Jiang felt a lump in her throat, unable to eat a single bite.

    Jiang Wan only drank a shallow sip of the water in front of her.

    After all, beingdies, eating in front of so many people under everyone''s gaze would be a bit unbing.

    She looked towards Jiang Yu, who was eating without any restraint, her brows slightly lowered, this paternal aunt of hers was always so wanton and brainless, never reading the atmosphere.

    As soon as Zi Ganjiang''s words fell, someone who disagreed stood up in opposition.

    "Opening with simply taking two-thirds of people''s family fortunes, have you gone mad with greed for money? Do you know my uncle is from the Military Command?"

    Gong Qichi, a schr, stood up.

    He drew the sword at his waist and stabbed it into the man, twisting it around.

    "I didn''t know before, but now I do, my apologies." Gong Qichi suddenly drew his sword and killed the man.

    Everyone at the scene was stunned, followed by panicked screams from the women.

    Jiang Wan was also startled and instinctively hid behind her grandmother, tightly gripping her grandmother''s arm.

    Old Lady Jiang''s face turned pale, and she kept murmuring "Amitabha Buddha, Amitabha Buddha."

    Jiang Huaisheng wanted to stand up, but the olddy held him back.

    The panicked cries were soon muffled, turning into low gasps.

    Because the girl who had screamed the loudest had a sword pointed at her.

    When the sword touched her skin, she stopped screaming.

    Only tears kept flowing uncontrobly.

    The rtive of the man who said his uncle was from the Military Command did not dare to cry out loud, only silently shedding tears while embracing the corpse.

    "Is there anyone else who wants to introduce their rtives to me?" Gong Qichi wiped the bloodstained sword with a white cloth and asked.

    Jiang Mianmian sat in her Mom''s embrace, witnessing the scene firsthand.

    She was stunned.

    This little bearded uncle understood anatomy well, the sword was inserted precisely into the heart chamber, and with a stir, death was certain.

    Thinking this way, Jiang Mianmian suddenly felt a bit uneasy. Her thoughts were not right. Shouldn''t she be afraid? Shouldn''t she be crying?

    She turned to look at her Elder Sister, who was also terribly frightened, her eyes wide open, shoving a pastry into her mouth, chewing it quickly, then looking again at the fallen person. Her Elder Sister''s expression became even more frightened, and she took another pastry.

    In her frightened state, her Elder Sister ate three pastries in one go.

    Only then did she cover her eyes in fear.

    Jiang Mianmian also covered her eyes.

    ...

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98

    ...

    That winter year.

    The twelfth day of the twelfth lunar month.

    There was snow.

    It was a day etched in the memories of many.

    The owner of Qingfeng Restaurant recalled that day, there was too much blood, the waiter had to fetch several buckets of water, yet they still couldn''t wipe it all clean. Luckily, the rebels eventually paid the bill.

    They were decent people.

    Outside, the snowkes fell more densely.

    Gong Qichi returned to his seat, cupped his fist toward Jiang Changtian and said, "Pardon me."

    Jiang Changtian''s expression remained unchanged. He sincerely poured Gong Qichi a cup of wine but took tea for himself.

    "Brother Ye Hang''s martial arts skills are exceptional, and he is aplished in both literary and martial pursuits, which is truly admirable. It deserves a toast," he said earnestly while holding his tea.

    Jiang Mianmian seemed a bit nervous, wondering if it was appropriate for her father to toast with tea instead of wine.

    But her father''s alcohol tolerance was so low that just one cup could cause her mother to carry him away.

    Sure enough, someone present muttered, while others did not dare speak up. However, Zi Lu''s Adopted Son, the young Zi Ganjiang, spoke, "By toasting with tea, does Mr. Jiang look down on us?"

    After all, he was present and saw that apart from Jiang Changtian''s exceptional appearance and apparent deep love for his wife and daughter, there seemed to be nothing particrly special about him.

    Jiang Changtian smiled bitterly, "I have a low alcohol tolerance and get drunk after just one cup. Once, after drinking a cup of wine, I woke up to my elder brother scolding me for being unfilial and beastly, though I did not even know what I had done. I was then driven out of the family home. Since then, I have not dared touch alcohol."

    Gong Qichi downed his cup of wine in one gulp.

    "It does not matter. In this life, who has not been wronged a few times? We can rise and fall, strike with swords and settle grievances. Let us drink to that. It is the thought that counts, not whether it is tea or wine."

    As Jiang Changtian spoke these words, everyone''s gaze could not help but turn towards the three representatives of the Jiang family.

    This was a direct reference to them.

    Jiang Huaisheng''s expression indeed soured.

    Old Lady Jiang''s expression grew even darker.

    But as rumored, Jiang Wan, the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family''s main branch, was aplished and beautiful. Today, upon seeing her in person, herplexion was not as fair as described, but her features were indeed exquisite, making her quite special.

    In such a tense situation, she remainedposed, more calm than most men present, which was admirable and left a good impression.

    Old Lady Jiang must have been a great beauty in her youth, for although her expression was displeased, she still maintained an elegant bearing.

    Old Lady Jiang was truly blessed in bearing children ¨C her eldest son was exceptionally handsome, while her younger son was stunningly beautiful.

    It was said that in her youth, Old Lady Jiang was one of the four great beauties of the capital.

    It seemed normal that her younger son would be so gorgeous.

    Jiang Changtian drank his tea and also looked towards Old Lady Jiang.

    He had never doubted that he might be a child born out of wedlock, for his father was truly an upright man who would never have concubines or mistresses.

    He believed that his good looks must havee from his father, who in his eyes was perfect and wless.

    He likely was not Old Lady Jiang''s child either.

    Because Old Lady Jiang also loved his father deeply, and the two were very intimate.

    Of course, this thought was quite unfilial. Jiang Changtian could only sigh, regretting that he was indeed unfilial to have suspected Old Lady Jiang of being unfaithful and having a child out of wedlock.

    He had also doubted before whether he was Old Lady Jiang''s child.

    In those years when he was locked in the dark room for misbehaving, he would peer through the cracks and see his elder brother practice swordsmanship outside, and he would wonder if he truly was not Old Lady Jiang''s son.

    But the Jiang family''s status was not insignificant. How could Old Lady Jiang bear to rece her own child? She could only exchange it for a family of even greater wealth and nobility, but was there anyone more affluent and prestigious in this world?

    He had even fantasized that he might be the child of another family, swapped by Old Lady Jiang.

    In that case, his original identity should have been even better.

    He had probed Aunt Yao about this.

    But Aunt Yao looked at him with undisguised disdain and contempt.

    He was not.

    So he was truly just a pitiful creature who was despised by his own mother from birth.

    How pitiful that he spent most of his life pondering this matter without ever figuring it out.

    Today.

    He wanted to ask.

    He wanted to ask again.

    After drinking that cup of tea, Jiang Changtian grabbed Gong Qichi''s sword and said, "Today, I shall borrow Brother Ye Hang''s sword!"

    Jiang Changtian drew the long sword and walked towards Old Lady Jiang.

    Jiang Huaisheng was startled.

    He had not brought his sword, as weapons were not allowed.

    He reached for the teacup in front of him and threw it.

    "Crash!"

    The teacup shattered, making a clear ringing sound.

    Downstairs, the restaurant owner clutched his chest, heartbroken.

    "You unfilial, beastly wretch, what are you doing?"

    The long-haired youth, in a blue robe and cotton boots.

    Tall and thin, he walked forward with the sword.

    Sorrowful and mournful, his steps were slow.

    "Everyone calls me an unfilial, wretched person. What can I do then, butmit unfilial, wretched acts? Since you know I am unfilial and wretched, how can you expect me to be kind and tolerant? I deserve to be bullied?"

    Jiang Huaisheng''s expression grew ugly.

    Looking at the shattered pieces in front of his brother, he said, "Do you really want me to say those dirty things? You...beast."

    Jiang Huaisheng was unwilling to speak. His wife was pregnant, and he could not bear to reveal those things now, for the world was too harsh on women. A woman''s reputation was of utmost importance. If he spoke now, it would force his wife to kill herself, taking two lives.

    He felt grateful to his mother for preserving Madam Wu''s reputation.

    Jiang Changtian stepped on the shattered pieces.

    His shoes were thick-soled, so he would not be pricked, but some still let out soft gasps.

    They seemed concerned that the beauty might hurt her feet.

    Qin Luoxia watched her husband but did not rise. She gripped a pair of chopsticks tightly in her hand.

    She knew this was her husband''s burden, one he had to resolve himself.

    Her husband could do it.

    "That day, Brother told me that Sister-inw was pregnant. I told Brother that my sister Ruyuer had been coveted by a man over forty years old who wanted to make her a concubine. You were overjoyed at the prospect of having another child. You are such an upright and honorable man, so why would you not help me? You only needed to say a word to Old Master Liu, and he would not dare mistreat us."

    "Shut up, do not mention your Sister-inw," Jiang Huaisheng shouted, gripping the table edge, his eyes reddening as his body trembled with agitation.

    He and Jing had been childhood sweethearts, and even when exiled, Jing had neverined and followed him faithfully.

    He truly loved Jing.

    If anything happened to Jing, he too...at this moment, Jiang Huaisheng realized that he hated this brother, feeling utter loathing towards him. He should die; Mother was right, he did not deserve to live.

    "Thump, thump, thump." Old Lady Jiang''s cane struck the ground heavily, making a loud sound.

    "Enough!" she said.

    "How long will you continue to make a fool of yourself and embarrass us? A mother and son should never hold grudges against each other. I only reprimanded you once before, yet you became angry and ran away from home, holding a grudge for so many years withouting to see this old woman. You got married without our consent or a proper matchmaker, which is no different from eloping. Now that you are a father yourself, you should understand how difficult it is to be a parent. Stop this nonsense. Since Gong Qichi is here, he can serve as a witness. Move back home tomorrow."

    Old Lady Jiang finished speaking, her eyes filled with tears, looking just like a mother whose heart had been broken by her child.

    "Heh." Amidst this emotional moment, someone in the crowd suddenlyughed.

    It was Zi Lu''s Adopted Son, who had been expressionless until now, but suddenly burst intoughter.

 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99

    ......

    "Hahahahaha!"

    Jiang Changtian alsoughed.

    Heughed with tears in his eyes.

    It was extremely funny.

    He was crawling on the ground like a dog, begging for a meal to keep his wife and child alive. Old Lady Jiang said there is no resentment between mother and son thatsts overnight.

    Today, Old Lady Jiang actually shed tears.

    Nobody else''s blood, even when dried, was worth as much as a single tear of Old Lady Jiang.

    Jiang Changtianughed heartily, "Hahaha!"

    Heughed, looking up at the sky.

    Hisughter was a little manic.

    The corners of his deep eyes were red and spread.

    He raised his sword.

    With one swing, he shed the bowls and chopsticks in front of him.

    Broth sshed everywhere.

    "That year, I was weak and incapable, I tried to drown myself in the river, but Xia pulled me out and saved my life. She said she wasn''t afraid of death, so what was there to be afraid of? We must live on."

    "That year, Old Lady Jiang, I returned my life to you."

    "From then on, my life was given by Xia. To repay her for saving my life, I offered myself to her in marriage. What''s wrong with that? The whole vige witnessed it, I used my life as the betrothal gift, and formally asked to marry her. She is my wife, and in this lifetime, I, Jiang Changtian, swear to take only her as my wife."

    Jiang Mianmian was in her Mom''s arms, and she saw her Mom shedding tears too, big drops rolling down.

    The chopsticks in her Mom''s hand were bent.

    "Today, I''m not here to y the trick of mother and son reuniting or putting the broken mirror back together. I just want to ask Old Lady Jiang one question: who am I, really? Am I your flesh and blood? Why have you tried to kill me time and again?"

    Hardly any of the dishes on the table had been touched.

    When Jiang Changtian swung his sword, the broth sshed onto the people around.

    Old Lady Jiang''s exquisite lotus robe was stained with broth, and even her well-maintained face had broth sttered on it.

    Jiang Huaisheng''s satin robe not only had broth on it, but also pieces of vegetable hanging off it.

    Jiang Wan hid behind her grandmother and luckily avoided getting dirty.

    Of course, Jiang Changtian himself was also sshed, but he didn''t care. He had good looks, so nobody paid attention to his clothes.

    At this moment, Old Lady Jiang calmly wiped the broth off her face, remainingposed.

    Aunt Yao stepped forward and stood in front of the Old Lady, angrily scolding, "If the Old Lady really wanted you dead, how could you have lived until today? Young Master, everything the Old Lady has done was for your own good."

    Jiang Huaisheng was also very angry, shouting, "What are you making a fuss about? If you''re not satisfied, take it up with me."

    Everyone was agitated. Even the youngdy who had screamed earlier forgot about crying and was excitedly watching the scene unfold.

    No matter if they were from ancient times or not, everyone was thrilled.

    Although this setting was inappropriate, nobody could stop themselves from watching.

    A fight was breaking out.

    The youngest son of the Jiang family was so brave.

    After being influenced by the rebels, he was going all out.

    Pointing his sword at his own mother.

    Jiang Changtian recalled the past, one event after another. Who could know that he felt like vomiting when eating meat, that he was afraid of the dark, that he couldn''t sleep alone and would stay awake all night waiting for dawn? He had harmed himself before, his body was given by his parents, he didn''t understand why his mother disliked him. He had cut open his own skin one sh after another, watching the blood blossom out. He was sick.

    He was gravely ill, and had wanted to die countless times.

    He held his sword, looking at Jiang Huaisheng, Old Lady Jiang, Jiang Wan, Aunt Yao, and the guards.

    Today, he didn''t need to exin himself. He needed a resolution.

    Looking at Aunt Yao''s face full of wrinkles, he had been frightened awake by this face in his dreams countless times.

    She seemed like a demon or monster who could devour people.

    Aunt Yao red fiercely at Jiang Changtian, just like every time she had seen this beast in the past.

    Although she was just a maid, she had been trained since childhood and was exceptionally strong.

    In the past, whenever she grabbed the Young Master, it was like an eagle seizing a chick.

    She was used to it.

    The Young Master holding a sword was just putting on an act. He wouldn''t dare use it. At most, he would sh some bowls and chopsticks.

    Because as he held the sword, his expression was more pitiful than anyone else''s.

    Apparently, the word "pitiful" could also be used to describe a man.

    Jiang Wan was taken aback.

    Hiding behind her grandmother, she looked at the sword-wielding man and found him alluringly beautiful, unable to think of anyone more handsome.

    Aunt Yao stepped forward.

    She held her head high, her chest puffed out, using her body to block the sword''s point, not afraid at all. With a disdainful look and a booming voice, she shouted, "Young Master, don''t persist in your delusions. If you''ve done wrong, admit it. Quickly apologize to the Old Lady."

    "Pfft!"

    Countless times in the past, when Aunt Yao stepped forward, Jiang Changtian had retreated in terror.

    He had retreated countless times, until there was nowhere left to retreat.

    Today, he held a sword.

    Behind him were his wife and child.

    He had no path to retreat, he could not retreat.

    He took a step forward.

    The sword also stepped forward.

    Aunt Yao''s ferocious expression froze, her eyes bulging, unbelievingly looking down at her chest.

    A sword had truly pierced it.

    Jiang Changtian didn''t twist it, he just forcefully stepped forward.

    The sword sliced through Aunt Yao''s winter clothes somewhat smoothly. Aunt Yao was well-dressed, her maid''s clothes were better than what his wife Xia wore. Her outer garment was a padded coat, with silk underneath. It was said that wearing silk as an undergarment could prevent an arrow from causing a fatal wound by wrapping around the arrowhead.

    But what if it was pierced by a sword?

    Jiang Changtian had only harmed himself before, he had never personally killed anyone else.

    At this moment, Aunt Yao''s body was rather thick, not so easy to pierce through.

    But when he was locked in the dark room, he had envisioned the structure of the human body countless times in his mind.

    He didn''t mean to kill, he just wanted to die.

    He just wanted to figure out how to die quickly and painlessly.

    Now he was putting that knowledge to use.

    Not letting any bit of knowledge go to waste.

    He was using it on Aunt Yao.

    ......

 Chapter 100

    Chapter 100

    ......

    The 12th of December.

    Heavy snow.

    Auspicious foring-of-age ceremonies, ancestor worship, dressing the dead, and embarking on a journey.

    Inauspicious for starting a business, getting married, or erecting a gravestone.

    ......

    Another killing had taken ce.

    At the same time, a guard behind Old Lady Jiang moved.

    At the same time, Qin Luoxia''s hand moved.

    The small bamboo chopsticks she had prepared for Mianmian were flung by her,nding right on the guard''s neck.

    The guard had only taken a step forward when a pair of chopsticks found themselves lodged in his neck.

    He looked down in horror, a bit bewildered.

    The others had not reacted yet.

    They just saw a guard from the Jiang Manor suddenly copse backwards.

    Young Master''s expression changed slightly as he nced at the woman holding little Jiang Gui.

    Then he looked back at Hei Ta with a hint of disdain.

    Hei Ta''s round eyes were wide open like bronze bells, with an adorable look of puzzlement.

    Jiang Changtian''s sword was plunged into Aunt Yao''s body, and he let out a sigh of relief, for she seemed not to be a demon or monster, and she too could apparently be killed.

    The corners of his eyes reddened further, his features growing even more demonic, for some blood had sttered onto his face.

    "How dare you, a lowly maid, interrupt while I speak to Old Lady Jiang? What wrong do you think I''vemitted that you have the right to question? Did Old Lady Jiang suddenly recall how to address an unfilial, disrespectful person like me? You say I''m unfilial and disrespectful, but I live in constant dread, for I know not what constitutes being unfilial and disrespectful, fearing that I will fail to meet your expectations. Does killing the lowly maid you adore count as such?"

    Old Lady Jiang''s face turned deathly pale, and she stretched out her snow-white fingers, "You...you...you..."

    "Yao, Yao!"

    Old Lady Jiang was truly panicked now.

    She reached out to support Yao, but withdrew her hand, afraid of touching the blood.

    They had been together for decades, and she had never been apart from Yao.

    Old Lady Jiang finally broke down in tears.

    She scolded angrily: "Beast, beast, I should have killed you back then."

    Jiang Huaisheng too did not understand how this had happened ¨C his once-timid brother had actually dared to wield his sword.

    He had killed Aunt Yao?

    Aunt Yao had watched over him as he grew up, and he had regarded her as an elder.

    Yet at this moment, Jiang Huaisheng dared not move, fearing that he might provoke his brother.

    Jiang Changtian gripped his sword steadily and said: "Old Lady Jiang, didn''t you always hold this lowly maid''s hand and say you were like sisters? She''s not dead yet, you can still save her. Now, tell me, who am I?"

    Aunt Yao looked at the sword in her chest in disbelief, feeling immense pain ¨C she did not know it would hurt this much.

    She could not move, she dared not struggle, only gazing at the sword in her chest with a sense of disbelief.

    She knew she was going to die.

    She spoke: "Madam, say no more, Yao will apany you in the next life."

    Aunt Yao''s body lurched forward a step.

    Jiang Changtian was slightly stunned.

    He had actually seen a mocking look of deliverance in this lowly maid''s eyes.

    Old Lady Jiang had gone mad.

    "Yao, Yao, don''t die, you won''te to any harm. Beast, you beast, I''ll tell you, I owe you nothing, I owe you nothing. Your birth mother didn''t want you, wanted to kill you ¨C I saved you, I saved you, this beast."

    A murmur went through the crowd.

    Indeed, she was not his birth parent ¨C there must be more to the story, for how could a birth parent bring themselves to treat their child so cruelly?

    This time, Jiang Changtian did notugh.

    He expressionlessly pulled the sword out of Aunt Yao''s body, the motion smooth.

    The long sword dripped with blood as Aunt Yao fell heavily to the ground.

    Her eyes were open, her body bleeding and convulsing.

    Yet he did not stop.

    Jiang Changtian brought the sword up to Old Lady Jiang''s soft, white neck.

    "Then can Old Lady Jiang tell me, who is my birth mother?"

    Old Lady Jiang trembled, but at this, she closed her eyes: "Kill me then."

    Aunt Yao''s fresh blood dripped onto Old Lady Jiang''s neck, leaving a moist, almost warm trail, while the sword''s tip was ice-cold.

    The olddy shut her eyes in terror, tears streaming down, but even so, she did not speak.

    Jiang Changtian''s heart ached.

    He had always thought she was his mother, always thought he was not good enough.

    "Husband." Qin Luoxia''s voice rang out.

    Although she hated this pious old woman, she could not let her husband take action ¨C her husband was soft-hearted. Her husband was an extremely kind person who would happily lend a hand to anyone struggling. If her husband killed, he would surely be tormented day and night afterwards.

    She could do it ¨C she was not afraid ¨C her heart was hardened. One night, she could sneak in and slit the pious old woman''s throat with a single knife.

    "Father." Mianmian called out sweetly.

    "Father." Jiang Feng and Jiang Yu both called out.

    Killing a maid at this point, though still murder, might not be seen as such a grave matter.

    But if Old Lady Jiang were truly ughtered, even the rebels might not ept it, for rebels too must uphold filial piety.

    This was the rule of the world.

    Jiang Changtian''s rationality returned somewhat.

    Yet he did not sheathe his sword. He said: "Mother, I have called you mother all my life. Yet you say you are not my mother. If you are not my mother, why did you take me in? Why did you treat me so cruelly? Mother, do you have no heart? I called you that day after day ¨C when you agreed, did your heart not ache?"

    Old Lady Jiang did not respond, only keeping her eyes closed.

    "I will not kill you ¨C killing you would be granting your wish. I want you to live, to live longer than even your descendants. I want you to watch them kneel and beg for mercy, watch them fall into the mire, watch them plunge into the abyss, watch each of them die a wretched death. Old Lady Jiang, you must live, you must live long, long into the future. You understand so much about longevity ¨C your meals are always painstakingly prepared, you have a body suited for long life. You will surely be able to live a very, very long time! You must live."

    Hearing these words, feeling the sword leave her neck, Old Lady Jiang rxed, for she knew ¨C she understood him, the child she had raised ¨C how could she not understand?

    Then came a sudden thud.

    Jiang Changtian''s sword had shed Jiang Huaisheng''s face: "Elder brother, you always said I was simply unfit to take the examinations. Now your face is marred ¨C you too are simply unfit to serve as an official. Why don''t we rebel together?"

    Aunt Yao, lying on the ground, eyes wide open, was gone.

    ......

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101

    ...

    Jiang Changtian returned to his seat.

    He wiped his sword clean.

    Using his own clothes to wipe it.

    He didn''t know where Mr. Gong got the white cloth from.

    He could only open his robe to wipe it.

    He wiped slowly, because his hands were trembling, but he wiped it very clean.

    He didn''t know that his action of opening his robe to wipe his sword was almost etched into the dreams of every woman present.

    He returned the sword to Gong Qichi and bowed with sped fists, "Apologies for taking everyone''s time to handle a family matter, pardon me."

    Who dared tough.

    Gong Qichi took back the sword.

    At this moment, he suddenly remembered what the Young Master had said.

    "He is ill, seriously ill, worse than me."

    Brother Jiang indeed had an illness, just now he was startled.

    He was truly worried that with one sword stroke, Jiang Changtian would kill that olddy. He couldn''t kill Madam Jiang, they were instructed beforeing here.

    But what could he do, Gong Qichi liked Jiang Changtian''s conduct even more now.

    Jiang Changtian sat down.

    It seemed he wanted to hug his wife.

    As he stretched out his arms, he realized they were in public,

    So Jiang Mianmian was ced into her father''s embrace instead.

    It looked as if he had reached out to hug his child.

    Jiang Mianmian fell into her father''s embrace and felt his body trembling.

    Her father was far from as calm andposed as he appeared.

    His arms held her tight, very tight.

    At this moment, Jiang Mianmian hated her short arms, wishing she could hug her father, but she couldn''t.

    She could only stretch out her little hands and gently pat her father.

    But her father passed her to her elder brother.

    Jiang Yu sat to the side, shedding big tears, stuffing food into her mouth while crying, eating and huping, crying.

    Her father was so pitiful.

    Jiang Yu suddenly burst into wailing sobs.

    Her cries drowned out Jiang Huaisheng''s wails of grief.

    Her cries drowned out Jiang Wan''s frantic calls for someone to treat her father''s wounds.

    Everyone: ...

    Zi Ganjiang felt his brain throbbing from the cries.

    At first, the helpless nce from thedy of the household almostpelled him to go over.

    But her cries brought him back to his senses.

    If he went to help now, Mr. Gong would torment him to deathter.

    At first, Zi Ganjiang thought the Jiang family was just a bunch of good-looking, sweet-talking pretty boys.

    With their looks and ability to say some nice words, they could easily win people over.

    But he never expected this schrly, delicate-looking man to actually use their power today to resolve his own affairs, on this asion.

    Zi Ganjiang felt some admiration in his heart.

    He was a warrior, a rough man who valued loyalty and righteousness.

    But he also looked down on those who were unfilial and disrespectful.

    The reason his adopted father chose him was because he praised his filial piety.

    Being filial and respectful was the root of being a good person.

    If someone was called unfilial or disrespectful, even the stray dogs on the street could bark at him, and rightly so.

    From now on, he would take off the hat of being unfilial and disrespectful.

    At least he could hold his head high as a person.

    His children would not be descendants of an unfilial or disrespectful person and could marry normally.

    Jiang Changtian took a spoon and sipped some soup.

    In fact, the hand holding the spoon was trembling, everyone saw it trembling.

    Yet no oneughed.

    He then picked up his chopsticks, picked up a piece of meat, and took a bite, then another bite.

    He let out a gagging sound.

    But he still continued to eat in big mouthfuls.

    Each time he ate meat, he habitually felt like vomiting.

    Because Aunt Yao always said his body was weak, he had to go hungry for a few meals before he could eat, and when he was finally allowed at the table, there would always be greasy meat in front of him.

    If he didn''t eat, his mother would be displeased, saying he was picky again, and his elder brother would also rebuke him for being a picky eater.

    To please his mother and satisfy his brother, he would eat in big mouthfuls.

    Oh, she wasn''t his mother. And he wasn''t his brother.

    Then who was his mother?

    Jiang Changtian ate the meat.

    He didn''t dare ask anymore.

    Madam Jiang would rather die than say, but he knew she wasn''t lying to him, because he knew how much Madam Jiang valued longevity and feared death.

    She said his birth mother didn''t want him and tried to kill him.

    Jiang Changtian raised his cup again, this time pouring a cup of wine.

    "Brother Yehang, today is the happiest day of Changtian''s life. First, to have met Brother Yehang and found a kindred spirit. Second, to have rediscovered myself. Cheers!"

    Gong Qichi was very moved, he looked at Brother Jiang, he didn''t know why, but his eyes welled with tears.

    He drank the cup of wine in one gulp.

    He saw Brother Jiang also downed the cup of wine in one gulp.

    Jiang Changtian drank with tears streaming down his face. The wine was so spicy, so spicy. With a thud, he fell forward unconscious.

    His long ck tresses cascaded down like a waterfall.

    Qin Luoxia stood up.

    She bowed with sped fists to everyone, "Pardon me, my husband''s alcohol tolerance is just one cup, I''ll take him back first."

    In front of everyone, she lifted up her husband and carried him on her back.

    Qin Luoxia carried her husband on her back.

    Jiang Yu followed, Jiang Feng carrying his little sister, they bowed to everyone.

    The family of five left just like that.

    Outside, the wind and snow were raging.

    Gong Qichi promptly ordered his guards to escort them.

    Among the crowd, some actually wanted to shout that they didn''t leave anyone as a hostage, they just left like that?

    But no one dared to shout.

    Jiang Huaisheng covered his face, wailing in resentment as he watched his brother''s family leave just like that.

    Young Lord Zi hadn''t said a word, but everyone was used to it, the Young Lord seldom spoke.

    He actually wanted to say something.

    But he felt suppressed, with no opportunity to speak.

    His seat was near the window, he turned his head and could see the long street.

    The street was deserted, very quiet.

    The soiled, messy street that was trampled had been covered by snow.

    Very clean, very white.

    The group of people walked out from the restaurant, slowly making their way.

    On the white snow, a line of footprints appeared.

    He saw that woman carrying her husband steady and straight.

    The deepest, straightest footprints on the snowy path were left by that woman.

    He saw Jiang Mianmian''s sister still crying, sniffling, carrying a food box in her hands.

    Someone must have given it to her as they were leaving.

    He saw Jiang Mianmian''s brother carrying her.

    Jiang Mianmian''s head rested on her brother''s shoulder.

    It seemed she looked up.

    Jiang Mianmian seemed to have looked up at him.

    Zi Zhengding watched as the family left.

    He suddenly envied Jiang Mianmian, how nice, her family was soplete.

    Though unbnced, butpletely whole.

    On the snowy path, a new line of footprints appeared, neat and tidy.

    ...

 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102

    Clear skies.

    The 13th of thest month.

    Auspicious: Marriage, taking a wife, nting trees, ancestral rites.

    Inauspicious: All matters are favorable.

    Today is a good day.

    There is a joyous asion in Kan''er Vige.

    "One bow to Heaven and Earth, two bows to the high altar, husband and wife exchange bows."

    Jiang Changtian, serving as the marriage officiant, sat on the high altar, receiving the kowtows of a pair of newlyweds.

    He felt a bit dazed himself.

    Actually, he felt as if he hadn''t really grown up.

    Suddenly, he was already officiating marriages for the younger generation.

    He felt a bit nervous all of a sudden.

    Would Elder Sister Yu and Feng soon follow?

    Today, Cui and her bodyguard husband Wu were getting married.

    Since Wu''s original home was too dpidated, he was approved to move into two rooms of Lord Liu''s grand mansion.

    The rooms were sturdy, not leaking wind or rain.

    His bedridden elderly mother wore a rare joyful expression today.

    Finally, finally she had seen her son take a wife.

    She tremblingly removed the silver ring from her finger as shey in bed, raising her hand and shaking it to put the ring on Cui.

    That night, the old woman passed away, a smile on her face, her eyes peacefully closed.

    Clear skies.

    The 14th of thest month.

    Auspicious: Opening a business, burial, cing in the coffin, burial, funerary rites.

    Inauspicious: All matters are favorable.

    Today is a good day.

    Kan''er Vige has a funeral.

    Everyone said it was a joyous mourning.

    Wu cried until his voice grew hoarse.

    Yesterday he was a groom, his mother''s son.

    Today he is a husband, and he no longer has a mother.

    Jiang Changtian patted Wu''s shoulder and said, "Your mother didn''t want to burden you. Seeing you get married, she could leave in peace. She suffered greatly from her illness, so being freed from it is also a blessing. I envy you, having such a good mother."

    Wu cried even more uncontrobly.

    His tear-filled eyes looked at Mr. Jiang as he hugged Mr. Jiang''s legs and wailed, "Sir! Sir!"

    Yesterday, Cui wore a red wedding dress. Today, she wore a white mourning robe.

    Everyone said Cui was fortunate - her mother-inw had acknowledged and epted her as a daughter-inw before passing, not wanting this daughter-inw tobor too much.

    Yesterday, Cui was still a youngdy. Today, she became the matriarch, donning the mourning robe and stumblingly learning how to host guests.

    Jiang Yu came to attend the funeral while carrying her younger sister.

    For joyous vige asions, one could ck off, but not for funerals.

    People gathered, pooling money, this and that, in any case needing to properly send the deceased off.

    It was Jiang Mianmian''s first time attending a funeral service.

    Being an infant, she simply joined in the meal.

    She wouldn''t be brought up to the altar or anything.

    She obediently rested in Father''s embrace.

    She didn''t cause any trouble, watching as the vigers all donned white mourning robes.

    A few elderly women sat in a row by the roadside, wailing mournfully.

    Their voices rose and fell as they cried, but also recounted the life of the deceased old woman.

    The old woman''s life held no shining moments.

    She simply raised a son, lost her husband early, and was sick and bedridden for many years.

    While alive, it was extremely difficult for her son to find a wife, as normal families were unwilling to marry their daughters into a home with an ailing person.

    Now that she had passed, everyone praised her.

    Praised her for understanding the greater principles, praised her for being fortunate, praised her as a blessed person who, in departing, left behind a son and daughter-inw.

    They forgot that the olddy had once been quite cantankerous herself.

    She could trade insults with Cui''s Mom for three whole days and nights.

    Cui could not bring herself to shed tears - she was still in a daze.

    But her Mom pinched her, turning her eyes red.

    "You must cry. Your mother-inw was a kind soul. Cry, and your heart as the new matriarch will feel better. From now on, you are part of their family."

    Cui was pinched so hard by her Mom that big teardrops rolled down her cheeks.

    Jiang Yu was Cui''s close friend, and Cui''s Mom did not avoid Elder Sister Yu either.

    Jiang Mianmian also witnessed this scene, thinking to herself that sometimes, the people who hit you are not necessarily those who dislike you.

    That day, the rebel Mr. Gong came again.

    He did not attend Cui and Wu''s wedding.

    But he came for Cui and Wu''s funeral service.

    He even brought ceremonial burial offerings.

    The crowd praised him even more, saying the olddy was so fortunate, dying with such grandeur and dignity, surely destined to be born into an auspicious rebirth next life.

    On this day, Jiang Yu watched as her childhood friend swiftly transformed into a matriarch.

    She saw how devastated Wu looked as he cried - when he ate, he could not take a single bite himself, but still remembered to stuff a piece of tbread into Cui''s mouth.

    It seemed that getting married wasn''t so bad after all.

    Everyone was tearfully wailing, yet not truly grief-stricken.

    With so many people around, Jiang Mianmian was passed from one embrace to another.

    This time, she was in Father''s arms.

    Father greeted the distinguished guest Mr. Gong.

    Today, there were no wealthy nobles present, only vigers in mourning white.

    Half the vige was covered in snow, the other half cleared.

    They sat under the eaves of Lord Liu''s grand mansion.

    A small brazier burned, warming them.

    The two men each had a small bamboo chair.

    They watched the lively funeral proceedings.

    Jiang Changtian seemed a bit somber himself,cking his usual arrogant, haughty air and demeanor, appearing more genuine somehow.

    He had a bit of azy, rxed feeling about him.

    Jiang Mianmian, cradled in Father''s embrace, sensed that he no longer exuded the same tautness as before.

    He sat on the small chair, chatting idly with the little bearded man.

    That night at Qingfeng Restaurant, there were just two corpses - one killed by the little bearded man, one killed by Jiang Changtian.

    Gong Qichi did not kill indiscriminately either - the man he killed was habitually evil, exploiting and robbing themon folk, forcibly taking vige women.

    Perhaps Jiang Changtian did not kill randomly either.

    It was enough to intimidate the crowd.

    Watching the funeral, Gong Qichi said to Jiang Changtian, "The year I attained the top imperial examination degree, my mother fell gravely ill. But she endured it painfully, worried it would affect my exam. After I passed, she worried it would affect my official career, so she kept enduring. Then when she learned I had been punished, she could no longer bear it - losing her will to live, she passed away the day she received that news. I never got the chance to attend her funeral. Now seeing this lively funeral, I think it''s good, so good to have such liveliness."

    "Yes, liveliness is good."

    Jiang Changtian leaned back in the small bamboo chair, one arm cradling the child, the other hand holding a bamboo cup, sipping hot tea.

    The hand holding the child had somehowe to rest on the child''s head, stroking her hair, strand by strand.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    The little one squirmed slightly, then listened intently to the gossip.

    "Brother Changtian, what are your ns going forward? Observing your umon appearance, your status may have some hidden story behind it," Gong Qichi continued.

    Jiang Changtian cuddled his daughter and gently stroked her little head, smiling, "No, I have a wife, a son, a daughter, fields, and a house. My life is very good. From now on, I am the father of my children, the husband of my wife. I am Mr. Jiang for everyone, responsible for ensuring everyone has enough food and drink. Every day is very busy, too busy."

    "Thank you, Brother Gong Qichi," said Jiang Changtian, raising his bamboo cup in a toast.

    Gong Qichi nodded slightly.

    He felt that the other man was quite pitiful, having lived so long only to find out his mother was not his real mother, yet not knowing who his real mother was, having been oppressed by filial piety half his life.

    No wonder it is said that the underhanded methods employed behind the scenes in great families are terrifying.

    They can torment someone to death without using knives or swords.

    The human heart is more terrifying than knives and swords.

    "I cannot stay long in Ming County. I have observed that you govern Kan''er Vige well. While chaos erupts everywhere else, this vige remains peaceful and retains a human touch. I want to report back to General Zi and have you take charge of governing Ming County. I will leave some guards behind temporarily to assist you."

    "Thank you, Brother Gong Qichi. In these chaotic times, human life is as worthless as weeds. I am already risking my life, so as long as General Zi trusts me, I will devote all my efforts to the task," Jiang Changtian said earnestly.

    ...

    The weather cleared.

    The fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

    Auspicious activities: Traveling, securing doors, moving to a new house, changing jobs.

    Inauspicious activities: Getting married, breaking ground.

    Gong Qichi then hurriedly departed with his soldiers.

    He left behind a contingent of men to assist.

    The oldest was 46 years old, and the youngest was 6 years old.

    ...

 Chapter 103

    Chapter 103

    Today, there was a funeral at the Jiang Manor as well.

    But she was just a maidservant, no matter how close she had been to the Old Lady, she was still just a maidservant in status.

    There was no grand ceremony.

    And with the rebels around, they had to raise money for the rebels as well. The Old Lady was shocked, and Father Jiang Huaisheng was injured on his face.

    The only one in the entire manor who could fight was Jiang Wan.

    At this time, Jiang Wan''s capabilities were particrly prominent.

    She swiftly arranged for Aunt Yao''s funeral, took stock of the family assets, and called a doctor for her father. But the doctor in the county town had only average skills and limited abilities. The doctor was not sure if Father''s wound would leave a scar, and stammered: "Actually, this wound should be treated by Mr. Jiang from the Medicine Preparation Department. His medical skills are better than mine, and he is particrly adept at treating external injuries."

    Jiang Wan: ...

    The injury on Father''s face was inflicted by that person.

    Mrs. Jiang was heartbroken seeing her husband''s injury, and her pregnancy was affected.

    She almost suffered a miscarriage.

    Jiang Rong was terrified.

    He kept saying they couldn''t go, couldn''t go.

    Aunt Yao left peacefully, but came back lying down.

    Father was also covered in blood.

    It must be the Jiang Feng family retaliating. They were getting revenge on Father for having Wu Liu injure Jiang Feng''s face, so they shed Father''s face.

    The Jiang family''s guards were not intimidating either. Although they were sent by the Seventh Prince, with the rebels surrounding the county town, these few guards could not attack the rebels.

    Moreover, the person among them with the best martial arts skills had gone to the banquet, and although he came back alive, he could no longer speak.

    Someone had used two chopsticks to seal his throat, and if they had gone any deeper, he would have died.

    Fortunately, in this chaos, Miss Jiang Wan remembered to call a doctor for him. Miss Jiang Wan is truly kind-hearted.

    The more difficult the times, the more outstanding Jiang Wan bes.

    Mother could only cry and wail, Grandmother was so distressed she fainted, Father was injured, and her elder brother was as timid as a mouse. In this entire family, she was the only one who could hold things together.

    She wanted to ask Grandmother, or her uncle - no, who that person was.

    She had no leads at all.

    She was a little panicked too.

    They should have gone to the capital earlier. If they had, they would not have encountered these incidents.

    In her dream, there was nothing about the Jiang Yu family, perhaps they were killed by the rebels.

    But for now, this entire family could only rely on her.

    She could not panic, could not copse. It would be alright.

    In the Capital City.

    The Meng Family.

    After returning home, Meng Shaoxia was immediately sent by his father to train at the military camp outside the capital. He was not allowed to bring a phone - oh, there were no phones back then.

    The family''s only child had gone traveling, with ample men and equipment.

    At the first rumor of unrest, he was immediately summoned back.

    But unexpectedly, the young man came back saying he wanted to get married.

    He had given away the horse, the sword, and the jade pendant, and only he himself was left.

    When asked about the family background of the other party, he said she was the granddaughter of Jiang Bai, the former Grand Preceptor of the Crown Prince.

    The Meng Family was not overly pragmatic. Although the Jiang family had been demoted and the Grand Preceptor Jiang Bai had passed away, Jiang Bai''s integrity was widely known. If the child was interested, the Meng Family thought this marriage would be quite good.

    But upon further inquiry, they learned that the girl Meng Shaoxia liked was the daughter of the youngest son of the Jiang family, who had been expelled from the family for being unfilial and disrespectful.

    No normal parent would easily agree to an inw rtionship with such a person.

    Being unfilial and disrespectful was a serious crime.

    As parents, they wanted to believe their child''s judgment - if the child thought the other party was good, she must be quite decent.

    But this implied there were other circumstances, either aplex identity or some scandal in the inner quarters.

    In that case, the marriage would be even more inappropriate.

    The family felt it might just be youthful passion.

    Where in this world was there such a thing as love at first sight, promising one''s life to someone after just one meeting? Those were just fabrications in romance novels to deceive young girls.

    They sent him to the army to train rigorously for a while, and he should sober up, forget about it, and no longer be so obsessed.

    Unexpectedly, Jingzhou Prefecture City was upied by rebels.

    The Emperor ordered the Meng Family to put down the rebellion.

    With the New Year approaching, there would be many grand celebrations. The current Emperor was well-versed in music and dance, and was highly literate. He particrly enjoyed all kinds of grand celebrations. When he was happy, he would even personally participate inposing music and choreographing dances, sometimes even performing himself.

    Thete Princess Huiyun was also aplished in this regard. Princess Huiyun had an extraordinarily gifted voice, and her singing could entrance the soul.

    Listening to her songs was truly enjoyable.

    Princess Huiyun was a legendary figure, blessed with exceptional talents. Heaven favored her immensely - she was of high nobility, possessed exquisite beauty, and had an unparalleled voice.

    In those years, all the popr trends in the capital followed Princess Huiyun''s every move. If sheughed loudly, noblewomen would imitate her loudughter. If she covered her mouth, noblewomen would cover their mouths. If she identally fell while walking, noblewomen would pretend to fall as well.

    Those were prosperous and enchanting years.

    Back then, the Emperor was still a young man.

    But things and people change.

    The Emperor has grown old, and his authority has be heavier, while Princess Huiyun no longer makes public appearances.

    But the Emperor has developed an even greater fondness for music and grand song and dance performances.

    He enjoys this prosperous splendor.

    Whoever disrupts his parties will be put to death by hismand.

    Imperial orders cannot be disobeyed. The Meng Family''s direct lineage had dwindled significantly.

    So this time, it was Meng''s Father who led the expedition himself.

    The old Meng patriarch was still guarding the borders.

    On the day the great army set out, General Meng Qingshe (his mother had dreamed of a snake when he was born, and it is said that snakes have strong reproductive abilities, birthing many snakes in one litter, hence the name Qingshe, which is almost like Meng Zhao Di or Meng Zhao Mei) saw a young man with a square face resembling his own in the ranks.

    The army could not be dyed from setting out.

    Meng Qingshe could only deal with his mischievous young rtiveter.

    Meng Shaoxia had gone to great lengths to join the ranks as amon soldier.

    He was very worried. Jingzhou Prefecture City had been upied by rebels, and he did not know if Brother Jiang''s family was still safe.

    His heart was filled with anxiety, longing to fly immediately to that small vige courtyard with the two trees.

    He missed those two trees.

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104

    Early morning.

    It was not yet dawn, but the County Magistrate had already risen from bed.

    His wife red at him with sleepy eyes.

    In the past, whenever he woke up, his wife would carefully help him dress in his official robes, speaking softly and gently.

    Now, she would only re at him.

    Like a mother tiger, the once gentle Xie Yuhua was nowhere to be found.

    "You''re not even the County Magistrate anymore, what are you getting up so early for?"

    "That bastard from the Jiang Family has taken my position. He really thinks the position of County Magistrate can be obtained simply by currying favor with the rebels and having some guards protect him."

    His wife tossed his clothes at him and asked, "What else can we do? I''ve heard that Second son of Jiang family is extraordinarily handsome, and many of the youngdies in the county are infatuated with him, moring to be his concubine."

    "Pah! What good is just a pretty face? I worked for ten years of bitter study to earn my position as County Magistrate. He''s just a bookworm who knows how to mix herbs, and he''s been bullied for half his life by an old woman from the inner courtyard." The County Magistrate grumbled as he dressed himself, feeling that without his official robes, hecked authority.

    "Second son of Jiang family is pure and filial at heart. How could he have known that Old Lady Jiang would be so cruel? Husband, is Second son of Jiang family really that good-looking? Later I''ll send some snacks over to you."

    "Don''t even think about it! Forbidden!" The County Magistrate donned his hat and stormed out, muttering under his breath, "Pretty boy, pretty boy, curse your whole family..."

    As he crossed the courtyard of the County Government Office, he spotted a handsome figure and hurried over, a smile spreading across his face.

    He rushed up to Jiang Changtian, bowing and grinning obsequiously. "Good morning, Sir. You should havee a bitter. I would have cleaned the office and prepared hot tea for you. It''s not toote for you toe now."

    Jiang Changtian smiled, "It''s alright, Private advisor Wang must have already prepared it."

    Indeed, when they entered the room, it was bright and the table surface showed fresh water stains, having just been wiped clean.

    On the desk, there was already steaming hot tea and snacks.

    As they entered, Private advisor Wang was bent over, dusting the chairs.

    The County Magistrate was fuming inwardly. This scoundrel had never been so diligent when serving him before, yet now he was even stealing his duties.

    The County Magistrate rushed over and pushed Private advisor Wang aside, pulled out a chair, and vigorously wiped it with his sleeve before grinning, "Please have a seat, Sir."

    Jiang Changtian sat down, paying no heed to their petty squabbles.

    He had crawled his way up from the very bottom of society, so he understood.

    He grabbed the County Magistrate''s hand and said, "Brother Huang Zhi, there''s no need for this. This should rightfully be your position. I''m just amoner, only temporarily seated here thanks to Master Gong''s favor. When Master Gong returns, this position will surely be yours again."

    The County Magistrate thought to himself, ''At least you know your ce,'' but said aloud, "I dare not, I dare not. Whatever Master Jiang wishes to know, I will speak truthfully and hold nothing back."

    Jiang Changtian took a sip of tea and turned to Private advisor Wang, "Little Wang brews tea skillfully, the aroma is exquisite. The New Year ising soon, have you made preparations at home?"

    Private advisor Wang respectfully replied, "Thank you for your concern, Sir. The preparations are made. My good-for-nothing son has even been admitted to the County School. My old mother was worried about her grandson, but now that he can attend the County School, she has no moreints."

    The County Magistrate thought to himself, ''...''

    Earlier, Private advisor Wang had asked him for help getting his son into the County School. In the County Magistrate''s eyes, Wang was just a minor official, and his son was unlikely to pass the examinations, so he didn''t take it seriously.

    Yet this Second son of Jiang family had actually helped him out.

    The first thing Jiang Changtian did after taking charge of Ying County was to overhaul the County School.

    The County Magistrate had thought he was missing the point, just trying to gain a reputation.

    But now it seemed there was more to it than met the eye. Didn''t all those who had contributed two-thirds of their family wealth to the rebels have sons attending the County School?

    "My good-for-nothing son wasn''t happy about going to school. But your son is sensible. These days, one must be sensible. I''ve heard that Brother Yehang went to Huai County, and the County Magistrate there was very unreasonable. He had his hands bruised from beating him over thirty times. He even confiscated all the concubines from the County Magistrate''s inner courtyard. Unlike Brother Huang Zhi, who knows what''s what."

    The County Magistrate wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve. So early in the morning, and he was already drenched in sweat.

    "Master Jiang, you tter me too much. Just treat me like one of your dogs, Little Huang can do anything."

    "Little Huang."

    "Woof."

    ...

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105

    Early morning.

    The courtyard was frozen over with ice.

    Qin Luoxia saw her husband off to work, then stayed home to practice martial arts diligently.

    She always felt her husband was pure and gentle, while the county office was full of crafty people, and her husband would surely be bullied.

    She practiced martial arts even more intensely, determined to be stronger.

    The snow in the courtyard had been pierced through by her long spear, turning into ice.

    Her dragon staff dance was dazzling, enveloping the area in a misty haze.

    At this time, the household was usually quiet and still.

    Even Jiang Xiaoshu and the little ants dared not wander about.

    The Hei Ta Guards protecting the Young Lord Zi who was lodging at the Jiang residence, after watching, lowered their heads in shame.

    ...

    After a rigorous workout, Qin Luoxia put on an apron and began cooking.

    She hung two rednterns on the door frame.

    Today was New Year''s Eve, and tomorrow would be the start of the new year.

    Jiang Mianmian woke up from herzy slumber, and her mother changed her into a floral jacket with red flower patterns, very festive.

    Even more festive was that the Young Lord Zi also wore a floral jacket with red flowers.

    Gong Qichi, the treacherous young master''s teacher, had a big heart - he abandoned the young master to go set up gs in other counties, actually leaving the young master behind. (Gong Qichi: What could I do? If he didn''t leave, should I have beaten him? He''s the young master, the father I acknowledged myself.)

    Qin Luoxia had always wanted to have another child with her husband, wanting another son. She felt having more boys in the family would bring prosperity, and if her future daughter were to face mistreatment after marriage, her natal family would have people to stand up for her.

    But there had been no sign of pregnancy.

    So when she saw the Young Lord Zi, this solemn young boy, Qin Luoxia''s maternal love overflowed.

    Others still showed some respect towards the Young Lord Zi, after all, as the only legitimate son of the rebel leader, he had a Hei Ta Guard following him everywhere. But Qin Luoxia couldn''t help but treat him like a baby, pinching and squeezing him whenever she saw him.

    Seeing Gong Qichi actually abandon such a young child, she felt pity and arranged for him to stay at their home.

    If anyone else approached the young master, the Hei Ta could kick them eight feet away.

    But when this woman held and squeezed the young master, the Hei Ta usually pretended to look at the white clouds, the ants, the trees, the wind.

    Qin Luoxia herself didn''t realize that she was one of the few who could get close to the Young Lord Zi.

    The Young Lord Zi felt a bit depressed being dressed in the floral jacket.

    The flowers on it were asymmetrical.

    But his gloomy expression was misunderstood by the Jiang family.

    They all thought he must be homesick since it was the new year, and his family hadn''te to pick him up yet, poor thing.

    Outside, it was said that there was chaos and warfare everywhere, with death all around.

    Recently, even Kan''er Vige had taken in many refugees.

    Father had resumed going to work every day, still a temporary worker, just changing his boss to be a temporary worker for the rebel system, managing the entire Ming County.

    Jiang Mianmian opened her mouth in a big yawn.

    Revealing three little teeth, she had grown new teeth, fortunately without a fever.

    When children grow new teeth, they are prone to fevers, which were considered serious illnesses in ancient times.

    Jiang Mianmian felt her growth journey had been rtively smooth.

    She saw the pitiful-looking little brat standing in front of her and felt a bit sympathetic.

    At night, lying on her small bed, she overheard her mother and father chatting. Her mother asked her father: "What''s the deal with the Young Lord Zi?"

    Her father said he was born without a mother, as his mother died fromplications during childbirth. The rebel leader Zi Lu never remarried afterward, but he did have other women in his side chambers and acknowledged many adopted sons.

    It sounded like hecked a mother''s love, and his father seemed not to dote on him much, probably because he was too busy. After all, being a rebel leader, trying to conquer the world, it sounded like he would be extremely upied, starting a new era.

    He must have been deprived of affection from a young age, no wonder he didn''t like to talk, or when he did, his words weren''t pleasant.

    Seeing his pained expression, Jiang Mianmian prepared tofort him.

    But before she could waddle over to him, she slipped and fell.

    And slid a long way.

    The courtyard was all ice, and with one slip, she slid from one end to the other.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Well, it was like ice skating, quite fun, though others used their feet while she used her bottom.

    Sliding, it was actually quite enjoyable.

    Jiang Mianmian tried to get up but failed, as it was too slippery.

    Mainly because her festive outfit was too round and bulky.

    She decided to prop herself up with her hands and let her body slide, gliding out again.

    Sliding to a stop in front of Zi Congheng.

    "Little Insect Brother," Jiang Mianmian called out in a sweet, childish voice, reaching out her hand.

    Zi Congheng looked at her, then turned to look at the Hei Ta.

    The Hei Ta was gazing up at the sky.

    Zi Congheng reluctantly extended his hand, thinking he would only indulge the young one for the sake of the woman he favored.

    He reached out and grabbed the soft, chubby little hand, pulling her up.

    It felt like grasping a small weight, so heavy.

    Then his hand couldn''t get free, as it was tightly clutched.

    The infant''s grip was so strong...

    "Insect Brother, go, outside," Jiang Mianmian wanted to go out and y under the big tree.

    Zi Congheng obediently held her hand and slowly, step by step, walked outside.

    He was also worried about falling and embarrassing himself.

    Jiang Mianmian wanted to go out and see if the vige looked different for the new year, if it would be filled with red.

    She always felt the vige had a festive atmosphere during the new year.

    The Young Lord Zi reluctantly held the little hand, inching along slowly.

    His father''s adopted sons were all older than him, with no younger ones in the family.

    He felt his father''s mind wasn''t too bright - assuming he could live as long as his longevity turtle, then he would have to see off so many elder brothers, which would be very tiring.

    The elder brothers: ...

    The two held hands and stepped out of the courtyard, moving inch by inch.

    The Hei Ta Guard standing behind revealed a faint smile on his rough, dark face.

    Jiang Mianmian dragged the little brat to the entrance, and the two stood under the tree, looking towards the vige.

    Indeed, they could see little dots of red.

    Not many doors hadnterns hung, asnterns were expensive.

    But putting up red banners or tying red strings could achieve the festive look.

    Because tomorrow would be the new year, no one was working or training today, and the vige was lively, with many peopleing and going, the sounds of chatter and festivity.

    Jiang Mianmian liked this scene, unable to stop swinging the little brat''s hand.

    Under the big tree.

    Little hands grasping little hands.

    Swaying, swaying.

    ...

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106

    ...

    Jiang Yu was cracking melon seeds in the courtyard.

    "These are for entertaining guests during the New Year!"

    She started a little early.

    While cracking seeds, she watched the two little children holding hands at the gate.

    Tsk tsk.

    Her little sister looked so adorable.

    The fabric of this floral coat was chosen by her, and it looked great on her sister and that Young Master Chong.

    Jiang Yu handed a handful of melon seeds to Hei Ta and said, "Uncle, crack some with me."

    Hei Ta wanted to say that he was still single, not yet of marriageable age, just looked mature for his age.

    Ah, forget it.

    "Crack, crack, crack~~"

    In this territory, if there were any bad guys, he wouldn''t have to lift a finger.

    "What''s so interesting?" the young boy asked in a muffled voice.

    "The liveliness," the childish voice replied in a babbling tone.

    Zi Congheng didn''t know what was so interesting about the liveliness, but it didn''t seem too bad either.

    People looked like ants, bustling about.

    Jiang Xiaogui seemed to really like ants, always carrying one in her pocket.

    "Big Brother Chong, do you miss your daddy?" Jiang Mianmian asked.

    Zi Congheng was taken aback for a moment.

    To be honest, he hadn''t thought about it.

    He was quite indifferent when it came to emotions.

    He took things lightly.

    He never felt jealous or resentful when his father took in other adopted sons because he thought those were strange, unnecessary emotions. That man was his biological father, so what was there to doubt?

    As for the women in his father''s harem, they werepletely irrelevant to Zi Congheng. If they wanted to curry favor with him, he didn''t need to do anything.

    So he found it odd why Jiang Xiaogui''s father cared so much.

    Maybe it was because her father''s condition was more severe than his own.

    He simply didn''t care.

    "No," Zi Congheng said bluntly.

    Jiang Mianmian looked up at him and snorted. Boys always pretend not to care, but he must have thought about it, or he wouldn''t have taken so long to answer.

    "Give a gift to daddy," the little girl said decisively in her babbling voice.

    Feelings are mutual, and they need to be expressed. If you don''t express them, the other person won''t receive them.

    Jiang Mianmian felt the need to teach this arrogant little brat a lesson.

    Mainly because she overheard her mother sighing at night, saying this poor motherless child was pitiful, and if his father didn''t care, no one else would look after him.

    "I don''t have anything," Zi Congheng said.

    His father had everything and didn''t need anything from him. Plus, he had so many sons, and each of them would give gifts.

    Jiang Mianmian bent down, picked up a twig from the ground, and handed it to him.

    "Here."

    When you''re a kid, anything can be a gift.

    Just like her - she could give her father a random stone, and he would cherish it, carrying it with him every day to and from work.

    Zi Congheng looked at the twig Jiang Xiaogui had casually picked up from the ground. It was bare but quite symmetrical, with two branches on each side.

    He turned to Hei Ta and said, "Send someone to deliver this to my father."

    Hei Ta quickly disappeared with the twig in hand.

    Jiang Mianmian wanted to add that it should be wrapped... Ah, never mind.

    The act of giving a gift was more important than the formalities.

    His father would probably be delighted to receive the little twig from his son.

    Maybe seeing the gift would make him want to take him back.

    "Time to eat!" Her big sister called out loudly, leading the two children back inside.

    With one hand holding Mianmian''s hand and the other holding Young Master Chong''s hand, both of which were ice-cold.

    Young Master Chong let go of the little girl''s hand, but as soon as he let out a sigh of relief, Jiang Xiaogui''s sister grabbed his hand again.

    He tried to struggle, but the sister''s grip was even stronger than Jiang Xiaogui''s~~

    Forget it.

    He gave up struggling and sulked silently.

    But he always had a sullen expression, so no one could really tell his true emotions.

    Not even Jiang Yu.

    Jiang Yu was satisfied as long as there was food.

    She cheerfully took the two little friends back to the kitchen to eat.

    Her face had noticeably rounded recently, and her skin looked fairer, making her appear more pleasing.

    Although the Jiang family didn''t seem well-off, their meals and amodation were clean. Zi Congheng didn''t find it too ufortable staying here.

    At the meal, there were Qin Lady, Jiang Xiaogui, her big sister, and himself.

    Hei Ta had gone to send the gift.

    Jiang Yu watched the two sitting side by side, their movements perfectly synchronized.

    Her little sister was already a clean freak, but Young Master Chong was even neater.

    Jiang Yu had never met anyone cleaner than her sister.

    During the meal, Young Master Chong suddenly said, "Qin Lady, would you be willing to follow me?"

    Jiang Yu: ...

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    We treat you like a child, and you want to steal my mother.

    My stepfather is at least young, but you''re just a kid.

    Qin Luoxia looked at the little boy''s round face and pinched his cheek, smiling, "No, I can''t. Why don''t you stay here instead? Granny will take care of you."

    Jiang Yu chimed in, "Right, stay here. Or we can arrange a child marriage. I''ll marry Mianmian to you since you two are both obsessed with cleanliness."

    "No," came the muffled voice.

    "No," echoed the babbling voice.

    "Young Master, I''m back," Hei Ta''s booming voice came from the courtyard.

    He was the Young Master''s personal guard and wasn''t supposed to leave his side. But since Qin Lady was here, he felt at ease leaving for a bit.

    However, he returned quickly, just in time for the meal. Happy.

    For some reason, Hei Ta felt that the food Qin Lady made was fragrant and delicious.

    Although it was all simple fare, it tasted better than what was served outside.

    He suspected that the Young Master had stayed behind just to eat her home-cooked meals.

    And after eating Qin Lady''s food, he felt an endless surge of energy.

    Perhaps Qin Lady had some secret cooking method that made her martial arts so formidable.

    Hei Ta secretly decided to eat more, heh heh.

    Hei Ta shouted loudly, grinning as he entered.

    Unaware that his career as a personal guard had nearly ended.

    The Young Master wanted to rece him~~~

    Qin Luoxia just thought the Young Master missed having a mother since he didn''t have one.

    She felt even morepassion for him.

    During the meal, she gave him an extra slice of meat.

    Jiang Mianmian also took the opportunity to scoop a spoonful of the wild leeks she didn''t like and shook it towards him.

    Hmph! You little brat, trying to steal my mother.

    "Big Brother Chong, eat this."

    At home, no one would serve Young Master Chong because he was so neat.

    But now, he saw the extra meat and wild leeks in his bowl.

    Qin Lady was watching him with affectionate eyes.

    Jiang Xiaogui''s watery eyes were fixed on him.

    Suddenly, he understood why that Mr. Jiang''s illness had be so severe - he wolfed down meat he didn''t even like, all because of love that had grown too deep.

    Under the watchful gaze of the young and the old...

    Zi Congheng could only force himself to eat the meat and wild leeks. As he ate, his eyes turned red, and he hoped his Father woulde to take him away soon.

    He didn''t want to stay any longer.

    Qin Luoxia''s eyes also turned red. This child, so deprived of love, he even shed tears when fed a mouthful of vegetables. It pained her heart.

    Jiang Mianmian inwardly snorted, "Little brat, don''t you like wild leeks? They made your eyes red. Let me feed you wild leeks every day if you dare steal my mother from me again."

    Jiang Yu thought to himself, "This poor boy, he''s so moved to tears just from having a meal."

    Hei Ta, who was eating voraciously, widened his eyes when he saw the Young Master actually ate the food someone offered him, but he didn''t stop chewing.

    He thought, "The Young Master must really like this family."

    ...

    ...

    Riding hard, riding hard, riding hard.

    Rushing like the wind and lightning, speeding with the tailwind.

    Racing, hastening, they finally delivered that little branch to the rebel camp in the provincial capital city.

    Zi Lu was indeed extremely busy creating a new era.

    It was New Year''s Eve, yet he was still summoning his subordinates for a meeting.

    The meeting doubled as a New Year''s celebration.

    "Godfather, it''s almost New Year, but Congheng is still out there. Let me go get him back. I don''t know why Mr. Zhen left him in Ming County," said Zi Wenxin, his adopted son number one.

    Only then did Zi Lu remember that his son was still away.

    He had been too upied.

    The Old Emperor had sent arge army, and a fierce battle was about to be fought.

    Rebelling meant putting one''s head between one''s legs - win, and the nine ns would prosper; lose, and all nine ns would take a sightseeing trip to the underworld together.

    At that moment, a subordinate rushed in, saying, "My lord, the Young Master has sent you a gift."

    Zi Lu''s expression lit up.

    He had never received a gift from his son before.

    He didn''t quite dare speak to his son, whose words could strike a person dead.

    He awaited with anticipation.

    But the subordinate carefully handed over... a tree branch.

    "Where''s the gift? Did it fall off on the way?"

    The subordinate forced himself to say, "This is it. It was rushed over eight hundred miles."

    Zi Lu: ...

    All advisors: ...

    Zi Lu took the branch and examined it intently for a while, then suddenly pped his thigh andughed, "That''s my son, hahaha!"

    The others looked at their lord, bemused.

    Zi Lu then said to Zi Wenxin, "Wenxin, you don''t need to go get him anymore. He sent me a willow branch, telling me he wants to stay, hahahahaha!"

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107

    December 30th.

    In the House of He in Qingzhou.

    Tonight is the grand feast for New Year''s Eve.

    After New Year''s Evees the new year.

    He Chen is about to set off for the Capital City to take the imperial examination.

    Ever since He Chen and his good friend Meng Shaoxia returned from their trip, He Chen has been suffering from a nagging neck ache.

    He cannot sit for long periods of time to read books, or else his neck will start to ache.

    Whether the weather is cool or hot, his neck aches.

    His neck aches constantly, much to the concern of his parents.

    They wonder how he could develop such an ailment at such a young age.

    But today is New Year''s Eve.

    Everyone can only speak well of him.

    Seeing Chen holding his neck in pain again, his father could only praise him: "My son has the bearing of a high minister. It is said that Minister Lu often suffered from neck pain too."

    He Chen: ...But Minister Lu is already fifty-eight.

    Nevermind, apart from the neck ache, it seems there are no other issues.

    Well, there is one tiny thing, but he is too embarrassed to mention it.

    He has developed a fear of women.

    When a pretty maid climbs into his bed at home, despite being a vigorous young man, he would panic.

    Following the usual pattern, he should be like his father and take her as a concubine.

    But now, he has no physical problems, but a psychological one.

    Whenever a woman approaches his bed, he kicks them away in fright.

    Nevermind that.

    Right now, preparing for the imperial examination is the most important thing. Everything else can wait until after he passes the examination.

    The House of He in Qingzhou, the glory of the new generation, rests on the shoulders of the young He Chen.

    Having enjoyed all the resources of his family, the young man must stand tall and show himself to the world, repaying his family and striving for theirsting prosperity.

    To ascend the ranks of officialdom.

    ...

    In Jiangbei.

    The fiefdom of the Seventh Prince.

    Thend is vast but yields little.

    Slightly better than an exile, but limited nheless.

    The Seventh Prince and his wife Jiang Yuluan were childhood sweethearts who grew up together.

    When young, Jiang Yuluan was deeply favored by Princess Huiyun and practically lived in the pce with her.

    There, she met the pitiful Seventh Prince, whose father neglected him and mother was gone.

    The two yed together as they grew up, eventually marrying and following the Seventh Prince to his fiefdom.

    Jiang Yuluan has a bold personality much like Princess Huiyun, whom even the Emperor quite likes among the younger generation.

    Originally, the Emperor had assigned the Seventh Prince a more remote fiefdom, but out of concern for Yuluan''s inability to adapt, he changed it to the closer Jiangbei.

    This couple who grew up together naturally have a closer rtionship than most.

    But once in the fiefdom, Jiang Yuluan developed a new problem.

    For many years, she has been unable to conceive.

    The reason is unclear.

    Fortunately, the Seventh Prince was quite open-minded about this and did not force the issue.

    The proud Jiang Yuluan had no choice but to humble herself and arrange other women for her husband''s bed.

    Sure enough, those women became pregnant.

    So the problem was hers alone.

    The Seventh Prince now has an eldest son, a second son, a third son, and a daughter - none of them born from the prince''s wife.

    The Seventh Prince wanted to take these children under Jiang Yuluan''s name, but she refused.

    Perhaps no one could understand this woman''s inner turmoil and pain.

    She smiled and sent other women to her husband''s bed, watching them make love and bear children.

    Her husband imed she was his most beloved, but how could it be the same?

    Seeing him instinctively let go of her hand and rush away when a child fell ill, how could it be the same?

    It was no longer the same.

    Other people now upied her husband''s heart.

    She was no longer the only one, pushed aside, perhaps even destined to be pushed out one day.

    On the surface, their rtionship seemed the same as before, but much had changed underneath.

    The Seventh Prince greatly respects his wife.

    On New Year''s Eve, he insists that all the childrene and kowtow to their mother and keep herpany through the night.

    In truth, each child is a little afraid of their mother.

    If the mother is unhappy, the entire household is unhappy, and their father is unhappy too.

    Children are innocent yet perceptive, already knowing the rules of survival - whom to please in order to live well.

    Chu Xi, the eldest son, is the most intelligent and well-behaved of the children.

    He also resembles the Seventh Prince the most.

    Jiang Yuluan has a bit more patience for him.

    "Mother, were you thinking of Grandmother again?" Chu Xi notices his mother gazing at a painting.

    The painting depicts a middle-aged woman in a Buddhist pose, with a gentle and kind expression.

    But more peculiar is the back view of a young girl.

    The slender, graceful figure of the girl facing arge Buddha statue exudes an indescribable aura.

    Chu Xi speaks up: "Why don''t I take my cousin as a wife? Then she can keep Motherpany."

    Jiang Yuluan had no intention of responding, but hearing his words, she turns with a smile and scolds: "You think too much. Marry a beauty just to please me?"

    "As long as Mother is happy, I will be happy too," Chu Xi replies with a smile.

    Seeing his wife''s face brighten, the Seventh Prince joins in theughter: "Excellent, then we''ll have someone to keep my Luanpany and cheer her up."

    Father and son''s banter amuses Jiang Yuluan.

    Her longing fades a little.

    "Come, didn''t you say we''re having a midnight snack? Let''s change clothes and go out!" Jiang Yuluan stands up energetically.

    To the human realm.

    ...

    December 30th.

    Thest day of the year.

    Tomorrow will be the new year.

    On this day, a new figure appeared in the capital, leaving a fresh memory for all.

    The Emperor staged a grand performance.

    He adapted the ssic tale of Liang and Zhu into arge-scale song and dance theater production.

    The actress ying Zhu Yingtai took the stage, stunning the entire audience.

    Everyone assumed she must be the Emperor''stest consort, beautiful yetmanding.

    When she opened her mouth to sing, her voice entranced the listeners like a dream.

    Some voices simply have that effect - the moment she sang, all other sounds were overpowered.

    Then, when Yingtai disguised herself as a man to attend school, there were gasps of astonishment.

    No one expected this woman to look even more striking in male attire.

    Utterly ambiguous in gender.

    Beautiful as a woman, breathtaking as a man.

    And her singing voice was unmatched by any.

    Perhaps only the former Princess Huiyun could evoke such a feeling.

    When she sang, the four seasons fell silent.

    After the grand performance ended, everyone remembered that lead performer.

    As the curtain fell, he strode forth in a red robe with bound hair, gracefully approaching the Emperor.

    In that moment, everyonemitted him to memory.

    The new man in red robes before the Emperor, the strict Yan.

    The Emperor personally poured wine and bestowed immortal pills to share with him.

    His long, seductive eyes exuded both allure and defiance, his being seemingly neither man nor woman, without clear boundaries.

    "Masculine yet ethereal, leaving souls adrift. Celestial yet earthly, only I sing resoundingly." (Note 1)

    Ascending to the immortal realm.

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108

    The snow had melted.

    The air was moist.

    Taking a deep breath, the lungs felt sofortable.

    It was New Year''s Eve today.

    Many guests hade to Jiang Mianmian''s home.

    Her family had received many gifts.

    There were frozen fish, frozen pears, and polished tree branches suitable for children to y with, even adorned with red ropes.

    They were gifts from the vigers.

    The well-known old hunter in the vige shyly brought out two frozen fish and said, "I don''t know what happened this year, all the animals in the mountains seemed to have disappeared, I couldn''t find them anywhere, so I could only go to the water and catch a couple of fish."

    Qin Luoxia warmly received them, smiling, "Indeed, the weather has been so cold that those animals must have all gone into hiding. Elder Brother Liu is amazing to still be able to find fish."

    After taking the frozen fish, Qin Luoxia also gave a gift in return, a bag of sweet fruit candies made by adding sugar to dough, rolling them into small balls, and baking them, which could keep for a long time.

    Compared to the frozen fish, these sweet fruit candies were a more presentable gift, after all, they required the use of sugar and flour.

    All the vigers who came to deliver gifts received a return gift.

    On their way back, they couldn''t help but praise, "Sister-inw Qin is a truly kind-hearted person."

    Those who came to deliver gifts would see Jiang Yu helping to prepare food, and they would also praise Yu for being diligent and skilled in cooking.

    Jiang Changtian and Jiang Feng were doing woodwork.

    Hei Ta was lending a hand.

    Since Jiang Mianmian could walk now, seeing her plucking the hair from the little white horse every day, she must really want to ride a horse.

    Jiang Changtian was nning to make a small wooden horse for his daughter.

    Jiang Changtian was not skilled at woodwork, and the design of this wooden horse was actually helped by the Former County Magistrate.

    Speaking of which, the Former County Magistrate was indeed a top student who had passed the imperial examinations.

    Jiang Changtian mentioned his request, wanting a wooden horse that his daughter could sit on, rock back and forth, and not fall off.

    Surprisingly, the Former County Magistrate designed it.

    He spent three days and nights drawing, without any sleep, toe up with the design, even losing a few strands of hair.

    His main concern was that he was still living in a house behind the county office, and he would have to move out, but Jiang refused to let him.

    However, during this period, watching what Jiang had been doing, just thinking about it made him lose a strand of hair, just thinking about it made him lose another strand of hair, and he had lost more hair recently than in half his lifetime.

    On the first day Jiang reported for duty at the county office, he hung a calligraphy banner that read:

    "I reflect on my conduct three times a day.

    Was I too courteous?

    Did I give him face?

    Should I have taken action?"

    Whenever the Former County Magistrate saw this banner, he could not help but have a muscle spasm.

    He would reflect every day, wondering if he had done anything wrong, if there was anything he could improve upon, if there were any areas that needed to be supplemented or could be done better.

    Second Jiang''s next move left the Former County Magistrate even more astonished.

    Master Gong, the rebel leader, had demanded two-thirds of everyone''s family wealth, and Jiang Changtian gradually had these valuable items escorted to the rebel headquarters.

    He kept meticulous records, detailing which household each item belonged to and its value, making it clear at a nce.

    Then, he shockingly demanded the same two-thirds share.

    The guards left behind by Mr. Gong had inside informants, and they felt that this Mr. Jiang was a greedy man.

    He showed no courtesy to the wealthy families at all.

    Moreover, he came up with pretexts and charges against them in order to demand money, forcing the wealthy families to use each other of wrongdoings, and allowing themoners to voice their grievances and settle their resentments.

    The wealthy families in Ming County were now crying out in misery, calling out to the heavens and earth to no avail.

    Unexpectedly, themoners were all apuding and cheering for Jiang Changtian, even calling him "Jiang Qingtian" (Jiang the Upright).

    He was truly skilled at collecting wealth, yet he did not cause any unrest, both umting wealth and gaining the people''s hearts.

    He was alsopletely devoted to his lord, and among all the items and ounts submitted from various ces, those from Ming County were the most organized and clear.

    Although Zi Lu had never met Jiang Changtian, upon seeing the items and ledgers sent, he was left with a deep impression.

    In fact, Jiang Changtian had not done anything particrly special; he had simply applied the method he previously used for recording medicinal herbs to the ounts submitted to the rebel leader.

    It was New Year''s Eve today.

    He had returned home early.

    Along the way, themoners had sent him off with many gifts.

    There were also many gifts piled up at home.

    Seeing that Jiang had personally taken up woodwork, the vigers felt that he was one of them, even though he had taken up an official position at the county.

    It was said that Jiang''s background had also been investigated, and although he was not the biological son of Old Lady Jiang, he was a nephew of the Jiang Family. Thete Jiang patriarch had taken pity on the orphaned child of their n and brought him home, but inadvertently incurred Old Lady Jiang''s dislike, so she had always mistreated him.

    This information was revealed by the Former County Magistrate, so it should be urate, as a high-ranking official like him would not spread false rumors.

    How pitiful that Jiang was also a child from a good family, yet suffered such hardship. The tactics employed by the wealthy families to torment people without spilling blood were numerous.

    Whether it was themoners in the county or the vigers who came to deliver gifts, they all felt that this Jiang was so unfortunate.

    Such a good person, with a pleasant appearance and kind nature, who stood up for themoners as soon as he took office, not hesitating to offend the wealthy families, had suffered so much since childhood.

    In the county, the one with the worst reputation now, ranked number one, was Old Lady Jiang.

    She was on par with the infamous Madam of Lichun Yard, who forced virtuous women into prostitution, and the wanton woman who was a merchant''s concubine and abandoned her son in a firewood shed.

    Old Lady Jiang probably did not know yet, as they had recently shut themselves in, not allowing anyone to go out except for necessary food and drink.

    ...

    Jiang Mianmian sat expectantly on a small stool, watching her father, elder brother, and Uncle Hei Ta work together to make a wooden horse for her.

    She had only mentioned a wooden horse in passing, but unexpectedly, her father had remembered and even designed it for her, how amazing!

    Jiang Mianmian sat on the small stool, with Young Lord Zi sitting beside her.

    Young Lord Zi was lost in thought.

    He was thinking that his father would probablye to pick him up soon after receiving his gift.

    He had started to want to go home.

    Initially, he had wanted to stay because he didn''t want to listen to his tutor''s nagging, and he had also found Jiang Xiaogui''s family quite interesting.

    He had wanted Jiang Xiaogui''s mother to be his bodyguard, but it didn''t work out.

    After observing for two days, he realized it would never seed, so he gave up.

    But it seemed that Jiang Xiaogui had not given up.

    Jiang Xiaogui seemed to really like him, clinging to him wherever he went.

    He sat there a little worried, unsure if Jiang Xiaogui would cry when his father came to pick him up.

    She clung to herself too much, grabbing onto her wherever they went.

    At every meal, she would share the delicious leafy greens with him.

    She was more clingy to him than the pet tortoise he raised.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t know what the little brat was thinking, she clung to him because her mother said he was so pitiful, without a mother, and his father didn''t care about him either, so she should y with him more.

    She was just a little cub, what could she do? Anyway, it was just something convenient, whatever she did, dragging him along to do the same.

    Jiang Mianmian pulled Young Lord Zi along to wait for her father to make a wooden horse for her.

    Seeing Young Lord Zi daydreaming again, she spoke in a childish voice: "When it''s done, I''ll let you ride it for a bit."

    Young Lord Zi imagined himself, a grown man, sitting on a rocking horse, and felt a chill, shaking his head to refuse: "No thanks."

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t mind, those rocking cars at the supermarket entrance, no six-year-old could refuse, hmph.

    ...

    An hourter, Young Lord Zi sat expressionless on the rocking horse with Little Tortoise Jiang, the wooden horse swaying back and forth.

    His body swayed along with it.

    He thought to himself that he had ridden real horses before, this wooden horse was so silly.

    But Little Tortoise Jiang''s little green onion sprout on her head tickled his face.

    He hugged Little Tortoise Jiang, listening to herughing ha ha ha ha.

    Watching thenterns at the entrance swaying back and forth.

    It was the New Year.

    ...

    ...

    ...

    ...

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109

    The night fell.

    The cold wind howled.

    But it couldn''t drown out theughter of children.

    Today, no matter what, parents would put off any beatings until after the new year.

    No crying.

    Only unbridledughter.

    A bit noisy, but lively.

    The Jiang Mianmian family also began eating their New Year''s Eve feast.

    Quite sumptuous.

    There were even leftovers after eating.

    Signifying surplus year after year.

    After eating, everyone washed and changed clothes.

    Even Hei Ta received a new outfit today.

    He was a bit surprised.

    His tall and burly stature required a lot of fabric.

    Yet he didn''t expect that as Young Lord Zi''s attendant living at Mr. Jiang''s house, he would also receive a new suit and new boots.

    Hei Ta wasn''t good with words, but was actually ad with a rich inner world.

    It was just that his rough and ferocious looks scared people whenever he spoke, so eventually he stopped speaking casually.

    He held the new clothes and new shoes but didn''t change into them right away.

    Until Qin Lady shouted at him: "Hurry up, don''t dilly-dally."

    He obediently went to change.

    Jiang Mianmian thought that she and Young Lord Zi wearing floral robes would be equally embarrassing.

    But she didn''t expect her family to be so well-off.

    The new clothes prepared for her weren''t just one set, but two.

    And two sets were also prepared for Young Lord Zi.

    When she and Young Lord Zi were both dragged into the room by Mom to bathe and change clothes,

    Jiang Mianmian felt extremely embarrassed.

    While Young Lord Zi freaked out.

    He wanted Qin Lady to be his bodyguard, not his mother.

    Qin Lady brought out arge tub and made him bathe.

    With just a few moves, she stripped him naked.

    Jiang Xiaogui was even worse, also stripped naked.

    Jiang Xiaogui even cried out: "I don''t want to wash my hair, I don''t want to wash my hair, Father save me!"

    Jiang Mianmian really didn''t want to wash her hair either since there was no shampoo here, and that herbal hair wash smelled awful. Every time she washed her hair with it, she felt like a little stink bug was nesting on her head.

    Qin Luoxia had already raised two kids on her own.

    Nowadays, her strength was immense, so dealing with the two little brats was a breeze.

    In the next room where they were changing clothes, Hei Ta heard the children crying and moved a bit faster.

    But then he seemed to remember something and slowed down again.

    In the kitchen, Jiang Changtian was boiling water and couldn''t help butugh when he heard his daughter''s cries from the other room.

    His little daughter was too mature, so whenever he heard her crying, his first reaction was amusement.

    Jiang Feng also heard his sister''s cries and felt heartbroken. He paced at the door, saying: "Should I go help wash her?"

    He couldn''t stand to hear his sister cry, not even once.

    Jiang Yu said: "Don''t go make trouble. Mianmian is difficult, Mom can handle her alone. If we join in, it''ll be even harder to deal with her. Come help me wash the dishes instead."

    Jiang Mianmian cried and wailed as Mom held her down and washed her hair, also wiping her body clean.

    Watching from the wooden tub he was soaking in, Young Lord Zi obediently washed his own hair.

    As he washed, he heard Qin Lady say: "Look at how obedient Brother Chong is, he''s washing himself. Don''t cry anymore, Mianmian, it''ll be over soon."

    Jiang Mianmian was so mad, crying was useless in front of Mom sometimes.

    But when she turned her tear-stained face and saw the serious, naked little kid washing himself in the tub, she couldn''t help butugh.

    After Mom scrubbed and washed her clean from head to toe, she put on a new set of red clothes.

    Young Lord Zi watched as Qin Lady held Jiang Xiaogui down in the water to wash him, then quickly washed himself too.

    He dried himself off and put on his new red outfit.

    After getting dressed, he saw Jiang Xiaogui''s reddened eyes staring at him, so he put on a serious face.

    But because he had just bathed, his flushed face looked adorably serious.

    Jiang Mianmian waddled over, hugged the little boy, and said in a baby voice with red eyes: "Brother, help me dry my hair gently."

    Everyone else in the family was too rough. She was worried they would ruin her hair.

    Qin Luoxia was cleaning up nearby when she turned and saw Young Lord Zi drying her daughter''s hair.

    Her daughter was sitting there bossy and chattering cutely.

    She couldn''t help butugh, then turned to carry the bathing water out to dump it.

    After bathing the little ones,

    Qin Luoxia made her husband and Jiang Feng go bathe and change too.

    Then it was her and Jiang Yu''s turn to wash.

    Jiang Changtian and Jiang Feng also received new clothes and changed into crisp new robes.

    Father''s robe was surprisingly moon-white, a color he rarely wore. But wearing it made him look like he had a beauty filter on, even more stunningly handsome.

    Elder Brother''s was a navy blue robe with faint patterns.

    Jiang Feng was delighted too.

    The fabric felt thick and high-quality.

    Wearing the new robe, he didn''t even want to practice his swordy anymore.

    He would take a day off, or else he might damage the new clothes.

    Qin Luoxia changed into her new clothes too, a set her husband had bought her.

    The fabric was nice and fit her well, though the waist was a bit tight, making her feel slightly unustomed.

    But wearing it flushed her cheeks red a bit.

    Jiang Yu also had new clothes and embroidered shoes.

    This year her new outfit was ayered pink dress with other colors woven in.

    Her embroidered shoes were also pink with little bead decorations.

    Very pretty.

    Jiang Yu had waited all day and finally got to change into her new clothes in the evening.

    She grinned, showing all her teeth.

    Happy.

    Changing into new clothes really did give the feeling of the new year.

    So nice.

    The whole family huddled around the warm stove, using it to dry their hair too.

    Tonight they couldn''t sleep early, they had to stay up until the new year.

    On the stove, tea water bubbled and boiled with herbs to reduce greasiness. A bit bitter, but refreshing to drink.

    Hei Ta sat by the door, having already drank several bowls.

    His social anxiety was actually acting up, not diligence on guard duty. Facing away from everyone made him feel morefortable.

    In case he wanted to pick his teeth or something, he could just push his tongue against them.

    After changing into new clothes, the whole family felt more mellow.

    Young Lord Zi rarely experienced this feeling of gathering as a family.

    Right now, he was sitting on the long bench with Jiang Xiaogui, who stubbornly held his hand and wouldn''t let go, making his face grow even more serious.

    As the head of the family, Jiang Changtian gave a closing remark: "This year was very long, but we all made it through. Next year will definitely be better. In the new year, may our whole family be safe and healthy."

    As the mother of the family, Qin Luoxia gently smoothed her robe, remembering it was new, and quickly let go. She continued: "In the new year, may the weather be good and may we all have enough to eat."

    Jiang Yu excitedly said: "My turn, in the new year, I want to make lots and lots of delicious food."

    Jiang Feng began, "For the new year, I hope all our family members stay safe and well."

    It was then Young Lord Zi''s turn by seating order.

    This six-year-old boy dressed in a red robe, his face flushed red by the light, spoke with utmost seriousness, "For the new year, I hope fewer people die."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    She was suddenly touched by this little rascal.

    She figured it was probably because he had seen too many deaths following his rebel father around.

    When it was her turn, Mianmian spoke slowly in her childish voice, enunciating each word, "For the new year, Mianmian hopes that Father, Mom, Elder Brother, Elder Sister, and Brother Chong''s wishes alle true."

    Then everyone in the family kissed her.

    Kisses on the forehead, cheeks, and belly.

    Young Lord Zi remained silent, watching everyone finish kissing her. Of course, he wouldn''t kiss her since he wasn''t part of their family.

    But then Jiang Xiaogui came over and nted a kiss on his cheek.

    "Mwah!"

    ...

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110

    The First Day of the New Year.

    Nature did not smile upon them.

    Heavy rain poured down.

    Children wearing new clothes had no way to go out and show off.

    The rain was too heavy, it would soak the new clothes. At this time, good clothes would fade after just a few washes if not properlyundered.

    Thus, wealthy households often made new clothes every season and festive asion, because the old clothes had severely faded, standing out at a nce.

    On this day, a downpour of rain.

    Exceptionally heavy rain.

    Mom frowned slightly as she looked at the heavy rain.

    If the weather was bad on the first day, the whole year would not bode well.

    Because of the heavy rain, no one came to visit, and Father did not go out either.

    But this did not stop Elder Brother, as nothing could deter a young man of his age.

    The rain hammered down, like celestial beings pouring water from the Heavens.

    On a rainy day, Young Lord Zi was particrly restless.

    He disliked heavy rain.

    Disliked the sight of raindrops sshing mud and flower petals when hitting the ground.

    Disliked the countless veils of rain.

    Jiang Mianmian had rarely seen such heavy rain, too.

    But she liked it when Father held her to watch the rain.

    She stretched out her hand to catch a few raindrops. The rain stung slightly when it hit her palm, leaving a tingling sensation.

    After a while, Father caught her hand and brought it back.

    Father wiped her small hand dry with his clothes, then warmed it against his face.

    The winter rain was especially chilly.

    Her little hands were red and freezing.

    Father and Mom were different - he would let Mianmian experience such things.

    If it were Mom who saw her stretch out her hand, she would likely give her a light tap first, to stop her from being reckless.

    Some of Father''s habits were also a little different. For instance, he did not mind wiping Mianmian''s hand with a brand new piece of clothing.

    This was perhaps the trace of a person''s life experience.

    Jiang Yu and Jiang Feng had been through hardships, so they could not change, but Jiang Changtian hoped his little daughter could be a little more uninhibited.

    Jiang Changtian held his little daughter and watched the rain, while also observing the youngd, Young Lord Zi, standing nearby.

    Jiang Changtian had also inquired about this person - he never dared to underestimate anyone.

    Not even a child.

    Young Lord Zi spoke words of wisdom, his utterances alwaysing true. It was said that the people around him rarely dared to speak to him directly.

    Brother Yehang said those were just baseless rumors, that he was simply an exceptionally intelligent student, so wise beyond his years, hence those legends.

    Jiang Changtian found it difficult to open his heart and trust others.

    He also did not particrly like Young Lord Zi.

    Young Lord Zi''s eyes were too prating, as if he could see through Jiang Changtian''s most private thoughts with a single nce.

    He did not understand why this child was staying at his home, and always felt as if his innermost thoughts would be exposed.

    He rarely spoke to Young Lord Zi, and Young Lord Zi likewise seldom spoke to him.

    Fortunately, Sister Xia was sincerely warm and hospitable.

    Jiang Changtian did not interact much with Young Lord Zi daily, but he felt at ease having him stay at their home.

    Today, on the first day of the New Year, the torrential downpour forced them to stay together.

    Under one roof.

    Jiang Changtian still did not wish to talk to him.

    Neither did Young Lord Zi.

    Only that when he saw Mr. Jiang warming Jiang Xiaogui''s frozen red hands against his face, smiling in an endearing way, he felt a tinge of envy.

    Suddenly, Young Lord Zi''s expression turned deste as he watched the curtain of rain.

    Although Mr. Jiang was unwell, quite severely in fact, he had medicine.

    But Zi Congheng did not.

    Jiang Yu noticed Father and Young Lord Zi standing together, both looking solemn, as if they had something to say. Thoughtfully, she carried her younger sister away.

    "Come, let''s cook with your sister. It''s the first day of the New Year; your sister will demonstrate her culinary skills and guarantee everyone will find it delicious." Jiang Yu dered confidently.

    Jiang Mianmian watched as her elder sister carried her with one hand while holding a bag of dried mushrooms in the other...

    Was her sister nning to chase everyone away on the first day of the New Year?

    In the kitchen, Jiang Yu considerately shooed their mother away.

    "Mom, it''s the New Year today, you should rest. I''ll take care of it."

    Qin Luoxia wanted to carry her youngest daughter away.

    But the little one also chimed in, "Mianmian will help sister, we''ll cook together."

    She was worried that the whole family would end up bedridden if she did not supervise her sister.

    Jiang Yu worked swiftly, chopping vegetables quickly.

    Jiang Mianmian noticed that the family''s dishes were either a hodgepodge stew in one pot or steamed vegetables.

    Suddenly, she realized there was no stir-frying.

    She thought that when the God of Time-travelers looked up to the sky and shouted "Oil up!", stir-frying would have been invented.

    But then she realized there were no iron woks in the house.

    Without an iron wok, stir-friescked soul.

    So they would need to first smelt iron, then make a wok~~

    Jiang Mianmian pondered and decided it was too difficult.

    Forget it.

    Act as if she had never said anything.

    Not everyone was an engineering student, she had been delusional.

    Before traveling back in time, she had to memorize the periodic table for a week.

    Now, after time-traveling, she was supposed to forge iron, make woks, and build ships by hand?

    Let others who could actually do things handle it.

    With that thought, Jiang Mianmian felt reassured.

    She obediently sat and watched her elder sister cook.

    It seemed her sister had a natural talent for cooking.

    Her cooking looked proper.

    Her sister had a clear grasp of the nuances of various vors.

    When Mom sprinkled a handful of seasoning, it was based on experience, but when her sister did it, she could truly taste the difference in vors.

    The dishes cooked by Mom were of a normal standard - adding some wild chives would make them fragrant and enhance the vors.

    But her sister''s cooking seemed to have a subtle difference.

    The kitchen was filled with an fragrant haze.

    Outside under the eaves, after standing with their legs growing numb, Mr. Jiang and Young Lord Zi finally broke the silence.

    It was the first day of the New Year.

    Jiang Changtian recalled the young lord''s wise words.

    He suddenly asked, "Do you think your father will win?"

    Zi Congheng fell silent for a moment before replying, "No."

    Upon uttering those words, he was stunned himself.

    Jiang Changtian was also stunned.

    In fact, he had initially felt the atmosphere was too awkward.

    For the first time, he found himself at a loss for words with someone else.

    It was as if something inside warned him against speaking casually.

    But he suddenly spoke up, only to receive such an answer.

    Hei Ta, standing behind them, was also stunned. He looked at the heavy rain outside - it was pouring so heavily that he could not even see where the entrance was, just a hazy white expanse.

    Zi Congheng watched the downpour, in that fleeting moment, he saw many dead people.

    Father was dead too.

    Also in heavy rain, the rain was very heavy.

    Father''s eyes were wide open, staring directly towards the Capital City.

    He never made it back, until his demise.

    Zi Congheng suddenly felt very cold.

    Bone-chillingly cold.

    He should not have spoken so casually, especially not today.

    He tightly sealed his lips shut.

    Feeling slightly regretful.

    The raindrops sshed onto his face, it seemed like he was crying.

    Jiang Changtian patted the boy''s shoulder. If Zi Luzao rebelled and was defeated, being a tant traitor, his fate would not be much better either.

    But this life never gave him a choice from the beginning.

    He just wanted his family to have enough food and clothing.

    He didn''t think too much about it.

    "Someone will win, right?"

    Jiang Changtian''s hand rested on the child''s shoulder.

    He actually wasn''t good at touching people, especially strangers.

    Zi Congheng fell silent.

    Suddenly he looked up at the man beside him.

    He saw a man with long hair, dressed in white, smiling falsely at him.

    An image of a man in a yellow robe, also smiling falsely, appeared in his mind.

    He was dazed.

    Suddenly a big arm grabbed him, lifting his body off the ground, and all the images disappeared.

    He heard a scolding voice in his ear: "Can''t get rained on, you''ll get sick, tsk tsk tsk, our little bug must be healthy and live a long life."

    He was picked up by Qin Lady.

    Qin Lady took him into the kitchen.

    She put him down next to Jiang Xiaogui.

    The two sat in front of the stove.

    Jiang Mianmian noticed the little brat was gone for a while and his eyes seemed red, had he been crying?

    Missing family during the New Year?

    She took a piece of candied fruit from her pocket and stuffed it straight into his mouth, saying, "It''s sweet, eat it."

    Zi Congheng was caught off guard as she stuffed his mouth, and his tears burst out immediately. Jiang Xiaogui was so dirty, her hands had just grabbed the firewood off the ground, and the candied fruit was also directly put in her pocket, which even had little ants in it, o(¨i©n¨i)o.

    The candied fruit was so sweet, but so dirty!!

    The young cub Jiang Mianmian shook her head, indeed no child could escape the sweet candy rule, one piece of candy and he was settled, don''t cry anymore, when you grow up there will be more candy, and then you won''t even want to eat it.

 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111

    The rain didn''t stop.

    Around lunchtime, Elder Brother came back.

    Carrying a bundle of roasted sweet potatoes.

    He wore a rain cloak, the edge of his new clothes was also wet.

    Jiang Fengughed heartily.

    Because on the first day of the new year, he could take things from home, and he could take things from home for the whole year.

    Before the meal, he gave everyone a roasted sweet potato.

    It was a bit like a yam, but the texture seemed a bit off. Jiang Mianmian had eaten it before, and it would be slightly bitter, but roasted it had an aroma, and the bitter taste was not so strong.

    On the first day of the new year, you had to ept what others gave you.

    Young Lord Zi looked at the twisted and curled sweet potato, and his face was as crumpled as the sweet potato.

    Then he watched Jiang Xiaogui use her little hands to peel the skin off the sweet potato, both of her hands turned ck immediately, but she didn''t care at all, just to have a hot bite, eating and wiping her mouth with her hands, but because her hands were ck, her mouth only got cker and cker as she wiped.

    Jiang Mianmian saw the little brat staring at her eating.

    She gave him a sweet smile.

    Young Lord Zi smiled too.

    So dirty!

    Elder Brother helped peel Young Lord Zi''s sweet potato, and put it on a small te with a spoon and chopsticks.

    Jiang Feng was very perceptive by nature, he just knew that this Young Lord Zi liked cleanliness and didn''t want to get his hands dirty.

    He prepared the sweet potato for Young Lord Zi, and carefully wiped Cui''s face.

    Pinched her nose.

    Then the whole family had lunch together.

    All the dishes were made by Jiang Yu.

    After seeing Cui get married, Jiang Yu became a bit moreposed.

    Today, when she didn''t speak, Jiang Mianmian felt that Elder Sister seemed to have grown up and matured overnight, she had the feeling of an older sister.

    After lunch.

    The rain gradually lessened.

    But it got colder.

    The rain in winter chilled to the bone.

    Jiang Mianmian took a nap of her own ord, little kids can grow taller by sleeping more.

    But the others didn''t have the habit of taking afternoon naps.

    At that time, people didn''t have the habit of taking afternoon naps or eating three meals a day.

    The family thought Mianmian was still a baby, so she needed to sleep, and it wasn''t strange.

    But today at noon, Young Lord Zi also went to sleep.

    Jiang Mianmian slept for an hour before waking up.

    She had slept enough.

    Woke up refreshed and energetic.

    Little kids have a lot of energy that needs to be released.

    Mainly, there were so few things a little kid could do.

    Nothing but crawling and rolling around.

    Crawling and rolling around on the ground as a kid, crawling and rolling around in society when grown up!

    The rain had lessened at noon, but now it was raining again, so she couldn''t go out to y.

    Jiang Xiaoshu seemed to have gone into ate winter hibernation these past two days,zily immobile, so she could only find her own fun.

    If she found Father and Elder Brother, they''d likely ruffle her hair.

    Elder Sister seemed to be whispering something with Mom.

    Jiang Mianmian decided to go y with the guest.

    After all, the guest was closer in age to her.

    Of course, there was also a pragmatic thought.

    Since Father had taken shelter with his father, theoretically speaking, he was the leader''s son, so at home, she could be responsible for currying favor with him a little.

    Anyway, aside from eating, she didn''t do anything, so she could contribute a bit of meager social effort.

    When she grew up, she might be socially awkward and unable to do anything.

    While she was still a child, it didn''t matter if she was embarrassed.

    Jiang Mianmian carried her little robe and waddled over to the tall man, looking up at him with her baby voice, "Brother Hei Ta, I want to y with Brother Xiaochong."

    Her baby voice was irresistible, adorably sweet-sounding yet shy.

    Jiang Mianmian felt no one could refuse such an adorable little darling.

    As expected, Hei Ta guarded the door and didn''t let even a fly enter Young Lord Zi''s room, but he stepped aside to let the little cub push the door open and enter.

    The room wasn''t cold, with two braziers lit, charcoal dumped into pottery jars, the pottery jars woven with bamboo so they could be carried.

    Since it was an earthen wood house, abination of earthen walls and wood, there was no need to worry about being smoked to death.

    This was the guest room, but since Young Lord Zi came to stay, it was turned into his bedroom.

    Jiang Mianmian came in, and that little brat was actually still asleep.

    Curled up in a ball.

    Seeing him asleep, she thought she shouldn''t disturb him and turned to leave on her little steps.

    But then she heard a call: "Dad."

    Jiang Mianmian''s short legs paused.

    She felt a strange sense of pity.

    Babies usually call out "mom" unconsciously, but Zi Xiaochong had never called out for his mother since he was born.

    She turned back and saw that he seemed to be awake.

    Or perhaps he was having a nightmare?

    Jiang Mianmian curiously walked back to his side.

    She saw Zi Congheng''s brow was tightly furrowed, his face pale, as if not quite normal.

    She softly called out, "Brother Chong?"

    No response, no movement.

    She called again, "Zi Congheng?"

    Still no response or movement.

    "Zi Xiaochong?"

    A pair of eyes suddenly opened, ck as ink with not a hint of light.

    Like ckcquer.

    It startled Jiang Mianmian.

    People with too much white in their eyes sometimes looked scary, but having no whites in the eyes was also scary.

    Was he awake or not?

    Jiang Mianmian called out again, "Brother Chong?"

    Zi Congheng regained consciousness.

    Seeing the person in front of him, the green onion on her head was crooked, he wanted to help straighten it, but felt like he didn''t have the strength to get up.

    He said, "Can you climb up here?"

    Jiang Mianmian nodded.

    She was small, but climbing onto the bed wasn''t difficult for her.

    She used both hands to push off the bed edge, lifted one leg up with effort, then slid right off onto the floor.

    She didn''t cry, stood up and tried again.

    Through perseverance, with a plop, she sessfully climbed onto the bed.

    Sessfully plopping herself down onto the bed.

    Jiang Mianmian crawled over to Young Lord Zi, and he reached out to ruffle her hair.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Well, judging from his sweaty look, he must have had a nightmare.

    "Did Brother Chong dream about your dad?"

    Zi Congheng shook his head.

    No.

    He opened his eyes and forgot what he had dreamed.

    The room was dim, with the gloomy light outside.

    He stared at the little cub in front of him, sitting across from him so seriously, like a little Buddha, even sitting cross-legged, looking at him curiously. In this moment, he even forgot to be disgusted by how dirty she was.

    He gently pinched her cheek.

    Seeing her wide-eyed look of bewilderment as she stared at him.

    He said, "Pinching you, you won''t understand anyway, you won''t remember it when you grow up. Everyone says little kids don''t remember things at this age."

    Jiang Mianmian unabashedly pinched him back.

    Since she was a little kid, she didn''t have to take responsibility.

    She was an exception, she remembered, she would remember for a lifetime, hmph.

    The little brat''s hand lightly pinched Zi Congheng''s face, but it was a bit painful, so he opened his mouth and said: "Adults sometimes say the wrong things, because I remember, I remember when I was a child, I remember Mom suffered and struggled all night, with her eyes open as she gave birth to me and lost a lot of blood. I remember that I couldn''t cry orugh, and Father found the best doctor in the world for me. The doctor said I had a brain disease, something was growing in my brain, and I wouldn''t live past the age of ten. This year I''m six, so I can live four more years."

    "Father adopted many sons, finding many elder brothers for me. Father raised a longevity turtle for me. Father wants to rebel, because that doctor said there might be medicine in the pce that could save my life."

    Jiang Mianmian was stunned.

    She sat in front of the little brat.

    At first, when he said he remembered, she thought she had encountered a fellow countryman.

    But then he actually said he remembered how his mother died, and remembered his father asking the doctor who determined he wouldn''t live past ten years old.

    What a desperate life this was?

    If you knew the ending would be so tragic from the start, what could you do?

    No.

    She had just pinched his face and it felt so hot.

    Jiang Mianmian reached out and touched his forehead again.

    "Hot!"

    Could it be that he was delirious from a fever?

    No wonder she felt so warm, he was almost burning up.

    Jiang Mianmian crawled to the bedhead, grabbed a cup and saw there was half a cup of water in it, then added some Spirit Spring water and shakily brought it over.

    Sure enough, Zi Xiaochong, who had been chattering non-stop just before, closed his eyes again.

    She held the water to his lips, used her hand to pry open his mouth, and poured the water into Zi Xiaochong''s mouth like Elder Sister used to feed her porridge.

    Then she opened her throat and cried out: "Mom, Father!"

    Zi Congheng felt that he had been given water to drink.

    He opened his eyes and saw Jiang Xiaogui sitting in front of him, wailing.

    He couldn''t help butugh again.

    Life was actually good, even if he knew when he would die. It was good to see Father ambitiously nning a rebellion, struggling every day. It was good to see his brothers scheming against each other, showing him their affection. It was good to see Mr. Gong patiently lecturing him on right and wrong. It was good to see Jiang Xiaogui wailing.

    His life was short.

    If he wasn''t full of hope, what else could he be full of? (Note 1)

    He had to be full of hope, because the scenery along the way was different, and the people were different too.

    He lost consciousness, before cking out he thought Jiang Xiaogui''s foot had stepped on his hand.

    ......

    ......

    ......

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112

    The First Day of the New Year.

    Pouring rain.

    Old Lady Jiang still got up wearing brand-new clothes.

    Sitting in the main hall.

    Looking around the room, a few vases were missing, and the paintings on the walls had been changed.

    The gauze windows had been reced with coarse cloth.

    She called out, "Yao."

    She wanted to ask Yao what was going on.

    But after speaking, she came to her senses.

    Yao was dead.

    Old Lady Jiang turned her head, as if she could still see a strong woman standing behind her, smiling at her.

    "Old Lady," a younger face bowed to her.

    It was one of her maids, but only Yao had been with her since she was young.

    The others were not.

    Gone forever.

    Old Lady Jiang''s eyes were red, but she did not shed tears.

    On the first day of the new year, it is inauspicious to cry.

    If you cry on the first day, you''ll cry the whole year.

    She had been through wind and waves, it was no big deal.

    Old Lady Jiang could not help but sigh, Yao would never call her Old Lady, only Lady.

    When one grows old, they fear aging.

    Old Lady Jiang sat properly in the main hall, awaiting her children and grandchildren to pay their respects.

    Today was the New Year, and everyone in the household had new clothes prepared.

    Of course, not asvish as before, but still better than most families.

    A new atmosphere for the new year.

    The house was too big.

    Even toe to the Old Lady''s wing to pay respects, they had to cross two courtyards, and their clothes would get wet.

    Jiang Huaisheng had lost a lot of weight.

    The newly tailored clothes might have been made to his old measurements, so they looked a bit loose and ill-fitting.

    There was a scar on his cheek.

    Though not long, it was very noticeable. He might have a tendency to scar, as the wound was slightly protruding and thick.

    In ancient times, only prisoners who hadmitted grave offenses would have words carved onto their faces.

    Those with words on their faces were of the lowest status.

    Yet now, Jiang Huaisheng had a scar on his face.

    He did not understand how his younger brother could bring himself to raise a sword against him.

    He had been recovering from his wounds and contemting the whole incident, recalling past events.

    Finally, to his horror, he realized that perhaps his brother''s frail health and frequent ailments from childhood were permitted by Mom?

    He did not know how to face his mother anymore.

    If that were true, then the matter with his brother and wife Jing''er was utter nonsense, a frame-up. It was not his brother who wanted Jing''er dead, but Mom?

    The more he thought about it, the more panicked Jiang Huaisheng became.

    He did not know what was the truth, what was real, and what was false.

    On the first day, the whole family gathered for a meal.

    Wu had had a difficult pregnancy, having gone through too many ordeals. Her body was thin, but her belly wasrge, looking rather frightening.

    Watching all this, Old Lady Jiang felt increasingly regretful.

    She did not regret the things she had done, she regretted being soft-hearted.

    She should have killed him when he was ill, taken his life.

    Yao was right, she had been too soft-hearted.

    After nurturing a snake for years, she was bitten by it. A venomous snake is a venomous snake after all, a scourge is a scourge.

    The meal was eaten in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

    Jiang Huaisheng felt a thorn in his heart towards his mother, but he had grown so ustomed to being a filial son that he did not dare question her.

    Jiang Wan had be increasingly steady recently, shedding her childish demeanor and proving very capable.

    Even in such circumstances, she still maintained her daily recitation of scriptures and supervised Jiang Rong''s studies at home.

    Jiang Huaisheng also supervised his son''s studies every day, teaching him personally.

    After this series of events, the person who changed the most was actually Jiang Rong. His studies had be much more intensive.

    Aunt Yao''s death and his father''s injury had frightened him.

    But his mother was heavily pregnant, and his grandmother was elderly. He could not rely on his sister for everything, that would be too irresponsible.

    Now, he seemed much more steady than before.

    Although he did not attend the County School, he studied very well at home.

    He could focus on his studies now.

    Once he tuned out external matters and focused solely on studying the ssics, he found that reading was not as difficult or dull as he thought.

    Immersed in the ocean of books, he gained a lot of insight.

    He felt more rational and braver.

    He even felt confident enough to try the imperial examinations now.

    Previously, he did not enjoy studying and felt that life was just like that.

    Now that he started studying properly, he felt filled with power and infinite possibilities for the future.

    Watching her grandson''s demeanor, Old Lady Jiang was extremely pleased. A blessing in disguise, perhaps not everything was bad.

    "Good, very good. Rong, focus on your studies. Although I''m just an old bone, your grandfather was an upright man with connections all over the world that can be useful in critical times. Wu, take care of the pregnancy. This year, our family will have another addition, a great blessing. After you recover from childbirth and observe the confinement period, we will journey to the Capital City when the weather warms up."

    The Old Lady made her arrangements systematically, her speech carrying much more vigor, no longer exuding an aloof and saintly aura.

    Wu obediently nodded.

    Her husband held her hand, and she was not afraid.

    Jiang Rong also obediently agreed, vowing to study diligently.

    Jiang Wan was also delighted. Household affairs had been hectic recently, and she had sold off some servants, reorganizing the inner quarters. Now the entire manor was under her control.

    No rumors would reach her grandmother''s ears.

    She felt as if she was truly adept at managing everything.

    Initially, she worried she would be flustered and unable to cope.

    But once she actually started doing it, she found it was not difficult at all.

    Now, seeing her brother bing diligent too, she felt an unexpected joy and was filled with hope for the future.

    If she could be the sister of a top schr, her marriage prospects would only be lofty, no matter the prestigious family or nobility.

    Everyone would look favorably upon a schr''s family.

    With the vast collection of books in their home, and her brother''s advantage, he was sure to seed if he studied hard.

    The family enjoyed a harmonious reunion.

    Although this year''s New Year''s feast was the most humble in years, with only twelve dishes instead of the usual twenty-eight that covered the table, no oneined.

    In fact, because of this incident, the family had be more united than ever.

    Watching his mother, Jiang Huaisheng noticed a few strands of white hair on her forehead.

    He thought that such a kind person could not have done those things, it must have been Aunt Yao''s instigation, so she got her just deserts.

    Although his face was injured, it did not matter, he still had Rong.

    He had neglected Rong in the past, but now that he taught him personally, he discovered that Rong was extremely talented. Previously, he had just been too indolent, while Jiang Huaisheng had always thought his daughter was the intelligent one, not paying enough attention to his son.

    After earnestly teaching him, he realized that his son was also exceptionally gifted, just not apparent before.

    This gave Jiang Huaisheng a new purpose in life.

    Even if he himself could not enter officialdom, there was still his son.

    He taught and strategized from behind the scenes, which was just as good, perhaps even better.

    Outside, the wind and rain were strong.

    But the Jiang family was more united than ever, and this year''s New Year had a better atmosphere than in previous years.

    Because they had new motivation and hope, no longer stagnant.

    As they were calmly eating, there was suddenly a loudmotion outside, raucous and lively.

    Old Lady Jiang frowned slightly.

    In this rural area, even heavy rain could not stop the beggars. On holidays and festivals, those people would don bizarre, misshapen masks, neither lion nor dog, and barge into wealthy households, wildly dancing around just to get some reward money.

    If you did not give them anything, they would keep banging on your door.

    The noise was vexing.

    But today was the first day of the new year, so she could not get angry.

    Old Lady Jiang kindly told the servant: "Go out and see, if it''s beggars, give them some money. It''s not easy for them."

    The servant nced at Miss Jiang Wan and saw her imperceptible nod, so he got up and went out.

    The family was drinking soup.

    The olddy was particr about it ¨C after meals, they would drink some nourishing soup.

    It was good for the body and helped digest hard-to-digest foods.

    At her age, she rarely brought up even a mouthful of thick phlegm in the morning or coughed much ¨C she had taken nourishing to the extreme.

    The whole family was generally free of illness.

    However, the banging at the door did not go away, but instead drew closer.

    It sounded like it had reached the doorway.

    The olddy frowned again, but Yao would surely handle it deftly and chase the people away effortlessly. Why was this maid so inept these days?

    She couldn''t even handle this trivial matter properly.

    She had even let them in.

    Wu actually felt a bit curious. She had an active and lively personality, but sinceing to this small ce, she had rarely gone out, increasingly restraining herself and quite curious about what was outside ¨C she had never seen it, only heard others talk about it.

    A group of people barged in, banging and ttering, dressed in bizarre outfits.

    It was drizzling outside, so these people were wet, leaving puddles on the floor as they walked in.

    In front of outsiders, the olddy instinctively adopted a kindly yet aloof demeanor.

    But the leader of the banging group spoke: "By the order of Sir Jiang, we bring New Year''s greetings to Old Lady Jiang, Sir Jiang, Young Master Jiang, and Miss Jiang. Sir Jiang said that although Old Lady Jiang is unkind, he cannot be unfilial, so for the New Year, he must send gifts."

    The man spoke in a sing-song tone, bringing in y jars, six in total.

    After setting down the jars, he also left a greeting letter.

    The group then danced around wildly, banging and ttering as they left, leaving the floor in disarray.

    The maid Pi Shu was pale-faced too ¨C she dared not stop them, as one of them wearing a mask seemed to be from her third uncle''s family.

    She dared not make a sound.

    The open door let in the cold wind.

    The olddy could not help but cough.

    None of the maids knew to pat her back, but the filial Jiang Wan immediately went forward to soothe her grandmother.

    The six y jars looked rather seeping.

    Dark and dirty.

    Who sends jars as gifts?

    Jiang Wan gestured for the servants to open the jars, and a pungent stench wafted out.

    They hurriedly covered them again.

    Old Lady Jiang frowned and asked, "What is this?"

    The maid Pi Shu softly answered, "Replying to Old Lady, these are pickled vegetables made by the local vigers. Wild vegetables are put into jars, and after a long time, they release a foul odor. If the moldy topyer is removed, the bottom part can be eaten."

    After saying this, Pi Shu hesitated, unsure whether to say the rest.

    Seeing her dithering, the impatient olddy said, "Is there anything else? Continue."

    Pi Shu knelt down in fright and said, "In our vige, these y jars are also used to store corpses. Because we are so poor, with not evennd to be buried in, when someone dies, the body has nowhere to be interred and can only be left somewhere. After the flesh rots away leaving just bones, the bones are collected and put into y jars, which are then ced in the wilderness ¨C that counts as a burial."

    "One jar contains the remains of one corpse. Usually many jars would be neatly arranged. Even bandits would not easily disturb them, because inside are human remains." Pi Shu added tremblingly.

    Here there were the Old Lady, Miss Jiang, Lady Wu, Sir Jiang, Young Master Jiang, and Lady Wu''s unborn child ¨C exactly six people.

    Thinking of it this way, it was simply horrifying.

    Upon hearing this, Old Lady Jiang''s teeth were chattering.

    Beasts, beasts.

    Wu, having heard the reason, also realized there were five of them but six jars were sent ¨C did that include her child? Her brother-inw hated her so much. She felt precarious, her face deathly pale.

    The most difficult time for Jiang Huaisheng was when he was disfigured and could not enter officialdom, with his ambitions unfulfilled. Having gone through that ordeal, he now felt much stronger. Faced with such a scare tactic of sending y jars, he was unfazed.

    He was content to just focus on educating Rong.

    With perseverance, there would eventually be rewards.

    So he remained calm and was not very angry.

    Jiang Wan also felt that besides trying to provoke them, there was no real harm in sending these things, so there was no need to make a big deal out of it.

    Nowadays, Jiang Rong had also matured a lot. Seeing these things, he was not afraid, but rather felt more determined to study hard and make progress, so that one day, he could avenge any grievances and wrongs.

    Old Lady Jiang''s teeth were chattering ¨C at her age, she could not stand talk of death.

    Moreover, it was the first day of the new year.

    "Give me what that beast wrote."

    The olddy''s angered expression was perhaps just for show.

    She was the one who had truly experienced the storms of life in this family.

    The letter was opened.

    "I was defamed as unfilial, looked down upon and trampled by the world. Although the truth is now known, the fact remains that I was raised by Old Lady Jiang, a rtionship that can never be severed."

    Reading this, Old Lady Jiang showed disdain ¨C that beast had killed Aunt Yao to vent his anger, but had ultimately be somewhat lucid.

    "No matter what I do to you, I will be condemned by the world, so I will not leave the Jiang family. I will lead the Jiang family in rebellion to the end, never epting amnesty. Old Lady Jiang must pray that I will win, otherwise the day I fall, all nine ns will be implicated, and on that day we can all depart for the underworld together, how joyous!"

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113

    ... ...

    Young Lord Zi fell ill.

    Hei Ta stood outside somewhat dazed, not knowing what to do.

    His task was to protect the Young Lord from external harm.

    But if the Young Lord himself fell sick,

    He didn''t know what to do.

    Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian were startled by the child''s cries.

    To their surprise, it turned out that Young Lord Zi had a fever.

    Jiang Changtian had some medical knowledge.

    After taking his pulse, he felt it wasn''t a wind-cold fever, but more like he was frightened, leading to feverish convulsions.

    This illness required calming the spirit, or perhaps trying the local folk remedy of soul-calling.

    In the winter, Qin Luoxia always kept various herbs at home, worried her husband might catch a cold.

    As the urgent matter, Jiang Changtian didn''t hesitate, grabbed some medicine and had Elder Sister Yu brew it.

    He also had Feng go call the vige elders.

    Soul-calling required elders of great age.

    The saying goes that the elderly have one foot in the grave already, just waiting for the other foot to follow.

    So such people can usually call a soul back.

    Jiang Mianmian was also a bit flustered.

    The words Zi Xiaochong said before losing consciousness were rather frightening.

    She felt quite anxious.

    Doing a hospital internship was very tiring yet fulfilling.

    Because doctors have to work night shifts, when you first start, there''s always a line of patients, always work left undone, until your legs get varicose veins from the strain.

    But when facing a grateful patient, it always feels worthwhile.

    Although thepensation received is likely far less than the effort put in, it''s still worth it.

    But when faced with life and death, it feels especially different.

    The vehicle thates to their hospital to collect the deceased is usually a minivan, with no markings indicating it''s a hearse, but she knows.

    It makes her tense every time she sees that type of van.

    She will encounter many life-and-death situations, but she really resists and fears them.

    She''s very apprehensive and afraid.

    Sometimes she even thinks everything before her eyes is an illusion, that she has a Spirit Spring, and if her family gets sick they can just drink from it to be cured and be strong and healthy.

    Like it''s an amazing dream.

    She was on duty when her dad called her.

    "Mianmian, we''reing to see you, to celebrate your internship. Your mom, elder brother, and elder sisters are alling too. We''ll go out for a nice meal after your shift ends."

    "Dad, I want to eat braised pig''s feet, remember to order that for me."

    She got temporarily reassigned to the ER because of an emergency, reportedly a car ident. She could only text her dad that she''d bete.

    Then she went to receive the car ident victims.

    She saw her own family, their bodies mangled and covered in blood.

    So much blood.

    ... ...

    "Come back,e back."

    "For those far away, go find them. For those nearby, go search for them."

    "If you meet a mountain, promise to cross it. If you meet a river, respond to the call across it."

    "Mianmian,e back."

    "She''s back, she''s back."

    "Mianmian, youe back."

    "She''s back, she''s back."

    ... ...

    Jiang Mianmian opened her eyes, suddenly seeing a roomful of people.

    She remembered Father had arranged for people to call back Zi Xiaochong''s soul.

    But she heard them calling her own name, many people calling for her.

    It was too noisy, so she opened her eyes.

    Zi Xiaochong was actually lying right beside her, looking at her with some concern.

    Jiang Mianmian was quite confused about the situation.

    Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian both breathed a sigh of relief.

    Young Lord Zi had convulsive fever, and they had given him medicine, but it had no effect and his fever remained high.

    Then they noticed Mianmian was also not right.

    Normally this child doesn''t cry or fuss and is very obedient, but her spirit is always lively.

    Today she didn''t cry or fuss, but was dazed, as if missing her soul.

    So when the soul-callers came, they called for both of them.

    Young Lord Zi woke up, then vomited.

    He really loves being clean.

    Before vomiting he could still hold it in, specifically finding a ce to vomit.

    What he vomited was very dirty, vile ck water, making him question his existence - how could his body contain such filth?

    After vomiting he felt much better.

    No more fever, and he didn''t feel unwell anymore.

    Earlier today he had been talking to Mr. Jiang, and it frightened him.

    Then when he went to sleep he felt groggy.

    He knew he was ill.

    He has a brain illness, so he sees more and remembers more than others.

    He is special, but heaven is fair, so he won''t live long.

    If everyone was like him, the world would be in chaos, so perhaps it''s fortunate he won''t live long.

    But he didn''t expect little Jiang Xiaogui to also seem startled.

    Since it was convulsions, they didn''t dare move her, so she was still on the bed where he slept.

    He woke up, the fever broke, and he felt much better.

    But seeing little Jiang Xiaogui, at such a young age, also able to have convulsions.

    Could it be that the words he said to her, she could actually understand, and it frightened her?

    He made her cry.

    Such a tiny heart.

    Listening to the soul-calling chants over and over.

    He joined in calling as well.

    "Jiang Xiaogui,e back,e back, whatever you want to do in the future, I''ll agree to it all."

    "Come back,e back."

    ... ...

    Jiang Mianmian opened her eyes.

    She saw Father, Mom, Elder Sister, Elder Brother, she saw Zi Xiaochong, she saw the cotton quilt, she saw the horizontal beams, she saw the wooden roof.

    She breathed a sigh of relief.

    Just a nightmare.

    Then she burst into wailing sobs again.

    ... ...

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114

    After the Lunar New Year''s Eve, it was the Spring Festival.

    A festival of spring.

    The spring chill was biting.

    Unexpectedly, there was no sunshine today, not to mention a heavy downpour.

    On top of that, two children suddenly fell ill.

    It was a bit inauspicious.

    Jiang Changtian felt somewhat responsible. He shouldn''t have asked Young Lord Zi that question.

    Even he couldn''t escape the curiosity and spection about the unknown fate.

    When he was little, he dreamed of bing someone like his father and elder brother.

    Later, he forgot about this dream for a long time.

    He only wanted to stay alive and raise his children well.

    Humble and unaware.

    Looking back now, he realized he could truly be that humble, and had indeed been that humble.

    Ever since the day when Feng almost died, he felt like he had developed a phobia.

    He was frightened to the point of frenzy.

    He was worried, worried that Feng, Mianmian, Elder Sister Yu, and Sister Xia would leave him, and he was terrified.

    He felt, for no apparent reason, that it might happen.

    He would go insane.

    He would be a true orphan in this world, better off dead.

    From that day on, a surging ambition arose within him. He wanted to change everything, to take revenge, to let his family live a life of luxury and wealth. He wanted Elder Sister Yu to be able to curse at whoever she wanted, Feng to be able to ride horses through the streets and trample whoever he wanted, Sister Xia to wear the finest clothes and most expensive shoes, and Mianmian to grow up like a true princess, carefree and without worries.

    But he was too weak.

    Too small and feeble.

    Schrs are truly weak.

    From Wu Liu''s death to Lord Liu''s death, he was only trying to protect himself.

    He had no choice.

    But when the rebel Mr. Gong came,

    He saw another possibility.

    He couldn''t help but ask Young Lord Zi, "Will your father win?"

    This child who spoke like a sage surprisingly said no.

    What he really wanted to ask was, "Will I win?"

    But he was a deep thinker.

    He didn''t dare express even a hint of this emotion.

    He was afraid of being seen through.

    However, he couldn''t resist the temptation and asked who would win.

    He thought that the moment he spoke, he might have lost.

    Because Zi Lu definitely wouldn''t have asked his son this question.

    Rumor had it that Zi Lu was very generous. Although a rebel, in dealing with others, he was very charming.

    People feltpelled to die for him upon meeting him.

    Even if curious, he wouldn''t ask.

    He would just act, until the very end.

    But Zi Congheng looked at him.

    He asked who would win.

    Zi Congheng looked at him in surprise.

    That gaze was somewhat iprehensible, not because he asked who would win.

    Jiang Changtian was a deep thinker, but also an extremely observant person.

    So the person who would eventually win must be rted to him, either himself or someone like him.

    This was Jiang Changtian''s judgment based on Young Lord Zi''s expression.

    He was somewhat excited.

    But at the same time, he cautioned himself not to believe it too readily.

    Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm.

    As a result, in the afternoon, Young Lord Zi had a high fever, convulsed, and lost his soul.

    Even Mianmian developed soul-loss symptoms.

    It gave Jiang Changtian quite a scare.

    He could only hide those treacherous thoughts deep in his heart.

    There are no ghosts or deities in this world.

    If there were, he would be willing to be an evil ghost and destroy those deities who feast on the dead.

    The two children whose souls were restoredy on the same bed.

    The vige elder said they shouldn''t be moved tonight, lest they lose their souls again.

    Children see many things, so it''s easy for their souls to wander off.

    Jiang Changtian stood guard at the door, with Hei Ta beside him.

    Hei Ta was a bit puzzled, unable toprehend how that skinny old man, whom he could p to death with one palm, could actually call back Young Lord''s soul?

    Young Lord seemed to have been to an unclean ce, vomiting up a lot of ck water.

    And Jiang''s young daughter also lost her soul at the same time, who knows if she went to the same ce as Young Lord''s soul.

    He looked at Mr. Jiang sitting next to him and felt he had be somewhat mysterious.

    That skinny old man was like a soul-calling ghost, while Mr. Jiang seemed like an exiled celestial being. As long as he guarded the door, Young Lord and little Mianmian''s souls wouldn''t wander off, right?

    Jiang Mianmian woke up.

    She slept for a while, then woke up again.

    When she woke up again, she saw Zi Xiaochong sitting beside her.

    Seeing him staring at her intently, she asked in a hoarse but sweet and childish voice, "Brother Chong, what are you looking at?"

    Young Lord Zi asked curiously, "Where did you go when you lost your soul? Can you remember?"

    Jiang Mianmian looked around, then nodded.

    "Can you tell me?" Young Lord Zi asked.

    "Can''t exin clearly," Jiang Mianmian said bluntly.

    "Then tell me slowly, this is a secret between us, I won''t tell anyone," Young Lord Zi coaxed.

    Jiang Mianmian felt that Zi Xiaochong was trying to trick her.

    Hmph.

    Even tricking a child.

    She rolled her eyes and said, "There were birds, big enough to hold many people, and they could fly."

    "Then what?" Young Lord Zi asked.

    "Bang!"

    "Broke."

    After saying that, Jiang Mianmian ignored Zi Xiaochong.

    She started shouting at the top of her lungs, "Mother, Father!"

    She called out resolutely.

    Young Lord Zi reached out and patted her head, which was a bit damp from sweat, but he didn''t mind.

    He wanted to say that he had lost his soul too. He went to a wondrous ce.

    The birds there were huge, able to carry many people, and could fly, but they weren''t called birds, they were called "flying chickens."

    He found that while riding the flying chicken, he fell ill.

    His head ached terribly, and he was taken to a medical clinic.

    Those people in white robes wanted to cut open his head.

    He was terrified and kept struggling.

    But there was a young girl in white robes who kept holding his hand and telling him, "It''s okay, it''s okay, you''ll be fine."

    That girl kept crying.

    He didn''t cry, he was just a bit scared and resistant, but he didn''t cry.

    Yet that girl kept crying.

    He heard someone shout, "Jiang Mianmian, what''s wrong with you, hold back your tears, or you won''t pass the evaluation."

    He saw that a hole had been opened in his skull, and a strange thing had indeed grown inside.

    That thing was removed, and they closed his skull back up.

    He woke up.

    And saw that same crying girl.

    She smiled at him and said, "The surgery was very sessful, great."

    But her tears didn''t stop.

    Her smile was covered in tears.

    He wanted to help her wipe away her tears.

    ...

    "Come back,e back."

    "Search for the distant, seek out the near."

    "Promise at the mountains, answer across the rivers."

    "Come back, Congheng."

    "He''s back, he''s back."

    "Come back, Congheng."

    "He''s back, he''s back."

    ...

    He woke up.

    Opened his eyes.

    Saw the unconscious Jiang Xiaogui.

    Saw her face stained with tears.

    She had also lost her soul.

    At this moment, Zi Congheng looked at Jiang Xiaogui, who was shouting incoherently in front of him.

    He smiled inwardly and said, "You may not believe it, but I feel that you have cured me."

    "I don''t believe it either."

    Jiang Xiaogui shouted while her nose was running...

    How dirty.

    He reached out and wiped away the snot for her.

    ...

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115

    The Second Day.

    The weather cleared.

    Great joy filled everyone''s heart.

    Early in the morning, the sound of livelyughter and yful noise spread through the vige.

    All the children went out to y.

    Even Elder Sister couldn''t resist putting on new clothes to show off.

    She has a new best friend now.

    For some reason, after Cui got married, it didn''t seem right to y with her anymore.

    Cui also has newpanions¡ªa group of matrons in the vige.

    Her new friends are not very talkative, not as boastful as Cui, nor as annoying as her, but when Jiang Yu thinks about it, it seems she still prefers Cui.

    But anyone can show off new clothes.

    Jiang Feng wasn''t stopped by yesterday''s heavy rain, and today with the clear sky, he was nowhere to be seen again.

    Some matrons also came to chat with Mom.

    More people came to see Father today.

    One after another at the door.

    Not sure if it''s because there are more people at home today.

    Young Lord Zi has a bit of social anxiety.

    Jiang Mianmian felt that Young Lord Zi was being a bit clingy to her today.

    Usually, it''s her who takes the initiative to grab Zi Xiaochong, while he is reluctant and struggles in secrecy.

    But today, it''s Zi Xiaochong who keeps holding her hand.

    The little rascal even tried to hug her.

    Humph.

    Jiang Mianmian wanted to walk on her own.

    The weather cleared.

    She wanted to bask Jiang Xiaoshu in the sun.

    And she needed to take Big Bai out and redo the braids on his head.

    Momid out a thick straw mat under the big tree.

    And lit a small brazier nearby.

    The sunshine was bright and warm.

    It didn''t feel cold at all.

    Jiang Mianmian yed happily.

    She suddenly felt very natural.

    Very able to fit into her identity.

    No longer feeling like an outsider looking in.

    Just like in the beginning when she wondered about how Mom of this body was.

    But in reality, this body is her.

    That''s how she thought back then.

    Young Lord Zi sat on the straw mat watching her y.

    Sometimes he handed her ab or water, or wiped her runny nose~~

    Well, maybe she caught a slight cold yesterday and had a runny nose.

    Jiang Mianmian felt that after staying at her home for a few days, Zi Xiaochong''s germaphobia was almost cured.

    He actually wiped her runny nose with his own hands, and even ate the sugar cake she gave him after grabbing Jiang Xiaoshu.

    Humans really degenerate quickly, huh?

    However, after shebed Big Bai''s hair and braided it, Zi Xiaochong took her to wash her hands.

    Zi Xiaochong doesn''t know how to hold a child properly and made her stomach hurt...

    These past two days, her rtionship with Zi Xiaochong has be unprecedentedly harmonious.

    The only problem is that Zi Xiaochong actually gave her a nickname.

    He blurted it out with his lisp: "Jiang Xiaogui!!"

    Jiang Mianmian thought, how am I like a turtle? Even if my clothes are colorful and thick, causing me to asionally fall down, but I can still get up, can turtles get up by themselves??

    When Young Lord Zi saw little Mianmian ring at him with red eyes after hearing this name, he quickly exined: "Turtle means longevity. My father kept a longevity turtle for me since I was young. It''s a good thing. Calling you Jiang Xiaogui is wishing you a long life."

    Hei Ta: ...Young Lord has be so talkative, I''m not used to it. What if he talks to me every day? How should I respond? This job suddenly becameplicated.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Already learning to deceive children at such a young age.

    She replied in a baby voice: "Okay, then I''ll call you Zi Xiaogui from now on, so you can also live a long life."

    Zi Congheng: ...

    Just when Jiang Mianmian thought she could y with the child living at her home under her father''s leadership for a long time and develop a deep friendship, his father came to take him back.

    He came in person.

    Fierce battles raged ahead.

    But when Zi Lu learned that his son had a high fever and convulsions, he actually came in person to pick him up.

    Thinking that the Jiang fellow didn''t take good care of his son.

    Mr. Gong had repeatedly assured him that the person was good.

    Zi Lu rushed over on a fast horse, leaving his subordinates behind.

    He ran all the way, wind-blown and dusty.

    He stayed up all night on the first day.

    Furious, he wanted to kill someone.

    But when he arrived and saw the scene before him¡ª

    Under the big tree, in the sunshine, his son who rarely smiled or spoke from a young age, who would refuse to touch his own father thinking it was dirty and had to wash his hands eight times, was sitting there helping a little girl in a floral jacket wipe her runny nose...

    The little girl had two small braids, one on each side, so she must be a girl.

    Zi Lu was stunned.

    He even momentarily thought about turning around and leaving.

    Realizing he came at the wrong time.

    He was wrong. His son had hinted that he wanted to stay and even sent willow branches as a gift.

    "Father!" Zi Congheng was startled when he saw his father, then called out in pleasant surprise.

    He stood up and walked towards his father.

    Looking at his father with a delighted expression.

    But he didn''t go to embrace him.

    He just smiled.

    Zi Lu noticed for the first time that his son was also wearing a floral jacket, which looked quite cute.

    He couldn''t help but pick him up and hold him high.

    "Father, put me down," Zi Congheng shouted loudly.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at the tall, bearded man before her. So strong!

    It was the first time she realized a bearded man could be so handsome.

    A kind of dashing handsomeness.

    Different from her father.

    Her father''s beauty was more ethereal.

    The man before her was ruggedly handsome, full of vigor, with a wild kind of beauty.

    Jiang Mianmian stared until she drooled... she quickly wiped it off with her sleeve.

    It''s normal for kids to drool.

    Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian were startled when they saw the visitor.

    Hearing Young Lord Zi call him Father.

    Hei Ta calling him Master.

    They realized this was the rebel leader Zi Lu.

    Then they saw the dense troops filling the entire vige, which fellpletely silent, even the chickens stopped clucking.

    The soldiers covered their beaks.

    Qin Luoxia felt a bit at a loss.

    Jiang Changtian inwardly marveled¡ªas the rumors said, Zi Lu''s presence was indeed overwhelming.

    His very appearancemanded submission.

    Jiang Changtian even felt the urge to kneel and kowtow.

    "Commander Zi, we didn''t expect your visit. Please forgive ourck of a proper wee, ande in quickly," Jiang Changtian said, suppressing his excitement and presenting a sincere, warm, and joyful smile.

    Zi Luughed heartily.

    "I heard my son was ill, so I worried for him and came in haste, despite being advised against it. I''ve disturbed you."

    He put his son down.

    Following Jiang Changtian inside, he said, "Qi Chi has been singing your praises to me constantly until my ears grew calluses, but meeting you today, I realize he was understating it. You are even more exceptional than his modest words."

    Zi Lu thought to himself, with Mr. Jiang''s exceptional looks, his daughter must be extremely beautiful too. No wonder his son personally wiped her runny nose. Maybe he should arrange a child betrothal.

    Well, he''ll reconsider after his son turns ten.

    At that time, it was either a glorious union or the fading of clouds and smoke.

    His voice was heroic and sincere, making people feel joyful when listening.

    "Your younger sister is not bad either, she looks like a heroine among women," Zi Lu praised Qin Luoxia.

    Jiang Mianmian found that Father looked very happy and proud.

    When others praised Mom, it seemed like Father was even happier than being praised himself.

    Zi Congheng was a bit ufortable when Father picked him up and tossed him into the air.

    He considered himself an adult in front of Jiang Xiaogui, but as an adult, he was also tossed into the air.

    Jiang Xiaogui loved being held and tossed into the air by her family.

    Each time, she wouldugh continuously, her little teeth exposed.

    Zi Congheng took Jiang Xiaogui''s hand and led her into the courtyard.

    "Uncle, your Father looks great," Jiang Mianmian said.

    Zi Congheng helped wipe her drool...

    "I look like my Father," he said.

    Jiang Mianmian looked up at the fair-faced Zi Congheng and shook her head.

    No, you don''t. Your Father has a rugged aura with his full beard, while you''re just a little brat -pletely different.

    Some look unkempt and messy with their full beards, like Uncle Hei Ta.

    Others look neat, elegant, dashing, and heroic with their full beards, like your Father.

    Let''s go inside.

    Jiang Mianmian saw Zi Xiaochong''s Father sincerely shaking her Father''s hand up and down, emotionally and sincerely, as if his eyes were red.

    Oh my, it felt like watching two legendary actors battling it out.

    How terrifying.

    Zi Congheng also closed his eyes, feeling embarrassed to watch.

    Jiang Changtian said sincerely, "Changtian''s abilities are meager, but if themander recognizes me, I will surely guard the rear for themander."

    "Brother Changtian, you underestimate yourself too much. I observe your extraordinary demeanor, you are destined for great things. Will there be no kings or ministers of your caliber? One day, you will have a ce in the world."

    Jiang Changtian sincerely grasped themander''s hand, shaking it more forcefully, his gaze more sincere, "Changtian is just a schr, with a wife and son and daughter. I have no great ambitions, only hoping to care for them and live a good life. Brother, you think too highly of me."

    The two went back and forth, tradingpliments.

    On such a cold day, their hands must have been sweaty from the handshakes.

    Jiang Mianmian felt thatpared to Zi Xiaochong''s Father, her own Father was at a disadvantage, so she prepared to rescue her Dad.

    She swayed over, poured some water, and handed it to the guest.

    "Uncle, have some water!" Jiang Mianmian''s little ponytail swayed, her face beaming with a big smile, showing four newly grown teeth.

    Zi Lu had no daughters at home, and he was delighted by this little one''s call.

    This little baby was so adorable, no wonder his son was reluctant to leave.

    He reached out and tugged the little ponytail on her head, then took out a token from his pocket and gave it to the baby, saying, "From now on, you can use this token to find Uncle, and Uncle will grant you three wishes, as long as Uncle can make theme true."

    Seeing Father mess up Jiang Xiaogui''s braid, Zi Congheng reached out and fixed it.

    Jiang Mianmian rolled her eyes at Zi Xiaochong...

    Look at your Father, he just offered three wishes like the genie from ddin, while you only tug on my hair every day - my hair is almost gone from you pulling it.

    "Thank you, Uncle," Jiang Mianmian smiled even more happily, taking the token and giving it to Father.

    "Father, please keep it for me."

    Jiang Changtian deeply embraced and saluted themander.

    Themander didn''t even eat lunch.

    After their conversation, he left with Zi Xiaochong.

    Jiang Mianmian saw that Zi Xiaochong''s eyes were red.

    He turned back to look at the small figure waving goodbye to him from under the tree at the vige entrance.

    He let go of Father''s hand and ran back.

    He picked her up and said, "Jiang Xiaogui, you kissed my left cheekst time, but not the right one."

    Jiang Mianmian thought...

    This guy is forcing his OCD on me.

    She leaned forward and kissed his right cheek.

    "Goodbye, Brother Chong." Hurry up and leave, or else my Father''s smile will be frozen on his face.

    Young Lord Zi also bid farewell to Madam Qin, "Goodbye, Madam."

    He said "Madam" softly but "goodbye" loudly.

    Qin Luoxia''s eyes immediately turned red and she teared up.

    In front of Zi Lu, she hugged and squeezed Young Lord Zi onest time.

    "Be good, obey your Father when you''re back. If you miss Madam,e back and Madam will make you delicious food."

    Zi Congheng''s hair was messed up.

    He smiled and nodded at Mr. Jiang, "Farewell, Mr. Jiang."

    He turned and ran back to Father.

    He would return, if he was still alive then.

    Zi Congheng didn''t look back again.

    He was worried that if he looked back, he wouldn''t be able to leave.

    It turned out that humans have passions and desires, it turned out that he wanted to live.

    He mounted the horse.

    The sun was bright, and the weather was excellent.

    The horse walked forward.

    He didn''t look back, he only turned his head to see Jiang Xiaogui.

    Jiang Xiaogui had climbed onto her Father''s shoulder.

    That fake, hypocritical, and sick-looking man was now holding a little baby high on his shoulder, and his smile was genuinely sincere.

    Jiang Mianmian sat on Father''s shoulder, watching therge army march, feeling very impressed.

    "Father, there are so many of them."

 Chapter 116

    The eighth day of the month.

    The weather was fair.

    Favorable: traveling, moving, opening a business, signing contracts, nting trees.

    Unfavorable: none.

    A carriage slowly made its way towards Kan''er Vige.

    Along the way, the mountains were cold and the water was chilly, yet there were no riotous refugees.

    Green shoots emerged from beneath the snow.

    The mountains were a patchwork of white and green.

    The carriage driver thought this journey was extremely treacherous and prepared to risk his life, but the reward was truly high, so he risked his life anyway.

    Unexpectedly, upon entering the jurisdiction of Ming County, he felt a sense of tranquility.

    He even saw a tea stall.

    An old woman and a young man were running the stall.

    On this winter day, steam rose from the hot tea.

    The carriage stopped.

    A white, elegant hand emerged from the carriage curtain.

    Some people exude such grace with just one hand that it sets your imagination soaring.

    One would think a stunning beauty was seated inside the carriage.

    But when the curtain was drawn back, it revealed an old woman with a face full of wrinkles.

    Her face was riddled with wrinkles and dark spots, bearing no resemnce to a beauty.

    Yet, when she alighted from the carriage, walked, and sat down, she carried an air that made one think they were seeing a nobledy or exquisite beauty.

    She seemed extremely distinguished.

    The old woman took a sip of tea and rested for a while before boarding the carriage again.

    Meanwhile, the carriage driver inquired,

    "How do I get to Kan''er Vige? Is it far from here?"

    "Not far, just around this mountain. When you see the vige entrance bustling with many people, that will be Kan''er Vige. Big brother, are you visiting rtives?"

    "I''m just delivering someone. I''m the carriage driver, taking a passenger here. I don''t know what business my passenger has, it''s not my ce to pry. Perhaps they are visiting rtives." The driverughed.

    He noticed the old woman carried only a small bundle, likely just a change of clothes.

    Yin Ping sat upright in the carriage.

    Even though she was the sole upant, she sat with perfect poise.

    Grace and elegance were ingrained in her very bones.

    The carriage continued on its way.

    The sound of the horses'' hooves clop-clopped.

    The swaying curtain asionally afforded glimpses of the surrounding mountains and forests.

    This part of the journey was rtively t.

    Yin Ping, her surname was Yin, and her given name was Ping.

    Yin Ping.

    She had endured a tumultuous life filled with twists and turns.

    She never imagined that at the age of fifty, with silver-streaked hair, she would find herself riding alone in a carriage to a vige to serve as a tutor for two country girls.

    The rumbling of the carriage wheels echoed all around.

    She sat alone.

    Reminiscing about her life''s journey.

    Born into poverty, she was sold as a child. By good fortune, she was sold into the imperial pce.

    She couldn''t remember where her family was from, who her parents were, or who else was in her family.

    Her memories began with the pce nursemaid who raised her.

    She remembered the nursemaid''s whip, dampened with water, which stung when striking but left no marks.

    The nursemaid gave her the name Ping Zhi.

    She was instructed to listen more and speak less, to shut out all irrelevant matters in order to survive.

    The nursemaid would also reward her with pastries.

    The nursemaid said she was very quick-witted, the best student, and could one day attend to the nobles.

    But the nursemaid also warned that even attending to the nobles didn''t guarantee a good life ¨C she must still listen more and speak less, and simply surviving would be a blessing.

    Before her training wasplete, that nursemaid passed away.

    She didn''t know whom the nursemaid had offended, what she had seen, or what she had said.

    Yin Ping grew up in the darkest chambers of the pce''s harem.

    Starting from the most menial chores.

    Gradually advancing, changing locations.

    As the nursemaid had foretold, she ended up attending to the nobles.

    She rose through the ranks from lowly pce maid to senior servant to nursemaid.

    Step by step, she climbed thedder among the inconspicuous servants in the pce harem.

    The group of young maids who arrived with her all perished.

    Those who came a year before her also died.

    Those who came a year after her also died.

    She alone survived.

    And ultimately left the pce alive.

    She was no longer called Ping Zhi.

    She changed her name and settled into a suitable marriage under the surname Yin, taking the name Ping.

    She thought that after enduring so much suffering, barely surviving by sheer luck, her life would improve.

    She didn''t seek great wealth or status, only hoping to live out her remaining years in peace.

    But unexpectedly, her husband was forced to his death, and she was imprisoned and nearly starved to death by his unfilial sons.

    Ultimately, she was identally rescued during a rebel uprising.

    She used the rebels to eliminate those unfilial sons, but then the rebel leader summoned her and asked her to undertake a task.

    To serve as a tutor for two young girls.

    From General Zi''s tone, she gathered that one girl was older, perhaps to be married off in a year or two, while she was primarily tasked with teaching the younger one.

    Having spent a lifetime wing her way through the pce harem to survive, Yin Ping was highly pragmatic and immediately agreed.

    Beforeing, she had inquired about the family and was informed by General Zi''s people.

    When she heard that the young girl''s father had once been branded an unfilial son, she was initially repulsed.

    She despised unfilial sons, just like her husband''s wicked sons.

    However, she had no right to be choosy.

    She had no opportunity to select.

    Even if General Zi said she could refuse, he could simply find someone else, allowing her to return.

    But she knew that without General Zi''s protection, she, an elderly widow, would not survive long in this chaotic world.

    After dividing herte husband''s remaining wealth among the elderly and infirm of his n, she packed a small bundle and boarded the carriage.

    The biting cold wind whipped.

    The distant mountains rose inyers.

    Her graying hair whipped in the wind.

 Chapter 117

    "Twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine! Twenty-nine! Twenty-nine!"

    "It''s my turn, it''s my turn."

    A few young women at the vige entrance were kicking a shuttlecock.

    These days, the security in the vige was excellent. Although many disced people, reformed bandits, and wealthy households who had gotten lost on their way to move had been epted, they had all been properly amodated.

    Kan''er Vige had the feel of a small town.

    A small trading area had even emerged in the vige.

    Leading the shuttlecock-kicking was Jiang Yu.

    Originally, she had intended to make something for her younger sister to y with.

    Her sister wanted chicken feather flowers; her sister was truly a genius, able to make flowers from chicken feathers.

    She had plucked the feathers and discovered they were indeed quite beautiful.

    But then her sisterined they were prickly and dirty.

    She had to tie them together and make a base out of cloth to hold them in ce.

    Unexpectedly, she found out that this contraption could actually be kicked and yed with.

    Although her little sister''s short legs could only kick it a couple of times.

    But with her own long legs, Jiang Yu could kick it many times.

    She once broke the record by kicking it fifty-one times without letting it drop.

    Unfortunately, she never managed to kick it that many times again.

    Though she found it boring to y alone, her little sister Mianmian was toozy, except when she had just learned to crawl and would crawl everywhere. Now that she could walk, she was alwayszy and wanted to be carried.

    Heavy as a little stone.

    So Jiang Yu took it out to y with her little friends in the vige.

    The weather was nice.

    She also brought Mianmian along.

    That way, she could both y and watch over her sister.

    Jiang Mianmian watched her older sister and friends kicking the shuttlecock happily, thinking that while other transmigrated beings contributed great inventions, all she had were clothes pockets suitable only for infants and a chicken feather shuttlecock~~

    Just for ying.

    Ah, despite being only three years old, one could already see what she would be doing in the future - ying.

    Jiang Mianmian pped for her older sister, but soon grew tired. She released Jiang Xiaoshu, watching the little ant go and direct the other tiny ants, a group busy scurrying around, which was also quite fun.

    She squatted on the ground, using a stick to poke at the little ants.

    She moved her stick forward, and a group of ants moved forward. She moved her stick to the left, and a group of ants moved left.

    Ant block set, so much fun.

    ...

    Yin Ping arrived at Kan''er Vige.

    She got off the carriage.

    And asked around.

    She inquired if there was a girl surnamed Qin in the vige.

    Surnamed Qin, that was the Luoxia girl, the only one.

    "Yes, old ma''am, are you some rtive of Sister-inw Luoxia?"

    "I''m her paternal aunt, separated for many years, nowe to find her."

    "Oh, Aunt! Pleasee,e. Luoxia girl will surely be delighted to know a rtive hase for her. She''s a most sincere person."

    "I''ll take you to her."

    The one leading the way was an enthusiastic woman.

    Seeing the two girls kicking the shuttlecock and ying with ants, she quickly called out, "Sister Yu, Sister Mian,e quick, you have a rtive visiting!"

    Following the woman''s call, Yin Ping saw among the group of young women a tall girl kicking the feather shuttlecock with her legs raised high.

    She smiled, revealing two rows of teeth.

    A dimple on her round face.

    A beautiful young woman.

    Despite being called, she did not stop the movement of her feet, continuing to kick and count: "Thirty, thirty-one, thirty-two..."

    Meanwhile, on the other side, a baby girl squatting on the ground, wearing a flowery jacket, plopped down when called, right in front of arge swarm of ck ants.

    She turned her head nkly, only to find her wooden stick also covered in ants.

    Yin Ping froze.

    Just for a moment, then she moved.

    She walked over and helped the baby girl up.

    She gently brushed the ants off the girl''s stick, speaking gently, "They might bite, you can''t y with them."

    Jiang Mianmian shook her head, "They won''t bite."

    She picked up the fallen Jiang Xiaoshu and put it in her pocket.

    Yin Ping''s wrinkled, age-spotted face couldn''t help but twitch slightly.

    Meanwhile, Sister Yu finally stopped, having reached forty kicks before the shuttlecock dropped.

    Probably because she noticed someone approaching her sister, she couldn''t continue.

    She came trotting over.

    Scooping up Mianmian, she then asked, "Who are you?"

    Jiang Yu was a bit wary.

    Thest time they had almost been kidnapped, her sister had nearly been lost too, leaving a lingering trauma.

    Sometimes she would wake up from nightmares about the kidnappers, crying.

    Jiang Mianmian, however, didn''t sense any malice from this olddy.

    The aura around this olddy was very strange.

    Complex yet peaceful.

    A very restrained feeling.

    But no malice.

    "Sister Yu, this is an elderly rtive of your family, she says she''s the paternal aunt of your mother,e to find her kin," Lady Wang introduced.

    The vigers also scrutinized this old woman.

    Very elderly, but quite tidy, not a single strand of hair out of ce.

    A very tidy little olddy.

    Large feet.

    Yet her demeanor was remarkably refined, as if she had lived a life of wealth and nobility.

    Because the olddy was currently dressed very inly, her jacket covered in many patches.

    Since it was around the New Year, the vigers would all take out their newest clothes, and this year, thanks to Mr. Jiang''s leadership, everyone''s lives had improved, with fewer patches needed.

    This olddy seemed to have lived a much harder life than them, carrying only a small bundle.

    Her shoes at least looked sturdy.

    To go out seeking rtives at her age, with just a head of white hair, she must have suffered greatly.

    Such is the state of the world.

    Jiang Yu also examined the olddy before her.

    She didn''t know why, but she sensed that this olddy was formidable, it was hard to believe she could be her mother''s rtive.

    With her mother''s character, how could she have such a rtive? If she had rtives like this, would they have needed to flee the famine to this ce?

    It would be more believable if she were her father''s rtive.

    She did feel a resemnce to her father, an abundance of cunning, like a myriad of holes in a muddy pit, too many to count.

    The olddy smiled kindly at Sister Yu.

    But in her heart, she was scrutinizing her from head to toe.

    This girl, her gaze was too sharp, too sharp a gaze would lead to misfortune.

    One should not appear too intelligent in this life, especially for a woman.

    Nor should one be too unrestrained.

    This girl''s character showed she had grown up pampered at home, unrestrained and smiling without any restraint.

    That was fine for a young girl, but after marriage, such an unrestrained character could offend others without even realizing it.

    She also didn''t seem to havee of age, still not havinge of age at this age.

    Her personality was also too frank, her every emotion showing on her face.

    She would surely suffer misfortune after misfortune in life.

    The younger one, though.

    As Yin Ping quietly observed her with those eyes, her heart couldn''t help but skip a beat.

    She rarely let her emotions show.

    In a ce like the pce, showing emotion could easily lead to death.

    She was so old now.

    She thought she had seen life and death, that she had be detached.

    But the moment she saw that baby''s face, she was still struck with terror.

    It was as if she had returned to the pce.

    At this moment, the sky was clear and bright, and the surroundings were bustling with lively sounds and a harmonious atmosphere.

    Yet her palms were sweating cold.

    A group of people apanied an elderlydy to the Jiang family.

    Her mother was at home.

    Her father and elder brother were out.

    Her mother heard the moring from the crowd, saying they hade to find her elderly rtive.

    What a load of nonsense about an aunt-inw.

    She was certain she didn''t have one.

    But now, she had seen the world by apanying her husband.

    Instead of causing a scene, she calmly sent everyone away, leaving only the elderlydy, and closed the door.

    Yin Ping sat openly in the courtyard, sipping on the not-so-sweet hot water from a bamboo cup. It was chilly, and even with the warm sun, a cup of hot water was needed to warm her insides.

    Looking at the woman smiling at her, she said, "Olddy, if you have any troubles that prompted you to impersonate a rtive of mine, you can tell me. I may not have much money, but my husband is a very kind man and is happy to help others. When he returns, perhaps he can assist in finding you a ce to stay."

    Yin Ping was somewhat surprised.

    She had just met this woman, who seemed muddled and nodded agreeably to anyone, smiling at everyone.

    When called an aunt-inw, she warmly responded as such, and then promptly dismissed the crowd of onlookers.

    She closed the door.

    And immediately exposed her ruse.

    Yet she did not be angry or agitated, but remained calm.

    Yin Ping, who had struggled at the lowest levels of the pce, was surprised by this woman''sposed demeanor as she changed her behavior.

    If one were to put it bluntly, this ordinary vige woman possessed the bearing of a great general.

    If a housewife was muddled, the entire household wouldck aplishment.

    A wise housewife brings harmony and prosperity, with each day better than thest.

    At least this housewife brought a pleasant surprise to Yin Ping.

    She stood up and respectfully bowed.

    "This old woman is named Yin Ping, a female teacher gifted by General Zi to two youngdies. I have met Madam Qin."

    Jiang Yu widened her eyes, this was her female teacher? She seemed quite formidable, even a little intimidating.

    Jiang Mianmian also widened her eyes. Good heavens, it was already outrageous to be gifted homework practice books, but in ancient times, they directly gifted teachers! Too outrageous!!!

 Chapter 118

    ...

    Jiang Mianmian saw her Elder Sister climbing up the tree.

    She was peering from the tree, trying to listen to what Mom and Teacher Yin were saying in the courtyard.

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help but cover her eyes with her hands.

    She felt her Elder Sister wasmitting a grave misdeed.

    Oh well, she wouldn''t say anything, after all, her Elder Sister''s tree-climbing days would be limited from now on.

    Rationally speaking, she thought it was necessary to have a teacher.

    To live well and smoothly in a ce, one must follow the rules of that ce.

    The rules are reflected through one''s words and actions.

    You can think aboutmitting murder or arson, but at least your words and actions should be eptable.

    Otherwise, you won''t fit in, and it will be difficult to take a single step forward.

    Moreover, she felt that their family had silently taken another step forward.

    From not having enough to eat, to having three meals a day, and now they even had the arrangement of a live-in family tutor.

    Going to take extra lessons is also a significant expense these days, but here the cost is only high, not low. A one-on-one tutor, and they even need to provide room and board. Looking at Teacher Yin''s age, it feels like they need to provide for her old age and funeral expenses as well.

    Jiang Mianmian understood the reasons, but she still couldn''t get excited.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t need to climb trees, as her hearing was excellent.

    Her Elder Sister probably had an excellent sense of smell and taste as well.

    But her hearing was average; otherwise, she wouldn''t need to climb trees to listen.

    Jiang Mianmian heard Teacher Yin ask Mom in the courtyard what kind of girl she wanted.

    It seemed this teacher had some standards, at least not the kind who woulde in and just tter and praise, without considering the student''s situation or the parents'' expectations, and just forcefully teach what they could.

    He seemed to consider the student''s aptitude.

    They said it was a female teacher in the courtyard.

    Qin Luoxia felt a bit nervous again.

    She wasn''t afraid of bad people, but she was afraid of schrs.

    Or perhaps it''s better not to put it that way. She naturally felt a bit of reverence towards knowledgeable people.

    Qin Luoxia straightened her posture, her back more upright, sitting up straight, but then she realized she was too tall and had to lower her head to look at the female teacher, so she shifted her stool back a little.

    "My humble abode is meager," Qin Luoxia said something her Husband would say.

    Then she felt it sounded a bit strange. Oh well, she couldn''tmunicate like this, she''d better go with her own pace.

    "What I mean is, my family''s conditions are ordinary. I don''t have high expectations for my daughters. I just hope they can live smoothly and peacefully until old age without any major troubles."

    "However, Teacher Yin, are you sure you want to stay and teach my two daughters? I can see you don''t seem to be from a small family. You must have lived quite well, your hands are well-maintained. I''m worried you might not be used to it." Qin Luoxia spoke honestly.

    Although she was a woman from a modest family and hadn''t seen much of the world, her mind was sharp, and she was quite intelligent, having been influenced by her Husband.

    As Yin Ping talked with this Mrs. Qin, she became more and more surprised.

    Although Mrs. Qin was dressed like an ordinary vige woman, the way she spoke was extraordinary.

    Hoping her daughters could live smoothly and peacefully until old age was not simple at all.

    It''s not easy to live smoothly, and it''s even harder to live peacefully until old age.

    Mrs. Qin noticed her hands, which wasn''t surprising, but it showed she was quite observant, not someone without experience.

    Moreover, Mrs. Qin spoke candidly, making one feelfortable, which was a rare ability.

    "If thedy doesn''t mind this old woman''s advanced age, this old woman will shamelessly stay. Beforeing here, this old woman spent all her family''s wealth. Now all I have is a change of clothes. This old woman is not sure if she can meet thedy''s expectations, but she will do her best. It feels too formal for thedy to address me as Teacher. From now on, please call me Aunt Yin, and the children can call me Auntie."

    Qin Luoxia immediately said, "Auntie, from now on, you are my own aunt. Don''t worry about staying here. Although we are not wealthy, we have enough to eat, and I will not let Aunt Yin go hungry. We have clothes, and I will not let Aunt Yin suffer from the cold. After a hundred years, our entire family will give you a proper send-off when the timees."

    Jiang Mianmian was sitting on a grass mat outside, and she heard the courtyard gate creak open.

    She had an innocent look, gazing up at the white clouds.

    Meanwhile, Jiang Yu was startled and hurriedly jumped down from the tree.

    "Thump!" Shended on the grass mat.

    Jiang Mianmian clearly saw their future female teacher''s face twitch.

    Tsk tsk.

    She felt a bit of schadenfreude.

    As soon as she felt that schadenfreude, she couldn''t help but drool...

    Then she saw the female teacher''s face twitch even harder.

    Qin Luoxia came out and straightforwardly said, "Quick, call her Auntie. From now on, Auntie will be teaching you, and you must listen to her."

    Jiang Yu didn''t hear clearly what they were saying since she was climbing the tree. Hearing her mom''s words, she hastily greeted, "Hello, Auntie. Are you really my aunt? I thought Mom''s family would be taller."

    Aunt Yin smiled kindly and nodded, thinking to herself, this girl speaks without restraint and can offend people right away. She opened her mouth and said I''m short...

    A long way to go!

    Jiang Mianmian also obediently wiped her drool with her sleeve and said, "Hello, Auntie."

    Then she showed a standard smile, revealing four little milk teeth.

    Aunt Yin''s face twitched slightly. The younger one seemed quite obedient, but she directly used her sleeve to wipe her drool, and that sleeve...

    "Yu''er, you can even climb trees, your figure is quite nimble, not bad," Aunt Yin smiled and praised her.

    Jiang Yu looked at Auntie, not knowing why, this Auntie''s appearance was old and ugly, but when she smiled, she was strangely charming and felt warmly familiar.

    She didn''t get scolded and was evenplimented.

    Jiang Yu happily said, "That''s nothing, I can even climb cliffs now."

    Qin Luoxia gritted her teeth, wanting to grab an axe.

    But with a teacher present, she didn''t feel it was appropriate.

    She could only turn to Aunt Yin and say, "Auntie, I''m counting on you."

    Although Qin Luoxia herself could climb cliffs, it didn''t mean she wanted her daughters to learn that too.

    Just like a doctor doesn''t want their child to be a doctor too, it''s too tiring. A civil engineer definitely doesn''t want their child to study civil engineering, it''s too hard.

    Elders hope their children experience some hardship, but what they''ve endured is enough.

    If the children have to suffer the same hardships despite their efforts, then what''s the point of those efforts?

    Aunt Yin didn''t even raise an eyebrow, still smiling warmly and kindly chatting with the young girl.

    Jiang Mianmian just sat by and watched her Elder Sister acting as if she was possessed, blurting out everything...

    Terrifying.

    "Auntie, I can pick mushrooms, and I can catch rats too."

    "Auntie, my cooking is really delicious."

    "Embroidery? I can''t embroider, but I can stitch shoe soles. One time for Father''s birthday, I wanted to make him something, and my fingers swelled up from stitching. The thing I embroidered turned out a mess. I couldn''t even recognize what it was."

    "Recognize characters and read books? I can recognize some, but not many. It''s hard to remember, and I don''t like it."

    "What do you like? I like eating. Whenever I think of delicious food, I feel so happy. I like sweet things, but salty, sour, and bitter are fine too. I like to try it all."

    "My biggest fear is being separated from my parents, elder brother, and younger sister."

    "Do you like anyone? Of course not! Those boys are so ugly, they''re not even worthy of touching the hem of my father''s robe."

    "Auntie, try this. It''s delicious. It''s a sweet and sour softness that even with bad teeth you can enjoy."

    "Auntie, where did youe from? The capital city! Ah, is there a pastry shop there called the Fan Building? I''ve heard it''s three stories tall with so many delicious treats!"

    "In my family, my father listens to my mom. For major decisions, my father has the final say, but for minor matters, my mother decides. My elder brother used to fight me for food, but ever since we had a younger sister, he''s be more sensible and stops stealing my food. He brings me delicious snacks every day."

    ...

    Jiang Mianmian obediently yed with Jiang Xiaoshu, asionally watching her Elder Sister make a fool of herself by revealing their family''s private matters as soon as they met.

    It''s a good thing she''s just a drooling little brat who speaks without thinking.

    Of course she drools, she''s still teething and can''t control it yet. She doesn''t have to face this terrifying one-on-one interrogation with Teacher Yin.

    As she pondered this, Aunt Yin suddenly picked her up.

    She was like a little rock, not expecting this tiny olddy to be so strong.

    Aunt Yin gently cradled her and tenderly wiped away her drool without hurting her.

    "What is Mianmian ying with?"

    Jiang Mianmian tilted her head up and obediently replied, "Xiaoshu."

    Jiang Yu quickly exined, "This ant is our household god. We were almost kidnapped once, and this ant bit the kidnapper. My sister ys with it every day and even named it Jiang Xiaoshu."

    "You were almost kidnapped before?"

    "Yes, it was all my fault... h h h."

    Aunt Yin listened to the elder daughter recount her foolish misadventure, watching the younger daughter cradle an ant that she had named, connecting it to their family name. Was this normal?

    This was absolutely not normal!

    The older one was dumb enough to have almost been snatched by a beggar.

    The younger one was precocious, already naming her toys and linking it to her family name to distinguish it...

    Fortunately, Aunt Yin was a true elite among elites. She had survived in the dirtiest of ces by learning not just how to stay alive, but how to gracefully climb to greater heights.

    There was a saying that there were no official female positions in the imperial court, but intelligent survivors essentially yed that role, doing more than just serving - they had to be literate, strategize, be beautiful, and highly talented.

    Because there were no ugly or stupid people in the pce.

    Moreover, the pce lords favored the arts of music and dance. Even in her elderly state, Aunt Yin could entrance a crowd with her singing voice.

    All sorts of marvels converged within the pce walls, and she had experienced countless wonders.

    These were all carved into her bones, the hardships that life had thrust upon her which had now be an integral part of her being, a foundation for her survival.

    So for her, teaching these two little girls would not be difficult.

    She was confident she could train them well.

    Looking down at the infant in her arms, she saw her conversing with the ant: "Xiaoshu, Xiaoshu, show me your leg."

    And the tiny ant in her palm quivered as it stretched out one leg.

    Aunt Yin: ...She can do it!

 Chapter 119

    Traveling is tiring.

    Even when riding in a horse-drawn carriage.

    Although Aunt Yin still appeared to have good posture, showing no signs of fatigue,

    She was, after all, of advanced age and not as resilient as in her youth.

    Having endured much hardship when young, she hoped to experience less suffering in her old age.

    Aunt Yin chatted with the two youngdies.

    Qin Luoxia had already nimbly prepared the bed. As Brother Chong had just left, this room would now be arranged for Aunt Yin.

    In the future, if the two youngdies needed to study, they would still share a room.

    Later on, when Mianmian grows up, she might want her own room as well.

    Looking at it this way, with so many people in the household, there certainly weren''t enough rooms.

    Moreover, Qin Luoxia felt that her husband was in a weak position, and if he had a teacher like Mr. Bi to assist him, things would be much better.

    Her husband was also quite delicate and easily bullied when out, so having a guard like ck Tower would be reassuring.

    Thinking about it this way, it''s no wonder that wealthy families needrge houses with many rooms.

    However, these were all matters for the future, and she wasn''t sure about them. They couldn''t just keep adding one single-story room after another. She would have to ask Aunt Yinter, as she would surely understand.

    Speaking of which, this General Zi was quite particr, actually sending a female teacher over.

    Aunt Yin said she hade after spending all her family fortune, so it wouldn''t be right not to treat her well.

    Besides, Qin Luoxia had always felt that a family without elders seemed somewhat unsettled.

    Her mother had passed away early, and it''s best not to mention her husband''s side. Now that an elderly person had arrived, she felt much more at ease.

    When her husband returns in the evening, they would discuss how to treat Aunt Yin.

    For now, Qin Luoxia had made the bed and brought in Aunt Yin''s bundle, surprisingly finding it a bit heavy.

    Aunt Yin looked frail, but unexpectedly seemed quite robust.

    The room was very empty, with only a bed, a small table, and four rush cushions.

    Qin Luoxia brought in another small cab and ced the bundle on top.

    She also put a lock on one of the cabs.

    After some thought, she went to pick a handful of bamboo leaves and ced them in a pottery vase, which she brought into the room.

    She fumigated under the bed with a brazier, making it nice and dry for sleeping.

    The windows were propped open, allowing plenty of sunlight to stream in, making the room clean and bright after tidying up.

    Seeing that everything was more or less in order, Qin Luoxia went to fetch a new pair of straw shoes. Although woven from straw, they had cloth lining and an open back. These were made for Mianmian when she started walking.

    They could be worn indoors.

    Qin Luoxia tried them on and found them quitefortable. Her husband quite liked changing into them when entering the room.

    She figured Aunt Yin would like them too.

    She also ced a new pair of cotton-lined, backless indoor shoes. Mianmian called these "slippers," saying they were shoes for shuffling around.

    Qin Luoxia sensed that Aunt Yin was a refined person.

    She had met General Zi before.

    Her husband said General Zi was the most capable person he had ever encountered in his life.

    He exined that General Zi''s abilities weren''t just about his own skills, which were already impressive, but more importantly, his talent for recognizing and utilizing people. Everyone around him was highly capable.

    Each one had their own strengths.

    General Zi had an excellent eye for people.

    Therefore, the person sent by General Zi must certainly be very capable.

    Seeing that the room was tidied up, she brought in a kettle.

    She ced it on the brazier in the corner, where the water could be kept warm. Then she nailed a few wooden pegs into the earthen wall, hanging separate towels for hands and face.

    On the shelf, she ced bamboo tubes that could be used for storing water and for teeth cleaning, keeping them separate.

    All these were prepared based on the details of her husband''s living habits.

    After everything was set up, she went to prepare food.

    For lunch, with Aunt Yin joining them, Qin Luoxia made noodle soup.

    Hot noodle soup is mostforting in winter, warming the stomach.

    Aunt Yin had already been talking with the two youngdies for quite some time.

    Although there were some issues here and there,

    Overall, the elder girl was sincere and devoted to her family. Such a girl, even with many small ws, was impossible to dislike.

    The younger girl was a bit cleverer, a bitzier, and seemed somewhat precocious, though not in the right areas.

    However, she was also a very kind-hearted little girl, very soft-hearted, seemingly not having experienced hardship or seen evil, all soft and tender.

    On the whole, Aunt Yin was satisfied.

    Except for some odd intrusions.

    The household protective deity ants and such were not a big problem; even the masters in the pce had their quirks of keeping strange things.

    At noon, they had a soft,fortable meal.

    Then Mrs. Qin led her to the room to settle in, suggesting she rest a bit at midday.

    She was somewhat surprised, not expecting this countryside ce to have the habit of an afternoon nap.

    But she was indeed very tired.

    Besides, during the day she had only met her students and thedy of the house.

    In the evening, she would meet the master of the house and the young master, which would be the real test.

    From what Elder Sister Yu had said, it seemed the real decision-maker in the family was actually the master.

    But she wasn''t too worried.

    Having been through several life-and-death experiences, she believed that with her abilities, no one would refuse her as a female teacher.

    In fact, when she was in the Capital City, many great families had vied to hire her.

    But she had grown weary of the lifestyle in those great families.

    Instead, she had married a good man and followed him to the remote Jingzhou.

    Yet unexpectedly, like duckweed drifting through life, even this mid-life marriage couldn''tst until old age.

    Aunt Yin entered the room, surprised to find it not only clean but also exuding an air of elegance.

    A foot of sunlight streamed in front of the window.

    A pot of Asparagus fern sat in the corner.

    Tea was prepared.

    Separate towels for hands and face were thoughtfully provided.

    Even the bamboo cups for drinking tea and rinsing the mouth were separate.

    Though simple, everything had a touch of refinement.

    The small table and rush cushions particrly pleased her.

    There were even change of shoes, new and quite fitting.

    Regardless of what kind of person the master of the house was, just the thoughtfulness of thedy of the house made Aunt Yin feel extremely well-amodated.

    This sense offort continued until shey down.

    Lying on the dry bed, hearing the creaking sounds from her waist, she realized she was indeed tired and getting on in years.

    She had always been vignt, not easily falling asleep.

    Yet unexpectedly, in this ce she was visiting for the first time, she fell asleep during her afternoon rest.

    She slept soundly, not even dreaming.

    This was quite rare.

    It''s worth noting that even after leaving the pce and getting married, she would sometimes still dream of various aspects of pce life when sleeping, feeling a sense of being in a different world, terrifying and exciting yet unbelievable. Dreaming of returning to the imperial pce was truly the greatest nightmare.

    This napsted until the sun was leaning westward.

    Aunt Yin sat up, feeling excellent.

    Just for this bed that allowed her to sleep, she felt that the days ahead couldn''t be bad.

    At this moment, she truly felt she hade to the right ce.

    She had truly left the imperial pce behind.

    Arriving in this remote and impoverished ce, though distant and poor, one could sleep soundly and eat with peace of mind.

    In the room, she pondered carefully on how best to teach the two girls.

    Although the two girls were born of the same mother, their personalities were vastly different. One was very lively, never still for a moment, while the other was extremelyzy,nguidly motionless. It might be because she was younger, but after careful observation and inquiry, Aunt Yin learned that many household tasks were done at the younger one''s reminder to the adults.

    Everything stemmed from a desire to indulge inziness.

    This revealed their personalities.

    They would need to be taught ording to their individual traits, with different focuses.

    Moreover, General Zi sending her here might have additional reasons. Perhaps the master of the house was an impressive person, highly regarded by General Zi.

    She had heard that General Zi was extremely good to all his subordinates, settling their entire familiesfortably.

    Regardless of the reason, by chance or fate, Aunt Yin had already made up her mind. She would diligently teach the two girls here, spending thest stage of her life in this rural cottage, passing her days in peaceful tranquility.

    She liked it here.

    She appreciated Qin Luoxia''s considerate respect.

    She enjoyed the girls'' simplicity.

    She also liked the simple atmosphere of this home.

    Judging from the girls'' personalities, she knew that such characters couldn''t be nurtured in aplex family environment.

    All in all, everything was perfect.

    Aunt Yin heaved a long sigh, poured herself a cup of warm water, which tasted sweet and delicious.

    Then she pushed open the door, ready to get to work and tend to the children.

    As she opened the door, she saw the elder girl killing a chicken in the courtyard. Seeing here out, the elder girl turned back with a smile and said, "Great-aunt, Mother said you''ve arrived. We''re having chicken for dinner tonight."

    Her face was sttered with chicken blood, and she smiled foolishly.

    The beautiful Aunt Yin wanted to cover her face.

    The younger girl waszily leaning on a small bamboo chair, cushioned with a nket. She stretched out her little feet, happily wiggling them. From the frequency of her short legs'' movement, one could see how leisurely andfortable she was...

    It was as if watching a grand old master shaking his leg.

    Aunt Yin wanted to close her eyes again.

    She walked over, took the little girl in her arms, put her legs together, and then said to the elder girl, "When killing a chicken, don''t chop off its head directly. Make a cut on the chicken''s neck to drain the blood. Once the blood is drained, the chicken meat will be more tender and less gamey. The chicken blood can be used separately, there''s even a kind of pastry called blood sugar that''s extremely delicious."

    Jiang Yu listened with wide eyes.

    As expected of Great-aunt, she knew so much.

    Excitedly, she grabbed the knife and went to catch another chicken.

    "Wait for me, Great-aunt, I''ll be right back."

    Aunt Yin just smiled as she watched her, thinking that the girl loved good food. It was best to cater to her interests first, then discipline her once she waspliant. This way, half the effort would yield twice the result.

    She had spent nearly ten years in the imperial kitchen, enough to handle a young girl.

    However, she still had no clue about the little one in her arms, who had even put her finger in her mouth to suck...

    Aunt Yin silently pulled out her finger, thinking she should apply some coptis to her fingerter.

    When Qin Luoxia returned, she saw Aunt Yin and her two girls getting along harmoniously, which made her very happy.

    Indeed, having an elder in the family was like having a treasure. With an elder presiding over the household, everything was different.

    She very sincerely brought out a set of clothes and said to Aunt Yin, "Aunt, time was short, so I''ve quickly found you a set of cotton clothes. You can wear them to sleep at night."

    Aunt Yin nced up and noticed that the clothes were indeed her size. This Mrs. Qin had a good eye, which was very satisfying.

    As evening fell, the sunset painted the sky.

    The vige echoed with the sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking, wisps of cooking smoke rising.

    Aunt Yin had sessfully be the most revered great-aunt to the elder girl, and was slowly beginning to connect with the younger one as well.

    Feeling the cold vige wind, she surprisingly didn''t feel chilly, but rather felt a warmth in her heart.

    This feeling was something she had only experienced when she first married her husband.

    Some ces and some people just make one feel attached.

    After just half a day of interaction, Aunt Yin already felt she could grow old here.

    Time seemed to stand still in the mountains, which was wonderful.

    Having lived most of her life, at this moment she felt that this was truly living.

    Genuinely at peace.

    A ce like the imperial pce was truly not fit for human habitation. She would never go to such a ce in this life, the next life, or the life after that.

    The red clouds in the sky piled upyer uponyer, looking like the rosy cheeks of a group of young girls.

    The little girl in Aunt Yin''s arms suddenly spoke, "My father is back!"

    Then they saw the elder girl stand up in a sh and run outside. At the door, she shouted loudly towards the distance, "Father, Brother, we have a rtive visiting! It''s Mother''s aunt, our great-aunt, and she''s amazing!"

    Aunt Yin felt that this elder girl needed to be taught a lot about etiquette, but hearing her words, she couldn''t help but smile, a genuine smile.

    The little girl in her arms also struggled to get down, wanting to go greet her father.

    It was quite an effort for her to be willing to take a few steps.

    Aunt Yin held her hand and went to the door.

    Standing under the tree by the door, they watched as the people in the distance gradually came closer, closer, and closer still, until they were right in front of them.

    Seeing the face of the neer, with a smile, he bowed to her: "Mr. Yin, thank you for your hard work."

    Aunt Yin: ...

    She wanted to let go of the little girl''s hand, but the child held on tightly.

    She looked down at the little girl''s face, then raised her head to look at Mr. Jiang standing before her.

    Her old face remainedposed, expressionless, but her heart, liver, spleen, stomach, and kidneys all began to twitch. Had she, had she stirred up a ho''s nest in the imperial pce?

    What grudge, what enmity was this?

 Chapter 120

    Night fell.

    The small courtyard felt even cozier.

    With the whole family gathered, it was quite lively.

    After the master of the house arrived, the entire home felt moreplete, with a pir of support.

    Qin Madam, who had been so capable in managing affairs during the day, showed a hint of girlish shyness after her husband''s return, evidence of their deep affection.

    The elder daughter became even more boisterous, jumping about, as her father not only listened with a smile but also chimed in with words of praise.

    She would asionally banter with her older brother, creating a yfulmotion.

    Aunt Yin could see how Elder Sister Yu''s personality had been shaped.

    The younger daughter grinned happily, also seeming quite content.

    One moment she would call out, "Papa, papa."

    The next moment, "Brother, brother."

    She was very busy indeed.

    Her little legs ran about merrily.

    The Jiang family''s son surprised Aunt Yin.

    Observing the two daughters, she felt they were both rather spoiled girls with quite a few ws.

    But Feng was clever without showing it off, greeting with a smile, appearing quite good-natured. He seemed very much like Qin Madam, but more steady and reserved.

    He was truly an intelligent young man.

    Such people tend to live longer.

    Aunt Yin was skilled at observation.

    But while she looked at the others, she hardly dared to look at Mr. Jiang.

    The information General Zi had ryed to her surfaced in her mind.

    Mr. Jiang had borne the reputation of being unfilial for most of his life. Only after they arrived did he learn that neither of his parents were his birth parents, and that he was an orphan of the n.

    When Aunt Yin married her husband, his children were already grown and had families of their own.

    Because of her, her husband''s business had improved, but she was always very anxious in the Capital City. Seeing her unable to sleep peacefully at night, her husband moved the entire family back to their hometown of Jingzhou.

    Life in Jingzhou was quite good. Yet unexpectedly, the children yearned even more for the prosperity of the Capital City, and ended up pressuring her husband to death.

    But they didn''t consider that the prosperity in the Capital City only came after her arrival. Before that, they had been living miserably in the poorest corners of the city, stepping in filthy water every time they left home.

    So family matters are not always as they appear on the surface, but she truly hated those who were unfilial, feeling an inexplicable dislike whenever she heard those words.

    She had simply thought those children just disliked her as their stepmother, and she rarely interacted with them, but she never expected they would drive their own father to his death.

    Wealth and status can blind people, and hearts can easily change.

    But what n could have such an orphan?

    Looking at that face.

    Aunt Yin suddenly understood who this Mr. Jiang was.

    The nobles in the pce would often mention this Imperial Tutor Jiang, praising him as a man of integrity, rarely seen in this world.

    Aunt Yin truly admired Old Lady Jiang, able to seclude herself in this small ce for so many years.

    Thinking of her own spirited personality in her youth.

    She had really believed it was Imperial Tutor Jiang''s death that had left her heartbroken.

    Yet it turned out there was another reason entirely.

    During the day, she had felt this small courtyard was peaceful everywhere, though poor, life here was extremely warm andfortable.

    She could have spent the rest of her life here peacefully.

    But seeing Mr. Jiang''s appearance at night, watching him return home in coarse cloth and straw sandals, still helping with chores, washing and cutting vegetables.

    Aunt Yin truly felt that Old Lady Jiang deserved to die eight hundred deaths.

    "The green snake''s bamboo mouth, the wasp''s tail sting, neither as venomous as a woman''s heart."

    She, a pce maid who had luckily escaped, to be dragged into such affairs, was truly like an old star of longevity jumping into a manure pit ¨C she had lived long enough.

    No, she couldn''t stay here.

    Jiang Changtian received Zi Lu''s letter at the County Government Office, saying he was sending a female teacher for his two daughters. He briefly introduced the teacher as a re-married wife from a local wealthy family, quite talented, now without any family support.

    She was a very good candidate.

    Jiang Changtian was a person with severe trust issues. He himself was deep and difficult to fathom, not easily trusting others, but seeing the candidate Zi Lu rmended in his letter, he had to admit Zi Lu truly understood people''s hearts. He could find no fault with this female teacher.

    Moreover, he seemed to have only mentioned it in passing, probably not having discussed it much with Zi Lu, yet Zi Lu had already sent someone.

    He did indeed need a female teacher to educate his two daughters.

    A girl''s conduct is not easy to shape, and the world demands more from women. He hoped his children could live more freely, at least maintaining proper etiquette on the surface. These were all Sister Xia''s weaknesses, and he was reluctant to teach them himself.

    Upon hearing Elder Sister Yu''s affectionate calls of "Aunt", he knew this female teacher was very capable, having won Yu''s favor in just half a day.

    When he met the female teacher, Jiang Changtian also felt she was indeed good, giving an extremely elegant impression, though her appearance was ordinary.

    But he was also certain this was their first meeting. Jiang Changtian found it strange that she seemed very nervous.

    A woman who could use rebels to dispose of unfilial children shouldn''t be so nervous.

    Her methods were even more sophisticated than his own.

    Jiang Changtian felt Aunt Yin had handled things better than he would have.

    But she was nervous.

    Jiang Changtian noticed that while her facial expression remainedposed, it was merely a cover for her nervousness.

    Because the way she held Mianmian''s hand and swung it had changed.

    Jiang Changtian felt things were bing interesting.

    The Aunt Yin before him seemed to have seen him before, or perhaps someone who resembled him.

    Aunt Yin''s pupils changed, very subtly, for just a moment, but there was a change.

    Dinner was as warm and harmonious as ever.

    They had chicken for dinner, prepared ording to Aunt Yin''s method of bleeding. Indeed, the chicken was more fragrant than usual, and the soup tasted better too.

    They hadn''t made the blood sugar yet due tock of ingredients, but even the coagted chicken blood could be used to make soup, which was also very delicious.

    Jiang Changtian observed Aunt Yin''s every move. Her gestures were naturally graceful, as if etiquette had been infused into her very being. She was amiable to everyone, but there was still some difference in how she treated him. She seemed to unconsciously show more respect towards him.

    This kind of respect shouldn''t be afforded to a rural Mr. Jiang, should it?

    The meal ended with both host and guest satisfied.

    In the evening, Aunt Yin participated in the family''s after-dinner tea and chat, which was indeed very warm andfortable.

    The family rtionships here were simple, and they were extremely united. Among all the families she had seen, this was already exceptionally good.

    When the family is harmonious, all affairs prosper. Only such a family can continue to thrive.

    She returned to her own room.

    The bed she hadin down on and fallen asleep at noon was still dry in the evening, the bamboo in the room still looked beautiful, a touch of green rare in winter.

    Closing the window and lighting themp, the room again had a sense of peace and warmth.

    But she couldn''t sleep.

    Her inner heart was roaring!

    Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!

    She couldn''t.

    She had struggled for most of her life just to escape the imperial pce alive.

    Now it felt like she had returned to her old haunt.

    Such a small courtyard in the countryside, hiding a ravishing beauty who had participated in a rebellion - a beauty with a face even more stunning than the Eldest Princess.

    His lips resembled the Emperor''s somewhat.

    His eyes and brows most closely resembled that person - Aunt Yin had only seen him once, the serene high monk.

    Thinking of him made Aunt Yin''s heart tremble.

    Fortunately, she hadn''t unpacked her belongings yet.

    With her luggage still packed, she thought about grabbing her bundle and running.

    Shey on the bed, waiting.

    Waiting for the outside to gradually quiet down.

    No moreughter from the elder girl.

    No more pitter-patter of the little girl''s chatter.

    Qin Madam''s voice had also faded.

    They must have fallen asleep by now.

    Poor child, living in such a small courtyard without even a single guard - how had he survived?

    But this was no time for pity; who would pity her if she pitied others?

    She had to escape.

    She must flee in the night.

    When she heard everything fall silent, she quietly got up and pushed open the door.

    Outside, a crescent moon hung in the peaceful night sky.

    Tall trees stood proudly.

    The courtyard was clean and tidy.

    Harmonious and tranquil.

    Although it had only been half a day, she felt a twinge of reluctance to leave.

    But she had to escape.

    She looked around to make sure no one was there, about to pick up her bundle.

    Suddenly, a crisp voice called out: "Great-aunt, where are you going sote?"

    Only then did Aunt Yin notice a young man practicing swordy in a corner of the courtyard.

    He held a sword, wearing a thin shirt, his face slightly sweaty despite the cold winter night.

    "I couldn''t sleep, just wanted some fresh air," Aunt Yin replied naturally, without a hint of difort.

    The youth smiled and said, "That''s perfect, Great-aunt. You can watch me practice my swordy. I do this every day."

    Aunt Yin smiled and nodded, discreetly kicking her bundle back inside.

    She sat by the doorway, watching the young man''s sword dance in the courtyard.

    The cold wind made her face shiver.

    She wondered when the youth would finish practicing.

    In the moonlight, the young man''s moves started out ordinary - moves she had seen pce guards practice before. A few strikes that were useless alone, only impressive when performed by a group of guards.

    But this youth was alone, practicing meticulously. The courtyard wind seemed to swirl around him alone. As he finished a set of sword techniques, Aunt Yin realized his sword had been consistently aimed at a leaf on a tree outside the courtyard. The leaf floated gently towards them, transforming into a spray of emerald powder before her eyes.

    The youth sheathed his sword and stood there, smiling broadly to reveal his white teeth. He asked innocently, "Great-aunt, what do you think of my swordy?"

    Aunt Yin: ... I''m tired, I''m going back to sleep.

    She closed the door.

    Aunt Yin''s wrinkled face turned slightly pale.

    How could a mere youth possess such swordsmanship? Was this something an ordinary person could achieve?

    Shey back down on the bed, closing her eyes to rest for a moment. When she opened them again, it felt like only an instant had passed, but another hour had gone by.

    Now it was truly quiet outside. She got up.

    Pushed open the door.

    She picked up her bundle, ready to leave.

    "Great-aunt, where are you going? Are you hungry too? Here."

    From the pitch-ck kitchen, a fair-skinned young girl''s plump hand extended, holding a greasy chicken foot...

    Aunt Yin was scared out of her wits.

    Even in the imperial pce, she had never been so frightened.

    Who could imagine the feeling of a chicken foot suddenly appearing from a dark window in the middle of the night?

    It turned out to be the elder girl sneaking a midnight snack. She breathed a sigh of relief.

    Then tensed up again.

    For heaven''s sake!

    Why would a youngdy sneak out for a midnight snack?!

    You ate plenty at dinner, I was worried you''d choke!

    "Eatingte at night is bad for your health, hard to digest," Aunt Yin said sternly, her tone slightly reproachful.

    Jiang Yu stuck out her tongue. Great-aunt was really something, catching her sneaking food in the middle of the night.

    "It''s fine, Great-aunt, don''t worry. I digest everything well, I can handle anything. I''ll go back to bed after I finish this. Would you like some too, Great-aunt?" Jiang Yu said obediently.

    Aunt Yin: ... No need, go to bed soon.

    Aunt Yiny back down on the bed once more.

    This time she tossed and turned, back and forth. No, she couldn''t stay. She had to leave.

    She estimated that by now, the elder girl must have finished both chicken feet.

    She got up again and pushed open the door.

    This time she was smarter - she didn''t dare take her bundle. Instead, she looked around carefully. The courtyard corners and kitchen were empty. Everyone must be asleep. It should be safe now.

    Go!

    "Aunt! Can''t sleep?"

    Aunt Yin was so startled by this sudden call that she almost wet herself.

    Looking up, she saw someone standing on the roof.

    "Qin Madam, what are you doing on the roof in the middle of the night?"

    Aunt Yin was on the verge of tears.

    Qin Luoxia raised her hand to show two squeaking rats she had caught, whispering, "My husband wasn''t sleeping well tonight, kept hearing noises above. I guessed it must be rats. Finally caught them. Did I disturb you?"

    Aunt Yin: ...

    Her legs trembling.

    Tired, truly tired now. Going back to sleep.

    What kind of decent person catches rats on the roof in the middle of the night? o(¨i©n¨i)o

    Aunt Yin returned to her room, heaving a long sigh.

    Her old back really couldn''t take this strain, and her heart couldn''t handle these shocks.

    This time she decided to rest properly and set out just before dawn.

    By then, everything would be quiet. Surely no one would be practicing swordy, sneaking snacks, or catching rats.

    In the pce, Aunt Yin had mastered the ability to sleep for exactly as long as she nned without an rm.

    She closed her eyes, perhaps not fully asleep, but resting nheless.

    Time passed slowly yet swiftly.

    She opened her eyes.

    Got up.

    Picked up her bundle.

    This time she must leave.

    Leave without hesitation.

    She must seed.

    She pushed open the door.

    Jiang Changtian and his daughter were standing right outside.

    Her bundle fell to the ground.

    They were about to push open the courtyard gate.

    Hearing the noise, Jiang Changtian turned around.

    The infant in his arms was yawning, with sleep in the corners of her eyes.

    The baby said slowly, "Good morning, Great-aunt."

    Aunt Yin: ...

    What morning? The sky hasn''t even brightened!!!

    Why are you freakishly beautiful father-daughter pair up before dawn???

    "Morning," Aunt Yin forced a tired smile.

    "Great-aunt, are you also getting up to watch the sunrise?" The infant yawned again.

    Tears welled up in her eyes, glistening.

    She nuzzled her face against her father''s chest, content andfortable.

    "Master Yin, good morning. Did you sleep well?" Jiang Changtian stood there with his long hair flowing, looking full of energy.

    Aunt Yin felt like she was about to faint.

    She managed a difficult smile.

    "Early morning. As you get older, sleep bes less restful," she said. Then, quite rudely, she yawned right in front of Mr. Jiang.

    Aunt Yin quickly covered her mouth.

    ...

    Like a wandering spirit, she stood beneath therge tree, watching a red sun slowly rise in the distance.

    The clouds on the horizon transformed in a dazzling disy.

    Time moved slowly.

    The sunrise was unexpectedly beautiful. In most of her life, she had never taken the time to truly appreciate one like this.

    Her hand was tightly gripped by a small one, swaying back and forth.

    "Great-aunt, isn''t it pretty?" Jiang Mianmian said with a yawn.

    "It is," Aunt Yin replied, also yawning.

    The sunrise was indeed beautiful.

    But the man beside her, bathed in the golden light of dawn, was even more captivating.

    Oh well, she was tired. Another yawn, and tears welled up in her eyes.

    "Let''s go to bed," Aunt Yin said, turning to head back inside.

    ...

 Chapter 121

    Dawn broke.

    Jiang Mianmian watched the sunrise and then went back to bed for a little more sleep.

    Father had gone to work again.

    By the time Jiang Mianmian woke up again, it was broad daylight.

    The nap was veryfortable and deep.

    She dressed herself and got up, following the smell to the kitchen.

    In the kitchen, Elder Sister was energetically standing at the stove, from which wafts of rice aroma filled the air, making Jiang Mianmian hungry.

    Grandma was sitting by the fire, adding more wood.

    "Making these pastries, the heat is very important. Start with a high me until it boils, then switch to a low heat and let it warm slowly," she instructed.

    Jiang Yu nodded earnestly.

    Jiang Mianmian greeted, "Good morning, Grandma. Good morning, Elder Sister."

    She thought to herself that although Grandma was old, she was still very robust. She had gotten up to watch the sunrise just like her, and after taking a nap, Grandma was already up early.

    Aunt Yin turned to look at the doorway where the Little Girl was yawning non-stop, her hair and clothes all messy, and her feet shod in grass slippers. She stood up and redressed the Little Girl.

    Then she took her to wash up andb her hair.

    The Little Girl was particrly careful about her teeth, which were still not fully grown in, yet she insisted on brushing them thoroughly.

    Well, the cleanliness and theziness, in some ways, must be hereditary.

    Aunt Yin, no stranger to this, served her with dedication.

    Damn, she was supposed to be a teacher, but somehow she ended up serving again, which was really undignified.

    Aunt Yin knelt down tob the Little Girl''s hair, trying to keep one knee up.

    After finishing the hair, the Little Girl leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

    "Muah!"

    "Thank you, Grandma."

    Aunt Yin wiped the saliva off her forehead, stunned for a moment.

    Then she picked up the Little Girl without thinking.

    "Are you hungry?"

    Jiang Mianmian nodded and then shook her head.

    "I need to poop."

    Aunt Yin: ...

    She took the Little Girl to the toilet.

    Seeing the wooden bucket with a round lid on it.

    The Little Girl''s bottom fit just right on it.

    "Grandma, watch me, I can''t poop."

    Aunt Yin stood up and went outside, saying, "Call me when you''re done."

    Standing outside, she saw ants marching in lines, a sight to behold. Thiszy and pampered nature, truly fit for royalty, who else would have a special seat just for pooping?

    Smelling a faint stench and hearing the Little Girl shyly say she was done.

    Aunt Yin came in and carefully wiped the Little Girl''s bottom, then examined the poop seriously.

    Experienced nannies must know how to inspect poop.

    The shape of the poop, whether it was continuous, whether it was hard or soft, or watery, the color right or not, by examining the poop, one could tell how well the master had been eating, whether she needed to drink more water, or eat less meat or sweets.

    Aunt Yin cleaned up carefully, checking it over.

    A beautiful poop, coiled, with a medium firmness, indicating the Little Girl had been eating well and digesting well, though the color seemed a bit too dark, wondering what she had eaten.

    Jiang Mianmian stood a bit farther away, somewhat disgusted.

    Although she did it herself, she didn''t want to smell it; it was stinky.

    She curiously watched Grandma observing her poop...

    Well...

    Grandma has some peculiar interests.

    After dealing with the poop, Aunt Yin stood up, feeling a bit dizzy and blurry-eyed from squatting too long.

    It was mainly because she hadn''t slept wellst night.

    In fact, she usually pays great attention to her health.

    In the pce, if you were in poor health and looked sickly, you would have been done away with long ago.

    Good health is the foundation of everything.

    She nned to catch up on some sleep today.

    After washing her hands, Aunt Yin saw the Little Girle over to hold her hand, which was both amusing and annoying.

    Back in the kitchen, she saw Elder Sister busily digging out squash from the fire pit.

    Seeing them arrive, she excitedly said, "Grandma, Sister, the squash is roasted,e quickly."

    Aunt Yin: ...

    Case closed.

    Eating too much roasted squash turns the stool ck; burnt food should not be consumed in excess, it''s not good.

    Jiang Mianmian sweetly said, "Thank you, Elder Sister."

    Aunt Yin served the prepared meal for the Little Girl, then deliberately moved the roasted squash far away.

    The Little Girl didn''t notice and happily ate her meal without speaking.

    She quietly finished her meal, rinsed her mouth, and only then began to talk.

    She didn''t want to get cavities while her teeth were growing, which would definitely be painful, and there were no dentists back then.

    Aunt Yin mentally added another note about her: meticulous, a trait ingrained in her bones, not surprising, haha.

    Clever, but without guile, she moved the squash herself, and the girl didn''t even notice.

    Ah, this naive demeanor, if she were really in the imperial pce, this foolishness would probably not let her survive long.

    After Mianmian finished her meal, it seemed Elder Sister''s pastries might also be ready.

    Elder Sister was quite patient; Grandma said not to open the lid as it would let the steam escape, and she really didn''t open it.

    Only when Grandma said it was okay did she open it.

    A pot full of plump, white rice cakes.

    Each one grinning, looking quite delightful.

    Aunt Yin took one, broke off a piece, and tasted it; it was good.

    Elder Sister Yu had already devoured six.

    Jiang Mianmian found them too hot and was still blowing on them.

    Aunt Yin watched Elder Sister''s actions, her eyebrows twitching slightly; this temperament still needed to be refined, too impatient.

    Aunt Yin gave Elder Sister a new task, to beat eggs.

    "Keep stirring with chopsticks until the egg turns into soft, dense foam. Do not rush, and do not stir back and forth, only in one direction," Grandma earnestly instructed.

    Jiang Mianmian curiously thought, isn''t this just a human egg beater?

    Indeed, many ancient pastries were said to be delicious, and it was not for nothing.

    Elder Sister Yu was very respectful of Grandma, who now ranked just below Father in her esteem, quite impressive.

    She obediently began to beat the eggs.

    Aunt Yin figured this would keep Elder Sister quiet for a while.

    She then went out to sunbathe the little one for a bit.

    The little master needed to sunbathe to strengthen her bones.

    After settling the Little Girl, Aunt Yin''s forehead was slightly sweaty.

    Jiang Mianmian also felt it strange; before Grandma arrived, she yed well by herself at home.

    Now that Grandma was here, it seemed she was very busy, and suddenly her own little days felt morefortable.

    She inexplicably felt thefort of being cared for.

    No, no, this is the teacher.

    Respect for teachers and their teachings is paramount.

    Jiang Mianmian spoke in a babyish voice, "Grandma, I''m just ying, go see Elder Sister."

    "It''s better to teach Elder Sister, she''s still young, she doesn''t need it yet."

    Indeed, inside Elder Sister Yu had already called out, "Grandma, Grandma, I did it, look, it''s all bubbles, it''s bubbling up, one egg turned into so much!"

    Aunt Yin turned around, disbelieving, how could it be so fast.

    In the kitchen, Elder Sister Yu had already whipped up three bowls of bubbly eggs, the afterimages lingering in her hands...

    Aunt Yin''s eyebrows twitched, she had been too emotionaltely, it was killing her.

    "Have you practiced swordy?"

    "My elder brother taught me, it wasn''t fun, so I didn''t continue," Elder Sister Yu said sheepishly.

    "But he was worried about me getting kidnapped again, told me not to learn too much, just one move, stab, stab, stab, that''s enough to kill someone. Grandma, you''re amazing, you noticed right away, I was thinking just that while beating the eggs, stab, stab, stab, and it was very quick."

    Elder Sister Yu''s eyes sparkled, the words ''please praise me'' clearly written on her face.

    Aunt Yin nodded, "Not bad, very good, let''s do it again."

    Outside in the courtyard, under the big tree, Jiang Mianmian was ying with a small tree.

    She discovered that the ants called by the small tree could arrange themselves, forming words.

    In ancient times, people would fish out stones to carve words on them, or catch fish and carve words on their bellies.

    Jiang Mianmian thought this was a bit troublesome.

    If during a crowded moment, a group of ants could just crawl over and write a line of words, that would be impressive, though it seemed it had been done before.

    Just smear some honey on the ground, and the ants would be attracted to it.

    Jiang Mianmian found the scene quite amusing, all the rebellious maxims seemed to be man-made.

    She tried to have the small tree guide the ants to form a few words.

    Finally, having managed the elder girl once again, Aunt Yin came out to handle the younger one, only to see the Little Girl in front of a mass of ck ants, which obediently formed the words: "Though Jiang is but one family, the fall of Chu is certain."

    Aunt Yin''s vision darkened, and she staggered...

 Chapter 122

    ......

    The chilling wind blew.

    There was also sunshine.

    A group of soldiers huddled in the wilderness, around a bonfire they had created.

    Apparently, they had built it near an anthill, as numerous ants began to crawl out in session.

    One of the soldiers had a rather square face.

    They had been dispatched by the Emperor to suppress the rebellious insurgents.

    But upon reaching Jingzhou, they found that the so-called insurgents were simply destitute refugees desperate for food.

    These refugees, feeling no fear of death, remarked that General Zi, the insurgent leader, was a living Bodhisattva who alleviated suffering. They willinglyid down their lives for him.

    They imed that being oppressed to death by officials with their exorbitant taxes was indeed death in any case. It was better to revolt, they reasoned, for at least they would have food to eat.

    As the battles progressed, the soldiers themselves began to feel confused.

    The enemies were easy to kill, yet their numbers were vast. Some resembled their grandfathers, some resembled their uncles, some resembled their children, each unafraid to face death.

    Why had ite to this?

    The soldiers were perplexed, but this was not a question they were equipped to contemte. Being conscripted soldiers, facing the stark realities of life and death at the bottom rungs of society, they were typically uneducated.

    Meng Shaoxia, amidst these soldiers, was especially bewildered.

    He could recite backward the poems from the capital that extolled the Emperor: wise and aplished,prehending both past and present, ensuring national security and people¡¯s livelihood, presiding over a golden age.

    But was this what a golden age was supposed to look like?

    The realities he had seen this time were far crueler than his prior experiences with Brother He.

    Meng Shaoxia''s hands were cracked from the cold.

    He was rtively better off, as he at least had a padded jacket to wear.

    Others, their hands frost-cracked, bleeding, were in worse shape.

    They were dispatched to war, but the higher-ups had fallen behind in supplies. Lacking in food and warm clothing, pushed to desperate straits by hunger and cold, engaged inbat withmoners, the soldiers were unable to continue fighting.

    While the soldiers were bewildered, they did not quite ponder questions like ''should we fight?'', ''why fight?'', ''how to fight?'', or ''when to stop?''. Those were the worries of their superiors.

    Warming themselves by the fire, several soldiers engaged in casual chit-chat: "Tiezhu, you have sorted out the issues with your woman?"

    The tall soldier, Tiezhu, spoke of his wife-to-be with slight embarrassment, but nodded seriously: "Just waiting to return from this campaign. If we have merit recognized, get a reward, it can be her dowry."

    "What about you, Fang?"

    Meng Shaoxia was immersed in his confusion.

    Suddenly asked this question, he was even more perplexed.

    "I haven''t confessed my feelings to her yet, my parents don''t seem to agree."

    Tiezhu ced hisrge arm on his shoulder, feeling the muscr strength of the young man.

    "Is something wrong with the girl?"

    "No, she is a good girl."

    "Is something wrong with her siblings or parents?"

    "No, they are good people too."

    "Then why do your parents disagree? Is your family of some high status? Finding a wife in these times is not easy. Once you find someone you like, you have to pursue her aggressively, else she will be someone else''s wife."

    Meng Shaoxia could only give a bitter smile as his other shoulder was grabbed and shaken vigorously.

    "Fang, you might be fierce in a fight, but when ites to pursuing a girl, you¡¯recking. Listen to us."

    ¡­¡­

    As if a retreating tide, the ants disappeared back into their mound.

    Aunt Yin felt like her heart was being torn apart.

    Just pretend not to see.

    Blurry vision.

    Presumably due tock of sleep and advancing age, blurry vision was quite normal.

    Jiang Mianmian watched the ants scatter and turned around to see Aunt Yin standing behind her, swaying slightly, thinking that Aunt Yin might indeed be getting old.

    To prevent her husband from being infuriated to death, it was necessary to supplement him with some Magic Spring Water.

    Because she overheard Mom talking to Fatherst night from the corner of the bed, Father said Aunt Yin was pitiable, having no children and living a solitary life, and told Mom to treat her well as if she were her own aunt.

    Qin Luoxia was delighted; she always felt unsupported by her own family, unable to help her husband. Now that her husband said they could truly treat her as a real aunt, she felt very happy.

    Jiang Mianmian was quite happy listening to Mom''s voice.

    It seemed like she even excitedly caught a mouse in the middle of the night.

    Elder Sister could have an extra meal now, as she liked to snack on dried mice.

    Jiang Mianmian shifted her buttocks and patted the grass mat beside her, saying, "Aunt Yin, please sit."

    Aunt Yin took a deep breath and then sat down.

    She inhaled a bit too sharply, the air cooled, and she couldn''t help coughing violently.

    Feeling a small, fleshy hand patting her back.

    Aunt Yin coughed even harder.

    It wasn''t because she was touched, but because the little girl''s strength was so great, it felt like a small copper hammer was pounding her, making it hard for her to catch her breath.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to herself, only Father loved to cough at home, and he was much better now after drinking the Magic Spring Water; he just pretended to cough in front of others, it wasn''t real coughing. She had previously interned in the pulmonary department of a hospital, where patients who had undergone lung surgery were required to cough the next day, using strength from their abdomen, as different muscles and sounds were involved depending on the part of the body.

    Listening to Aunt Yin''s cough grow louder, Jiang Mianmian''s little face looked worried.

    Aunt Yin''s symptoms were even worse than Father''s, not only coughing but also wheezing severely.

    Aunt Yin, who had been beaten until she coughed up years of old phlegm, silently wrapped it up and got up to throw it away.

    Qin Luoxia had gone out early in the morning and now returned to see Aunt Yin and Mianmian; she smiled and said, "Aunt, I''ll take you for a walk around the vige to get to know everyone."

    Aunt Yin thought that if she were to escape, she indeed needed to familiarize herself with the vige''syout.

    Otherwise, it would be pointless to escape the house if she couldn''t get out of the vige.

    She agreed happily.

    So, Jiang Mianmian watched as Mom held her in one arm and led Aunt Yin around the vige with the other.

    Qin Luoxia introduced her warmly to everyone they met: "This is my cousin aunt, my real cousin aunt. She''ll be staying with us from now on. If you see her and need anything, give her a hand."

    The vigers all called out to Aunt Yin.

    Aunt Yin was somewhat embarrassed by this open warmth.

    The vigers'' way of expressing closeness involved eagerly touching, pulling arms, pinching hands, and shaking hands.

    "Your aunt, so robust, your aunt, you have a good physique, your aunt, it''s great you''re here to help with the kids, your aunt, your family Qin Luoxia is really nice..."

    Jiang Mianmian watched from Mom''s arms as Mr. Yin instantly blended in with the vigedies, without any sense of discord, which was impressive.

    Mr. Yin was really something.

    He had already started to inquire about everyone''s affairs.

    At that moment, a group of men in the vige fields nearby burst into loudughter.

    Everyone rushed over to see what the excitement was about.

    Jiang Mianmian also peered out.

    Fortunately, Mom''s long legs quickly carried her to the scene.

    It was the beginning of spring, and everyone was considering farming.

    Every year, they would invite a respected elder to start the nting.

    Previously, it was always Lord Liu who would lecture everyone, urging them to work hard for him and not to bezy.

    But this year, these fields, Mr. Jiang said he would distribute them to everyone, and it was already being implemented. Although the portions were small, Mr. Jiang said that as they grew stronger, they would have morend, and eventually, every man in the vige could have his own plot and marry a wife.

    So this year, it was Mr. Jiang who started the farming.

    That noise just now was the crowd watching Mr. Jiang and his son actually stepping into the field themselves.

    It was quite strange. Before, everyone mocked Jiang the second for not being able to carry or lift anything, and for doing no work.

    Now, everyone respected Mr. Jiang, who still couldn''t carry or lift; he merely stepped into the muddy field, identally getting mud on his clothes and face, which moved and excited everyone, eliciting kindughter.

    Jiang Mianmian saw her Father ying in the mud and got a little excited; she wanted to join too.

    But Mom held her back.

    Aunt Yin saw the man standing in the mud, covered in mud, still smiling and talking to the people around him.

    With every step, he left a muddy footprint, friendly and amiable, chatting andughing with the vigers, his charm infectious. Whatever he said, the surrounding people nodded and cheered wildly, their faces flushed with excitement.

    It was like the time years ago when they met Master Jingjue, who merely spoke calmly and managed to excite everyone to nod and agree passionately, which terrified her. Because of that event with Master Jingjue, at least a thousand people died.

    Jiang Changtian saw his wife in the crowd, walked out of the mud, and wiped his hands clean.

    He then picked up Mianmian and smiled, "What brings you here?"

    Qin Luoxia also smiled, "I brought my aunt to get familiar with the vigers, after all, she''ll be living with them from now on."

    Jiang Mianmian spoke up, "Dad, Mianmian wants to jump in the mud puddles too!"

    Jiang Changtian pinched his daughter''s nose and ruffled the girl''s hair.

    Then he reached out to touch his wife''s head and said, "Hands are clean now, no mud."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...Dad, did you use your daughter''s nose and hair to wipe your hands?

    Aunt Yin''s shivering body warmed slightly at that moment.

    Perhaps it was different.

    He could love; he had a wife and a child in his eyes; he was different.

 Chapter 123

    "Ah!"

    In the middle of the night, Wu Madam went intobor.

    The delivery process went rather smoothly.

    After all, this was her third child.

    Sitting outside her mother''s room waiting, Jiang Wan heard the cry and breathed a sigh of relief.

    As an unmarried youngdy, she not only had to manage the household, but also had to arrange her mother''s childbirth.

    It could be considered a close call without incident.

    The midwife brought out a baby.

    Very fair-skinned and delicate, tiny, with a head that kept turning, looking around, crying softly with a slight tremor.

    Jiang Wan didn''t dare take the baby, it was too small.

    Jiang Huaisheng saw the infant, heard it was a daughter, and was also very happy, somewhat excited: "She''s even more delicate than your sister was, she''ll definitely be a beautiful girl when she grows up."

    Jiang Huaisheng anxiously asked the midwife if Jing''er was alright.

    The midwife nodded: "Mother and daughter are safe, the madam is fine too, she just needs to rest and recover now."

    Jiang Huaisheng hurried in to see his wife.

    Jiang Wan followed, seeing her mother lying there weakly, smiling faintly when they entered.

    But she looked very content.

    "I''ll go tell Grandmother, Mother, you rest well."

    Seeing that all was well, Jiang Wan took her leave.

    Though it was the middle of the night, it wasn''t so cold anymore.

    Wearing twoyers of clothing was about right.

    The midwife said this was the best time to give birth, neither hot nor cold, convenient for the month of confinement.

    In May, the pomegranate flowers bloom.

    There was a pomegranate tree in the courtyard, blooming vigorously.

    Passing by at night, there was a floral fragrance.

    Jiang Wan passed by her brother''s door and saw the light was still on inside.

    Her brother was still upte studying hard.

    Recently, her brother''s state seemed a bit off.

    He was studying like a madman.

    Jiang Wan couldn''t guide him, and didn''t even know what to say. Actually, studying like this might be more ambitious than before.

    Since New Year''s, when that person sent six y jars and that letter, Jiang Rong had been somewhat distraught.

    He studied for the imperial exams to advance himself.

    If there was a rebellion, then he would also be a rebel.

    He asked Grandmother to officially expel that person from the n, but for a great crime like rebellion that would implicate nine generations of family, how could expulsion from the n allow one to escape? If so, wouldn''t it be naive for every family to have half their members rebel and half advance themselves, and if the rebellion failed just expel them and say they weren''t family?

    Jiang Wan returned to Grandmother''s room. Grandmother had her eyes closed but wasn''t asleep, leaning on the soft couch, slowly fingering her prayer beads.

    Seeing her arrive, she asked: "Did it go smoothly?"

    "Grandmother, it went smoothly. Mother gave birth to a girl, both mother and daughter are safe. I''m an older sister now too."

    After speaking, Jiang Wan walked to Grandmother''s side and sat down next to her: "Grandmother, Wan''er wants to sleep with you tonight."

    The image of her father leaning against her mother, with the baby in her mother''s arms, floated in her mind - a scene of domestic bliss.

    She leaned a little closer to Grandmother.

    In the middle of the night, Jiang Wany down next to Grandmother on her bed.

    After an exhausting day, sleep came heavily.

    Suddenly she heard Grandmother speak: "You''ll need to work hard to pack up and get ready next, we''re going to seek refuge with your aunt."

    Jiang Wan was wide awake in an instant.

    They weren''t going to the capital after all, but the whole family was seeking refuge with her aunt.

    She felt an indescribable feeling in her heart, instinctively feeling that seeking refuge would put them at a disadvantage, but she was also excited about possibly seeing that person.

    She didn''t know if he would see that painting, if he would see her.

    She wrote the character "Xi" on her palm.

    Her mind raced with various thoughts for a long while before she fell asleep.

    The old Madam Jiang originally slept lightly, and with someone beside her she actually couldn''t sleep. She endured until she heard Wan''er''s even breathing before falling asleep herself. In a moment, dawn broke.

    ...

    Daybreak.

    Jiang Mianmian got up yawning to use the bathroom.

    After finishing, she stretched out her arms.

    Her great-aunt helped her dress andb her hair.

    To share some sad news, she had been moved out of her parents'' room and could no longer eavesdrop from the corner of their bed. She could only listen from the room next door to the next door now.

    Even sadder news was that her new roommate was her great-aunt.

    At first, Jiang Mianmian was a bit nervous, worried she might reveal something strange about herself, as some of her behaviors were a bit odd.

    But her great-aunt seemed to find nothing unusual, able to exin everything away to herself.

    Moreover, her great-aunt was contradictory - on one hand requiring her not to bezy, on the other hand waiting on her hand and foot making her evenzier.

    She closed her eyes and stretched out her arms, waiting for her undergarments, outer robes and shoes to magically appear on her body.

    Aunt Yin dressed the little girl and carried her out.

    Strangely enough, though in her fifties, she seemed to be getting more robust in the Jiang household, with a vigorous stride and seemingly greater strength. Actually, she had always been quite strong - her ability to survive in the pce was due not only to her resourcefulness, but also to the physical strength she kept hidden.

    She said she had given away all the family fortune, left with just one small bundle.

    It looked like just a set of spare clothes, but was actually quite heavy, containing many valuable treasures inside.

    Others wouldn''t expect such a small bundle to be so heavy.

    But now her strength seemed even greater, with energy to spare.

    Apart from losing a bit more hair, perhaps from worry, but it was also growing back...

    At her age, she suddenly had many new baby hairs on her forehead, and they were ck.

    White hairs fell out in handfuls, while new short hairs grew in tufts.

    She hadn''t really been sick, except for that time she drank the mushroom soup cooked by the eldest youngdy and had diarrhea all night.

    The family seemed used to it, they drank it often and were probably ustomed to it.

    Aunt Yin had diarrhea all night, scrubbing off quite a bit of old skin from her face.

    In the pce she had heard of something that could detoxify and preserve youth when eaten.

    The emperor had asked masters to refine golden elixir pills with this effect.

    The emperor would only bestow these golden elixir pills on concubines he particrly favored.

    Indeed, after eating them one''splexion would be radiant, the skin bing much fairer overnight. For a period of time the skin would glow white, gaining much favor, but unfortunately the nail that sticks out gets hammered down - being too conspicuous, they soon died.

    Aunt Yin had seen those corpses, they were frightening - the corpses still lifelike and extremely beautiful.

    She had her doubts about the golden elixir, but it was something the emperor ate, not for a pce maid like her to worry about.

    But the eldest youngdy''s mushroom soup, apart from giving her diarrhea, also made her more energetic. She felt like she had be ten years younger.

    So Aunt Yin observed carefully.

    She discovered that everyone in this family was very strong.

    Her own strength didn''t stand out at all here.

    They all seemed very healthy, without illness or misfortune.

    It seemed everyone was hiding some small secret.

    Aunt Yin didn''t investigate further. Sometimes, knowing too much is not the way to longevity.

    She carried the little girl out.

    Looking up, she saw Mr. Jiang.

    "Aunt Yin, don''t always carry her, let her walk on her own. I see Mianmian has gained quite a bit of weight recently."

    Aunt Yin looked a bit embarrassed.

    She instinctively picked her up.

    Jiang Mianmian was put down on the ground. Her little legs went pitter-patter as she walked to her father, extending her arms: "Father, hold me."

    Jiang Changtian: ...

    Hugging her father''s leg, Jiang Mianmian spoke:

    "Father, you should hold me more when I''m little. Once I grow up, you won''t be able to anymore. Every day you hold me is one less day you can."

    Jiang Changtian: ...

    Still unable to resist his daughter''s pleading gaze, he picked her up.

    She was heavy.

    Aunt Yin chuckled, thinking, "If you don''t spoil her, the little girl will be climbing all over you."

    Aunt Yin kept her eyes down, pretending not to see. It was basic courtesy not to embarrass the leader.

    She went to the kitchen and saw the eldest daughter cutting noodles, slicing them into fine strands with blurring speed. She couldn''t help but sigh.

    Although Qin Madam had said she hoped for the children to grow up safely and peacefully, without illness or mishap until old age.

    But as their teacher, she certainly couldn''t just muddle through.

    She still had ideals and goals.

    At the very least, she wanted to cultivate someone presentable.

    Especially after seeing Mr. Jiang''s appearance and those ant-like proverbs and epigrams, she had a new direction for cultivation.

    But... the direction was wrong.

    This knife skill, this carving, this craftsmanship.

    "What are you doing, Yu''er? Today I asked you to practice walking, have you finished practicing?" Aunt Yin asked sternly.

    Jiang Yu smiled sheepishly: "Great-aunt, I''m researching how to make dragon whisker noodles. It''s almost my little sister''s birthday, and I want to cut these noodles. Look, I''ve cut them as thin as hair, they''ll definitely be delicious. There''s still a lot left to cut, I''lle with you after I finish."

    Aunt Yin stepped forward, snatched the knife, and took the remaining dough in both hands. With a rapid "ng, ng, ng," she sliced, creating a flurry of flour.

    As the dust settled, neat, fine noodles fell like a head of dark hair.

    Who couldn''t do that? Who didn''t have a special skill?

    Aunt Yin looked at the dumbfounded Yu''er and politely asked, "Now can youe practice walking with me?"

    Yu''er obediently followed her great-aunt out.

    To avoid embarrassing their elder sister, father and big brother had both gone out.

    Jiang Mianmian sat on a small chair, swinging her legs and eating the pastries her elder sister had made, watching her great-aunt teach.

    "Your steps should be unhurried, neither too fast nor too slow, graceful andposed."

    Elder sister walked with exaggeratedrge strides.

    Great-aunt asionally swatted at her sister''s calves, thighs, and back with a small feather duster.

    "Don''t hunch your back, and don''t take such big steps."

    Yes, the feather duster was also little Jiang Mianmian''s invention, just this bit of cleverness.

    Perfect for disciplining her elder sister.

    She might not have imagined that it wouldter be used on herself as well.

    Jiang Yu felt she was walking quite well, but great-aunt said it wasn''t good enough.

    "When standing, stand straight, head high and chest out. Don''t lean against doorways, it''s not dignified and will obstruct others'' paths."

    Jiang Mianmian chewed on a small steamed bun, thinking, "This great-aunt really knows her stuff. No wonder descriptions of courtesans always have them leaning in doorways, turns out it''s saying they''re undignified."

    "When turning corners, make wide turns to avoid bumping into edges or other people, which could cause unnecessary misunderstandings," Aunt Yin instructed the eldest daughter, enunciating each word while holding the feather duster.

    Jiang Mianmian thought: Ooh, knowledge point! You definitely won''t find love around corners.

    Aunt Yin couldn''t spare attention for the little girl sitting in the chair, swinging her legs and eating buns while watching the show.

    "When leaving the presence of elders, move slowly to express respect and reluctance to part."

    Jiang Yu retreated, walked past her great-aunt, smiling so wide her teeth showed.

    Aunt Yin raised the feather duster and swung it so fast it left afterimages, feathers flying everywhere.

    They floated down,nding on the little bangs of Jiang Mianmian, who sat to the side eating snacks.

    She sat there, blowing at the feathers on top of her head.

    "Phew, phew, phew!"

 Chapter 124

    Summer day.

    A gentle breeze blows.

    The rice seedlings sway like shy youngdies, bowing their heads.

    "Hyah!" A young girl rides freely on horseback.

    Her hair tied in a high ponytail, round eyes and curved eyebrows.

    She gallops back and forth, her long hair flying in the wind.

    Jiang Mianmian sits on a small chair under a big tree. Incense sticks are nted in the ground to repel mosquitoes, and a small table is ced nearby with cheese snacks, sweet water, and bitter tea.

    The sweet water is hers, the bitter tea is for Great-aunt.

    Jiang Mianmian watches her Elder Sister practice horse riding with a touch of envy.

    This is Great-aunt''s reward for Elder Sister, saying that she performed well in her walking training, so she''s rewarded with horse riding lessons.

    Elder Sister is very happy.

    Jiang Mianmian thinks horse riding looks quite dashing and beautiful.

    However, Great-aunt''s words seem a bit off, like a teacher saying your math is good, so here''s a Chinese workbook as a reward, go practice...

    By the way, they''ve actually ttened a hilltop to create a horse racing track.

    Jiang Mianmian hopes she''ll grow up quickly; she wants to ride horses too, real horses.

    She''s tired of riding wooden rocking horses.

    Mianmian has noticed that besides Elder Sister practicing walking, her mother is also secretly making efforts.

    At midnight, she hears noises and sees her mother practicing walking in the courtyard.

    It''s like those aunties who secretly practice extra moves in the corner while doing square dancing.

    Her mother''s aptitude seems a tad better than Elder Sister''s. Now when she walks with that air, it''s quite impressive.

    Elder Sister can only pretend for a short while, enough to fool outsiders.

    Her mother can already fool most people.

    Jiang Yu rides the horse for five or sixps, full of energy, and finally stops in front of Jiang Mianmian.

    She gracefully flips off the horse''s back.

    Aunt Yin wants to say it''s udylike, but considering Yu''s skills, it''s actually quite alright, just a bit showy.

    She''s quite adaptable, tailoring her methods to circumstances. If she were teaching an ordinary youngdy, strict adherence to etiquette would be fine, engraving the rules into their bones so they wouldn''t be at a disadvantage after marriage, and no one could find fault with their manners.

    But for someone with a different status, naturally, the teaching method differs.

    She sees that Mr. Jiang is extremely satisfied with her teaching methods.

    Jiang Mianmian sits on the small chair, her chubby hands pping enthusiastically.

    "Elder Sister is so amazing."

    Jiang Yu smugly dismounts and reaches out to pinch Mianmian''s cheek.

    It makes her voice waver.

    Jiang Mianmian looks at her Elder Sister''s face close to hers, feeling that Elder Sister has indeed changed a lot.

    Great-aunt is skilled at grooming, and she''s trimmed Elder Sister''s eyebrows a bit. Elder Sister, whose brows were originally a bit thick, looks at least three times prettier now.

    Great-aunt is also good at hairstyling. Though it''s still a ponytail, there''s actually more to it. There are many braids in the front, and small curls by the forehead and temples, looking incredibly beautiful.

    Jiang Mianmian just feels she''s too young. When she''s a bit older, Great-aunt will help her with her hair, and she''ll surely look beautiful too.

    She prays that Great-aunt will live to be a hundred years old.

    With Great-aunt around, Elder Sister not only looks prettier but is also dressed more elegantly.

    It''s still the same cotton jacket and skirt as before, not fancier silk or anything, but when worn, after Great-aunt''s grooming and matching, it looks very pretty.

    There''s an indescribable beauty of freshness and radiance.

    Besides the external improvements, more importantly, there''s Great-aunt''s daily brainwashing education.

    It has made Elder Sister very confident and proud now.

    Although Great-aunt''s curriculum seems extensive, Jiang Mianmian doesn''t find it bothersome at all, because Great-aunt advocates for praise education. Even if Elder Sister does something improper, like climbing trees, Great-aunt can smile and praise first, affirm, and then point out the problem.

    It''s the same for Mianmian.

    For instance, she likes to suck her thumb. Although Great-aunt''s eyebrows twitch at the sight, she has never once forced her to take her hand out of her mouth. Instead, she applied coptis to her hand. Later, when Great-aunt found that coptis didn''t work, as Mianmian thought it was okay - it''s just Chinese medicine, not too bitter - and continued sucking, Great-aunt switched to applying garlic juice... This quickly cured her thumb-sucking habit, as she doesn''t like onions and garlic.

    Now Jiang Mianmian doesn''t casually suck her thumb in public anymore.

    The habit is cured.

    Elder Sister is now very confident and no longer gossips about the vige girls like she used to.

    Great-aunt says: "If you dislike someone, and you talk behind their back, no matter what, it will eventually reach that person''s ears. If they are truly bad, you''ve offended a petty person without knowing; if they are not bad, you''ve ndered someone and you''re the petty one. If you really don''t like someone, it''s better to say it to their face than behind their back."

    Jiang Yu tried saying things to people''s faces a few times... and almost lost all her friends.

    Aunt Yin: ...

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Well, teach slowly, there''s plenty of time.

    After finishing her horse riding practice, Jiang Yu happily asks, "Great-aunt, didn''t you say we''re going to the county town today? When are we leaving?"

    "As soon as you''re ready."

    "I''ll be ready in no time." Jiang Yu disappears in a sh after speaking.

    Aunt Yin: ... exhausting.

    Jiang Mianmian is also a bit excited because they''re going to the county town to pick out jewelry today.

    Although she''s young, what girl can resist gold and silver?

    Today, all the women in the family are going out.

    Mother, Elder Sister, Mianmian, and Great-aunt.

    They''ve arranged a horse-drawn carriage as their mode of transport.

    Jiang Mianmian sits in the carriage, swaying back and forth excitedly.

    Qin Luoxia is actually a bit excited too. Although she feels the carriage is slow and not as fast as walking, riding in a carriage feels different, somehow making her feel like her status has improved.

    And seeing her two daughters sitting in the carriage, not having to be exposed to the elements, makes her very happy.

    If her mother knew she could ride in a carriage now, and even take her daughters in a carriage, she could probably rest in peace.

    Jiang Yu is even more excited, so thrilled that she wants to push open the carriage top to take a look.

    She even wants to sit on top of the carriage, the view must be great.

    But Great-aunt said to behave well outside, she''ll be watching her performance, to see if she can maintain herposure. If she can, she''ll buy her jewelry.

    Wow, thinking about new jewelry, Jiang Yu can barely contain her smile.

    In front of Great-aunt, she demurely covers her mouth with a handkerchief.

    Holding the handkerchief feels quite useful, haha, if she wants to pick at some meat stuck between her teeth, with the handkerchief covering, no one can see.

    Mianmian sees Elder Sister''s body shaking slightly withughter, impressed that she still manages to appear dignified and graceful on the surface. Great-aunt''s teachings are effective.

    She''s also very happy, unable to help drooling as she smiles.

    Great-aunt reaches out with a handkerchief, gently wiping her drool.

    The carriage sways back and forth, carrying three women about to see the world, and one Aunt Yin who has seen too much of it.

    This was the smallest jewelry store she had ever visited, yet it turned out to be her most joyful experience.

    Seeing how delighted the three mistresses were, Aunt Yin couldn''t help but be infected by their happiness.

    She asionally helped the little one wipe her drool, then advised, "Don''t show your emotions when we''re outside. We must maintain ourposure. Keep a straight face, and they won''t be able to guess what you''re thinking. This way, we can bargain better."

    Upon hearing about bargaining, Little Yu immediately understood and nodded.

    Qin Luoxia also expressed her understanding and appreciation for the lesson.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to herself: ...Thank you for your efforts, Great-aunt.

    Even lessons had to be taught in a way that rted to real life.

    Thergest jewelry shop in the county town was called "Jinya Pavilion."

    Aunt Yin got off the carriage first, critically eyeing the small shop. It was only two stories tall with a tiny storefront, looking quite shabby.

    Hearing Little Yu''s giggles from inside the carriage, she felt both helpless and a bit sad.

    Oh well, she was actually quite happy too.

    She maintained her stern, meticulous demeanor.

    Inside the jewelry shop, the manager saw the elderly servant who first stepped down from the carriage and held the curtain. Her posture and aura needed no introduction or inquiry about which family she belonged to. Instinctively, he scurried out, bowing to wee the guests.

    In the shop that day, Jiang Wan had alsoe to select jewelry. She had quite an entourage, bringing two maids and four guards.

    However, the manager hadn''t personallye out to greet her. What a snob, judging people by their appearance.

    Although Jiang Wan looked down on the jewelry in this small shop, as she had high standards, beggars can''t be choosers. After all, she was going to seek refuge with someone. She had ordered two hairpins ording to her preferences ¨C one for herself and one as a gift for her aunt.

    Today, she came to collect her items.

    She wondered who could have such prestige to make the manager personallye out to greet them.

    Jiang Wan turned slightly and saw the servant woman. She had to admit that the other''s bearing was indeed extraordinary.

    The elderly woman stood there, making people feel they shouldn''t approach her casually.

    If a mere servant was so formidable, how powerful must the master be? Jiang Wan couldn''t help but feel a desire to make their acquaintance.

    Then she saw the curtain being lifted, and an elegant, dignified youngdy stepped down, followed by a graceful madam and a beautiful little girl.

    The little girl threw herself into the servant''s arms, looking every bit the pampered young miss.

    To her shock, the youngdy with the elegant demeanor turned out to be that unsophisticated Jiang Yu?

    And the graceful madam was actually the rural woman she had always looked down upon.

    Jiang Wan''s heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer. This couldn''t be right, it was impossible...

 Chapter 125

    The weather was mild and sunny.

    Tourists thronged the streets.

    It was perfect for a stroll.

    Although Ming County was now under rebel control, it showed no signs of decline.

    In fact,pared to previous years, it was even more lively.

    Despite asional bad news from the outside world, themon people still felt quite fortunate.

    The shopkeeper ran out and saw the maid by the carriage, as well as the people alighting from it.

    Two women were holding an infant.

    Their faces were unfamiliar; he hadn''t seen them before.

    Though not dressedvishly, their demeanor was quite extraordinary.

    Aunt Yin allowed Qin Madam and Elder Sister Yu to be scrutinized.

    If they couldn''t pass the inspection of a small shop''s manager, they would bepletely unqualified.

    There were plenty of shrewd people around.

    She wasn''t worried about the little one in her arms.

    This small one was too good at fooling people; she had even fooled Aunt Yin herself.

    She noticed that Qin Madam and the elder youngdy were still slightly nervous.

    Their footsteps were different from when they were at home.

    But the little one was merely curious, not afraid, and even had a slightly disdainful look in her eyes.

    She seemed to think the jewelry store was too small.

    Aunt Yin could now interpret the young mistress''s expressions with 90% uracy, if not 100%.

    Jiang Mianmian was indeed a little disappointed.

    The invincible jewelry store her elder sister had been longing for turned out to be so small and ordinary.

    But then again, for a small county town, it was probably quite impressive.

    Jiang Yu was genuinely nervous, especially when she saw the shopkeeper bowing and smiling in wee, being extremely enthusiastic. She felt doomed, thankful that she had no money. If she did, she would certainly be the type to spend recklessly.

    Unable to resist people''s obsequious smiles, she would feelpelled to spend a lot and buy many things.

    No, no, the family wasn''t that wealthy, they needed to be frugal. She couldn''t be swayed by smiles. As her great-aunt said, she needed to put on airs, not let people see through them, to bargain better.

    This was just a jewelry store, nothing to eat or drink, nothing really special.

    Thinking this way, Jiang Yu applied all the lessons her great-aunt had taught her.

    Walk with a straight back, confidently.

    Don''t avoid people''s gazes.

    Keep your pace steady, neither hurried nor slow.

    It''s no big deal, she was super pretty, that''s why people kept looking at her.

    Unattractive things don''t get attention.

    Don''t smile carelessly, and when you do smile, your eyes must be focused, don''t casually flirt.

    Especially with men, speak frankly, don''t leave things half-said.

    For people you don''t like, just treat them like food you don''t enjoy.

    Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm.

    Jiang Yu encouraged herself.

    Qin Luoxia was also giving herself a pep talk.

    With her husband''s looks and his new status, if she remained timid, she would certainly not be worthy of him.

    She had heard that many shameless girls were still circling the County Government Office, hoping to chance upon her husband.

    Qin Luoxia certainly believed in her husband; with his looks, if he really wanted someone else, it wouldn''t have been her.

    Although her husband always encouraged her, saying she was the best,

    women''s thoughts were different. She needed to learn and grow, needed affirmation from the outside world, needed Aunt Yin''s guidance.

    She had already applied her hunting skills to practicing her walk, carefully observing how Aunt Yin walked.

    However, Aunt Yin said that different statuses required different gaits, and she couldn''t copy everything exactly.

    Aunt Yin discovered that Qin Madam''s learning ability was too strong; she could walk exactly like her in just one day. But their statuses were different, so it still wasn''t quite right.

    Qin Luoxia had also noticed that Aunt Yin must have worked in service for a long time. She instinctively bowed to her husband, and did the same for Mianmian.

    They were all more at ease with her husband than Aunt Yin was.

    She worked hard and felt a bit embarrassed, often asking Aunt Yin questions as if they were lessons for Elder Sister Yu.

    Aunt Yin taught very carefully, andter Qin Luoxia realized that Aunt Yin was teaching her.

    She felt a bit nervous as she got off the carriage, but she hid it well.

    She looked every bit the part of a powerful madam.

    She seemed to be in charge.

    Ordinary shop assistants judge by clothes, respecting fine garments before respecting the person.

    The shopkeeper naturally had better judgement, "judging people by their appearance", observing the neers through their looks, expressions, and actions.

    He bowed lower, his smile bing more genuine.

    He led them upstairs.

    Qin Luoxia spoke up: "No need to trouble yourself, we''re just casually looking around today."

    "Whether the madam and young miss buy or not is up to you, but our shop has just received a new batch of goods. Please do us the honor of taking a look," the shopkeeper said, enthusiastic yet polite.

    Other customers in the shop were curious about the neers.

    Unfamiliar faces.

    But with distinguished demeanors.

    They wondered which family these women belonged to.

    Suddenly, someone remembered something and covered her mouth.

    She had personally attended the rebel''s invitation to a banquetst time.

    It was too bloody and terrifying now.

    She hadn''t recognized them at first, but felt they looked familiar.

    After a few more nces, she recalled - they were the Second son of Jiang family''s womenfolk.

    Those unmarried girls in the county who hadn''t given up would asionally wander around the County Government Office, as if they thought the Second son of Jiang family''s wife wasn''t good enough for him.

    She was said to be just an ordinary vige woman.

    That day had been chaotic, and she hadn''t paid much attention.

    She seemed to remember the wife was quite tall.

    And their eldest daughter seemed a bit carefree and bold; in that situation, when everyone else couldn''t eat, she was the only one who enjoyed her meal.

    There was also a very small infant, whose appearance she naturally hadn''t noticed.

    In such a situation, these details were really not worth remembering, she didn''t even dare to recall it.

    But seeing Jiang Madam again, she discovered that although tall, she wore clothes very beautifully.

    And her demeanor was extraordinary.

    She looked every bit the part of a principal wife,posed in herings and goings, graceful in her movements.

    That day, she had thought the eldest daughter was a bit uncouth.

    Today, she saw differently.

    The eldest daughter''s features were very round and pleasant, quite likable, looking as if she had a good and friendly personality.

    Her every move was confident, with the pride of a youngdy.

    She was the kind that elders would like.

    Thinking back, being able to eat and drink freely in such a situation that day wasn''t uncouthness, but rather showed that she was well-informed.

    And the little girl in the maid''s arms looked so much like the Second son of Jiang family, as beautiful as if carved from jade.

    The scrutiny only took a moment. (The author took a long time to write this o(¨s¡õ¨t)o)

    Then thatdy came forward to greet them.

    "Jiang Madam."

    Qin Luoxia looked towards the person who had greeted her.

    Though unfamiliar, she still smiled, appreciating the title of Madam Jiang.

    At first, she felt awkward when addressed as "Madam," but now, hearing Aunt Yin call her that daily, she had grown ustomed to it.

    The neer introduced herself, mentioning her husband worked at the County Government Office.

    Qin Luoxia handled the situation with grace. Initially nervous, she soon realized that conversing with this woman was no different from chatting with the vige aunties.

    One at the vige entrance, another in the shop.

    With this realization, Qin Luoxia felt more at ease and steered the conversation confidently.

    After exchanging pleasantries, she decisively concluded the chat and went to look at jewelry.

    Aunt Yin had advised her not to stand talking for too long outside, unless specifically invited. "Loose lips sink ships," she''d said. "Listen more, speak less."

    While her mother conversed, Jiang Yu kept her eyes from wandering, obediently staying close, the picture of good behavior.

    Jiang Mianmian, being younger, looked around curiously.

    As a result, she spotted a familiar face.

    While Jiang Mianmian couldn''t recall most people here, that particr youngdy had left a deep impression on her.

    Aunt Yin followed Mianmian''s gaze.

    She saw a young woman.

    Aunt Yin couldn''t help but be surprised.

    She looked again, more closely.

    Of course, Aunt Yin observed discreetly, careful not to make anyone feel ufortable under her scrutiny.

    Aunt Yin thought this youngdy carried herself with unusual poise, exuding a maturity beyond her years.

    She was strikingly beautiful and well-dressed.

    Her natural beauty, an eight out of ten, was enhanced to perfection through subtle artifice that ordinary people wouldn''t notice.

    She appeared effortlessly stunning, like a lotus rising from the water, seemingly unadorned yet wless.

    Her every movement suggested nobility.

    Aunt Yin felt puzzled.

    She watched as the youngdy approached to greet them.

    "Elder Sister, Second Aunt," she said.

    Qin Luoxia frowned slightly upon seeing the young girl before her.

    She loved what her husband loved and hated what he hated. She deeply disliked anyone her husband disapproved of.

    Although that family seemed different, Jiang Wan had always appeared kind-hearted and polite.

    Previously, Qin Luoxia had thought this girl was good-natured, not understanding the disputes of the older generation.

    But after the incident with the kidnappers, were children truly innocent? Her silk garments and jade ornaments were not innocent. Her privileged lifestyle was not innocent.

    Moreover, she now realized that this youngdy had never called her "Second Aunt" before.

    Though well-mannered, she had never treated her as an elder.

    Qin Luoxia acted as if she hadn''t seen her, ignoring herpletely.

    "Let''s go upstairs," Qin Luoxia said. "It''s noisy down here, with too many unnecessary people around."

    She then turned to thedy she had been talking to earlier and added with a smile, "Wang Lady, I didn''t mean you."

    Thedy smiled understandingly.

    Jiang Wan felt extremely awkward, sensing all eyes on her.

    Yet her expression remained unchanged, projecting an air of calm indifference.

    She merely nodded with a smile, appearing so sensible that she could gracefully endure even being spat upon.

    This startled Aunt Yin.

    She felt the youngdy''sposure was unnaturally deep for her age.

    When Jiang Yu saw Jiang Wan, her first instinct was to notice her new clothes, jewelry, and embroidered shoes.

    Though Jiang Wan''s attire seemed slightly iner than before, it was still quite luxurious.

    After her great-aunt''s recent training, Jiang Yu now understood a bit about women''s fashion techniques.

    She used to feel inferior in Jiang Wan''s presence, despite sharing the same surname. Her way of expressing this inferiority was through stubbornness, blurting out whatever unpleasant thoughts came to mind, constantly picking fights.

    But now, after so long, as Jiang Yu recalled her former self, she suddenly realized how childish she had been.

    It dawned on her that Jiang Wan wasn''t so intimidating after all. She just dressed better, used better things, and groomed herself better. These were all achievable with the right conditions; there wasn''t much difference between them.

    In fact, her father was more beautiful, so she was more beautiful too ¨C something Mianmian had called "gic advantage."

    For the first time, she noticed that Jiang Wan was actually quite short, not as tall as her.

    Surprisingly, Jiang Wan wasn''t even as fair-skinned as her; her ownplexion was fairer.

    Moreover, Jiang Wan''s brows and eyes seemed tense. Her great-aunt had said such girls were unlikeable, carrying too many worries.

    Jiang Yu looked at her a bit longer, then lifted her head high, like a true little phoenix, and ascended the stairs.

    Just as she reached the top of the staircase, she couldn''t resist turning back to make a face at Jiang Wan.

    ...

 Chapter 126

    There''s a brook just outside the window.

    Willow trees line the brook.

    Beneath the trees, a woman rhythmically beats clothes against a b of stone.

    A little farther along, the precipitous eave of one house adjoins to another, presenting an alluring beauty in theirpactness.

    From her seat by the second-floor window, Jiang Mianmian observes the view outside.

    Indeed, the world looks quite different when viewed from up high.

    The shopkeeper brings out a wooden tray, upon whichys a white silk cloth, then he carefully ces piece by piece of jewelry on top.

    The white silk cloth reflects light, somewhat simr to the effect when jewelers light up their stores, making the jewelry look supremely charming.

    However, Jiang Mianmian only nced at the array of shiny objects a few times, exhibiting little interest, and soon turned her gaze back to the window.

    Aunt Yin noticed the young girl¡¯s disinterest in the jewelry on the table and the curious attention being devoted to the outdoors, where she was swinging her legs slightly.

    Aunt Yin found this energetic side of the young girl quite endearing.

    She handed over a ss of water for Jiang Mianmian to drink while she enjoyed the view and waited for her mother and sister to finish shopping.

    Thankfully, there was no seesaw, otherwise, she might have been tempted to take a ride.

    Qin Luoxia didn''t quite have much shopping experience, especially when it came to purchasing jewelry.

    She recalled Aunt Yin¡¯s words vividly, advising them to observe much and speak little, not revealing too soon if they liked something.

    She understood this well, only through scrutiny one could select the right item.

    In essence, it wasn''t that different than purchasing other goods, just that the item in question had changed.

    However, Jiang Yu seemed to be much more excited.

    Just a moment ago, she was engaging in a standoff with Jiang Wan, radiating a kind of superiority akin to a proud young phoenix, nearly protruding her belly with arrogance.

    Now sitting down, she was still slightly exhrated.

    Jiang Wan was probably irritated by her, or so she liked to think.

    In the past, Jiang Wan always appeared aloof, as if she was unconcerned by anything Jiang Yu did, which left thetter introspecting if she had done something wrong.

    Reflecting on it, that was Aunt Yin''s journaled adage, ¡°Maintain an even temper.¡±

    However, she caught a whiff of Jiang Wan''s displeasure just now.

    Feeling a bit triumphant, Jiang Yu thought she managed to understand Jiang Wan''s wavelength. seeing her upset brought a tinge of joy.

    She admired Aunt Yin''s wisdom and decided to prepare a soup for herter as a gesture of respect.

    Irritating Jiang Wan seemed more delightful than selecting jewelry.

    Despite being unfamiliar with it and never having owned any, she was slightly scared to touch it, worrying she might damage it.

    Fearful of being used of breaking an art piece, Jiang Yu turned to Aunt Yin and asked, "Can you help me pick one out?"

    Aunt Yin appreciated this trait in Jiang Yu, unlike others, she did not pretend to understand what she didn''t. It was a refreshing honesty.

    And as for Madam Qin, despite being less worldly, she was exceptionally clever. She would easily draw inferences from hints and wouldn''t boast of her wisdom. This made her easy to guide.

    Aunt Yin requested Madam Qin to select first.

    Qin Luoxia chose a simple hairpin. It was a silver one with a thick head that could easily hold back hair. In Qin Luoxia''s eyes, it could serve as a handy weapon if necessary - pull it from the hair and aim for the heart, neck, or head. Unsure if it could prate through the skull as it was quite hard.

    She nned on sharpening it upon returning home, on a livestock skull perhaps.

    Aunt Yin nodded slightly. In her opinion, the items in this store weren''t worth much praise.

    Either they are too tacky, the styles have been popr in the Capital City years ago, probably only recently spread here.

    Or they are simple and crude.

    The hairpin chosen by Madame Qin is a rare pleasing one among the pile.

    When you don''t have, simplicity can be nice.

    Oveplicated details, but sloppy craftsmanship, only result in inferior quality.

    She asked the shopkeeper, "Can they be custom-made? I saw two nice hairpins on the counter downstairs."

    The shopkeeper had just heard Madame Wang greeting from downstairs, knowing that the women in front of him are rtives of Master Jiang, became even warmer.

    After all, Master Jiang is now their immediate superior.

    Moreover, with Master Jiang around, their business gradually recovered and became even better.

    There were no more repeated fees.

    Having calcted, they even made more profit. He was thinking about contacting his old colleagues to do some business here.

    "Yes, we do ept custom orders. We will prioritize those of Madame Jiang. Those hairpins are made from the samples sent by Miss Wan. They are styles I haven''t seen before, but that doesn''t stump us. We send them to the Provincial Capital where a grand master will craft them. No matter how difficult, it can be done," the shopkeeper said.

    The shopkeeper was about to speak more when he recalled that Miss Wan, besides the two custom-made hairpins, had also given him a few new designs, saying she wanted to sell them to him.

    The shopkeeper hesitated. The daughter of a wealthy family had never made money before, drove a hard bargain, but seeing the stunning effects of those hairpins, he couldn''t let go and even felt they would certainly be a hit in Capital City.

    So, he gritted his teeth, nning to buy all of them.

    The shopkeeper felt that this Miss Wan was really capable.

    Aunt Yin nodded and praised, "Miss Wan is indeed talented, she can even remember the fashion in Capital City, impressive."

    The shopkeeper''s heart skipped a beat, feeling a little uneasy.

    "Let me see those pair of earrings." Aunt Yin slightly mentioned it, and did not say more.

    Elder daughter''s hair was lush, the jet-ck hair, even without hairpins, can look gorgeous.

    Her ears were delicate, and though this pair of little pearl earrings was small, their luster was nice and suited her.

    Her skin was white, face plump, and well-matched with pearls.

    Aunt Yin also found a pair of embroidered shoes with pearls in younger daughter''s room, quite different, not something their family would buy.

    She said it was a gift from her brother''s friend, who gave lots of things, just one of the many, such a good person, but has been out of contact for a long time now, worried if he might be dead.

    Aunt Yin: ......

    Gifting shoes is not proper, and judging from the situation, this was a matter of a wealthy family. There''s definitely something wrong.

    However, the elder daughter didn''t perceive it yet.

    Will discusster.

    Aunt Yin felt that she might lose a handful of hair due to stress when shebs her hair after returning home.

    She''s too worried about too many things.

    Qin Luoxia chose a hairpin and pearl earrings, and chose a little silver tiger for Jiang Mianmian.

    Jiang Mianmian was quite content ying with it in her hand.

    She never fancied essories for her hair anyway, afraid of straining the already light volume she had.

    She didn''t fancy essories for her ears, neck, or hands either. The economy in ancient times wasn''t great and she''d feared wearing anything might make her a selling target. Also, partly worried if there would be lead in the essories, she simply chose a handheld piece, fun to y with and collectible.

    And it did look quite cute with a tiger''s face.

    She walked with joy, feeling she was the luckiest.

    Her tiny tiger could be ced t, with a hole on its back, through which a string had been threaded.

    When she was tired from ying, she could hang it on her wrist.

    Aunt Yin discussed with the store owner on the spot about the designs she had brought and how they should be made.

    Jiang Mianmian held her tiny tiger toy, leaning against the window, looking downstairs. From afar, she saw a group of people. The leader was her eldest brother and another young man. Her brother looked so majestic, riding on his horse and holding his sword unmindful of anyone else.

    Jiang Yu also saw her eldest brother.

    She then waved enthusiastically and cried, "Brother."

    The young man riding a horse downstairs looked up; so did the man beside him.

    They were Jiang Feng and Zi Ganjiang.

    Zi Ganjiang hade to ask Jiang Feng to send troops for battle.

    Zi Ganjiang looked up to see the girl, her smile was clean and pure, her eyes were round and sparkling with joy.

    Beside her, there was another little girl, also waving her chubby little hand, sweetly calling, "Brother."

    "Brother Ganjiang, please wait for a bit. I shall be back soon," Jiang Feng gave a brief bow to Zi Ganjiang.

    He got off his horse and entered the shop, rushing upstairs, not noticing Jiang Wan at all.

    Jiang Wan was always the centre of attention everywhere, so she was taken aback when she was not only considered to be an idle spectator but alsopletely ignored.

    The man waiting on his horse at the entrance paid no attention to her but kept looking upstairs time and again.

    Jiang Wan felt aggrieved as she felt continually eclipsed by Jiang Yu, leading to her misfortune every time they met.

    Contrary to her expectation, Jiang Yu hadn''t be a maid, hadn''t lost her memories and was just as mboyant and irritating as she had appeared in Jiang Wan''s dreams.

    Upon reaching upstairs, Jiang Feng lifted Mianmian up in his arms.

    After greeting his mother, Aunt Yin, he turned to Jiang Yu and asked, "What is that which is making you so happy that your teeth are showing?"

    Jiang Yu revealed the earrings, and said, ¡°Auntie Yin chose these for me. I like them."

    "Silly girl," Jiang Feng pinched Jiang Yu''s cheeks teasingly.

    Terrified, Jiang Mianmian held up her own little tiger toy, and said, "Brother, this is my little tiger toy. I gift this to you."

    As expected, her brother refused the gift but ruffled her hair endearingly.

    After a brief visit, citing that he had work to do, Jiang Feng disappeared again. He left generously, asking the store-owner to add the bill to his ount.

    Jiang Mianmian almost spurt out a mouthful of saliva bubbles in surprise. She wondered when her brother had his own secret stash of money. It was amazing.

    The family picked up the jewellery and got ready to return to the vige.

    They took the carriage as before.

    Inside the carriage, Jiang Yu couldn''t contain her excitement. She kept attaching the pearl everywhere, smiling so much that she could hardly sit still.

    Qin Luoxia''s hairpin was already tucked in her hair, which only revealed a pair of silver round balls. It was really low-key.

    Sitting in her mother''s arms, Jiang Mianmian hugged her little tiger toy. She felt the carriage jostling rhythmically and found herself humming a tune, which was neither melodious nor in tune.

    The sound was soft and fluctuating.

    Aunt Yin sat quietly, listening to the girl¡¯s unknowing humming. Everyone in the carriage including Jiang Yu and Qin Luoxia, fell silent.

    Oblivious to all this, Jiang Mianmian continued to y and hum.

    Aunt Yin couldn''t help but feel it was inherited. The young girl was just so small, but the humming tune she sang was something Aunt Yin had never heard before ¡ª no one else had ¡ª it seemed disorderly, yet exceptionally profound.

    Her fingers gently tapped her knee, surprisingly jotting down every single word.

    Jiang Mianmian tired herself out from ying. She rested her face in her mother''s embrace and fell asleep.

    Her little head bobbed gently with the sway of the carriage, cradled by her mother''s broad hand, sleeping deeply with her chubby cheeks pressed and flushed.

 Chapter 127

    The horse-drawn carriage ttered along, swaying gently.

    Jiang Mianmian opened her eyes just as they arrived home.

    Her bangs were damp, wet from sleep.

    She had been sweating.

    A child''s body temperature runs higher.

    It''s easy to sweat.

    She had changed arms and was now in Grandma''s embrace.

    Grandma''s hold was a bit cooler.

    She opened her eyes slightly, watching Elder Sister wearing pearl earrings, bouncing with each step.

    This time, however, she wasn''t in a rush to show off in the vige.

    Mainly because their family''s circumstances had improved, and they''d already shown off quite a bit. Any more would only invite resentment.

    Seeing the little girl''s eyes open, Aunt Yin noticed her staring at her sister''s earrings and asked with a smile, "Would you like Grandma to pierce your ears too?"

    Jiang Mianmian shook her head in panic, "No, no!"

    Although ear piercing probably wouldn''t kill her, she didn''t like it.

    Aunt Yin couldn''t bear to do it anyway. The little girl''s earlobes were exceptionally pretty, round and perky, looking like two natural little pearls. They were so beautiful. She was just teasing the little girl.

    Back home, Grandma recounted with Mother and Elder Sister what they had seen and heard on their outing.

    Jiang Mianmian, having napped in the carriage, was quite alert now. She sat on her little stool, listening attentively.

    The main topic was about Jiang Wan.

    Aunt Yin sighed, saying that the old Madam Jiang indeed had skill. Her granddaughter was raised like a youngdy from a noble family, every gesture exuding dignity. But Jiang Yu was just like a vige girl, her knowledge and methods not even on the same level.

    If the two were to live in the same household, a girl like the elder one would likely perish quickly.

    It was toote to teach her now. The other girl had been learning since childhood, immersed in it day after day. Even with privileged living conditions, it''s hard to change one''s nature when starting sote.

    She could only teach the elder girl the superficial aspects, how to behave outwardly to deceive others. Thoughts and intentions couldn''t be changed.

    Teaching someone how to act was already difficult; teaching someone how to be was a pipe dream.

    Aunt Yin only advised the elder girl, "With girls like Jiang Wan, don''t listen to what she says. Her words are full of twists and turns. Don''t believe a single word. Your advantage is your strength. Brute force can ovee cunning. If she really angers you, give her a p. Just cry louder than she does."

    Jiang Yu nodded excitedly, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Grandma. Grandma was so impressive. She had only met Jiang Wan once but knew that she had always been at a disadvantage in front of Jiang Wan. She used to think Jiang Wan was doing good things, but in the end, she was always the one getting hurt.

    Qin Luoxia never interrupted when Aunt Yin was teaching the children, nor did she undermine her.

    It wasn''t that she trusted Aunt Yin, but that she trusted her husband. Her husband said Aunt Yin was reliable and capable, so she believed Aunt Yin was reliable and capable.

    Jiang Mianmian listened with admiration, looking up at Grandma. Grandma really understood Elder Sister well and knew how to teach ording to one''s abilities.

    After discussing the elder sister, Aunt Yin continued, "Lady, you''ll probably need to socialize in the future, so it''s best to familiarize yourself with the families you might interact with. How many people are in each household, how many wives and concubines, how many children, what are their rtionships like, how many servants, where they live, how big their homes are. Sometimes, knowing these things can lead to many unexpected discoveries. If you do well, you might even be able to help the master."

    Qin Luoxia nodded, thinking to herself that she might take a midnight stroll one day to see for herself. That should help her figure things out.

    Seeing thedy''s eager expression, Aunt Yin felt something was amiss and quickly added, "There''s no rush. Gathering and collecting information is also a skill. We''ll take it slow. Sometimes what you hear isn''t what you think you''ve heard, and even false information can be useful. You need to learn how to discern."

    After teaching the two older ones, Aunt Yin turned to the youngest.

    The little girl, who had been listening intently just moments ago, now shed a silly smile at her, drooling...

    Aunt Yin wiped away the drool.

    It''s normal for children to drool when they''re teething.

    "Grandma, tired tired, go sleepy sleepy," Jiang Mianmian said in a cute voice.

    Aunt Yin thought to herself, she wasn''t tired; she had endless worries.

    But seeing that Lady Qin and the elder girl probably needed to digest what they''d learned, she carried the little girl back to the room first.

    Teaching is important, learning is important, but thinking is even more important.

    Teaching without learning is futile.

    Learning without thinking is useless.

    Aunt Yin carried the little girl back to the room.

    There was a meditation cushion and a small table in the room, with paper and brushes on the table.

    Jiang Mianmian said thoughtfully, "Grandma, you take a nap. I''ll draw, and when you wake up, I''ll show you."

    Aunt Yin was getting on in years. She was supposed to be retired, but now she had endless worries. After going out, she felt tired at the sight of the bed.

    Shey down to rest for a while.

    Jiang Mianmian sat on the small meditation cushion.

    Having napped in the carriage, she was wide awake now. Her chubby little hand grasped a charcoal pencil, which was just a piece of wood with a small piece of charcoal inserted into a groove.

    It could be used for drawing.

    Another useless little invention.

    Brush pens were too soft; she couldn''t control the pressure.

    The charcoal pencil was like a thick lead pencil, easy to use.

    When Elder Sister and Mother practiced calligraphy, Jiang Mianmian would scribble and doodle nearby.

    Jiang Mianmian wasn''t interested inndscapes; she only drew human figures.

    This was a required course.

    She took the charcoal pencil and drew a beautiful girl who looked very much like Jiang Wan, but she only drew half of the face. The other half exposed the skull, jawbone, muscle fibers, the frontalis muscle, superficial temporal artery, parotid nd, sternocleidomastoid muscle, mandible, vicle, sternum...

    After finishing, she was quite pleased with herself. Her skills hadn''t gotten rusty. It had a very "beauty and the bones" feel to it.

    She heard the sound of horseback riding in the courtyard. It seemed Elder Brother had returned. Jiang Mianmian pushed open the door to go out.

    Hearing the door open, Aunt Yin also woke up.

    She had just been resting her eyes, trying to get her body in the best condition.

    She got up, lightly patted her clothes and her body, and felt refreshed and alert.

    She touched her hair, which was still neat and tidy, and prepared to go out.

    But then her gaze fell on the drawing on the table.

    For a moment, her breath caught in her throat.

    ...

 Chapter 128

    "Pinch the philtrum."

    "Harder."

    "Press on the chest."

    "Harder."

    Jiang Changtian and Jiang Feng happened to return at that moment.

    Mianmian heard the sound and went out to greet them.

    But then she heard noises from the room, so she pushed the door open and found her great-aunt lying on the floor...

    Her first thought was to perform emergency first aid.

    Could this be a heart attack or stroke?

    But with her small frame, she definitely couldn''t manage it alone. She pushed the door wide open.

    She called for her Elder Brother and Father toe.

    Even in ancient times, people knew emergency procedures like pinching the philtrum.

    And thumping the chest.

    On the second thump, Aunt Yin opened her eyes.

    Seeing the two people in front of her, and little Mianmian leaning over her, she finally came to her senses.

    "I''m fine."

    By this time, Mother and Elder Sister had also heard themotion ande over.

    Aunt Yin asked Elder Sister Yu to take Mianmian away.

    Jiang Changtian told Sister Xia to go brew a calming herbal medicine.

    Then he closed the door.

    They were all sharp people, and from Aunt Yin''s look, he knew she had something to say in private.

    Sure enough, Aunt Yin tremblingly pulled out the drawing Mianmian had made from beneath her.

    In thest moment before she fainted from fright, she had actually remembered to hide the drawing, but probably didn''t have time and just pressed it under herself before losing consciousness in terror.

    Aunt Yin had seen her fair share of dead bodies before.

    But this was still excessively frightening.

    Ancient people had a great respect for the human body.

    The body and hair are gifts from one''s parents, not to be damaged carelessly.

    Even after death, they wouldn''t desecrate a corpse by cutting it open to see what was inside.

    But this drawing... one side of the face was beautiful, one could say rarely beautiful. The eyes, brows, neck, nose, and lips were all lovely, andposed a very attractive whole.

    But the other half depicted whaty beneath the skin and flesh. It was hard to imagine that this was really what was packaged under a person''s scalp and face.

    Veins? Strips of muscle? Bones? Teeth?

    The framework, the direction of blood flow, how it all connected...

    Could a normal person draw this?

    Could a normal child draw this?

    They couldn''t imagine it being like this, because no one had ever peeled back the skin to look, or cut it open to see.

    Even a coroner wouldn''t do this.

    And it certainly wouldn''t be cut open in such detail.

    Jiang Changtian was also startled when he saw the drawing.

    Jiang Feng was even more terrified when he saw it, unable to utter a word.

    "It''s alright, it''s alright, don''t be afraid, it''s fine. Children have pure eyes, they can see things adults can''t. It''s alright," Jiang Changtian said, though he was quite horrified by the drawing himself.

    Human fear of the corpses of their own kind is a gic instinct, preventing cannibalism.

    Jiang Changtian noticed his son''s body trembling slightly.

    He still hadn''t killed enough people.

    Actually, it''s really nothing to worry about.

    Aunt Yin had also calmed down, and hearing the master''s exnation, it seemed to make sense.

    That child Mianmian''s eyes had always been different.

    It was just a bit too frightening.

    "It''s nothing, Aunt Yin. Sorry for scaring you. You should rest a bit more," Jiang Changtian said, taking the drawing and leading his son out.

    Jiang Changtian took the drawing and his son, walking quite far, to where they usually rode horses. It was a spacious ce with no one around.

    Jiang Changtian found a spot to sit where he could see both the vige and the area beyond.

    The view here was excellent.

    "Feng''er, is there something you''re hiding from Father?"

    Seeing his sister''s drawing, Jiang Feng felt as if he had returned to that lightless underground.

    Watching bodies slowly decay from flesh to bone, the bones slowly dposing, crumbling, bing one with the soil. No light, only endless darkness, stretching on without end.

    In that moment, tears streamed from Jiang Feng''s eyes like a spring.

    Jiang Changtian had actually noticed some strange changes in Feng''er.

    Before his injury, he had always been a bit of a wastrel.

    He hardly listened when his father spoke.

    But after that injury, he suddenly matured overnight, as if he had changed in a single night, bing more sensible, obedient, and steady.

    But Feng''er was unwilling to say what had happened.

    He had kept his son under close watch, but hadn''t noticed anything unusual.

    Now it seemed there really was something out of the ordinary.

    He reached out to put an arm around his son''s shoulders, patting his arm firmly, and said, "It''s alright, it''s alright, Feng''er. It''s fine. You can tell Father anything, you don''t need to hide it from me. I can bear it."

    Hearing his father''s words, Jiang Feng cried even harder.

    He, a grown man, was sobbing and choking with tears.

    His whole body shook.

    "I know why Sister is like this, why she can draw such pictures."

    Jiang Feng spoke through gritted teeth, one word at a time.

    He told his father about what he had seen when he was injured and nearly died.

    Several times during the telling, he opened his mouth wide, paused, unable to continue.

    Looking at the wisps of smoke rising from the vige, he forced himself to go on.

    "That fool Little Jiang Yu got herself lost. Me, Mianmian, and Mother were all buried together. Then one day, I couldn''t hear the crying from above anymore. Father, I don''t know where you went. Suddenly I woke up, and I found I was different. I hade back to life, my strength had increased greatly, and my mind had be much sharper."

    Jiang Changtian listened to his son''s ount without interrupting once.

    But the blood flow in his body slowed, and his hands and feet grew cold.

    It turned out he couldn''t bear it after all.

    He really couldn''t bear this oue.

    Jiang Changtian also opened his mouth several times, but said nothing.

    The act of opening his mouth could greatly stretch the facial muscles, keeping the tears from falling.

    "I think Sister also came back from there. She died very young, so evening back from there, she doesn''t understand much. But because she stayed underground for so long, that''s why she likes to y with ants. That''s why... that''s why she draws bones and corpses. Her body must have changed too."

    Jiang Changtian gripped his son''s shoulders, sitting beside him, listening to him recount that experience.

    For some reason, he knew that this was really what they had been through.

    Because if Feng''er had died that time, everything seemed predictable.

    His health was poor, he couldn''t look after Yu''er, she might foolishly sell herself off or get lost. He and Jiang Wan would go looking for Yu''er, but they would lose Mianmian too. Mianmian looked extremely simr to him, so Old Lady Jiang definitely wouldn''t want her alive and would have her poisoned. Jiang Wan would want revenge and end up with a broken neck, killed instantly.

    Leaving only him, this useless one, still alive.

    And what could he do while alive?

    He wanted to kill, to ughter everyone in the world as a burial offering for his wife and children.

    "It''s nothing, it''s nothing, really, Feng. It was just a nightmare. You''re alive, Mianmian is here, Elder Sister Yu is here, Mother and Father are all here, and now we even have Aunt Yin. Everything will be alright, life will only get better," Jiang Changtianforted his son.

    Each word, each sentence, was spoken with gentleness.

    As if possessing a magical power.

    Jiang Feng''s heaving chest gradually calmed down.

    With reddened eyes, he said, "Father, if Mianmian is different in any way, don''t treat her like a monster. She, she is just Mianmian, she''s my sister, your child. She''s very good, very obedient. Her life in the previous incarnation was too short, she didn''t even breathe for a full year. Shey in that tiny coffin, so small, only upying a corner. Father, in this life, what I want most is for Mianmian to live long and prosper, to live for hundreds or thousands of years, to make up for what wascking in her previous life."

    Mianmian, who was ying with ant blocks in the courtyard, suddenly burst into tears.

    Her hearing was very good.

    So she heard the conversation between her brother and father.

    She hadn''t imagined, hadn''t thought that they had suffered so terribly.

    If she didn''t have the Spirit Spring, the whole family would have died, leaving only Father alone. What a desperate scenario that would have been.

    She cried, and more and more ants gathered on the ground.

    Because the little tree sensed the great change in its little master''s emotions and became a bit panicked.

    Jiang Changtianforted his son.

    He slowly walked back.

    He walked very slowly, stepping on the ground one foot at a time, feeling the hardness of the soil.

    Under such soil, lying there, unable to turn over, unable to move, what would that feel like?

    He didn''t cry. After hearing his son recount such a tragic experience, he didn''t shed a single tear.

    Instead, he carefully examined Mianmian''s drawing.

    Mianmian drew extremely well, the flesh vivid, the bones rounded.

    This person must be Jiang Wan.

    Jiang Wan was a beautiful girl, with beautiful bones and flesh.

    Jiang Changtian walked back step by step, not crying, not shedding tears. He numbly thought, if all his family were gone, leaving him alone in the world, what would he do?

    What would he do? He would go mad, he would kill, he would overthrow this dynasty, he would make everyone apany them in death.

    Every moment he lived longer would be to make one more of them die.

    Besides this, he had no reason to live on.

    Hell is empty, and all the devils are here.

    He believed he could do it.

    Jiang Changtian reached the doorway of his home, saw Mianmian surrounded by ants, saw her sitting in the midst of the ant pile, tears streaming down her face, reaching out to him, wanting to be held.

    Jiang Changtian walked over and gently picked up the child.

    "Don''t be afraid, Father is here." Jiang Changtian finally shed tears. He saw the ants surrounding a tiny skeleton, eating her bit by bit. She was so soft, when she was born she only knew how to smile.

 Chapter 129

    ......

    The ants retreated like a receding tide.

    Jiang Mianmian also stopped crying.

    She reached out to wipe her father''s tears.

    "Father, don''t cry. There, there," she cooed.

    Jiang Mianmian''s eyes were red, yet she couldn''t help butfort the man before her.

    He had a handsome face.

    His skull was well-proportioned and attractive.

    In truth, he had many small ws: he was a picky eater, possibly afraid of the dark, prone to showing off, and fond of deceiving others. He might just be an extremely good-looking scoundrel, but he was her father.

    He, too, could cry and feel heartbroken.

    Jiang Changtianughed.

    Heughed through his unstoppable tears.

    Jiang Mianmian, with her exceptionally keen hearing, felt a bit deted.

    Perhaps it was because she had just been born and had been constantly straining her ears to listen from the corner of the bed, developing her hearing to an extreme degree. This allowed her to overhear her father and brother''s conversation from such a distance.

    Although they spoke softly, she still heard everything.

    While her drawing was quite outrageous, she felt that given Grandma''s intelligence, she would have figured it out sooner orter. It seemed better to let Grandmae to terms with it earlier.

    However, she hadn''t expected it to uncover so many secrets.

    And it had nearly sent Grandma away.

    Feeling a bit guilty, Jiang Mianmian thought she should add something to Grandma''s tea tonight.

    She pondered that if she hadn''t traveled through time, she would have been just as her brother described - an infant without any chance to grow up.

    The thought still made her sad.

    Today''s sunset was as red as fresh blood, a suffocating sight.

    The distant, rolling mountains looked like monsters, inspiring terror.

    Even the gentle evening breeze felt like a ghost''s touch, making one ufortable.

    Emotions truly could sway a person. When happy, even seeing a pile of dung could feel like good luck.

    When sad, even a flower could seem poisonous.

    Jiang Mianmian appeared listless during dinner.

    Aunt Yin, who had been scared to the point of her heart nearly stopping - it felt like it had actually stopped for a few beats - found herself unable to scold the little one. The child seemed deted before Aunt Yin could even reprimand her.

    Instead, Aunt Yin had to feed her and try to cheer her up. She must have owed this family a great debt in her previous life.

    Jiang Mianmian noticed that her father and brother appeared normal as they ate dinner together.

    They seemed harmonious.

    There were no visible changes, except that after the meal, her father said he had to work overtime.

    Her brother went along with him.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t know what rebels did every day, as she had no ess to that world.

    At home, she felt the changes: the house gradually grewrger, their life slowly improved, and they transitioned from a purely working-ss family to one with a hint of petty bourgeois status.

    They had transportation (two horses and a carriage).

    They had help (Aunt Yin as a tutor).

    They had a house (self-built, and gradually expanding).

    They had savings (her mother had almost dug out several rooms in the cer, presumably hiding treasures).

    Qin Luoxia noticed the change in her husband and son''s mood but assumed it was just some matter of business. She didn''t inquire further.

    Seeing that Aunt Yin seemed energetic enough to take care of Mianmian, she figured there wasn''t much of a problem.

    Qin Luoxia breathed a small sigh of relief. She had been very afraid that something might happen. This past year felt like a gift, with life being so good that sometimes she worried she might be dreaming, asionally pinching herself to make sure.

    Jiang Yu didn''t know what had happened but felt the atmosphere was a bit strange.

    "Grandma, are you alright? Why did you faint earlier? Is it because you''re too tired from taking care of Mianmian? If so, let Mianmian sleep with me, I''ll look after her."

    Taking care of both sisters was exhausting; it wasn''t just one person''s effort, you''re part of the problem too.

    Aunt Yin wearily rubbed her brow and said, "It''s nothing, I''ll be fine after a night''s rest."

    It was better to keep the two girls separate. The older girl, though sometimes a bit foolish, was at least normal and easier to teach.

    The younger one was... difficult to describe. Better not to let them influence each other.

    In the evening, back in the room, Aunt Yin helped Mianmian wash her little feet, cleaning between her toes thoroughly. She changed her into her sleeping clothes, let down her hair to brush it, and helped her brush her teeth using the tool she had requested - holes poked in wood with horsehair bristles threaded through, creating a dense little brush specifically for cleaning teeth.

    Getting this little ancestor ready for bed was a whole routine, moreplex than serving a pce master.

    After washing up, she still had to massage her tummy, calves, and arms. Mianmian had a look of calm enjoyment,pletely at ease.

    Thank goodness she hade, otherwise, how could they have managed with such a demanding child?

    In the room, from toothbrushes tobs, from footwear to sleeping clothes, even to the covered chamber pot, everything - she coulde up with new ideas for all of it, strange and peculiar, all for the sake offort.

    She knew that she wouldn''t have an easy life in this lifetime.

    It wasn''t in her fate.

    After tending to the little ancestor, her back was so sore she could barely straighten up.

    Then she watched as the little one wobbled over with a cup of water, wearing her special little pajamas, her hair soft and smooth, her teeth fresh and fragrant, her hands white and clean.

    "Grandma, have some water. You''ve worked hard."

    Her heart melted.

    Her back didn''t hurt anymore.

    Aunt Yin took the cup and drank it all in one go.

    She even praised, "It''s so sweet. Thank you, Mianmian."

    It really was sweet. When the little ancestor wasn''t being troublesome, she was truly thoughtful.

    Having no children of her own due to an illness contracted in the pce that left her unable to bear children, Aunt Yin had a particrlyplex set of emotions towards children.

    She liked them yet feared them, thinking she would dislike children because she had seen how cruel and selfish they could be.

    In truth, after she couldn''t leave this courtyard, she hadn''t tried again. It wasn''t that she truly couldn''t escape.

    It was because on that morning, the little girl''s smile was too sweet.

    She nestled against her, falling asleep in her arms.

    She waspletely unguarded with her.

    She kissed her.

    She sweetly called out, "Grandma, Grandma," like a little duckling quacking, calling out dozens of times a day.

    After praising the child, Aunt Yin took a deep breath before carefully bringing up today''s drawing.

    Worried about fainting again, she leaned against the bed as she began to talk.

    Jiang Mianmian sat on the bed like a good child, her feet bare as she couldn''t sleep with socks on.

    Her little feet were pale and delicate.

    "Mianmian, why did you draw such things?" Aunt Yin asked cautiously.

    "I wanted to."

    "When have you seen such things?"

    "I don''t know."

    "Could you draw it again next time?"

    Jiang Mianmian nodded. She could. This was a subject she got an A in, a rare course where she didn''tg behind.

    Heart, liver, spleen, stomach, kidneys - she could draw them all, and in three dimensions too.

    "But what''s the use of drawing these?" Aunt Yin asked, puzzled, aside from scaring people.

    Jiang Mianmian answered seriously, "It can cure illnesses. Zi Xiaochong said he had a head ailment, something growing inside his head. Cut it out and he''ll be fine."

    Aunt Yin: ......

    Zi Xiaochong knew it was the Young Lord Zi.

    She had heard that the Young Lord Zi was ill.

    But no one had ever imagined that his head could be cut open. Wouldn''t that result in death?

    Could a head that''s been cut open be closed again?

    Aunt Yin felt the matter was bingplicated and thought it necessary tomunicate with Commander Zi.

    She hugged the little girl and spoke soothingly, "We can''t show these drawings to others carelessly. They might be frightened. We fear the unknown, and if we can''t find answers, we might try to eliminate the problem, making it disappear."

    Jiang Mianmian nodded, her cheeks puffed out.

    She showed that she had learned her lesson.

    But she wasn''t happy about it.

    That night, Aunt Yin held Mianmian as they slept.

    That same night, Jiang Changtian returned to the small, cluttered room where he once worked. He gazed at the markings on the windowsill and the door visible through the window.

    Another door faced that one outside.

    Behind that door was the Jiang family home.

    He had already given up on investigating his own ancestry.

    As long as he wasn''t the child of the Jiang family''s old madam, he didn''t care whose child he was.

    It didn''t matter, as long as his family was doing well.

    But when he thought about the tragic life Feng had described,

    He could barely breathe.

    It felt as if his heart had been violently ripped out.

    It was more painful than dying a thousand deaths.

    It wasn''t enough. What he had done wasn''t enough, far from it.

    This time, he knocked on the Jiang family''s door again.

    Not kneeling outside like a dog, begging for it to be opened.

    He kicked the door open with one foot.

    Behind him, Jiang Feng wore armor, wielded a long sword, and wore a mask. He led a group of simrly equipped men, not many, just fifty elite soldiers.

    These were men personally trained and selected by Jiang Feng. He always felt that the food and water at home might be better, so he would reward those who performed exceptionally well with mysterious "strength pills," which were actually just ordinary medicinal pills made from wild onions, wild vegetables, and somemon herbs from home.

    But those who ate them became extremely zealous, believing they had truly consumed immortal medicine.

    People these days all believed in immortal medicine, as the current emperor was its biggest devotee.

    These fifty men followed orders strictly, received training from Jiang Feng, and asionally underwent brainwashing and maniption from Jiang Changtian.

    They were unwaveringly loyal.

    That night, darkness enveloped the Jiang Manor.

    ...

 Chapter 130

    Night had fallen.

    The Jiang Manor was no longer aze with lights.

    Jiang Wan was now the housekeeper.

    She felt that excessive lighting was wasteful.

    And too conspicuous.

    It was sufficient to illuminate only the rooms of each master.

    As it didn''t affect people''s lives and actually made everyone feel morefortable, the household quickly adapted to her management.

    However, being a housekeeper wasn''t easy. After gaining control of the household, Jiang Wan was initially overwhelmed. She wasn''t born with this knowledge and needed time to adapt.

    She eliminated a steward, confiscated his property, and took over Aunt Yao''s remaining assets to keep the household afloat.

    Jiang Wan''s methods were ruthless, and she performed exceptionally well.

    But she was, after all, just a young girl, not yet married. Her actions inevitably made people feel she was overly calcting.

    There were no idle hands in the manor now; every position was filled with purpose.

    The household was essentially divided into three parts. Jiang Huaisheng, his wife Wu Qingzi, and their newborn daughter Jiang Shu lived together. Jiang Huaisheng''s face was scarred; he always felt he hadn''t received proper medical treatment, and now the scar was clearly visible on his left cheek.

    He once had a broad, cheerful face, with sunny and generous features. The elders preferred his face to Jiang Changtian''s, finding it more reliable.

    But now there was an unwee scar. Though it had healed well and wasn''trge, just half a finger''s length.

    All the mirrors in the room had been removed. To avoid upsetting her husband, Wu Qingzi even gave up her dressing mirror.

    In these chaotic times, he still appeared to maintain his old routines: reading, practicing swordy, and asionally educating the children.

    However, he couldn''t concentrate on his studies now, growing restless. His sword practice became more intense, sometimes resulting in minor injuries.

    He no longer frequently scolded Jiang Rong, who was even more diligent, rarely leaving his room while studying.

    He now had more time to spend with his little daughter, Jiang Shu.

    This child had arrived at a peculiar time, but she had soothed Jiang Huaisheng''s heart.

    As he spent more time caring for her himself, their bond deepened.

    He hadn''t realized how demanding an infant could be, and it had brought him closer to his wife.

    At night, Shu Shu was ate sleeper, her eyes rolling about. Jiang Huaisheng sat beside his little daughter, reading aloud to her.

    Wu Qingzi was doing needlework. As a girl, her needlework had been poor, merely for show. She hadn''t expected that in this remote ce, day after day, she would actually hone her skills.

    At this moment, she felt content. This was what peace truly meant.

    Jiang Rong was still studying. Jiang Wan had reced all his attendants, but he didn''t mind.

    The new attendants would remind him to sleep on time, bring himte-night snacks if he stayed up, and try to persuade him to take walks. Though somewhat annoying, Jiang Rong appreciated their efforts.

    So during this time, Jiang Rong hadn''t lost weight; he''d actually gained some.

    A bit of stress-induced weight gain.

    Old Lady Jiang was a light sleeper, afraid to go to bed too early. If she slept too early, she''d wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to fall back asleep.

    In truth, she hadn''t experienced much hardship for most of her life.

    Even during their exile, she had been cared for. It was considered a difficult journey, but looking back, it wasn''t so bad.

    They hadn''t traveled far before the Emperor pardoned them, and they were back in their carriages.

    Though Ming County was remote, they still lived as top-tier gentry. Aunt Yao had taken excellent care of her.

    After Aunt Yao''s departure, she struggled to adjust. However, with Wan''er around, her granddaughter had trained new maids. At first, it was ufortable, but now it felt quite good. They followed her cues, and while not as attentive as Aunt Yao, they were more respectful.

    They served her more thoroughly. Although she knew the family''s finances were now tight ¨C two-thirds taken by rebels, and that beast had plundered most of the rest ¨C they were barely managing.

    Old Lady Jiang could tell from the quality and quantity of food that the family''s surplus was insufficient. This was why she ultimately decided to lead her children and grandchildren to seek refuge with her daughter.

    It wasn''t the best choice; returning to the Jiang Family''s Old Residence would have been better, avoiding burdening her daughter.

    But with Huaisheng''s facial scar and that little beast still alive, she dared not return to their old home, which was too close to the capital.

    Her daughter was, after all, a prince''s consort. In her fief, given Yu Luan''s nature, they could be settledfortably.

    At night, Old Lady Jiang didn''t drink tea, fearing midnight trips to the bathroom. Instead, she kept half a ginseng slice in her mouth to nourish her spirit.

    In fact, Old Lady Jiang was the household''srgest expense.

    She required numerous items. Jiang Huaisheng thought the money diverted was for his mother to support his brother, but it was actually for various medicinal herbs Old Lady Jiang used, like the ginseng slices she sucked on daily. For poor families, ginseng was a lifesaving medicine; for her, it was merely a sweet snack.

    For sleep, if her bed wasn''t draped in real silk, she couldn''t rest. Silk products were easily wrinkled and as expensive as gold. Recing them frequently was akin to using gold for a while and then discarding it.

    Jiang Wan was aware of this. Although she didn''t want to seek refuge with her aunt, rationally feeling it improper as it would naturally put them in an inferior position, the family indeed struggled to sustain itself. Being a housekeeper was exhausting; her once pure and bright smile now always carried a hint of fatigue.

    Jiang Wan herself spent quite a lot. Before, when buying paintings, calligraphy, and jade, she hadn''t noticed. It was only after bing housekeeper that she realized how much she could spend.

    Now that she was in charge, she couldn''t cut her own expenses, could she?

    Moreover, she had to procure some attire for herself. The jewelry shop owner was too despicable; initially agreeing to buy her designs at a high price, then reneging.

    Jiang Wan felt the owner was greedy, memorizing her styles before backing out.

    She was still too young, disadvantaged in dealing with people.

    It was also due to the rebels'' rule; they didn''t need to show respect to the Jiang Manor.

    No matter how much intelligence and talent one had outside, ultimately, it depended on power and influence.

    This period was somewhat unpleasant for Jiang Wan, but not too terrible. It was also a process of growth through adversity.

    In this world, there were no detours; every path was necessary.

    She had read many books. Although she lost herposure upon seeing Jiang Yu and her mother during the day, she quickly regained herposure.

    There was no need for surprise. A leopard can''t change its spots. Even if Jiang Yu''s temperament had improved slightly, it wasn''t much. She could see through it at a nce; it was still very childish.

    Qin, born in the countryside, could only throw her weight around in Ming County. There was no need to indulge in momentary satisfaction in front of her.

    Jiang Wan adjusted her mindset, copied an extra Heart Sutra, and practiced the zither for an entire afternoon.

    Her music now carried more emotion, but it was also more melodious and lingering.

    It didn''t matter; they would soon leave Ming County.

    Leave this ce that made her feel uneasy.

    "Bang!"

    "ng!"

    The sound of a door being smashed.

    The sh of swords.

    Surprisingly close to her ears.

    At first, she thought rebels hade again. Could it be that the rebels were fighting among themselves? These rootless rebels were most prone to infighting. Before aplishing anything, they would start quarreling internally. This was also why rebellions throughout history often failed.

    But the sound was too close.

    It seemed to being from within the courtyard.

    "Bang!"

    A guard''s body flew in from outside, smashing the door open.

    Hey sprawled in front of Old Lady Jiang and Jiang Wan.

    Old Lady Jiang was so startled she nearly choked on the ginseng slice in her mouth.

    Jiang Wan jumped in fright, and her first instinct was to look down at her own clothes, ensuring her outer garments were properly arranged.

    The guard''s body had flown in.

    Outside the door was pitch ck.

    From the darkness emerged a man with long ck hair cascading over his shoulders, dressed in a ck robe. He wore a smile, as if he had stepped out of a painting.

    Old Lady Jiang was so frightened she nearly suffocated.

    Jiang Wan sat there, trembling uncontrobly.

    "You beast, what are you doing?" Old Lady Jiang managed to sputter.

    Jiang Changtian, his eyes slightly reddened, said, "Mother, I had a nightmare in the middle of the night. Suddenly, I missed you terribly, so I came to see you."

    His repeated use of "mother" made Old Lady Jiang''s skin crawl. She couldn''t fathom what madness had possessed him.

    "Thump, thump, thump. Thump, thump, thump."

    Behind Jiang Changtian came the sound of uniform footsteps.

    Dozens of armored men wearing helmets and carrying swords stood in formation at the doorway.

    "I was worried that Mother wouldn''t let me in to fulfill my filial duties, so I brought a few subordinates along. See, Mother? We got in just fine."

    On the other side, guards had seized Jiang Huaisheng and his wife Wu Qingzi, even bringing along their infant. Jiang Rong had also been captured and brought over.

    "After my nightmare, I found myself missing Mother, my elder brother, my sister-inw, and my nieces and nephews. Seeing you all here puts my mind at ease. I just wanted to gather with you, and fearing you might be unwilling, I brought more people. You see? It proved useful. Now, we''re all reunited. We brothers are friendly and respectful to each other. Mother must be so pleased."

    Jiang Changtian found a chair and sat down, wiping the blood from his hands. His face was all smiles, and his voice gentle.

 Chapter 131

    ...

    There was a pot of moth orchids in the room.

    Purple-red in color.

    They looked especially beautiful at night.

    Jiang Changtian surveyed the room.

    It was very familiar to him.

    Because he remembered every corner of Old Lady Jiang''s room.

    There are certain ces, certain memories, that no matter how hard you try to forget, when you encounter them again, your whole body trembles, your blood boils and churns, screaming to tell you that you''ve always remembered, you''ve never forgotten.

    The moth orchids were new.

    The porcin vase on the antique shelf was gone.

    The paintings on the wall were also gone.

    They were reced by moth orchids and the Heart Sutra.

    It felt a bit more elegant now.

    There was a whip on the wall, still there.

    It looked familiar.

    Because there were jewels on the whip handle, and the whip was rather old, something Old Lady Jiang yed with in her youth.

    Aunt Yao used to always scare him with this whip, leaving a deep impression on him.

    Jiang Changtian looked around, surveying the room, and saw the infant in his elder brother''s arms.

    He smiled and said, "As an uncle, I haven''t yet held my niece."

    A guard snatched the baby from Jiang Huaisheng''s arms and ced it in Jiang Changtian''s.

    This action was very viinous.

    Wu couldn''t bear it, tears streaming down her face, supporting her husband to barely avoid falling.

    "Sister-inw, there''s no need to be nervous. I just want to take a look at her. Is it a girl? She''ll surely grow up to be as beautiful as you, sister-inw."

    Hearing these words and looking at the man holding Shu Shu, Wu''s mouth gaped slightly.

    She had previously heard her husband say that Second Uncle had turned traitor and injured his face, and she thought it was because of her, making her feel even more guilty.

    But now, seeing Second Uncle''s face, how could he possibly have been infatuated with her or secretly kept her clothes? He was dozens of times more beautiful than her.

    If she had a face like that, she certainly wouldn''t love anyone else.

    Seeing Second Uncle''s behavior now, she had a realization ¨C he must be here for revenge.

    He had never been infatuated with her at all, it was all Mother-inw''s false usations, and her husband hadn''t even told her.

    Instead, he let her live in fear and anxiety every day.

    Jiang Wan was also terrified and incredulous.

    It''s impossible, she couldn''t possibly die here.

    But the man before her seemed to have gone mad, injuring their guards in the middle of the night, suddenly bursting in with his men.

    Furious, as if he was going to kill someone.

    It was too frightening, not sparing even the elderly, women, and children.

    How could such a person deserve to live in this world? Grandmother was right.

    Jiang Wan regretted, Grandmother had been too soft-hearted, and now they were suffering the consequences of the trouble she had left behind.

    She was desperately trying to think of a way to save herself, but on the surface, she put on a terrified, pitiful expression.

    Jiang Changtian held the baby in his arms, noticing her beautiful swaddling clothes. The inner lining was silk, and several pretty silver ornaments hung on the outside. When he held her, the silver ornaments clinked together, making a tinkling sound, and the little baby smiled.

    Her eyes were ck and bright, her mouth open in a silly grin, still toothless.

    The swaddling clothes were beautiful, and the baby''s features somewhat resembled his Mianmian, or perhaps all babies this small look alike, just a very pretty, pink and tender little girl.

    No, Jiang Changtian remembered, when Mianmian was born, she was dark and skinny. He had been useless then, with half the family''s ie depending on Sister Xia. When she was pregnant and giving birth, he couldn''t even provide good food for her to eat, so Mianmian was thin and small when she was born, looking like she wouldn''t live long.

    It was onlyter that she gradually filled out and became beautiful.

    The baby before him was already so pretty and fair-skinned at birth, with thick hair. His sister-inw must have eaten and drunk well during her pregnancy, and didn''t have to work in the fields.

    Jiang Changtian gently yed with the baby, lightly touching the soft cheek of the infant in his arms, and smiled as he said:

    "Jiang Shu, it''s a good name.

    In this world, flowers and leaves are not of the same ilk,

    Flowers enter golden vases while leaves turn to dust.

    Only the green lotus and red water lily,

    Curl and stretch, open and close, following nature''s truth.

    These flowers and leaves always reflect each other,

    As green fades and red withers, it kills one with sorrow." (Note 1)

    Jiang Changtian was clearly reciting poetry, clearly praising the lotus, seemingly like a normal elder praising a younger generation''s good name, but his voice grew heavier at the end, enunciating the words "kills one" particrly clearly.

    Suddenly, a foul odor permeated the room.

    Jiang Rong had been frightened into urinating, warm urine flowing down his robe, wetting his clothes, leaving a puddle of yellow water at his feet.

    Jiang Rong couldn''t take it anymore.

    He didn''t understand why, despite having read so many books, he still recalled the time he was mistakenly kidnapped and saw those kidnappers killing people. In his mind, he also saw the corpse of Aunt Yao, such a big and strong person, who went out once and came back dead.

    It was said that Second Uncle had killed her with his own hands.

    How could he, a frail schr, dare to kill people?

    He must be a demon.

    He must be here to kill them.

    Jiang Rong was seized, the room filled with a foul smell.

    The yellow water flowed to the feet of a nearby man in ck, who didn''t move at all.

    Old Lady Jiang looked at the puddle at Rong''er''s feet and closed her eyes briefly.

    She had changed her prayer beads, originally ying daily with rose quartz, a beautiful pink color. Later, it was ck old mountain sandalwood. Now it was a string of purplish pearls, each beadrge and full, with a beautiful luster. To string together such a set of prayer beads, who knows how many pearl divers'' corpses had floated up on that river.

    She gently fingered her prayer beads.

    Rong''er was useless now. In such a situation, he had wet himself in fear. With such courage, even if he was extremely learned, he couldn''t enter the examination hall. In the three days of imperial examinations, he would probably lose his life.

    Wu also hadn''t expected that the first to loseposure would be Rong''er.

    She was even more surprised that he had such talent,posing a poem on the spot just from a name.

    Jiang Wan lowered her head. She also hadn''t expected him to have such literary talent, able topose poetry with ease. She hadn''t heard it before, but it felt very good, quite brilliant.

    "Don''t kill me, don''t kill me, I haven''t done anything," Jiang Rong''s voice trembled.

    He looked at these helmeted guards, each guard''s eyes resembling Jiang Feng''s.

    Jiang Huaisheng was furious, but he also knew that Changtian was no longer the brother he once knew.

    Even he couldn''t instinctively scold him now.

    He still remembered the wound on his face, which Changtian had cut open with his own sword.

    The sword had been so close, he had been too surprised to dodge, and had taken the blow directly.

    He suppressed the anger in his heart and spoke in a calm tone: "Mother did make a mistake. She has indeed wronged you for so many years, but she also raised you. If you had been born into a poor family, you wouldn''t even have had the chance to learn how to read, let alone speak so eloquently. You''re doing very well now, so why dwell on the past? Can''t we just live our separate lives without interfering with each other?"

    Jiang Changtian''s eyes reddened again, especially at the corners. When he looked up, his face appeared even more bewitchingly beautiful, truly a pitiful sight. When he was unhappy, he wanted everyone else to feel miserable too.

    Everyone present held their breath for a moment.

    Only the infant in his arms continued tough foolishly.

    "I may be doing well now, but I still have nightmares at night. I miss my mother, my older brother, my nieces and nephews. I still long for a family reunion. I couldn''t wait another moment toe and see you all, to see how you''re doing."

    Jiang Wan inwardly scoffed. Family reunion? Listen to how ridiculous that sounds!

    Who shows up in the middle of the night with a group of masked men in ck, surrounds your entire family, drags everyone out, and then talks about a family reunion because they missed you?

    This second uncle must be insane.

    They had scared them enough during the New Year''s visit.

    And now he''s back again.

    Old Lady Jiang fingered the pearl ne in her hand. It felt heavy; good pearls that had grown for many years each had their own weight and substance.

    She maintained herposed appearance, looking at Jiang Changtian as if he were a clown.

    Jiang Changtian smiled and said, "Mother, you''re still reciting scriptures sote at night. You''re not praying for the Seventh Prince Consort to send someone to pick you up, are you? Or are you hoping for someone from the capital toe and rescue you? A while ago, I identally intercepted a few letters. I''m not sure if you wrote them, the handwriting looked simr, but I thought, given your age, you probably wouldn''t personally write letters asking for help. That would be too embarrassing, right?"

    Only then did Old Lady Jiang''s expression change.

    Her whole body trembled, and she nearly copsed. She bit down hard on the ginseng slice in her mouth to keep from falling.

 Chapter 132

    ......

    Night had fallen.

    "Mother, do you remember when I was little, Aunt Yao always yed a game with me?" Jiang Changtian asked.

    "Aunt Yao would always ask me to think about what I''d done wrong. If I couldn''t answer, she''d lock me in the meditation room of the Buddhist hall. There were no windows, no sounds. Aunt Yao said it was for me to reflect and think about what I''d done wrong. I couldn''t figure it out, I really couldn''t. But I was afraid of the dark, so terribly afraid. I desperately admitted to being wrong, even confessing to things I hadn''t done, because I was truly scared. Isn''t itughable? A grown man afraid of the dark. I wasn''t beaten, rarely went hungry, never cold. Just afraid of the dark."

    He was genuinely terrified. Once, Aunt Yao might have forgotten about him, leaving him locked up for a day. He felt like he was going mad. He frantically wed at his own body with his fingernails, scratching until he bled, just to feel alive. He thought he''d been locked away for a lifetime, when it had only been a day.

    Just one day, and when he came out, he was somewhat deranged, feeling there was something wrong with him, wanting to die.

    But he... his son, his Xia Mei, his Mian Mian, they were underground in the darkness, unable to move or speak, locked away for so long, so very long.

    As he spoke, Jiang Changtian twisted his neck like a madman, tilting his head back. He tried to smile, but his mouth just gaped open, unable to form the expression.

    Among the ck-d men below, one man''s hand was trembling.

    He was holding onto Jiang Huaisheng.

    He too wore a mask.

    No one paid attention to him.

    They were all watching Jiang Changtian, thinking he had gonepletely mad.

    If it weren''t for his good looks, his expression at that moment would have been that of aplete lunatic.

    "Tonight, let''s y a little game too," Jiang Changtian said.

    He had the men in ck drag everyone to the Buddhist hall.

    The hall housed a golden Buddha statuemissioned by the Old Lady Jiang, ted with real gold and adorned with an emerald on its forehead.

    Above it were the ancestral tablets of the Jiang family.

    One of them bore the name of his father, Jiang Bai.

    Jiang Changtian stood before that tablet, his hand gently caressing the characters.

    They were smooth and shiny. This was something he used to do often, as if touching the tablet and its characters gave him strength and the courage to go on living.

    He lit three incense sticks, ced them in the censer, and bowed three times before the tablet.

    Then he sat down.

    He instructed the others to sit as well.

    "The gods are watching over us," he said. "When Aunt Yao yed games with me, it was under the watchful eye of the divine and the Jiang ancestors. Aunt Yao didn''t kill me, and I won''t kill you either."

    The Buddhist hall had a meditation room, originally meant for seeking tranquility and peace of mind.

    Jiang Changtian had Jiang Rong pushed into the meditation room. The room was well-insted; normal conversation outside wouldn''t disturb those inside.

    The Jiang family members didn''t understand what madness had possessed him.

    Old Lady Jiang was equally bewildered. She often went to the meditation room to chant sutras, finding it particrly soothing, emerging refreshed and clear-headed.

    This wretched boy insisted on saying Aunt Yao had mistreated him.

    Jiang Changtian noticed his sister-inw yawning, the infant now asleep. He gently instructed the Jiang family servants, "My sister-inw needs to care for the baby. Please bring over a soft couch."

    Thus, while Old Lady Jiang had to sit on a hard chair, Wu, holding the child, was given afortable couch.

    She reluctantlyy down, her emotions a mix of conflicting feelings, but indeed, holding the child while enduring this was exhausting.

    Jiang Huaisheng wanted to curse again but didn''t know what they nned to do to Rong.

    They saw Jiang Rong being locked inside and then left alone.

    Jiang Changtian said nothing, closing his eyes to rest.

    The three incense sticks in the censer burned out.

    Suddenly, an inhuman scream erupted from the meditation room.

    The Jiang family members were terrified. Was there a monster hidden in the meditation room? Jiang Rong had entered under everyone''s watchful eyes, and it had only been the time it took for an incense stick to burn ¨C very short. Yet Jiang Rong''s screams grew louder and louder.

    Then came the muffled sounds of someone pounding on the walls.

    The sound of fingernails scratching at the door, a grating "scratch, scratch" noise.

    These cries continued for a while until they stopped. Only then did Jiang Changtian allow someone to open the meditation room door.

    A faint light spilled in as Jiang Rong was carried out.

    He was sobbing uncontrobly, the tips of all ten fingers bleeding from scratching. He was in extreme terror, unable to find the direction of the door. His whole body was convulsing, mumbling, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I was wrong, I was wrong."

    Jiang Changtian didn''t linger on Jiang Rong but turned to Jiang Huaisheng and said, "Brother, it''s your turn now. When we were young, you alwaysined about my mischief, always asking if I knew what I''d done wrong, always telling me not to make Mother angry again. Now I ask you the same question: do you know what you''ve done wrong? Where did you err? I hope you''ll tell me the answer soon."

    Jiang Huaisheng was also locked in the meditation room.

    He wasn''t afraid, even spitting in disgust before entering.

    Rong had been frightened earlier, which is why he reacted so extremely, he thought. How could he, a grown man of great learning and aplishment, be afraid of a mere meditation room?

    As he entered, a recitation could be heard from the meditation room: "The divine spirit favors rity, yet the heart disturbs it; the human heart seeks tranquility, yet desires pull at it. Therefore, in stillness, there is no true stillness; how can desire arise? When desire does not arise, that is true stillness. True constancy responds to things, true constancy attains nature; constant response and constant stillness, constant rity and stillness."

    These were the words of the Supreme Old Lord. A calm heart can cultivate the inner self, a form of spiritual practice.

    Jiang Huaisheng treated this as a spiritual exercise,pletely unconcerned.

    Afterwards, there was no sound from inside, just silence.

    Only Jiang Rong''s terrified mumblings remained.

    Wu, seeing her son''s condition, was heartbroken. She rose without hesitation to check on Rong.

    Jiang Changtian didn''t object.

    Seeing this, Jiang Wan also stood up.

    She thought to herself that Uncle seemed to greatly favor Mother, perhaps there was indeed a private affair between them. He had even personally held her sister, appearing to like children.

    Jiang Wan cautiously approached, intending to support her elder brother, but was suddenly pushed away. Jiang Rong was heavyset, and in his current state of mind, possessed great strength. Jiang Wan was pushed directly into a nearby chair, her back aching from the impact.

    Jiang Wan had thought her brother might be pretending, but now it seemed he had truly gone mad.

    How was this possible in just the time it took for an incense stick to burn?

    But as she got closer, she smelled a foul odor. It seemed her brother had lost control of his bodily functions again.

    Jiang Wan was horrified, not understanding why this had happened, but she steeled herself and called for the servants: "Please help him to a chair."

    Jiang Changtian didn''t stop them. The servants came over, but it took several of them to lift Jiang Rong and move him to a chair. Jiang Rong sat there with vacant eyes, lookingpletely insane.

    Muttering incessantly: "I was wrong, I was wrong, I was wrong..."

    An indeterminate amount of time passed.

    Old Lady Jiang had thought this beast wanted to ask her something, but he wouldn''t open his mouth.

    He just sat in the chair, still looking quite spirited.

    At her advanced age, she could barely sit still, and she cast a somewhat resentful nce at Wu, who was cradling a child while reclining on the couch.

    Wu looked worriedly at Jiang Rong, while also keeping an eye on the infant in her arms.

    She was also concerned about her husband in the istion room, though he should be fine given how strong and valiant he was.

    As time flowed on.

    It felt somewhat long and unbearable.

    But it wasn''t really that long.

    However, there seemed to be a muffled sounding from the istion room.

    The earlier muffled noise had been Jiang Rong pounding on the wall.

    But now?

    Old Lady Jiang was somewhat confused, and also a bit flustered.

    She spoke up: "What do you want to ask? Go ahead and ask."

    Jiang Changtian shook his head: "I used to want to know, but now I don''t anymore. Besides, I dare not believe what Mother says. You''ve deceived me for half my life, and I''m afraid you''ll deceive me again. Let''s just y a game instead. Aunt Yao said this game is very fun. Don''t worry, Mother, it''ll be your turn soon."

    Jiang Changtian sat upright.

    His expression was solemn, like a bodhisattva statue in a temple.

    He closed his eyes to rest.

    Below, a sea of people stood in neat rows.

    Some were actually quite curious - how did Jiang Rong go in for just a moment ande out mad? Was he really mad, or just pretending?

    But Jiang Rong had been so scared from the start that he wet himself, maybe he was just too cowardly.

    Everyone was somewhat curious about how Jiang Huaisheng would fare.

    Jiang Huaisheng loudly recited the Supreme Old Lord''s mantras for calming the mind.

    After entering, he first felt around the four corners, but found nothing special. It was very clean.

    He had been in this room before, seeing his mother sit on a prayer mat chanting sutras.

    So there was a prayer mat in the room, and nothing else.

    He knew his mischievous younger brother had been locked in here before.

    He felt Changtian was being somewhat unreasonable - was it just to make him experience this too?

    Jiang Rong was originally timid and afraid of the dark, so being frightened in here was possible.

    But he himself was well-read, not afraid of the dark, and practiced martial arts daily without fail in all seasons, so his body was in good shape. How could he be afraid of the dark?

    As long as there was nothing else strange inside, he wouldn''t be afraid.

    He silently recited the Supreme Old Lord''s mantras for calming the mind, even feeling that this was an excellent ce for contemtion.

    He thought seriously about how to get out of this predicament.

    From his brother''s words, he had intercepted the letter their mother sent out, which meant they couldn''t leave now.

    But seeing that his brother didn''t actually intend to kill them, was it purely to torment them for his amusement?

    How should they deal with the current dilemma?

    At such a critical juncture, why was Mother still keeping secrets, why wouldn''t she speak up?

    Outside was so quiet.

    So dark.

    His movements weren''t restricted.

    He just couldn''t hear any sound or see any light.

    He felt like a long time had passed, and wondered if it was daylight outside yet.

    He was very tired and exhausted, feeling he could sleep for a while.

    A nap would be nice.

    But with his wife, children and mother all outside, it seemed somewhat unfilial for him to sleep in here.

    But since he couldn''t get out anyway, he might as well sleep.

    Hey down on the ground with his head on the prayer mat. Fortunately it was hot, so it wasn''t cold, and there was even a nket on the floor.

    This was where Mother chanted sutras, so it was actually quite nice.

    Jiang Huaishengy down, but strangely couldn''t fall asleep.

    Eyes closed or open, it was all the same - just darkness either way.

    After a long while, had a whole day passed? Had he slept enough?

    It had been too long, he didn''t know what was happening outside.

    He wasn''t hungry either, which was odd.

    He first recited texts from memory, then thought about his wife, his children, his mother, and Jiang Rong.

    It felt like many days had passed. He marveled at his own patience, and how he still wasn''t hungry at all.

    Why hadn''t that beast opened the door for him yet?

    Was he trying to starve him to death?

    His hand trembled slightly as he tapped on the prayer mat, counting time.

    As he counted, he became confused.

    It was so dark, so quiet. He suddenly felt a panic like being buried alive.

    This room was a bit like - three earthen walls and one thick doubleyered wooden door, like a coffin.

    Jiang Huaisheng suddenly felt an itch on the wound on his face, as if ants were gnawing at it.

    He''d heard that the kidnapper before had been eaten to death by ants.

    He remembered that time when two kidnappers pretended to be peddlers and almost took away his brother''s two children.

    But Mother and Jiang Wan had said to pity all parents under heaven, that the kidnappers were just trying to save their sick child by getting money for medicine, and said to spare their lives.

    Sometimes life and death hang on a single thought.

    But those kidnappers didn''t survive anyway - one was supposedly eaten by ants, the othermitted suicide.

    The wound on his face was so itchy.

    What was happening outside?

    So quiet, he could hear someone breathing heavily. Who was it?

    Oh.

    It was himself.

    Jiang Rong was really useless, he could sit for a whole day.

    He had slept for so long, he was just a bit bored now.

    Footsteps.

    Who was it?

    It was himself.

    He suddenly began to panic.

    It was too dark, and there was no sound from outside. Had everyone forgotten about him?

    His brother said Aunt Yao had forgotten him and left him locked up for a day.

    He felt like he must have been locked up for several days now.

    He paced back and forth anxiously.

    He scratched his head with both hands.

    But there was no response at all.

    Too quiet.

    He panicked, became afraid, he didn''t know what to do. Now he didn''t even know which direction the door was in, or where he himself was positioned.

    It was like being in a chaotic sphere.

    He kept touching the scar on his face.

    It had actually healed already.

    But suddenly, his hand forcefully wed at the scar until it was bloody again. He let out a howl: "Ah!"

    He tore open the healed wound again, screaming and scratching.

    The door opened.

    Light poured in.

    Jiang Huaisheng, who thought he''d been locked up for half a month, found his mother still sitting in front of the ancestral tablet, with Jiang Wan still sitting in front of her.

    His wife was cradling their child on the couch, while Jiang Rong hung his head, his leg twitching as he sat convulsing in a chair.

    He quickly crawled out,ughing maniacally.

    His face covered in blood.

    Jiang Changtian yawned, his face expressionless as he looked at his elder brother''s blood-covered face. He lifted his head and said to Jiang Wan: "It''s your turn."

 Chapter 133

    ...

    In the Buddhist temple, the Bodhisattva''s eyes were long and slender, filled withpassion.

    A smile yed on its lips.

    Therge ears symbolized good fortune.

    One hand rested on its chest, the other held prayer beads.

    The Bodhisattva''s robe was intricately carved, flowing gracefully over its body, with an elegant corner of the garment curled up.

    The Bodhisattva gazed down upon all living beings, treating them equally.

    Jiang Wan and the old madam would copy scriptures and offer incense to the Bodhisattva daily.

    At this moment, the Bodhisattva remained motionless, steadfast, offering no help.

    In everyone''s eyes, this seemed iprehensible.

    Jiang Rong appeared to have gone mad, which was somewhat expected given his timid nature.

    He had always seemed a bit unstable.

    But when Jiang Huaisheng went in, he had recited a mantra for calming the mind, and it had only been a day since he entered to rest.

    How could anything happen to such a strong man after being confined for just a short while?

    The servants thought the master was too merciful, almost like the Goddess of Mercy herself.

    Jiang Huaisheng could have done anything inside ¨C rested, taken a nap ¨C and half a day would have passed.

    Jiang Huaisheng believed he had been there for half a month.

    In reality, it hadn''t even been two hours.

    Just over three hours, in fact.

    For those waiting outside, three hours felt interminable.

    But for Jiang Huaisheng, who could hear nothing but his own breathing and heartbeat, time stretched endlessly. He kept wondering why he wasn''t hungry after so many days, when in fact it had been less than two hours.

    When the crowd saw Jiang Huaisheng''s condition, they were shocked.

    The men in ck looked at Jiang Changtian with admiration.

    The master was indeed extraordinary, possessing umon abilities.

    The Jiang family members, however, suspected he might have been poisoned. How could this be possible?

    He had only been confined for two hours.

    Yet he had already started to harm himself.

    Jiang Rong was still raving, not even acknowledging his father''s emergence, continuing to mutter to himself.

    Wu was both anxious and frightened. She had fallen asleep leaning against the warm couch, holding her child.

    Now suddenly awoken, seeing her husband''s pitiful state, she was paralyzed with fear, not daring to touch him. She held the child, afraid of being pushed over by her husband.

    Jiang Huaisheng wasn''t mad, but he felt on the brink of insanity. He breathed heavily, seeing his wife and child, and embraced them without hesitation.

    He was alive, he was still alive, he was fine, everything was fine.

    He couldn''t feel the blood flowing down his face, couldn''t feel the droplets falling.

    Instead, he smiled,forting Wu.

    The onlookers were even more rmed.

    With a loud "bang!", Jiang Wan was thrown inside.

    Jiang Wan saw that her father had also crawled out, and she was terrified. There must be a problem.

    It must be poison.

    After entering the room, she was extremely cautious, touching nothing.

    Although they hade together, and she was certain Jiang Changtian hadn''t tampered with the room, it was hard to be sure.

    Jiang Changtian had worked in the Medicine Preparation Department, and doctors said his medical skills were excellent.

    Her grandmother would asionally chant sutras in here, but the door was usually left open.

    With the door closed, it was like a ck box inside.

    Jiang Wan sat on the meditation cushion.

    She often meditated with her grandmother, sometimes for long periods.

    If Jiang Changtian hadn''t poisoned the room, Jiang Wan wasn''t actually afraid.

    She used to have frequent dreams.

    Each dream would span decades.

    Incredibly long.

    Trapped in the dream.

    But upon waking, it was just one night, one dream.

    Looking at her father and elder brother just now, the time had actually been very short, not long at all.

    But soon, she felt something different.

    This was unlike her usual meditation.

    Usually, she had to make an effort to quiet her mind.

    But here, it was naturally silent, without a single sound.

    Inside, she truly couldn''t hear anything from outside, nor could she see even a glimmer of light.

    Was this room really meant for chanting sutras?

    Jiang Wan began to panic.

    Soon, she heard a "thump, thump, thump..." sound.

    Where was this sounding from, how could there be noise in such a quiet ce?

    She searched fearfully, but quickly realized the sound wasn''ting from anywhere else.

    It was her heartbeat.

    "Thump, thump, thump."

    Her heart was beating so fast, faster and faster.

    How could this be?

    Jiang Wan felt somewhat distressed.

    She estimated that she had only been inside for a short time.

    But suddenly, she began to doubt ¨C was it really that short?

    Before entering, she had prepared herself, thinking that after a day''s sleep, it would be over.

    But now, images of her elder brother and father kept shing in her mind.

    What was in here that made her brother''s hands bloody and her father reopen the wounds on his face?

    Were there ghosts?

    Impossible, outside was the Bodhisattva, the Buddhist temple, and the Jiang family ancestors ¨C there couldn''t be ghosts.

    But she seemed to hear other sounds inside.

    Someone was breathing, and the breathing was getting closer and closer.

    Jiang Wan swung her arms, but hit nothing.

    She covered her ears, but could still hear the sound.

    She ran, hearing footsteps chasing her, hearing breathing, hearing heartbeats.

    She remembered in her dream, when Concubine Lan was being executed, they ced a wet cloth on her face, then another,yer uponyer.

    That''s how she died.

    Suddenly, it felt as if Concubine Lan was breathing in her ear.

    No, it was just an illusion.

    There was no Concubine Lan, she was in Ming County, nothing had begun yet, she was still in the Buddhist temple.

    There was no breath, no one else''s breathing, no one else''s footsteps, no one else''s heartbeat. From beginning to end, it was just her, only her.

    She forcefully jabbed her palm with her hairpin, a precaution she had prepared before entering. If she went mad or was poisoned, she would use the jade hairpin to prick her palm ¨C it wouldn''t cause injury but would remind her to stay clear-headed.

    Indeed, she came to her senses and found the meditation cushion, sitting down again.

    She didn''t know why she had been running just now, suddenly feeling as if there was someone else in this small space.

    The room was tiny; she could easily bump into the walls.

    So the muffled sounds of hitting the wall that were heard outside must have been from running and colliding with the walls.

    Jiang Wan''s thoughts gradually returned, and she tried to adapt to the darkness.

    Even though she knew she was in a very small space, the inability to see or hear made her feel as if she were in an immense ce, endless darkness, as if connected to the underworld.

    First it was Concubine Lan, who then disappeared.

    Suddenly, a man in a crimson official robe walked towards her. As he approached, she realized he had no head ¨C he was carrying it in his arms. The head spoke to her, calling out affectionately, "Wan''er, Wan''er..."

    Jiang Wan jabbed her palm with the hairpin again.

    The headless official in the robe vanished.

    Then, bizarrely, a pair of floating feet appeared before her eyes.

    The feet wore beautiful embroidered shoes, exceptionally pretty, adorned with severalrge pearls.

    She recognized those as Jiang Yu''s feet. Jiang Yu, known as Little Fish, was the beloved concubine of General Meng, envied by everyone in the Capital City. It was said that she particrly loved shoes, all custom-made by General Meng himself. Even the Eastern pearls bestowed by the Emperor were used to embellish her shoes.

    But now, the toe of the shoe was facing her, and the person was suspended in mid-air. She looked up and, in the endless darkness, saw Jiang Yu hanging there, sticking out her long tongue and making a grotesque face at her.

    Jiang Wan screamed and pushed with her hands, actually touching a pair of feet. She quickly let go. It''s all fake, fake, fake.

    The jade hairpin pricked her palm again. This time when she pushed, it wasn''t feet, just a pir. She felt it - just a pir.

    Don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid. Didn''t Jiang Changtian say he had been locked up many times? She had only been here for a short while. Yes, at most an hour or two. It''s fine.

    She was feeling thirsty now, wanting water.

    Suddenly, she heard a voice calling, "Water, water."

    It was her aunt''s voice.

    She saw her aunt lying in front of her, reaching out, asking her for water.

    She panicked and identally spilled the water.

    In her aunt''s final moment, her hand tried to grasp the rope at the head of the bed but ultimately fell short and dropped.

    Her aunt stared at her, asking for water.

    Impossible. She had already been buried.

    The nobledies of the capital had watched the Empress Dowager''s burial together.

    Jiang Wan was confused.

    In the absolute darkness and silent world, she becamepletely disoriented.

    She couldn''t distinguish between time, reality, and dreams.

    Terrifying images in her mind came to life, reying around her over and over.

    Her aunt''s hand didn''t reach the rope, but it scratched her hand, tearing her skin.

    Those long fingernail guards tore through her flesh.

    There was a ripping sound.

    Once again, the jade hairpin saved her.

    Her palm was already bleeding.

    The rounded head of the jade hairpin couldn''t draw blood, so in a moment of crisis, she shattered it and used the broken edge to cut.

    So it wasn''t her aunt who scratched her, but she who cut herself.

    She came to her senses, breathing heavily.

    The endless darkness still surrounded her.

    She didn''t know how long it had been.

    But it felt longer than the decades she had lived in her dreams.

    Every breath was excruciating.

    Had she been poisoned?

    She didn''t know why this was happening.

    Soon after calming down, she felt she had endured it. She heard a dripping sound.

    It was the sound of her blood dropping to the ground.

    Jiang Wan broke down, pressing on her hand.

    It''s just a small wound, it''s fine.

    She tried hard tofort herself. She still didn''t know how much time had passed, but she felt her wound. It shouldn''t have been long; the blood was still slippery and fresh. If it had been a long time, the wound would have scabbed over, and she would have felt hungry.

    She repeatedly reminded herself, it''s okay, just endure it.

    She felt she had endured enough and could pretend to break down to get out.

    Although she was already somewhat disoriented and breaking down, her intelligence remained.

    She was grateful for those days and nights of dreams that allowed her to distinguish between dream and reality.

    If she could get out, she would definitely seek revenge.

    When the time came, she would act more pitiful, and everything would be fine.

    She estimated the time.

    A long time must have passed.

    She heard footsteps.

    The door opened, and light poured in.

    She breathed deeply.

    It''s over, it''s over. She wailed, crying like a madwoman.

    Her hair was disheveled.

    It''s over. She crawled on the ground. Although in a wretched state, she had passed the test. It''s over.

    It''s over. She had escaped. She looked back at the small dark room, like a bottomless abyss, staring back at her.

    ...

 Chapter 134

    ......

    Jiang Wan gasped for air.

    She looked at the fresh blood on her hands.

    Her face was still wet with tears.

    But in her heart, she had already breathed a sigh of relief.

    She had escaped, and the humiliation she suffered today would be repaid a hundredfold in the future.

    She had no time to look after her Grandmother.

    Grandmother had been sent in and came out quickly.

    Grandmother seemed to have gone mad, sometimes insane, sometimes lucid.

    Fortunately, the next day, Aunt actually sent someone to pick them up.

    With the Seventh Prince''s army at their doorstep, Jiang Changtian had no choice but to open the gates.

    She finally left this godforsaken ce.

    The dark room in the temple was a nightmarish ce in the depths of her heart, filled with countless demons.

    Thankfully, it was all over now.

    She left Ming County.

    Following the premonitions from her dreams, she navigated through dangers step by step.

    As she had wished, she married Chu Xi and climbed thedder of power, eventually reaching the position of Empress.

    After securing her position as Empress and while pregnant with her second child, one day the Emperor invited a high monk to preach.

    The high monk''s face was like that of a celestial being, incredibly beautiful, making people unable to look at him directly.

    Every word he spoke was like heavenly music, prating deep into people''s hearts.

    He was like a true Buddha descending to the mortal world, every movement captivating people''s hearts.

    Jiang Wan didn''t believe in Buddhism, but she couldn''t help but trust this person.

    Listening to him preach Buddhism brought tears to people''s eyes.

    Yet he remained calm, like a true Bodhisattva, gazing at you without a ripple of emotion.

    As he preached Buddhism in the pce, the entire imperial court became more peaceful, and her temperament became more bnced. She even felt that the heart palpitations she had suffered since being frightened in Ming County years ago had improved.

    The Emperor''s old injuries also seemed to have eased considerably.

    That day, the Emperor was to hold a Buddhist ceremony for the high monk.

    All the court officials and nobledies would attend.

    The high monk wore dazzling golden robes, a golden light adorning his head, his gaze cold and clear. Looking at him was like seeing a Bodhisattva descend from heaven; one dared not look directly.

    It was the grandest Buddhist ceremony in the dynasty''s history, also signifying the prosperity of the current reign.

    The high monk''s Buddhist teachings were profound. As he preached, the officials present were moved, and the nobledies wept behind their sleeves.

    Even though Jiang Wan had heard it before, she was still moved to tears.

    She sat beside the Emperor, noticing his eyes were slightly red as well.

    She held the Emperor''s hand, their eyes meeting, silently conveying their feelings. It hadn''t been easy to be together and reach this position in this lifetime.

    "Bang!"

    Suddenly, as she grasped the Emperor''s hand, only the hand remained. The Emperor had split apart.

    He split open right in front of her.

    Blood sttered all over her, half-charred heart fell out, dangling with blood vessels, swaying back and forth. Her legs were gone too; she had also split open.

    Before her eyes, it was like a grand fireworks disy.

    "Bang!"

    "Bang!"

    "Bang!"

    Explosions kept happening, many people flew up and split apart.

    Blood and limbs sttered everywhere.

    Jiang Wan was closest to the high monk. She crawled over; the monk''s position hadn''t exploded.

    She had no legs, so she dragged her body, inching bit by bit towards him.

    She heard the high monk still chanting sutras:

    "All the evil deeds I have done in the past,

    Born of beginningless greed, hatred, and delusion,

    Born of body, speech, and mind,

    I now confess them all."

    He was reciting prayers for the deceased, his face full ofpassion, his eyes calm, watching countless people die, scream, and cry. He remained calm, continuing to chant: "No anger, no delusion, no joy, no sorrow, no good, no evil..."

    Jiang Wan''s eyes widened. This, this high monk, it was him, it was him.

    She died in terror.

    As she breathed herst, the child in her womb seemed to still be moving.

    The door opened.

    Day broke.

    Light poured in.

    Jiang Wan clutched her belly, looking at her legs that were still there, and at the crowd outside.

    She saw her deranged Eldest Brother.

    She saw her Father, face covered in blood.

    She saw her worried Grandmother.

    She saw her Mom holding her Younger Sister.

    She saw groups of armored men in ck.

    She saw Jiang Changtian sitting there with his eyes closed, resting.

    His face was calm, like a true Bodhisattva, gazing at her without a ripple of emotion.

    She crawled back in terror.

    She wouldn''t go out, she wouldn''t go out, she didn''t want to go out.

    ......

 Chapter 135

    ......

    They had endured through the night.

    The servants of the Jiang Manor brought in food, trembling with fear.

    Jiang Wan emerged just as breakfast was being prepared.

    She had spent a long time inside, and though there were some noises, they were rtively subdued.

    She had remained in there longer than Jiang Huaisheng.

    Jiang Changtian was somewhat surprised.

    In fact, he had begged for mercy after just an hour during his first time locked inside.

    It was only after being confined multiple times that he slowly adapted to the absolute darkness and silence, though he nearly went mad in the process.

    Old Lady Jiang had stayed up all night outside, forced to watch each of her children endure torment.

    Thankfully, her usual healthy lifestyle had prepared her; otherwise, she wouldn''t have been able to withstand sitting motionless through the night.

    After emerging, Jiang Wan clung tightly to Wu, as if she had lost her mind, embracing her.

    Her eyes were timid, afraid to look at Jiang Changtian.

    Jiang Changtian ate his breakfast leisurely.

    The men in ck also took turns to eat.

    The breakfast at Jiang Manor was exquisite. Though not asvish as before, the foundation was there, and the cook''s skills were quite impressive.

    After finishing breakfast, Jiang Changtian wiped his mouth contentedly. "Indeed, eating with Mother makes the food taste better. Mother, you''ve always loved chanting sutras. This meditation room was built especially for you. It''s your turn now."

    Old Lady Jiang, having stayed up all night, was dizzy and disoriented, her body unustomed to the strain.

    She couldn''t understand why this small meditation room had caused Rong''er, Huaisheng, and Wan''er to emerge in such a state of extreme fear.

    The little beast hadn''t spent much time in there before.

    She didn''t know what tricks he had employed.

    But Old Lady Jiang felt she might not be able to endure it.

    At her advanced age, she couldn''t handle such shocks. After Yao Gu''s departure, she had been bedridden for a while, and her health had significantly declined.

    She looked at Jiang Changtian and spoke with some embarrassment, "Tian''er, we''re mother and son. Must we reallye to this?"

    Jiang Changtian gazed at Old Lady Jiang before him, who, despite staying up all night, still appeared quite spirited.

    It had been a long time since he''d heard her call him "Tian''er."

    He thought he was locked in the meditation room again. Once, when he was confined there, he had hallucinated his mother embracing him, patting his back, telling him not to be afraid.

    It was after that time that he began to fear the meditation room less, even developing a glimmer of anticipation.

    Anticipation that in the darkness, there would be a mother to embrace him.

    He suddenly felt a bit lost and bored.

    Especially when looking at the feigned kindness on the face before him.

    That had once been all he longed for.

    He stared at Old Lady Jiang expressionlessly and said, "Considering your advanced age, I''ll be lenient. You only need to stay for the time it takes one incense stick to burn."

    Old Lady Jiang was pushed into the meditation room.

    Jiang Changtian leisurely selected three incense sticks and lit them.

    The white smoke curled upward.

    Jiang Huaisheng desperately wanted to take her ce, but having been inside once, the indescribable terror prevented him from speaking up.

    Jiang Wan also dared not speak, clinging to Wu like an infant in her arms. She was afraid to look at Jiang Changtian, trembling nervously if their eyes met by ident.

    Jiang Rong, who seemed to have gone mad, had fallen asleep, snoring lightly in his chair.

    Everyone listened for sounds from the meditation room, though usually no noise could escape unless someone screamed at the top of their lungs.

    But even after one incense stick had burned out, there was still no sound from inside.

    When the door was opened, the olddy had already fainted.

    It turned out she had deliberately held her breath to lose consciousness as soon as she entered.

    Jiang Changtian looked at the unharmed Old Lady Jiang and smiled.

    This was the mother who had raised him; half of his intelligence came from her teachings.

    As he called out to Old Lady Jiang, he identally stepped on her hand, grinding it slightly, but she didn''t wake up.

    Jiang Changtian left with the men in ck.

    The Jiang household was in chaos.

    Jiang Huaisheng had people carry his mother to her room to rest and called for a doctor.

    Seeing Wan''er and Rong''er in a dazed state, he arranged for someone to look after them.

    His first priority was to find people to demolish the meditation room.

    The ce was too terrifying.

    He never wanted to enter it again for the rest of his life.

    He eagerly started the task himself.

    The hammer shatteredyer afteryer of doors, allowing sunlight to flood in.

    The inside was very ordinary and in, truly empty.

    Yet it harbored immense fear, seeming almost absurd in the daylight.

    Jiang Huaisheng hammered away furiously, channeling all his anger into each blow.

    The walls were exceptionally hard, seemingly reinforced with something special, making them tougher to break than earthen walls.

    Panting heavily, Jiang Huaisheng continued to hammer, blow after blow.

    As he reached a corner, he noticed dense vertical lines etched there, with a single word written above them: "Mother."

 Chapter 136

    Early morning.

    Jiang Mianmian woke up and let out a big yawn.

    She nced at the top of the bed, admiring the beautiful mosquito curtains.

    She rolled over twice, tumbling across the bed.

    Grandma appeared like a ghost to roll up the gauze curtains for her.

    At first, it startled Jiang Mianmian. She couldn''t understand how Grandma knew so precisely and punctually when she woke up to start rolling up the curtains.

    It was just like the legendary curtain-rolling general, so incredibly punctual.

    As Grandma rolled up the gauze curtains, Jiang Mianmian was already sitting in the middle of the bed.

    Swinging her little legs, Grandma helped her put on a small dress. Jiang Mianmian noticed that her tummy seemed a bit big, though she wasn''t sure why. Her little belly was round and protruding. She thought all children must be like this, feeling slightly self-conscious. It was mainly because Elder Sister''s culinary skills had improved so rapidly. Everything was delicious, and she wanted to taste it all. It seemed she ate her fill every day and never went hungry.

    Her belly had never gotten smaller either.

    After putting on the little dress and shoes, Jiang Mianmian looked down and saw her protruding little tummy. She pretended not to notice, thinking that a child with a bit of a belly should be cute too.

    Her hair still felt rather thin. Grandma wanted to tie it up, but she always protested, believing that tying it would make it even thinner.

    However, because of the hot weather, she easily sweated, and when she did, her hair would get all wet and sticky. So, she still let Grandma grab her hair and tie it into a little ponytail.

    Then came washing up. While doing so, Jiang Mianmian asked, "Grandma, did Father and Elder Brother note backst night?"

    Aunt Yin nodded, "The masters must have had something important to attend to. They''ll be back during the day today."

    Jiang Mianmian nodded.

    She thought to herself that it was rare for Father and Elder Brother not toe home at night. They must be busy with something very important.

    Nothing in lifees easy, after all.

    After getting up and having breakfast, Grandma was to teach Elder Sister cultural lessons today, and Jiang Mianmian had to learn along with her.

    Mom would join in the learning too.

    Aunt Yin didn''t know what sins she hadmitted in her past life to suffer such torment at her age.

    Among the three females, Qin learned characters quickly but forgot them just as fast. The elder daughter would run away at the sight of characters, thinking they might bite her. The little girl would learn with just one nce but pretended not to know, deliberately leaving out parts when writing.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to herself: It''s a misunderstanding. She only knew simplified characters; traditional ones still needed to be learned.

    Cultural lessons took up half the morning, and the afternoon was scheduled for talent sses.

    They were required to learn a musical instrument.

    Jiang Mianmian discovered yet another of Grandma''s talents ¨C she seemed to know everything.

    Grandma taught Mom to y the drums, several drums together, which felt like a modern drum set when yed, exuding a valiant and heroic air.

    At first, Mom refused to learn, shaking her head and saying she couldn''t do it when told she had to learn an instrument.

    But when Grandma set up the drums, Mom yed happily, with a great sense of rhythm.

    Watching Mom y the drums, for the first time, Jiang Mianmian felt that Mom wasn''t just Mom, but Qin Luoxia, a woman of radiance. Dressed in a gauze skirt with a waistband, she was tall with a full bosom, long legs, and long arms. As she wielded the drumsticks and struck the drums, her body swayed with the beat. She possessed a unique beauty, an undeniable charm all her own.

    Qin Luoxia also really liked the drum rhythms, feeling it was simr to hunting and that it could express her mood. She practiced very seriously. At first, she just wanted to have a skill she could proudly perform for her husband, but as she learned, she genuinely came to enjoy drumming.

    She never expected that ying an instrument could be so easy, interesting, and fun.

    While Mom was drumming, Grandma initially chose an instrument for Elder Sister that seemed a bit too in.

    The erhu.

    With just two strings, when Elder Sister yed it, Jiang Mianmian felt it affected her bowel movements. Really, it was so bumpy that she almost had to go, but the vibrations from Elder Sister''s erhu made everything retreat back inside.

    But Aunt Yin had already tried her best and gave up after many attempts.

    They switched to the flute instead.

    All you had to do was blow into the holes, plus you could carry it around and even use it as a weapon if needed.

    After the ordeal with the erhu, Elder Sister quickly epted the flute. At least her ying didn''t cause constipation anymore.

    But listening to the flute, it was clear Elder Sister had no talent in this area.

    Grandma seemed to have given up as well, deciding to just teach Elder Sister one tune that she could perform when necessary.

    Mianmian was still too young and didn''t need to learn an instrument yet. She just observed from the sidelines.

    She sat on a woven tatami mat, ying with Jiang Xiaoshu.

    At first, she was just ying with a group of little ants, arranging them in different formations. After discoveringst time that she could use ants to write words, she found a new way to y.

    She could use ants to draw pictures, and they were especially three-dimensional.

    She waved a stick around, and the little ants obediently moved to their designated positions.

    Soon, Mianmian had used the ants to create a three-dimensional image of Grandma.

    Aunt Yin, who had been teaching the elder daughter until her mouth was dry and her ears nearly deaf, sat down to rest for a moment. When she turned her head and saw a ck, wriggling version of herself on the ground, she was startled once again.

    Her heart raced for several beats, but to be honest, she felt like she was getting used to being frightened so often. She felt her heart had grownrger. She even carefully examined the antposed face of herself and calmly pointed out, "Grandma has wrinkles on her face. This doesn''t look quite like me."

    Jiang Mianmian shook her head, "It does, it does! Grandma is the prettiest."

    Aunt Yin thought to herself: You and your sweet talk, I''m not falling for it.

    At most, she''d let her eat one more piece of candied fruit, no more. Any more would be bad for her teeth. Though this little clean freak had already taken good care of her teeth, so maybe two more pieces would be fine.

    After the music lesson came the etiquette ss.

    Grandma taught them how to read people.

    Jiang Mianmian had to learn this too. It was about social skills and definitely couldn''t be skipped.

    Jiang Mianmian listened as Grandma said, "When a person of high status meets someone of lower status, their gaze should not be overly enthusiastic. A calm demeanor is best, and there''s no need for pity as it appears insincere..."

    "When a person of high status meets someone capable, their gaze should be sincere..."

    "When a person of high status meets..."

    Jiang Mianmian listened with starry eyes, amazed at how many intricacies there were to reading people. She also wondered if Grandma was being a bit too confident about their family''s status.

    They just lived in a vige, and while their conditions might be better than others in the vige and perhaps even better than those in the county, wasn''t it a bit too early and abrupt to be teaching about being a person of high status?

    However, seeing Mom and Elder Sister learning so seriously, Jiang Mianmian had no choice but to learn obediently too. She couldn''t cause trouble.

    If she really did cause trouble, Mom could be quite fierce, swinging her axe with impressive vigor.

    Aunt Yin watched the little girl learning along with the others. She actually wanted to say, "You don''t need to, you really don''t need to learn this. Truly, your gaze already looks detached from worldly affairs, naturally like a person of high status. You can pretend even better than your father. You really don''t need to learn this."

    Jiang Mianmian was engrossed in her studies when Grandma handed her a Chinese ring puzzle, telling her to go y by herself.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Well, the ring puzzle was quite fun too.

    Elder Sister and Mom were studying when Jiang Mianmian heard amotion - Father and Elder Brother had returned.

    Jiang Mianmian went out to greet them.

    Now they no longer had to climb the slope from the vige. A road had been built, allowing them to ride horses directly up from the vige entrance.

    She heard the distant sound of hoofbeats - Father and Elder Brother were back.

    For some reason, they seemed particrly happy today.

    Little Jiang Mianmian, like a small weight, climbed onto Father first.

    Elder Brother loved ruffling her hair too much, so Father was a bit better.

    Jiang Feng returned and saw Jiang Yu giving her a sidelong nce. He asked curiously, "What''s wrong? Do you have a twitch in your eye?"

    Jiang Yu: ... She was using the method Grandma taught her to look at people sincerely.

    Mom gazed at Father with admiration, reverence, affection, and something indescribable... In any case, she waspletely smitten.

    What on earth was Grandma teaching?

    No wonder they wouldn''t let her learn it.

    When Jiang Changtian came home today, he seemed particrly transparent, somehow different from usual.

    He had always been exceptionally handsome, but there was always a sense of gloomy beauty about him.

    He had a bit of a mad beauty vibe.

    Today, however, he seemed much more normal, appearing more handsome and sunny, radiating light from head to toe.

    Elder Brother also seemed to have reverted to his rakish self, lookingzily and roguishly handsome, no longer so serious.

    Who knows what good fortune they''d encountered to change so much.

    Jiang Mianmian asked Father in her childish voice, "Father, you''ve been gone so long. Mianmian missed you. Did you bring me a gift?"

    When elders are in a good mood, it''s basic strategy to ask for presents.

    Jiang Changtian was a bit taken aback by the question. He hadn''t actually thought about bringing a gift for the little one today.

    But since she asked, he certainly had to have something.

    Jiang Changtian searched his person and produced a small knife.

    This knife was something he always carried with him. It had once given him half the courage to keep living.

    Now it seemed he no longer needed it. He had something more important than the knife.

    This small knife was given to him by his father when he was still alive.

    He had always cherished it dearly.

    Today, Jiang Changtian took out the knife and handed it to little Mianmian, saying, "Here, you can use it to peel fruit."

    Jiang Changtian smiled.

    Their family had always been poor. Everyone ate fruit with the skin on, but this little one always insisted on having the peel removed. He didn''t know where she''d picked up such a refined habit.

    Seeing Aunt Yin''s matter-of-fact expression, as if this was perfectly normal, Jiang Changtian had already guessed something about his own background.

    But he wasn''t certain. He had read Old Lady Jiang''s letters - one was addressed to the Seventh Prince Consort, and the other, surprisingly, to the Grand Imperial Son-inw, the husband of the Eldest Princess.

    In fact, he had only read them, not intercepted them. The letters were still sent out. He dared not believe Old Lady Jiang''s words, thinking he would wait for people toe and then follow the trail.

    Jiang Mianmian hadn''t expected to actually receive a gift from her casual plea.

    She happily took the small knife, slid down, and went to find Elder Brother.

    She asked the same question, and Elder Brother gave her a kiss, leaving her face covered in saliva...

    Oh well, she''d y by herself.

    Jiang Mianmian was delighted with her small knife.

    She began her fruit-peeling career, carefully dissecting fruits with the knife, separating skin, flesh, and seeds with meticulous precision.

    Not satisfied with just this, she thought it would be nice if she had small animals to practice her dissection skills on.

    As Jiang Mianmian pondered this, the very next day she received a small rabbit brought to her by Jiang Xiaoshu and his army of ants.

    A gray rabbit.

    It had already been bitten to death.

    What a waste of a pretty rabbit.

    Jiang Mianmian took her small knife and cut open the rabbit''s skin, neck, fascia, bones, and internal organs, arranging everything neatly in categories.

    Having great strength was an advantage; during the dissection, her hand didn''t get stuck at all. She could cut through smoothly without pausing.

    Worried that her family might discover and be frightened, Jiang Mianmian divided the rabbit into the smallest possible units after dissection, then had the little ants carry away and eat the pieces.

    Perfect cooperation.

    Every day, she set aside some time to receive prey from the little ants, then dissect and divide it, before giving it back to the ants to carry away.

    Her skills improved day by day.

    Jiang Mianmian also felt very at ease, as if she had found her own way of survival.

    A talent all her own. Indeed, with one skill, one need not worry wherever they go.

 Chapter 137

    ......

    In childhood, every nightfall

    was a time for family reunion, making the night feel especially peaceful.

    Tonight, everyone seemed to sense something different about Father.

    He was very happy.

    If one had to describe it, it was as if he had an extra air of elegance.

    It felt simr to Elder Sister, talkative.

    During dinner,

    Father said a lot.

    Some of it was rather random. One moment he was talking about the snacks Elder Sister made, saying he had eaten several kinds when he was young and that they could try making them.

    The next moment he was saying how beautiful Mom''s headdress was, that he could design one, and that his drawings were also very good.

    Then he asked about Elder Brother''s studies, how far he had progressed in his readingtely, saying Elder Brother should also have a teacher.

    He asked Grandma if she was ustomed to the lifestyle here? If there was anything she wasn''t used to, she should just say so, as we''re all family.

    Then he asked Jiang Mianmian if she wanted any more gifts, saying he would find them all for her.

    Father talked excessively, as if he were drunk.

    But he hadn''t been drinking. We all know Father can''t hold his liquor well.

    Jiang Mianmian felt that Father was in an extremely good mood, hence the talkativeness. When he talked a lot, he was a bit like those boastful men, with a touch of bragging.

    When an unattractive man brags, no one believes him, but when a very handsome man brags, everyone around wants to help him bring his boasts to life.

    She didn''t know what Father had done. It probably wasn''t that he had found money, as Father didn''t value money as much as Mom and the others did.

    Could it be that his rebellious career was sessful? Achievements at work should also make one happy.

    As for rebellion, it''s probably like the game Snake, eating one block and then another, each time bringing a little more happiness.

    But Jiang Mianmian couldn''t understand this. Her life still mainly revolved around eating and drinking, and secretly making small improvements to enhance the convenience of life''s enjoyments.

    When Father was happy, the whole family was very happy.

    At night, Jiang Mianmian couldn''t resist listening at the corner of Father and Mom''s bed.

    There was nothing unsuitable for children, but Mom asked, "Husband, what did you dost night? Why are you so happy today?"

    Jiang Changtian didn''t say, he just hugged his wife tightly.

    He thought, tonight, he could sleep peacefully.

    He wouldn''t suddenly wake up in the middle of the night, immersed in endless darkness.

    How should one take revenge on those who have deeply hurt you in the past?

    His heart was full of hatred.

    Whenever he thought of any point, he wanted to kill.

    When Elder Sister Yu was young and greedy, she would stare at what Jiang Wan was eating, drooling. Jiang Wan would put down her food, and the maid would take it away, but they wrongly used Elder Sister Yu of stealing it. Sister Xia, not understanding the situation, even beat Elder Sister Yu.

    Elder Sister Yu cried heartbreakingly and hid alone. They thought Elder Sister Yu was lost and went everywhere to find her.

    Sister Xia also didn''t believe she would steal food. Sister Xia beat Elder Sister Yu because she stared at Jiang Wan.

    Whenever he thought of these things, he felt that one day, he must live very, very well, be unreachably high, and let Elder Sister Yu suffer for every bit of food she ate.

    He had an inexhaustible fury in his heart.

    Always with nowhere to vent.

    Last night, he had just tried to make them experience a small step of what he had gone through, watching them wail in pain, as if his illness had improved a little.

    It was even more satisfying than killing them outright.

    Death is easy, living is hard.

    Why should they live high above others? He wanted to make them struggle and crawl for survival in the mud for the rest of their lives.

    He wanted to make them think they were sitting securely on high, only to fall down again and again.

    He wanted to make them repeatedly full of hope, only to return disappointed.

    Jiang Changtian thought, he was sick, seriously ill, and they were his medicine.

    Perhaps one day, when he was cured, then they could die.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t wait for Father''s answer. She yawned and fell asleep.

    If she knew what Father was thinking, she might have thought it was about solving psychological problems, needing psychological output, and that killing them directly would be a bit regrettable.

    The next day.

    Early in the morning, magpies were singing.

    Jiang Yu looked at the tree, thinking that roasted bird really tasted good.

    Deterred by Grandma''s watchful eyes, she didn''t dare to knock the bird down.

    Now she didn''t even climb trees herself, but used stones to knock them down, which actually worked.

    Mom saw the magpies and said, "We should have guests today."

    Sure enough, while the family was eating breakfast, Mr. Gong actually came, travel-worn and with a face full of beard.

    At first, Jiang Mianmian didn''t even recognize him.

    She remembered that when she first met him, his beard was neatly trimmed, a standard pencil mustache.

    Now he looked weathered, with many more wrinkles on his forehead, and much deeper nasbial folds.

    He looked like he had aged ten years.

    Compared to Father, who looked ten years younger.

    It was quite shocking.

    Gong Qichi was also stunned when he saw Jiang Changtian.

    Both were rebels, yet why had Brother Changtian be even younger?

    While he had aged rapidly from traveling day and night.

    "Brother Yehan, you''vee in such a hurry, is there urgent business? Please sit down, eat something first, we can talk while we eat."

    Gong Qichi was about to refuse, wanting to say he had filled his stomach on the road with dry rations, but looking at the table full of flower-like steamed buns? Fine white flour, clear soup noodles with wild chives, long strips of pastry? Various dishes, a whole table of food he had never seen before.

    He still sat down shamelessly.

    He even washed his hands before eating, showing he was a rather refined person.

    Gong Qichi first took a sip of the noodle soup, which was clear and sweet, then picked up some noodles with his chopsticks. The noodles were chewy and fragrant. He then took a big gulp of soup, swallowing some green onions with it, which was a bit spicy but made the soup more fragrant.

    Three mouthfuls of noodles and three sips of soup, he finished a bowl of noodles.

    His eyes were red.

    The noodles reminded him of home, of his mother.

    "These noodles are extremely well made. I wonder what great chef Brother Changtian has hired?" Gong Qichi asked, wiping the soup from his beard.

    Jiang Mianmian thought: ...The cause of rebellion makes one weather-beaten. This uncle was so refined when he camest time.

    Jiang Changtian smiled and said, "This was made by my younger daughter. We have no servants at home. We have a female teacher, rmended by General Zi. My Sister Xia has acknowledged the teacher as her aunt, they address each other as niece and aunt, we''re all family."

    Only then did Gong Qichi notice the woman in the corner.

    He had heard about this from General Zi but hadn''t paid attention.

    Now observing, he found that although this person was older and ordinary-looking, her demeanor was extraordinary.

    Just now he hadpletely overlooked her, which was strange.

    After eating a bowl of noodles, Gong Qichi wasn''t full.

    When he was a schr, his appetite wasn''trge, but now he could eat a lot, especially after having been hungry.

    He drank another bowl of fine grain porridge, apanied by small round steamed buns.

    Jiang Changtian introduced, "This is xiaolongbao, a name given by my youngest daughter. They''re steamed in small baskets, four dumplings per basket, extremely delicate."

    Seeing him pick up a long strip of fried dough, Jiang Changtian continued, "This is youtiao, an entire strip deep-fried in oil. It''s crispy and refreshing when freshly made, bes a bit chewy if left for a while, but still tastes fragrant. It''s especially delicious when dipped in soup."

    After finishing breakfast.

    Jiang Changtian handed him a pot of digestive tea, and the two sat under a tree drinking tea.

    Jiang Mianmian sessfully became an attachment in Father''s arms, obediently listening to the gossip.

    "If I didn''t know that Ming County was so well-governed, with refugees and schrs from surrounding areasing here, I''d think from your demeanor that you''d be one of those officials who exploit themon people," Gong Qichi said with a bitter smile, observing the other''s clean clothes, fair face and hands, and the even fairer child in his arms, living such a carefree life.

    Jiang Changtian replied, "Brother Qichi, you''ve worked hard. Without you all rushing about at the frontlines, Changtian couldn''t be at ease in the rear. But as for exploiting themon people, Changtian would certainly never stoop to such things. I''ve struggled at the bottom before, I understand the hardships of life. Themon people ask for very little - just to eat and dress a bit better. My life now has only improved in terms of food and clothing, and my family feels very blessed because of it."

    "My Elder Sister Yu spends all day thinking about good food, she''s been scared of hunger before."

    Gong Qichi nodded, understanding the reasoning.

    "What brings Brother Qichi rushing here this time?"

    "Someoneined to General Zi, saying you were exploiting themon people and amassing wealth excessively. But General Zi didn''t believe it. I''vee this time to tell you that the imperial court is offering amnesty. General Zi''s intention is to ept the amnesty first," Gong Qichi took a sip of the after-meal digestive tea, having identally eaten too much earlier, he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

    The feeling of rushing about had made his body weak.

    He looked enviously at Brother Changtian, who didn''t have a drop of sweat.

    Jiang Changtian was slightly stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Amnesty is good. The climate hasn''t been good this year, we need to rest and recuperate for a while. The rice seedlings have just been nted, we''ll have to wait until autumn for the harvest."

    Gong Qichi pped his thigh, this was why he liked Brother Changtian.

    When others were told about amnesty, their first reaction was to make a fuss and oppose it, asking what benefits or positions they could get. Only Brother Changtian considered it for General Zi and for themon people.

    "General Zi said that with the amnesty, there''s actually no change from before. Even if peoplee from the imperial court, they wouldn''t dare do much. You just need to deal with it perfunctorily."

    After conveying the message, Gong Qichi left behind gifts from the young master for the little girl, and hurriedly set off for the next ce.

    Before leaving, he was stuffed with arge pack of dried bread pieces, and several small packets of powdered substances.

    By midday, in the dense forest.

    Following Brother Changtian''s instructions, Gong Qichi boiled water and mixed in the powder. It unexpectedly turned into a bowl of soup with red and green vegetables. It tasted like fresh vegetable soup, even with a meat vor, and paired with the dried bread pieces, it was fragrant and delicious.

    Sitting on dead branches under a tree, Gong Qichi sighed, "Among thousands of delicacies in the world, nonepare to the soup Brother Jiang gave me."

    Upon returning, he must tell General Zi that Brother Jiang is an invaluable person who should be given more responsibilities. Ming County alone is too easy for him, Brother Jiang has even grown plump, with such smooth and delicate skin on his face...

 Chapter 138

    Early morning.

    A magpie calls from atop a branch.

    Old Lady Jiang''s hands ache unbearably, the pain radiating through her fingers to her heart, swollen from being trampled.

    The pain is so intense she can''t bear to hear any sound.

    Even the magpie''s call makes her want to chase it away.

    All the masters of the Jiang household had entered the meditation room, except for Wu.

    Old Lady Jiang began to doubt if she had falsely used that beast, wondering if that beast truly had an affair with Wu. This thought crossed not only Old Lady Jiang''s mind, but also fleetingly urred to Jiang Huaisheng and Jiang Wan.

    So sometimes, when dealing with enemies, treating them differently is enough to make them fight amongst themselves.

    Jiang Rong had gonepletely mad, so insane he could no longer recognize people.

    As for Jiang Wan, as long as she didn''t see Jiang Changtian, she gradually recovered.

    She couldn''t believe she would fall in such a small ce as Ming County.

    It was absolutely impossible.

    Even if she didn''t change anything, just by following her dreams, she could at least climb to a high position.

    She only needed to get rid of that person in advance, and everything would be fine.

    She even felt that her time in the meditation room was to remind her of the danger Jiang Changtian posed; he must die.

    But now, they were isted and in peril.

    Unexpectedly, in the afternoon, Jiang Wan received news that the rebels had epted the offer of amnesty, and the imperial court had sent people to grant it.

    She immediately went to tell her grandmother the good news.

    At first, Old Lady Jiang remained expressionless,pletely uninterested.

    But when she heard Jiang Wan say, "I heard Heir Apparent Han personally came to offer the amnesty," Old Lady Jiang suddenly sat up in shock.

    "Who did you say?"

    Startled, Jiang Wan repeated, "Heir Apparent Han, the only legitimate son of the Eldest Princess and the Imperial Son-inw, the Emperor''s most beloved nephew."

    Jiang Wan was actually overjoyed inside, because in her dream, Heir Apparent Han had treated her exceptionally well. Several times when she almost had idents, it was Heir Apparent Han who helped cover for her.

    He was a person who truly treated her well, like a real elder.

    She felt this was heaven''s way of not abandoning people.

    Although this experience was frightening, itid an even more solid foundation for her future. When the time came, as long as she eliminated Jiang Changtian, she would have no more worries.

    Old Lady Jiang was both shocked and delighted.

    Looking at her swollen hands, she suddenly burst into tears, feeling utterly wronged.

    ...

    Jiang Mianmian sat in her father''s embrace, gazing at the distant mountains stretching endlessly.

    She could feel her father''s chest rising and falling.

    His heartbeat seemed fast.

    She vaguely felt that something was off with her father again.

    She turned to look at her elder brother.

    Her brother patted her head.

    Then he went off to train the troops again.

    ...

    The mountains rose and fell in the distance.

    A grand procession of carriages and horses moved along.

    Arge army followed behind.

    At the front of the army was a square-faced youth.

    The war had started inexplicably and ended just as abruptly.

    A group of civil officials at court suddenly mored for amnesty, saying they should stop fighting as there was no more money.

    In reality, at the end of the year and the beginning of the new one, the Emperor had held severalvish song and dance festivals, overspending the national treasury.

    Add to that the celebration of Heir Apparent Han''s birthday and marriage, and the military funds werepletely depleted in one go.

    Those officials couldn''t criticize the Emperor for excessive spending, but they worried about being held responsible for not providing military funds. In the end, they reached a consensus: offer amnesty.

    After all, throw out a few bones, and those rebels would submit.

    They could continue their singing and dancing.

    As long as the fighting didn''t reach their doorstep, it didn''t exist.

    Meng Qingshe desperately submitted memorials pleading not to offer amnesty.

    He argued that Zi Lu was ambitious and insatiable, with grand schemes.

    But the civil officials unanimously attacked Meng Qingshe, saying the Meng family wanted to seize military power.

    They imed Zi Lu only had one son, who was mentally ill, and all he sought was a single medicine. He didn''t truly want to rebel.

    On the contrary, they used General Meng of having ulterior motives and harboring evil intentions by persistently opposing amnesty.

    Meng Qingshe began to argue back, "Evil intentions my ass! My family has only one heir, while you have eighteen concubines, sixteen sons, and thirteen daughters. Your daughters are all married to officials, and the court is full of your rtives. You''re the one with evil intentions!"

    In the imperial court, Meng Qingshe knocked out one of the official''s teeth on the spot.

    The Emperor reprimanded him briefly.

    Then the Emperor ordered Heir Apparent Han, Meng Shaoxia, and a eunuch to serve as amnesty ambassadors and leave the capital.

    Everyone knew that offering amnesty was an easy job, much easier than fighting, but it was an easy way to gain merit. It was a gift.

    One trip out, sightseeing and enjoying themselves, and they would gain the same merit as those who fought bloody battles.

    The Emperor sending Heir Apparent Han on this mission was likely to let him gain some merit, to avoid people constantlyining about his favoritism towards his nephew.

    As for arranging Meng Shaoxia to go along, it was to appease the Meng family.

    Eunuch Duan was the Emperor''s eyes and ears; having eunuchs apany military operations was standard procedure.

    The eunuchs in the pce all wanted to go on outside missions. In the pce, they were servants, but outside, even those officials with red crowns had to respectfully address them as ''Lord Eunuch''.

    No matter how much they looked down on them, they had to bow and bend their knees, because these eunuchs were close to the Emperor.

    Eunuch Duan had followed in the footsteps of Eunuch Yan, the Emperor''s favorite, to get this opportunity for an outside mission.

    Meng Shaoxia had changed from the fresh-faced youth who had traveled with He Chen a year ago to a more mature young man. He had grown a small beard on his chin, making him look more grown-up.

    His skin had darkened a bit.

    His hands had be rougher.

    The war had left him bewildered.

    The ceasefire left him even more confused.

    Those corpses seemed to have died for nothing.

    The big guy hadn''t been able to earn military merit as a dowry for his beloved.

    Amnesty was granted.

    Of the four youths who used to pat his shoulder and call him "Little Square," three had died.

    Amnesty was granted.

    The past of life-and-death battles had vanished, as if it had never existed.

    The grasnd was gone too, the grass had grown taller and greener. He had forgotten where they had built their campfires back then.

    During the war, he had thought about going to Ming County every day, but never made it.

    Now with the amnesty, he never expected that their first stop after Jingzhou would be Ming County.

    Heir Apparent Han didn''t want toe to this remote ce either, but his father had said that the descendants of an old friend were here, and asked him to look after them or bring them back to the capital.

    Although Heir Apparent Han was arrogant and unruly in the capital, he still listened to his father''s words.

    He liked to wear red clothes, his robe a bright scarlet. He had been sunny and cheerful all his life, never having experienced any hardship. This journey was probably the greatest difficulty he had ever faced.

    His carriage was extremelyrge, specially fitted with the cushions he was ustomed to, so he could sleep at night.

    Six maids served him in the carriage, each with their own unique beauty, but they shared onemon trait: they were all slightly older.

    Heir Apparent Han liked beautiful women, but unlike others, he preferred those who were a bit older.

    While others forcibly abductedmoner girls, Heir Apparent Han seized amoner''s wife.

    He was willing to endure the hardships of travel for two reasons: firstly, it was the Emperor''s order, and secondly, he had a fondness for beautiful women.

    He had grown weary of ying with all the avable beauties in the Capital City. Those who remained were off-limits to him. With nothing interesting left, he set out on this journey, and indeed, he encountered strikingly different beauties, each with their own unique charm.

    s, that fool Meng Shaoxia stood in the way, causing trouble at every turn.

    Eunuch Duan was far more interesting and amodating.

    Eunuch Duan mused: "We''re all rootless men. What else can we do but be amodating? Thanks to Eunuch Yan''s help, I was able to secure this lucrative assignment. I can pass by my hometown on this journey out of the pce and catch a glimpse of it. I can die without regrets now."

    He had also received instructions from Eunuch Yan to look after a certain family if they reached Ming County. They were his only rtives left in this world.

    The grand procession of carriages and horses entered the borders of Ming County, their journey bing even smoother.

    Heir Apparent Han reclined in his carriage, savoring freshly cut peaches fed to him by themoner''s wife he had seized.

    He began to feel bored again. She was far too docile.

    He had barely needed to use force; she had submitted willingly.

    Surprisingly, her husband didn''t object either. He even offered her up with both hands, only asking for money. How dull.

    Suddenly, he heard the rhythmic beating of drums, crisp and melodious, matching the rhythm of his heartbeat.

    Heir Apparent Han sat up and lifted the carriage curtain, asking, "Where are we now?"

    ...

 Chapter 139

    The roads were wide and expansive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Crisscrossing in all directions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    Merchants called out their wares.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    People came and went.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "Come get a bargain! Two coppers, two coppers for this whole basket!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    "No can do, sister. Two and a half coppers, that''s as low as I''ll go."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    "Used clothes for sale! Used clothes for sale!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    "Vinegar for sale! Vinegar for sale!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "Fish for sale! Fresh fish for sale!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The cries of vendors intertwined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Pedestrians weaved through the crowds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Seeing the approaching army of carriages and horses, the crowd surprisingly didn''t panic. Unlike in other ces where they would have scattered like birds and beasts, they continued their sales pitches.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Some food vendors even approached with their goods on their backs, calling out their wares.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "Pancakes for sale! Pancakes for sale! Fragrant, sizzling oil pancakes!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "Vinegar for sale! Vinegar for sale! The cure-all tonic!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    "Hot soup! Hot soup! Steaming rich broth!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    The vendors'' cries drew closer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Even the horses began to get a bit restless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    In his carriage, Heir Apparent Han was curious. Were the people here not afraid of death? Why didn''t they flee at the sight of his entourage, but instead approached to sell things?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Did they actually pay for goods?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Weren''t they afraid of being conscripted by the soldiers?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Then came something even more outrageous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    A troupe of women with faces painted bright red approached, banging gongs and drums.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    They came to wee Heir Apparent Han''s inspection of Ming County.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    A huge red banner was held high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    It bore a line of text.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Neither refined nor crude, itcked elegance but fit the image of rebels perfectly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Rebels, after all, were surely uncultured. The cultured would have taken the imperial exams. Why rebel?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Yet there was something original about it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He had heard the distant drum beats earlier and found them intriguing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    But up close, he was startled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Who were these people? They looked like women in their fifties or sixties, some even grandmothers. When they smiled, some were missing front teeth, leaving ck holes. Their faces were painted like baboons'' behinds, beating drums on their backs, lips thick with red paint. It was terrifying.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han didn''t know whether tough or cry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He found Ming County quite interesting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Although the lead drummer had an excellent figure, Heir Apparent Han''s excitement waned. The sight of that garishly painted red face was enough to startle him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The former county magistrate had been sent to wee Heir Apparent Han.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He harbored a glimmer of hope.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    What if, just what if, he caught the heir''s eye and regained his position as county magistrate?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He might even be promoted in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    It was crucial to align oneself with the right people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    This Heir Apparent Han was the Emperor''s own nephew. No matter how impressive Jiang Er was, he was still just a castoff from the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    So he had eagerly volunteered for this reception duty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    The former county magistrate, Little Huang, knelt obsequiously before the carriage and cautiously said, "This humble official hase especially to wee Your Highness and escort you into Ming County."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han frowned and asked, "Are you that rebel, Jiang Er?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "I am Magistrate Huang of Ming County, here to guide Your Highness."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han had initially been intrigued by the unique drum rhythms, but was startled to see an old man. He had seen plenty of those and lost interest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He simply lowered the carriage curtain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    Magistrate Huang knelt awkwardly by the roadside, then picked himself up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    It was fine. Important figures from the capital were like this. Thest time he took the imperial exams in the capital, the heir had been just as aloof, not even acknowledging much higher-ranking officials.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    In another carriage, Eunuch Duan learned this was Kan''er Vige and curiously observed the surroundings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    So this was where Senior Eunuch Yan grew up. It was indeed impressive, even the roadside drumming was pleasing to the ear, though the performers'' makeup left much to be desired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    On horseback, Meng Shaoxia gazed at the unfamiliar ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He could hardly believe this was Kan''er Vige.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    It wasn''t like this when he hade before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The vige had few people then.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    It was very quiet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He hade to offer amnesty when he learned the rebel leader here was called Jiang Er.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He hadn''t connected this person with Little Yu''er at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    As he neared his hometown, emotions welled up. He wondered how she was doing now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The world was in such chaos.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Human life was as fragile as grass.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He dared not think about it. When he did, his heart ached terribly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He was not in control of his fate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Now he returned, but everything had changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He had said he woulde with a proper marriage proposal, but here he was, still alone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    Little Yu''er''s home was so close. Perhaps she was standing under a tree right now, able to see him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Under a tree, Jiang Yu curiously peered towards the vige entrance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    There were so many people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Her younger sister was counting ants beside her, showing no interest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She excitedly said to her great-aunt, "Grandma, they say that after epting amnesty, my father will be a high official in the imperial court. The government will provide for us, and we''ll never want for food or drink again, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Aunt Yin: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    That was how it seemed on the surface.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    But it was moreplicated than that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Mianmian sat on a soft cushion and sighed, "After epting amnesty, there will be many more leaders to deal with. It''ll be more troublesome. But our father will be fine, he can surely handle it all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Aunt Yin nodded, somehow understanding the concept of "leaders" - those who lead, guide, and manage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She didn''t know how this little girl''s mind worked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Nor did she understand how the older girl''s mind worked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    One was too savvy, the other too naive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Both worried her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    When she learned the visitor was Heir Apparent Han, her heart skipped a beat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    She had specifically mentioned this person to her master.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han was spoiled beyond measure and had a very bad habit - he liked married women.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    His first wife had died of illness, probably from distress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    She had also warned Qin to avoid appearing before Heir Apparent Han if possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    Led by the county magistrate, Heir Apparent Han arrived at the county office. Without ceremony, hemandeered the courtyard behind the main building.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Former Magistrate Huang felt somewhat ufortable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He suddenly realized he had been foolish. Although Jiang Er had usurped his position as magistrate, he had still shown him respect.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    This Heir Apparent Han didn''t even treat him as a person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Despite this, Magistrate Huang still had to politely vacate the premises.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Magistrate Huang''s wife, upon hearing of Heir Apparent Han''s arrival, fled faster than a rabbit, hiding away early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    However, some concubines, hearing of the noble visitor, primped themselves up instead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Magistrate Huang''s hat brim turned a deep shade of green.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Weary from the journey, Heir Apparent Han saw the few women in the magistrate''s rear courtyard primping and posing. How annoying - did they think he would be interested in such inferior goods?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Feeling slightly bored, Heir Apparent Han remembered he was supposed to visit the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He had someone send over a visiting card.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Since learning of Heir Apparent Han''s impending visit, the Jiang household had been in a flurry of preparations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    Except for the Buddha Hall which hadn''t been refurbished, Heir Apparent Han probably wouldn''t go there anyway.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    All other areas had been thoroughly cleaned and reorganized.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Apart from Jiang Rong who refused toe out, and Jiang Huaisheng whose face bore fresh injuries but whose spirits seemed improved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    Mother and Princess Huiyun were the closest of friends, like sisters. With the Princess''s son arriving in Ming County, their family would surely be able to turn their fortunes around and leave this godforsaken ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    During this time, he had been tormented by his younger brother to the point of near madness. Now he was desperate to leave this wretched ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Even the usuallyposed Old Lady Jiang was visibly excited. Everyone could understand why - being tormented time and again by Jiang Changtian had driven them all to the brink of insanity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The visitor before them was not just a noble, but a savior who would deliver them from their misery.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Wan summoned her energy to entertain the distinguished guest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She recalled thest time they had visitors - those two young gentlemen from the capital. How times had changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Madam Wu hadn''t seen her husband so spirited in a long time. Ever since his face was injured, he had seemed constantly mncholy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Later, when Shu Shu was born, he was happy, but his mood never truly lifted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    After that dark day, he appearedpletely defeated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Madam Wu hadn''t entered that quiet room and didn''t know what had happened, but Rong''er had been genuinely frightened out of his wits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Today, her husband had finally rallied. Though his face bore fresh injuries, his expression was cheerful, as if he had returned to his old self.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Madam Wu was overjoyed as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    If the family could return to the capital, they might find a renowned doctor to treat Rong''er, and perhaps he would return to normal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    With an important guesting to their home, she had tidied up a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    She had once been a famed beauty in the capital, childhood sweethearts with Jiang Huaisheng. They had married naturally, as a matter of course. But after only a few years of marital bliss, she had followed her husband into exile in this remote ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    Thinking of the nobles in the capital filled her with wistfulness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Atst, their suffering seemed to being to an end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Madam Wu looked at herself in the mirror as shebed her hair. The bronze mirror reflected a young woman who had recently given birth, exuding a maternal gentleness. Her skin was fair, and her figure slightly plump, but in just the right way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Her clothes were from before she gave birth and had grown old, but under the circumstances, she couldn''t ask for more. Compared to the people outside, she was already quite fortunate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    She and her husband went to pay respects to his mother, finding that the older woman''s spirits had lifted as well. She had taken great care with her appearance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Seeing his mother like this brought a lump to Jiang Huaisheng''s throat. He remembered that she always dressed this way when his father was alive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Wan was also neatly groomed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Old Lady Jiang was in such a good mood that everything looked rosy to her. Even her hand didn''t seem to hurt anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The only thing that still irked her was Madam Wu''s appearance. She spoke up, "With an honored guesting, you should at least change your clothes. Wearing that makes us look too impoverished."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Madam Wu''s face flushed with embarrassment at her mother-inw''s words. For the past half year, she had been pregnant and then giving birth. The new clothes she had were made during her pregnancy and were far toorge. After giving birth, she had been too busy to make new ones.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Hearing her grandmother''s words, Jiang Wan realized her own oversight and quickly said, "Grandmother, Mother still needs to hold little sister. The fabric of new clothes would be too stiff. Mother dressed this way to make it easier to hold the baby."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Old Lady Jiang nodded at this, and in an unprecedented gesture, patted Madam Wu''s hand and said, "You''ve had it hard."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Madam Wu was taken aback by this show of affection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    Jiang Huaisheng was delighted to see his mother and wife getting along so harmoniously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han did indeed pay a personal visit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    His original intention was simply to look in andplete his task.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    But when he saw that woman cradling an infant, her fair fingers exposed as she lowered her head to coo at the baby nestled against her shapely bosom, when she smiled, revealing pearly white teeth, and lifted her oval face with its willow-leaf eyebrows and swan-like neck, when he took in her slightly plump figure - at that moment, he decided to stay for a meal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "Sister-inw, what a beautiful child. Let me hold the baby," Heir Apparent Han said, reaching out to take the infant without concern for propriety. The back of his hand brushed against Madam Wu''s soft body.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    As he took the child, his other hand also happened to grasp Madam Wu''s hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Madam Wu felt startled and ufortable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Old Lady Jiang sat regally in the ce of honor, her eyes brimming with undisguised affection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Huaisheng and the Heir Apparent conversed with great enthusiasm. The Heir Apparent even called him "Elder Brother" and referred to Madam Wu as "Sister-inw."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Wan busied herself preparing the meal and readying a ce for the honored guest to rest and change clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

 Chapter 140

    A hearty meal, well enjoyed by both the host and the guest.

    Jiang Wan dreamed that Heir Apparent Han treated her exceedingly well, much like a genuine elder.

    He was thoughtful of her at every turn.

    Feeling a sense of reverence for him washed over Jiang Wan unknowingly.

    Heir Apparent Han was surprised to find out that not only was Mrs. Jiang Wu remarkably beautiful, her appearance and charm had already taken root in his heart, but Wu¡¯s daughter turned out to be even more beautiful.

    It was rare to see such a beautiful young woman in the Capital City.

    But he wasn''t interested in the young girl.

    He rather found Wu more attractive, even her daughter was so beautiful.

    The Jiang family was extremely hospitable.

    And also devoid of pretentiousness, warm and sincere.

    Olddy Jiang looked at him with quite a loving gaze, he didn¡¯t find it odd, the Emperor held him in high favor, which elder wouldn''t show him love.

    Except for his mother.

    He rarely saw his mother, she didn¡¯t feature dominantly in his memories. On the few asions they had met, she was always cold and distant.

    His mother was indifferent towards everyone, not just him.

    Of course, his life was not bereft of adoration.

    The present Emperor was his own uncle, so wherever he went, he had the upper hand, nobody dared put on airs around him.

    His father also indulged himpletely, seldom asked him to do anything.

    Spoiled with countless affections, except for plucking the stars and moon, whatever else he wanted was within easy grasp.

    Heir Apparent Han found this Jiang Huaisheng quite interesting.

    He called him elder brother, and he responded quite readily.

    Everyone knew that he typically only called elder brother when it was in regards to his sister-inw, who in the Capital City had the face to be his elder brother.

    This family was quite close, it''s just that their minds seemed to be a bit off.

    Heir Apparent Han was arrogant in his actions, and poured a lot of wine for Jiang Huaisheng.

    In the beginning, Jiang Huaisheng said that an idental injury to his face wasn¡¯t conducive to drinking.

    But when Heir Apparent Han¡¯s face dropped and he was displeased, Huaisheng was forced to apany him in drinking.

    Heir Apparent Han was good at winning people over by getting them drunk.

    After all, he had been living in the presence of the Emperor for most of his life, the person he needed to please the most was his uncle, he was definitely good at making pleasing remarks.

    His EQ was certainly up to par, at least he never dared to do anything outrageous in the pce.

    "Big brother, I feel a close bond with you upon our first meeting. When you return to the Capital City, I will introduce you to my uncle. With your diverse knowledge and talents, he will definitely like you. He values talent above everything else."

    With every reference to his uncle, Jiang Huaisheng''s head spun - that was the Emperor, it must be the wine talking.

    He even thought about how one day, on his return to the Capital City, he would rise through the ranks and sit in a position higher than his father once was. Outshining his own origins, living up to his father¡¯s expectations.

    Although in his memory, his father had once said about him: "Huaisheng, you are a steady person with good academic performance, but youck experience and tact. I don''t expect you to hold a high-ranking position, but to lead a smooth life."

    His father gave him the name of "Shoucheng", Jiang Shoucheng.

    His father''s highest expectation for him was that he could guard a city.

    However, he remembered his father¡¯s words about his little brother: "His natural talent is smart, he adapts to changes quickly, he is bound to be very sessful."

    After drinking wine, Jiang Huaisheng thought about the past, thought about his father, thought about his brother who had now be his enemy, he felt somement. He didn¡¯t expect that the brother his father loved so dearly wasn''t his real brother.

    Now, seemingly more of an enemy than an actual enemy, he sought to annihte their entire family. Ironically, Heir Apparent Han from the Capital City is closer than the younger brother.

    Jiang Huaisheng had drunk too much and lost hisposure, tears streaming down his face.

    He could not understand how his obedient younger brother, who once talked of growing up to be like him, came to be like this.

    Old Lady Jiang inexplicablyforted herself by watching the shared understanding between Huaisheng and the Heir Apparent while they made merry over drinks.

    As a man drank and spoke, it was not appropriate for her, an elder woman, to join.

    She returned to her room, apanied by Wan''er.

    She was extremely emotional and even a little out of control.

    She hadn¡¯t imagined she would meet the young man in such circumstances.

    He even asked how her hand was.

    Old Lady Jiang simply replied that she had hurt herself identally.

    Upon saying that, the aggrieved look in her eyes reddened.

    The me was entirely on that beast.

    ¡­

    Over there, Jiang Huaisheng had already gotten drunk.

    Heir Apparent Han furrowed his brows as he listened to this manin about his younger brother. It turned out that the rebel Jiang Er was actually an adoptee of his family?

    What kind of person was that?

    If someone else was rebelling, you should be enjoying luxury with them. If not, you should demonstrate righteous indignation.

    Heir Apparent Han couldn''t understand this man''s thought process and was not particrly concerned.

    He asked someone to invite Sister-inw over. His elder brother had drunk himself into a stupor, so Sister-inw shoulde to take care of him, shouldn''t she?

    Wu just started to feel that something was odd. Although she and her husband had been childhood sweethearts and also married quite early, not much socializing was allowed by Old Lady Jiang after the marriage, and nobody told her anything about Heir Apparent Han.

    She thought she might be overthinking things. Given how Heir Apparent Han had just married and was the favorite of the Emperor, it seemed impossible that he would have interest in her, especially as she¡¯d just given birth to her third son.

    She wondered whether her strange thoughts were because it had been a long time since she had been intimate with her husband.

    She reflected on herself.

    Hearing now that her husband was drunk, she asked the wet nurse to look after Little Shushu and went to look after her husband.

    Dressed in a white skirt with a hairpin, Wu had no other jewelry. She didn¡¯t wear earrings, as she often yed with the children and noticed that Little Shushu liked to touch her ears; wearing earrings could harm the child.

    She quickly recovered her figure after giving birth and stopping breastfeeding.

    After all, she already had a wet nurse and experience.

    The white dress always looked new, as it had no color to fade, but it was just a little more likely to get dirty. She paid attention to it on a daily basis.

    Upon entering the room, she found her husband drunk and sprawled on a soft couch, entirely unkempt.

    "Sister-inw," said the Heir Apparent, "My elder brother is drunk. Let''s help him back to his room together."

    A sense of uneasiness rose within Wu as Heir Apparent Han referred to her in an overly intimate way.

    But with everyone watching, she must be overthinking things.

    She wanted to ask the maid to help, but the size of the staff at the Jiang Manor had been significantly reduced.

    The maid alone would not be strong enough.

    Heir Apparent Han helpfully stepped forward.

    Together they brought Jiang Huaisheng back to his room, while the maid went to fetch water.

    The Heir Apparent surprisingly didn''t leave but rather admired the room.

    Spacious, tidy, with a dressing mirror, and things belonging to both of them ced together - their rtionship must be quite good.

    Wu was removing her husband''s shoes.

    Heir Apparent Han dared to step forward to help.

    He fully embraced Wu from behind, seizing her hands.

    "Sister-inw, let me assist you. How could he make you handle this rough work? He really doesn''t cherish or value you."

    Wu was both shy and embarrassed. Her husband was sleeping right there on the bed nearby, yet Heir Apparent Han audaciously engaged in such an act. She wondered why her maid had not yet entered the room.

    "Let go of me."

    Refusing, he retorted, "No."

    Wu felt as if all her strength had been sapped away, she couldn''t struggle.

    ¡­¡­

    Old Lady Jiang reminisced about the past while leaning on the daybed, feeling as if she, too, had been drained of all energy. She wept profusely.

    ¡­¡­

 Chapter 141

    In the morning, the family took Grandma into the mountains.

    Father had said he wanted to take everyone for a pic today.

    Jiang Mianmian was excited; children always love new experiences.

    The weather was hot, and the group walked for quite a while.

    Thest time the whole family had gone into the mountains together was when they were fleeing as refugees.

    This time, Father led the way, bringing everyone to a small waterfall.

    The cool mist instantly dispelled the summer heat.

    Jiang Changtian thought this ce was wonderful, feeling the urge topose poetry like a schr, though his poetic skills were only average.

    On this summer day, the waterfall turned into a white mist as it fell into the deep pool below, which was dark and constantly pounded by the falling water.

    The scenery was both beautiful and serene.

    Jiang Mianmian also loved this ce, opening her mouth as if she could catch the waterfall in it.

    However, Mianmian noticed that Mom''s expression seemed a bit unnatural.

    Grandma spread out a nket for everyone andid out an array of delicious snacks.

    Father and Elder Brother were setting up a y stove nearby.

    Mom said, "I''m going to take a walk around."

    Elder Sister also said, "I''ll go for a walk too."

    Suddenly, the cry of a wild beast echoed through the mountains.

    Jiang Mianmian was startled.

    Aunt Yin quickly hugged the little girl,forting her, "It''s alright, it''s alright. Grandma''s here."

    As she soothed the child, she looked around. The dense forest surrounding them was indeed a bit frightening.

    The deep pool before them was also unsettling, so deep that its bottom couldn''t be seen. If bodies were dumped here, many could be hidden without anyone discovering them.

    Suddenly, there was movement in the thick forest.

    Someone wasing.

    A momentter, they saw Mom return with a wild boar with ck tusks.

    The boar had already been knocked unconscious.

    But its skin was still warm to the touch, and its blood was still hot.

    Jiang Mianmian wondered if the pitiful cry they had heard earlier hade from this wild boar.

    Aunt Yin had obviously thought the same thing.

    When Aunt Yin saw Qin effortlessly butcher the wild boar by the deep pool, skillfully cutting, dividing, and arranging the meat, she looked at the little girl in her arms who was giving her an innocent smile, then back at Qin. Suddenly, she understood why the little girl was often found dissecting small rabbits ¨C she must have taken after Qin.

    She silently recalled if she had ever acted improperly in front of Qin.

    In her impression, Qin had always been a rather intelligent woman. Although her experiences were limited, her conduct was impable, and she learned everything quickly.

    But she never imagined that this was her true talent.

    Aunt Yin admitted to herself that she had misjudged Qin.

    Perhaps she had been out of the pce for too long, and her vignce had waned.

    This had led to her judgment of people bing less urate.

    With Qin''s skills, why bother teaching her etiquette?

    What she should teach is etiquette to others, to prevent them from disrespecting Qin.

    Aunt Yin reflected silently, suddenly understanding why Mr. Jiang always acted like a weak imperial concubine vying for favor in front of Qin. So that was the way to survive.

    As Qin Luoxia finished dividing the meat, Aunt Yin quickly ran over to help.

    Looking at the uniformly sized pieces of meat, Aunt Yin''s heart clenched, feeling as if her own heart had been cut to the same size. Her face, however, showed an even more benevolent smile as she said, "You''ve worked hard, madam."

    Qin wiped away non-existent sweat from her forehead, saying it was no trouble at all, just a piece of cake.

    However, she inexplicably felt that Aunt Yin seemed to be more respectful and deferential towards her.

    Although Aunt Yin had always treated her very well before, there seemed to be a subtle difference now.

    Jiang Feng and Father had built the stove, and were originally nning to show off their skills in the mountains. On the way here, they had even heard the sounds of birds and beasts fleeing.

    But Mom had beaten them to it.

    Seeing Mom''s effortless and rxed demeanor, Jiang Feng quietly put away his sword.

    He went to wash the vegetables instead.

    Watching his dear wife''s skillful movements, Jiang Changtian obediently went to bring her some tea.

    Jiang Yu had run off and disappeared. By the time the meat was in the pot, she returned with arge bundle of fresh mushrooms, which surprisingly contained six bird eggs.

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help with anything, so she sat obediently on the coarse cloth mat, watching the mountain ants. She was surprised to find she could y with them, having thought only the ants at home were yable.

    She hadn''t expected the mountain ants to listen to the little trees as well.

    The aroma of freshly roasted wild boar meat wafted up, smelling irresistible.

    Jiang Mianmian''s mouth watered, but she couldn''t eat it.

    She drank a bowl of mushroom and meat soup instead.

    Jiang Yu proudly taught Grandma how to identify mushrooms.

    "This one is sweet. This kind is extremely poisonous. If you cook it and eat just one bite, a wild pheasant would drop dead immediately."

    Aunt Yin: ... How did she know it was sweet?

    "What are you keeping the poisonous ones for? Throw them away! What if you identally put them in the pot? You''d kill the whole family," Qin Luoxia shouted.

    Jiang Yu grumbled, "I was just showing Grandma. She doesn''t know about these things. What if Grandma identally ate them?"

    Aunt Yin: ...

    Then Aunt Yin seemed to discover one of the elder daughter''s strengths ¨C she appeared to be unafraid of poison. She watched as the girl broke off a small piece of the mushroom she had just called extremely poisonous and tasted it.

    Aunt Yin wanted to stop her, but it was toote.

    She quickly confiscated the rest.

    Even extremely poisonous things had their uses, important uses.

    At the same time, she felt oddly relieved. With the elder daughter''s habit of putting everything in her mouth and wanting to taste everything, Aunt Yin had worried that if she were to marry into aplex family in the future, someone might casually offer her something inconspicuous to eat. It might seem harmless at first, but could result in infertility or premature death ¨C there were too many possibilities.

    The family ate their fill in the wild, listening to the babbling mountain spring, chirping birds, buzzing insects, and croaking frogs, feeling the gentle mountain breeze that carried away the summer heat. It was veryfortable.

    Jiang Mianmian even called the little ants to feed them the leftover food scraps.

    The family chatted andughed together.

    Aunt Yin had actually been quite nervous at first.

    Because she had heard that Heir Apparent Han had arrived, she couldn''t help but worry that something might change in this family.

    Although each of these masters seemed to have their own quirks, they were all very kind to her. Qin had said she was her aunt, so the children really called her Grandma and treated her like an elder.

    Qin and Mr. Jiang were also very respectful towards her.

    At first, she thought there might be some hidden agenda, butter she realized that Qin simply regretted not having elders in the family and wanted an elder to preside over the household. She also trusted herpletely.

    Aunt Yin had spent most of her life relying on her wits to survive.

    She particrly cherished this feeling of trust.

    Her husband''s children didn''t trust her, always thinking that as a stepmother, she must be hiding something.

    The family before her, though not rted by blood, trusted herpletely and hid nothing from her.

    Aunt Yin felt she was close to knowing every little secret of each family member. It was only because of her broad-mindedness that she could handle it; someone else might not be able to bear it.

    As the afternoon sun tilted westward, the family began to pack up and head back.

    The envoy for pacification had arrived, and a crowd was gathering around him.

    Jiang Changtian, however, took his wife and children into hiding, spending a leisurely day in the mountains.

    Walking home in the golden sunset, slightly tired but happy.

    Jiang Mianmian had fallen asleep on Father''s shoulder.

    When she woke up, she found herself on Mom''s back.

    They had already arrived home.

    There was a faint scent of medicine in the air, which feltfortable.

    Aunt Yin also liked this smell in the house.

    Havinge from the imperial pce, she actually didn''t adapt well to ces that smelled unpleasant.

    Although the Jiang family lived in a vige, it felt clean and tidy from the moment they arrived, with no bad odors.

    Unexpectedly, when they returned home, someone was already waiting for them.

    Under two trees stood a young man with a square face.

    The young man looked more weathered.

    He had matured quite a bit.

    Jiang Yu, with her sharp eyes, spotted him first and excitedly called out, "It''s Elder Brother Meng, he''s still alive!"

    Jiang Feng also jogged forward, intending to give Meng Shaoxia a cupped-hand salute, but changed his mind and reached out to embrace him instead.

    The two kindred spirits hugged each other tightly.

    "Brother Meng, why have youe? Where is He Elder Brother?" Jiang Feng asked excitedly.

    After theirst parting, many things had happened, but he still remembered the unique feeling of meeting Brother Meng and He Elder Brother, which had subtly changed his life from that moment on.

    "Brother Meng, the sword manual you gave me is excellent. I''ve been practicing it diligently, never stopping for summer or winter. The sword you gave me is also superb. I cherish it greatly and have never used it to kill those who shouldn''t be killed."

    Jiang Feng stood before Meng Shaoxia, cupping his hands again in gratitude.

    Meng Shaoxia had experienced even more during this time.

    First, he was thrown into the army by his family to be beaten and suffer, then he ran away to endure hardships with the soldiers. He had suffered greatly along the way, witnessed much life and death, and seen much suffering. The once vigorous young man had matured and be more steady.

    He greeted everyone, and when introduced to Grandma, he addressed her as such.

    Even Mianmian had her cheek pinched. Finally, Meng Shaoxia greeted Jiang Yu.

    "Little Yu has be prettier, even more beautiful now," he said with a smile.

    He had actually been waiting under the trees for a very long time.

    When he arrived, he could barely recognize the ce.

    If it weren''t for the two trees still standing.

    The former thatched cottages were now arranged in an orderly manner. Even from the outer walls, it looked different, like the residence of a famous recluse living deep in the mountains.

    It wasrger and more spacious, yet still blended seamlessly with the mountain behind it, appearing very harmonious.

    From a distance, only the outer buildings could be seen, seemingly not much different.

    But upon approaching, one discovered a hidden paradise, with the interior appearing much more expansive.

    However, no one was home when he arrived this time.

    He felt very anxious.

    Worried that things might have changed.

    That their reunion would be different from before.

    Even after waiting for two hours, he suddenly took a step, deciding to leave.

    He was afraid, afraid that little Yu was no longer little Yu, but just his dream.

    At that moment, he heard a horse neighing from the courtyard.

    Unexpectedly, his horse still recognized him.

    It actually jumped out of the courtyard and trotted over to him.

    Biting his sleeve, keeping him there.

    Meng Shaoxia saw Jiang Yu again.

    The girl who once wore worn-out shoes and walked with a limp was now graceful and poised, with a round face, fair skin, big eyes, and apricot-shaped lips. When she smiled, she radiated brilliance.

    It was wonderful.

    Despite the passage of time, she was still here.

    It was truly wonderful.

 Chapter 142

    ......

    Lunch was a bit greasy and messy.

    Dinner was light congee with small side dishes.

    Even light congee and small dishes can be made delicious.

    The congee had vibrant green leaves swirling in it.

    There were freshly made snacks and pickled vegetables.

    That evening, Jiang Yu solidly demonstrated her culinary skills.

    She even showed off a bit.

    The snacks were fried into beautiful shapes.

    They looked good and tasted good.

    And so Meng Shaoxia experienced his second taste of heavenly cuisine since thest time.

    This time surpassed the previous one.

    Thest time was at the Jiang family''s home.

    This time was also at the Jiang family''s home.

    Meng Shaoxia ate very earnestly.

    Jiang Yu not only enjoyed eating herself but also liked watching others eat earnestly.

    She believed that people who weren''t reverent about food couldn''t be good people.

    Such people were insincere and not worth befriending. (Jiang Wan: Just report my ID number, why don''t you.)

    Thest time this Precious Horse Young Hero came, the Jiang family didn''t feel anything was amiss.

    Mainly because his circumstances were too good and theirs too poor, they didn''t think much of it, nor did they dare to.

    But this time, this small square face looked world-weary, smiling at Jiang Yu like an idiot.

    Except for Jiang Yu, the whole family noticed something was off.

    Aunt Yin''s eyes scanned up and down like a minesweeper.

    She wasn''t scanning the Meng family''s youth.

    She knew he was the Meng family''s only heir.

    She had seen Meng Shaoxia''s father when he was young, just like this, with a square face.

    She had seen Meng Shaoxia''s grandfather, also with a square face.

    The Meng family was easy to recognize.

    Aunt Yin was scanning Jiang Yu.

    Although she was on her niece''s side, she couldn''t find anything negative to say about the Meng family.

    In the capital, the Meng family members were basically everydy''s choice for a son-inw.

    The small square face might not be what youngdies in boudoirs preferred, but it was definitely what every mother-inw liked.

    Aunt Yin had a strange feeling, like, no way, no way, had her niece stumbled upon such good fortune?

    Qin also realized something was up.

    After dinner, Jiang Changtian was more direct, smiling as he said, "Young Master Meng, have youe to retrieve your horse? This horse still recognizes you, showing deep affection. And this jade pendant, our Yu was thoughtless in epting such a valuable item. We''ve been uneasy keeping it, guarding it for so long. Now we can finally return it to its rightful owner."

    Aunt Yin took one look and thought, goodness gracious.

    He''s even given jade as a gift.

    She felt a sudden urge to give her niece intensive training.

    If she were to marry into the Meng family in the future, she would certainly need to meet people.

    She couldn''t be unpresentable.

    It couldn''t just be a case of a blind cat catching a dead mouse.

    In an instant, the whole family seemed to be on high alert.

    Even Jiang Mianmian stopped ying with ants and curiously stared at the square-faced youth.

    Oh ho, this youth''s gaze at her sister was different.

    Seeing everyone so serious, as if about to discuss important matters, Jiang Yu asked, "Do you need me to go check the door?"

    "Pfft!"

    Meng Shaoxia, who had been very nervous, couldn''t help butugh when he saw little Yu also looking tense and asking this.

    Then he promptly "thud!" knelt down.

    "When Shaoxia returned to the capitalst time, he informed his parents of his intentions. Shaoxia admires Miss Jiang Yu and wishes to take her as his wife. Only due to the chaos of war, I couldn''t return in time. Though we''ve been apart for a while, Shaoxia''s feelings haven''t changed. My parents couldn''te, but Shaoxia has obtained the consent of Grandfather and Grandmother, bringing Grandfather''s letter. This jade pendant is a token of my proposal."

    Meng Shaoxia looked at Jiang Yu.

    He continued, "Shaoxia swears here, if I can marry Miss Jiang, I will apany her hand in hand for life, not take concubines or have affairs. However, the Meng family line is thin, probably due to our family''s circumstances. If in the future we have difficulty with offspring, we can also adopt children from within the n."

    Jiang Yu was initially watching themotion, then suddenly realized she was part of it.

    Then she heard about children and...

    Jiang Yu''s face immediately turned red.

    Because Aunt Cui was pregnant... she had roughly figured out why people could get pregnant.

    What was this guy saying? Could it be that people in his family were ill and couldn''t have children?

    That would be quite pitiful.

    Could it be that this was why he was looking for her?

    "Shaoxia felt an instant connection with Miss Jiang, admiring her warm and straightforward nature, her sincere treatment of her family, her beautiful appearance, and her excellent culinary skills. Shaoxia has no other merits, but has trained his body since childhood, is in good health, and shouldn''t die early. I will certainly take good care of Miss Jiang. I beg for your blessing."

    Meng Shaoxia came from a family of military officials.

    He disliked beating around the bush.

    Seeing his beloved again.

    He said all these words in one breath.

    Because he had seen much of life and death.

    He feared that if he didn''t say itst time, and didn''t say it this time, there might not be a next chance.

    Jiang Mianmian was so surprised she stuck all her fingers in her mouth.

    So direct.

    Aunt Yin pulled her fingers out and wiped them before she could react.

    Jiang Yu''s face was red, even her neck was red. She was a bit dumbfounded, but then thought, this small square face might not be as handsome as her father, but she didn''t find him dislikeable.

    Among all the men she knew, if she had to think about living together with someone, he was the least objectionable.

    But she still looked up at her parents with a dazed expression.

    Jiang Feng looked surprised, going from feeling a sense of kinship to feeling like ''I treated you as a brother, but you want to be my brother-inw'', and then felt a bit surprised again, thinking this brother Meng didn''t have very good eyesight.

    Although he really liked his sister, he certainly couldn''t say anything bad about her, but if he had to marry someone like Jiang Yu, he felt he would easily be angered to death. He couldn''t handle it, couldn''t handle it.

    Qin Luoxia was a bit surprised. This was a big matter, a big matter indeed. She looked at her husband.

    Waiting for him to make the decision.

    What Jiang Changtian was thinking internally, who knows.

    Jiang Mianmian just saw her father put on a surprised expression, then he spoke, "After you left, during the chaos of war, our vige was attacked by bandits. The whole vige united to resist, and that''s how we survived. In times of chaos, human life is as cheap as grass. When the imperial army came, we exhausted ourselves, enduring hunger to supply provisions. When Zi Lu''s army came, we also exhausted ourselves, enduring hunger to supply provisions. To survive, we could be rebels, we could be mountain bandits. Now, although we''ve epted amnesty, the situation is still chaotic. We are willing to betroth our Yu to you, but are you willing to stay here for three full years before returning to the capital?"

    Qin Luoxia''s eyes lit up. This was good, keeping him under their noses, reassuring. Her husband was indeed clever, making the proposal to keep the son-inw sound so noble. If he could stay for three years, he could stay for thirty.

    After a brief consideration, Meng Shaoxia answered, "I grew up in the Meng family, and our family precept is to protect the country and not raise a sword against innocent civilians. This is the foundation of my existence in this world. If this principle does not exist, neither do I. I am willing to stay here for three years, but I cannot vite my principles and sense of righteousness."

    "Agreed!"

    Jiang Changtian personally helped Meng Shaoxia up, and said affectionately, "Little Meng, do you prefer to stay in the south room or the north room? I''ve noticed you have a sweet tooth. Yu''s desserts are delicious; I''ll have her make more for you in the future."

    ...

    Nighttime.

    Jiang Mianmian crawled onto her elder sister''s bed.

    Snuggling in her sister''s embrace, she asked curiously, "Sister, are you happy? Meng Shaoxia proposed, didn''t he? What do you think about it?"

    Jiang Yu pinched her little sister''s cheek and said, "Don''t address him so casually. If Great-aunt finds out, she''ll scold you. What can I think? It''s my parents'' decision and the matchmaker''s arrangement. Marriage isn''t something we can discuss on our own. Whatever our parents decide is surely the best."

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t believe it. How could it be possible? Could the brainwashing really be that sessful? She must have her own thoughts.

    She poked her sister''s soft belly and asked, "Sister, don''t you like Brother Meng even a little bit?"

    Jiang Yu pulled the nket over their heads, enveloping them in darkness.

    Only then did she speak, "He''s the first person who''s ever given me a gift, from childhood till now. I epted it, and nothing bad happened to me. I think he''s quite nice."

    After saying this, Jiang Yu worried she might be setting a bad example for her little sister, so she quickly added, "But you mustn''t do this. If you want anything, just tell us, and we''ll get it for you."

    Her sister''s warm breath tickled Jiang Mianmian''s face. Mianmian lowered her head, bumping it against her sister''s soft chest.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to herself, how fast time flies. That little girl who used to sneak osmanthus cakes is now about to be married.

    ...

 Chapter 143

    Life is short, so one must enjoy it to the fullest.

    After drinking, people feel lightheaded.

    Jiang Huaisheng wasn''t drunk, he had just had too much to drink and felt unwell.

    It had been a long time since he''d drunk so much alcohol. He used to asionally drink a little by himself, and Jing''er would sometimes keep himpany.

    He rarely attended social events.

    Given his former position as the son of a Grand Tutor, others wouldn''t have forced him to drink.

    Even on his wedding day, when he was happy, he only drank a bit more than usual.

    Hey down and had a dream.

    He dreamt that he left Ming County, returned to the Capital City, was restored to his original position, and worked diligently, yet his life was more tedious than when he was in Ming County.

    Later, the Seventh Prince ascended to the throne, and his sister Yu Luan became the Empress.

    He suddenly became the Empress''s brother.

    His status skyrocketed.

    For a time, his house was filled with visitors.

    His former superiors treated him with respect, and he advanced rapidly, bing the Minister of Rites.

    Though his hair had turned white, he had reached the highest position a subject could attain, sitting high in the royal court, surrounded by distinguished guests.

    Yu Luan found a good match for Wan''er, from a family of equal status with fewplications. Wan''er would surely have a blissful life after marrying into that family.

    His son was a bit useless, but fortunately hadn''t caused any major troubles. He married a woman from a lower-status family, and though their life together was a bit chaotic, they had a pair of children.

    His mother was still in good health, and the whole family lived together happily and boisterously.

    He smiled slightly, suddenly feeling thirsty.

    He wanted to drink some water.

    He opened his eyes and saw the bed curtains swaying.

    There seemed to be the sound of heavy breathing.

    He called out, "Jing''er."

    The bed curtains stopped moving, the breathing sounds ceased, and he heard the sound of a door opening and closing.

    He suddenly wondered if some lowly maid had taken advantage of his sleep to engage in improper behavior in his room. That would be too outrageous.

    He had drunk too much, and his mind was still a bit fuzzy.

    The curtain lifted, and it was actually Jing''er.

    There were tear stains on her face.

    Her clothes were disheveled.

    Jiang Huaisheng was too shocked to react for a moment.

    "Husband, get up and go kill that Heir Apparent Han for me," Wu said, standing there, her whole body trembling.

    Jiang Huaisheng''s blood surged, sobering him up considerably.

    He stumbled to his feet, grabbed the sword from the wall, and rushed out.

    Heir Apparent Han hadn''t left; his father had told him to pay respects to thete Mr. Jiang.

    He was in Old Lady Jiang''s room, talking.

    Jiang Huaisheng burst in with his sword raised.

    He lunged at Heir Apparent Han with the sword.

    Old Lady Jiang was startled, as was Jiang Wan.

    Heir Apparent Han dodged left and right, very agile, even hiding behind Old Lady Jiang. Clearly, this wasn''t his first time in such a situation.

    Jiang Huaisheng had always been skilled in martial arts. Since being stabbed in the face by his brother, he had been practicing sword techniques frantically, making rapid progress. His improvement during this period exceeded all his previous progressbined.

    Now, drunk and shocked by his wife, his blood was boiling, and he had a kind of reckless courage that made him feel no pain.

    He quickly cornered Heir Apparent Han, pointing his sword at Han''s throat.

    "You wretched creature, what madness is this?" Old Lady Jiang, who was right there, eximed in shock and anger.

    Heir Apparent Han looked at the trembling sword tip in front of him, then at the flushed face of the man opposite him, feeling both terrified and exhrated.

    "Brother, why do you raise your sword against me?" he said, feigning innocence.

    Heir Apparent Han had feminine features and was quite handsome. Despite his age, he still looked like a young boy, with red lips and white teeth,cking any sense of propriety.

    "You deserve to die, you..." Jiang Huaisheng couldn''t continue in front of his mother and daughter.

    Heir Apparent Han smiled and said, "Brother, you misunderstand. I was just helping your wife take care of you. Seeing that she was dizzy, I supported her from behind for a moment. We didn''t do anything before you woke up."

    Jiang Huaisheng also felt that he hadn''t been asleep, just in a daze where he had dreamed that his sister Yu Luan had be the Empress.

    But just now, Jing''er''s tear-stained face, disheveled clothes, the swaying bed curtains, the sound of heavy breathing...

    "I''m going to kill you," Jiang Huaisheng''s face flushed red, his sword pressing closer, now touching Heir Apparent Han''s neck.

    Old Lady Jiang, sitting nearby, heard Heir Apparent Han''s words and felt her vision darken, her mind buzzing.

    She had always kept an eye on this child, knowing that his life wasn''t as pleasant as it appeared on the surface. Hui Yun never favored him, not even seeing him. This boy just liked older women, and with his wife''s death, there was no mistress in the back courtyard, inevitably leading to improper behavior.

    But she never imagined that such a thing would happen right before her eyes.

    Hearing him casually say he had just hugged his sister-inw and done nothing else.

    Who would believe that?

    Old Lady Jiang felt dizzy, even feeling bile rising in her throat. She spat into her handkerchief, and there was even a trace of blood.

    She was furious.

    But right now, Huaisheng was holding a sword to Heir Apparent Han''s throat.

    Heir Apparent Han was also cursing his bad luck. It was all his father''s fault, insisting that he must pay respects to thete Mr. Jiang''s tablet, saying he should offer three incense sticks on his behalf. Now he had been caught red-handed.

    If only he had left immediately ande back another time.

    He wondered if his followers thought he was trying to take liberties with the olddy again. Couldn''t they see the man with the sword? Why hadn''t they made a move?

    Jiang Wan was also stunned, never imagining such a scene would unfold before her.

    She had a good impression of Heir Apparent Han because in her dreams, he had always treated her extremely well. Several times, thanks to Heir Apparent Han, she had narrowly escaped danger. He had given her many valuable gifts and treated her like his own child.

    Now her father was pointing a sword at Heir Apparent Han.

    Jiang Huaisheng, hearing this man''s nonsensical words, became even more enraged. His mind was filled with images of the swaying bed curtains and the sound of heavy breathing.

    Back then, when Aunt Yao said his brother harbored improper thoughts towards Jing''er and had hidden her undergarments, he had been disgusted andpletely fell out with his brother, severing their rtionship.

    But this man before him now was even more despicable.

    "You deserve to die," Jiang Huaisheng''s sword pressed harder. Despite his emotional state, his body didn''t waver, and the sword advanced another step.

    The sword had drawn blood.

    Old Lady Jiang, watching this scene of brothers turning on each other, could barely breathe.

    "Huaisheng, don''t be rash. Wu is just a worthless woman. She... she seduced Chang Tian back then. To protect her reputation and ensure your marriage would be harmonious, I painfully sent Chang Tian away. Really, this time it''s not Heir Apparent Han''s fault. Let him go."

    Hearing Old Lady Jiang''s words, Heir Apparent Han''s mouth twitched slightly. Surely not, he thought. Wu had resisted fiercely, showing no signs of being willing. She didn''t seem like someone who would engage in illicit affairs. He had experience with such matters, having done this many times before.

    Suddenly, Jiang Huaisheng roared at Old Lady Jiang, "Shut up!"

    Old Lady Jiang was too shocked, tears instantly rolling down her face.

    In her entire life, her eldest son had never shouted at her. Let alone shouting, he had never even disagreed with her once.

    Jiang Huaisheng was also too shocked, his face showing an expression of guilt.

    He had never yelled at his mother in his life. Forget yelling, he had never even spoken a word of opposition.

    He always felt that with his father''s early death, his mother had a difficult time alone, so he wanted to be doubly filial, giving her the filial piety meant for both parents.

    But he never imagined his mother would say such things.

    If it were before, he would have believed her.

    But thinking about his brother''s appearance, thinking about when he knocked on the silent room, those densely packed vertical lines in the corner, the word "mother" deeply etched stroke by stroke.

    Why would there be such a silent room in the house, where not a sound could be heard once inside, pitch ck, and his brother had been locked in there so many times.

    He nearly went mad just once.

    His brother''s eyes held only murderous intent when looking at them, no love at all, and it was the same when looking at Jing''er, as if they were strangers.

    That Chang Tian who used to ride on his back, head pressed against his back, calling him "brother," was dead.

    "Mother, stop talking. You drove my brother to his death. Before, he almost died from a high fever, almost died from eating the wrong thing and being poisoned, almost drowned in the river. You always said, ''Why won''t this little beast die?'' Mother, he''s already died many times over. The Chang Tian now is not my brother anymore. Are you satisfied? Do you now want to drive Jing''er to her death too? What wrong has Jing''er done?"

    Old Lady Jiang saw that Heir Apparent Han''s fair neck was bleeding, and she was both angry and anxious.

    Heir Apparent Han was a bit mentally unstable. Hearing the words of the elder brother before him, he was rather curious. "This Jiang Er must be that rebel Jiang Er, right? He''s been through so much and still hasn''t died, he''s quite tough. This Old Lady Jiang is quite fierce, no wonder sister-inw is like a little white rabbit, knowing nothing."

    He exined again, "Elder brother, don''t be rash. Sister-inw is truly a good girl. She definitely wouldn''t have anything to do with Jiang Er. When I hugged her, she struggled fiercely and threatened to kill herself. I didn''t do anything."

    Everyone: ......

    Jiang Huaisheng''s face showed blue veins, the wound on his face seeping blood, looking terrifying.

    "I''m going to kill you."

    Heir Apparent Han closed his eyes. Oh my, he finally met a husband with some spirit.

    "Come out quickly, I''m really going to die. Your entire n will be executed."

    Heir Apparent Han shouted.

    Sure enough, there was a ng.

    The sword was knocked aside.

    But at this moment, Heir Apparent Han''s body was pushed away, and the deflected sword pierced Old Lady Jiang.

    Heir Apparent Han opened his eyes in shock.

    This Old Lady Jiang must have some serious illness toe save him personally. She couldn''t be in love with him, could she? That would be terrifying.

    He liked his good sister-inw, not grandmother-inw.

    Old Lady Jiang hadn''t expected this either. She couldn''t bear to see flesh and blood hurting each other, but now the sword had fallen on her own body.

    Huaisheng had actually stabbed his own mother with a sword because of that wretched girl.

    She looked down at the sword in her chest in disbelief, watching the blood drip.

    Jiang Huaisheng stared at the sword in his mother''s chest in disbelief, watching the blood drip.

    ......

 Chapter 144

    ...

    News came that Old Lady Jiang had an ident.

    Mr. Jiang rode his horse at full speed back to the county town.

    He summoned all the doctors in the county to the Jiang residence.

    Even Dr. Liu, who specialized in treating foot ailments, was called.

    There was no choice; the medical conditions in the county town were just like that.

    Jiang Changtian now held sway over Ming County, albeit over a small domain.

    He led people into the Jiang residence.

    Heir Apparent Han had already left, and he was also startled, wondering if they had really killed the old woman. It wasn''t his business, but if his father found out, he would surely be angry. He remembered that he came here in the first ce because his father told him to take care of the Jiang family, saying that Old Lady Jiang was his mother''s close friend from her maiden days.

    He had been so bored on this journey that he couldn''t help but fall back into his old habits.

    Moreover, he really hadn''t aplished anything.

    His sister-inw had an extremely soft body but a fiery temperament, not so easy to handle.

    Jiang Changtian rushed to Old Lady Jiang''s side.

    Seeing Old Lady Jiang''s miserable state, tears immediately flowed from his eyes.

    Tears of joy.

    "Mother, what happened to you? How could Big Brother have wounded you with his sword? Can''t anything be discussed properly without resorting to violence? Mother, you absolutely cannot die. I''ve brought all the doctors in the county to treat you, guaranteeing that you''ll survive."

    The room was crowded with doctors, all marveling at Mr. Jiang''s filial piety. Despite how Old Lady Jiang had treated him, almost driving Mr. Jiang to suicide, he still showed her his heart and soul.

    Even though he knew Old Lady Jiang wasn''t his birth mother and tormented him daily.

    But even they were at a loss as to what to do.

    It was a sword wound, and what use was a midwife? Mr. Jiang was truly grasping at straws in his desperation.

    Indeed, a pig butcher wouldn''t know how to treat illnesses either.

    However, at least there was someone who knew how to treat sword wounds.

    Though only half-skilled, it was still somewhat relevant expertise.

    But the doctor was male, and the olddy''s wound was in a somewhat... delicate location, on her chest.

    In the end, it was the midwife who had to remove the clothing, with the doctor giving instructions from outside.

    Everyone thought that Mr. Jiang truly lived up to his name; fortunately, he had called for a midwife, otherwise, this would have been truly difficult to treat.

    ...

    "It doesn''t seem to have injured the heart or lungs, it''s just a flesh wound. However, given its location, it will be very painful. In the future, she won''t be able to exert her right arm forcefully; if she does, it will hurt. In a while, brew the medicine and have her drink it. Keep a close watch tonight, and if there''s no fever, she''ll be fine," the old doctor said, looking at Mr. Jiang.

    Jiang Changtian breathed a sigh of relief. As long as she wasn''t dead, it was fine. As for the pain when exerting force, it shouldn''t be a problem. Old Lady Jiang had always been calm and collected, unafraid of pain. Last time when he identally stepped on Old Lady Jiang''s hand with his foot, she hadn''t made a fuss.

    Jiang Wan had originally been by her grandmother''s side, taking care of her, but when she saw Jiang Changtian arrive, she became a bit dazed.

    That feeling of broken legs and lost breath gave her immense anxiety and difort.

    She found it difficult to be in the same room as this man and hurriedly went out to brew the medicine.

    This left the groaning Old Lady Jiang alone with Jiang Changtian.

    In front of everyone, Jiang Changtian said, "Mother, putting aside the facts, I don''t care why Big Brother hurt you, but the fact that he dared to stab his own mother with a sword is utterly unfilial and disloyal. I, Jiang Changtian, don''t have such a brother."

    Old Lady Jiang, looking at the room full of people, felt a searing pain in her chest.

    To make matters worse, this cursed creature was still hovering before her eyes.

    She was furious but could only manage a faint curse: "Get out... you, don''te in. The Jiang family doesn''t wee you."

    Jiang Changtian nodded: "Alright, Mother means to expel Big Brother and his family from the household, to make them get out, right? I''ll see to it right away. Mother, you rest well. If you don''t want to see me, then Wan''er wille to take care of you in a while."

    Jiang Huaisheng, having stabbed his mother, was also terrified.

    He thought he had killed someone.

    Killed his own mother.

    He didn''t know how it hade to this.

    He couldn''t understand why his mother would shield an outsider from his sword.

    It was utterly baffling.

    Even after Heir Apparent Han had said such things, his mother still defended him and even went so far as to nder Jing''er.

    Jing''er was one with him; how was ndering Jing''er any different from ndering him?

    He didn''t know how things had escted to this point.

    But even worse things were to follow.

    His mother actually wanted to expel him from the family.

    Fortunately, upon hearing that his mother was alright, just with a flesh wound, Jiang Huaisheng breathed a sigh of relief.

    He was too ashamed to face his mother.

    But being driven out with his entire family, they were like stray dogs without a home.

    Jiang Wan begged to stay behind to take care of her grandmother.

    Jiang Huaisheng, along with his wife, their not-yet-one-year-old daughter, and a son who muttered to himself, were all thrown out.

    It provided quite a spectacle for the people of the county.

    Old Lady Jiang was truly something, always quick to call her sons unfilial.

    This Second Young Master Jiang was said not to be her biological son.

    Could it be that the eldest wasn''t her biological son either?

    Old Lady Jiang had directly driven out her younger son back then, reportedly without giving him a penny.

    But she had favored the elder son much more, providing him with servants and a wet nurse, as well as a hundred taels of silver.

    Jiang Huaisheng knelt at his mother''s door and kowtowed three times before leaving with his wife and children.

    Old Lady Jiang, half-unconscious with pain, hadn''t expected Huaisheng to leave without even seeing her. It truly broke her heart. The real pain wasn''t from the wound, but in her heart.

    It was heartbreaking, truly heartbreaking.

    Just one word of apology would have sufficed, but for that wretched woman, Huaisheng had actually raised his sword against his own mother and Heir Apparent Han. Old Lady Jiang''s heart had truly turned cold.

    Jiang Huaisheng had also had enough. He was tired of Jing''er''s difort at home, always having to be on her toes, still being ndered.

    He was tired of his mother''s inexplicable favoritism, even treating an outsider with more affection than him.

    He was also too ashamed to face his mother.

    He only hoped that his mother would recover well, and once she had healed, he would apologize to her.

    He really hadn''t meant to do it; he never expected his mother to throw herself in the way.

    Jiang Huaisheng moved to another small courtyard in the county town.

    The courtyard wasn''trge; it had been left by his father. His father had once told him that a crafty rabbit has three burrows, and if anything were to happen, he could hide here for a while. Little did he expect that it would now be his shelter.

    Though the courtyard was small,

    At least he could make his own decisions here.

    Jing''er also seemed much more at ease.

    She had followed him in being expelled from the family without a word ofint, just as she had when they were driven out of the capital.

    However, at night,

    When Jiang Huaisheng held Jing''er, his mind kept reying the swaying bed curtains and those familiar gasps.

    He pushed Jing''er away for no reason.

    The next day,

    He thought about how his younger brother, after being driven out of the family, had still managed to make something of himself.

    He could do the same.

    But as soon as he went out, he heard people gossiping about him.

    They pointed and whispered.

    He seemed to hear the words "unfilial" and "disloyal."

    He also thought he heard the term "cuckold."

    He had only been out for a short while before he ran back home.

    At home, the baby''s cries filled the air.

    It turned out that Rong''er had another sudden outburst, frightening Shu Shu to tears.

    Jiang Huaishengined that Jing''er hadn''t taken proper care of the children, and he didn''t know what she was doing.

    Wu had experienced such a great upheaval, nearly suffering humiliation. As a result, her husband ran out with a sword and returned with it, saying with a guilt-ridden face that he had hurt his mother, that he was a beast, that he had failed his mother...

    Then the whole family was thrown out of their home.

    What could a hundred taels of silver aplish?

    It wouldn''t even cover the monthly wages of the maids, wet nurses, and servants for long.

    She never had the opportunity to manage the household before, and now that she had taken over, it was a mess of affairs.

    Rong''er needed to take calming medicine daily, and that medicine wasn''t cheap.

    Shu Shu was still young and required dedicated care, needing several feedings of milk each day. The wet nurse''s diet also had to be properly bnced.

    She herself had only recently given birth and still needed to recuperate.

    Her husband''s face was also injured and required medication.

    Every single thing was a matter of concern.

    Yet her husband stillshed out at her, his face displeased and cold.

    Thinking of how her husband had turned his back on herst night,

    Wu finally couldn''t bear it anymore and burst into loud sobs.

    In poverty, a couple faces a hundred sorrows.

    Consumed by endless worries about basic necessities, there''s no room for romance.

    Seeing Wu cry, Jiang Huaisheng felt inexplicably more annoyed. He hadn''t said anything, had he? He''d only asked her how she was taking care of the children. He had even hurt his own mother for her sake. Wasn''t what he had done good enough?

    ...

    In Kan''er Vige.

    Jiang Changtian saw Mianmian sitting in a tree and said to his wife with a smile, "Xia mei, how are you watching the child? Look at her, she''s climbed all the way up the tree."

    Jiang Mianmian wailed from the treetop, "Father, Mother, I''m too scared toe down. What should I do?"

    She had seen her older sister often climbing trees, and with the family busy dealing with her sister''s affairs these past two days, she had suddenly had the idea to try climbing a tree herself.

    Then she had scampered up easily.

    But while going up was easy,ing down was difficult.

    Boo-hoo.

    Jiang Mianmian hugged the tree trunk, crying dry tears.

    She had to cry; she was afraid she''d get spanked if she came down.

    Mother''s palm could deliver quite a sting.

    "Jump down, Mother won''t spank you," Qin Luoxia stood beneath the tree, speaking to her daughter on the tree with gentle affection.

    Jiang Mianmian shook her head, hugging the tree even tighter.

    Mother was clearly going to spank her; the muscles in Mother''s hand were already tense.

    ...

 Chapter 145

    Jiang Mianmian jumped down from the tree, having fully experienced her childhood.

    She received a thorough spanking.

    The child''s piercing wails echoed beneath the tree.

    "Father, save me!"

    Seeing her father walk away silently, Jiang Mianmian continued to cry out, "Elder Sister, save me! Elder Brother, save me!"

    Jiang Feng and Jiang Yu, who had been talking, lowered their voices.

    Jiang Mianmian could only continue shouting, "Grandma, save me!"

    Grandma''s footsteps, which had started to move forward, retreated.

    Jiang Mianmian, crying and wailing, looked around desperately. Finally spotting a small square face, she shouted loudly, "Brother-inw, save me!"

    Meng Shaoxia: ...

    The small square face was startled by being called "brother-inw," his mouth curving into a smile, his steps hesitant, wondering if he should save the poor child being spanked.

    Then a hand dragged him into the house.

    Jiang Yu pulled Meng Shaoxia into the courtyard, making a gesture for silence.

    Meng Shaoxia watched as her plump finger pressed against her lips, and his face suddenly reddened.

    "Mother''s spanking of little sister definitely isn''t forceful. Listen to her cries; they''re full of energy."

    Meng Shaoxia couldn''t help butugh.

    Outside the courtyard, Jiang Mianmian, crying for her parents, unaware that her loud shouts were the reason no one came to save her, cried even louder.

    "Will you climb trees again?"

    Jiang Mianmian shook her head tearfully.

    Qin Luoxia picked up her little daughter.

    A group of ants around them stood motionless, as if frightened by the human''s aura.

    Jiang Mianmian stopped shouting, huping from crying so hard.

    Qin Luoxia spoke, "Climbing trees is dangerous. You can climb up but can''t get down, which shows you don''t consider the consequences of your actions. That''s not good."

    Jiang Mianmian nodded tearfully.

    This was her first spanking. She had always thought she was special, immune to punishment...

    She had danced on the edge of disaster several times before, actions for which her elder brother and sister would have been spanked long ago.

    At dinner, Jiang Mianmian sat in her ce, giving everyone reproachful looks.

    Aren''t they feeling guilty at all? Hmph.

    As a result, everyone took turns pinching her puffy cheeks.

    Originally, only her bottom was red from the spanking, now her face was red from the pinching too.

    The next day.

    The whole family dressed up.

    Jiang Mianmian was scooped up before she even woke.

    Yawning, she brushed her teeth and washed her face, allowing Grandma to groom and dress her.

    Aunt Yin fussed over the little one in her arms, looking at her dazed expression, remembering how she had called for Grandma to save her during yesterday''s spanking, and found it amusing.

    Sometimes she had wanted to intervene, but no, this little rebel needed to be disciplined.

    Thinking of today, she was actually grooming the little rebel.

    Today they would ept the offer of amnesty.

    Who could have imagined?

    Life had taken such twists and turns, bing incredibly eventful.

    Now she had be the grandma in a family of former rebels.

    With just a bit of grooming, the little girl looked quite pretty. Her face was bing increasingly radiant; even when making mischief, it was hard to be angry with her.

    Come to think of it, was it the water in Ming County that nourished people so well? Aunt Yin recalled that Jiang Wan from the Jiang family also had an exceptional appearance and temperament. She still had a vivid impression, despite having only met her once.

    Even in such an awkward situation, that Jiang Wan had remained calm andposed. In this respect, none of the three women before her could match up.

    But she didn''t need to worry about Madam Qin; she would certainly not be at a disadvantage.

    The elder daughter could be taught gradually, no need to rush.

    The little girl probably didn''t need too much concern either; as long as she didn''t make major etiquette mistakes, it would be fine.

    Thinking this way, she felt more rxed herself?

    Today, Jiang Changtian wore a crimson robe, making his appearance even more striking and dazzling.

    Qin Luoxia wore a dark red dress, looking spirited and graceful.

    Her current clothes had been slightly modified by Aunt Yin, unlike others'' cumbersome attire. They allowed for easy movement while entuating her best features. She felt much more attractive and confident.

    Aunt Yin had told her that being tall was also a kind of beauty for women, and that some men preferred women with long legs, encouraging her not to feel inferior.

    Qin Luoxia thought shyly that her husband seemed to be one of those men.

    Jiang Yu wore a light green dress with a white belt, which looked beautiful and suited her fresh, young age. Recently, she had be particrly pretty, with matching embroidered shoespleting the color scheme.

    After Aunt Yin''s day and night instruction, Jiang Yu''s walking posture was now presentable, at least enough to pass muster on the surface.

    Grandma''s teaching for her was simply: don''t speak, don''t speak, don''t speak when outside.

    As long as Jiang Yu didn''t speak, her current demeanor could fool people.

    A girl in her teens, clear and lively, beautiful but not coquettish, dignified but not rigid.

    Although Aunt Yin taught etiquette, she didn''t constrain her.

    She had preserved Jiang Yu''s own liveliness and innocence.

    As long as the elder daughter didn''t open her mouth to speak, Aunt Yin felt she could even be fooled herself.

    She seemed like a very likable youngdy from a good family, lively yet dignified.

    Aunt Yin constantly held and worried about the little girl, but it was manageable.

    At home, Aunt Yin never meddled with young Feng, because she felt she only understood the behavior of women, and when it came to young men, she rarelymented or interfered.

    Young Feng wore conventional attire, a clean and refreshing white robe.

    With the whole family groomed and dressed, they set off together for the county town.

    Jiang Mianmian only fully woke up once seated in the carriage.

    She nced at her mother, her bottom still a bit sore.

    She sweetly said, "Mother, you look especially beautiful today."

    Qin Luoxia tapped her daughter''s little nose, "Stop your mischief, your mother looks beautiful every day."

    Jiang Yu, beautifully dressed today, was a bit excited.

    This was a new outfit that Elder Brother Meng hadn''t seen her wear yet.

    Aunt Yin closed her eyes to rest in the carriage, listening to the three women chattering away, creating a lively atmosphere.

    The county town was too small.

    There were no secrets.

    The recent excitement was contributed by Heir Apparent Han.

    Heir Apparent Han had rushed out of the Jiang family home in a frenzy.

    Then the Jiang family was driven out, Jiang Damitted matricide, a series of events unfolding like a theatrical y, very exciting.

    People inquired a bit and learned that Heir Apparent Han had taken a liking to his sister-inw, and several maids around him were actually girls from good families he had picked up along the way.

    Rumors began to spread.

    Heir Apparent Han was used to it; it wasn''t the first time this had happened.

    But this time was a bit different. Was the unattainable the best? Moreover, Madam Wu was originally ady from a noble family, onlyter had her family fallen on hard times.

    Having caused all the trouble he could in Ming County, it was time to attend to proper business.

    He remembered that he had been sent by the court to offer amnesty.

    He still needed to meet that Jiang Er.

    Thinking back, he had been in Ming County for several days already, yet he still hadn''t met Jiang Er.

    Those who greeted him were all others. Suddenly, he felt something was amiss - could it be that he wasn''t worthy enough?

    These past few days, Eunuch Duan had been enjoying himself, eating and drinking to his heart''s content under Magistrate Huang''s guidance.

    He couldn''t y with women, nor did he have any special hobbies, so he just wandered around, eating and sightseeing.

    Heir Apparent Han remembered that it was time to attend to official business.

    The act of offering amnesty was actually a way of rewarding merit to rebels, a behavior with a touch of dark humor.

    The more ferocious the rebel, the greater the rewards.

    Heir Apparent Han looked at the rewards and found this Jiang Er quite interesting. It seemed he hadn''t gone out to fight, only guarding his small patch ofnd in Ming County, yet he had received quite a high position.

    Although Heir Apparent Han had a poor reputation in the capital, he was actually a clever person.

    At the very least, he had high emotional intelligence, otherwise he wouldn''t have been able to prance around in front of the Emperor for so many years.

    Today, he had to attend to serious matters, representing the imperial court in bestowing titles and rewards upon the rebels.

    Meng Shaoxia was dressed quite formally today, wearing the armor and cape of a young general, which was quite hot in the midsummer heat.

    If he had been asked to do this kind of thing before, he would have thought it utterly idiotic.

    Those civil officials who had never fought in battles were only good at winning people''s hearts, taking sides, and suppressing opponents. They thought they could make rebels surrender and submit through conciliatory means, which was simplyughable.

    But now that the object of amnesty had be Mr. Jiang, who was soon to be his father-inw, the feeling was indescribable.

    Indeed, one couldn''t understand the difference until it happened to oneself.

    Meanwhile, Eunuch Duan had spent the past few days eating, drinking, and sightseeing, wearing Magistrate Huang''s legs thin with all the apanying.

    His brain had worn thin too. People from the pce surely had many twists and turns in their minds, so Magistrate Huang had to speak very carefully, beating around the bush three times before finally giving up and answering whatever was asked.

    On the day of the amnesty, the county town was as lively as if it were the New Year, bustling with excitement.

    The streets were filled with many more young women, some plump and fair, others slim and graceful, each with their own charm.

    Heir Apparent Han''s eyes were dazzled, mainly because the scene was rather spectacr.

    So many women crowded here, were they here to see him?

    He thought, the women of Ming County were too enthusiastic. If there were suitable ones, he wouldn''t mind taking them in. After all, his back courtyard was veryrge, with many women already.

    Today, Heir Apparent Han wore the court robes representing the imperial court. He didn''t actually hold an official position, but as a rtive of the Emperor, he was naturally a noble. As an heir apparent, he was born with the rank of senior first grade.

    Meanwhile, the rebel leader Zi Lu had fought for so many years, only to receive the reward of a grand general, a rank of senior third grade.

    Heir Apparent Han was dressed very borately and heavily, which was also quite hot.

    However, noticing many women frequently ncing his way, he sat upright on the high tform, putting on quite an air.

    Among the crowd, women leaned close to each other''s necks, hiding behind fans and whispering.

    "Is Mr. Jiang really that handsome?"

    "He is. Just one nce, and you''ll have sweet dreams for days."

    "How shameless."

    "Oh, you''ll understand once you see him."

    ...

 Chapter 146

    The ninth day of the month.

    Favorable for: building stoves, job promotions, travel, and moving house.

    Unfavorable for: nothing in particr.

    The sun shone brightly today.

    Warm sunlight streamed into Old Lady Jiang''s bedchamber early in the morning.

    Her bedroom was well-positioned, with cheerful light and a splendid view.

    She wasn''t awakened by the sunlight, but by pain.

    Old Lady Jiang, who had never truly known hardship in her life, was now experiencing genuine suffering.

    Her chest ached at the slightest touch.

    Every breath wasbored.

    She felt short of breath.

    Sitting up hurt, but lying down was painful too.

    She called for Wan''er.

    However, a maid came instead.

    "Miss Wan''er has gone out, mydy. What do you need? This servant can fetch it for you," the young maid said tremulously.

    These past few days, Old Lady Jiang had been in a foul mood. Sister L¨¹hen''s head had been struck by thedy''s medicine bowl, possibly leaving a scar.

    The little maid knelt at a safe distance.

    Old Lady Jiang wondered what could be more important than her injury that would cause Wan''er to leave.

    "What''s happening outside?" she asked.

    The maid, keeping her head lowered, replied, "Everyone has gone to watch Lord Jiang receive his honors. The imperial court hase to offer amnesty."

    Old Lady Jiang suddenly thought of Jiang Changtian''s face and Heir Apparent Han, feeling as if the wound in her chest had reopened.

    It shouldn''t have been like this, it shouldn''t have.

    But that little beast''s life was too tenacious.

    She had sent Aunt Yao to deal with him many times, yet somehow he always escaped.

    Later, Aunt Yao suggested letting him marry and have children. Once he had someone he cared about, he would have a weakness they could exploit.

    One misstep led to another. They should have killed that beast early on.

    Old Lady Jiang wanted to discuss this with her eldest son, but then remembered that Huaisheng had moved out.

    The sun shone brightly.

    The crowd was thick.

    Colors were vibrant.

    Women were in the majority.

    Jiang Wan didn''t squeeze into the crowd but instead reserved a private room.

    She was somewhat afraid of Jiang Changtian, but she also believed in knowing one''s enemy. Hiding all the time wouldn''t solve anything; she had to see him eventually.

    It wasn''t proper for a youngdy like Jiang Wan to book a private room alone, so she used the excuse of taking her mother out for some fresh air.

    Wu rarely went out.

    After moving to the separate courtyard, she hadn''t shown her face in public.

    This was one of the few times she had ventured out, and everything seemed novel to her.

    She observed the youngdies below and could even hear the bold, yful banter from the neighboring private room.

    She never imagined that the defiant youth who had once called her "Elder Sister-inw" would now be the dream lover of so many young women.

    Ming County was remote, with liberal customs, and the young women''s words were quite daring.

    Even Wu, a married woman with children, found herself blushing at their talk.

    Jiang Wan, however, remained calm, seemingly lost in thought. She had even brought a Go manual with her, which she consulted from time to time.

    Wu actually wanted to share her experiences of living in the separate courtyard with her daughter, and also wanted to ask if Wan''er had adjusted well. She also hoped Wan''er might ask about her own adjustment.

    But seeing Wan''er so focused on her Go manual, with aposed and dignified demeanor wherever she went, Wu hesitated to speak.

    She felt ashamed to burden her young daughter with her worries at her age, especially when she couldn''t even take care of her daughter properly.

    Resignedly, she looked out the window.

    There was a tree outside with a few chirping birds.

    She could see Heir Apparent Han sitting on a high tform not far away.

    Her expression darkened.

    Wan''er hadn''t said anything, hadn''t asked, but Wu always felt that her intelligent daughter knew everything.

    Jiang Wan seemed to be concentrating on her Go manual, but her attention was actually on another person on the high tform.

    That young man in armor looked more mature than when she hadst seen him, but he still wasn''t quite like the man in her dreams. The dream version was more steady and imposing; the current one still looked somewhat boyish.

    Not intimidating at all.

    So he hade.

    Had he met Jiang Yu then?

    Jiang Yu, without memory loss.

    And she wouldn''t be his maid.

    Would they still have any connection?

    Although Jiang Wan had never liked Meng Shaoxia,

    they had been engaged in her dream, after all. She had lived with the identity of Meng Shaoxia''s fianc¨¦e for a long time.

    That feeling was profound and frustrating.

    She couldn''t understand why, despite being superior to Jiang Yu in every way, Meng Shaoxia of that time had no ce for her in his heart.

    It was vexing.

    That emotion was somewhat irritating, and Jiang Wan focused intently on the Go board.

    The board was a crisscrossing tangle of moves.

    Suddenly, wild cheers erupted from the crowd.

    "Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!"

    "Jiang Er, Jiang Er!"

    "Master Jiang, Master Jiang!"

    Wu looked down to see a long-haired man in a crimson robe jump down from his horse. Instead of striding forward, he went to the carriage and lifted the curtain.

    Then he extended his hand to help a woman down from the carriage.

    His actions suggested that the person alighting must be an extremely delicate woman.

    However, the woman who stepped down was tall, almost as tall as him.

    It was his wife, Qin Luoxia.

    Dressed in a dark red robe, she was even more valiant and dashing than him. This woman possessed a kind of handsome beauty that was strangely exciting and heart-stirring.

    Wu suddenly remembered how Aunt Yao and her mother-inw used to describe Qin: just a country woman, not fit for polite society, who couldn''t even look people in the eye when speaking, timid and small-minded, with arge frame and clumsy manners, even less refined than a rough servant girl. Such a woman couldn''t even enter the main hall, fit only for menial tasks in the outer courtyard, lest she offend the eyes of noble people.

    But now, where was there any trace of that awkwardness?

    With a simple flying cloud hairstyle and a single silver hairpin, she greeted people with a smile, her gaze bright and open.

    Wu even felt that the woman''s gaze had swept over her, making her feel as if she''d been caught peeking.

    Next to alight was Elder Sister Yu.

    Wu remembered when Elder Sister Yu had been caught by Aunt Yao in their home. She had been like a wild animal, kicking and hitting, even biting people, and cursing crudely.

    But now, as Elder Sister Yu jumped down from the carriage, she was no less graceful than her own Wan''er.

    Wan''er tended to overthink, unlike most girls her age.

    Elder Sister Yu was much more lively, her smile bright and simple, easy to read at a nce, which was reassuring. Her eyes were spirited as she gazed directly at the man on the tform, and she even waved to greet him.

    She was still the same Elder Sister Yu.

    Jiang Wan''s gaze had left her Go manual at some point. She saw the waving girl and felt a sharp pang, especially when she noticed the man on the tform nodding and smiling in response. Her heart filled with even more bitterness.

    Wu saw an old woman carrying a little girl getting off a carriage. The little girl held her head high, looking around with curiosity at everything as if it was all new to her, smiling happily.

    Heir Apparent Han had been posing confidently on the tform.

    He didn''t have any celebrity pretensions. He held the highest status here, unmatched by anyone else. It was understandable that these country girls who had never seen much of the world would be enthusiastic.

    He sat regally on the high tform, looking down upon the masses.

    Then he saw Jiang Er arriving on horseback.

    Was that man really Jiang Er?

    Heir Apparent Han''s pupils constricted slightly, and his whole body began to tremble faintly.

    Impossible, absolutely impossible.

 Chapter 147

    "Green is idle and tranquil, red is both shallow and deep." (Note 1)

    Jiang Changtian, d in a red robe, became Commander Jiang.

    The Commander of Jingzhou.

    A rank of about fifth grade.

    Initially, a Commander was literally in charge of horses.

    Essentially, a glorified stable master.

    Later, the Commander''s role expanded to managing military affairs and taxes.

    Of course, when the court offers amnesty and an official position, they don''t actually provide troops or provisions.

    Magistrate Huang''s heart leapt with joy. Commander Jiang had been promoted, so perhaps he could reim his position as magistrate.

    But when he looked up, he saw the young Eunuch Duan, whom he had been meticulously serving for the past two days¡ªnearly to the point of washing his feet¡ªbent over with a smile, chatting amiably with Commander Jiang.

    His attitude was so respectful and fawning. Hadn''t he said his back hurt and he couldn''t bend?

    "Commander Jiang is truly young and promising," the youthful Eunuch Duan praised Jiang Changtian with a sincere smile.

    He thought to himself, this must be the person Lord Yan told him to look after. Lord Yan had instructed him not to mention it to others, fearing his status as a eunuch might hinder the man''s progress.

    This Commander Jiang was indeed worthy of being Lord Yan''s friend. Even in this remote backwater, he had managed to develop quite well.

    Moreover, that face¡ªto put it bluntly, if he were to enter the pce, Lord Yan might find himself out of a job.

    It was rare to describe a man as stunningly beautiful.

    There was also a sense of familiarity about him, an inexplicable air of nobility.

    Standing there, he looked more like an heir apparent than Heir Apparent Han, who sat on the high tform.

    Aunt Yin, seeing the young Eunuch Duan, felt a twinge of nostalgia. He was a neer to the pce, still fresh-faced.

    However, a eunuch of his age probably hadn''t met the Eldest Princess.

    It was even less likely he had met Master Jingjue.

    Observing Heir Apparent Han''s changing expressions on the high tform, Aunt Yin thought that what was meant toe would always arrive.

    Jiang Mianmian watched themotion from her great-aunt''s arms.

    Hearing others address her father as Commander Jiang, she thought the name sounded quite nice, even impressive.

    Father had been promoted again.

    Rebelling against the court, yet rising through its ranks.

    How... splendid.

    Heir Apparent Han''s body had stopped trembling, but his hands still shook slightly, as if they weren''t obeying his brain''smands.

    His pupils had returned to normal, but his hands seemed to have a mind of their own, fidgeting restlessly.

    In the past, he hadined about the Princess Mother being too cold and heartless towards him. Wasn''t he her son too?

    But his father hadforted him, saying that the Princess''s disfigurement had affected her mood, making her reluctant to see people. It wasn''t personal; she didn''t even see his father.

    He could count on one hand the number of times he had seen his mother.

    And when he did see her, she always had her face covered. But she was still his mother, and how could he not remember what she looked like?

    This Jiang Er before him looked remarkably simr to his mother.

    Suddenly, he recalled an incident from his childhood. One day in the manor, he overheard servants gossiping about his mother.

    They said the Princess was beautiful and had admirers all over the world.

    He was furious and told his father. After that, he never saw that servant again.

    But now, faced with a visage so simr to his mother''s, and remembering the events at the Jiang family home, Heir Apparent Han suddenly considered an outrageous possibility. Could Jiang Er be the child of the Princess Mother and the former Crown Prince''s Tutor, Jiang Bai?

    Perhaps the Tutor had imed Jiang Er was a rtive''s child and brought him home. That would exin why Old Lady Jiang believed Jiang Er to be the son of a concubine, despising and tormenting him for years, eventually even using him of being unfilial and disrespectful.

    But then he thought, no, that''s not right. He and Jiang Er were about the same age. Could his mother have given birth to two children at the same time?

    If Jiang Er was the Princess''s son, then who was he?

    And he didn''t resemble his mother at all.

    His father always said he took after him, but did he really look like his father?

    Heir Apparent Han never imagined that what he thought would be a pleasure trip would turn into a journey to uncover his true identity.

    He had beenfortably living as the heir apparent for decades; who wanted to unravel the mystery of their birth?

    So his hands continued to shake, but he said nothing.

    As usual, he smiled with a hint of cockiness.

    He didn''t even dare to look at Jiang Er for too long.

    He tried hard to divert his attention.

    As a result, his gaze fell upon the spirited woman in red standing beside Jiang Er.

    They were both dressed in red.

    Jiang Er''s beauty was such that anyone would pale inparison.

    Yet this red-d woman, with her long legs and slim waist, her bright and generous smile, stood beside Jiang Er without being overshadowed. Instead, there was a sense of perfect harmony between them.

    Jiang Er''s beauty had a gloomy, sharp edge to it, while the woman exuded a rxed warmth, like clouds gathering and dispersing, very amodating.

    Seeing them stand together, one got the impression that Jiang Er was the one being taken care of.

    Heir Apparent Han, afraid to look at Jiang Er, found himself inadvertently staring at the woman beside him.

    How could there be such a woman? In terms of appearance, she might not be as delicate as many youngdies, nor did she have fine eyebrows and eyes. Her face was somewhat round, and she was rather tall. But she exuded an overwhelming sense of security.

    She just seemed gentle, beautiful, and reassuring.

    Especially the way she looked at Jiang Er¡ªher whole being became even more beautiful and gentle. One could actually see the sweetness and deep affection in her gaze.

    Her eyes were full of pride, radiating enthusiasm, her entire person dazzlingly bright.

    Even Jiang Er''s stunning beauty couldn''t overshadow her charm.

    Instead, it seemed to entuate her unique allure.

    For a moment, Heir Apparent Han felt that all the women he had met before were nothing butmon y, and only this woman before him was truly exceptional. It was as if every aspect of her aligned perfectly with his preferences.

    It seemed that all along, what he had been searching for was a proud and generous woman like her to spend the rest of his life with.

    Heir Apparent Han, as if bewitched, gazed at her intently.

    Meanwhile, the onlookers watched Commander Jiang and his wife with a mixture of admiration and envy.

    The women, in particr, felt that if they were the ones standing beside Commander Jiang, they too would look just as radiant and beautiful.

    Commander Jiang was so gentle; his every move towards his wife showed careful nurturing.

    Jiang Wan, however, noticed that Meng Shaoxia had approached Jiang Yu without any hesitation. They seemed quite familiar with each other. Whatever Jiang Yu said, she even yfully patted Meng Shaoxia''s chest, a most improper gesture.

    Jiang Wan''s emotions churned. She felt as if something that belonged to her had been taken away, and by someone she looked down upon, no less.

    Wu observed the couple, arm in arm under everyone''s gaze. Jiang Er must truly love his wife, she thought. His gaze was sincere; when he looked at his wife, his eyes were full of light.

    She never imagined that one day she would envy a country woman she once looked down upon.

    In this world, a woman''s gloryes from her man.

    A noble husband brings honor to his wife.

    Once, she firmly believed that her husband was just going through a rough patch in life, and that he would one day return in glory.

    But now, that hope seemed increasingly distant.

    She couldn''t help but nce at Heir Apparent Han on the high tform, with his proud demeanor and appearance of a righteous gentleman.

    ...

    That night.

    As they retired to bed.

    Wu dismissed one of the wet nurses. Originally, there were two, but one of them hadn''t been working properly since arriving at the separate courtyard, constantly causing trouble.

    Wu didn''t dare keep such a person, so naturally, she dismissed her.

    With only one wet nurse left, she slept somewhat uneasily.

    Suddenly waking up in the middle of the night, she thought about checking on the child. But when she opened her eyes, she saw her husband sitting ominously in front of her, startling her.

    "Huaisheng?" Wu called out cautiously, noticing something off about his eyes.

    Suddenly, he reached out with both hands to strangle her neck, viciously asking, "Did you sneak out today? Did you go to see Commander Jiang or Heir Apparent Han?"

    Wu struggled to breathe, desperately fighting back.

    Finally, she managed to grab a jade pendant and struck him hard with it, snapping Jiang Huaisheng back to his senses.

    Jiang Huaisheng touched his head, saw the marks on his wife''s neck, and was shocked.

    He couldn''t believe he had done this.

    Anxiously, he said, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry, Jing''er. I didn''t mean to hurt you. I was dreaming, I don''t know how I got up."

    Wu curled up in the corner of the bed, shivering in fear.

    She was terrified.

    She never imagined that her husband, who shared her bed, would try to strangle her, and he imed it was just a dream?

    "Husband, let''s separate," Wu said. Through all their hardships and discement, she had never considered separation before.

    Hearing Jing''er''s words, Jiang Huaisheng felt an overwhelming sense of terror, feeling betrayed once again.

    He immediately knelt before Jing''er: "Didn''t you say we would never part, that we''d grow old together, stay together for life? Why do you want to leave me now? Everyone now says I''m the unfilial son who killed his mother, but I did it for you, Jing''er. Do you dislike me because I''m not handsome anymore? Because my face is scarred? You can look at my left side, just don''t look at the right side."

    Wu cried even more fearfully, trying to exin that it wasn''t like that.

    But Jiang Huaisheng wouldn''t listen to her exnations, just kept talking and talking.

    ...

    That night.

    Even after his promotion, Commander Jiang still had to bring his wife a basin of water to wash her feet at home.

    Qin Luoxia felt a bit shy, but remembering Aunt Yin''s teachings, she sat calmly, watching her husband carefully massage her feet.

    She hadrge feet, unbound, but they were beautifully shaped. The arch feltfortable in his hand, and her calves were very proportionate, with a healthy, muscr beauty.

    Qin Luoxia knew her husband was in a good mood because he was washing and massaging her feet very attentively.

    A sense of marital intimacy spread between them.

    Jiang Mianmiany on the bed. She had grown and was no longer a few-month-old baby who could put her feet in her mouth.

    But sometimes she still retained the habit of lying on the bed and ying with her feet.

    Aunt Yin finished washing up and lifted the bed curtain to find the little one ying with her feet.

    She took a handkerchief to wipe the child''s hands, preventing her from sucking on them again.

    Seeing Aunt Yin, Jiang Mianmian rolled over and reached out to be held.

    She loved Aunt Yin''s embrace. Although Aunt Yin was also elderly, she was different from other olddies. Aunt Yin didn''t use hair oil, and her hair was always clean and fresh.

    Her body was also clean and fresh, without any strange odors.

    It was quitefortable to sleep next to her.

    Aunt Yin would coax her to sleep, pat her gently, and fan her when it was hot. Now, the spoiled Jiang Mianmian couldn''t fall asleep on her own without someone coaxing her.

    As shey there, enjoying Aunt Yin''s fan-like movements, which were in silent night mode, she curiously asked, "Aunt Yin, since Father has been promoted, does that mean we''ll move to the prefectural city?"

    Aunt Yin shook her head and said, "I don''t know about that. It depends on your father''s decision."

    The couple, also lying down, had a simr conversation. Qin Luoxia asked her husband the same question: "Husband, now that you''ve been promoted, are we moving to the prefectural city? If we go to the prefectural city, what about the pheasants and horses we''re raising? Is there such arge forest in the prefectural city?"

    Jiang Changtian smiled and said, "There probably aren''t forests like that in the prefectural city. If you don''t like it, Xia, we can still live here. This is our home. At most, we can expand our property and upy more of the forest."

    Qin Luoxia had her own concerns. In this small county town, there were already so many women calling out her husband''s name, and quite a few dressed provocatively to "identally" encounter him.

    Those women were too low-level, scantily d to entice him, and her husband was so frightened he would always try to avoid them.

    But if they went to the prefectural city, with those formidable women Aunt Yin had mentioned, who could lower their pride and had noble status, it wouldn''t be so easy to avoid them.

    She still needed to work hard, to have abilities that others couldn''t match, so she could walk alongside her husband for a long time. Aunt Yin said that to be equal partners, they first need to be able to walk side by side. If her husband walked too fast and too far while she remained in ce, she would eventually be left behind.

    Aunt Yin said that marriage was like any other endeavor.

    Qin Luoxia deeply agreed with this. As shey next to her husband, she pondered how she could do better, feeling a strong urge to give those seductive women a good beating just thinking about them.

    Jiang Mianmian, lying next to Aunt Yin, was scheming how to sneak out to y tomorrow without getting a spanking.

    ...

    "Note 1: From Wang Wei''s ''Red Peony''"

 Chapter 148

    It was August.

    The golden autumn season.

    The fragrance of osmanthus flowers filled the air.

    Today, the newly appointed Commander Jiang hosted a banquet for Heir Apparent Han.

    Meng Shaoxia had eaten out several times and increasingly missed Jiang Yu''s culinary skills. The food outside was rather ordinary.

    The dishes in Ming County tended to be dry and hard, with quite strong vors. He even developed small pimples on his chin.

    It might also be due to internal heat.

    When Jiang Yu noticed his pimples, she said earnestly, "Father has some herbs. I''ll brew them for you. I promise it won''t be bitter, and you''ll be better after three doses."

    Meng Shaoxia feltforted, thinking that little Yu truly cared for him, noticing such small details.

    Seeing his touched expression, Jiang Yu grinned foolishly.

    She thought to herself, Grandma is truly amazing. Grandma said to care for one''s fianc¨¦, and that a woman should start by paying attention to his clothing, food, shelter, and transportation. It doesn''t need to be much, just being attentive to daily needs is good enough.

    Many loving couples don''t make grand promises. Their affection umtes bit by bit, from small things that add up over time.

    Jiang Yu had said she didn''t know how to care for someone.

    Grandma told her, "Think about how you care for Mianmian."

    Jiang Yu thought about looking after her sister, even examining her sister''s poop to see if she was eating well, checking if she had bumped or knocked into anything, or if she had any swellings. This was simple.

    She decided to treat Meng Shaoxia the same way.

    Sure enough, he looked excited.

    Jiang Yu felt that today she had be a little smarter than yesterday. How wonderful.

    Eunuch Duan arrived at this rather rustic courtyard, thinking that Lord Yan''s old friend seemed to be living a rich and vorful life, probably not needing much concern.

    Upon arriving at Commander Jiang''s home, Eunuch Duan learned that Meng Young General was actually in talks to marry Commander Jiang''s eldest daughter. He inwardly gasped, realizing that Meng Young General had really paved a broad path for himself.

    This girl was Lord Yan''s goddaughter.

    That would make Meng Young General Lord Yan''s godson-inw.

    In the future, before the Emperor, if Lord Yan were to say a word or two, it might save the Meng family''s life.

    The Emperor had always been both fond of using and suspicious of the Meng family.

    Eunuch Duan had been quite formal on this journey, but now he suddenly became much warmer towards Meng Young General, sweetly addressing him as such.

    Heir Apparent Han hadn''t expected Jiang Er to invite him as a guest.

    He felt quite ufortable.

    Jiang Er''s home was indeed in the vige.

    He saw Jiang Er''s eldest son proudly showcasing their spacious house andrge property.

    He inwardly scoffed, thinking that even the lowest servants in his household lived better than this small ce.

    However, he noticed that Meng Young General, who had been stern-faced throughout the journey, hadn''t stopped smiling since arriving at Jiang Er''s home.

    He hadn''t expected this square-faced man, who appeared so righteous, to prevent him from chatting with beautiful women along the way, and even insisted on asking for husbands'' permission if he wanted to take someone with him.

    Unexpectedly, upon reaching Ming County, he was already arranging a betrothal, and with Jiang Er''s daughter no less.

    Heir Apparent Han nced at her, a plump and pretty young girl, still with a childish air.

    So the square-faced one likes this type, he thought. How boring.

    This rural courtyard was also uninteresting, at best it was just clean.

    He pursed his lips, but his gaze couldn''t help but wander towards Qin.

    His nces were fairly discreet.

    But inwardly, he was itching with desire.

    Heir Apparent Han was quite the troublemaker in the Capital City.

    He had the kind of personality that wouldn''t rest until he achieved his goal.

    And he never used it for proper purposes.

    He disliked this Jiang Er.

    He disliked him from the first nce.

    How could he like a man who looked simr to his mother and was about her age? His first thought was to get rid of this person.

    He was willful but not stupid.

    This man was trouble.

    He hade to ept surrender, there was no reason to kill anyone.

    Unless his life was threatened.

    His guards, in order to protect him, might identally kill someone.

    Surely his uncle, the Emperor, would understand. It wouldn''t be the first time.

    So Heir Apparent Han''s gaze boldly fell on that tall woman again.

    He walked to her side, saw her holding a little girl, and used his usual tactic, "Sister-inw, this child is so beautiful, let me hold her."

    He reached out to hold the girl without any hesitation, his hand seemingly about to touch Qin''s soft body.

    Jiang Mianmian watched as this person seemed overly enthusiastic.

    She could feel her mother''s muscles tensing.

    Before the man could reach out and touch, Jiang Mianmian spread her arms wide, leapt onto Heir Apparent Han, and enthusiastically said, "Uncle, hug!"

    Heir Apparent Han''s hands hadn''t even touched Qin when a hefty little girl fell into his arms.

    The girl was squirming around, not staying still at all.

    His expression turned awkward; he didn''t really want to hold a child.

    Moreover, this girl''s face made him even more ufortable.

    It was even more terrifying than her father, Jiang Er.

    But he still bravely held on, thinking that children are naive and might know something useful.

    He patiently used the charm he usually employed to please other men''s wives, trying hard to coax the child.

    Heir Apparent Han gave out a jade pendant, a knickknack, and a small knife, but the child just smiled stupidly and drooled.

    Heir Apparent Han patiently asked, "Who do you like to y with usually? Do you have any special friends at home?"

    Jiang Mianmian nodded, "I like to y with Jiang Xiaoshu. Xiaoshu is very special, different from others. Uncle, do you want to see?"

    Heir Apparent Han nodded, thinking he might finally get some useful information.

    Then he saw the little girl pull out a ck ant about the size of a thumb from her pocket and ce it on his face.

    "Uncle, Xiaoshu likes to crawl on faces!"

    Heir Apparent Han screamed in fright, his hands loosening as he frantically patted his face.

    In that split second, as Mianmian was about to fall, her mother dashed forward and caught her.

    "p!"

    Qin Luoxia''s handnded a crisp, resounding p on Heir Apparent Han''s face.

    ...

 Chapter 149

    ......

    Suddenly, the cicadas'' song outside grew louder and clearer.

    When Heir Apparent Han was pped, he felt his ears ringing, and all the sounds from outside seemed louder than usual.

    It was as if something inside his ear had shattered, allowing sound to prate directly.

    The noise made his head ache.

    His face hurt too.

    He watched as Qin threw the huge ck ant far away.

    The guards had watched helplessly as Heir Apparent Han received a p.

    They hadn''t even had time to react.

    Then they heard Qin exim in surprise: "It''s swollen! Young lord, I didn''t mean to, I was really just swatting the ant. You don''t know, butst time in our county, a cripple was bitten by ants and died. You''re lucky to be alive."

    As Qin spoke, herrge hand gently patted her daughter, producing a soft sound.

    Jiang Mianmian came to her senses and let out a loud "Wah!" as she burst into tears.

    When her father came over, she cried even harder.

    She was gasping for air between sobs.

    Her father asked what happened.

    She cried and hupped as she tattled.

    "Uncle wanted to see the ant, I showed uncle the ant, uncle threw me away, wuwuwu, uncle also hit the ant, wuwuwu..."

    Jiang Changtian held his wailing daughter and looked at Heir Apparent Han, whose face was swollen on one side. Surprisingly, he smiled at Heir Apparent Han.

    Heforted Mianmian: "It''s nothing, it''s nothing, don''t cry. Uncle just isn''t used to holding children, it was an ident."

    Jiang Mianmian thought about how she could have really been dropped, and cried for real.

    Although jumping down from trees didn''t hurt her, and even her mother''s punishments weren''t as painful.

    But having found someone toin to, her tears flowed uncontrobly.

    She rested her chin on her father''s shoulder and continued to wail.

    Hearing his young daughter cry, Jiang Changtian felt her body tremble slightly as he held her.

    Jiang Changtian already disliked this Heir Apparent Han, and the way he looked at Sister Xia made him want to add a vertical line to the window sill.

    This Heir Apparent Han behaved poorly in the capital, yet he was always protected by the emperor. No matter how outrageous he was, the emperor seemed to turn a blind eye.

    In fact, Heir Apparent Han had grasped the emperor''s heart in certain ways. His misdeeds and troublemaking made the emperor feel as if he represented the emperor''s dark side. If it were the emperor himself, he actually had a bad side too, but he suppressed it, and no one dared to speak of it.

    The emperor viewed Heir Apparent Han as if he were the embodiment of his own evil thoughts.

    Jiang Changtian had invited Heir Apparent Han to his home because he was rted to the Jiang family. His first stop upon arriving in Ming County was the Jiang Manor. Heir Apparent Han was probably a response to the letter Old Lady Jiang had written to the imperial son-inw.

    Old Lady Jiang had been very cautious in her letter, appearing to contain nothing but routine greetings.

    She had inquired after the princess, the imperial son-inw, and the young lord,menting the passage of time.

    Now the young lord had actuallye.

    Who knew when the Seventh Prince''s people would arrive.

    Jiang Changtian was somewhat expectant, because he had discovered that among their rebel group,

    Not only did Zi Lu seem unlike someone of humble origins,

    But his ability to recruit so many talented individuals led some to suspect Zi Lu was connected to the former crown prince.

    There was also another suddenly emerging group of rebels, located near the Seventh Prince''s territory in the northwest. These men were strong and well-armed, each of great stature and formidable in battle.

    Last year had been disastrous, with many ces experiencing total crop failure. That area had been severely affected, with corpses of the starved littering the ground.

    But how could the stature of these men be the result of a mere vegetarian diet?

    In the past, he hadn''t liked eating meat, but he forced himself to because without meat, hecked strength.

    When times were hard, his son Jiang Feng had been so thin his backbone protruded. Without meat to eat, there was no strength, and going out to make a living meant being easily bullied.

    The leader of this group was said to be a man eight feet tall, with a majestic face and a beautiful beard.

    He was known as the righteous man Tang.

    He had also be a disciple of Zi Lu.

    He fought with exceptional bravery.

    Unlike Jiang Changtian, who managed his small plot ofnd, stayed in the rear, quietly training troops and farming, providing financial and food support to General Zi, asionally going out to fight, but mainly for troop training.

    So here in Ming County, it was as quiet as if there had been no famine, no rebellion.

    Life was very peaceful, even more fulfilling than before the rebellion. At least there were no incidents of people starving to death or being driven to death byndlords.

    More and more young men and adults were joining the Jiang Family Army.

    The Jiang family weed everyone, regardless of gender or age.

    Skilled elders could use their expertise, while those without skills could look after children, teach them, or act as gatekeepers, doing some light work, and also gather and filter information.

    Other troops absolutely refused to take old men, but Jiang Changtian treated the elderly with courtesy, providing food, drink, and promises of care when they could no longer work.

    Young adults were of course the main force, eating more and consuming more resources.

    Jiang Changtian gathered children and youths, first teaching them to read and write, building their bodies, and shaping their beliefs.

    The same was true for women. Although physically weaker, they could do delicate work, and having more women made it easier for men to marry. They couldn''t have an army of just men, fighting fiercely with no one at home, which could easily lead to disorientation.

    If they were married with families and children, they would strive even harder to push forward.

    Here in Ming County, while Jiang Changtian appeared inactive and rarely engaged in battle, he was actually resting and recuperating, slowly making changes.

    The Jiang Family Army was also expanding at an unusually rapid rate.

    Their numbers were actually thergest among the rebel factions, but because they included many elderly, weak, sick, and disabled, they hadn''t attracted attention from above. Instead, people thought Jiang Er had be foolish from too much studying, too benevolent. They believed a schr''s rebellion wouldn''t seed in ten years.

    In contrast, the righteous man Tang''s group was much more valiant.

    Their momentum was almost surpassing Zi Lu''s. At first, they had just been followers, but now they seemed to be on equal footing.

    They were the most opposed to epting amnesty.

    Jiang Changtian felt that the righteous man Tang was also not of humble origins.

    With such strong troops and horses, what ordinary people could afford to raise good horses?

    When people couldn''t even feed themselves, how could there be food for livestock?

    For some reason, Jiang Changtian always suspected that group was connected to the Seventh Prince.

    Although he had heard the Seventh Prince had been badly beaten.

    Thinking about it made him sigh. A group of people rebelling, and they all had backgrounds, only he was truly of humble birth.

    Ah, he still needed to work hard.

    Otherwise, even a dog like Heir Apparent Han would dare to covet his family members.

    Jiang Changtian smiled. In the past, his health had been very poor, his constitution basically ruined. Even without illness or disaster, he was not destined for longevity.

    He had the appearance of one who would die young.

    He naturally gave off the air of a sickly beauty.

    Even though his health had improved now, that aura of frailty hadn''t disappeared.

    Jiang Changtian is currently just a minor official, still feeding horses for General Zi.

    He concernedly asks if Heir Apparent Han''s face hurts.

    "Heir Apparent, you should know that I used to work in the Medicine Preparation Department, so I have some medical knowledge. For a swollen face, it''s best to find bear droppings, mix them with honey, and apply a thickyer to your face. It will heal in a day. This is a folk remedy that''s very effective. You can try it, though bear droppings are hard to find. Cow dung might work as a substitute, but it may not be as effective."

    Heir Apparent Han tries to speak but can''t make a sound for a moment.

    He feels like his face is crooked, and when he opens his mouth, he can only make hissing sounds.

    The child is still wailing, giving him a headache.

    He has seen women in his uncle''s harem being pped before, and often those women could still cry beautifully afterward, looking like "pear blossoms in the rain," earning his uncle''s sympathy.

    But now, after being pped once, he feels dizzy and unsteady.

    Looking at Qin again, her face is filled with panic: "My lord, I was just trying to swat a bug for Heir Apparent Han. I didn''t expect his face to swell up like this. My lord, it''s all my fault. I used too much force."

    Heir Apparent Han feels like his brain might have been shattered. He struggles to speak, trying for a long time without sess. Suddenly, he blurts out, "Not hard at all. Sister-inw, your strength isn''t great at all. I''m just not used to being hit."

    ...

 Chapter 150

    ......

    Noon.

    Meng Qingshe wielded his silver spear, twirling it in a dazzling disy.

    On the training ground, leaves fell like silver frost scattering on the ground.

    He heard that his Lady was looking for him.

    He pretended to be very busy.

    Lately, his Lady''s mood had been unstable, and he dared not risk irritating her.

    He could only exert himself in the training ground under the scorching heat.

    Sure enough, when Meng Qingshe finished his spear practice, washed up, and changed clothes to return, not only was his Lady there, but his mother was also present.

    One woman was hard enough to handle, two women were even more terrifying.

    Meng Qingshe almost wanted to kneel down, not knowing why these two women had gathered together.

    It could only be to criticize their men, if not him then his father.

    The mother-inw and daughter-inw, having lived together for a long time, looked somewhat alike.

    They both had deeper nasbial folds on the right side of their faces than on the left.

    His Lady was practically a younger version of his mother.

    Terrifyingly fierce.

    Ah, who had introduced them back then, saying that the youngdy of the Zeng family was gentle and unparalleled in kindness?

    He had only taken one look and thought she was beautiful and gentle.

    It was only after marrying her that he discovered he had been deceived.

    He was foolish too; his father-inw''s entire family worked in criminal justice, dealing with all sorts of criminals daily. How could she possibly be virtuous?

    She was, however, quite skilled at beating him.

    "With so many noble youngdies in the capital, why did you have to marry a girl from the Jiang family?"

    "Since you married her, why stay with her family for three years? Ridiculous, is my son unable to afford his own house?"

    "Exactly, has the old man been addled by the northwestern winds at the border? He even personally wrote a proposal letter."

    "My son, my poor son, three years! He''ll surely be ufortable."

    Meng Qingshe wanted to retort, "You used to throw Shao Xia into the army for training, for more than three years, and you happily went shopping every day without pitying your son." But he couldn''t say such things; if he did, his Lady would explode.

    He could only agree: "Yes, Father decided, and I couldn''t oppose it. Father has always been far-sighted; perhaps he sensed something amiss in the capital and wanted Shao Xia to avoid it. If you don''t believe me, surely you believe Father?"

    Sessfully diverting the conflict, Meng Qingshe wiped the cold sweat from his brow as he watched his wife and mother jointlyin about his father. He decided it was better to go practice with the spear again.

    As he left, he heard his mother still muttering behind him: "That old fool, my dear grandson, when will I ever get to hold my great-grandson?"

    Meng Qingshe slipped away as swiftly as a snake.

    At the same time, he felt somewhat envious of his son, who could leave home for three years. The tigress at home was too fierce; how fortunate to escape abroad.

    ......

    At this moment, Meng Shaoxia was looking at Heir Apparent Han''s face, silently evaluating whether he could make the Heir Apparent''s face swell up like that if he were to strike.

    After his assessment, he realized he probably couldn''t achieve that.

    To make it swell like that, the force used must have been extraordinary, yet controlled enough to only hit the face without causing the brain to spill out. That level of control was also remarkable.

    Meng Shaoxia quietly recalled if he had done anything inappropriate in front of his mother-inw.

    Probably not.

    He turned to look at Little Yu''er, who was eating some snacks.

    Little Yu''er shed him a sweet smile.

    It instantly melted his heart.

    Fortunately, Little Yu''er wasn''t like her mother; she was gentle and obedient, and appeared not to have much strength.

    But this Heir Apparent Han was really courting death.

    He actually said he wanted to stay overnight because his swollen face made him dizzy.

    Meng Shaoxia thought to himself, even he hadn''t stayed overnight yet.

    Who did this guy think he was?

    Just as Heir Apparent Han finished speaking.

    Outside, lightning shed and thunder rumbled. Dark clouds gathered, and the sky turned ck.

    It began to rain.

    Rain keeps guests from leaving.

    So Eunuch Duan and Meng Shaoxia were also allowed to stay the night.

    Meng Shaoxia felt a bit anxious. He hadn''t brought a change of clothes and didn''t know what Little Yu''er looked like after washing up at night or what she wore to sleep.

    The thought made him blush.

    Eunuch Duan, on the other hand, was shocked by the food at the Jiang family.

    He had been eating and drinking his way through the journey, focusing on food and drink. It was rare for him toe out, and he was determined to taste all the delicacies along the way.

    Eunuch Duan had an exceptionally sensitive pte. It was this skill that had secured him a position in the pce. He often tasted food for the nobles and could identify the ingredients with just one bite.

    Once, he had even saved a nobledy''s life with this skill.

    He never expected that the best food on his journey would be at Commander Jiang''s home in this Kan''er Vige.

    Many of the dishes he had never even seen before.

    Let alone tasted them.

    What looked like a lump of something would bloom intoyers when hot water was poured over it. When tasted, the vors were exceptionally rich and deliciously sweet.

    One bite would linger in the memory for a day.

    It was said that all of this was the handiwork of Commander Jiang''s eldest daughter.

    With such culinary skills, Eunuch Duan could somewhat understand Young General Meng''s choice.

    Marrying this girl meant never having to worry about food and drink.

    Heir Apparent Han had too much on his mind to appreciate the delicious food.

    His face had been pped so hard that his head ached, yet it provided him with an excuse to stay.

    Meng Shaoxia, looking at Heir Apparent Han''s face, thought he was truly brave.

    But he soon had no time to pay attention to Heir Apparent Han.

    When he first came to the Jiang family, he hadn''t noticed any ce suitable for overnight stays.

    There were only three thatched cottages in total.

    Jiang Yu shared a room with her brother, separated by a curtain, with everything visible at a nce.

    Now Jiang Yu had her own boudoir.

    There were also guest rooms.

    Heir Apparent Han, Eunuch Duan, and Meng Shaoxia each had their own guest room.

    Though notrge, the rooms were well-structured, with a sleeping area, a small hall, and a small toilet room. The furnishings were simple but cozy.

    The bed was clean, with a woven grass mat that was neither too soft nor too hard, and cotton-covered quilts in off-white.

    The sleeping area contained just a bed with a stone stool at the head, its surface t and holding a water cup. Beside it was a small table and chair facing a wooden window. On the table was a hand-copied book about local customs and practices.

    The small toilet room also had a high wooden window. Inside was a chamber pot, with towels hanging on the wall. There was also a pipe leading in with a valve; when opened, water flowed through.

    One could wash up in the toilet room.

    Outside was the small hall.

    The hall had rush cushions, a table, and a couch. The couch could amodate one person lying down or several people sitting. The small hall could seat several people for conversation or dining.

    This guest room was like a self-contained household, very convenient.

    Meng Shaoxia couldn''t help but look at where the guards were staying.

    The guards'' quarters wererger, with many beds arranged in two levels. There was no hall, but they shared a toilet area, with separate washing facilities.

    With many guards, they could use the toilet and wash up separately.

    On the walls of the room hung many cotton and linen bags. Opening the bags revealed clean towels for use.

    Eunuch Duan, being a man without roots, found it more inconvenient than others to use the toilet or take a bath when away from home.

    He hadn''t expected that Commander Jiang''s house, which looked rough on the outside, would be so thoughtful on the inside.

    He could use the toilet, take a bath, and wash up all within the room. The small hall table was even prepared with snacks and fruits, convenient for when he got hungry.

    The room wasn''trge overall, but it was arranged to be cozy andfortable.

    Lying down, the mattress was firm, but it felt veryfortable for his old back.

    Meng Shaoxia also found it very satisfactory.

    If he were to move inter, there would be no need to build a new house for him. This guest room was quite good. He didn''t have high demands for these things to begin with, and this already exceeded his expectations.

    Yet it didn''t feel extravagant or wasteful to him; every detail was useful and good.

    These nuances revealed another side of the Jiang Family to Meng Shaoxia.

    Some vague ideas formed in his mind, but they weren''t yet clear.

    Heir Apparent Han had initially stayed over intending to cause trouble. His hobbies were a bit perversely dangerous, and he liked doing it in other people''s homes, finding it thrilling and exciting.

    However, when he was sent to the room for a midday rest, he actually fell asleep, his face smeared with medicine. It wasn''t bear dung or cow dung; he suspected Jiang Yu had fooled him. He naturally carried good wound medicine when traveling, and he fell asleep with the medicine applied.

    The guards on duty in the hall leaned on the soft couch. There were snacks and fruits on the table, which they wouldn''t touch, but they could take a sip from the bamboo water cups.

    The Jiang Family was so thoughtful, not only considering thefort of the masters but also thinking of the servants.

    After settling the guests for their midday rest, Lady Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian looked at their little girl who had fallen asleep after crying in their arms, and carried her back to the room.

    Qin Luoxia also went to find Jiang Xiaoshu, retrieving it unharmed and putting it back in the child''s pocket.

    Jiang Mianmian, sensing the familiar environment, turned over and slept spread out.

    Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian looked at Mianmian, her eyes closed, with long eyshes and snow-white skin.

    So small, yet when asleep, she had a natural air of aloof beauty.

    Like someone born noble.

    Qin Luoxia also found it strange that this was actually born from her.

    Jiang Changtian looked at his little girl. He knew he was handsome, but certainly not as beautiful as his daughter.

    For a woman to grow up looking like this, to live well and freely in these chaotic times, he would have to work hard enough.

    Just like how Heir Apparent Han could act so recklessly, wasn''t it because his uncle was the emperor?

    Otherwise, given his behavior, dying a hundred times wouldn''t be enough.

    Noticing that Mianmian had one hand clenched in a fist, Jiang Changtian gently pried it open to find a piece of jade inside.

    He couldn''t help but chuckle again.

    She was so good at holding onto money.

    Qin Luoxia alsoughed: "She does have some things inmon with me after all."

    ...

 Chapter 151

    Afternoon.

    Eunuch Duan had just taken a short nap.

    He got up for a stroll.

    The rain had stopped.

    The wind was blowing, without any heat, making it veryfortable.

    Under arge tree, Eunuch Duan saw someone bending over to spread a mat and arrange snacks for a little girl. Instinctively, he hurried over, calling out "Aunt."

    As he approached, he suddenly remembered that this was at the Ji family''s home, not in the imperial pce.

    Damn.

    How could he have mistaken her for a senior pce maid from the inner court?

    She looked just like one of those who served the Empress Dowager or Grand Empress Dowager.

    Steady yet ruthless, with over a dozen lives on her hands - that kind of aunt.

    He heard the little girl call her "Great-aunt."

    She must be a distant rtive of the Qin family.

    The woman turned around, revealing a gentle smile. She looked very kind - it was just an illusion, an illusion.

    Eunuch Duan put on a slightly haughty smile.

    This was how eunuchs always smiled when they were outside the pce.

    They were physically iplete, yet they were close to the most noble people in the world.

    Naturally inferior yet extremely arrogant.

    Aunt Yin enthusiastically said, "Eunuch Duan, you''re awake. Please, have a seat and try this wild tea from the countryside. My niece personally picked it from the misty mountaintop of Cloud Interval Mountain. It''s surrounded by clouds and mist year-round, giving this tea a unique vor. Please, give it a taste."

    Eunuch Duan felt extremely pleased at being addressed as "Eunuch." He thought to himself that this country great-aunt truly had a good eye.

    However, he inwardly scoffed at her description of the mountain tea. What tea could possibly be better than the tribute tea in the imperial pce? That was one-of-a-kind in the world.

    Though he had heard that tea surrounded by clouds and mist was quite special.

    Jiang Mianmian sat on the cushion, responsible for being adorable.

    She sweetly called out, "Hello, Uncle Duan."

    Eunuch Duan didn''t dare to be presumptuous. This little girl was Lord Yan''s goddaughter, wasn''t she? He repeatedly declined, saying, "You tter this old servant. Just call me Little Duan."

    Aunt Yin looked at the young eunuch with surprise. He seemed to have some discernment and might actually survive.

    So Jiang Mianmian sat with Little Eunuch Duan to drink tea.

    In truth, she was quite curious about life in the imperial pce.

    The person before her was an internal staff member of the pce and must surely know a lot.

    Other time-travelers would directly engage in pce intrigue, either rising from pce maid to empress or from minor concubine to empress dowager.

    She, on the other hand, had grown up wandering around the vige.

    Let alone the imperial pce in the capital, she hadn''t even been to the prefectural city of Jingzhou.

    Great-aunt sat nearby, brewing tea.

    She watched the little one sit contentedly.

    It was just a small package of tea leaves, requested by the little girl, and the older girl had painstakingly followed the little one''s instructions to prepare it.

    The freshly picked tea leaves were first dried in the sun.

    After sun-drying, they were pan-fried.

    After frying, they were dried again.

    After drying, they were fried once more.

    The leaves became dry and beautiful, ready for storage.

    They weren''t meant to be boiled either.

    Just steeping them in hot water released a fragrant aroma.

    Taking a sip made one feel refreshed, with a lingering aftertaste.

    Even more wonderfully, the leaves would stand up straight, looking like tadpoles striving upwards.

    If served in the pce''s crystal cups, it would surely be extremely beautiful.

    However, drinking from bamboo tubes also had its own unique charm.

    Aunt Yin, who prided herself on her broad knowledge and having seen the best things in the world, quietly took an extra package for herself after tasting this tea.

    She didn''t have much of an appetite, but she absolutely loved this clear fragrance and sweet aftertaste. It was slightly astringent and even a bit bitter at first sip, but the aftertaste remained sweet, sweet to the heart - a cup of tea.

    Moreover, it could cut through greasiness, cleanse the intestines and stomach, leaving one feeling veryfortable after drinking.

    Aunt Yin casually brewed three cups of tea.

    One for herself.

    One for the little girl.

    One for Little Eunuch Duan.

    Eunuch Duan didn''t think much of it. He had eaten a bit too much at noon, as he greatly valued the pleasures of food.

    Having been poor and hungry before, he was afraid of that feeling.

    He just wanted to eat a lot and eat well.

    In the pce, there were instances of poisoning, like having one poisoned cup out of three cups from the same pot, but such pots required special mechanisms and weren''tmon.

    He watched Aunt Yin pour the tea openly, her sleeves short - she couldn''t be poisoning them.

    Of course, he hadn''t really thought about it much. He was just a eunuch, without any conflicts of interest, just here for the pacification mission.

    He held the bamboo tube and took a sniff.

    Surprisingly fragrant.

    The aroma wafted up. He saw that the green little leaves put in were giving off a faint floral scent, with hints of honey and a slight medicinal fragrance, soft yet prating through the nose and into the heart and lungs.

    He felt more alert just from smelling it.

    He took a sip.

    The vor was very light.

    He hadn''t really tasted much yet.

    Usually, tea leaves were boiled, resulting in a bitter and strong brew, perfect for staying upte. Schrs and nobles favored this style.

    Ordinary people couldn''t appreciate it. The truly wealthy would even add various spices to boil with the tea.

    A pot of such tea could be as valuable as gold.

    One sip would make your soul float away, it was so bitter andplex.

    Like life itself, filled with myriad vors.

    But this cup of clear tea, apart from its fragrance, was just slightly sweet. The astringency was negligible. The tea leaves floated up one by one, and when identally swallowed with a big gulp, they weren''t unpleasant to chew, just a bit bitter.

    But immediately after, an infinite sweetness spread through the throat. It was sweet and nothing but sweet. Even exhaling felt as if one''s breath had be fragrant and sweet, without any unpleasant odor.

    This was truly exquisite.

    A worldly delicacy.

    Eunuch Duan first took a small sip, then a big gulp, followed by several small sips.

    He didn''t spit out the tea leaves that entered his mouth, carefully chewing and swallowing them.

    Seeing that his cup was empty, Aunt Yin refilled it with water.

    "This second steeping has its own unique vor. The first steeping emphasizes the clear fragrance, while the second has a better, more lingering taste."

    Eunuch Duan smiled and nodded, holding his tea cup. He noticed the little girl just extending two fair, chubby fingers, slightly curved, tapping the table twice.

    As if it were some kind of ritual.

    Aunt Yin poured her tea, and she didn''t even say thank you, just extended her fingers to tap twice.

    Initially, Aunt Yin had asked her what this meant.

    Mianmian had replied, "Thank you, Great-aunt."

    Aunt Yin saw that she still had preserved fruit in her mouth and was quite busy. The little girl was trulyzy to the extreme, toozy even to say thanks, just extending two fingers to tap as a sign of gratitude.

    It was oddly polite...

    If she weren''t sozy, their home wouldn''t have so many convenient gadgets.

    Even the tea leaves were probably her creation, toozy to brew and wait, so she came up with something that could be steeped instantly with boiling water.

    Lazy to the extreme, yet able to enjoy life to the fullest - that was this little girl.

    She sat properly, tapped twice, and swayed as she drank her tea.

    Her teacup was tiny, just one small mouthful.

    Yet she liked to drink it this way, sip by sip, requiring the person pouring to keep refilling constantly.

    Enjoying life to the fullest, drinking just that hot sip.

    Fortunately, Aunt Yin was ustomed to serving people, as not just anyone could attend to this youngdy.

    As the old woman had said, the second infusion of tea that Eunuch Duan served was indeed not only fragrant but had an even more mellow and pure taste, warming the heart with just one sip.

    The more Eunuch Duan drank, the brighter his eyes became.

    He thought that if he could bring this tea as a tribute to the Emperor on his next outing, it would surely be a great achievement.

    "Auntie, do you know if there''s any more of this tea avable?" he asked.

    Aunt Yin saw through the little eunuch''s intentions as soon as he perked up.

    She replied, "This tea is extremely rare. The growing conditions are very demanding, and the picking time is also crucial. There are only one or two days a year when it can be harvested. The roasting process is also highlyplex, resulting in a different vor each time. If Eunuch Duan wants some, there''s only a small amount left from this batch."

    Aunt Yin had no choice in the matter. The youngdy had said that only tea picked before the Qingming Festival would taste good.

    So there wasn''t much of it.

    The tea picked after the festival didn''t taste as good as the pre-festival tea.

    Heaven knows why a difference of a few days would matter so much.

    Her pte was incredibly refined.

    In any case, Aunt Yin couldn''t tell the difference at first.

    Eunuch Duan understood the old woman''s meaning: there was some, but very little. Whether to offer it as a tribute or not was up to him.

    If the Emperor liked it and wanted more, but they couldn''t produce any, that would be the end of it.

    After pondering for a moment, Eunuch Duan asked, "The brewing method results in a different vor with each infusion. Actually, we could add some extra steps to the tea preparation process. This way, it wouldst for more infusions. Like the youngdy''s small cups, serving it cup by cup would surely taste even better."

    Jiang Mianmian watched as Eunuch Duan and Aunt Yin discussed how to make the tea preparation process moreplex, more ceremonial, and longer, thus making the small amount of tea seem more precious.

    The more Aunt Yin talked with the young eunuch, the more she realized he was quite talented.

    "The method you suggest requires quite a bit of effort," she remarked.

    The young Eunuch Duan nodded, "Indeed, good tea deserves the effort."

    Aunt Yin said, "Why don''t we call it ''Kung Fu Tea'' then?"

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

 Chapter 152

    In the training grounds.

    Meng Shaoxia and Jiang Feng were practicing swordsmanship together.

    Jiang Feng was using the sword Meng Shaoxia had given him.

    Meng Shaoxia was wielding a sword his grandfather had gifted him. His grandfather, known as the World''s First Bounty Hunter, had a sword named "Abundant Fortune" which he had passed down to Meng Shaoxia.

    The sword was sharp and of excellent quality, but its name carried a certain pressure.

    "Abundant Fortune" implied abundance in both wealth and offspring.

    Meng Shaoxia felt the deep-seated pressure to marry and have children ¨C aplete package deal.

    Jiang Feng''s sword was a gift from Meng Shaoxia.

    He had initially thought of naming it "Sword Gifted by Good Friend Shaoxia," but feeling it was too long and cumbersome, he settled on "wless."

    He hoped this sword would remain wless as long as it apanied him.

    Meng Shaoxia gripped "Abundant Fortune."

    Jiang Feng held "wless."

    Meng Shaoxia felt immense pressure, recalling how Brother Feng had once disarmed him with a mere wooden stick.

    Now that Brother Feng also had a proper sword, the pressure was even greater.

    However, during this time, Meng Shaoxia had faced life and death situations. Upon returning to the capital, he was immediately thrown into rigorous training at the military headquarters by his family. He hadn''t wasted a moment and had been diligently honing his martial skills.

    He felt he had made a significant leap in progress.

    He was far stronger than before.

    This Meng Shaoxia was not the same as before.

    "Brother Feng, be careful. I''ve improved rapidlytely, and I''m not the same person I used to be," Meng Shaoxia warned kindly.

    After all, if he were to hurt Jiang Feng, he''d be hurting little Yu''er''s brother, who was also his future brother-inw.

    He vividly remembered when his father had sparred with his mother''s brother. Although his father had won, he returned home covered in bruises from his mother''s beating. Thankfully, both the Meng Family and Zeng Family had excellent medicinal salves for wounds.

    Sometimes, winning could feel like losing.

    Jiang Feng nodded.

    "Brother Meng, since west parted, I''ve been practicing diligently with the sword manual you gave me, regardless of the weather. I''ve also made significant progress, so you should be careful too."

    Hearing this, Meng Shaoxia felt even more insecure.

    Back then, he didn''t possess any profound sword manuals. What he had given Jiang Feng wasn''t even a proper manual, just the most basic training techniques from the military.

    Almost everyone knew those moves.

    If Brother Feng had truly been practicing those, wouldn''t he have been holding him back?

    Those techniques were so elementary that even children could master them. They were the most fundamental of basics.

    Thinking about how Brother Feng had been treating these basic moves as some kind of secret martial arts manual and practicing them for so long, Meng Shaoxia felt increasingly guilty.

    He could only try to look on the bright side.

    At least the Jiang Family''s living conditions had greatly improved.

    Now they even had a dedicated ce for martial arts practice.

    As long as life was getting better, that was a good thing.

    Having witnessed so many disced civilians, Meng Shaoxia had be much more grounded.

    For ordinary people, having enough to eat and wear was already a blessing. In fact, whether they rebelled or not, these basic necessities were all they truly sought.

    In the afternoon.

    The young men who had left such a strong impression on each other when they first met, once again took up their swords.

    Fortunately, they didn''t need to engage in a life-or-death battle; they still had the opportunity to spar and practice swordsmanship.

    Meng Shaoxia said his sword had be faster.

    Jiang Feng said his sword had be more stable.

    Jiang Yu stood at the edge of the training ground, cheering, "Big brother, go for it!"

    It wasn''t clear whether she was cheering for Big Brother Meng or her own big brother...

    Jiang Mianmian was being held by Aunt Yin, who hade to watch the excitement.

    Eunuch Duan had also followed, carrying a tray for the little mistress with tea and snacks.

    As he approached with the tray, he suddenly wondered why he was being so attentive. It made sense to be this eager to serve Strict Mentor''s adopted daughter, but why was he so attentive to this country aunt? He had unconsciously acted based on her expressions.

    Tsk, he truly was born to serve others.

    Jiang Mianmian saw the tray ced before her, reached for the cup, and took a sip of tea. She said, "Thank you, little Eunuch Duan."

    Eunuch Duan bowed humbly, "It''s my duty, my duty."

    Then, like an eager little bee, he brought over cushions and small tables.

    He even ced a small round cushion for little Mianmian to sit on.

    Aunt Yin gave Eunuch Duan an approving look; the young man knew how to secure his position.

    Jiang Yu also sat down.

    Eating chicken feet while watching the match.

    Jiang Mianmian was excited; this was a real-life performance.

    Real sword fighting.

    It should be much more impressive than what they show on TV.

    But just as she settled down, adjusting her position to getfortable, the match ended.

    There were no dazzling sword techniques, no spinning moves, no leaping into the air, no back-and-forth exchanges.

    With a single "ng!" it was over.

    It was utterly unspectacr.

    Meng Shaoxia''s sword was once again knocked from his hand by a single strike from Jiang Feng.

    With a "tter," the sword hit the ground and bounced once, producing a second sound.

    Meng Shaoxia looked at his hand in disbelief, then at "Abundant Fortune" on the ground.

    Thest time Brother Feng had disarmed him with a wooden stick, he hadn''t been prepared.

    This time, he had been very confident and had prepared for a long time.

    One might not be able to gauge their own improvement in literary pursuits, but when it came to martial prowess, it was quite tangible. After all, killing andbat produced real, physical results.

    Meng Shaoxia felt that today''s version of himself could defeat at least six versions of himself from a year ago.

    Yet he had still been disarmed by Brother Feng with a single strike.

    Jiang Feng also looked pleasantly surprised, believing it was all thanks to Brother Meng''s efforts. The sword manual he had given him was incredibly profound. The more he practiced, the more powerful he felt. At first, it seemed like just a few ordinary moves, but as he continued to practice, he discovered endless possibilities in each technique.

    Brother Meng was truly a good friend.

    Now he was truly a brother-inw.

    They were family.

    Meng Shaoxia looked utterly bewildered and said, "Let''s go again."

    Once more, he was disarmed.

    "Again."

    Disarmed.

    "Once more."

    Disarmed.

    ...

    Meng Shaoxia sat on the stone steps, his face a picture of despair.

    The corner of his mouth twitched, and he felt like crying.

    He couldn''t understand it.

    He truly couldn''tprehend.

    How was this possible?

    He had improved so much, yet he still lost.

    Brother Feng was using the mostmon and ordinary sword techniques. Brother Feng must have been going easy on him, using only those three basic moves.

    Three basic moves, over and over.

    Yet they left himpletely helpless.

    Jiang Yu, who had been cheering just moments ago, now charged furiously onto the training ground.

    She chased after her big brother, intent on beating him up.

    "Big brother, how dare you bully Brother Meng! Hitting him once wasn''t enough, you had to do it several times!" Jiang Yu sprinted after her brother, wielding the chicken foot she had been eating. She not only struck Jiang Feng on the head with it but also picked up "Abundant Fortune" from the ground and chased Jiang Feng all around the training ground.

    Meng Shaoxia, who had initially felt defeated, was now filled with emotion.

    Little Yu''er loved him so much that she was even seeking revenge on his behalf. He felt deeply touched and protected.

    Little Yu''er was much better than his own mother, who used to chase his father around to avenge her brother.

    However, watching Jiang Yu chase Jiang Feng around the field, running so fast they left afterimages, the siblings engaged in back-and-forthbat. Jiang Feng ran, dodged, and fought simultaneously, while Jiang Yu pursued and attacked. Were they evenly matched???

    Meng Shaoxia felt even more frustrated?

    How could this be?

    Jiang Feng must be going easy on his sister.

    On the field, Jiang Feng shouted while sprinting: "Xiao Yu, you''re going too far! You''re even ambushing me! If you want to fight, then fight fair! Pulling my hair is not okay! You''re not even married yet, but you''re already taking sides against your own brother! Xiao Yu, stop it! Xiao Yu... I give up! Ouch, ouch! I surrender!"

    Meng Shaoxia watched tearfully as little Yu pinned down brother Feng. She turned back to him with a radiant smile.

    Meng Shaoxia wanted tough but couldn''t.

    His lips twitched slightly.

    ...

 Chapter 153

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    Lying in bed, he felt a little ufortable. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Initially not nning to stay for the night, he didn''t bring along a maid or servant, there was no one to attend to him. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    His face wasn''t hurting when he was first hit. However, after a night''s sleep and waking up, the burning pain was simply unbearable. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Heir Apparent Han got up, pushed the window aside and saw the girl with a round face, the one Little Square-faced liked, she was romping about with her brother. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She seemed to be beaming with joy. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Little Square-faced was struggling and scratching his head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    Jiang Er''s little daughter sat on the cushion, giggling while eating snacks. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Even Eunuch Duan was serving her snacks. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Soon, Heir Apparent Han turned his attention to the old woman being served by the little girl. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    A sense of familiarity surfaced, as if he had met her before. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Lying in bed, looking at the unfamiliar bed and ce, yet filled with familiar faces. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han got off the bed. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Stepping on the evening glow, in the midst of the evening breeze. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The sky had turned dark when he woke up. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The spread for the night was on the lighter side. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    It was hot noodle soup. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    There were no cooks at Jiang Er''s house. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Unbelievably, it was Qin herself who was cooking at night. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han identally caught a glimpse of her tall figure standing before the cooking hearth. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    The noodles that evening came across unusually appetizing. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Er held his youngest daughter in his arms. The son dutifully passed the condiments, daughter handed the chopsticks, wife dished out the noodles, and little square-face helped with moving the chairs. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Surrounded by his children, the picture of bliss. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Looking at this, Heir Apparent Han felt a tight knot in his chest. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    He has children of his own too, but none of them were his. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    This was one of the reasons he had lived such a wild and reckless life. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Most of the women he has had rtions with were married and already had children. It was unlikely for them to have issues with fertility. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    He had only two children in his residence - one son and one daughter. But he knew neither of them had his bloodline. The timing just doesn''t add up. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The woman he took for his second wife is not the type he usually favorited. Of course, her willingness to be Heir Apparent Han''s wife had to do with her own considerations too. It was nothing more than a transaction, a partnership. Some unwilling, others eager. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Heir Apparent Han''s face was swollen, it hurt to open his mouth. Slurping noodles was just the right food as it didn''t require any chewing and could be easily swallowed. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The banquet this evening was extremely simple. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    But to be honest, it was very delicious. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    It was even better than the grand feast he had with his Uncle at the pce. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Everyone was sweating while eating. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    There was no one to fan them from behind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Yet, it was really good. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    A tad spicy. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia liked sweet food, yet this hint of spiciness was a good new challenge for the pte. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    They had never ever had something like this before. Their tongues tingled and numbed slightly. Throats still tingling from the spiciness, yet they yearned for more, simply couldn''t stop. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t eat it, all she requested for was the Szechuan peppers and chili peppers that little tree had found. The chili wasn''t authentic enough, but the Szechuan peppers were fine. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Adding to the food, was too much for her to bear. She could only eat clear soup with noodles. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    Maximum of a spoon of sesame sauce. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She ate elegantly, her small mouth nibbling away neatly. While eating, she would turn her head once in a while letting Grandma wipe her mouth. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Sometimes it was the Dad instead. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards too were sweating all over from eating. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Eunuch Duan added noodles three times. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    First they had clear soup. Second, they had sesame Sauce. And third, they had Hot & Sour. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He definitely knew how to eat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia channeled his grief and fury into his food, eating more than what was typical. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He had a new goal now. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He was definitely not dedicated enough before, his mind too scattered. He aspired to emte his brother Feng. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    In the future, he would practice the sword every day. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He would also rehearse those three moves. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    In a year, not that, three yearster, he would certainly cleanse his past disgrace. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He would definitely win over his brother, Feng. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He believed in himself. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Watching the teary-eyed Shaoxia Meng from eating too much spicy food, Jiang Yu kindly handed over a bowl of noodle soup. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    "The original soup bnces the original stuff, eating too much will cause indigestion." <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Moved, Meng Shaoxia took the bowl. Jiang Yu treated him very well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    Then, Jiang Yu also handed Little Cotton, her little sister, a bowl. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    None was given to anyone else. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    This made Meng Shaoxia even more moved. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Yu treated him with sincere kindness, like family. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    At home, aside from his youngest sister, only he received this treatment. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He was wondering when his mother would have prepared his bride price and when it could be delivered. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    .....<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Night fell. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    It was dark. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    There were always those who had brewing thoughts. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Young Master Han demanded to drink wine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He specifically asked about Jiang Er''s experience of being drunk too easily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    There was definitely nothing going on between Jiang Er and him, but he wished that weren''t so. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Young Master Han rubbed his nose. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He could hold his alcohol well. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    "Your Highness, you got injured on your face, shouldn''t drink wine, should have soup instead." Qin Luoxia spoke. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    And she brought a bowl of soup in front of him. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Young Master Han noticed her long fingers, but also observed the calluses on her palms. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Somewhat sympathizing, he thought Jiang Er''s neglect was such a shame. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    A woman with long legs, slim waist, andrge chest should be cherished, yet she had callused hands. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    What a waste for being with Jiang Er. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    Well, there was no need to drink if he didn''t want to. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He would still have the soup that the beauty brought over. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    Although Young Master Han was upied by appeasing his beauty, he still looked around cautiously. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He noticed that Jiang Er''s eldest daughter also had this soup, enjoying her food thoroughly. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Then, he took a sip leisurely. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Indeed, it was very aromatic, with a unique sweetness. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    It was a taste he had never experienced before. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The delicious soup made his tongue curl with pleasure. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Originally, he just wanted to taste it to appease the beauty, but before he knew it, he had finished the whole bowl. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Mianmian silently watched Young Master Han and her sister savoring their mushroom soup. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Whatever her sister ate would mean several trips to the restroomter. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    But wild pigeons, after eating from her sister''s mixed feed bowl, would faint. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    What would happen to Young Master Han? <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Grandma was an unfathomable observer, remaining silent. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Eunuch Duan initially wanted some soup too but, catching sight of Grandma''s expression, he decided against it and put down the bowl. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    They hadn''t finished dinner yet, but Young Master Han was already behaving improperly. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He got up, swaying, and started walking towards Commander Jiang and his wife. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The pce guards were torn between averting their eyes and drawing their swords. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Or maybe do both simultaneously. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Their master was courting danger again. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    Usually, it was after getting drunk. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    This time, he started swaying even without the liquor. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Not even bothering with pretense.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards felt a lot of pressure too. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    In the afternoon, they had watched the sparring match between Commander Jiang''s eldest son and Junior General Meng. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Commander Jiang''s son had defeated Junior General Meng without even drawing his sword. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    Among the young generation in the capital, Junior General Meng was one of the best, with few able to best him. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He was unmatched and excelled among the young capital boys. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The prodigal sons and daughters always tread carefully around Meng Shaoxia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    However, upon arriving at Commander Jiang''s home, Meng Shaoxia was so severely beaten by Commander Jiang''s eldest son that he could not even wield a sword. As if that wasn''t bad enough, Meng Shaoxia''s fianc¨¦e, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, chased Commander Jiang''s eldest son all over the ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    In all fairness, by observing the intensity of their fights, the guards deduced that they wouldn¡¯t be able to win.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Not to mention Mrs. Jiang, who could tten the Young Master''s face like a pig''s head with one p.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The entire Jiang household was incredibly cautious and respectful around Mrs. Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    The youngest daughter of the Jiang family, who, at first nce, seemed spoiled and pampered, more so than even the princesses in the pce, was obedient and incredibly well-behaved in front of Mrs. Jiang. The constant smiles on Commander Jiang''s face when he addressed Mrs. Jiang were hint enough of her capabilities.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Despite this, the Young Master insisted on staying and fanning the mes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    This clearly wasn''t the wisest choice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards felt frustrated. However, they dared not voice their concerns or oppose their master.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han lunged at the Jiangs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    He stood hesitating before them and then approached Jiang Er, grabbing his hair passionately, "Beautiful,e with me to my mansion. I will buy you jewelry, provide you with an abundance of servants, and let you do whatever you wish."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    Jiang Changtian calmly replied, "But I have a family, I cannot go with you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han chuckled, "If you''re worried, you can leave them lots of money, bury them with wealth. If you''re okay with it, I can help you bury them in the earth."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Everyone was speechless...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards felt a sudden relief.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    At least there''s that...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1

    Suddenly, Jiang Changtianughed and said, "Open your eyes and see who I truly am."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han''s eyes widened, and he suddenly hugged Jiang Er, hysterically crying, <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "Mother, don''t leave, stay with me, I''m scared."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Under the stare of all these gazes, Jiang Changtian delivered a heavy p across the unswelled side of the young master''s face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3

    "Smack!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2

    "Beast, I''ve never given birth to a child like you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

 Chapter 154

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    That night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Old Lady Jiang''s chest pain red up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    It was particrly severe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She grabbed Jiang Wan and asked, "Where has Heir Apparent Han gone?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Wan looked utterly perplexed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Although her grandmother was on good terms with Eldest Princess Huiyun, it was strange to ask about Heir Apparent Han at this hour of the night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "He should have gone to visit Commander Jiang."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Although there weren''t many people in the household, Jiang Wan''s sources of information were quite reliable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She was very attentive to gathering news, especially keeping an eye on Jiang Changtian''s side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She seemed to have a premonition of danger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    In fact, the most sensible thing to do right now would be to leave Ming County.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    But her grandmother was injured, and her parents had moved out, everything was in chaos.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    That Heir Apparent Han had been disrespectful to her mother, which deeply troubled her. She didn''t know before, but now that she had inquired, she learned that Heir Apparent Han had a penchant for married women. Her grandmother must have known this all along, yet she hadn''t said a word.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She also felt somewhat guilty. In her dreams, she only remembered how well Heir Apparent Han had treated her, forgetting his improprieties. Because he was good to her, she had subconsciously overlooked his faults.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Instead, she had let her mother dress up beautifully to wee Heir Apparent Han.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Wan felt a bit nauseated thinking about it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Naturally, she hoped for her parents to be well, as their well-being also affected her marriage prospects.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    When Old Lady Jiang heard "Commander Jiang," it took her a moment to realize who it referred to.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Then she began forcefully hitting the edge of the bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "That beast, now that he''s grown his wings, he''s capable of anything when he goes mad. He shouldn''t have gone there. Wan''er, go and call Heir Apparent Han back."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Wan: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Grandmother must be delirious from her injury. How could she possibly control Heir Apparent Han?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han, after being pped by Commander Jiang, burst into tears of joy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Mother had hit him, Mother was willing to look at him, Mother was willing to raise a hand against him, Mother wasn''t ignoring him anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He hugged Commander Jiang and wailed loudly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He was pulled away by the guards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Then he went to harass Mrs. Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Before he could get close, Mrs. Jiang demonstrated a feat of crushing a rolling pin in her hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "How dare you! You actually dare to take liberties with my husband! Don''t hold me back, I''m going to beat him to death today." Mrs. Jiang brandished the rolling pin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Everyone watched as the rolling pin in her hand crumbled to dust, scattering in the wind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia looked at that rolling pin, feeling like he might pass away at any moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards hurriedly restrained Heir Apparent Han.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Earlier in the afternoon, they had thought Mrs. Jiang''s hand was heavy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Now, seeing her effortlessly crush that rolling pin, they realized Mrs. Jiang had actually been holding back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Otherwise, with that p, the Heir Apparent''s head wouldn''t still be sitting properly on his neck.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards dragged Heir Apparent Han back to Ming County that very night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Staying alive was the priority.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Eunuch Duan obediently stayed behind to help clean up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia also learned to do housework.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Qin Luoxia said in surprise, "There''s no need, no need. You''re guests here, please have some tea. I''ll clean up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Seeing that the two still wanted to help,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Qin Luoxia said, "Why don''t you keep my husbandpany and have some tea?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Her voice was a bit louder this time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Eunuch Duan and Meng Shaoxia immediately stopped what they were doing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    They looked towards Commander Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Changtian flexed his wrist and said to Qin, "Xia mei, my hand hurts a bit."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Qin immediately put down what she was holding and took his hand to examine it. "It''s just a bit red, it''s fine, it''s fine."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She carefully blew on it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "Don''t use this hand too much, don''t pick up anything. It''ll be better tomorrow."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Changtian nodded obediently, then led Eunuch Duan and Meng Shaoxia to have tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Earlier, when Heir Apparent Han had his outburst, Jiang Mianmian had already been carried away by Elder Sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Mianmian only heard some of what happened, without seeing the scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    What a pity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    However, she also became more cautious, deciding that in the future, she shouldn''t casually drink the mushroom soup made by Elder Sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Aunt Yin had the same thought, reminding herself never to drink the young miss''s mushroom soup carelessly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Otherwise, who knows what words might slip out, and how one might end up dead without even knowing why.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Evening breeze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Clear tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Eunuch Duan said he had learned a new way of brewing tea and asked for a chance to demonstrate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He first put the tea leaves in the pot, being very careful to pour water along the edge of the pot, watching the tea leaves float up, then carefully poured the tea into arge cup.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    A couple of tea leaves identally made it through.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He thought he would need a strainer next time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Therge cup was filled with jade-green tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The color was beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He then divided the tea from therge cup into smaller cups.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    One cup for each person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    This way, the tea leaves weren''t steeping in the tea, so it wouldn''t be more bitter as they drank.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The only drawback was gone, leaving only the fragrance and the sweet aftertaste.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Tea that loses its vor with each brew, Eunuch Duan brewed with utmost care.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    This tea was worlds apart from the kind that''s boiled and mixed with various condiments.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Eunuch Duan was good at eating, good at appreciating, and while he might not know how to cook, he was a natural at brewing tea and serving people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He was very skilled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He noticed that Commander Jiang had also tapped two of his fingers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Eunuch Duan didn''t find Commander Jiang disrespectful at all, but rather thought he was particrly polite and well-mannered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Changtian sipped his tea and casually asked, "Is the Heir Apparent always this unrestrained, randomly iming mothers?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Eunuch Duan hurriedly exined, "The Heir Apparent is usually quite lively and often mistakes other women for his mother, but this is the first time he''s mistaken someone for his birth mother."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia looked at his future father-inw''s extremely beautiful face, thinking of how he had extended his slender hand and pped Heir Apparent Han, causing the Heir Apparent''s face to swell symmetrically. He had always thought it was Madam Qin who had great strength and was a bit fierce, because his own mother was quite fierce too, so he didn''t find it strange.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    But now he realized that Mr. Jiang was also quite strong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He couldn''t tell before at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    As a martial arts practitioner, he had always thought Mr. Jiang was delicate and frail, looking somewhat sickly and not in good health.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Yet he hadn''t expected that when hitting Heir Apparent Han, that casual p was also immensely powerful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia made aparison: if he were to strike, he would at least need to gather his strength, and it certainly wouldn''t be easy, but he probably couldn''t achieve that swelling effect.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He had originally thought that Mr. Jiang was the weakest in the family, a schr with no strength to tie a chicken.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Now he felt a bit nervous, wondering if he and the youngest child, Mianmian, might actually be the weakest in the family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Suddenly, he had a realization: no wonder little Yu''er treated him like her younger sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Could it be that in her eyes, he was as delicate as her sister?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    However, watching how his future father-inw and Madam Qin interacted, he felt he had learned a thing or two.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Hearing his future father-inw''s question,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia also hurried to answer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "Eldest Princess Huiyun rarely appears in public. She used to be a prominent figure in the capital, with unparalleled beauty. Now, it''s said she''s devoted herself to Buddhism and doesn''t see anyone. The Emperor specially built a royal Buddhist temple for Princess Huiyun. Heir Apparent Han and the prince consort probably see Eldest Princess Huiyun very rarely. Legend has it that due to a fire, Princess Huiyun''s face was disfigured."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia was recounting what wasmon knowledge in the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    As he spoke, he suddenly looked at his future father-inw.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Although he had never seen Eldest Princess Huiyun, he had heard that she was exceptionally beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    To describe his future father-inw''s face as exceptionally beautiful wouldn''t be an exaggeration.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    On their way back, He Chen had kept talking about it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    After seeing Mr. Jiang, no other beauty could catch his eye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Eunuch Duan clearly thought of something too, but he kept his eyes down and started diligently making tea without a word, his attitude bing even more respectful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia''s maternal grandfather''s family all worked in the Ministry of Justice. Although he had never worked there himself, he had grown up surrounded by it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Even ying house at his grandfather''s home involved solving real cases.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia pondered for a moment. Though he felt it was impossible and absurd, and couldn''t quite make sense of it, once the thought urred to him, he couldn''t shake it off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Looking at Mr. Jiang again, his facial features indeed bore some resemnce to the current Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia had never seen Princess Huiyun, but he had seen the Emperor many times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Eunuch Duan lowered his head even more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia then thought about Heir Apparent Han. He used to think Heir Apparent Han''s broad brows and big eyes resembled the prince consort, but now he realized Heir Apparent Han looked more like Mr. Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Thest time he came here with He Chen, they first visited the Jiang residence, and he had a deep impression of Mr. Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He was an elder with broad brows and big eyes, and seemed to have a good temperament.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    However, this time, before they could visit, Mr. Jiang had been expelled for matricide, which made things awkward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Meng Shaoxia said directly, "None of us have seen Princess Huiyun, but Old Lady Jiang and Princess Huiyun were once close friends. The older generation in the capital should have seen her. Mr. Jiang might look somewhat like Princess Huiyun, which is why Heir Apparent Han mistook him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Changtian silently drank his tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    It was very sweet and fragrant, with only a hint of bitterness masked by the sweetness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han was dragged and carried back to the rear courtyard of the County Government Office by the guards, but he still wouldn''t settle down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    One moment he was calling for his mother, the next for his wife.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He even hugged a guard and tried to kiss him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    If the guard weren''t working for his sry, he would have wanted to p Heir Apparent Han''s swollen face again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    But Heir Apparent Han still wouldn''t calm down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He wanted to go to the Jiang residence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guard thought,st time you went there, it almost led to Mr. Jiangmitting matricide, and he''s already been expelled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Now there''s only Old Lady Jiang and her granddaughter left, what do you want to do there?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    However, the guards couldn''t stop the Heir Apparent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The Heir Apparent seemed to be in a frenzy, one moment lucid, the next insane.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Now that he said he wanted to go to the Jiang residence, he looked serious and clear-headed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards didn''t dare to stop him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    So they followed the Heir Apparent with his face swollen like a pig''s head to the Jiang residence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Old Lady Jiang was lying in bed muttering about Heir Apparent Han when, unexpectedly, he arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Old Lady Jiang felt a warmth in her chest, and it didn''t hurt as much anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Wan was puzzled. Why would the Heir Apparente sote at night without even sending a visiting card?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    In her memory, although Heir Apparent Han was somewhat unruly, he wasn''t this outrageous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han really came.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He said he was there to visit Old Lady Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Old Lady Jiang was lying on her sickbed. When she heard Heir Apparent Han hade, half her illness seemed to have been cured, and she didn''t feel as much pain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She didn''t expect Heir Apparent Han to enter with his face swollen like a pig''s head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Old Lady Jiang was stunned for a moment before recognizing him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    "What happened to your face?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    At this moment, Heir Apparent Han couldn''t feel any pain at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He was alternating between lucidity and euphoria.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Seeing Old Lady Jiang, he rushed over, hugged her tightly and wailed, "Mother, mother, don''t leave, mother stay with me, mother I''m scared."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Wan: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Wan was dumbfounded, wondering what kind of bizarre turn of events this was.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Yet she saw Old Lady Jiang, tears streaming down her face, hugging the wailing Heir Apparent Han and saying, "Mother won''t leave, mother is always here, mother will stay with you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards: ........<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Jiang Wan: ........<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han, either lucid or confused, paused for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He raised his head and looked at Old Lady Jiang in astonishment, suddenly pushed her away, and pped her, saying, "Who do you think you are, trying to be my mother?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Just as Old Lady Jiang was almost knocked unconscious by the p, Heir Apparent Han was about to leave again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards were horrified yet numb.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    They took the half-crazed Heir Apparent out of the Jiang residence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    They wondered if the Heir Apparent had been poisoned, but didn''t know what kind of poison could be so vicious. They had eaten the same food as the Heir Apparent but were fine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The Heir Apparent drank soup, and the Jiang family''s daughter drank it too, but she was fine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Could it be that the Heir Apparent was pretending to be crazy?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    After leaving the Jiang residence, the Heir Apparent finally calmed down and returned to the rear courtyard of the County Government Office.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The guards were exhausted, worried that the Heir Apparent might cause more trouble.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    In such a small ce, if he were to do something fatal, and if he really died, these guards wouldn''t survive either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Unexpectedly, the Heir Apparent stopped his antics and finally settled down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    In the middle of the night, a woman carrying a baby came looking for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    It was Mrs. Jiang from the Jiang residence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    When Heir Apparent Han saw Wu holding the baby, he smiled with his pig-like swollen face and said, "Sister-inw, this child is beautiful, looks like you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He hugged Wu and the child at once.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    They slept well that night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    The next day, before dawn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han woke up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    His face hurt.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    His head hurt even more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Especially when he saw Wu and the baby on the bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Wu was lying down fully clothed, with tear stains on her face, looking quite disheveled yet somewhat alluring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    She was holding a baby who was staring at him with big, dark eyes, which startled him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He tried to recall what he had done yesterday, and how Wu ended up lying on his bed, even with a child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    He remembered hugging Commander Jiang and calling him mother, hugging Old Lady Jiang and calling her mother, andter hugging Wu and calling her mother too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han realized this was not good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Early in the morning, he put on his clothes and was about to flee with his guards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Seeing Wu still in yesterday''s clothes and the baby in her arms, he gritted his teeth and took them along.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    In a grand procession, they fled as fast as dogs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    As they were leaving the city, they encountered a group of well-armed men bearing the Seventh Prince''s insignia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    It was his cousin''s men.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    Heir Apparent Han didn''t have time to greet them. As if chased by vicious dogs, he left Ming County and ran all the way towards the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0

 Chapter 155

    The sun shone brightly today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The weather was fine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan had tended to her grandmother for most of the night, finally managing to soothe her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang was truly stunned by that p from Heir Apparent Han.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her heart ached, her wound hurt, everything hurt.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She felt a mixture of regret and anguish.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yet she couldn''t bring herself to say anything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Early in the morning, unexpectedly, people from the Seventh Prince arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Seventh Prince''s people were reliable,ing prepared to take them away without dy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan was ecstatic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She could finally leave this dreadful ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, before leaving, she was determined to bring her parents along.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Whileforting her grandmother, she sent someone to fetch her parents.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But when the servant arrived at the guest house, they found Old Master Jiang passed out drunk in the room, with Jiang Rong hiding inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mrs. Jiang and the children were nowhere to be found.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even the wet nurse had run away...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The previous night, the couple had a massive argument.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Somehow, they had started talking about Jiang Changtian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Huaisheng said that he had made everyone enter the meditation room, even his mother, but she hadn''t gone in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu was absolutely stunned by this reasoning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Did being spared by the viins once mean she had be one of them?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If that were the case, enemies wouldn''t need to do anything; they could kill half a family, leave the other half, and the remaining half would just destroy each other.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu was too angry. She couldn''t help butin: "The worst person is your mother. If it weren''t for your mother''s meddling, if it weren''t for your mother falsely using me and Changtian, how could we have ended up in this situation?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And Jiang Huaisheng, used to defending his mother, actually raised his hand against Wu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    <bold>@Leinyll:</bold>

    <span ss="content">And the ''Husband of the Year'' award goes to... definitely not this guy. Sheesh!

    This time, he was sober.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He shoved his wife.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She crashed to the ground.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then she cried, holding the child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hearing both the child and Jing''er crying, Jiang Huaisheng felt irritated. He didn''t know what to do. He had apologized, but what had happened had happened. What more could he do?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He could only drown his sorrows in alcohol.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He loved Jing''er, and he also respected and loved his mother. He still remembered how on the road to exile, his mother would share half of whatever food she had with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His mother might have wronged his brother, but she had never wronged him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was he who hadn''t done well enough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was worried about his mother''s injury and didn''t dare to see her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was also concerned about Rong''er''s condition. Now, Rong''er, traumatized, didn''t leave his room every day, didn''t want to see anyone, just hugging his books and reading in his room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was also irritated by the crying of children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t know how life had be like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Countless troubles weighed on his mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When the servant came to find him, asking him to return to the manor, he excitedly went to look for Jing''er, only to find that she was gone. Not only was Jing''er gone, but his newborn daughter Shu Shu was also missing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Had Jing''er disappeared with the child?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Could they have already returned to the manor?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Huaisheng took Rong''er back to the manor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although they had only lived in the guest house for a short time, Jiang Huaisheng found everything inconvenient and ufortable there.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was no dedicatedrge study room, no dedicated martial arts training ground, the bed wasn''t as big as the one there, there was no incense burning in the room, and he couldn''t sleep well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He thought about how a real man should earn money to support his family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But despite being well-educated and skilled in both civil and military arts, he couldn''t find any work when he went out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He couldn''t possibly work at a tavern keeping ounts for people, or copy books, that would be utterly ridiculous, how could he do such things?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But if he were to work at the County Government Office, it would mean having to ask his brother Changtian for help.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Changtian had already gone mad, he was no longer his brother, he would only face humiliation, and he wouldn''t go to bring shame upon himself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After much consideration, he found he had nothing to do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had nothing to do before, but he didn''t have to worry about food and drink, and was quitefortable at home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now he had nothing to do, had to worry about food and drink, and couldn''t sit still at home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now he increasingly dared not think about why his brother had tried to drown himself back then.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When his brother had said such things, he only thought his brother was weak, had an extreme personality, a grown man always thinking about death, beyond help.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But now, he didn''t know what to do either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He thought Jing''er might have returned to the manor with the child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When the servant came to fetch him, he quickly returned with Rong''er.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, Jing''er hadn''te back, nor had she brought the child back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Where could a woman go in the middle of the night carrying a child?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had only pushed her, he hadn''t actually hit her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Huaisheng frantically searched everywhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he heard that Heir Apparent Han had left early in the morning, taking a woman carrying a child with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    <bold>@Ber5:</bold>

    <span ss="content">I bet Jiang Huaisheng is regretting that push now. Karma works fast in this novel!

    Jiang Huaisheng felt as if he had been struck by lightning. It was impossible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jing''er also came from a noble family, and although the Wu family had fallen on hard times due to guilt by association, she wouldn''t elope with Heir Apparent Han just because of a few days of hardship with him. No matter what, she was still his legitimate wife, the mother of his children. What was she doing with Heir Apparent Han, degrading herself, lowering herself to be a concubine? Could she really have had something going on with Heir Apparent Han behind his back?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On the road.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Heir Apparent Han gradually sobered up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His face was still swollen like a pig''s head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He looked at Wu and the child in the carriage and felt a massive headacheing on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If his father knew what he had done, would he beat him to death?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "How about I have someone send you back?" Heir Apparent Han tentatively suggested.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Although Old Jiang isn''t a good person, he should be more reliable than me. I have many women in my household, you won''t have to worry about food and drink there, but I''m very fickle."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu sat in the carriage, her eyes lifeless. Last night, when her husband had shoved her to the ground, her back had hit the corner of the table hard, but her husband hadn''t evene to check on her once, just turning and running away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her sorrow was greater than her despair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had grown up together as childhood sweethearts, married, and had children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all these years, he actually doubted her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In a fit of anger, she had taken the child and run out, but once outside, she didn''t know where to go. As a woman who had never wandered outside before, she was very afraid and could only walk towards the County Government Office.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unexpectedly, she was encountered by Heir Apparent Han and taken away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Heir Apparent Han had held her and called her "mother" all night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    <bold>@HotTakes101:</bold>

    <span ss="content">Plot twist: Heir Apparent Han is actually a time-traveling Norman Bates. #PsychoReference

    Wu felt utterly hopeless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If it wasn''t her husband, it didn''t matter who it was.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She loved Jiang Huaisheng, loved that knowledgeable, honest, and faithful Jiang Huaisheng, loved that Jiang Huaisheng who always considered her feelings, loved that Jiang Huaisheng who was attentive to her needs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he was gone now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu had never managed household affairs. In the Jiang family, she had basically lived on her husband''s love. Once that love was gone, she was at a loss, not knowing what to do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I won''t get off. If you make me leave, I''ll smash my head against something and die right in front of you with the child," Wu said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Heir Apparent Han: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She spoke with tears in her eyes, her gaze lifeless. The carriage wasn''t moving fast. She had been out for a day and a night now, but her husband still hadn''te to find her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Jiang Huaisheng learned that Jing''er had been taken away by Heir Apparent Han, he felt utterly hopeless and wanted to go after them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he was stopped by his mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "That fickle woman, what use is there in chasing after her? How will you arrange marriages for Rong''er and Wan''er in the future? You might as well consider her dead."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang, upon hearing that Heir Apparent Han had taken Wu away, was also furious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was even more angry at Wu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Heir Apparent Han had taken no one else but Wu, and with the child too. This must have been Wu offering herself to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had been through enough torment these past few days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Finally, someone hade to take them away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even though she was injured, she wanted to leave this ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had been terrified by that mad son of hers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The family was extremely efficient.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Also because Jiang Wan had always kept important belongings packed, ready to leave at any time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When the Seventh Prince''s people came, they packed up and set out that very day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Huaisheng wailed about wanting to find Jing''er and Shu Shu, but was tied up and put in the carriage by Jiang Wan''s guards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although she had feelings for this ce where she had lived for many years,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was a voice in her heart constantly telling her to leave, to leave quickly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As for her mother, if she had really gone with Heir Apparent Han, it wasn''t appropriate to make a big fuss about finding her now. They could only wait until they were settled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On this day, dust rose on the official road as carriages came and went.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On this day, Commander Jiang had just taken office and was preparing to conduct a military exercise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, a new official must make a strong start.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everyone said Commander Jiang''s troops were only old, weak, sick, and disabled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He led thousands of old, weak, sick, and disabled to the official road.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The crowd was a sea of ck.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian earnestly consulted with Meng Shaoxia: "Little Meng, you''re the expert in leading troops. Please give us more guidanceter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Shaoxia looked at the scene before him. Although the numbers wererge and they didn''t look like strong soldiers and sturdy horses, the neat and orderly formation was impressive. When Brother Feng raised his left hand, the whole group turned left; when he raised his right hand, they turned right. The troops followed orders strictly, it was simply invincible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this time, few people could read, and it was difficult to distinguish left from right, let alone followmands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If the army he led could do this, they would have been invincible and unstoppable long ago.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Was there some secret to this?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Feng smiled innocently, saying there was no secret, he had just learned from watching Mianmian y with andmand ants.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    <bold>@Ycol:</bold>

    <span ss="content">This gives ''it''s a bug, not a feature'' a whole new meaning in military strategy!

    Mianmian could even make ants form ranks, so of course it was possible with people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 156

    The horses and carriages left Ming County smoothly.

    The road was exceptionally wide.

    After Jiang Changtian took office, he had people construct roads.

    He had them build the roads wide and level, using the excuse of needing to transport supplies to Commander Zi, and even requested many strongborers from Commander Zi to help with the construction.

    With so many peopleing, amodations needed to be built.

    These road workers had food to eat, housing, and a series of welfare promises, so they subsequently stayed.

    More people started families and settled down.

    In short, the poption of Ming County experienced explosive growth.

    The surrounding He County was also incorporated into the jurisdiction.

    It all became interconnected.

    Jiang Wan''s heart yearned to return.

    Indeed, as soon as she left Ming County and ventured out, she could feel the invisible ropes binding her body snapping one by one.

    From now on, the sky was high and birds could fly freely, the sea was vast and fish could leap at will.

    She felt her beauty had even increased.

    Luck was something that couldn''t be seen or touched, yet it always felt tangibly real.

    It seemed that in Ming County, she would be increasingly suppressed andckluster, exhausted from running around, always doing meaningless things.

    Thinking back, it was true.

    During this time, she had made basically no progress.

    She spent less time on music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and even less time copying scriptures.

    First, she had to take care of her elder brother, then her father, then her pregnant mother, then her injured grandmother.

    Managing the household, with its myriad trivial matters.

    Before, she had been a carefree youngdy, not worrying about making a living, beautiful every day, asionally sympathizing with the poor, daily calmly copying scriptures and worshipping Buddha, studying.

    Her whole body radiated light.

    Serene and lovely.

    But somehow, everything changed.

    Now she was even fleeing as if escaping a disaster.

    She leaned back in the carriage, calcting.

    Now they were going to the Seventh Prince''s station.

    Her family going there was actually a burden on her aunt.

    But she vaguely had some predictive abilities, this was her trump card, it would surely be useful.

    There''s always a way out when you reach the mountain.

    As long as they left Ming County, anywhere would do.

    The carriage was steady, and her heart gradually calmed down.

    Old Lady Jiang was injured, with some redness and swelling on her face.

    Jiang Huaisheng was bewildered, not understanding how his mother''s face had been injured, and even scolded Wan''er for how she had taken care of their mother.

    He was also worried about Jing''er, not knowing how she was doing.

    He was also willing to leave Ming County.

    There were too many unbearable memories here.

    Jiang Rong seemed detached, hugging a book, sitting in the corner, swaying back and forth.

    The family was silent, each with different thoughts.

    Yet they all breathed a sigh of relief.

    They only felt that the carriage was galloping, moving very fast.

    Suddenly the carriage stopped.

    Everyone was startled.

    They thought something had happened.

    Jiang Wan felt it couldn''t be so easy to leave.

    But when they lifted the curtain, there was nothing wrong, they had just reached a tea house, and the guards had stopped to drink some water.

    Jiang Wan had prepared food and drink in the carriage, so she didn''t get out.

    She just anxiously waited, hoping it would be quick.

    Hoping there wouldn''t be anyplications.

    The guards were indeed very quick.

    They finished eating and drinking simply and began to set off again.

    The sound of cart wheels started again, creaking.

    Harsh yet melodious.

    Not long after they set off, the carriage suddenly stopped again.

    Old Lady Jiang was getting annoyed.

    She was injured, and the weather was hot, the stopping and starting was miserable.

    Hadn''t they just eaten and drunk? What was it now?

    Old Lady Jiangined before realizing that outside seemed unusually quiet.

    There wasn''t even the sound of cicadas.

    Jiang Wan noticed it too.

    Surely no one would dare to stop the Seventh Prince''s people?

    She lifted the curtain and saw a dense crowd standing opposite them.

    Their carriage was backing up.

    The Seventh Prince''s strong and valiant guards, even their horses were snorting nervously.

    There were too many people on the other side.

    The olddy leaned back in the carriage, seeing the familiar long-haired figure on horseback not far away, she nearly fainted, her eyes going dark.

    The sunlight shone on that person, as if their whole body was gilded in golden light.

    Jiang Wan seemed to see him wearing a kasaya, with a Buddha-like yet demonic appearance.

    Jiang Wan was shocked, her face turning deathly pale.

    Old Lady Jiang felt as if someone was gripping her throat, wanting to speak but unable to open her mouth.

    Jiang Changtian sat on horseback, beside him were Meng Shaoxia and Jiang Feng, and in the crowd was the concerned Qin Luoxia.

    Jiang Changtian said to Old Lady Jiang in the carriage: "Mother, mother don''t go, mother stay with me, mother I''m scared."

    The exact same familiar words came out of Jiang Changtian''s mouth.

    Old Lady Jiang trembled in terror.

    Jiang Wan''s scalp tingled.

 Chapter 157

    Old Lady Jiang trembled with emotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Huaisheng didn''t understand why his younger brother had brought so many people to block their way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Jiang Wan saw the dense crowd, she felt terror rising from the soles of her feet to the top of her head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What terrified Old Lady Jiang even more was what Jiang Changtian had said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was exactly the same as what Heir Apparent Han had said, with the same tone and inflection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It made people''s hair stand on end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang felt as if a knife was repeatedly piercing her heart, being pulled out and thrust in again, making her flesh quiver with the friction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The beast, how he tormented her heart, how he came at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Old Lady Jiang had been pped by the Heir Apparent, she didn''t resent him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How could a mother resent her child?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just as when she had been wounded by Jiang Da, she hadn''t truly resented her son. Even when leaving Ming County, she had first sent Wan''er to call him back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As for Jiang Changtian, she simply didn''t feel for him because he wasn''t her own child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan, hearing these identical words, also felt her scalp tingle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She even wondered, could they leave Grandmother behind?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If this Second Young Master Jiang couldn''t be separated from his mother, then they could go.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was truly terrified.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    While other people''s behavior could be predicted, this Second Young Master Jiang waspletely unpredictable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The men sent by the Seventh Prince were strong and well-equipped, a regr army.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had armor, bows and arrows, and long spears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Fully equipped.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the opposing side seemed to have more people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If they wanted to charge through, they could certainly do so.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The other side was mostly old people, women, and children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But they also had a carriage full of women and children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They hade just to pick up people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They couldn''t just abandon the people and run away themselves, or their trip would have been in vain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What had seemed like an easy task becameplicated when they arrived at the Jiang Manor and saw their former colleague who had been made mute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So they didn''t dy,ing early to pick up the people and head out of the city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But they never expected to actually be blocked like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What kind of formation was this, did it need so many people to block them?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They almost thought they had encountered robbers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A young man with a face full of beard from among the Seventh Prince''s men stepped forward and bowed to Jiang Changtian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "This humble one is First-ss Guard Lin Yang, greetings to Commander Jiang."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian returned the greeting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan looked at this man''s figure and suddenly felt excited.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She found it very familiar, his silhouette.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But she had never heard this name before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I have been ordered to escort Grand Preceptor Jiang''s family to reunite with the Seventh Prince Consort. I request Commander Jiang to let us pass."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His words were actually quite awkward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang was also a son of Grand Preceptor Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hearing him repeatedly call Old Lady Jiang "mother."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang''s face was so unpleasant it was trembling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Princess Consort''s family wasn''t very good,cking in discipline, their internal affairs aplete mess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No wonder the Princess Consort had such an arrogant personality, the root cause was here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian smiled and said, "My father is Grand Preceptor Jiang. Why does Guard Lin discriminate, only escorting them and not me? Could it be that now that my elder sister has be a Princess Consort, she no longer recognizes me as her brother?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This second son of the Jiang family was extraordinarily beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He waspletely at odds with the main branch of the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Seventh Prince''s Consort was already considered good-looking, graceful and proud, butpared to him, she was like a wild grass next to a blooming peony, the contrast was so stark.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This man had red lips and white teeth, his features bewitching, and his eyes were especially watery, speaking with inherent charm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    <bold>@Whimsy_Wi:</bold>

    <span ss="content">I''m getting major ''too beautiful to be human'' vibes here. Someone check if he sparkles in the sunlight! #TeamEdward or #TeamChangtian?

    Even if he said "I want to kill you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    <bold>@blup9:</bold>

    <span ss="content">This guy''s charm is literally to die for. I bet he could make ''Off with their heads!'' sound like a tempting invitation to a tea party.

    The person being killed would probably lean closer to his sword, so as not to make him exert too much effort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang trembled with anger at these words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was so shameless, wanting to ride on Yu Luan''s coattails.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Dragging them into a matter punishable by death, yet still trying to take advantage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang''s face trembled and became slightly crooked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan hadn''t noticed this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was staring intently at that Guard Lin, too familiar, that figure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Huaisheng was in a daze today, his mind entirely on Jing''er, feeling that everything up to now was because of his brother, and now that they were about to leave, why continue to force the issue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Commander Jiang is joking." How could someone officially appointed by the court just leave casually?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Indeed, I was just joking. Today I happened to bring my subordinates for training. As a newly appointed official, I naturally need to familiarize myself with the troops under mymand. I''ve made youugh. Why don''t you wait a while, until we finish our training before passing through."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Seventh Prince''s guards were all tall and strong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking at the dense crowd opposite, it seemed like it would take forever just to turn around, and there were even women, children, and elderly among them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This Second Young Master Jiang was indeed as rumored, he took in all kinds of people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Could he really rely on these people to rebel?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So they could only follow behind Zi Lu, eating shit, going nowhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Watching the other side slowly maneuver.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Seventh Prince''s guards became somewhat impatient.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The people opposite moved at a snail''s pace, turning slowly, left and right, just not clearing the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan found Guard Lin''s silhouette increasingly familiar.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She suddenly had someone call that guard over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan looked at him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He also looked at Jiang Wan, with a sh of amazement in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today, Jiang Wan wore a simple ck robe, high ponytail, and boots, a very neat and tidy outfit, almost like a man''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her chest was slightly full, her skin fair, and her eyes very beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It''s just that caring for a whole family had left her somewhat tired, so her hair wasn''t as neat, with more loose strands around her forehead and temples. But this made her face look smaller, and even more youthful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Among so many people, she was a rare beauty who, even after seeing Commander Jiang, wouldn''t be outshone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not only was her appearance good, but her temperament was also outstanding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan called this Guard Lin before her, and saw an unfamiliar face covered in a big beard, but she was extremely excited, her hands trembling slightly in her sleeves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She recognized this person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This man was the Seventh Prince''s second son, Chu Yi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In her dream, he had also been very fond of her, and for her sake had eventually submitted to his elder brother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although she had been pure and innocent with him, there had inevitably been a hint of ambiguity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, her aunt was his stepmother, and they were also cousins.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had actually proposed to her before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It''s just that her heart wasn''t set on him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan hadn''t expected Chu Yi to disguise himself as a guard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was very familiar with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two had grown up together, childhood sweethearts of sorts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even though he hadpletely disguised himself as another person at this moment, she could recognize him from the details.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His posture, the way he spoke, his intonation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan''s heart was about to leap out of her chest at this moment, violent yet surging.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her eyes were uncontrobly filled with tears, glistening and turning in her eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, she thought of thest scene she had seen in the quiet room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She suppressed her excitement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She brought him before her eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan resolutely said, "You must kill Commander Jiang, otherwise none of us will be able to leave here. He is very dangerous. You must kill him, I beg you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Guard Lin Yang looked at the young girl before him in surprise, not knowing why, but she seemed very familiar, beautiful and kind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But her first words were to ask him to kill someone, unusually calm and decisive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, the final "I beg you" made his ears turn slightly red.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her words, spoken close to him, were like a whisper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Indeed, he had seen a painting in his stepmother''s room, and the silhouette of the girl in the painting had stirred his heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So this was what she looked like.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She should look like this, it was right.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The man calling himself First-ss Guard Lin Yang was indeed Chu Yi, the Seventh Prince''s illegitimate son, second in line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was good at martial arts, and this time he had personally led the men to escort his stepmother''s family to show his filial piety.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He could be called a great filial son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan had recognized him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, in her dream, he had done many, many things for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Yi nodded, "Protect yourselves well." He might not be able to look after them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan nodded, "Don''t worry, I understand."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two were in perfect tacit understanding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Yi was both surprised and delighted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was their first meeting, yet for some reason, there was a sense of familiarity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Yi returned to the midst of the guards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking at the people opposite still slowly shifting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That Commander Jiang sitting on horseback was especially dazzling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In fact, he had heard his elder brother and father analyze this person together, but at that time they didn''t think this person was dangerous or capable of any great achievements.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But that was before he had met the man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now that he saw him, he realized that this man was different from the rumors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was something different in his eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was said that this man was the adopted son of Grand Preceptor Jiang, a son of the Jiang n.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Indeed, Commander Jiang was very dangerous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Yi sensed it from the first nce, but he hadn''t expected Jiang Wan, a youngdy, to be so decisive and say the same thing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Yi was also a decisive person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He dared to act and take responsibility.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Returning to the midst of the guards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Without any preparation, at a singlemand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He ordered arrows to be shot at the Second Young Master Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    <bold>@ntww:</bold>

    <span ss="content">This is why you always bring an umbre in ancient China. You never know when it might start raining... arrows!

    A dense volley of arrows flew forth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Swift and urgent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    All arrows were aimed at Commander Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Without warning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At that moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inside the carriage, Jiang Wan''s heart was racing, feeling a sense of exhration.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She also felt a sense of finality, as if dust were settling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everything would change because of this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    All those mistakes would be corrected.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Huaisheng looked at the dense rain of arrows with some astonishment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He hadn''t expected this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just now, Wan''er had gone out to speak with that guard about something unknown.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Did she really intend for this to happen? Why go to such lengths?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang''s eyes were wide open, her face showing pleasure, the corners of her mouth turned up, deepening the wrinkles on her cheeks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Rong held his book, nced outside, then lowered his head to continue reading.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the blink of an eye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It happened so suddenly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, two young men beside Jiang Changtian swung their swords, knocking away all the arrows.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then, a man from Jiang Changtian''s retinue suddenly charged forward with a long spear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Following that, the previously slow-moving group that had taken ages to make a single step or turn, now surged forward rapidly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They all wielded swords and spears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They only knew three moves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Retract, thrust, block.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In circles, like waves on ake, appearing slow but actually swift, one wave after another, surrounding them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The person who led the charge had already reached Chu Yi''s side in an instant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Despite Chu Yi being surrounded and protected by guards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That person charged through as if there was no one there, his movements eerily swift.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With one thrust of his long spear, he flipped Chu Yi''s horse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Man and horse tumbled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Fortunately, Chu Yi had jumped off the horse''s back first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Otherwise, this fall would have been fatal or at least crippling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he didn''t even have time to marvel at his luck.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The man''s spear followed him like a shadow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Despite the guards protecting him, his clothes were repeatedly pierced, his skin wounded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meanwhile, those old, weak, sick, and disabled people behind Commander Jiang surged forward like an ant swarm, quickly surrounding them, three or four tearing at one person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Five, six, seven, or eight surrounding one.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No matter how strong or skilled they were, the difference in strength was of no use.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Like fearless little ants, when one was crushed, another immediately took its ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They overwhelmed with numbers, literally tearing them apart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As for Old Lady Jiang''s family in the carriage, although they had retreated early under Jiang Wan''s direction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were still less agile than those on horseback and were surrounded first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Battles happen quickly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It took only a few breaths.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A lot of blood flowed on the ground, seeping into the soil.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Yi was severely injured. Looking at the girl in the carriage, he felt a trace of resentment, wondering if she had intentionally harmed him. Commander Jiang was her second uncle, no matter what, she wouldn''t die, but he might.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But seeing her pale face, looking at him with worry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Yi felt he had overthought it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Miss Jiang certainly wouldn''t intentionally harm him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian''s sleeve was torn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He frowned, looking at his ripped sleeve.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He''d have to ask Xia Mei to mend it when he got back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking at Guard Lin surrounded by people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking at Jiang Wan showing concern in the carriage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtianughed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Guard Lin, I was merely conducting a military drill, why did you attack us? We are officials of the court, could it be that you''re rebels in disguise?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    <bold>@blup9:</bold>

    <span ss="content">Jiang Changtian should consider a career in politics. He''s already mastered the art of twisting facts and ying the victim. Future Minister of ''Alternative Facts'', perhaps?

    "Look, my sleeve is torn. Luckily I''m tough to kill. If you had shot me dead, you would have killed a court official. This is rebellion. Does the Seventh Prince also want to rebel?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Yi was stunned by Jiang Er''s shameless words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just as he was about to refute, he saw the masked man who had first charged forward and flipped his horse with a long spear, now thrusting that spear towards his chest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He cried out in terror: "Stop! My father is the Seventh Prin¡ª"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His words were cut short.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The long spear had pierced his heart. His eyes widened in shock, unable to close even in death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan sat in the carriage, pulling down the curtain, her whole body trembling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Impossible, he couldn''t have died just like that, it can''t be.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian used his sword to lift the carriage curtain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He said to Old Lady Jiang inside:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Mother, no one in this world can separate us."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    <bold>@Esha:</bold>

    <span ss="content">Is this what they mean by ''mama''s boy''? Because I think Jiang Changtian might be taking it a bit too far. Talk about separation anxiety!

    "We won''t be parted in life."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Only in death."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "No one can take you away from my side."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Unless you die."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 158

    Evening.

    Jiang Mianmian woke up from her afternoon nap.

    Wearing a thin cotton robe, she felt too hot to wear socks. Grandma massaged the soles of her feet before putting socks on her.

    After waking up, she would have a light snack.

    Since Grandma had arrived, Jiang Mianmian had at least five meals a day.

    Three main meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with snacks before lunch and dinner.

    It was very much like kindergarten.

    Jiang Mianmian felt plump, certainly not a skinny child.

    She was quite sturdy.

    She liked to eat and drink under the tree, where it was cooler.

    Grandma carried her out, and to her surprise, she found that Eunuch Duan was still at her home.

    He hadn''t left yet.

    Eunuch Duan was setting the table.

    He had made a trip back to the County Government Office and learned that Heir Apparent Han had left before dawn...

    Heir Apparent Han had truly left without any hesitation.

    He had abandoned both the Meng Young General and Eunuch Duan, taking only a woman who was caring for a child.

    Eunuch Duan had just gone out, traveling for so long.

    He barely had time to sit down.

    He hadn''t even had enough tea.

    He had found a set of tea utensils at the County Government Office and eagerly returned to the Jiang family in Kan''er Vige.

    Now, he was preparing to brew a pot of tea for the little mistress who had just woken up from her afternoon rest.

    The Meng Young General hadn''t left either; he wasn''t in a hurry.

    Jiang Mianmian had creases on one side of her face from sleeping and was still yawning.

    Afternoon naps shouldn''t be too long. Sleeping too much doesn''t relieve fatigue, but instead makes one more tired and unable to sleep at night.

    Jiang Mianmian ate some snacks and sipped some milk tea.

    It was just boiled tea mixed with boiled milk, which had a unique vor.

    Grandma had gone to teach her elder sister.

    Jiang Mianmian sat on a small chair, ying with Jiang Xiaoshu.

    Next to her sat Eunuch Duan, seriously brewing tea.

    Eunuch Duan had just learned the art of gongfu tea yesterday.

    Today, he was back to making milk tea.

    He carefully controlled the heat, watching the milk bubble and listening to the intertwining aromas of milk and tea, which created a unique vor.

    He took a small sip himself and found it indeed excellent.

    If the Emperor liked gongfu tea, then surely thedies in the imperial harem would all love this milk tea.

    Eunuch Duan watched the little girl beside him, seriously ying with a thumb-sized ant. He dared not touch it or say anything about it.

    This must be the "good friend" the little girl had mentioned, the one she had put on the heir apparent''s face.

    They did seem to have a good rtionship.

    But who could tell him what species this was, and where to find suchrge ants?

    This ant must have achieved spiritual cultivation.

    However, the greatest survival skill Eunuch Duan had learned in his life was to not be curious or talkative. Even if surprised, he didn''t ask questions.

    He just quietly refilled the tea.

    He worked hard to study the ratio of tea to milk.

    Which ratio tasted the best?

    Adding a little sugar or a little salt seemed to create different vors.

    Jiang Mianmian tasted each small sip along with him, and gradually they approached a taste close to modern bubble milk tea. She couldn''t help but give Eunuch Duan a thumbs up.

    He was truly talented.

    Eunuch Duan was encouraged by the little girl''s upturned thumb.

    He felt he had received great affirmation.

    He was very happy.

    The little mistress was really interesting. Grandma said she was toozy, sometimes even toozy to speak, using gestures to express things, yet people could understand at a nce.

    Jiang Mianmian drank the milk tea, thinking that if there were some fried chicken cutlets or braised chicken feet, it would be perfect.

    Unfortunately, her teeth were still not strong enough, and she didn''t dare eat too many sweets, fearing cavities. If she got cavities before losing her baby teeth, without painkillers in this era, it would surely be unbearable.

    It was said that people in ancient times had shorter lifespans, which was also closely rted to poor dental health.

    She must protect her teeth well.

    Jiang Mianmian chatted casually with Eunuch Duan.

    "Eunuch, have you seen an uncle in the pce with a messy face who sings very well? His surname is Yan."

    Eunuch Duan thought to himself, here ites. He hadn''t expected the first person in the family to ask about Lord Yan would be this little mistress.

    Lord Yan''s face wasn''t messy at all. Although not as handsome as your father, he was quite ethereal, suitable for both men and women. When he started singing, it would shock everyone present.

    However, remembering Lord Yan''s instructions, Eunuch Duan shook his head and said, "There are too many people serving in the pce, how could I know them all? When I go back, I''ll help you inquire about it."

    Jiang Mianmian nodded. Indeed, there were more servants than masters in the pce. If her godfather hadn''t made a name for himself, it would indeed be difficult to find him.

    "Eunuch Duan, if you see a eunuch surnamed Yan when you return to the pce, please tell him that his family is well, conditions are better than before, and if he''s not happy working outside, he cane home anytime."

    Eunuch Duan listened to these words while lowering his head to prepare the tea. His eyes suddenly turned red.

    People like them, who had been cut off from their roots, where was their home?

    They struggled in life and were adrift after death.

    He nodded.

    Jiang Mianmian leaned back in her small chair, stretching out her little feet, using a reed as a straw to drink milk tea from the bamboo cup.

    She hadn''t seen her parents, elder brother, or Brother Meng all day.

    Jiang Mianmian asked curiously, "Eunuch Duan, do you know where my parents and the others went?"

    Eunuch Duan cautiously replied, "I believe Commander Jiang went to train troops."

    Jiang Mianmian nodded. She understood this - it was a training exercise.

    There shouldn''t be any danger.

    "Eunuch Duan, is the imperial pce very big? Are there many beautiful women there? What kind of clothes do they wear? Are they long? Is it easy to walk? Do their shoes have heels? How skilled are the imperial doctors? Can they perform brain surgery?"

    Eunuch Duan: ...

    There were too many questions.

    He didn''t know how to answer.

    "The imperial pce is veryrge. There are many beautiful women. They usually wear robes and dresses, which are quite luxurious. Except for formal ceremonies when they wear floor-length garments, normally the clothes reach just above the feet. The shoes are t-soled, though if a mistress is petite, the soles might be thicker. The imperial doctors are naturally extremely skilled, but they wouldn''t casually perform brain surgery. Opening skulls is the job of coroners."

    Eunuch Duan answered word by word.

    Then he heard the little girl ask, "What delicious food is there in the imperial pce?"

    Eunuch Duan racked his brains and listed a bunch of dish names.

    He thought to himself that actually, nothing was as delicious as the food in her home.

    But seeing the little one''s eyes sparkling, he didn''t have the heart to disappoint her.

    "Ah, if only I could have the chance to eat pce cuisine in the future, that would be something to boast about for a lifetime," Jiang Mianmian mused.

    Eunuch Duan: ...

    Suddenly, little Mianmian sat up and said, "Mom and Dad are back."

    Eunuch Duan looked around but didn''t hear any sound.

    After a while, sure enough, a group of people arrived on horseback.

    Jiang Mianmian noticed that her father and mother were riding the same horse.

    Her father was in her mother''s arms, which didn''t look out of ce at all.

    Her father''s sleeve was torn.

    Jiang Mianmian jumped down from her small chair and ran to greet them.

    Eunuch Duan hurriedly followed behind.

    He didn''t dare to catch uppletely, just staying close enough to prevent her from falling.

    When they got close, Eunuch Duan noticed that Commander Jiang''s sleeve was torn, as if pierced by an arrow. His heart skipped a beat. Who would dare to do such a thing in Ming County? It couldn''t be Heir Apparent Han, could it?

    Heir Apparent Han had left early in the morning, reportedly before dawn.

    "Daddy, hug me! Daddy, your sleeve is torn. Are you hurt?" Jiang Mianmian ran to her father, clinging to his leg and looking up to ask.

    "It''s nothing, just an ident," Jiang Changtian picked up his little daughter in one swift motion, proving he wasn''t injured.

    He kissed his daughter''s cheek.

    Jiang Feng exined to Eunuch Duan standing nearby, "During the exercise, we encountered a group of rebels impersonating the Seventh Prince. It was a minor issue, we''ve resolved it all. Eunuch Duan, don''t worry, it''s very safe here with us around."

    ...

 Chapter 159

    Evening.

    Jiang Wan and Old Lady Jiang''s family returned to the Jiang Manor.

    Because they had left in a hurry, all the valuable items in the manor had been removed. Some had also been taken away by the servants who seized the opportunity.

    The rooms that were luxurious and spotless in the morning now looked ransacked and chaotic when they returned in the afternoon.

    Jiang Huaisheng, still feeling the effects ofst night''s drunkenness, was a bit dazed after the back-and-forth journey. Even the life-and-death struggle hadn''t registered with him; he was still wondering why Jing''er had left him and taken their child.

    Jiang Rong, having witnessed the killing and bloodshed, became even more silent, but at least he didn''t go mad with screaming.

    Old Lady Jiang''s expression was gloomy.

    Jiang Wan was the most terrified of all.

    Upon returning, she couldn''t be bothered with the mess throughout the courtyard.

    She was somewhat shocked.

    That was Chu Yi, the future Prince Ming.

    Yet he had died just like that.

    Died right in front of her.

    So easily.

    Those guards surely knew as well.

    If Chu Yi was dead, they certainly couldn''t survive either.

    So after Chu Yi''s death, they fought desperately.

    In the end, those who didn''t die were captured and taken away.

    On one hand, Jiang Wan was terrified, but on the other hand, she felt that what she had seen in her dream was real.

    Otherwise, she wouldn''t have recognized Chu Yi, and Chu Yi wouldn''t have shot and killed Jiang Changtian because of her words.

    Even though he failed.

    In her memory, the Seventh Prince wasn''t a person with a good temper; he was very cunning.

    If he had sent someone to receive them and ended up losing a son, how much would the Seventh Prince hate them?

    Jiang Wan became frightened when she thought of this.

    Despite this, she still had to settle her family.

    Even the Buddha statues in the Buddhist hall had been taken away, leaving empty pedestals.

    Because they were inconvenient to carry.

    In the Buddhist hall, the meditation room had been demolished, leaving no trace of its existence.

    Jiang Wan returned to her grandmother''s side.

    She sat close to her grandmother.

    Already injured and having traveled back and forth, Old Lady Jiang wasn''t in good condition.

    Yet at this moment, she still leaned against the bed, mustering her strength tofort the younger generation.

    Jiang Wan, feeling a bit lost, asked Old Lady Jiang, "Grandmother, we recite sutras and worship Buddha devotedly every day, offering sacrifices. Why hasn''t Buddha protected us?"

    Old Lady Jiang''s wrinkles had deepened twofold overnight.

    She still persevered and said, "You seek Buddha because you believe in Buddha. Buddha hasn''t blessed you because Buddha believes in you."

    Grandmother''s words were profound.

    Jiang Wan had a moment of enlightenment. After silently pondering for a moment, she stood up and went to settle the household affairs again.

    ...

    Hearing the words "rebels impersonating the Seventh Prince," Eunuch Duan was left speechless, not daring to say or ask anything.

    He continued to go brew tea.

    Meng Shaoxia also didn''t dare to speak up.

    The scene he had witnessed today was still somewhat shocking to him.

    He hadn''t expected the Seventh Prince''s guards to suddenly try to shoot and kill Mr. Jiang.

    Fortunately, he and Brother Feng had good martial skills and quick reactions.

    Otherwise, being ambushed at their own doorstep would have been too tragic.

    Faced with the sudden rain of arrows, Meng Shaoxia was startled for a moment but quickly regained hisposure.

    What he couldn''tprehend was Qin Lady''s martial prowess.

    At the time when the ck-d men in armor and helmets charged towards the opposite side with long spears, Meng Shaoxia was anxiously stomping his feet.

    This wasn''t right; it was too dangerous.

    How could one be so reckless when facing off on the battlefield?

    Even if you''re strong, you can''t act like this.

    If the charge fails and you''re killed, it wouldpletely destroy the morale.

    There''s no such recklessness in warfare.

    Although Brother Feng''s martial skills were better than his own, and he seemed to lead the troops in an orderly manner, he reallyckedbat experience and was too reckless.

    However, as the ck-d person charged, they single-handedly took on the group, as if it were child''s y.

    Like an unparalleled fierce general.

    As if entering unupied territory.

    The opponents fell into disarray, instantly losing their advantage.

    Meng Shaoxia watched with a dumbfounded expression.

    He didn''t know where Mr. Jiang had found such a powerful general. No wonder everywhere else was in chaos, yet Ming County remained peaceful.

    When he saw the ck-d person kill that guard with a single spear thrust, Meng Shaoxia suddenly felt that things had gotten serious.

    The words the man didn''t say out loud - he was the son of the Seventh Prince.

    So the ck-d person had killed a prince and royal grandson???

    He hadn''t expected that in broad daylight, while just apanying his future father-inw to train a troop of the old, weak, sick, and disabled, they would end up doing such a momentous thing.

    Looking at these supposedly old, weak, sick, and disabled troops again, how could they be called that?

    The troops were not only disciplined, but the young and strong killed while the old and weak finished off the enemies, their movements extremely efficient, even managing to loot the bodies.

    Despite the opponent''s strong forces, not a single one could escape.

    In closebat, it was quickly over.

    His father-inw suddenly turned into a drama queen, acting coy with the ck-d person.

    Saying he was frightened.

    He clearly saw his father-inw easily deflect the iing arrows with his sword.

    The ck-d person actually hugged his father-inw,forting him not to be afraid.

    That person exuding a fierce aura, with a presenceparable to a flood dragon, removed their mask, and turned out to be his future mother-inw...

    Meng Shaoxia was still a bit dazed when he returned home.

    This was, this was, this was unexpected, yet somehow within expectations.

    He suddenly felt that rather than worrying about what would happen to the Seventh Prince''s people, there seemed to be a more immediate problem: what would happen if he didn''t perform well?

    People have both long-term worries and immediate concerns.

    Meng Shaoxia followed the others back to the Jiang family, feeling inexplicably nervous.

    He recalled whether there had been any improprieties during his and He Chen''s first visit to the Jiang family.

    Who could have imagined that thedy carrying a basket of pig feed on her back was actually an unparalleled fierce general?

    It was quite frightening, wasn''t it?

    Meng Shaoxia obediently dismounted.

    He dutifully served tea and water.

    He even took over all of Eunuch Duan''s tasks.

    Eunuch Duan: ... This isn''t necessary, Young General Meng. Leave some work for me.

    Hearing that her parents had returned, Jiang Yu came bouncing out to wee them. Remembering her great-aunt, she slowed her steps, but seeing that her great-aunt wasn''t looking at her, she started running again.

    She ran up to Brother Meng, only stopping right in front of him.

    Seeing Brother Meng''s rather pale face, Jiang Yu asked with concern, "Were you scared? Was it dangerous? You''ve alle to surrender, yet there were still rebels? Don''t be afraid, I''ve made some delicious food. You can eat someter to calm your nerves."

    Meng Shaoxia nodded obediently, thinking that little Yu''er was indeed the best.

    He did need something to calm his nerves.

    Dinner time.

    The main course was once again noodles made by Qin Lady.

    Meng Shaoxia wasn''t particrly fond of noodles.

    But tonight, he ate very cleanly, not daring toin about eating noodles every day. He even drank all the soup, not leaving anything behind.

    After finishing.

    Meng Shaoxia took the initiative to speak, "I''ve already sent a letter to my parents, asking them to send the betrothal gifts. For the wedding date of Yu''er and me, I''d like to ask Father and Mother to decide."

    This addressing of "Father and Mother" made Jiang Changtian''s face twitch slightly.

    Qin Luoxia beamed with joy.

    A mother-inw looking at her son-inw, finding him more and more pleasing to the eye.

    Especially young Meng''s square face, which looked honest and dependable, someone you could rely on for life.

    Qin Luoxia looked at her husband and said, "Husband, you understand these things. Choose an auspicious date, and let''s get this matter settled soon, so we can all be at ease."

    Jiang Changtian spoke, "A child''s marriage is a big event and cannot be rushed. Let''s schedule it for next month, how about the third day of next month? Eunuch Duan will still be here and can serve as a witness."

    Eunuch Duan, who was suddenly mentioned, nodded in agreement. Yes, it needed proper preparation; it was a big event.

    Although today was already the thirtieth, tomorrow would be the start of the new month.

    On your territory, whatever you say goes.

    ...

 Chapter 160

    Third day of the month.

    Auspicious for: Marriage, travel, buying a house, opening a business

    Inauspicious for: Brooding, repairing graves, erecting monuments

    On this day, Commander Jiang''s daughter was to be married.

    It was somewhat rushed.

    Gong Qichi brought Young Lord Zi and Zi Ganjiang to attend the wedding.

    Zi Ganjiang had also received an official appointment.

    Following his adoptive father in rebellion, he now shared in the rewards.

    He was now a proper military officer, albeit a minor one.

    When he firstid eyes on Jiang Wan, he had thought about taking her as a wife.

    Later he realized his thinking had been clouded by delusions of grandeur - he wasn''t worthy.

    Jiang Wan was clearly a youngdy from a noble family. What right did someone like him, who risked his life in battle, have to pursue her?

    Did he think his face was that impressive?

    Instead, he had taken an interest in Commander Jiang''s eldest daughter.

    Zi Ganjiang and Jiang Feng had spent a fair amount of time together and could be considered friends.

    He quite liked Jiang Feng''s sister.

    However, Zi Ganjiang believed that for a real man, establishing one''s career came first, before starting a family.

    After receiving his appointment, he had originally intended to propose.

    Thest time they were at the jewelry store, Jiang Feng''s sister had smiled at him, revealing white teeth and dimpled cheeks, her smile warm and bright.

    But he never imagined that the next time he came, it would be to attend her wedding.

    It turns out that if you like a good girl, you should confess and take action early.

    If you wait too long, someone else will snatch her away.

    He never would have guessed that the Young General Meng, who came from the Capital City for his appointment, would propose to Miss Jiang Yu.

    And even more surprisingly, he was willing to stay with Miss Jiang at her family home for three years.

    The former was already unimaginable, but thetter, those three years, was even more inconceivable.

    Zi Ganjiang felt he couldn''t do it, so he didn''t put on any act of undying love. He simply enthusiastically presented his gifts.

    For a man to establish his career, the prime of youth is fleeting. He couldn''t afford to waste three years, or three years after three years. Life is short, there aren''t that many sets of three years to spare.

    Gong Qichi was simply happy for his good friend Changtian.

    As for the Meng family''s sons, aside from the pressure to produce heirs, even they as rebels couldn''t find fault with them.

    Though they were rebels, they only opposed the court, not humanity itself.

    So they happily brought General Zi''s gifts to pay a visit.

    For the appointment, Gong Qichi didn''t receive an official post. He remained Young Lord Zi''s tutor and advisor.

    He brought the quiet Young Lord Zi to visit.

    Jiang Mianmian was delighted to see Young Lord Zi.

    He was practically the first child she had met in this world, besides Jiang Xiaoshu.

    They even had the shared experience of wearing big floral jackets together.

    Natural allies.

    It had been a long time since they''d met. The child''s face was chubbier now, even cuter.

    But what was Young Lord Zi''s real name again? Jiang Mianmian tilted her head and thought for a good while, but couldn''t recall.

    Oh no.

    Jiang Mianmian grinned at him foolishly. Unable to remember his name, she simply reached out for a hug instead.

    Young Lord Zi was surprised by the little girl''s enthusiasm, but blushing, he picked her up anyway.

    She felt plump and soft.

    Her chin rested on his shoulder.

    With her head on Young Lord Zi''s shoulder, not having to look him in the eye, Jiang Mianmian thought slowly, trying to remember his name.

    Sure enough, as she nced at a group of ants dragging a small worm on the ground nearby, she remembered - that''s right, Zi Xiaochong, Zi Congheng.

    This name was truly hard to remember, and difficult to write too, with so many strokes in the ssical characters.

    "Bug Brother, I missed you so much!" Jiang Mianmian said with a sweet smile, showing many teeth.

    Zi Congheng still wore a serious expression. Even with his chubby cheeks, he looked very solemn.

    But the corners of his mouth twitched upwards irrepressibly.

    In the summer, without such thick clothes, she realized that although his face was round and chubby, he wasn''t actually fat, but rather tall and slim.

    Zi Congheng held the little one, gently touching her face and patting her head.

    "You have more hair now."

    Hearing this, Jiang Mianmian was so happy she wanted to jump up and down. Keep talking if you can talk, she thought excitedly.

    Gong Qichi came over to help host the wedding, leaving the young lord with the Jiang family''s little girl.

    It was quite thorough to see someone who looked like an old man serving so attentively.

    Eunuch Duan was originally supposed to stay and officiate the wedding.

    But he found that looking after the little mistress seemed to have more potential.

    For some reason, the great-aunt had him stay behind to take care of the little mistress.

    And then he ended up looking after another child as well.

    The only son of the rebel Zi Lu.

    He suddenly felt a great sense of responsibility.

    When Eunuch Duan wasn''t paying attention, Jiang Mianmian took Zi Xiaochong and climbed up a tree.

    Last time she climbed a tree, she got spanked.

    Afterwards, her father had someone build her a little house in the tree, with adder so she could climb up.

    In the time it took Eunuch Duan to brew some tea and fetch some snacks, the two little ones had already climbed up to the treehouse.

    It was very simple inside, with woven grass matsid out, small nkets, and two rows of seats around the sides.

    Jiang Mianmian knelt on one of the seats, able to look down through the small window.

    Zi Congheng was slightly ufortable with the height, not used to it.

    He had thought that after so long, the little turtle Jiang would have forgotten him.

    But he never expected that, as young as she was, she would still remember him.

    As soon as they met, she wanted a hug.

    The corners of Zi Congheng''s mouth turned up slightly.

    His round face trying to look serious, he joined her in looking down.

    In the afternoon sunshine, the leaves were lush, and they could hear cicadas chirping in the trees.

    The buzzing seemed right next to their ears.

    A soft, plump child squeezed next to him.

    People came and went beneath the tree.

    They could see many heads below.

    ...

    Jiang Yu wore a beautiful red wedding dress, sitting in the room.

    Her great-aunt watched her.

    She had to keep an eye on her - this girl, on her wedding day, smelling the fragrance from outside, was thinking about sneaking off to eat something...

    The great-aunt truly had it hard.

    Jiang Yu was dressed very borately, sitting on the bed, fiddling with the silver tassels hanging in front of her forehead, finding them amusing.

    She wore red lip rouge, her mouth a bright red, her cheeks plump. She shook her head, swinging her legs, her feet adorned with red embroidered shoes iid with pearls.

    When this grown girl acted childish, Aunt Yin felt it was fortunate she was born into such a family. In any moreplicated household, she would have died eight hundred times over.

    "I don''t ask for much, just that you know how to act properly. Keep your mouth shut. If you don''t understand, keep quiet. If you want to say something inappropriate, also keep quiet. Before marriage, your great-aunt will teach you. After marriage, let your husband teach you. Learn from your father - know how to appear weak."

    Aunt Yin repeatedly instructed her.

    Jiang Yu nodded seriously, the tassels on her forehead swaying as she did, distracting her once again.

    The great-aunt sighed.

    She also understood why the master wanted to keep the son-inw at home for three years. Like this, how could they not worry?

    After three years, with a child or two, even if the marriage wasn''t ideal, it couldn''t be called off.

    ...

    Today.

    Meng Shaoxia wore the red attire of a bridegroom.

    He came from the county office to escort the bride.

    After the wedding, he would live at the Jiang family home, in a separate suite.

    It had a bedroom, tea room, dining room, study, bathroom, small kitchen, and reception room - a fully functional set of rooms.

    The training grounds were just outside, very convenient.

    Although required to stay with the Jiang family, being separated by the training grounds provided some distance.

    Meng Shaoxia was apanied by personal guards left by Old Master Meng to escort the bride.

    The two tigresses at home, his mother and grandmother, thoughining, efficiently handled matters.

    The betrothal gifts were rushed over, arriving just in time.

    The gifts were given quite discreetly.

    They included shops in the Capital City, courtyards, property deeds.

    There were also specially exchanged property deeds from Jingzhou Prefecture, including a mountain vi and a mountain.

    Then there were gold, jade, pearls, precious stones, and silver notes - small in volume but all valuable items.

    The value of the betrothal gifts wasn''t reduced just because the bride''s family lived in a remote area.

    Of course, it didn''t look like much - there was norge furniture or the like, as it wasn''t practical to transport such things so far. Everything given was practical and genuinely generous.

    Changing into the red bridegroom''s attire, wearing the formal hat, Meng Shaoxia mounted his horse and set off for the Jiang family home.

    The weather today was truly fine.

    He took a deep breath, feeling very happy.

    It was as if he had fulfilled the lifelong wish of two lifetimes.

    Today, he was getting married.

 Chapter 161

    Today, Commander Jiang''s daughter is getting married.

    He even gave an invitation to his elder brother, Jiang Huaisheng.

    Old Lady Jiang''s entire family was invited to attend the ceremony.

    Unfortunately, Mrs. Jiang was bedridden and unable to attend in person.

    Old Lady Jiang usually took good care of her health. Her injuries weren''t severe, and she would have recovered well after some rest. However, after rushing about all day and experiencing a shock, she developed a slight fever at midnight. Thankfully, it was just a scare, and she got through it.

    But she was left feeling very weak and miserable.

    Commander Jiang''s daughter is getting married.

    Naturally, all the prominent families in Ming County would attend to show their support.

    Even those without invitations would find ways to sneak in and offer gifts.

    On such a day, no one would dare to cause trouble.

    There are no secrets in a small town.

    Heir Apparent Han left early in the morning.

    The people from the Jiang household tried to leave but sheepishly returned.

    The strong guards and escorts who were supposed to apany the Jiang family out had disappeared.

    No one dared to speak of it or ask questions.

    There were even rumors that Heir Apparent Han had run off with Jiang Huaisheng''s wife, which is why they left before dawn.

    Everyone wanted to ask about it and discuss it.

    After all, it was a scandalous affair.

    They could talk about it at length, as everyone had plenty of time.

    Those without invitations were trying to find ways to get them.

    Even Jiang Huaisheng, who had an invitation, didn''t dare not to go.

    He remembered that morning when he had just learned that Jing''er was newly pregnant. He had excitedly gone out early to buy her some snacks from the street.

    He ran into his younger brother, Jiang Changtian.

    Wearing a loose robe, the wind made him look like a kite.

    He said his little Yu''er was to be a concubine to an old man, and asked him to attend the ceremony.

    Jiang Huaisheng angrily berated him for willingly degrading himself.

    How ironic.

    Now he had given him a bright red wedding invitation.

    Today, Jiang Yu is getting married, his niece is getting married.

    By rights, he should be sending dowry gifts. As part of the bride''s family, his wife Jing''er, as the mistress of the house, should have been preparing things like jewelry.

    But now Jing''er is gone.

    Wan''er, an unmarried youngdy, certainly couldn''t handle these matters.

    He is still Commander Jiang''s elder brother, though their rtionship is clearly strained. The wounds on his face were inflicted by Commander Jiang himself.

    He didn''t understand. His brother, who once adored him, had been forcibly driven out of the family by their mother.

    An unfamiliar Heir Apparent Han was treated like a son by their mother, and in the end, he ran off with Jing''er and even Shu Shu. Yet their mother said nothing, only ming Jing''er for her faults.

    ...

    Today, Jiang Wan apanied her father to attend Jiang Yu''s wedding.

    She remembered when she went to give Jiang Yu embroidered shoes and clothes.

    The shoes and clothes were made of good quality material and weren''t old. She had good intentions.

    But unexpectedly, Jiang Feng sold her used clothes to a brothel for money.

    Later, Jiang Feng had a conflict with her elder brother.

    Her brother''s guard, Wu Liu, injured Jiang Feng.

    Jiang Feng deliberately told the bandits that he was Jiang Rong.

    This caused the bandits to target the wrong person, giving her elder brother a fright.

    It seemed like everything started to change from that moment.

    Looking back, Wu Liu died, those two kidnappers died, the Liu family who wanted to take Jiang Yu as a concubine all died,ter Aunt Yao also died, and now Chu Yi is dead.

    His surname was Chu.

    He was the son of the current Seventh Prince.

    One of the Emperor''s many grandsons.

    Thinking about so many deaths.

    Today, Jiang Yu is actually getting married.

    It''s somewhat ironic.

    Meng Shaoxia, who hasn''t yet be General Meng, is formally marrying her today and is even willing to stay in Ming County for Jiang Yu.

    It''s simply unbelievable.

    In her memory, General Meng was a hotmodity in the court, everyone wanted to form a marriage alliance with him.

    She had relied on her status as the Empress''s niece - the Empress had no children, so at that time, her position wasparable to being the only princess - to beat out thepetition and secure an engagement with the Meng family.

    Yet unexpectedly, at such an early time, Meng Shaoxia is marrying Jiang Yu in Ming County.

    And he ns to stay in Ming County.

    Staying in this small ce, can Meng Shaoxia still be General Meng? Can he still achieve those glorious military exploits?

    Self-degradation.

    She couldn''t have imagined that while she wanted to leave Ming County so badly, Meng Shaoxia actually wanted to stay in Ming County.

    But in the end, he was destined to die in battle.

    Even though Jiang Wan felt very resentful in her heart, when she thought about how he eventually died in battle, she felt there was nothing worth quibbling over.

    She even thought that when she had prevented Jiang Yu from meeting Meng Shaoxia earlier, it was actually for her own good.

    Just like now, what does it matter if it''s a formal marriage? In the end, she''ll be a widow, and the Meng family line will end.

    After sorting through past events, Jiang Wan also got ready and headed to Kan''er Vige.

    She didn''t have any close friends or sisters in Ming County. Previously, she had always looked down on the people here and didn''t have anyone she particrly needed to socialize with.

    She was a quiet and gentle youngdy.

    She was Old Lady Jiang''s projection of her own past aspirations.

    Jiang Wan''s every move bore Old Lady Jiang''s shadow, but in reality, she resembled Eldest Princess Huiyun even more.

    Perhaps deep down, Old Lady Jiang admired her noble friend, and when cultivating her own descendants, she unconsciously taught some things that Huiyun excelled at.

    Jiang Wan apanied her father to the Jiang family in Kan''er Vige.

    If not for sitting in a carriage with someone guiding them, Jiang Wan wouldn''t have recognized this as the Jiang family home.

    In her memory, it was a very small thatched cottage, just a small courtyard where eating, drinking, and other daily activities were all crammed together. It was a cramped ce, not smelly, but not pleasant either.

    Now there was a cluster of buildings, spacious and bright. They had even specially built a road.

    For carriages and horses to pass through.

    The ce was filled with guests, with red walls and green tiles.

    Red couplets, red carpets.

    Lanterns and decorations everywhere.

    Very festive.

    Jiang Wan and Jiang Yu were actually first cousins.

    She was a proper member of the bride''s family and should have been at home early to receive guests.

    But everyone knew that the rtionship between Commander Jiang and the Jiang household wasplicated.

    When they saw Jiang Wan arrive, no one greeted her.

    She had a feeling of being isted.

    Jiang Wan''s temperament and behavior actually resembled Eldest Princess Huiyun more, so she was inherently quite proud, with some free-spirited and unrestrained parts.

    Today she wore a light purple dress, which entuated her snow-white skin, making her appear very noble.

    Although many people who knew the inside story wouldn''t approach her, there were inevitably some who couldn''t help but discuss privately.

    She was so beautiful, truly pleasing to the eye, with a straight nose, smooth forehead, and a good figure. She looked graceful just standing there.

    Some young men attending the wedding couldn''t resist wanting toe over and talk to her.

    Jiang Mianmian and Zi Xiaochong were in the treehouse, able to see the diverse crowd below.

    They could naturally see the ostracized Jiang Wan, who, although among a group of youngdies, was naturally excluded.

    She didn''t seem upset.

    She still maintained a polite demeanor.

    This made the other youngdies seem petty inparison.

    Young Master Zi took out a package of dried meat and some candied fruits from his pocket, spreading them out for Jiang Mianmian.

    Jiang Mianmian epted them, eating the snacks while watching.

    She felt that the snacks Zi Xiaochong brought tasted quite good, very special, different from the ones at home, with a bit of a sweet and salty vor.

    Suddenly, a loud shout erupted from the crowd.

    The groom had arrived.

    Meng Shaoxia, riding a white horse and dressed in red, with a jeweled sword at his side, hade.

    There were no firecrackers, but the beating of gongs and drums created quite a lively atmosphere.

    The guards behind Meng Shaoxia were in perfect formation, also quite a sight to see.

    The groom dismounted.

    Jiang Mianmian quickly slid down from the treehouse and ran to her sister''s room.

    Her brother was wearing a stiff navy blue robe and good boots, bending down to prepare to carry their sister on his back.

    Her sister, covered with a red veil, her whole body flushed red, fell onto her brother''s back.

    Jiang Feng teased, "Jiang Xiaoyu, you''re so heavy."

    The petite Jiang Mianmian held her sister''s hand, following along.

    Jiang Feng felt Jiang Xiaoyu giggling on his back.

    He couldn''t help butin, "Great-aunt said that a bride should cry when leaving home, at least shed a few tears. Even if you''re not leaving home after marriage, you should still go through the motions."

    Jiang Yu, on her brother''s back, couldn''t help butugh, "I just remembered that after attending so many wedding feasts, I''m finally having my own feast. I can''t help it. Did they make vinegar fish today? I could smell that sweet and sour scent from my room. Save a piece for me."

    Jiang Mianmian nodded beside them, thoughtfully saying, "Sister, I''ll save some for you."

    Jiang Feng had been feeling a bit sad.

    His little sister was getting married.

    He felt a mix of emotions, both mncholic and proud.

    In this life, he was personally carrying his sister to her wedding.

    But hearing Jiang Xiaoyu still thinking about vinegar fish, he gave up. Let Shaoxia deal with her.

    Jiang Feng carefully carried his sister to Meng Shaoxia.

    They were supposed to hold a red ribbon between them, but Meng Shaoxia was a bit flustered and forgot, reaching out to hold Jiang Yu''s hand instead.

    Jiang Yu, who had just been thinking about eating vinegar fish, suddenly froze when her hand was held by Brother Meng.

    It was different from holding her sister''s hand.

    Her sister''s hand was small and soft.

    Brother Meng''s hands wererge, calloused, and strong.

    He held her hand at the doorway, walking a circle before leading her inside.

    At this moment, Jiang Yu became much more docile.

    The crowd was bustling with excitement.

    Jiang Wan watched the young Meng Shaoxia, grinning from ear to ear, holding Jiang Yu''s hand like a lovesick fool as they entered the courtyard together.

    When crossing the threshold, Jiang Yu stumbled slightly, and Meng Shaoxia quickly reached out to steady her.

    He supported her firmly as she stepped over.

    The red bridal veil swayed.

    Jiang Yu''s heart was pounding. So this is what getting married feels like, she thought.

    Today, she was bing a bride.

    Just like Cui before her.

    Marrying a man she loved.

    How wonderful.

    She had both her parents, and her siblings were present.

    He had followed all the proper customs and was marrying her openly and honorably.

    They bowed to their elders, to heaven and earth, and then to each other as husband and wife.

    "It''s done, it''s done!" The gongs and drums sounded.

    Jiang Changtian and Qin Luoxia sat at the head of the room, watching the newlyweds kowtow.

    Jiang Changtian''s eyes were moist, and Qin Luoxia''s chest heaved with emotion.

    They had safely seen their daughter married off.

    Today was truly a joyous day.

    ...

 Chapter 162

    In the imperial pce.

    Night after night of revelry and song.

    Heir Apparent Han returned home, and his father learned that he had brought back another woman, and this time even brought a child directly.

    He was left speechless.

    What a foul habit, ignoring his newly wedded wife.

    As it turned out, he didn''t touch the woman who brought the child either, giving her a separate courtyard and hiring a bunch of old nannies to take care of them.

    The Imperial Son-inw couldn''t help but ask who this woman was.

    Upon learning that this time it was the eldest daughter-inw of Old Lady Jiang, thewfully wedded wife of Jiang Huaisheng named Wu, he nearly fainted from anger.

    He grabbed a whip and charged towards the Young Master.

    The Young Master ran, sprinting all the way to the imperial pce.

    He sought help from his Uncle, the Emperor.

    The Emperor, after hearing the whole story, also had a headache.

    Originally, he had intended topensate the former Grand Preceptor Jiang. Since the man had passed, letting his son take an official position would fulfill his wish.

    The Emperor didn''t want to harbor grudges or feel guilty.

    But Jiang Er had actually rebelled, and this time he epted amnesty and became a Commander.

    Others could rebel, but the Jiang family couldn''t.

    He didn''t care about their twists and turns, filial piety orck thereof. The fact that the Jiang family rebelled was a betrayal of his trust.

    He no longer mentioned bringing the Jiang family back.

    His nephew had indeed acted outrageously this time, abducting someone''s wife and child.

    He had originally wanted the Jiang family to return, but now the thought irritated him. However, the wife and daughter were innocent.

    It seemed to be a girl from the Wu family; he had briefly discussed it with Grand Preceptor Jiang before.

    "Outrageous, utterly outrageous," the Emperor was at a loss for words regarding this matter.

    Heir Apparent Han, seeing that his Uncle wasn''t truly angry, quickly said, "That Wu is a good girl. Jiang Huaisheng beat her, and she tried to flee to the County Government Office at night with her child for shelter. I was staying at the County Government Office and caught her by mistake. Uncle, why don''t you bestow her to me as a Secondary Consort? I opened my eyes and there was already a child, ready-made. I quite like little girls too. In the future, my household will have two sons and a daughter. How lively it will be with so many people."

    The Emperor: ... A good girl running out in the middle of the night.

    The Imperial Son-inw: ... A good girl running to your bed.

    So, the Crown Prince''s Mansion gained a Secondary Consort for the Young Master.

    The Capital City had another piece of gossip: the Heir Apparent Han had be a father again.

    However, gossip in the capital updated quickly, and this matter didn''t circte for long before being reced by something else.

    Wu was very anxious for a while in the Crown Prince''s Mansion.

    There were too many people in the Young Master''s inner court, making it veryplicated.

    She was very afraid and stayed behind closed doors to take care of her child.

    At most, she would go when summoned by the Young Master''s wife.

    Most of the time, she just stayed behind closed doors with her child.

    Wu''s mother and elder sister also came to visit once.

    The three women hugged and cried bitterly.

    They never thought they would see each other again in this lifetime.

    And when they did, it was under such circumstances.

    Wu was originally the youngest daughter in the family, and actually hadn''t changed much upon seeing them again.

    Her mother and elder sister had aged considerably.

    Her mother said she was foolish, had been foolish since childhood, and was even more foolish now.

    Her elder sister told her, "It''s good, you finally used your brain for once. This counts as returning to the capital. Just focus on raising your child."

    "This child looks intelligent and beautiful. You''ll have good fortune in yourter years. Don''t think too much. Since things are already like this, just focus on raising the child. Don''t fight or struggle, just concentrate on bringing up the child."

    The mother and daughter tried hard to talk about how adorable little Shushu was, trying not to mention the other two children or Jiang Huaisheng.

    They cried once when they arrived.

    They cried again when they left.

    Although they cried, they felt that having her before their eyes, alive, was better than anything.

    Eunuch Duan, having attended the wedding, also tottered back.

    Although he had been abandoned by Heir Apparent Han, and although Meng Young General wasn''t going back, he still had to return.

    Upon returning to the pce, the Emperor summoned him once more.

    The Emperor was curious about what was going on with the Meng family''s Meng Shaoxia.

    He went to offer amnesty but ended up marrying the daughter of a rebel and staying for three years.

    Could it be that he was nning to rebel along with them?

    Meng Qingshe had previouslye to the pce to seek instructions.

    The Meng family had always been known for their frank and straightforward demeanor.

    It was as if the children had grown up under the Emperor''s nose, saying whatever came to mind.

    The first time Meng Shaoxia went out traveling with a good friend and returned, Meng Qingsheined to the Emperor.

    That child said he had fallen in love at first sight with some girl and wanted to marry her.

    It scared his mother so much that they had us pack the child off to the army overnight, saying he needed to suffer some hardship toe to his senses.

    The Emperorughed and asked, "Young love, look how scared you all are. If he likes her, just let him marry her, what''s the problem?"

    Meng Qingshe waved his hands repeatedly: "We have a fierce woman at home, we wouldn''t dare."

    This piqued the Emperor''s curiosity, and he sent people to investigate what kind of girl could inspire love at first sight.

    Then he learned about Grand Preceptor Jiang''s family affairs.

    It was said that after Grand Preceptor Jiang''s death, there was unrest in the inner court.

    Jiang''s second son was very improper and was expelled from the family for being unfilial and disrespectful.

    The Emperor found it amusing for a while. He remembered that Jiang''s second son and the Young Master were born around the same time, one right after the other.

    As heughed, he found he couldn''tugh anymore.

    His own nephew, this little devil, would have been expelled from an ordinary family eight hundred times over by now.

    The children born during this period seemed to have issues with their birth times, none of them were any good.

    This time, Meng Shaoxia was sent to offer amnesty.

    Meng Qingshe came to the pce again to beg forgiveness.

    With a heap of matters in the court, this useless Meng Qingshe, unlike his father Old General Meng, came to trouble the Emperor with every tiny family matter.

    Meng Shaoxia wanted to marry the girl.

    It was the daughter of Jiang Er, the rebel who had just epted amnesty.

    If it weren''t for the previous context, the Emperor might have truly thought the Meng family harbored rebellious intentions.

    But the person was still the same person, just their status had changed, and now it had changed again. They had epted amnesty, so they could be considered half-affiliated with the court now.

    Young Meng had liked the same person from beginning to end, and hadn''t changed his mind due to the changes in the other party''s family circumstances.

    The Emperor wanted to say, only your Meng family has so many issues, just beat him and it''ll be fine.

    But thinking about it, Meng Shaoxia had probably been beaten countless times in the army, he really did have thick skin.

    It seemed that persisting to the end, being single-minded, was the Meng family''s style. This was very Meng-like.

    As for marrying the girl and having to stay at his father-inw''s house for three years, this kind of outrageous thing didn''t sound so outrageous anymore.

    Eunuch Duan very officially described Meng Young General''s wedding in a narrative style.

    "It was lively, with many people. In the middle of the night, Meng Young General took his bride to the kitchen to steal food. Qin thought thieves had broken in and almost knocked Meng Young General unconscious. Early the next morning, Meng Young General had a big bump on his forehead. Meng Young General was also scolded by his father-inw Jiang Er, telling him to exercise restraint."

    Eunuch Duan''s words made Meng Qingshe''s face twitch.

    They made the Emperorugh so hard he was twitching.

    The eunuchs and pce maids who could hear nearby all revealed knowing smiles.

    Lord Yan, who had secured his high position with his first-ss singing voice, wore magnificent theatrical costumes and was one of only two people sitting in the scene.

    The other was the Emperor.

    While Eunuch Duan was reporting, everyone else was listening attentively.

    Only he was checking his theatrical costume, leisurely arranging his hair.

    Extremely arrogant.

    Yet the Emperor currently favored this style.

    After talking about Meng Shaoxia''s wedding and embarrassing incidents, Eunuch Duan mentioned another matter. Someone impersonating the Seventh Prince went to pick up Jiang Er''s mother and elder brother. Jiang Er couldn''t bear to let his mother leave, so he went to snatch her back. His elder brother and niece even attended Jiang Er''s daughter''s wedding.

    The Emperor wasn''t very interested in other people''s family affairs.

    Moreover, his own nephew had just snatched someone else''s wife, making him feel inexplicably guilty. So he let this matter pass, not wanting to hear about it.

    The Emperor turned to ask Lord Yan, "Wenxin, look at this, this line, should we change it? Should we change ''pick flowers'' to ''pick flowers, ah''? It sounds smoother this way."

    That''s right.

    Yan Jiexi had changed his name to Yan Wenxin.

    It was quite amusing for a eunuch without testicles to be called Wenxin.

    He had been mocked for this name for a long time when he first entered the pce.

    But now no one dared tough at him.

    Lord Yan sang two passages on the spot.

    Impromptu.

    Far-reaching and vivid.

    After singing, he frowned and said, "Thetter one. The lingering charm of ''ah'' is better."

    "Good, then let''s go with ''pick flowers, ah''. Come, Wenxin, let''s sing a passage together."

    The Emperor abandoned Meng Qingshe, Eunuch Duan, and a pile of official business to go sing opera.

    Today, Lord Yan sang exceptionally well.

    Tears welled up in the man''s eyes, suspended but not falling, incredibly moving.

    "All is well at home, conditions are better than before. If you''re not happy out there, you cane back anytime," Eunuch Duan ryed this sentence to him as soon as he returned.

    "s, the sad wind shakes the ears of grain,e back, ah, soule back, ah..."

    The Emperor excitedly beat the drum himself.

    "Beautiful."

 Chapter 163

    The moon sets, crows caw.

    Gong Qichi and Brother Jiang, who had recently been promoted to father-inw status, sat talking by candlelightte into the night.

    Their conversation stretched into the wee hours.

    Jiang Mianmian had gone to bed early.

    When she got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, she heard her father still chatting with someone in the courtyard.

    People in ancient times really knew how to talk.

    Perhaps it was because true confidants were hard toe by.

    She caught snippets of their conversation.

    Something about a crisis in the Provincial Capital.

    But she was still drowsy.

    After using the bathroom, Jiang Mianmian went back to sleep.

    She had eaten too much salty food at the banquet and drank a lot of water.

    The next day, Gong Qichi, Zi Xiaochong, and Zi Ganjiang all left.

    Jiang Mianmian''s family was also preparing to depart.

    At first, Jiang Mianmian thought they were just going to the county town. But when she saw her mother start to prepare her winter clothes, including a very thick flowery cotton-padded jacket, she btedly realized they were going somewhere far away, somewhere they''d need to spend the winter. Were they going on a long journey?

    Having never been further than the county town in her life, Jiang Mianmian felt inexplicably excited.

    Jiang Yu hadn''t expected such good fortune either - to visit the Provincial Capital right after getting married.

    She had been longing to try the delicious food there for ages.

    Meng Shaoxia was also very happy.

    His parents had bought him a house,nd, and even a mountain in the Provincial Capital.

    Going to the Provincial Capital meant he might be able to stay on his own property.

    Living at his father-inw''s ce for over a month had caused him to gain weight.

    He had put on more than six jin, and his square face had be rounder.

    His mother-inw loved to make noodles, and whenever she saw him eating well, she would treat him especially kindly, giving him extrarge bowls, worried he might be too polite to eat his fill.

    Each time, he would finish everything with tears in his eyes.

    He didn''t dare refuse such overwhelming love from his mother-inw.

    Jiang Feng was quite busy. Although they were going to the Provincial Capital, he couldn''t neglect his troops. He had to train and drill them.

    Fortunately, with Meng''s help, things were going smoothly. Jiang Feng was self-taught, while Meng Shaoxia was formally trained in military affairs.

    The twoplemented each other''s strengths and weaknesses, integrating their methods, which made their troops even more formidable.

    They had also recruited many new soldiers.

    Jiang Changtian had epted the offer of amnesty and was to send Commander Jiang to take up an official post in the Provincial Capital.

    Mother wouldn''t feel at ease letting Father go alone.

    And if the parents left, they certainly wouldn''t feelfortable leaving the children at home.

    In the end, after discussion, the whole family decided to go.

    Aunt Yin hadn''t expected that she would be returning to the Provincial Capital so soon aftering to Kan''er Vige.

    But this time, her feelings were different from before.

    When she had left, it felt like she was making a desperate gamble, abandoning everything and heading towards an unknown future.

    Now, as she prepared to return, her mindset hadpletely changed.

    She had truly be this family''s great-aunt.

    She now had a big family to worry about.

    "Great-aunt, should I bring my shoes?" Jiang Mianmian held up several pairs of her pretty shoes, soft embroidered slippers.

    Children''s embroidered shoes were always soft, prioritizing growth andfort for their developing feet, wide and pliant.

    Youngdies'' embroidered shoes, on the other hand, were also meant to shape the feet. Though they looked soft, some were not unlike modern high heels, with an internal frame that bound the feet.

    The pursuit of beauty has always required dedication, both in ancient times and today.

    "You don''t need to bring so many. Take one pair for walking, one for indoors, and one thick pair. We can buy the rest in the Provincial Capital; they have more variety there."

    However, looking at the little one''s luggage, Aunt Yin realized there were some things that indeed couldn''t be found in the Provincial Capital.

    Toothbrushes, slippers, bath sponges, bath soaps, shampoos, various spices, tea leaves, ants, ants, ants, ants...

    After helping the little girl pack, she felt she should also advise the older girl.

    Sure enough, in the older girl''s room, she found her unpacking dried rats, dried rats, and more dried rats from her luggage...

    "You don''t need to bring these; there are even more in the Provincial Capital."

    Jiang Yu didn''t believe it, saying these were caught in the mountains, and the Provincial Capital had no mountains.

    "There are, dear. Just outside the Provincial Capital, there are mountains even bigger than the ones here. The rats there are muchrger too, don''t worry." It took a lot of persuasion from Aunt Yin before the older girl agreed to take out the dried rats.

    As for the various oddly-shaped mushrooms, Aunt Yin pretended not to see them.

    She just asked the older girl tobel them clearly: which were poisonous, which were lethal, which were delicious, and which would cause hallucinations, to avoid any mix-ups.

    After sorting through the older girl''s belongings and reducing them by more than half, Aunt Yin still couldn''t rest.

    She still needed to check what Qin was bringing.

    Qin had packed mostly her husband''s clothes, very few of her own.

    Just a long spear and two sets of clothes to change into.

    Some jewelry, but not much.

    Very simple.

    She was someone who didn''t need much looking after.

    After the whole family had finished packing, they prepared to set out.

    On a crisp autumn day.

    Early morning.

    Just as the sky began to lighten.

    The carriages started to roll forward with a tter.

    Jiang Mianmian, yawning softly, was carried onto the carriage by her great-aunt.

    She saw many, many people behind them, a dense crowd.

    It seemed they were all going to the Provincial Capital together, which startled her a bit.

    Without realizing it, had their household grown to include so many people?

    Aunt Yin was also surprised.

    When Jiang Mianmian fully woke up, the carriage had already hit the main road.

    The bustling Kan''er Vige gradually faded into the distance.

    Jiang Yu also felt a moment of mncholy.

    She wouldn''t be able to see A''cui give birth now, not knowing if it would be a boy or a girl.

    But she could send gifts from the Provincial Capital; A''cui would surely be happy, after all, things from the Provincial Capital must be very nice.

    Jiang Yu hadn''t changed much after marriage.

    Only in one small way - she had be shy.

    Before, when Jiang Mianmian saw her sister smile, it was always a bit silly. Now her sister''s smiles were sweet and tender.

    Sometimes she would look at her brother-inw with the same eyes that Mother looked at Father.

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As for her square-faced brother-inw Meng, Jiang Mianmian thought he was far from handsome, but as a brother-inw, he seemed very reliable.

    In the carriage, Jiang Mianmian yed with Jiang Xiaoshu, telling him they were going to a new ce where he could meet new ants.

    Qin Luoxia and her husband both rode horses at the front.

    Qin Luoxia wore all red, and her husband also wore all red.

    They both looked very handsome, a perfect match.

    ...

    At the Provincial Capital.

    At the city gate.

    Some officials were waiting.

    They were preparing to wee the newly arriving Commander Jiang.

    ording to the schedule, he should arrive today.

    Even though he was bringing his family and had been traveling for several days, he should be here soon.

    The two officials had been waiting for a long time and were getting bored. They sat in front of their carriage chatting.

    There was another carriage nearby.

    It was decorated garishly, with an overpowering fragrance.

    Waves of perfume wafted from inside the carriage.

    But the curtains were tightly drawn.

    "This rebel fights for a year and gets promoted, given wealth, a mansion, and women. We study hard for half our lives and only end up with minor official positions. Tsk tsk, different people, different fates indeed."

    "Exactly. Ah, that Little Phoenix Fairy is such a beauty, yet she''s being given to such a country bumpkin. What a waste."

    Inside the fragrant carriage sat a woman withrge eyes, a high nose bridge, and red lips. Her appearance was enchanting, and her figure exuded a delicate, pitiful charm.

    She was a rare beauty indeed.

    Two maids were kneeling in front of her, massaging her legs.

    An old woman sat beside her, smiling ingratiatingly.

    "Miss, why bother greeting him personally? With your beauty and figure, do you really think that Jiang fellow won''t fall at your feet?"

    Little Phoenix Fairy tilted her beautiful neck and said, "For those nouveau riche country bumpkins, you have to bow low at first sight. Show your humility and vulnerability, and that''s how you move their hearts. Mama, what do you think of my outfit?"

    The old woman looked at her attire and thought it was a bit too white. For greeting someone, it seemed too in.

    But she couldn''t understand the young miss''s methods with men.

    After all, half the powerful men in the Provincial Capital were under her spell.

    There were plenty of lords who had abandoned their wives and children, ruined their families for her - enough to circle half the Provincial Capital if lined up.

    She could only praise it as good.

    After a long wait.

    But not too long.

    As the sun began to set in the west.

    The caravan of carriages slowly approached.

    Little Phoenix Fairy lifted the carriage curtain; the light at this time was perfect.

    She was very satisfied.

    The evening light would make her appear even more dazzling.

    It would further highlight her delicate beauty and vulnerability.

    Watching the approaching procession, Little Phoenix Fairy finally stepped down from her carriage.

    This caught the attention of everyone around.

    The autumn wind blew, the sunset was beautiful, and the falling leaves were like her dancing clothes. She stood in front of the city gate like an otherworldly being.

    When Jiang Changtian and his group arrived at the city gate, what they saw wasn''t the grandeur of the Provincial Capital.

    But a woman dressed in white.

    Several officials came forward to wee Commander Jiang.

    The woman gracefully stepped forward to bow, bending her supple waist and raising her snow-white neck.

    With a fragrant breath, she said, "My lord, you''ve arrived. Phoenix has been waiting for you for a long time."

    When Little Phoenix Fairy saw the neer''s appearance, she was also very surprised. She felt she had struck gold and made her posture even more gentle and beautiful.

    "Who are you?" Jiang Changtian looked at the woman, then at the officials in front of him.

    Little Phoenix Fairy''s voice was soft and coy as she gave Jiang Changtian a flirtatious look, saying charmingly, "Phoenix belongs to you, my lord."

    The other officials all felt a shiver run through their bodies. Little Phoenix Fairy''s manner, her tone, her figure - who could resist?

    This Commander Jiang was also quite handsome.

    Tsk tsk, what a vtilebination.

    The officials kept their eyes downcast, waiting for yet another country bumpkin to fall at Little Phoenix Fairy''s feet.

    Though Little Phoenix Fairy was venomous, dying under a peony flower would still make for a romantic ghost.

    Suddenly, a guard beside Commander Jiang thrust his sword, impaling Little Phoenix Fairy clean through.

    "How dare you! Themander has just arrived in the Provincial Capital, and you dare to impersonate his family member."

    Commander Jiang sidestepped the bloodstains and wiped his hands with a handkerchief, saying, "Feng, you were too hasty. You should have waited to kill her when no one was around. It''s a bit too bloody to do it in front of these gentlemen."

 Chapter 164

    The evening glow on the horizon was a vibrant red.

    But it wasn''t as blood-red as Little Phoenix Fairy.

    Little Phoenix Fairy looked down at the blood on her body in disbelief.

    She remembered how earlier, a man had killed his original wife in front of her to express his love and sincerity.

    That wife had been plump and had borne him three children.

    The man''s sword could barely pierce his wife''s body, and it took several stabs before she died.

    At the time, Little Phoenix Fairy had only found it boring. That brainless man, she had merely given him a few smiles and uttered some ambiguousints, and he thought she was exclusively his, that only his wife and children stood in the way, using his wife''s murder to prove his love.

    Little Phoenix Fairy was determined to find the most handsome man, who would one daye to fetch her, dressed in red and riding a white horse.

    He came.

    His long hair flowing, red clothes zing, riding a white horse, he came trampling the sunset.

    He hade.

    He was exactly like the man of her dreams.

    The moment Little Phoenix Fairyid eyes on him, she vowed that this time, she would use no tricks. She wanted to grow old with him.

    She wasn''t worried about his original wife and children.

    Those foolish people would never be a match for her; she only wanted him.

    This time, she had truly fallen in love.

    Then she looked down.

    She felt her heart flutter.

    It seemed as if her heart had been pierced.

    It throbbed a few times.

    She opened her eyes in disbelief, looked down, then up again.

    Finally, she fell straight backward.

    Her eyes wide open, staring at the red clouds on the horizon.

    The officials and attendants who hade to wee Commander Jiang were stunned.

    The old nanny and maids around Little Phoenix Fairy trembled, not daring to shout or cry.

    Because following Lord Jiang, a vast entourage had appeared.

    They still looked like the old, weak, sick, and disabled, but they were numerous.

    If Commander Jiang hadn''t been at the front, one might have thought the rebels had returned.

    But then again, Commander Jiang was also of rebel origin.

    This dark mass of people didn''t look like they wereing to take office, but rather to conquer the Provincial Capital.

    To kill such a beautiful young woman so casually, wouldn''t his heart ache?

    One of the two officials wiped Little Phoenix Fairy''s blood that had sttered on his face.

    The other wiped the sweat that had fallen on his forehead.

    Both had been standing straight, but now they were bent over, hunched, and not daring to imitate Little Phoenix Fairy by bowing and craning their necks to entice people.

    They obediently looked at the ground.

    There were suddenly many more ants on the ground.

    Who knows where they came from.

    "My Lord, this humble official hase to wee you back to the Provincial Capital."

    The imperial court was always particrly generous to those who epted amnesty, willing to give money, housing, women, food, drink, entertainment, and enjoyment ¨C a full package. They were willing to give anything.

    Even empty titles could be given; you could hold various positions and titles, but if you really wanted your troops and horses, that was not avable. Everything else was possible.

    This tactic never failed.

    Those who epted amnesty were usually blinded by luxurious mansions and wealth.

    Those with more self-control were drawn into the official system, constantly attending meetings, big and small,peting for various titles. By then, the rebels wouldpletely forget about rebelling, losing themselves in this system.

    When rebels no longer had the strength to rebel, their death wasn''t far off. In the official circles, one could kill without bloodshed; any excuse could be used to have you killed.

    But throughout history, how many of those who epted amnesty could withstand this?

    So despite the shame, those civil officials still agreed to offer amnesty.

    Once we pull you into our system, we''ll be damned if we can''t finish you off.

    But this Jiang fellow didn''t y by the rules from the moment he arrived.

    Such a beautiful girl, pierced with one sword, wouldn''t his heart ache?

    It was afternoon,te autumn, not hot at all.

    But the two weing officials were dripping with sweat.

    Whether Lord Commander''s heart ached, they didn''t know, but Little Phoenix Fairy''s heart must have ached.

    Little Phoenix Fairy''s body was still twitching at their feet.

    Until it stopped.

    "My Lord, this, this Provincial Capital cannot amodate so many people, and the mansion this humble servant prepared for you is, is not big enough." One of the officials, wiping the sweat from his forehead, stuttered and then knelt down, deeply worried that he might be stabbed to death after speaking.

    "It''s fine, these are just fellow vigers who escorted me to the Provincial Capital, they won''t enter the city," Jiang replied.

    The other official also weakly knelt down, getting closer to Little Phoenix Fairy''s body.

    Damn, with his sry, this was the first time he had been so close to Little Phoenix Fairy''s body.

    "Lo-Lo-Lord Commander, le-le-let''s enter the ci-ci-city now." This official, next to Little Phoenix Fairy''s body, couldn''t stop stuttering.

    So Commander Jiang''s family finally entered the city.

    Jiang Feng and Meng Shaoxia took most of the troops to settle at Meng Shaoxia''s estate. Besides Meng Shaoxia''s estate, Mianmian also had an estate, which Zi Xiaochong had sent people to give her on her birthday.

    It wasn''t far from Meng Shaoxia''s estate.

    It was even a bitrger than Meng Shaoxia''s estate.

    Meng Shaoxia: ... was very speechless. He couldn''tpete in terms of wealth.

    Jiang Mianmian, Jiang Yu, and Grandma were together in the carriage.

    Earlier at the city gate, Grandma had pulled the curtains, not letting them look out.

    She instructed, "Noble youngdies shouldn''t casually show their faces, to prevent being seen by those with ill intentions. Besides, in such asions, it''s impolite to lift the curtains."

    Then they heard a woman''s voice.

    Grandma''s face darkened.

    She had just finished saying that women shouldn''t casually show themselves in public, and outside, a woman was doing exactly that.

    These people would use any means.

    Offering a woman in front of someone''s wife and daughters.

    If the master epted out of courtesy, there would be more troubles in the future.

    Grandma heard the woman outside introduce herself and realized who she was. Her brow furrowed even more.

    The women in this carriage were all so naive.

    Facing someone like Little Phoenix Fairy, they''d probably be wiped out in one round.

    Some men just fall for that act.

    When she was in the Provincial Capital, she knew of people who abandoned their wives and children for Little Phoenix Fairy, and worse, killed their wives and children just to let Little Phoenix Fairy in.

    Despite being so mboyant, she was still alive and well.

    Then they heard a "swoosh" sound.

    Even Aunt Yin was stunned.

    She had been thinking about how to exin to the children about the ways of officialdom, about the woman outside, and how to deal with it.

    But that "swoosh" sound was crisp and decisive.

    The master''s steady voice came through, "Feng''er, you were too hasty. You could have killed herter when no one was around. It''s a bit too bloody in front of these officials."

    So, that person was just... gone?

    Little Phoenix Fairy was dead?

    Aunt Yin could hardly believe it.

    She saw the older and younger girls'' eyes widen.

    The younger girl couldn''t help but let Little Ant lift the curtain.

    She flicked the ant away and said, "Your father didn''t kill an innocent person. He must have investigated beforehand. This woman was vicious. Don''t be fooled by her weak appearance; many women and children have died because of her. Other courtesans just hope to reform, but she''s different. She enjoyed breaking up families."

    Jiang Yu widened her eyes and nodded.

    Jiang Mianmian puffed up her cheeks and nodded.

    Their family was already in a precarious position as pardoned rebels, and this action was very rebellious.

    "Grandma, can we take a look? Is she beautiful? Next time I encounter someone like this, I''ll avoid them," Jiang Yu, now married, couldn''t understand at all. If one day Meng Shaoxia shouted about beating or killing her for another woman, she would definitely make a pot of mushroom soup and let everyone go together.

    If they were to die, they''d die together.

    Aunt Yin thought for a moment and nodded.

    After all, they needed to see the world.

    Jiang Mianmian was also very curious.

    From what she heard, it sounded like an ancient courtesan figure, but she died as soon as she arrived? She had thought there would be some household drama or something.

    She was worried that her mother might not be able to handle it.

    After all, her mother seemed like a very straightforward person.

    She probably couldn''t stand that kind of passive-aggressive behavior.

    So Grandma opened the curtain.

    Not just a small corner, but wide open.

    Because Grandma had taken two pieces of gauze and covered Jiang Yu and Jiang Mianmian''s faces.

    Jiang Mianmian thought Grandma was being overly cautious... she had only been weaned for a few years, it really wasn''t necessary.

    However, the two girls wearing light veils unanimously looked down at Little Phoenix Fairy lying on the ground.

    Jiang Yu took one look and then retreated, patting her chest and saying with relief, "Thank goodness, Brother Meng doesn''t like this type. This type with a pointy chin, Brother Meng thinks they look like snake spirits and would prick people."

    Aunt Yin: ... The person is already dead, what are you saying?

    Jiang Mianmian examined her carefully, then sat back and said to Grandma, "This girl''s waist is so thin, I wonder if we cut her open and looked, would she have two fewer bones in her waist than others?"

    Aunt Yin: ... The flesh on her cheeks twitched involuntarily.

    Her worries were unnecessary.

    "Squeak squeak."

    The wheels continued to roll.

    The road into the city was paved with bluestone bs, making the sound of the carriage wheels much crisper.

    Grandma didn''t lower the carriage curtain.

    The two youngdies sat inside, looking out.

    Indeed, it was worthy of being called the Provincial Capital.

    There were so many shops.

    Various signboards fluttered in the breeze.

    There were also many pedestrians on the street.

    They were all dressed better, not appearing gaunt or malnourished.

    Along the road, there were quite a few two-story and three-story buildings.

    There was even a small river by the roadside.

    And there were horse-drawn carriages passing each other.

    There were sounds of vendors calling out, the flowing of water, andughter.

    It was a scene of worldly prosperity and bustle.

 Chapter 165

    The carriage wheels had been rolling for a long time.

    Jiang Mianmian had eaten six pieces of candied fruit, and her teeth were starting to feel a bit sour.

    They finally arrived at their destination.

    There was an enormous gate.

    It looked like the entrance to a university.

    Tall and grand.

    Just the gate itself must have been expensive, not only the thick wooden boards but also the hinges and such - surely none of it came cheap.

    There were iron rings on the gate, each with a beast''s head on top. The beast''s eyes seemed to contain jewels, though they looked dull and misty.

    A que hung on the beam above the gate - "Jiang Manor"

    ck background with gold characters, looking quite new.

    The weing official was supposed to proudly announce: "This was personally inscribed by the Prefect."

    But now, faced with the breathtakingly beautiful yet frail-looking Lord Commander who could kill without a word, the minor official, Xiao He, wiped the light sweat from his brow and said, "This is the Prefect''s calligraphy, specially prepared for the Lord Commander. I wonder if my lord likes it?"

    Jiang Changtian nodded slightly. It was passable, though not as good as Brother Yehang''s writing.

    Jiang Mianmian and her group disembarked from the carriage to find that the main gate had steps leading up to it.

    No wonder it wasn''t opened easily.

    It seemed inconvenient foring and going, having to climb a stretch of stone steps first, but it certainly looked more majestic.

    After climbing the stairs, there was the main gate with stone sculptures on either side.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at them curiously. They weren''t lions, one on each side, but some unknown fierce-looking animals.

    The stone carvings were old, unlike the new namete.

    Aunt Yin recognized this residence. It had belonged to a mysterious retired court official.

    The family had moved away before the rebels came. Later, the rebels upied it, and after they surrendered, it was vacated and given to Lord Jiang.

    It had four courtyards.

    For the Provincial Capital, it was quiterge.

    When there were many people around, Jiang Mianmian defaulted to not using her feet, always being carried by her great-aunt.

    Entering through the main gate, which was nked by two servants on either side, they first saw a courtyard with a row of buildings along the side. These outer buildings were likely the servants'' quarters.

    The courtyard had trees and flowers, with arge jar full of water in the corner, probably for fire prevention.

    Passing through this courtyard, they came to a long corridor. Walking through it, they reached a muchrger courtyard.

    It was like a big yground. Crossing it in the height of summer would easily tan one''s skin.

    Seeing such arge courtyard, one could somewhat understand why the youngdies of wealthy families would ride in sedan chairs to pay respects to their mothers, even when feeling unwell.

    If they didn''t use sedan chairs and had to run back and forth three times a day to pay respects, they would certainly get enough exercise. They definitely wouldn''t be the pale, slender youngdies they were supposed to be, but would likely end up strong and tanned.

    This courtyard was enormous, with long corridors on both sides. There were rooms.

    The main hall, study, and reception rooms were all here.

    Rows of pirs, with maids and servants standing beneath them, dressed uniformly. Some of the maids were particrly attractive.

    Seeing the masters enter, they all bowed in greeting.

    Slender shoulders, waists, and necks.

    On any other day, this would have been a pleasant sight, but today, seeing the maids'' behavior, the weing official broke out in a sweat again.

    No, don''t court death, please don''t.

    That girl with the long white neck, don''t stick it out, aren''t you afraid of being beheaded?

    Keep your eyes down, don''t let them wander.

    He had originally thought that preparing this luxurious mansion with beautiful maids and women would be useful, but now he found it embarrassing, nerve-wracking, and frightening.

    Stop batting your eyshes, quickly, stop it.

    The officials and attendants who had followed them from the city gate wished they could use their official robes or backsides to block the flirtatious maids.

    Did they really want to die so quickly?

    Jiang Mianmian hadn''t noticed these maids. She was just thinking that in such arge house, sun protection would be crucial.

    Fair skin covers a multitude of ws; being fair-skinned was important.

    In fact, her mother''s features had once been very dignified and beautiful, but it wasn''t obvious because her skin was a bit dark and she was overly fit, making her appear rough.

    If she had snow-white skin, with that figure... just imagining it was enough to make one swoon.

    Apparently, her mother''s body was very fair, which Jiang Mianmian could attest to.

    How did one make sunscreen again?

    Never mind, she gave up. Physical sun protection would have to do.

    Wearing a veil on the head, using an umbre would work too, and she even had people to hold the umbre for her.

    Following her great-aunt further in, they came to another courtyard.

    This courtyard was impressive, with flowers and nts, a pond, and a pavilion. It was like walking through a park.

    The outer ring also had long corridors; the ancients had considered sun protection.

    There were stone steps and small paths in the middle.

    It reminded her of those mansion-intrigue stories. Here, concubines and the like would have opportunities to "identally" encounter the master of the house. It was a bit awkward though; while the ce wasrge, it wasn''t so big that you couldn''t see people clearly or y hide-and-seek.

    This should be where the women of the household lived. Outsiders weren''t supposed to enter, which was why only maids had led them in.

    The two officials and their attendants stopped outside.

    Looking at the bedrooms one by one, the most striking feature was howrge the beds were.

    One bed might be bigger than her entire bedroom in modern times.

    The bed had storage cabs inside, bed curtains, and it seemed you could even set up a table inside to eat. If you opened up the space under the bed, you could probably hide several people in a secret passage with no problem.

    The bedrooms also had outer chambers, but they were long and narrow. The structure actually felt lessfortable than the houses in Kan''er Vige.

    However, the carved flower windows, wooden pirs, and wall surfaces here all had a sense of historical weight and wealth.

    Compared to Kan''er Vige, which was probably considered a simple decoration, this house belonged to the luxury renovation category.

    Jiang Mianmian looked around and noticed that the bedroom windows alone had eight carved pictures, featuring rabbits, birds, mice, flowers, and nts...

    The doors were also in rows, with carvings on them. They could be fully opened, exposing the entire room, or just one door could be opened.

    The door panels looked very heavy.

    She particrly examined the fabric between the carved flower windows and doors. Jiang Mianmian poked it with her finger, finding it not easy to poke through. It wouldn''t be easily torn, which was reassuring.

    Surprisingly, there was yet another courtyard behind this one, even deeper in.

    This courtyard had arge racetrack, with lush green grass, small hills, and pavilions on the hills.

    This location was impressive.

    It offered an advantageous view of everything else from the high ground, providing a panoramic view.

    It also served as a security lookout.

    As it was getting dark, they didn''t climb up.

    Lanterns in the residence were being lit one by one.

    Watching the maids stand on tiptoe to hang thenterns with forks was quite a sight.

    The cost of oil for all thesemps must be a significant expense.

    Jiang Mianmian felt a bit uneasy. Could her father''s sry as a Commander afford such arge residence and support so many servants?

    It felt like entering this house, there were visibly more maids and servants than their own family members.

    If someone wanted to rebel, wouldn''t they be easily killed by the servants?

    Jiang Mianmian had never employed people before, so she felt a bit nervous.

    Having more hired servants than family members - how did people in ancient times manage this?

    However, seeing her great-aunt efficiently directing people, it seemed that it might not be a big problem.

    After a brief tour, night had fallen.

    The two officials said they had prepared a weing feast.

    Jiang Changtian waved his hand and said, "We''ve just arrived. Let us rest a bit first. I''ll host everyone tomorrow."

    The two officials didn''t dare force the Lord Commander to attend the feast, repeatedly saying, "Of course, of course. Please rest well, Lord Jiang. If you need anything, feel free to send someone to call on us. We''re staying in the residence at the entrance of this street."

    The officials and their attendants all left.

    The main gate of Jiang Manor slowly closed.

    Lanterns were lit one by one.

    Jiang Mianmian watched thenterns, twinkling like stars in the sky.

    She took a deep breath.

    The wind in the Provincial Capital was a bit drier than in Kan''er Vige.

    There was no smog, but the air carried more of the scent of smoke and daily life.

    The smell of soup being cooked on the street outside the courtyard wafted in.

    From today, they would be settling down in the Provincial Capital.

    Today, Mianmian had transformed from Jiang Second Young Lady, a starving refugee, into the cherished daughter of Commander Jiang.

 Chapter 166

    ...

    Waking up.

    Jiang Mianmian opened her eyes, to see her mom''s face.

    Her feet were warm.

    Upon looking.

    She was resting her head on her mom, and her foot was stepping on her dad''s face.

    She felt she slept beyond the boundary of the five elements.

    Jiang Mianmian could feel her dad''s hand gently holding her foot.

    Her head was pinned down by her mom''s head.

    She didn''t know she would sleep like this, so wildly at her parents'' ce.

    Absolutely not like a pampered youngdy.

    But, waking up to see her parents right next to her made her feel really good.

    Jiang Mianmian pulled back her foot, and her dad woke up.

    He opened his eyes to look at her, then immediately showed a smile.

    His smile made Jiang Mianmian dizzy.

    No wonder her mom looked so lovesick all the time, who could resist her dad''s charms?

    Especially his sleepy, sweet smile right after waking up.

    Jiang Mianmian obediently slept in between them.

    Qin Luoxia also woke up.

    She gently pped Jiang Mianmian''s foot.

    "You kicked your dad''s nose quite a few timesst night, almost made him nosebleed. Can''t you just turn your face around and sleep, instead of insisting on facing him, doesn''t it hurt?"

    Qin Luoxiained about the father and daughter.

    Jiang Changtianughed and nodded, "It hurts a bit, this little girl is quite strong. But I think, if she wakes up and sees the back of a head, she certainly won''t be happy."

    Jiang Mianmian felt warmth spreading in her heart, indeed, she woke up to see that her foot was stepping on her dad''s face.

    She was inexplicably happy.

    Stepping on the face of a world-ss handsome man, who else in the world has this privilege!!

    Qin Luoxia also couldn''t hold back herughter.

    Jiang Mianmian rolled into her mom''s arms, her head obediently resting on her mom''s arm.

    Since Jiang Mianmian''s dad wasn''t being stepped on his face by her, he came closer.

    The family of three cuddled together.

    Just listen to the conversation between her mom and dad.

    "Darling, Now that Elder Sister Yu is married, isn''t it time for us to look for a suitable match for Feng? We didn''t find anyone suitable in Ming County, but certainly there should be in the Provincial Capital."

    Qin Luoxia was always worried about Feng, feeling that since he fainted that time, his temperament has been a bit strange. Yesterday, he saw such a pretty girl, and even though her demeanor was rather annoying, there was no denying that the girl was beautiful - fine eyebrows, big eyes, fair skin, and her bosom was so full it seemed ready to burst, and her waist was unbelievably thin.

    Even Qin Luoxia, a woman herself, felt somewhat inferior when she saw her.

    But Feng stayed silent. After listening to the girl''s coquettish talk, heshed out with his sword, piercing straight through. Even though her husband exined to her afterwards that they had already understood the Provincial Capital beforehand, and Mister Yan had ate night talk with him, where he had exined everything in detail.

    But, Feng is a youngd, at this age, being infatuated with a girl, marrying a girl, starting a family, that''s what''s normal.

    Feng spends every day practicing his swordsmanship, either he''s leading his soldiers in training, or he''s fondling Mianmian''s head so much that it has be all tangled, making Mianmian run when she sees her big brother.

    She never saw him showing interest in any girl, or giving them more than a glimpse.

    She remembers that Feng wasn''t like this before, when they were still in Ming County, many of the flower sisters there used to tease him, and they seemed to have a good rtionship.

    She worried about the day when Jiang Feng would bring back a girl from the red-light district.

    The circumstances were difficult at that time. She was in a dilemma. On the one hand, she thought that any girl willing to be with him was good enough. On the other hand, such a girl was uneptable. Even though she sympathized with them, the idea of having such a girl as a daughter-inw was terrifying.

    Butter, Feng stopped going out but he didn''t pay attention to any other girls either.

    Upon arriving in the Provincial Capital, he did nce at a beautiful girl, but then he pierced her with his sword.

    As parents, it''s hard to please. If their child disapproves of a girl, that''s a problem. But if he doesn''t even look at girls, that''s a problem too.

    Qin Luoxia was a little anxious about Feng''s marriage.

    Jiang Changtian was snuggled against his little daughter and wife. Even though it was a bit chilly in thete autumn, the family''s shared warmth was just right.

    His head gently rubbed against Luoxia''s arm and they tookfort in each other''s presence.

    ¡°Hmm, I will pay attention. Luoxia, you do not need to worry. When Feng meets a suitable girl, he will pursue her himself. At that time, you will feel jealous that your son has a wife and forgets about his mother. But that¡¯s alright, I too forgot about my mother when I got a wife. It¡¯s fair," he said.

    Jiang Mianmian then yfully pulled her father''s long hair while listening to his love talk¡­how cheesy.

    In ancient times, it was hard to manage hair without blow dryers, and shampoos weren''t smooth either, all natural yes, but hair felt rough after washing.

    However, daddy''s hair was both, ck and straight, extremely good looking.

    Mianmian hoped that like her father, her hair would be simr too.

    She looked forward to her brother finding a partner soon, so he would stop ying with her hair.

    Mianmian snuggled against her parents, listening to their conversations. It was still dark outside and she wanted to go back to sleep.

    Because Aunt Yin was reorganizing the household affairs the previous night and the house''s bedding was not entirely set up, she ended up sleeping with her parents.

    Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian were chatting.

    Suddenly, the little one between them let out a steady breath, and even snored a little. She had fallen asleep again, sleeping very soundly.

    They shared a look and watched their little one for a while before Jiang Changtian gently got out of bed.

    "Luoxia, I am going for morning exercise. You and Mianmian sleep a little longer."

    Qin Luoxia nodded in response.

    Jiang Changtian got up, softly kissed their child¡¯s cheek, and got down from the bed.

    He put on his clothes, bent down to kiss Luoxia''s forehead, then delicately picked up his shoes and left.

    Outside, the dawn was just breaking.

    Jiang Changtian thought about waking up their son for morning exercise.

    But when he got to the courtyard, he saw both, Jiang Feng and Meng Shaoxia already practicing their swordsmanship.

    Meng Shaoxia didn¡¯t know why, but he felt his father-inw gave him a serious look, not sure what mistake he made. He had woken up early in the morning,mitted to improve his skills, and had even made arrangements with brother Feng.

    Jiang Feng too didn¡¯t know why, but he felt his dad gave him a serious look, unaware of any potential mistake. He too had woken up early in the morning,mitted to improve his skills, and had made arrangements with Shaoxia.

    The father, the son, and the daughter¡¯s husband all practiced swordsmanship together, engaging in physical exercise.

    Since thest incident where he was openly challenged, Jiang Changtian still had it in his mind.

    Thankfully, both Feng and Shaoxia were strong. Though he was barely able to cope, he felt weak and realized the need to strengthen himself. Even if he couldn¡¯t contribute to their strength, he didn¡¯t want to be a weak link.

    He clearly saw the self-proimed Lin Yang''s bodyguardmanding to shoot before being called to the litter to speak to Jiang Wan.

    Jiang Changtian felt that the person who wanted to kill him was seemingly Jiang Wan.

    If the orders were from Old Lady Jiang or his elder brother, he would not be surprised. However, with Jiang Wan, Jiang Changtian found it strange.

    He barely knew this niece and had barely interacted with her; where did such great hostilitye from?

    Reflecting on past encounters, recalling the few glimpses of Jiang Wan that he had. Remembering her actions, her expressions, Jiang Changtian had a ludicrous guess.

    Feng said he had died once and crawled back from under the ground. He was buried underground for several years, where he could only hear wailing and sense the movement around him, then he was revived.

    Could Jiang Wan have had a simr experience? Had Jiang Wan also experienced some miracle, probably stronger than Feng, ording to her trajectory, she could possibly go to the Provincial Capital. With Old Lady Jiang''s ability, it wouldn''t be a problem for her to be a talented woman in the capital.

    Feng mentioned that all his family had died. Old Lady Jiang returned to the capital without any concern, Jiang Wan must have had an excellent marriage arrangement. Thinking back on Jiang Wan''s conduct, she was a hundred times sharper than his Elder Sister Yu. She seemed like a noble and illustrious figure.

    Their origin was here, and they could not possibly be noble and illustrious.

    Jiang Changtian guessed that Jiang Wan must have had a miracle, or have been very sessful. If she harbored hostility towards him andbined what Feng said, Jiang Changtian thought, if all his family were also wiped out, leaving only him alone, his only goal in life would be vengeance, to let others apany him in death.

    Perhaps he seeded in the end.

    Therefore, he could exin why Jiang Wan wanted him dead, and some of the inexplicably high and extraordinary demeanor in Jiang Wan.

    Of course, all of this was Jiang Changtian''s own spection based on breadcrumbs.

    But he could be wrong.

    Better wrongfully kill than let go.

    Just thinking of the scene of his entire family being wiped out, he felt that nothing he did would be considered excessive.

    He took his family to the Provincial Capital. He believed that Old Lady Jiang''s family would certainly not sit still. The intelligent Jiang Wan should do something.

    The sun rose from the horizon.

    On the training ground, Jiang Changtian was battling Meng Shaoxia.

    Meng Shaoxia figured that if he couldn''t beat his older brother, he should be able topete with his father-inw.

    The father-inw''s swordy was very rusty, but the killing intent was inexplicably strong.

    Meng Shaoxia didn''t know why, but he didn''t dare to physically exert himself. Mainly because his Father-inw had an eerily handsome face. As they fought, every time his father-inw''s face was towards him, he would get distracted.

    In a moment of inattention, he almost felt a sword pierce his throat, only to snap back to reality at thest second and knock his father-inw''s sword to the ground with his own, relieved.

    Suddenly, he felt the training ground be quiet.

    Turning his head, he saw his wife, Little Yu''er, charging towards him, rolling pin raised, fuming.

    "Meng Shaoxia! I misjudged you! You dare bully my father!"

    The rolling pin flew up, and Meng Shaoxia sprinted away.

    Under the sunlight, his father-inw revealed a feeble smile...

 Chapter 167

    Early morning.

    The official who weed them yesterday, Little He, brought over arge stack of ve contracts.

    Giving people without giving ve contracts, that''s looking down on someone.

    Little He went backst night and had a nightmare.

    Although he had experienced rebels breaking into the city and had seen people killed in the Provincial Capital,

    He had never seen such a beautiful woman killed right in front of him.

    Generally, men, whether rebels or not, shouldn''t think of killing such a beautiful girl at first sight.

    The Jiang Family was somewhat abnormal, a bit too terrifying.

    Little He thought about it all night, and the first thing he did when he woke up early was to hurry over to deliver the ve contracts.

    Other rebels might not care, but Commander Jiang should care about this.

    He had also deliberately observed yesterday.

    He was specifically responsible for weing and entertaining the rebels who had surrendered, so he was quite experienced in this matter.

    When other rebel families saw these grand mansions with deep courtyards, they were all excited, their voices raised, unable to hide their joy.

    But in Commander Jiang''s family, not to mention his family members, even a maidservant was very calm, seeminglyining about the courtyard.

    It''s said that to observe a family''s most genuine reaction, you should look at the family''s infant.

    Because infants are too young to hide their feelings, children''s reactions are usually the most authentic in a family.

    As a result, that child appeared the calmest, and judging by the look in his eyes, he even seemed quite critical.

    This made Little He uneasy, wondering if the background check had been wrong.

    The Jiang family couldn''t be ordinary, just looking at Jiang Er''s face, it was impossible to be ordinary.

    Looking at Commander Jiang''s face, one could understand why his family didn''t even nce at Little Phoenix Fairy before killing her with one sword.

    Little Phoenix Fairy wasn''t as good-looking as Commander Jiang.

    Of course, Little He didn''t dare to look too much.

    Anyway, judging from the behavior of the youngest infant in the Jiang family, they weren''t only unimpressed by this mansion but also found quite a few faults with it.

    Only the Jiang family''s eldest daughter seemed a bit inexperienced, but that must have been an act. She was the only daughter-inw of the Meng Family in the Capital City, the only heir of the Meng Family. Everyone in the Provincial Capital knew this backstory.

    A while ago, someone came to the Provincial Capital to buy a mansion, wasn''t it the Meng Family? That mansion wasn''t much smaller than this one.

    Thinking about it this way, it felt like they had even less to offer, using this little to test Commander Jiang as an official. What''s there to test? It''s not evenparable to what they already owned.

    Early in the morning, he brought the ve contracts, and was received by the same nanny who was holding Commander Jiang''s young daughter yesterday.

    Commander Jiang didn''te, but Little He didn''t feel slighted, rather he felt relieved.

    However, this nanny took the ve contracts, looked them over, and sat there with a kindly face asking him: "Officer He, where are the ve contracts for the family members of the maids Liuyue, Qinghe, and Lvcao? You''ve only brought one person''s contract. If they were to be manipted, we wouldn''t dare to ept them. Either send them all back, or bring the contracts for the whole family neatly. What do you think?"

    Officer He, who had just felt relieved, was questioned in this way, and his forehead inexplicably started sweating again.

    ...Why was he being manipted by an old nanny?

    Why did the phrase "the whole family neatly" sound so unsettling in this context?

    Little He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said: "Yes, yes, you''re absolutely right. I''ll bring their family members and contracts right away."

    Little He, having received a new task, trotted back quickly.

    Aunt Yin looked at this man and felt he was unreliable, only looking at the immediate without considering the consequences, and had no future.

    Even Little Huang from Ming County was better at handling matters than him, at least he was thorough and considered things moreprehensively.

    In the morning, there were no unfamiliar maids approaching to help her dress and wash up, it was still her great-aunt doing it.

    Breakfast was also made by Mom and Elder Sister.

    Except for the ce being bigger, it felt just like being at home, not much different.

    Except that her brother-inw seemed to have a bump on his forehead.

    Her brother-inw''s head was a bit soft and often got bumps.

    Jiang Mianmian leisurely finished her breakfast, eating a bowl of small noodles, a bowl of small wontons, and even sucked on a green vegetable, spitting out half the stem, clearly being picky about her food.

    After the meal,

    Great-aunt led Mom, Elder Sister, and her to organize the maids and servants in the mansion.

    Brother-inw, elder brother, and father all went out together.

    The people were all gathered by Great-aunt.

    Last night, being newly arrived, they weren''t allowed to wander around.

    Now all these people were gathered in the central courtyard, which was like a big yground or square.

    Jiang Mianmian, Mom, Great-aunt, and Elder Sister were all in the room, able to see outside.

    There were men and women, old and very young, even some wearing theatrical costumes. Roughly counting, there were over a hundred people.

    You don''t realize until you see it, it''s really shocking.

    Jiang Mianmian thought about how few people were in their own family, you could count them on one hand.

    But here, there were over a hundred people to serve them, isn''t this too many?

    Qin Luoxia also felt it was too many.

    In the vige, everyone took care of their own business, and the people her husband had gathered were all able to work and produce.

    She scanned the crowd, one hundred and forty-seven people.

    If they all lived in this mansion, they would have to be paid wages every month. Where would her husband get enough money? She couldn''t possibly go hunting to sell for money herself, could she?

    As the wife of Commander Jiang, Qin Luoxia was having trouble adjusting her mindset.

    Jiang Yu also felt a lot of pressure seeing so many people.

    How much food would it take to feed so many people for one meal? How much would be enough?

    This morning, when she went to the kitchen with Mom, she saw warehouses next to the kitchen containing several pecks of coarse and fine grains, and a room full of vegetables and meat. She thought the people in the Provincial Capital were quite generous, preparing so much good food.

    Now seeing so many people, how long would itst?

    And in the bedroom area, there were many pieces of fabric prepared, all new, enough to make clothes for the whole family for a year.

    But with so many people, there wouldn''t be enough to give one piece to each person.

    Worrying.

    Aunt Yin listened to the mother and daughters chattering and felt speechless.

    The younger girl was fine, she hadn''t spoken.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at the dense crowd below, the sea of ck heads, thinking about when she and her ssmates went to the hospital for internship, wondering if the chief doctor felt the same way looking at all those interns.

    While waiting for the servants below to gather and line up quietly, Great-aunt wasn''t idle.

    "Madam, here are the ve contracts for these people. In a while, you can choose some suitable people to keep, and for those who are not suitable, I can have the agency people take them away directly."

    Seeing Madam Qin''s expression, Aunt Yin added: "The agency people will pay silver for them."

    "Among those below are maids who serve in the house, rough work maids, errand boys, workers in the courtyard, those for the inner and outer courts. Generally, they are from families, so if you want to sell them, it''s best to sell them by family. There are also some who sing and perform in ys, these people are of a lower status, they are usually single and don''t have families."

    Aunt Yin exined.

    Jiang Mianmian sat obediently, listening attentively.

    She would have to adapt to living in the mansion eventually.

    Thinking about having people to serve her, fanning her in summer, swatting mosquitoes, warming her hands in winter, clothes ready when she stretches out her arms, food ready when she opens her mouth - this kind of life seemed quite nice.

    Mianmian shifted her little bottom, gettingfortable, and continued to listen to Great-aunt''s teachings. She felt she was adapting well to the life of the ruling ss.

    Then she heard Great-aunt say: "Regarding the maids and servants, if there''s anything unsatisfactory or disliked, never beat or scold them. It''s not that you can''t beat or scold them, but if they''re injured, they can''t work. They are family assets, just like your own livestock. If you damage them and they can''t work, you''re the one who loses out."

    "Moreover, if the beating and scolding is excessive, even after they recover, they''ll harbor resentment, and you''ll feel ufortable and won''t dare to use them. If you see someone unsuitable, we should just sell them directly. No need to learn those mansion feuding tricks! When teaching maids and old women, with the ve contracts in hand, we hold the power of life and death."

    Seeing the three mothers and daughters listening obediently, Aunt Yin continued:

    "As for some who know too much, see too much, are disloyal, and you''re worried they might spread rumors if sold, those can be beaten to death, leaving no loose ends."

 Chapter 168

    ¡­¡­

    The sun zed overhead.

    Following Grandma''s earnest teaching, Qin Luoxia looked at every maid and manservant before her with affection.

    These were not ordinary people, they were all treasures, to be cherished like the most precious possessions at home.

    Ordinary tenant farmers had nond, let alone livestock.

    But some prosperous smallndlords, they had their ownnd, livestock, which can do a lot of work, they regarded livestock very important, they can starve, but the livestock can''t. Livestock are essential members of the family, they are family treasures.

    Hearing Grandma''s exnation, Qin Luoxia understood.

    The contracts of these maids and manservants were all in her hands, they were her family property. She could sell them or kill them, but if she killed them, she had to fix up the first andst.

    However, this made her remembers that almost sold away her sister in the provincial capital as a maid, she gritted her teeth with hatred for Sixth Aunt, but unfortunately, Sixth Aunt passed away at the end ofst year.

    Ordinary families would not go to other ces to buy maids, unless maids are consumables, dealing with beginnings and endings is troublesome, and usually there is one maid per household. Killing a maid means dealing with a whole family, which is also trouble.

    Those who go to unfamiliar ces to buy maids, either buy them back to sell to brothels, or do lower-level work than maids, like these singers and dancers in the mansion, apart from singing and dancing, their bodies are also used for the enjoyment of the nobles, and nobles will give them to each other as gifts.

    Grandma taught the mother and daughter in the house, without letting the maids and servants outside hear.

    The house stood high, some distance from the gathering point in the courtyard.

    Those folks, queuing up under the scorching sun, were chatty at first, then slowly fell silent, striving to stand straight.

    As the sun bore down mercilessly, they were silent as well.

    Their mouths dry from the heat.

    When everyone had lined up with some manner of order, it was time to select the people.

    As per area categorisation, the kitchen needed people, the courtyard garden needed people, the guest rooms needed people, who could be shifted around; the entrance needed people, livestock needed someone to take care, carriages needed drivers, each master required attendants.

    Qin Luoxia spoke up, "Those who can read and write step forward and move to the left, those who can drive carriages, those who can nt trees, those who think they have special skills also move to the left."

    A woman stepped forward timidly and asked, "Does being able to sing opera count as a special skill?"

    Qin Luoxia nodded, "Yes, all kinds of skills count."

    Once she said this, the crowd churned and almost half the people moved to the left.

    A few tens of people stayed put, some anxious, some cool and collected, some simply gazed at their mistress. Indeed, those who had moved to the left did show promise, and many capable people chose to stay put.

    But Madame Qin didn''t discriminate, she told Grandma that the group could be sold off for now.

    The agency''s people had been summoned by Aunt Yin since morning to stand by.

    Upon Aunt Yin''s order, they came forward to count the number of people.

    The folks from the agency were very disciplined ¨C they recognised Aunt Yin. Taking advantage of the chaos, the stepson¡¯s entire family was murdered, and all the domestic servants were sold off, which they had managed.

    The domestic servants were an important asset of a household, worth a considerable sum of money.

    Some maids considered themselves superior, not wanting to curry favor with the early-rising, homey new mistress who hade from the countryside. They stayed put, motionless.

    Yet, Qin Luoxia didn¡¯t expect the Lady would sell them indiscriminately, without verifying their innocence.

    Qin Luoxia asked those who were on the left, "Those who do not want to stay can leave. Not many live here in my residence. We don¡¯t need too many."

    Hence, some people left. Because those who were sold had rtives among them, they reunited with their families.

    Qin Luoxia continued this selection process, several times over.

    Finally, she asked those who remained about their specific skills, and assigned them their respective roles, slowly bing proficient at the task.

    Jiang Mianmian obediently sat and watched Qin Luoxia choose the people.

    She oddly felt empathy for the leadership; even leaders would have had a first time in their position.

    It began with shyness, and then they gradually became proficient.

    Being in a high ce, others specte about your happiness and sadness; your every move bes significant, meaningful.

    Watching her mother allocate the work very systematically and steadily.

    Grandma didn¡¯t prevent it or say anything, in front of everyone, Grandma always acted obediently, like an olddy.

    Finally, a group of ancient literary and art workers remained... singing and dancing girls.

    There were nine people, five women and four men.

    Qin Luoxia individually asked them about their skills, and they each answered cautiously.

    Their status in the house is lower than that of the maids and servants.

    Possibly because looking at them reminded her of Little Phoenix Fairy, Qin Luoxia wasparatively courteous.

    ¡°What do you usually do?¡±

    "When the master is dining, we sing and dance to add to the fun."

    "When the master is lonely, we sing and dance to enliven the atmosphere."

    "When the master wants to watch a y, we perform."

    "We train during the day and mainly perform at night."

    Jiang Mianmian listened attentively to their answers with her ears perked up.

    She thought to herself that people¡¯s interests haven''t changed from ancient times to the present.

    In ancient times, without smartphones when eating, they couldn¡¯t scroll social media, nor were there TVs, so they could only watch live performances while eating¡ªlive singing, live dancing, showing off legs.

    When lonely at night without smartphones orputers, unable to watch TV series, these people would perform various drama for them.

    Seeing this, Jiang Mianmian felt that in certain respects, the ancients were thrill-seekers.

    You can tip in person and the performer will thank you in person¡­

    Corruption indeed!

    Jiang Mianmian wiped off the drool from the corner of her mouth, moved Jiang Xiaoshu from in front of her, and fixed her gaze on an attractively curvy beautiful girl.

    All of them were trembling with nervousness. They had heard the previous night that Sir Ma had arrived in the city and immediately yed Little Phoenix Fairy on meeting her.

    Among them, this girl trembled particrly violently.

    She was the most beautiful one of the group. She had always been disguising her beauty until yesterday, when an olddy saw through her and made her wash off her disguise.

    They are far inferior to Little Phoenix Fairy, easily being gifted away, as free-floating as duckweed.

    Jiang Mianmian remained silent. When her mother assigned a sturdy-faced maid to her, she had no objections.

    Upon seeing these nine people, Jiang Mianmian spoke: "Mom, let me y with them."

    Qin Luoxia was taken aback at this, she turned her head towards Aunt Yin.

    Aunt Yin, consciously, looked at the tip of her nose then her feet, thinking to herself: ''It''s time for Qin to show herpetence in disciplining her child. A little spanking and the child will behave.''

    But Qin Luoxia saw that Grandma was hanging her head low.

    This assumed consent, so she subsequently nodded and said, "Alright."

    ...

 Chapter 169

    The whole family was adapting to their new life.

    Jiang Mianmian adapted particrly quickly.

    She moved into her own private chambers, with an adjoining room where normally a maid would be on duty, in case the youngdy needed anything in the middle of the night.

    Aunt Yin said that normally a noble family''s daughter would have at least eight people serving her.

    Two personal maids, two chamber maids, two menial maids, one wet nurse, and one elder female servant.

    The personal maids were like modern-day personal assistants.

    One was responsible for daily life, the four treasures of the study, as well as needlework, fragrances, clothes, antiques, and paintings - essentially managing the more refined things. In simple terms, one managed finances, while the other managed personnel, overseeing the other maids.

    The more hands-on tasks like tea and food preparation were handled by the next tier of maids.

    Other tasks like tending to flowers and nts, decorating, and cleaning that didn''t require close personal contact were done by the menial maids.

    When going out, noble youngdies would also be assigned female guards.

    More capable personal maids not only served as personal assistants but also took on the role of female guards.

    For example, Aunt Yao who served the Jiang family matriarch was like this. Aunt Yao was very skilled in martial arts and also managed all the affairs and maids around the matriarch.

    The chamber maids had specific duties like hairdressing, preparing fragrances, and so on.

    No matter how many roles you can think of, there were never enough people.

    So it''s understandable that princesses and the like could have dozens of people serving them.

    Extrapting from this, a male master with one wife, many concubines, and many children would have a house full of servants. So when Lord He sent over more than a hundred servants, it wasn''t excessive at all.

    It wasn''t an exaggeration.

    This was the basic setup for the nobility.

    Of course, Qin Luoxia wasn''t dazzled by this sudden wealth.

    She wanted to take it slow.

    She wasn''t used to managing people yet, and having so many maids and servants all at once didn''t seem appropriate. It would take time to adjust to working with all the maids and servants, and they might even try to take advantage of the situation.

    Although Aunt Yin said they could sell off any they didn''t like, weren''t there still many shocking and messy affairs inrge families? Her husband had experienced this, not having a good life in the Jiang family despite having many servants around him.

    So Qin Luoxia only assigned one chubby little maid to her young daughter, one who looked strong enough to do work and not too cunning.

    The rest would probably be handled by Aunt Yin.

    She chose two in-looking maids for Jiang Yu.

    After all, Jiang Yu was already married and had more responsibilities.

    Even with these two in-looking maids, Qin Luoxia still had to worry a bit. She felt her older daughter wasn''t as sharp as the younger one.

    It would be good enough to properly train these two somewhat clumsy-looking maids.

    They would take it slow, no need to rush.

    For herself, she also chose two people - an elder female servant and a maid who looked capable.

    As for her husband, she selected a literate manservant.

    For young master Feng, she chose two manservants, no maids.

    She chose a bunch of little maids for Aunt Yin to train gradually.

    Besides maids, Lord He had prepared many other things as well.

    For Jiang Mianmian, it was basically a move-in ready situation.

    Everything was prepared for all aspects of daily life.

    For clothing, many fabrics were sent, along with embroiderers and tailors. They could start making clothes right away with custom measurements.

    For food, the kitchen was stocked with seasonings, grains, vegetables, meat, and eggs. Not only was human food prepared, but feed for livestock was also provided in abundance. The kitchen was fully staffed with cooks and kitchen helpers.

    For lodging, every room was cleaned thoroughly, with new beds and bedding sets that looked brand new. They could sleep in them right away.

    For transportation, carriages were provided.

    Carriages were allocated ording to the Commander''s official rank and position, along with horses to pull them, and some gentle mules as well.

    So for transportation alone, at least two staff were needed - one driver and one to prepare and maintain the "engine" (feeding and caring for the horses and mules). If the household wasrge, with people wanting to go shopping, attend gatherings, or go to work, one driver wouldn''t be enough - at least two would be needed.

    In short, to have a superior, high-ss,fortable lifestyle in ancient times, you needed many people to serve you.

    Calcting it this way, having a house full of people wasn''t excessive at all.

    Young Jiang Mianmian was trying her best to adapt to the life of nobility at home.

    Jiang Changtian took his son and son-inw to the government office to take up his post, also adapting to the life of nobility.

    Jiang Changtian adapted even faster.

    He looked every bit like a second-generation noble from the capital who hade down to gain experience, not at all like a rebel.

    With flowing robes and long hair, even his speech had an ethereal quality.

    Yesterday, someone had spread a rumor that the new Commander Jiang was terrifying, but this must have been a misunderstanding. How could such a beautiful gentleman be terrifying?

    Could it be that Little Phoenix Fairy saw Commander Jiang''s beauty, felt ashamed of her own looks, and died of embarrassment?

    So a new version of the rumor spread.

    The newly appointed Commander Jiang was so stunningly beautiful that when Little Phoenix Fairy saw him, she was awestruck, felt ashamed of her own looks, andmitted suicide...

    Of the two stories, thetter spread more widely. People were more inclined to believe this one because it had a twist and an element of the bizarre. Little Phoenix Fairy was already beautiful enough to cause the downfall of families and nations, so for someone to make Little Phoenix Fairy feel ashamed of her looks andmit suicide, how incredibly beautiful must that man be?

    When Lord He went back to report to his superior, even his boss asked about this gossip: "Is that Commander Jiang really more beautiful than Little Phoenix Fairy?"

    Lord He nodded with difficulty.

    Well, although Commander Jiang was more beautiful than Little Phoenix Fairy, Little Phoenix Fairy was indeed killed by Commander Jiang''s people, not by suicide.

    But the superior had already stopped listening and was letting his imagination run wild.

    Lord He didn''t think it appropriate to forcefully pull him back to exin.

    "Is Commander Jiang satisfied with our arrangements?"

    Lord He nodded slowly.

    His job was to make people satisfied, after all. If they weren''t satisfied, it meant he hadn''t done his job well.

    "For all the uing banquets and events, make sure to invite Commander Jiang. We must ensure that Commander Jiang feels our provincial capital''s official circles'' warmth and hospitality."

    Lord He obediently nodded.

    "What about tonight''s weing banquet?"

    "Go, everyone must go and show respect. It''s also a chance to see this legendary Commander who''s said to be more beautiful than Little Phoenix Fairy."

    Several people in the office startedughing.

    Lord He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but then closed it again. Never mind, you''ll see for yourselves.

    Seeing is believing.

    ...

    Tonight, Father was out socializing and didn''te home for dinner.

    Big brother and brother-inw were also out socializing and didn''te home for dinner.

    Dinner was prepared by the cook.

    Probably eager to impress the masters, they had prepared a veryvish meal.

    Jiang Yu was very excited, not even caring that her big brother, husband, and father hadn''t returned home.

    She circled the table several times.

    Aunt Yin gave her several sidelong nces.

    It wasn''t until Mother went to her room and came back with a whip to check if it was secure that sister finally stopped her strange behavior of circling the table and drooling.

    However, when it came time to eat, Jiang Yu felt a bit dazed and greatly disappointed.

    She forced herself to eat it all out of respect for the food - it was all fine grain and various seasonings, all rare items.

    She was a bit confused. Could the food in the provincial capital really be this bad? That seemed impossible.

    Could it be that they looked down on their family foring from the countryside, so they deliberately set them up by giving them cooks who couldn''t cook?

    Indeed, as Aunt Yin had said, the outside world was dangerous, with deep schemes. If it weren''t for her good sense of taste, she would have almost been fooled.

    Jiang Mianmian, used to the food made by her sister and mother, was also a bit picky. The food made by the people here was indeed a bit hard to describe, although the presentation was quite good.

    Qin Luoxia didn''t say anything.

    Aunt Yin also ate silently, eating very little.

    In the end, there were quite a lot of leftovers, which was very wasteful and not in line with their family''s usual style.

    Aunt Yin said, "Let''s bestow this food on the members of the song and dance troupe."

    Jiang Mianmian had requested those nine people, collectively referred to as the song and dance troupe.

    Qin Luoxia nodded, agreeing it was a good idea.

    Jiang Mianmian felt a bit strange in her heart. So giving leftovers and unwanted food to others was indeed considered a favor.

    She seemed to havee across this kind of plot before.

    Seeing the young girl''s surprised expression, Aunt Yin gently stroked her head and said, "When those in high positions bestow food, it''s a show of closeness. Although our conditions have improved, if you go to the market, you''ll still see people renting bones to take home and boil. A singlerge bone can be rented out several times." (Note 1)

    Jiang Mianmian''s mouth fell slightly open.

    Those who rent bones to take home, in order to get the most value for their money, would they lick the bones clean?

    I''m grateful for my hardworking and ambitious parents.

    No need to rent bones to take home for cooking, otherwise, just thinking about it...

    Bestowing leftover food and scraps, in return for tearful gratitude from the members of the dance troupe.

    Jiang Mianmian felt that except for the youngest little girl who seemed genuinely grateful, the others were merely going through the motions of thanks, with a touch of gratitude, but not much.

    Indeed, the idea of gaining loyalty by granting a meal of leftovers doesn''t exist; it''s against human nature.

    At night, Jiang Mianmiany in bed, reflecting on the day.

    She had interacted with more people today than in the past several yearsbined.

    The day had flown by in a flurry of activity, giving her an inexplicable sense of integration into this society.

    After saying goodnight to the little tree by her bedside, Jiang Mianmian fell asleep.

    Before drifting off, she thought about how ancient fabrics probably didn''t contain formaldehyde, as they had no smell, which was quite nice.

    In her hazy sleep, she felt her father and mothere in. Her father kissed her on the cheek, then left.

    She slept more soundly after that.

    She began to snore softly.

    In thete autumn, the youngdy''srge bed was covered with thick, tightly drawn curtains.

    In the outer room, a plump little maid slept somewhat restlessly, always feeling as if an old woman was watching her. The floor of the room seemed to have quite a few ants; she would need to get up early tomorrow to clean.

 Chapter 170

    Early morning.

    It was getting colder.

    Each day colder than thest.

    Jiang Mianmian wore a cotton nightgown, almost like a sleeping bag, with a cotton jacket over it, and another coat on top of that.

    As soon as she woke up, she squeezed her legs together.

    She needed to pee.

    Just then, she saw her maid Pangya carrying over a huge chamber pot.

    The pot seemed to be made of copper, with a ring of ornate carvings around it, looking quite expensive.

    Mom was right; the maid she chose for her was indeed very strong.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Although she woke up desperately needing to pee, the feeling of having a chamber pot brought to her was indescribable.

    And with the maid staring at her, she felt nervous.

    What if she needed to do more than pee, like have a bowel movement?

    With the maid watching like that, even her poop would be too shy toe out.

    After taking care of her biological needs, Jiang Mianmian washed up with Pangya''s assistance.

    Then she trotted off to find her mom.

    The youngdy''s quarters weren''t far from her mother''s bedroom, but Mom wouldn''t always be in her bedroom. In the morning, she should be in the dining area, right?

    Jiang Mianmian walked slowly, as if strolling through a park.

    Pangya followed nervously behind her.

    Her parents had told Pangya she''d hit the jackpot. They thought she was destined to be a rough servant, but now she''d been assigned to wait on the youngdy. They told her to work hard, and that for a maid, being obedient was more important than being clever ¨C just do whatever the masters tell you to do.

    Pangya herself was surprised. She was chubby and clumsy-looking, so people usually didn''t want her for close personal service. Before, she had always been tending to flowers and nts, as her strength was useful for moving pots in and out.

    Pangya felt that the work of a personal maid was much less demanding. She just had to follow the young miss, watch her, eat and drink. It was simpler than tending nts, which required getting up early to dig soil, move flower pots, and clean ¨C lots of work.

    She was happy.

    But her parents cautioned her not to let her guard down, to be alert, watch more and talk less, and work hard.

    So now, following the youngdy, Pangya matched her every step.

    Jiang Mianmian asked curiously, "Have you had breakfast? You were right there when I opened my eyes. When do you eat breakfast?"

    Pangya replied, "I haven''t eaten yet. We eat when we have a chance. If the young miss doesn''t need us to attend her, we can grab a bite in the corner. We can also take turns eating. Both my parents work in the household, so I can eat with them. I have a big appetite, but I also work very hard."

    Jiang Mianmian nodded.

    Having both parents in the household meant Pangya had roots here.

    She thought of her own hospital internships, when sometimes there were so many patients that she couldn''t find time to eat, only grabbing bites when possible. We''re all wage ves, she mused.

    By the time they slowly made their way to the dining hall, Jiang Mianmian felt like she''d already met her exercise quota for the day.

    These big houses really give you a workout.

    Jiang Mianmian obediently greeted her parents.

    Then she said hello to her Eldest Brother, Brother-inw, and Elder Sister.

    Everything up to this point was normal and well-behaved.

    Then Pangya watched as the eldest young master picked up the little miss and tossed her high into the air.

    Pangya''s chubby heart felt like it was flying too.

    This kind of tossing shouldn''t be allowed!

    In mid-air, Little Mianmian''s chubby round face twitched a bit.

    They''d yed like this since she was tiny, so she was used to it. At first, she''d been nervous, but now when tossed up she would rx her whole body, enjoying the feeling of flight.

    After all, she was guaranteed to be caught.

    During the meal, the vors were normal this morning.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at the congee, oil pancakes, small radishes, vegetables, and meat in front of her ¨C these were her favorites.

    It seemed Elder Sister had supervised the kitchen for breakfast.

    Seeing Elder Sister''s spirited demeanor, she must have found her way of life.

    There was no custom of silence during meals.

    Jiang Mianmian heard her father say, "In a few days, it will be Yu''er''s birthday. Since we''re in the Provincial Capital this year, let''s invite people and have a proper celebration."

    Qin Luoxia nodded, thinking that after the birthday, perhaps it would be time to start looking at potential matches. If they were inviting people, did that mean they could start considering suitors?

    Jiang Yu was delighted. Birthdays meant good food, and this time they''d definitely have to make the cake his sister had talked about.

    Meng Shaoxia was conflicted.

    His current official rank was still a tiny bit higher than his father-inw''s.

    Atst night''s weing banquet, he never imagined that his father-inw ¨C with his otherworldly good looks and ethereal aura ¨C would turn out to have the reputation of a corrupt official...

    He was apparently preparing to start amassing wealth.

    This was utterly unexpected...

    Celebrating birthdays for the younger generation and inviting guests would beughable.

    Wah, his own birthday wasing up soon too!!!

    Jiang Mianmian was excited. "Great, great! It''s Brother''s birthday, and I''ve already thought of a gift that won''t cost any money."

    Her song and dance troupe, ah, might even set a new fashion trend by then.

    Hoho, she was already getting excited.

    After eating, Little Mianmian walked back with Jiang Xiaoshu and Pangya.

    She noticed Pangya''s lips were oily, so it seemed she had eaten.

    Jiang Mianmian took Jiang Xiaoshu out of her pocket and said, "This is my pet. If you see it, don''t step on it."

    Pangya nodded, then looked confused, then quickly nodded several more times.

    This ant was the young miss''s pet? When she used to tend the flowers, she had killed so many ants. What should she do?

    And this ant was way too big.

    Once Pangya started thinking about it, her brain short-circuited a bit. Never mind, better not to think about it.

    Jiang Mianmian led Pangya back to her bedroom, which had a private bathroom ¨C a small partitioned area for using the toilet, dark with a curtain that could be lowered, and a small tform with a copper washbasin.

    After peeing or pooping, there was wood ash to cover it, so it didn''t smell.

    Someone was specifically in charge of cleaning it.

    The main feature was really just howbor-intensive it all was.

    Using the toilet once involved several people to clean up, serve tea, pour water, help with clothes, wash the chamber pot...

    Reforming the toilet system with flush toilets would require plumbing, biogas tanks, and all sorts of things...

    Ah, better give up on that idea for now.

    After using the bathroom, Jiang Mianmian began her daily routine as a youngdy.

    She had someone notify the members of her song and dance troupe to perform.

    They could perform any acts they were good at.

    The troupe members were called to a circr stage in the center of the courtyard, with curtains hung around it, looking very proper.

    There was even a dedicated area behind the stage, behind the curtains, for them to change clothes and put on makeup, so they didn''t have to run around.

    Watching the fiercest Old Granny in the household arranging tea, snacks, and lounging chairs by the viewing area, it felt like some very important people would be watching.

    But wasn''t it a bit decadent to start enjoying song and dance performances so early in the morning?

    They usually performed in the evening, or in the afternoon.

    It was rare for someone to want to watch performances so early in the morning.

    However, after hearing about Little Phoenix Fairy''s death, they had be much more obedient.

    But they had also heard another version of the story, saying that Little Phoenix Fairy had died of shame.

    Apparently, the Head of the Family was actually a devastatingly handsome man.

    They hadn''t seen him.

    But they had seen the young miss who had taken them in.

    They felt a bit grateful in their hearts. If the young miss hadn''t wanted them, looking at how others were thrown into agencies and sold at the slightest provocation, it was quite sobering.

    They didn''t dare look at the young miss too much, but even at her young age, she already showed signs of bing a great beauty.

    Being called to perform for the first time, with such a grand stage set up, and Granny Yin so carefully and solemnly preparing refreshments, they were all a bit nervous. It must be the Head of the Familying to watch them, so they had to bring out their very best skills.

    One by one, they warmed up their voices, stretched their muscles, and prepared themselves.

    Then they saw a little bean sprout of a girl saunter over.

    She made herselffortable on the lounge chair, even kicking off her embroidered shoes...

    The stern and imposing Granny smiled warmly as she poured tea.

    A chubby maid stood behind the little bean sprout.

    The tiny girl waved her hand, indicating they could begin their performance...

 Chapter 171

    The air was slightly cool.

    The sunlight was just right.

    Lush green leaves still hung on the branches.

    Some leaves were pure yellow, gleaming like gold.

    The courtyard garden had been carefully designed.

    The nted trees changed with the seasons.

    Different seasons brought different aesthetic appeals.

    If it snowed in winter, it would present yet another scenic view.

    The stage was set up by the pond, with elevated seating and shaded areas. For those wanting to sunbathe, they could stretch their legs out a bit.

    Jiang Mianmiany on a small recliner, very satisfied with her vantage point.

    This life, these days, this feeling - it was simply too enjoyable.

    Aunt Yin watched the youngdy trying to kick off her embroidered shoes and gave her a slight re. Seeing her smile back, trying to act cute.

    Acting cute wouldn''t work either.

    Aunt Yin bent down to help her remove the loosely hanging embroidered shoes, massaged her soles, and then helped her put the shoes back on.

    "Youngdies shouldn''t do that," she admonished.

    Jiang Mianmian gave her great-aunt an obedient smile. It wasn''t that she had suddenly been possessed by the spirit of a wealthy heir; she just wanted to kick them off for a moment.

    The great-aunt wiped her hands again and set out to prepare kung fu tea.

    She and Eunuch Duan had been studying it, with the Young Master giving a few pointers. The tea brewing process was a revtion each time. Aunt Yin had a feeling that if she mastered this tea brewing method, her life would reach new heights.

    The Young Master even encouraged her to write it down.

    She said it could be published and passed down through the ages, with titles like "The Origins of Yin''s Kung Fu Tea," "The Tea ssic," "The Tea Doctor," "The Jingzhou Tea Brewing Method"...

    Her words made even Aunt Yin, an old pce maid who had been steeped in pce life for decades, feel a surge of excitement.

    This Young Master had a silver tongue, a sweet talker.

    If she could even persuade her, the Young Master shouldn''t have to worry about marital discord in the future.

    Although she had taken on the responsibility of managing all affairs of the household, big and small, and training new staff, Aunt Yin still ced serving the Young Master as her top priority.

    Jiang Mianmian watched Aunt Yin fiddling with the small charcoal stove, brewing tea, and said from the side: "For tea brewing, mountain spring water is best. In winter, collecting clean snow water is also very elegant. Anyway, Aunt, just make it as challenging as possible, and I guarantee you''ll have a crowd of crazy followers."

    Aunt Yin: ...

    Although the Young Master''s tone made one want to smack her, she seemed to have a point.

    The Young Master seemed to understand certain aspects of those nobles better than she did.

    Pangya stood obediently to the side, holding a fan but not fanning, as it wasn''t hot. However, she was ready to swat away any mosquitoes that might fly in.

    Jiang Mianmian reclinedfortably, watching the first act on the stage.

    Beautiful youngdies came out wearing minimal, transparent gauze, lifting their legs high.

    The dance steps were quite graceful, though there were frequent high leg lifts.

    There were no underwear in ancient times.

    Jiang Mianmian almost spat out her tea when she thought of this.

    Aunt Yin''s face darkened as well.

    These singing and dancing girls had no future.

    Looking at this setup, it was clear that even though the Young Master wanted to listen, they were presenting this rubbish for her to watch.

    Jiang Mianmian watched very attentively; the youngdies'' legs were very long.

    Quite provocative.

    Among them was a young girl with a voluptuous figure but an exceptionally clear and beautiful face, both pure and alluring, very unique.

    Jiang Mianmian watched the dance performance carefully to the end.

    Overall, she felt it was quite good, though the apanying music was a bit monotonous.

    It might be because this was just a small in-house performance troupe.

    Plus, even if she hadn''t seen live performances in modern times, she would havee across many on TV,puters, and phones.

    Modern dance is the culmination of centuries of brilliant creations, while what she was seeing now was at a primitive stage, somewhatcking inparison.

    Of course, seeing real legs was enough.

    After all, they were genuine.

    However, there were no props on stage. It would be better with a few poles, dancing around them, doing some pole dancing, which should be more seductive.

    Thinking of pole dancing, Jiang Mianmian turned to look at her great-aunt. Aunt Yin had no particr expression; it should be fine... It''s art, nothing to be ashamed of.

    She probably wouldn''t get beaten, right? She wasn''t dancing herself, just watching other girls dance.

    Next, she listened to the youngdies sing, with one ying an instrument and another singing. The lyrics were a bit unclear, and Jiang Mianmian felt that her mother probably didn''t know what kind of troupe this was, otherwise she wouldn''t have easily agreed to give them to her.

    As this youngdy sat there singing, Jiang Mianmian couldn''t understand the lyrics and didn''t quite grasp the melody, but she noticed that the youngdy''s breasts were sorge, full, and white~

    This youngdy was like a ripe peach.

    So big and white, who could resist, who could still focus on listening to the song.

    She suspected that this song and dance troupe wasn''t a proper one.

    Aunt Yin''s cheek twitched slightly.

    Watching her Young Master staring intently at the performers, looking very engrossed...

    She must be overthinking it; the Young Master was too young to understand such things.

    Aunt Yin asked one of the small maids beside her to go backstage and say something.

    Stop the singing and dancing, and put on some proper Jingzhou opera.

    They shouldn''t corrupt the Young Master; what was all this? That little He was inconsiderate, leaving behind such improper performers.

    The next act was a proper Jingzhou opera.

    A beautiful woman came out, quite tall and statuesque. When she started singing, her voice was as gentle as water, full of emotion.

    Jiang Mianmian remembered that everyone in the troupe was male.

    This woman who came out, with her graceful figure and loving gaze, instantly overshadowed the real women from before. The performer wore opera costume with a tight cor, not even showing an Adam''s apple, but that demeanor made you forget about therge, white breasts pressed against the qin earlier.

    When men act coquettishly, they leave women in the dust.

    His legs were alsopletely covered, hiding hisrge feet, but for some reason, it made you want to ask him to show his legs...

    Next, a male character came on stage, with an air reminiscent of Jia Baoyu - red lips and white teeth, engaging in a back-and-forth dialogue.

    Then elderly female and male characters took the stage, brandishing spears with nging sounds. There were fight scenes and disys of singing prowess, with voices drawn out long and loud.

    Although she had transmigrated, she had barely left home and was a pure local, unfamiliar with these performances. She couldn''t understand.

    The opera seemed slightly less interesting than the song and dance performance.

    The basic skills seemed quite solid.

    Jiang Mianmian watched, feeling drowsy.

    Aunt Yin, who often apanied the Empress Dowager to watch ys in the pce, found this small-scale performance mediocre.

    After watching the live song, dance, and opera performances, it was time for lunch. After eating, there was an afternoon nap, and when she woke up, it was nearly three o''clock.

    She was still young, with no hands-on courses to learn.

    Talking was fine.

    So she went off to tinker with her song and dance troupe again.

    She nned to arrange a symphonic rendition of "Happy Birthday" for her brother''s birthday banquet.

    The household had fabric and tailors, so Jiang Mianmian had people prepare clothes.

    For her brother''s birthday gift, they needed to dress more formally, sexy but not revealing. The opera performer who yed female roles was not at all exposed, yet very alluring.

    Anyway, Jiang Mianmian was going all out.

    It didn''t matter if she didn''t understand music; everyone knows how to sing "Happy Birthday."

    She looked busy and bustling.

    Soon, it was time for Commander Jiang''s eldest son''s birthday.

    Those who received invitations couldn''t help but curl their lips.

    Officials had a standard approach when dealing with pardoned rebels who became officials: they tried to corrupt and degrade them, wear down their fighting spirit, and make them quickly assimte into officialdom.

    They feared the rebels'' troops and their potential for rebellion. If the rebels lost their will to revolt and only thought about promotion and wealth every day, what was there to fear? There were plenty of ways to control them. The official circles wereplex and could tame even the fiercest generals, ying them like donkeys.

    But this Jiang the Second seemed to be corrupting a bit too quickly.

    He had just arrived, barely settled in, and was already starting to amass wealth.

    Others at least waited for their mother''s birthday to receive gifts.

    But here he was, sending out invitations for his son''s birthday, already collecting gifts. It was too much.

    To be honest, when arranging Feng''er''s birthday, Jiang Changtian had considered whether to bring over Old Madam Jiang as a prop and arrange her birthday for next month.

    No, wait, next month seemed to be Shao Xia''s birthday.

    Then the month after that would do.

    Jiang Changtian arrived in the prefectural city and found that he had no real work to do.

    The pardoned Commander position offered by the court was actually a joke. If he really wanted to do something, treating himself as a dish ready to be eaten would beughable. No troops, no people, no weapons.

    So he decided to focus on amassing wealth. Might as well take what he could get and continue training and maintaining troops.

    For pardoned individuals who wanted promotion, the only way was to continue rebelling. Rebel, get pardoned, get promoted - this was the sustainable path of development.

    Those invited to attend Commander Jiang''s birthday celebration couldn''t help but notice the Jiang father and son.

    Everyone had seen Commander Jiang''s beauty before, and each time it was stunning.

    But they hadn''t expected Commander Jiang''s eldest son to be so exceptional as well. Although he had a scar on his forehead, it didn''t detract from his appearance at all.

    However, no noble families were considering marriage alliances.

    After all, the true nobility viewed these newly pacified people like Commander Jiang as nothing more than jesters, waiting for the court to deal with them.

    For now, they let them run wild and sendvish gifts, but in the future, they would have to spit it all back out.

    Many people came. It was very lively.

    Jiang Yu was fortunate to have arranged arge group dinner and gathering under her great-aunt''s guidance, and she was quite excited about it.

    Her focus was on the feast.

    Meanwhile, her great-aunt was teaching Qin, the matriarch, how to host arge-scale reception.

    Beyond food and drink, there were many other details to consider.

    The personal safety of guests, the possibility of ill-intentioned people sneaking into the inner quarters, conflicts between guests that might affect the banquet - banquets were often the scene of major incidents.

    Especially in the capital, gatherings of nobledies frequently featured scenarios including but not limited to chance encounters, getting soaked, falling into rivers, poisoning, miscarriages, secret engagements, catching adulterers, passing secret notes, and so on...

    Particrly for marriageable young women, every year there were a few muddle-headed ones who ruined their prospects at such banquets.

    Qin Luoxia had originally wanted to consider a couple of youngdies, but after hearing Aunt Yin''s words, she became a bit nervous.

    However, on the day of the event, no one brought their daughters, and few even brought their womenfolk.

    This was awkward.

    It showed that although they had moved to the prefectural city, they hadn''t been epted by the upper-ss nobility.

    They weren''t even prepared to begin social interactions among thedies.

    The men of the families had no choice but toe, grudgingly bringing gifts.

    The women of the great families and noble houses in the prefectural city were all waiting tough at this birthday banquet.

    Peasants will always be peasants, they thought. Who holds birthday celebrations for youngsters and invites people?

    They were all waiting to see how shabby this banquet would be.

    Qin Luoxia noticed the absence of women and realized the problem.

    However, she wasn''t the type to be intimidated. Aunt Yin had said there would be absolutely no problems, so there definitely wouldn''t be any problems.

    She trusted Aunt Yin. She would do her part well; as long as no guests died in their home, the rest wasn''t her concern...

 Chapter 172

    Standing at the entrance to wee guests was Jiang Feng.

    Today he was smiling rather foolishly.

    He gave people the impression that Commander Jiang might be quite gloomy, a mncholic beauty.

    But Commander Jiang''s eldest son seemed a bit dim-witted, with a silly grin and a foolish look.

    Jiang Feng loved lively atmospheres.

    Every day, besides practicing swordy and braiding his sister''s hair, he enjoyed going to train troops.

    Because there were many people.

    Having many people around made him feel secure.

    It felt full of positive energy.

    He would smile happily whenever he saw living people.

    His smile made everyone think he was a bit simple-minded.

    Shouldn''t a true big shot maintain a poker face regardless of emotions?

    In short, everyone''s assessment of Commander Jiang''s eldest son was that he was rather simple.

    Even when he killed Xiao Fenxian, people thought he was foolish - such a beautiful woman, why kill her without a word? He could have yed with her first.

    Many nobles beat their chests in regret, cursing, "Jiang Feng, you idiot! You dolt!"

    Today,ing to attend the birthday celebration of Commander Jiang''s eldest son Jiang Feng, they saw him in person.

    Indeed, he was quite foolish.

    Smiling like a big idiot, wasting such a handsome face.

    Jiang Feng did have some resemnce to Commander Jiang, with simr eye corners and lips, but overall he looked more like his mother.

    Commander Jiang''s face could topple kingdoms, while Jiang Feng''s face was simple and honest.

    Jiang Feng was very happy.

    He knew others were mocking him.

    But he didn''t mind.

    He knew his father was ostensibly gathering wealth, but actually trying to make him happy.

    Since he had told his father his secret, his father had be much more understanding towards him.

    This was his father''s indulgence.

    His father knew he was tired of loneliness.

    He liked lively atmospheres.

    The more people, the better - it felt festive.

    He didn''t care that people said celebrating one''s birthday so grandly at such a young age would shorten his life.

    Having died before, he wanted every day of his life to be brilliant.

    The days of death were infinitely long, while the days of life were numbered.

    He heard that Mianmian had also prepared a birthday gift for him, specially training her song and dance troupe to perform.

    He didn''t understand why Mianmian called those singers and dancers a "troupe."

    Perhaps children just liked round, group-like things.

    Today''s feast was still carefully prepared for him by Little Jiang Yu.

    Little Jiang Yu really had a talent for cooking. In the past, he had always longed to eat outside, but now that he had the chance to eat out, he realized that the best food was still at home.

    Thinking about it this way, Shao Xia wasn''t losing out. Although his sister had a bit of a temper, was a bit slow-witted, spoke harshly, and looked fierce, she could cook delicious food.

    Then he thought that if Shao Xia took his sister back to the capital in a few years, there would be no more such delicious food at home. He would miss it... If they could invite Shao Xia''s family to live together, it would be quite lively and nice.

    That way, his sister wouldn''t have to leave home.

    With Little Jiang Yu''s personality, Jiang Feng was very worried she wouldn''t be able to survive in a big n.

    Although judging by Shao Xia''s character, his family should be decent.

    Because he didn''t want his sister to marry out, he suddenly wanted his brother-inw''s family to alle live with them. Who could make their daughter''s husband and his family all live nearby? Under heaven, only the emperor had such power.

    Jiang Feng thought about it and strangely had this idea.

    Then he was somewhat shocked, feeling this thought was a bit treasonous.

    But then he thought, wasn''t he already a rebel? It was right for a rebel to think this way.

    So on his birthday,

    Jiang Feng, an older youth still unmarried and without a partner, also developed a grand ambition.

    In order to be able to have his future brothers-inw live nearby, he had to work hard to rebel.

    The guests had mostly arrived.

    Those who shoulde had alle.

    This time Gong Qichi also came.

    He brought General Zi''s adopted eldest son, Zi Wenxin, to attend the feast.

    It was Jiang Feng''s first time meeting Zi Wenxin. He had met Zi Ganjiang before and had a good rtionship with him.

    When his sister got married, Brother Ganjiang hade to the wedding feast and given a gift.

    Zi Wenxin looked refined and cultured, like someone with a bright future.

    It was hard to believe he was a rebel; he looked more like a young nobleman.

    This generation of rebels generally had rather outstanding appearances.

    Gong Qichi, a homegrown former top schr of the imperial examinations, on the other hand, looked travel-worn. In the time since theyst met, several more fine wrinkles had appeared at the corners of his eyes, and his eye bags were deeper, making him look sleep-deprived.

    Gong Qichi had originally thought that by giving Brother Changtian more responsibilities, he would have a busier and more difficult life.

    After all, in this rebellion, Jiang Changtian hadn''t moved at all, just guarding Ming County.

    For a normal amnesty, bing a county magistrate would be quite an achievement.

    Gong Qichi strongly rmended promoting him to Commander, advancing two ranks at once.

    In officialdom, going from county magistrate tomander was something some officials might not achieve in a lifetime.

    He had Brother Changtiane to the provincial capital as well.

    With his great talent, it would be a waste for him to remain in a small county.

    Beforeing, Gong Qichi had long night talks with Jiang Changtian, pouring out his heart and sparing no effort to analyze theplexities of the provincial capital for Brother Changtian, sharing his experiences word by word.

    He never imagined that when he saw Brother Jiang again,

    Dressed in fine silks and satins, he looked even younger and more beautiful, his skin whiter and more delicate.

    He looked more like an official than the local officials of the provincial capital.

    The way he smiled and spoke, his subtle expressions, his movements - if you said he was a newly appointedmander, people would doubt it. How could he have such an official manner without decades of immersion in officialdom?

    This person must have been born wearing an official''s hat and started training from birth...

    If Gong Qichi didn''t believe in Brother Changtian''s nature, he would have beenpletely deceived by this mansion, beautiful maids - oh, there were no beautiful maids - mansion plus not-so-beautiful maids, this opulence, this colorful scene.

    He would have suspected that Brother Jiang had be corrupt and degenerate.

    Fortunately,

    Seeing Brother Jiang again, apart from looking even younger, his sincerity remained.

    Brother Jiang was still Brother Jiang, unchanged.

    Thinking about it, it wasn''t easy.

    The provincial capital was surrounded by wolves, with covetous eyes all around. This provincial capital was a huge whirlpool, certainly not as rxed as Ming County.

    Brother Jiang must be trying to probe the enemy''s situation, actually using his son''s birthday celebration as an excuse to invite all these people.

    This was a feast of Hongmen.

    But don''t worry, with him, Gong Qichi, here, he would have Brother Jiang''s back at the critical moment.

    Presenting gifts, entering the door.

    Taking a sip of tea.

    Oh my, this tea is not bad, quite fragrant.

    Another sip, ah, really good, aromatic.

    Yet another sip, there''s even a sweet aftertaste.

    Eating some snacks.

    Crispy and chewy, with a perfect bnce of salty and sweet, very savory.

    Eating another piece.

    ...

    Zi Wenxin was the eldest among General Zi''s adopted sons.

    He had heard Ganjiang speak of the Jiang Family before.

    People like Gong Qichi, and they themselves, were the core members of the Zi Family.

    The Jiang Family was considered ater addition to their ranks.

    During a rebellion, it''s impossible to be enemies with everyone. The main enemy is the imperial court, and they need to assimte some other forces.

    Basically, everyone puts on a false front, much of it is just for show, they don''t interfere with each other, just using each other''s names.

    Theye together due to aligned interests.

    In the end, there will be disputes.

    A snake picked up on the road, who knows if it will bite you back when springes next year.

    This Commander Jiang was someone both Zi Ganjiang and Gong Qichi spoke well of.

    But Zi Wenxin remained skeptical.

    Gong Qichi was so brainless as to leave their young master in someone else''s home.

    No wonder a top schr like him ended up in their rebel den.

    What kind of brain did he have?

    His heart was too big.

    Anyway, Zi Wenxin had never thought highly of Gong Qichi from beginning to end.

    Unfortunately, his adoptive father said that although Gong Qichi was sometimes a bit stubborn, he was a man who got things done and was very useful, telling him to put aside his prejudices.

    He couldn''t do anything about Gong Qichi, but he had never liked Commander Jiang, whom Gong Qichi rmended.

    It wasn''t specifically targeted at Commander Jiang, but he felt that anyone who wasn''t part of their core group couldn''t be good.

    However, this Commander Jiang must have something special about him.

    After the young master went to the Jiang Family and returned, he became much more talkative, no longer silent until he spoke and then killing a bunch of people with his words, he became much more normal.

    His adoptive father said after meeting Jiang Changtian that he was a very interesting person.

    He even sent an old, perverted nanny to the Jiang Family.

    Having heard so much about him, they finally met face to face.

    The moment Zi Wenxin saw Commander Jiang''s face, he finally understood what his adoptive father meant.

    It was hard to judge.

    Although his adoptive father was greatly talented, he was also partial to good looks.

    Not lustful or desirous, but purely appreciative of beautiful things and people.

    Just like these adopted sons of his, each one with a good appearance, his adoptive father cultivated them well, teaching them ording to their talents, feeding them well, taking meticulous care of them.

    Zi Wenxin suspected that if not for the age difference, his adoptive father would have wanted to adopt another son.

    This Commander Jiang''s appearance was truly outstanding.

    Seeing Commander Jiang''s face,

    Zi Wenxin even understood why his adoptive father wanted to send an old nanny to teach their daughter.

    Could it be that he simply thought their daughter was beautiful and wanted a beautiful daughter-inw, wanting to hold beautiful grandchildren?

    Come to think of it, following his adoptive father''s line of thought, it was probably exactly like that.

    Zi Wenxin found it hard to judge, difficult to sum up in a few words.

    Let''s wait and see, he thought.

    He was also pulled in to help by Gong Qichi, who said he was worried his good brother might be bullied, so he came to back him up.

    Tsk, his good brother with his rosy lips, white teeth, and delicate skin, with that warm smile - which part of him looks bullied? You, on the other hand, wow!

    It had been a long time since he''d really looked at Gong Qichi.

    Zi Wenxin didn''t like him much, so he rarely looked at him closely.

    Looking again, he was suddenly startled - when did he age so much?

    Compared to that elegant top schr he first met, he was now apletely different person.

    He felt inexplicably guilty; Mr. Gong had indeed worried himself sick over them.

    Watching Mr. Gong there, eagerly eating as if he''d never seen food before, Zi Wenxin felt guilty again. Had they perhaps been too hard on Mr. Gong?

    ...

 Chapter 173

    That day.

    There was no clinking of sses.

    No wild abandon.

    Just a very formal birthday celebration.

    Unexpectedly so.

    The invited guests came reluctantly, holding their noses.

    Lord He also received an invitation. Upon learning that Commander Jiang''s eldest son was born in the Year of the Rat, he pooled public funds with his own money and speciallymissioned a life-sized solid gold rat from a jewelry store as a gift.

    Because it was a life-sized golden rat, and solid gold at that, Lord He had truly put in great effort and expense. Though some was reimbursed from public funds, he also paid out of pocket, and the manufacturing costs alone were not insignificant.

    So when presenting the gift, he didn''t even use a box to cover it, but simply tied it with a colorful ribbon.

    When it was announced - "Lord He presents one solid gold rat!"

    It was quite impressive indeed.

    The handsome Commander Jiang graciously smiled and shook his hand, exchanging a few words.

    Money truly can make people smile.

    Commander Jiang smiled and said, "We''re so grateful to Lord He for all his hard work in helping us settle here in the Provincial Capital, and now this precious gift on top of that. We can''t thank you enough."

    Lord He straightened up considerably from his slight bow.

    "You''re too kind, it''s only right. I wish the young master Jiang long life and good health." After saying it, Lord He felt a bit awkward.

    It was the first time he''d wished someone''s son long life in front of their father. Something about it felt off.

    Then he heard Commander Jiang say, "Next month is little Xu''s birthday too. Lord He muste then as well - we''re all family here."

    Lord He: ...

    He wiped the sweat from his brow with one hand. Surely next month''s gift could be expensed too, right? This was all part of building rtionships, wasn''t it?

    "I understandpletely. Then I shall present another life-sized solid gold rat, to make a matching pair."

    But Commander Jiang shook his head repeatedly.

    "No, no, no. Little Xu was born in the Year of the Ox." (Note 1)

    Lord He''s eyes rolled back and he nearly fainted...

    ...

    Meng Shaoxia, born in the Year of the Ox, suddenly felt his ears itching.

    Someone must be talking about him behind his back.

    Could it be his parents missing him?

    It''s possible.

    Come to think of it, it had been a long time since he''d gone home. Should he go back for a visit and let his parents and grandmother meet little Yu''er?

    They would surely be delighted.

    ...

    The crowd pinched their noses and pretended to be happy as they came to deliver birthday gifts.

    But then they saw that Zi Wenxin and Gong Qichi had actuallye.

    The atmosphere suddenly became much more serious.

    After all, when Zi Lu led troops into the city, it had left quite an impression on everyone.

    Zi Wenxin had done something that made everyone''s heads smoke.

    When the rebels entered the city, a group of schrs cursed at them.

    He held a banquet, inviting both famous and unknown schrs, and set up a debate with two teams.

    The topic: Should the current Emperor''s rule continue to exist or not?

    The winners would get luxurious chariots and horses, and positions in the rebel ranks. The losers would be beheaded.

    But the problem was, the winning team''s stance was "The current Emperor''s rule should exist and has superiority."

    This was rather sudden and unpredictable.

    Zi Wenxin''s view was that the stance didn''t matter - what mattered was winning. Win first, worry about the restter.

    In any case, this Zi Wenxin was also one of the Provincial Capital''s celebrities.

    Gong Qichi needed no introduction - he was rebel Zi Lu''s number one henchman.

    He''d strike wherever pointed, despite being a top schr, more vicious than a wild dog.

    The nobles who came all put aside their arrogance and reluctance, bing much more docile, with sweeter smiles.

    Just drink some tea and eat a little, treat it like attending a tea party, chat idly, build some rtionships - thinking of it this way, the gifts given didn''t seem like such a loss.

    It''s just that the food and drink at this banquet seemed rather in.

    Not like a wealthy household or upper-ss gathering, with tables piled high and tes overflowing.

    The way the dishes were arranged seemed to say, "I''ll consider it my loss if you starve to death."

    Each dish was very small and delicate.

    There was even a bowl with just three vegetable leaves floating in it. For a table of twelve people, this was a bit much. How to divide it?

    Three leaves to kill twelve men?

    This meager fare was looking down on them.

    Did they think the gifts brought weren''t generous enough?

    When they saw servants in white clothes and white hats approaching with knives, they were even more startled.

    Surely they weren''t going to butcher anyone? It shouldn''te to that - they had brought gifts, and generous ones at that.

    But then they saw the servants use the knives to scoop out those three leaves, cut each leaf into three, turning them into four strips, thendle out a bowl of soup for each person, adding one small strip of leaf.

    Under the smiling gaze of the knife-wielding men in white clothes and hats,

    Everyone gave face and picked up their bowls to drink the soup.

    "Son of a¡ª!"

    "By the gods!"

    "Bloody hell!"

    As soon as the soup touched their throats,

    Curses floated out.

    When something is truly delicious, there''s no time forposing poetry or praise or finding literary allusions. The most instinctive reaction is an honest expletive.

    The soup was so savory it made them think of their mothers, their first loves, their cousins, the neighbor''s wife, that incorruptible official who sold his body but not his integrity, the golden days of childhood.

    In short, it was unforgettable.

    And it was just one sip of soup.

    Then they ate that strip of vegetable leaf.

    Surprisingly, it was full of the soup''s savory vor plus the leaf''s own sweetness. The leaf was cooked just right, neither mushy nor tough, with a crisp freshness that was still friendly to the teeth.

    It fully considered that many people might have dental issues.

    One leaf. No, just a strip of one leaf.

    And this was only the first course.

    It left people savoring every bite, their eyes red with emotion.

    It was a bit over-dramatic.

    Theposed Zi Wenxin watched everyone, thinking the officials and nobles of the Provincial Capital were getting better at acting.

    Was all this really necessary, over a bowl of soup?

    It was practically a mime performance.

    How touching.

    They never showed such emotion when his godfather was around.

    He calmly took a sip of the soup.

    Then he silently drank the soup.

    Silently ate the vegetables.

    Silently ate the meat.

    Silently ate the wild onions he used to dislike.

    Silently drank more soup.

    Silence is the best expression - talking means missing out on food.

    ...

    Of course, one must check their phone while eating. Oh wait, no - watch the song and dance performance.

    At this point, the Jiang Manor''s musical performance began.

    "Boom!"

    Everyone''s spirits were lifted!

    ...

    ...

    ...

 Chapter 174

    Jiang Mianmian sat upright with a serious expression.

    She was sitting straight, not lounging casually.

    Her position allowed her to see the stage.

    However, there was a partition separating her from the men''s section.

    During banquets, men and women sat separately, even entering through different entrances.

    The women had their own designated area.

    Today, only two people had brought their family members.

    One was Madam Yu, the wife of Lord Yu, who was also a former rebel who had epted amnesty. She felt a bit constrained, as she had been ostracized at previous banquets and had prepared herself for an awkward situation. However, upon first seeing Mrs. Jiang, she immediately felt a sense of kinship, as if she had found a long-lost rtive.

    The other was the family member of Lord He.

    She was a socially adept woman, dressed in vibrant colors.

    Her husband was responsible for hosting guests, and she was well aware of this, so her smile was genuine.

    Because there were no other women present, it was just these few, which made things simpler.

    When Madam He entered, she noticed that the Jiang family''s inner quarters were not chaotic at all, but rather well-organized.

    Of course, the Jiang family was naturally uplicated, with no concubines, only Mrs. Jiang and three children.

    The eldest daughter was already married but still living in her parents'' home.

    This was also a point of criticism for some.

    People thought Commander Jiang was just amoner with no sense of propriety.

    But what puzzled everyone was that the Meng family had actually agreed to it.

    People assumed that the Jiang family''s eldest daughter must be a breathtakingly beautiful woman, capable of causing turmoil.

    Otherwise, how could she have so easily captivated the Young General from the Capital, from a family with only one heir for generations, who was willing to stay and insist on marrying her?

    Given Commander Jiang''s appearance, one could imagine his daughter''s beauty.

    Indeed, beauty can be fatal.

    Regarding the story of how the Meng Young General, who came to pacify rebels, ended up being seduced by a rebel''s daughter''s beauty and asking for her hand in marriage, there were already several versions circting.

    In everyone''s minds, Commander Jiang''s eldest daughter, now Mrs. Meng, must be an extraordinary girl with deep schemes.

    Those who taught their daughters the art of household politics had already added this case to their textbooks as a key example.

    Especially for those youngdies who were about to be married.

    Jiang Yu was extremely busy, meticulously preparing the banquet food.

    She waspletely unaware that her reputation had been demonized.

    Not just in the Provincial Capital, but even in the Capital City, there were legends about her.

    In people''s mouths, she was as alluring as Daji, bewitching the Meng Young General to the point where he lost his soul and wouldn''t return home.

    Today''s banquet was said to be hosted by the eldest daughter.

    This added anotheryer of mystery to Jiang Yu''s reputation.

    Madam Yu, upon entering these inner quarters, envied their tranquility.

    After her husband epted amnesty and moved to the Provincial Capital, he had taken a noble concubine.

    When going out for social engagements, he would bring the concubine, usually leaving no opportunity for her, the official wife.

    She often made a fool of herself when she did go out, so she preferred not to.

    However, today at Mrs. Jiang''s ce, she unexpectedly feltfortable and at ease.

    So Madam Yu began to show a bit of her true nature...

    "That''s right, that''s right, you want chicks with perky bottoms, they''lly eggs better in the future."

    "Lemongrass is edible, really. If you pinch off the tenderest heart, nch it quickly, and eat it, it helps with constipation."

    Jiang Mianmian sat at the table, obediently listening, her strange knowledge increasing once again.

    She looked at Madam Yu with admiration, pushing some pastries towards her. She knew so much.

    Madam He observed the uninhibited Madam Yu and theposed Mrs. Jiang, marveling at how different people could be.

    She had visited the Yu family''s inner quarters before, which were inplete disarray.

    The concubine lived in the main room, while the official wife lived in a side room. This Madam Yu had given birth to three daughters, and now these three girls actually had to show respect to the concubine. The eldest, who was of marriageable age, was even being taken out by the noble concubine to meet potential suitors.

    In any case, the Yu family''s domestic affairs had be aughingstock in the Provincial Capital.

    Now that the Jiang family had arrived, people wondered if they would be the new subject of gossip.

    However, neither Madam He nor Madam Yu had yet seen the eldest daughter who was rumored to be as beautiful and alluring as Daji. But the young girl before them looked as if she had been cast from the same mold as Commander Jiang.

    Although still young, one could already foresee her future breathtaking beauty.

    It wasn''t the kind of bewitching appearance, but rather open and bright, with a bit of roundness to her face. She clearly came from a loving family where she wanted for nothing, her gaze direct and confident.

    She didn''t avoid eye contact or shrink back, but carried herself with poise.

    Inexplicably, she had the bearing of someone of high status.

    Madam He felt a bit ufortable when this young girl looked at her.

    Madam Yu, however, didn''t notice and happily ate the pastries the girl pushed towards her.

    "Dong!"

    A sound rang out.

    Mianmian''s song and dance troupe took the stage.

    Mianmian had been bustling about recently, very busy indeed.

    She had been working with Pangya to prepare her song and dance troupe members.

    First of all, they definitely needed unified costumes.

    When a group wears the same outfit, it creates a better visual effect for a chorus.

    Originally, she had wanted to use qipaos.

    She had drawn out the designs for the clothes, ready to have them made, when her mother chased her around the entire residence with a rolling pin.

    In the end, she was caught and given a beating.

    Then she was forced to change her approach.

    It seemed that even for her brother''s birthday, things needed to be proper.

    They still had to do something appropriate.

    Showing too much chest or leg would be somewhat inappropriate for children.

    So they settled on unified navy blue robes.

    They covered everything thoroughly, from head to toe.

    And they weren''t see-through.

    Very proper.

    The clothes were also rtively simple, so they could be made in time. Qipaos would have been impossible to finish.

    The curtain opened.

    Everyone saw a stage with nine people sitting on it.

    They were dressed solemnly and gravely, as if it were a religious ceremony.

    No one knew what to expect.

    Then they heard them start singing in perfect unison:

    "Happy birthday to you, dong~~~"

    "Happy birthday to you, dun~~~"

    They sang while ying instruments.

    There were erhu, huqin, wooden fish, and copper bells.

    The singing sounded more like umting merit than celebrating a birthday, solemn and dignified.

    It was so moving that one filial son in the audience started to tear up, thinking he should hire this group to perform this song for his mother''s third-year memorial service. It would be grand.

    Jiang Changtian... his mouth twitched slightly.

    He knew this was his little daughter''s birthday gift for Feng, and she had insisted on keeping it a secret.

    To prepare this birthday gift, his little daughter had already been beaten once by her mother, crying her heart out, and hadined to him in secret several times.

    However, at home, he had to defer to his wife.

    And this was the result.

    It was hard to evaluate.

    While the lyrics were about a happy birthday, the tone and rhythm made it feel more like wishing someone a happy seventh day after death.

    It gave a sense of returning to one''s ancestors, resting in peace.

    It made people feel like they should be offering condolences.

    Jiang Feng, however, listened with tears in his eyes.

    He knew that his sister must havee from the same ce as him.

    This was their special connection.

    The songs his sister liked were just this eerie.

    When the old woman struck the drum at the beginning, with that "dong" sound, he seemed to see a trembling hand reaching out from the earth.

    This song was peaceful, and listening to it felt rxing.

    This was a song just for him.

    He felt good about it.

    Happy birthday.

    He wanted to request this song for every birthday from now on.

 Chapter 175

    "Dong~~~"

    "Happy birthday to you!"

    "ng~~~"

    "Happy birthday to you!"

    "Qiang~~~"

    The night was as dark as ink.

    At the Jiang Manor in Ming County.

    Jiang Rong hadn''te homest night.

    Old Lady Jiang was worried sick.

    Because Jiang Changtian had left Ming County for the Provincial Capital.

    They hadn''t left immediately, still feeling uneasy.

    After all, even the Seventh Prince''s men werepletely wiped out, and they were lucky to still be alive.

    But it wouldn''t do for Jiang Rong to stay cooped up reading books all day without socializing.

    Old Lady Jiang still let Jiang Rong go to the County School.

    It was also a test.

    Sure enough, no one stopped him.

    Jiang Rong resumed his days at school, seeming a bit more lively.

    The Jiang family was actually quite tight on money now.

    Before, Old Lady Jiang had held onto the money, seeming as if it were inexhaustible.

    Now, after squandering it once or twice, it was nearly gone.

    In the past, their daughter would supplement their ie, but after Chu Yi''s death, they didn''t know how to exin it here, and couldn''t bring themselves to ask.

    At first, Old Lady Jiang didn''t know that guard was her grandson, though not by blood, but he still called Yuluan his legitimate mother.

    He should have recognized Old Lady Jiang as well.

    Because of this, Old Lady Jiang was too embarrassed to ask her daughter for money.

    So Jiang Rong no longer had new clothes every month, and wasn''t sovish at school, inevitably suffering some discrimination. After all, he used to go out surrounded by servants, looking down on others.

    Yesterday, his ssmates invited him to go out.

    Jiang Rong didn''t want to go, but his sister and grandmother both wanted him to.

    His father was hungover and didn''t manage him.

    Not wanting to disappoint his sister and grandmother, he went out.

    But night fell, and he still hadn''t returned.

    Old Lady Jiang was frantic with worry.

    She had someone report to the authorities.

    Though they could no longer summon officials to work at their home like before.

    But when Magistrate Huang heard of this, he took it quite seriously. After all, anything rted to Commander Jiang was no small matter. He sent people to search for a day and a night.

    Now they were notified toe collect the person.

    The body was found downstream in He County.

    Jiang Rong had drowned, his body already swollen when found.

    Old Lady Jiang cried heartbrokenly, "My son, my son, my poor son, it pains me so!"

    Jiang Wan''s eyes were red, dressed in hemp mourning clothes, forcing herself to stay strong as she arranged her brother''s funeral.

    Her brother had never done anything bad, why did he have to meet such a tragic fate? Heaven is unjust.

    The sound of the suona horn rose...

    "Dong~~~"

    "Happy birthday to you!"

    "ng~~~"

    "Happy birthday to you!"

    "Qiang~~~"

    Meng Shaoxia reluctantly epted a task.

    To blow out candles andnterns at the same time.

    Hearing this eerie song, everyone was startled as the surroundings suddenly went dark.

    Then they heard the creaking sound of wooden wheels scraping against the ground, somewhat grating.

    Combined with the birthday song, it felt even more sinister.

    Some officials fearfully grabbed the thighs of those seated next to them.

    Then they saw a person dressed in white robes and hat pushing a frame over.

    On top of the frame was a round white millstone.

    The millstone was covered in burning candles.

    What was this for?

    Then the white-robed figure pulled out a knife...

    Fortunately, the crowd was no longer so jumpy.

    Although under the rows of candles, a white-robed figure holding a knife was a bit frightening.

    The white-robed person handed the knife to Jiang Feng, saying: "Young master, the young miss said to have you make a wish facing these candles. Silently recite your wish, then blow out the candles, and your wish will surelye true."

    Jiang Feng looked at the cluster of candle mes.

    Each me danced in his eyes.

    He put his palms together and made a wish to the candles: "I hope our whole family can live together in peace, including Shaoxia."

    Then he blew out all the candles in one breath.

    At this moment, the servants also lit thenterns.

    The banquet hall was bright again.

    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

    The panicked official released the thigh of the official next to him.

    Their eyes met, with some shyness.

    Pulling out the candles, that white millstone-like thing turned out not to be a candle base.

    But an edible dessert?

    So that knife was for cutting the dessert.

    And the birthday boy had to cut it himself, others couldn''t do it for him.

    This Commander Jiang had some tricks up his sleeve.

    Making things all mysterious.

    Everyone got a piece of this white millstone.

    It melted in the mouth, sweet and delicious, with an indescribable vor.

    Even the men who didn''t eat sweets couldn''t help but take a few bites.

    And those with a sweet tooth were simply enchanted by this white millstone.

    The most delicious food they had ever eaten in their lives, bar none.

    As the banquet ended.

    Commander Jiang and his beloved son saw the guests out.

    Each person was also given a parting gift, an exquisite wooden boxbeled "Cleansing Cream."

    Commander Jiang smiled sweetly and said: "I hope the food and drink were to your liking. My apologies for any shorings in our hospitality. Next month is my son-inw''s birthday, and you must alle. We''ll surely do even better then and entertain you morevishly."

    Everyone: ...

    Their expressions were hard to describe.

    A beautiful person by nature, what a pity to be so greedy for money.

    But to be fair, this banquet really was quite delicious, and the gifts weren''t shabby.

    It''s just that the music was a bit spine-chilling, but everything else was fine.

    They heard that today''s banquet was hosted by Commander Jiang''s eldest daughter, that is, Madam Meng, that extraordinary woman who had thoroughly tamed the only son of General Meng from the capital, not only getting him to formally propose marriage, but also willing to stay and serve his father-inw for three years.

    It was said her looks were bewitching, on par with Daji, and with these culinary skills.

    They were all willing to stay.

    No wonder young General Meng''s square face had be a bit round.

    Madam He also happily took her parting gift home.

    In her inner chambers, she tried the cleansing cream, and it was remarkable. Her hands were instantly whitened. She didn''t realize how much grime was on the back of her hands, it was quite embarrassing.

    Fortunately, there was the even more embarrassing Madam Yu.

    But Madam He didn''t know if Madam Yu was truly foolish or just pretending. Usually elsewhere, she was always making a fool of herself, already theughingstock of the Provincial Capital, but at the Jiang house she seemed to be in her element, not only chatting happily with Mrs. Jiang, but alsoughing and talking with Miss Jiang, seeming very conversant.

    She even said she would bring her three daughters over to y.

    Madam Yu''s hands were even darker.

    They were scrubbing off dirt.

    Mrs. Jiang clearly liked her very much, giving her four portions of cleansing cream, saying to give one to each of her daughters.

    Madam He discovered that although Mrs. Jiang didn''t seem to be born of noble birth, her memory seemed exceptionally good.

    Madam Yu rambled on about this and that, and Mrs. Jiang could urately recall the names and interests of her several daughters.

    And when she just casually mentioned her mother-inw in conversation, without saying much, when leaving she was actually given an extra parting gift, said to be for her mother-inw.

    In any case, this birthday banquet came to an end.

    Both Madam He and Madam Yu were very pleased.

    Madam He saw her husband looking dejected and asked what was wrong.

    Lord He said: "Young General Meng was born in the Year of the Ox."

    Madam He looked utterly perplexed. So what if he was born in the Year of the Ox? What does that have to do with you? You''ve gone mad with your constant scheming for advancement.

    When Madam Yu returned home, that cleansing cream was snatched away by her husband and given to his favored concubine.

    ...

    Those officials and nobles who had attended, when they returned home, their wives and concubines were all waiting.

    All prepared to hear their husbandsin.

    Some clever ones had even prepared food at home.

    That bizarre birthday feast, they surely couldn''t have eaten much.

    They might even be starving.

    They would definitely want to eat when they got back.

    Some were also curious to ask their husbands if they had seen that young Madam Meng, if she was really as bewitching as the rumors said, like Daji.

    But normally they wouldn''t see the women.

    However, Commander Jiang was from the countryside, and if the separation of men and women wasn''t so strict, in all the chaos, they might have caught a glimpse.

    But they all said they hadn''t seen her, yet yearned for her in their hearts.

    This made the group of madams and youngdies even more curious.

    Without even seeing her face, she could make so many men willingly submit and yearn for her. What level of skill was this?

    No wonder Little Fengxian was stabbed to death as soon as she appeared.

    They wanted to hear more about how chaotic the banquet was, but their husbands cursed at the carefully prepared midnight snacks: "What is this pig slop? Even a dog wouldn''t eat it!"

    More than one madam suffered such treatment, feeling terribly wronged.

    Thinking some vixen outside must have bewitched them again.

    "Prepare another birthday gift, it must be more generous."

    "Commander Jiang''s son-inw''s birthday is next month."

    All the madams: ...

    ...

 Chapter 176

    ......

    Handling a funeral is a very exhausting affair.

    It wears people down.

    Time wears people down.

    Emotions also wear people down.

    At the very least, the body must lie in state for several days, and an auspicious date must be chosen for burial to ensure peace for the deceased.

    If it''s a youth who died prematurely, there are even more customs to observe.

    The Jiang family still invited the masters from Qingyuan Temple to perform the funeral rites.

    In the past, these masters wouldn''t leave their mountain. Only the wealthy would go to make offerings, spendingvishly. To have theme down to perform rites was a privilege reserved for the elite and extremely expensive.

    However, since the rebels came and Jiang Er took power, he showed no reverence for them. His first act was to make them pay taxes.

    Even Buddha had to pay taxes now.

    If they didn''t pay, he would lead a group to train in front of the temple every day.

    This scared away all the worshippers.

    So now they ept cheaper jobs too, after all, even Buddha needs to make a living.

    Every peck and sip is part of the cycle of karma.

    If the monks still charged their previous rates, the Jiang family certainly couldn''t afford to have them perform the rites now. But since they have to pay taxes and make a living, they''ve lowered their prices, so the Jiang family can still afford them.

    In fact, seeing these fat monks, Jiang Wan couldn''t help but wonder if they could return some of the money she and her grandmother had donated as oil money for the incense, even just half, no, even a third would do.

    So much money - even a tenth of it would be enough to live quite well now.

    Jiang Wan, who had never experienced hardship before, now found it incredible to think back on how she and her grandmother could have donated so much oil money to a Buddha who couldn''t even speak - enough for an ordinary person to live several lifetimes.

    Of course, asking Buddha for a refund was just a thought. Jiang Wan wasn''t so tactless as to actually do it.

    The big monks were singing and dancing.

    Their borate robes now had patches, showing that their days were not as good as before.

    Jiang Rongy stiff and straight.

    Old Lady Jiang alsoy stiff and straight.

    Her injuries had almost healed, recovering quite quickly, which was due to her usually very health-conscious lifestyle and attention to small details, so her recovery ability was almost like a young person''s.

    But suddenly suffering such misfortune again, she was too devastated to get up.

    Jiang Rong was her direct grandson.

    Her only direct grandson.

    This time when Heir Apparent Han came to Ming County, she heard people outside saying that the two sons in Heir Apparent Han''s household weren''t actually his, that he was raising sons for someone else.

    Such shocking news had even reached Ming County. Where there''s smoke, there''s fire.

    So the more imusible it seemed, the more likely it was to be true.

    If this was really the case, then she only had Rong''er as her direct grandson.

    The sound of wooden fish drums beat incessantly, irritating people''s hearts and minds.

    Old Lady Jiangy there, aching, her whole body in pain.

    Jiang Huaisheng felt somewhat numb and bewildered. He had just drunk too much, and when he woke up, Jing''er had run away, Shushu was missing, and Rong''er was dead.

    He sat dazed in the mourning hall, an elder sending off a younger one, such a cmity.

    At this moment, he suddenly felt somewhat relieved that Jing''er had left. If she were here, she would surely be very upset.

    He told Wan''er to go rest for a while, he would keep Rong''erpany.

    After someone passes, there''s worry about losing their soul, so rtives always need to keep watch.

    Jiang Huaisheng sat stiffly in the mourning hall, listening to the monks'' wooden fish drums, and he actually fell asleep.

    When he opened his eyes, he was still in the mourning hall.

    But it was much shabbier.

    There were no big monks performing rites, and the coffin in front of him was a thin one. Although it was colorfully decorated, the quality was clearly ordinary.

    Not as good as the one he had chosen for Rong''er.

    Who had dared to switch the coffins? It was too much.

    He stood up and walked forward, only to find that the person lying inside wasn''t Rong''er, but actually Jiang Feng.

    He just wanted tough out loud. Although it was his nephew, at this moment he actually felt happy and relieved.

    It wasn''t Rong''er, Rong''er wasn''t dead, it was Jiang Feng who had died.

    He looked up and suddenly saw a madwoman rush in front of him, trying to kill him.

    Startled, luckily he had guards, and it took four strong guards to restrain her.

    It was actually a woman.

    It was his sister-inw, who seemed to have gone crazy, screaming and howling, demanding he pay with his life.

    Even four people had difficulty restraining her. Shepletely disregarded propriety between men and women, her clothes torn in the struggle, still howling there like a wild beast.

    He saw his brother, dressed in shabby, tattered clothes,e forward to embrace the woman, calling, "Sister Xia, Sister Xia."

    Only then did she slowly calm down.

    Jiang Huaisheng left the mourning hall with his guards. It was too deste here, frightening.

    He felt as if Jiang Feng in that thin coffin still had consciousness and was watching him.

    He left, but still felt someone staring at his back.

    He turned around and saw his brother leaning against the coffin, holding a woman who was like a wild beast, looking at him.

    The white curtains fluttered, asionally obscuring his blood-red eyes.

    He felt a lump in his throat, terrified, and when he returned home, he begged his mother to go to the capital together.

    Finally, they left Ming County, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

    As the carriage rocked, he fell asleep.

    When he opened his eyes, he was still in the mourning hall.

 Chapter 177

    After bidding farewell to the other guests, Gong Qichi stayed behind.

    Zi Wenxin also shamelessly lingered.

    Though he didn''t particrly like it, it didn''t hurt to hang around a bit longer, maybe snag an extrate-night snack and breakfast while he was at it.

    Sure enough, just as he expected, the Jiang family had prepared a midnight feast.

    They even had their own private kitchen.

    If the food from the main kitchen was already so delicious, the private kitchen must be even better.

    Before, he had suspected the Jiang family had some special methods, even keeping the servants during the New Year instead of letting them go home. They even sent a willow branch to their godfather, symbolizing their wish to stay.

    Most likely, it was because of the food.

    Though it could also be because of the pretty youngdies.

    Possibly both.

    As for Gong Qichi, well, a mountain boar doesn''t appreciate fine fodder. He probably just genuinely liked his Brother Jiang.

    Anyway, Zi Wenxin brazenly stayed the night, openly mooching off thete supper.

    The midnight snack was simple - homemade noodles for the family.

    Mother''s specialty.

    Today was Feng''er''s birthday.

    Qin Luoxia personally kneaded the dough and made a bowl of long noodles for Feng''er.

    Jiang Mianmian, ever the attention-seeker, insisted on carrying the noodles.

    By carrying the noodles, she could pretend she had a hand in making them too.

    She secretly added some Magic Spring Water.

    Wishing her elder brother a happy birthday and a long life.

    The birthday song they sang was a bit off. Indeed, such things required professionals. It wasn''t something just anyone could do well just by dressing up for it. One had to y to their own strengths. She only knew a bit more than others, but clearly didn''t have a natural talent for this.

    But it didn''t matter. As long as one lived long enough, there would be infinite chances to learn from mistakes.

    Jiang Feng watched nervously as his sister wobbled towards him with the bowl of noodles, worried it might spill before reaching him.

    He only rxed when the noodles were safely ced on the table in front of him.

    Everyone else also received a bowl of noodle soup.

    Zi Wenxin had expected something special for thete-night snack.

    Dinner had been full of unfamiliar delicacies, so he was surprised to find the midnight snack so homely - just a bowl of noodles.

    Thete-night gathering was just for family.

    Zi Wenxin stayed behind shamelessly, acting as if he naturally belonged there, very sincere and natural.

    He finally met the legendary Madam Meng, said to be as beautiful as Daji.

    Unexpectedly, she looked just like a round-faced young girl, not even like a married woman, more like an unmarried maiden.

    Her eyes revealed a kind of clear... stupidity??

    In terms of looks, she was probably the least striking in the entire Jiang family.

    Just a pretty young girl, certainly not devastatingly beautiful. She resembled Madam Qin more, with delicate features upon closer inspection, and somewhat resembled Commander Jiang, but her round face neutralized any stunning effect, leaving her just an ordinarily pretty young girl.

    Rumors really couldn''t be trusted.

    They had all thought Commander Jiang had climbed the ranks in the capital through his daughter''s otherworldly beauty.

    But this was it.

    Her looks were at the bottom of the Jiang family.

    Even Jiang Feng was somewhat better looking than his sister.

    Of course, Zi Wenxin didn''t stare, just nced once, after all, her husband was right there.

    Learning that she had hosted the banquet and much of it was her handiwork, he thought that her culinary skills alone could keep a man.

    Damn it.

    That useless Third, after attending their wedding, had gotten drunk and told them he regretted not proposing earlier.

    At the time, he hadforted him, saying there were plenty of beauties, and once their godfather took the capital, he could marry a nobledy from there.

    Useless, useless. If he had spoken up earlier, this woman would be in their family now, and future freeloading would be so much easier.

    Tomorrow, Zi Wenxin would go kick the Third.

    Gong Qichi didn''t think much. He just liked these noodles.

    He ate noisily, his beard getting wet.

    He wiped it and said, "Sister-inw''s noodles are still the best, nice and hot."

    In the time Zi Wenxin had been lost in thought, Gong Qichi had already finished a bowl of noodles.

    The birthday boy was also bent over his bowl, finishing it including all the soup, leaving nothing but an empty bowl that seemed to still emanate fragrance.

    Zi Wenxin hurriedly started eating.

    To be honest, the noodles weren''t as amazing as the earlier banquet, but as he ate, his forehead began to sweat and his eyes stung a little.

    He missed his mother.

    When he was little, his mother must have made him noodles just like this.

    His nose stung too.

    He was an orphan, both parents deceased. When his godfather took him in, he was already old enough to remember.

    He remembered who his parents were.

    Because life afterward had been smooth, he rarely thought about the past anymore.

    But this unremarkable bowl of noodle soup, for some reason, made him eat with such bittersweet feelings.

    ...

    Jiang Mianmian slurped her little noodles.

    Her bowl had more soup and fewer noodles, just a few strands that were gone after a few slurps.

    Jiang Feng finished his bowl of longevity noodles, feeling as if he really would live a long life. The past few days of excessive training had left his body asionally sore and achy.

    But after eating this bowl of longevity noodles, he felt the soreness disappear.

    Strong and vigorous, he felt he could go practice sword eight hundred more times right now.

    So he called his brother-inw Shaoxia to practice sword with him.

    Meng Shaoxia: ...

    Late at night, instead of going to bed, you want to practice sword with me?

    How weird.

    He needed to write to his mother, ask if there were any suitable candidates to introduce to his brother-inw. This was too exhausting.

    Although he felt his swordsmanship had improved by leaps and boundstely, he should be able to surpass and defeat his own father now.

    Jiang Feng invited him to practice sword.

    Zi Wenxin also joined.

    Young men, strong and full of energy, going back and forth, exhrating.

    Although Gong Qichi was very tired, he still grabbed Brother Jiang, looking as if he wanted to talk into the night.

    Qin Luoxia quietly handed her little daughter to her husband.

    Jiang Mianmian nestled in her father''s arms.

    She adjusted to afortable position to listen to their conversation.

    First, she heard Uncle Gong describe the customs of the Provincial Capital.

    Then she heard Uncle Gong praise her musical troupe.

    "The singing tonight was quite good. Uh, Brother Jiang, I have a small request, if I may."

    Jiang Changtian said, "We''re not just friends, we''re like brothers. We''re brothers from different parents. Brother Yehang, whatever you need, just ask. Don''t be polite."

    Jiang Mianmian: ... Father sure knows how to sweet talk.

    "General Zi mentioned a few days ago that he dreamed of histe wife and has been troubled. I saw your troupe was quite good today. Could I borrow them for a few days? General Zi probably wants to hold a memorial service, and he doesn''t really like those big monks. Your troupe is pretty good."

    "Well..." Jiang Changtian poked the little girl in his arms, somewhat at a loss for words.

    "The household performers are my daughter''s ythings, and she carefully arranged the songs too."

    Gong Qichi looked at the little girl in Jiang Changtian''s arms in surprise.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    A memorial service??

    She oddly felt that her song and dance troupe had filled a gap in the funeral industry.

    "Alright, Uncle Gong, you''ll need to provide new lyrics for them to sing," she said.

    Gong Qichi pped his knee.

    "Great, Uncle will send you a big gift as thankster. What would you like?"

    Jiang Mianmian thought very seriously for a moment. "Send me a mountain, the kind with a river. When it gets hot next year, Mianmian wants to go to the mountains to escape the heat."

    Jiang Changtianughed heartily.

    He liked how his daughter spoke her mind without reservation.

    Daring to ask - his daughter Jiang Changtian''s daughter should dare to dream and dare to ask.

    Gong Qichi nodded, "Done. Tomorrow Uncle Gong will bring you the deed. There''s a perfect mountain south of Jingzhou, with good water flow. There''s even an estate on the mountain. You can fix it up and just leave a guest room for your Uncle Gong."

    Jiang Mianmian nodded happily.

    If she had a tail, it would be wagging.

    She jumped down from her father''s arms and very seriously poured Uncle Gong a cup of tea, carrying it to him with a slight wobble.

    "Thank you, Uncle," Jiang Mianmian smiled.

    Jiang Mianmian added a tiny drop of Magic Spring Water to Uncle Gong''s tea, about half a drop.

    Because Uncle Gong hadn''t drunk it before, and she didn''t want him to have diarrhea at home.

    But this Uncle Gong was really aging fast.

    Visibly old.

    It was said that ancient people had very short lifespans, with fifty considered longevity.

    And Father rarely had such a good friend he could talk to.

    In a few years, Father would look like his son.

    She prayed Uncle Gong wouldn''t die.

    Gong Qichi took the tea and drank a sip, smiling, "Our Mianmian''s tea is especially sweet."

    Jiang Mianmian smiled, "My father says the same thing. I''m his little sweetheart."

    Gong Qichiughed heartily.

    He felt rxed all over.

    Every time he was at Brother Jiang''s house, it felt likeing home, a rare feeling offort and security.

    The two continued chatting.

    Gong Qichi was clearly bing more energetic.

    Jiang Mianmian nestled in her father''s arms, drowsy and sleepy.

    "Brother Yehang, today is my son''s birthday. I noticed Lord Yu didn''t seem too happy."

    Jiang Mianmian''s drowsy ears perked up suddenly.

    Lord Yu? Which Lord Yu? Was it the husband of that Madam Yu who had dined with them?

    After Madam Yu left, she had overheard Madam He telling her mother about Madam Yu''s miserable situation at home. Madam He said that Lord Yu had taken a noble concubine, and Madam Yu, despite being the official wife, was treated like a mere maid in her own home. She was relegated to the side quarters and couldn''t even educate her own children, as Lord Yu believed the noble concubine was better suited to raise his offspring.

    "Since bing the Judicial Commissioner, Yu has been using his authority to arrest many of our people. He''s be a sword for the government, cutting us down most fiercely. Changtian, you have a kind heart, so you must be cautious," Gong Qichi warned.

    Jiang Mianmian pondered for a moment. The Judicial Commissioner seemed to be equivalent to a police chief, responsible for maintainingw and order.

    He wielded significant power.

    Because her father had be a Commander, she had curiously asked her Grandma about official titles.

    Grandma had briefly exined it to her, and she learned that the Judicial Commissioner was in charge of criminal justice matters.

    Her father managed military affairs, but now that they had surrendered and there were no wars to fight, he didn''t have much actual authority. The Judicial Commissioner, on the other hand, held real power in the Provincial Capital.

    "Why not send someone to kill him?" Jiang Changtian asked.

    Gong Qichi shook his head. "This man was already famous for hisbat skills before. After surrendering, he became the Judicial Commissioner, but he greatly enjoys his position and fears death. He brings dozens of guards with him even when visiting you, making it extremely difficult to assassinate him."

    Jiang Changtian nodded.

    He gently rocked the child in his arms, observing her steady breathing and curled eyshes. He spoke softly:

    "Then he can only die by ident."

 Chapter 178

    A night of cold wind.

    Leaves falling in profusion.

    Gong Qichi awakened to the sound of sweeping fallen leaves.

    "Swish swish swish."

    "Swish swish swish."

    For a moment, he found the sound quite pleasant.

    It seemed rather soothing.

    He woke up to find himself in a change of clothes, with a new setid out by the bedside.

    He vaguely recalled chatting with Brother Jiangte into the night.

    For some reason, he had felt particrly energeticst night and wanted to engage in a candlelit conversation with Brother Jiang.

    Then, in the middle of the night, the Younger Sister-inw had even brought them a bowl of steamed eggs.

    Gong Qichi felt very appreciative.

    This meant they were treating him like family.

    He had been quite busytely and felt his body wasn''t as robust as before.

    But at Brother Jiang''s house, he felt excited.

    As it turned out, Brother Jiang passed out after eating the steamed eggs.

    Apparently, they were cooked with alcohol.

    Brother Jiang couldn''t hold his liquor.

    The Younger Sister-inw had to carry him back.

    As for Gong Qichi, he still felt quite excited after finishing his portion. However, upon returning to his room, he was likely caught by a cold breeze and ended up vomiting.

    He threw up a lot of ck water and felt generally awful.

    His whole body stank.

    Then, servants helped him clean up and change.

    This morning, Gong Qichi looked at his body and was startled.

    It had been a long time since he had... well, you know.

    He thought that as he approached middle age, he had be dispassionate.

    Yet today, things were standing at attention.

    This, this, this...

    Gong Qichi felt he could rebel for another 500 years!

    He woke up early, full of energy.

    He put on the new robe prepared by the Younger Sister-inw.

    She was truly thoughtful; the size was just right, neither too long nor too short, with sleeves of the perfect length.

    Perhaps due to his habitual posture, his right hand was half an inch longer than his left, making ready-made clothes always ill-fitting. But this garment fit him perfectly.

    It was clear that care had been taken, and it was even in his favorite shade of blue.

    A dark blue with a hint of brightness.

    Even the shoes were new.

    He must have vomited a lotst night.

    The entire room had been changed.

    The shoes also fit perfectly, in a fabric matching the color scheme of his clothes, cotton shoes with very soft insoles.

    These small details were veryforting.

    Gong Qichi got up, full of vigor, feeling that today the sun was bright and everything was good.

    Then he saw Zi Wenxining out of the guest room three doors down, limping, his face swollen. He looked bewildered.

    Zi Wenxin had no new shoes or clothes.

    Gong Qichi pulled his new robe closer and smiled, saying:

    "Sanjin, what happened to you?"

    "Old Gong, don''t call me Sanjin. I was sparring with Brother Feng and Brother Meng, and things got a bit too intense. I''m lightly injured, but they''re worse off," Zi Wenxin winced as speaking pulled at his wounds.

    At breakfast, they saw Meng Shaoxia, who was even more severely injured, with one eye as ck as a crow. It looked ratherical.

    Zi Wenxin thought to himself that he hadn''t lost out; he had finally sparred with the famous young general of the Capital City and had nearly won.

    As for the birthday boy, Jiang Feng, that madman, sparring is one thing, but suddenly hugging and biting people was simply insane and terrifying.

    Yesterday, he had been so startled that he identally used hidden weapons.

    Well, he was a schr after all, and it was normal for a learned man to have a few tricks up his sleeve.

    Jiang Feng had been injured too. He had won through his craftiness; all''s fair in love and war, and a schr''s tricks don''t count as cheating.

    As Zi Wenxin was making excuses for himself, he looked up to see Jiang Feng approaching. His face was fair and rosy, his gait graceful as a jade tree in the wind, his eyes unswollen, his face not puffy, and he wasn''t limping at all.

    Impossible, absolutely impossible. He had used hidden weapons on him yesterday and had seen him injured.

    "Brother Jiang, you''re not injured?" Zi Wenxin asked incredulously.

    "I was injured, but I recover exceptionally fast. I''ve been injured often before, and I''m usually fine after lying down for two days. The worst injury I ever had nearly killed me, but I was fine after just one night''s sleep. Perhaps heaven especially favors me," Jiang Feng smiled.

    Zi Wenxin: ...

    Meng Shaoxia: ...

    Breakfast was sumptuous.

    Zi Wenxin found the morning meal quite to his liking.

    It''s just that Young Mrs. Meng seemed a bit displeased with him, ring at him constantly.

    He felt an inexplicable chill down his spine.

    Gong Qichi and Zi Wenxin still had official business, so they left early with the music troupe.

    The group of nine, who originally relied on selling their looks and talents, found themselves unexpectedly loaned out as a package.

    The young master said they were considered to be on a business trip, working outside, with allowances. They would receive dailypensation for transportation, food, and lodging, which meant that every day they were out, they''d earn several times their monthly wages.

    They were even provided with guards to apany them.

    In the past, they always felt that leaving the mansion meant being sent away or sold, moving on to the next master''s house, never knowing if the new master would be kind or cruel.

    Now, they were being loaned out, with the possibility of return...

    With allowances...

    With assigned guards...

    It all felt quite surreal...

    As they bid farewell to their young master, the group felt an inexplicable reluctance to leave.

    Donning these robes seemed to cover their past hardships.

    With straight backs, they set out on a different path.

 Chapter 179

    The next day.

    Jiang Changtian received the news.

    His nephew Jiang Rong had drowned.

    The body was now lying in state.

    Jiang Changtian still decided to rush back.

    Xia Mei was worried about him and wanted to apany him on the return journey.

    Qin Luoxia rode a horse, with Jiang Changtian riding with her.

    To save time.

    They had to hurry back to see him onest time.

    He was worried that if he didn''t see him, he would surely regret it.

    Qin Luoxia understood, she understood her husband''s thoughts.

    On the night when Feng almost died, she wanted to go find Jiang Rong and fight him to the death, wanted to ughter Jiang Rong.

    In the end, only Jiang Rong''s guard Wu Liu died.

    Wu Liu was just a knife, the one wielding the knife was Jiang Rong, yet Jiang Rong had always lived a life offort and plenty.

    Qin Luoxia admitted that she was malicious inside, she just wanted to see him die.

    Jiang Changtian was the same, he always felt that he was sick, that his mind was more or less abnormal, all thanks to Old Lady Jiang. Seeing them not doing well made him feel like he was recovering better.

    He knew that the Lin Yang he killedst time was actually the son of the Seventh Prince, though he wasn''t sure which one specifically, perhaps Jiang Wan knew.

    The Seventh Prince appeared upright and honest, with a gentle personality and a devoted heart, but looking at his actions, he had three concubine-born sons and no legitimate son, yet all three concubine-born sons had grown up well.

    Looking at the results, one could tell this person was deeply scheming.

    The style of the rebels in the northwest, seeking revenge for the slightest grievance, killing people like scything x.

    And they seemed to have official backing, Jiang Changtian had always felt it was rted to the Seventh Prince.

    This was a truly petty person who could endure, he would definitely seek revenge.

    This was also why he went to the Provincial Capital, worried that Ming County was too small and might be surrounded one day.

    Indeed, he hadn''t made a move.

    Yet Jiang Rong had died.

    Jiang Changtian and Qin Luoxia arrived at Jiang Rong''s mourning hall, travel-worn and weary.

    It gave Jiang Wan a fright.

    Jiang Huaisheng was also shocked to see the arrivals.

    He had just closed his eyes and saw two people, one in a shabby long gown, hair turning white, thin as a rail, with a sickly redplexion. The other moved like a wild beast, with rough hands and feet, nose and cheeks flushed red, in a sorry state.

    Opening his eyes to see the two, one was in an elegant white robe, with glossy ck hair, straight-backed, with a face of unparalleled grace. The other was tall and upright, with a slim waist and long legs, a beautiful ruddyplexion, open and generous.

    Like a pair of jade figures, they walked to the front of the mourning hall.

    They burned incense and paid their respects.

    Old Lady Jiang heard that the beast had actuallye to pay respects, and shouted from her bed: "Beast, beast, it must be you who killed Rong''er, it''s you, it''s you..."

    Every time Jiang Wan saw Jiang Changtian in person, she felt a strong sense of unease in her heart.

    Jiang Huaisheng woodenly watched all this before him, feeling it was somewhat absurd.

    Jiang Changtian saw the swollen corpse lying in the coffin, giving off a slight stench.

    Qin Luoxia also stared intently for a while, confirming that it was indeed Jiang Rong.

    The couple simultaneously breathed sighs of relief.

    "You..." Jiang Huaisheng wanted to say something, but didn''t know how to say it.

    "Elder brother, my condolences," Jiang Changtian said gently. "For the elderly to bury the young is always hard to bear, but think about it, Wan''er is still alive, Shu Shu should be alive too, out of three children, you still have two left, right?"

    Hearing his brother''s light words, Jiang Huaisheng suddenly burst into loud sobs.

    He felt as if what he saw when he closed his eyes was real, like reincarnation.

    Crying, he said: "Changtian, elder brother was wrong, wrong, please spare us, when will this cycle of revenge end, Rong''er is already dead, he''s dead, but Feng is still alive."

    Jiang Changtian patted his elder brother''s shoulder and said: "Although Rong''er''s death has nothing to do with me, Magistrate Huang said that his death was not an ident, it was deliberate, the ce where he fell into the water had been tampered with. When you have the energy, you can investigate the Seventh Prince, after all, the Seventh Prince''s son died because he came to pick you up. Oh right, elder brother, you can pass this message to the Seventh Prince: when will this cycle of revenge end. I''m going to see Mother."

    Jiang Changtian brought Qin Luoxia to Old Lady Jiang''s bedside.

    Jiang Wan shrank at her grandmother''s side, trying to minimize her presence as much as possible.

    Qin Luoxia was startled when she saw Old Lady Jiang.

    This refined nobledy had always been as strong as a mountain in her mind, insurmountable.

    Now lying in bed, she finally had a few white hairs, and looked aged. Before, she had always looked like a youngdy, but in their vige, the women who did a lot of work, many young wives looked older than this mother-inw.

    The Old Lady Jiang of the past seemed as if she would never age.

    But now seeing her, she had an aged look, aging rapidly.

    Seeing Jiang Changtian and Qin Luoxia, Old Lady Jiang was startled, then cursed: "Beast, get out, get out of here."

    She reached out to grab something to throw, probably out of habit, but Jiang Wan had already removed everything from around her.

    Jiang Changtian said: "Mother''s scolding voice is so full of vigor, it seems she can still live for a long time, so I can rest assured."

    "Cough cough cough cough..."

    Old Lady Jiang coughed violently.

    Jiang Wan could only keep helping to pat her grandmother''s chest.

    Jiang Changtian said: "Hearing the news of Rong''er''s death, Xia Mei and I rushed here on horseback, worried we wouldn''t see him onest time. It''s not out of any affection, after all, he always looked down on us. We just worried you might pull a bait-and-switch, swapping someone else, now that we''ve confirmed it''s him, we can rest easy."

    Hearing these words, Jiang Wan was stunned, how could there be such a malicious person.

    Jiang Changtian nced at Jiang Wan, who was trying hard to minimize her presence, and continued: "Just now, elder brother told me, ''When will this cycle of revenge end?'', asking me to let go of my hatred. I thought about Mother''s teachings to me since childhood, indeed, when will this cycle of revenge end, one must nip things in the bud early. Mother, take good care of your health, when you''re better, I''ll take you to enjoy life in the Provincial Capital."

    ...

    The couple rarely traveled together.

    After leaving the Jiang mansion.

    They rested for a moment, then decided to hurry back to the Provincial Capital.

    Because the children were at home.

    When away from home, one misses home and children.

    No matter how beautiful the scenery outside, one still thinks of home, wanting to see the children soon.

    Although when you see the children, they might be making mischief that makes you want to spank them.

    On the way back, they weren''t in such a hurry.

    Magistrate Huang had prepared a carriage for them, so they could ride back in the carriage and rest.

    Perhaps tired from the journey.

    Jiang Changtiany with his head on Xia Mei''sp.

    The carriage curtain was lowered, the light and shadows from outside flickering, the sound of the carriage wheels rumbling along. At this moment, his mind was calm, and he didn''t find it noisy.

    "Xia Mei, I used to always teach Feng to be a good person, that he must be a good person, that good people get advantages everywhere. Perhaps I taught him wrong."

    He held Xia Mei''s hand.

    "In the future, when teaching Mianmian, we must let her be a bad person, to be arrogant and domineering, not topromise, to be ruthless, not to hesitate, to be a bad person who canugh loudly, full of vitality, always full of fighting spirit. Being a bad person, one can live arrogantly and happily for a lifetime. In the end, we all die anyway, and even doing one good deed can move people and gain redemption. A good person does good deeds all their life, but makes one mistake and falls into eternal damnation. If you always feel that being kind makes you easy to bully, then be a bad person, go bully others..." (Note 1)

    As Jiang Changtian spoke, he actually fell asleep.

    The carriage swayed.

    He slept soundly with his head on Xia Mei''sp.

    Qin Luoxia held her husband with one hand, leaning against the carriage wall, but remained alert.

    The mountain wind blew, lifting a corner of the carriage curtain, revealing the pine and cypress trees outside, still verdant green.

    ...

 Chapter 180

    Today, the parents are not at home.

    The elder brother and brother-inw have also gone out.

    Only Grandma, Elder Sister, and Mianmian are here.

    Theoretically, Elder Sister is now the most senior member of the family at home.

    But now Grandma is here.

    Originally, Jiang Mianmian could have taken Fatty to tease the girls and boys from her dance troupe.

    But now the dance troupe has been sent away too.

    Today is a bit boring.

    Because the masters are not here, Aunt Yin is worried about the older and younger ones causing trouble, so she keeps them by her side.

    Jiang Mianmian remembers seeing Uncle Gong very happy in his new clothes and shoes earlier, and curiously asks, "Grandma, does the family have to prepare clothes for all guests? Can they manage that? The sizes would be different too, right?"

    "When doing things, there are three types. One is where you do it, and it''s the same as what others do, more or less. This is basically thankless work - you put in the effort but don''t get any reward. It''s like you prepare clothes, others prepare them too, and when the person puts them on, they don''t feel anything special."

    Seeing the little girl listening attentively, and the older girl seeming to listen too, she continues, "Then there''s the type where you don''t do it at all. You don''t prepare any clothes, and then you''re in a fix if the guest''s clothes get dirty. You have nothing to offer them, and it looks like you''re not a good host."

    "The third type is where you do it, but more thoughtfully than others. You prepare clothes that are clearly in a style suited to them, in their size. When they put them on, they''ll think that you really value them, that you treat them differently. That''s when you can say you''ve reallypleted the task."

    Jiang Mianmian nods.

    Jiang Yu nods along and asks, "What''s the use of this? Isn''t it just clothes that fit a bit better? And preparing different sizes that others can''t wear seems wasteful."

    Grandma takes a deep breath, looking at the older girl''s obtuseness, feeling at a loss for words.

    Is it really about this little thing? How many times a year does Master Gonge to stay at your house? Preparing ten or eight sets wouldn''t be too many. And this little Mianmian, she''s just gotten a mountain vi from him, which could provide clothes for a lifetime, more than they could wear even if buried with them.

    Of course, you can''t teach children like this, it would be too utilitarian.

    "Treat people with sincerity, and sincerity can move even metal and stone. Although these are small details, they will be of great use in the future. People''s hearts begin to change from these little details. This is how people get along, bit by bit. Even if there are great favors, you can''t take them for granted. It''s the same with you and Meng Young General."

    Jiang Yu''s face turns red. She was just being lectured, and now it''s about her again. She and Brother Meng are doing fine.

    Aunt Yin sees the older girl''s face turn red and is speechless.

    What is she thinking about?

    Never mind, let''s just teach the younger one.

    The older one is hopeless. Just hope that the master and young master Feng will shape up, otherwise with the older miss like this, there''s no hope. Especially with those strange rumors outside, she''s not up to par. In the future, when she goes out, she must be repeatedly instructed to just not speak at all.

    As they were talking,

    Someone came to deliver something from outside.

    Mr. Gong sent over thend deed and house deed, and also two swans.

    The swans are white andrge, with long necks, looking very proud and beautiful.

    Red beaks, ck eyebrows, ck webbed feet, plump.

    "The deeds have been transferred to Miss Jiang''s name," the young servant said cleverly.

    "The swans are ingredients that Master Gong specially caught and sent for Madam Meng. Please ept them, Madam Meng."

    Indeed, when Jiang Yu heard about thend deed and house deed, she thought Mr. Gong was quite generous, but wasn''t very excited. However, when she heard that these two swans were specially for her as ingredients, she suddenly felt that Uncle Gong was a good person.

    Aunt Yin used this as another example to teach: "Both are gifts. Master Gong gave Mianmian the mountain vi because she likes it, and he gave you swans because you like them. He''s touched your heart. Although the swans are not as valuable as the mountain vi, they still make you happy, right? This is thoughtfulness, putting in effort, knowing your preferences, and catering to what you like."

    Jiang Yu pondered for a moment, and indeed, it was very true.

    Jiang Mianmian held thend deed and house deed, looking at the characters of her name on them, feeling happy. The more the better.

    "Let''s go cook the swans," Jiang Yu said, holding the two swans triumphantly.

    "Let''s go, iron pot stew," Jiang Mianmian said, taking small steps, clutching the deeds, and drooling as she followed her Elder Sister. She had never eaten swan before.

 Chapter 181

    The meat was too lean, full of tendons, impossible to chew. It only got tougher the longer it was stewed.

    No wonder swans haven''t gone extinct - they''re just too unptable o(¨i©n¨i)o.

    Eating it left Jiang Mianmian''s little teeth gaps stuffed. She spent ages picking at them with a toothpick.

    A dental floss would be necessary. Toothpicks just weren''t cutting it.

    Jiang Yu was equally perplexed. How could something so beautiful taste so bad?

    The food world truly can''t be judged by appearances. Generally, the uglier something looks, the more likely it is to be delicious.

    Like bullfrogs, for instance.

    Today, their parents were away.

    Jiang Yu was in charge.

    They''d cooked one swan, and released the other back into theke.

    What a waste, Jiang Mianmian thought, watching the swan in theke. Who would have guessed something so beautiful could taste so awful?

    Aunt Yin, seeing the two girls who regretted eating swan looking ready to cause mischief, prepared to teach them something practical.

    She wouldn''t teach them to count prayer beads - that was far too sinful. Only the deeply troubled would count those things when there was so much else to do.

    She was about to pull out the ount books to teach the girls how to review them, to analyze whether the recent birthday banquet for their master had turned a profit or loss, where they''d lost or gained, and how to improve for next time, what mistakes to avoid.

    There was also the matter of social exchanges - how much others had gifted, so they could reciprocate appropriately when those families had events.

    These were internal household affairs. One didn''t need to be an expert, and could delegate to servants, but it was important to understand the basics to avoid being taken advantage of.

    Just then, unexpectedly, visitors arrived at the house.

    Jiang Yu, in her role as the young Mrs. Meng, excitedly went to greet them.

    She wasn''t embarrassed or afraid at all, showing great confidence.

    This could be considered a significant strength.

    Jiang Mianmian curiously followed her sister to receive the guests.

    She wondered who would visit when their parents weren''t home.

    Surprisingly, the visitors were two Buddhist nuns.

    Here it was, Jiang Mianmian remembered what her great-aunt had mentioned.

    After settling in the Provincial Capital, besides socializing with various powerful families, they''d also encounter monks and nuns visiting.

    These religious visitors couldn''t be turned away, but had to be politely dealt with.

    It was essentially a form of "protection money" for the Buddhistmunity.

    Because the Buddhist clergy were also a very powerful faction.

    Although the two nuns wore monastic robes, they appeared noble and elegant, with remarkable bearing.

    Both nuns were quite attractive, one elegant, one solemn, their every movement otherworldly.

    They both carried whisks, those long feathery things, though she wasn''t sure what kind of feathers they were.

    The left nun''s whisk was whiter, while the right nun''s was grayer, but both looked fluffy and rather pretty.

    Little Mianmian curiously followed her sister, watching her put on a serious face to wee the guests.

    Aunt Yin kept her eyes down, the picture of a model Chinese nanny, standing properly behind her young mistress.

    "To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit, venerable nuns?" Jiang Yu sat formally, gesturing for them to sit as well, thinking to herself that if they asked for money, she''d say they had none and offer only a small amount. After all, money doesn''t grow on trees for anyone.

    The servants brought tea.

    Jiang Yu remembered that if she wanted the guests to leave, she should pick up her teacup. Offering tea was a signal to end the visit.

    But what if she got thirsty in the meantime? What if she picked up the cup by ident?

    Jiang Mianmian also received a small teacup filled with sweet tea.

    Being young, she could follow fewer rules. But she sat obediently, neither looking around nor fidgeting, just curiously observing the guests.

    "This humble nun goes by the dharma name Qing Ci."

    "This humble nun goes by the dharma name Qing Ming."

    "We''vee unannounced because we sensed a strong Buddhist aura emanating from your household. It seems someone here is destined for our faith. We''vee to bring her back to the Buddhist fold."

    Jiang Yu: ??

    She actually suspected these people might be trying to scam them for money.

    However, these two were dressed sovishly and expensively. Thanks to her great-aunt''s teachings, she could more or less recognize fabrics now.

    The monastic robes these nuns wore were something an ordinary person couldn''t afford even if they didn''t eat or drink for a year.

    The material was luxurious, with gold thread embroidery. At first nce they appeared white, but upon closer inspection, there were many patterns that shimmered like flowing light.

    When these nuns reached for their tea, their hands were pristine white. To be nuns yet have servants to wait on them - clearly these weren''t hands that did manualbor. Hands that worked would show some blue veins, especially at their age. For their hands to still look like a young girl''s was somewhat unnatural.

    Jiang Mianmian sat to the side watching the scene unfold. Something about this conversation felt oddly familiar.

    Moreover, the gazes of these two beautiful middle-aged nuns seemed off.

    Why were they looking at her?

    Surely not?

    She had worked so hard to transmigrate here, struggled to grow up to this point, put effort into drinking milk, mastering independent peeing and pooping, learning to crawl, to walk, to talk, and now they wanted her to be a nun? To chant sutras all day, eat vegetarian, strike wooden fish, sweep fallen leaves, from a pretty little nun to a pretty old nun?

    Even if she lived to a hundred, she wouldn''t agree to such a life.

    Living to a hundred would just mean bing a centenarian nun!!

    Jiang Yu had never heard of someone iming a family member had an affinity with Buddhism and needed to be taken away.

    How was this different from robbery? It was like going to a fish shop and saying the fish had an affinity with you and needed to be taken home. Without paying money, you''d likely end up beaten half to death by the fishmonger.

    "You''re mistaken. No one in our family has such an affinity," Jiang Yu said, lifting her teacup.

    "This young benefactor was meant to be one of our Buddhistmunity. She shouldn''t remain in the secr world, or it will be bad for the whole family. Everything should return to its proper course. Young benefactor, pleasee with us."

    The nun calling herself Qing Ci stood up, chanted a Buddhist verse to Jiang Mianmian, and suddenly appeared right in front of Mianmian.

    The one called Qing Ming also moved to stand before them.

    Some kind of illusion technique, no doubt.

    It was quite startling.

    Jiang Mianmian thought to herself, I''m not even in the city anymore, where else can I go? To the mountains? I just came from the mountains.

    She never imagined she''d experience child abduction attempts in her lifetime.

    In a sh, the two nuns had reached out to grab Mianmian.

    The two old nuns were clearly skilled fighters.

    They were confident they could take a little girl from this seemingly ordinary household.

    But they couldn''t budge her.

    They tried again.

    Still couldn''t move her.

    By this time, Jiang Yu and Aunt Yin had reacted.

    Jiang Yushed out with a powerful p that sent Qing Ci flying.

    Aunt Yin raised her decades-old smelly foot and kicked out.

    Her foot connected solidly with Qing Ming''s body.

    The kick hurt her foot.

    Then she scooped up Mianmian in her arms.

    Pangya, terrified and trembling, still managed to stand in front of her young mistress.

    Closing her eyes, she went over to give Qing Ming an extra kick.

    "How frightening!" Pangya panted coquettishly while kicking forcefully, folding her arms to squeeze her chest, and holding her round chin with clenched fists...

 Chapter 182

    The autumn breeze was slightly cool.

    Two nuns arrived quietly, likely having navigated through blind spots in the crowd surveince.

    They chose a moment when few people were around to make their move.

    Not far from Jiang Manor, there was a carriage.

    But no matter how long they waited, no one came out.

    Could it be that the hosts were too hospitable, and the two masters decided to stay overnight?

    The elite are superstitious, cing immense trust in the words of revered masters.

    Staying overnight was indeed a possibility.

    Yet the carriage waited still, not daring to leave.

    Until another carriage approached head-on.

    Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian were returning. Previously unfamiliar with the Provincial Capital, they still knew little about it, but with a child waiting at home, the city had be their home, and they were eager to return.

    As they neared the Provincial Capital, the road became smoother and their pace quickened.

    It was a relief.

    The carriage wheels rolled over the cobblestone road, creaking rhythmically like a cheerful melody.

    Qin Luoxia couldn''t help but lift the curtain to gaze at the scenery outside.

    Her first visit was to settle down, and she hadn''t paid much attention to the surroundings.

    Now, because this ce was home, everything seemed familiar.

    Qin Luoxia noticed a carriage.

    It was a beautiful, sturdy-looking carriage, more stable than the one Magistrate Huang had prepared for her.

    The coachman seemed like a trained professional.

    But for some reason, the coachman seemed nervous when he looked at her?

    Qin Luoxia considered herself very approachable and gracious outside, having learned from Aunt Yin for so long. She had be adept at concealing her true self. Aunt Yin said society demanded much from women; you could aspire to fly, to rise, to do anything, but it was best to disguise yourself in a way that met societal expectations, as it was the least troublesome.

    No need to exin to everyone why you appeared as you did.

    Just present a universally eptable facade, what everyone expects, and save a lot of time for what you truly wish to do.

    Thus, outside, Qin Luoxia managed her appearance well, not necessarily noble, but at least a kind and gentledy.

    Yet, even so, the coachman''s pupils shifted nervously at their first nce.

    Something was off with this man.

    Why was this carriage parked not far from her own home?

    Qin Luoxia did not make eye contact; she merely nced and then looked away.

    As if she hadn''t seen him at all.

    The carriage continued on.

    They passed by each other.

    Like a meeting without meaning.

    The coachman was surprised to see them return so soon.

    But he showed no unusual expression; his face remained unchanged.

    The other party surely hadn''t noticed anything.

    Though his parking spot was close to Jiang Manor, it was still across the street.

    With many mansions around, pretending to be from another manor was quite ordinary.

    The carriage wheels rolled evenly past.

    It was curious that Jiang Changtian would venture out without any guards, just his wife.

    It was said they were returning for a funeral.

    Their speed was unusually fast.

    ...

    Back at the manor.

    Jiang Changtian and Qin Luoxia were startled to see two nuns tightly bound.

    It was good they had hurried back.

    Aunt Yin recounted the scene without missing a word.

    Qin Luoxia immediately recalled the carriage encounter from earlier today.

    The nuns'' mouths were silenced by a cloth gag.

    They squirmed and writhed, simr to a silkworm.

    A whimpering sound escaped from their voices.

    They appeared like innocent victims who had fallen into their of viins.

    Upon seeing her parents return, Jiang Mianmian''s lips started to quiver, her tears started falling heavily.

    She wept inconsbly, her sobs borne of terror and grievance.

    The terror of nearly being kidnapped was too overwhelming.

    It would have been one thing to end up in the temple, helping with the chants and sweeping the floors.

    But the way those two nuns spoke, their mysterious words, left her questioning whether they were real or part of some deceptive scheme.

    The thought of them actually realizing her peculiarity, and eating her alive frightened her even more.

    The terror of that thought spiraled out of control.

    Jiang Mianmian sobbed uncontrobly,

    Her tears soaked her mother''s chest and then her father''s shoulder.

    The wails of the two nuns crawling on the ground were even more horrifying.

    "Why are you crying?"

    They only spoke a few words and attempted to pull her away but were unsessful.

    All they managed to do was touch the hem of Mianmian''s dress.

    It wasmentable.

    Onlookers might think they mistreated her.

    The crying of the little girl tugged at the heartstrings of Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian.

    The mere thought of their child being carried away was enough to drive Qin Luoxia insane.

    She didn''t believe in karma or retribution. If such things truly existed, her father and many brave men wouldn''t have died on the battlefield, their bodies undiscovered, and their families suffering more than anyone else. Those left behind saw no blessings, only endless suffering.

    Living on roots and dirt, where were these Buddhist virtues when life was unbearable?

    Frustrating phonies.

    Qin Luoxia always thought of herself as someone with a calm demeanor, but even the most patient people have their limits.

    Mianmian, a child she bore after ten months of pregnancy, was her entire world. She was paramount, even more so than her own life. For her child, she could sacrifice her own life.

    Jiang Changtian''s face softened as he cradled Mianmian, trying to soothe her with sweet words, trying to stop the crying with light-hearted banter.

    Only when their sobbing child was finally quiet did he allow the wet-nurse to take her.

    to take her.

    His heart shattered with each cry of the child.

    He recalled the nun''s words.

    "This child was destined to be with us in the monastery. She doesn''t belong in the secr world. Otherwise, it would bring bad luck to the whole family. Everything should return to the right track."

    What is the right track?

    Watching his family die off one by one?

    Jiang Changtianughed.

    He squinted at the nuns kindly, telling his wife, "Luoxia, let me handle them."

    Qin Luoxia nodded in agreement.

    Night fell.

    Jiang Feng and Meng Shaoxia returned from their military training.

    There was a certain unusual quietness in the house.

    The shock of the day had passed.

    But Jiang Yu excitedly retold the thrilling events of the day to her older brother and eldest nephew.

    "That nun was terrifyingly fast, like she had some sort of magic. She appeared in front of Mianmian all of a sudden, trying to drag her away."

    Jiang Mianmian had cried herself to sleep and woke up a bit groggy, listless.

    Jiang Feng examined his sister from head to toe to ensure she was alright.

    She swatted her brother''s hand awayzily when he ruffled her hair.

    "Were you frightened?"

    Jiang Mianmian nodded, "A little. But I think it''s because I overate at lunch. The swan meat was too coarse and I didn¡¯t digest it well. I felt ufortable."

    Jiang Mianmian pointed at her swollen belly.

    This made Jiang Fengugh again, masking his underlying fear.

    Meng Shaoxia was earnestly checking if Jiang Yu was alright, if she was scared.

    Jiang Yu shook her head: "I''m fine, just a bit scared thinking back. That nun was dressed so brightly, and she was very beautiful, I never thought she would do something like this."

    Meng Shaoxia turned to Jiang Changtian: "Father, I know a little about interrogation techniques, I can help interrogate."

    Meng Shaoxia was good with words.

    After getting married, he did not use formal titles like father and mother-inw, but directly started calling them father and mother.

    Everyone wasn''t used to this at the start.

    But as time went by, they got ustomed to it.

    Jiang Changtian and Qin Luoxia agreed after some observation that Meng Shaoxia was a good man, and maybe a bit overwhelming for their own daughter.

    Their daughter was the one marrying up.

    Such an honorable and down-to-earth person was rare. He didn''t seem to be pretending.

    Even if he was pretending, as long as he could make their daughter happy, they hoped he would pretend for a lifetime.

    Jiang Changtian took Meng Shaoxia and Feng to see the person.

    Surprisingly, the person was in the basement of their house.

    Meng Shaoxia was taken aback.

    He was cautious and keen on the environment.

    He hadn''t noticed the existence of this basement in this mansion.

    It was hidden under the tower in the backyard.

    Then they saw two badly injured nuns, their splendid robes were nowhere to be seen, all covered in blood.

    And also a man.

    The coachman.

    When Qin Luoxia returned, she saw the two nuns, soothed the child, and immediately left.

    She went to the carriage, noticed nobody was watching, knocked the coachman out with a quick strike and drove the carriage home.

    The appearance of the two nuns and the coachman was terrifying, all bloodied.

    On the basement wall hung iron shovels, spears, knives, swords, whips, and there was a furnace, brand iron. In the corner, there were stacks of cabbages and radishes.

    One of the nuns had her face burned ck, but you could see that she was beautiful on the untouched side.

    Meng Shaoxia took a sharp breath.

    In such a short time, they had already caught one of the culprits and tormented them to such an extent. He initially thought he had walked into the Department of Punishment in the pce.

    He carefully asked: "Father, did we get any information?"

    Jiang Changtian shook his head: "No, I don''t know whether they are telling the truth or lying. I just learned some interrogation techniques. It''s good that you are here, you are more professional, you interrogate."

    Both nuns were shuddering:......

    The coachman was shuddering:......

    Meng Shaoxia''s mouth corner twitched:......

 Chapter 183

    Late at night.

    The cer wasn''t cold.

    It was even a bit warm.

    After all, there was a stove for heating branding irons.

    It also provided some warmth.

    The nuns had repeated their story many times.

    They said they had heard that Lord Commander was devastatingly handsome, and Madam Meng was as beautiful as Daji.

    So they wanted to take their youngest daughter away.

    To raise her properly.

    What about returning to the right path? That was just rhetoric.

    It''s usually just rhetoric.

    Whenrge families hear that a girl might hinder the family''s fate, they tend to believe it to some extent.

    Because they had found out that the family had no elders present, and seeing that the little girl was indeed quite beautiful, they decided to simply abduct her.

    The nuns had repeated this story many times.

    But Jiang Changtian didn''t believe it.

    Neither did Jiang Feng.

    Meng Shaoxia interrogated them again.

    He hadn''t even resorted to torture.

    There was no need to.

    The two nuns and the coachman kept eagerly repeating their story.

    And it was always the same content.

    It sounded like a spur-of-the-moment decision.

    The prefectural city of Jingzhou had numerous temples.

    There were about a hundred, big and small.

    The most famous were the True Return Temple and Shangqiu Convent.

    True Return Temple was full of monks.

    Shangqiu Convent was a ce for nuns to practice.

    It was said to be particrly efficacious; as long as one was sincere, all wishes coulde true.

    Many nobles worshipped there, especially the women.

    Shangqiu Convent also housed women from great families who had made mistakes.

    In short, it had significant connections.

    When Zi Lu led a rebellion earlier, these two temples were not affected.

    Unlike Ming County managed by Jiang Changtian, where even the senior monks obediently paid taxes and had to personally perform rituals, working hard to earn incense money.

    Busy until midnight, they had anotherte-night meal, noodles in swan soup.

    It was still a bit fishy, but the wild onions covered the taste, giving it a unique vor.

    Qin Luoxia had opened up a patch ofnd in the mansion to grow wild onions; these things grew quickly, reaching full height in just a month.

    By now, Jiang Mianmian was already asleep.

    Jiang Xiaoshu had somehow found his way to the cer, following the scent.

    The coachman called the nuns "mistress," suggesting they held significant positions in Shangqiu Convent.

    They had fallen unconscious several times during the torture.

    But they had managed to endure it.

    Their recovery ability seemed extraordinary.

    The two didn''t possess immortal arts, otherwise they wouldn''t havee to a mortal family to convert someone.

    But they did have some secret techniques. The process of developing these was quite painful, involving strict diet and routines, and consuming a secret medicine from a young age, making their bodies different from normal people.

    Their bodies were light, their appearances attractive, their skin fair and delicate, and their recovery abilities exceptional.

    However, few of them lived long lives.

    Thanks to their beauty and demeanor, they had always moved easily among the great families.

    When they came to Commander Jiang''s mansion, they inquired about the background and found no strong backing.

    With their skills, they thought it would be an easy task.

    They were actually puzzled; in the past, such matters were handled through persuasion.

    Usually, after a couple of visits from monks or Taoists, and spreading some rumors, the family might send away the daughter who was affecting the family''s fortune on their own.

    Why the rush this time?

    A family''s fate was certainly more important than a little girl''s life.

    Perhaps they themselves had been sent to the temple for simr reasons.

    And then they used the same reasoning to deceive others.

    An endless, vicious cycle.

    But this time, their master had told them to act quickly, without dy.

    And then they were somehow subdued by a little girl, an old nanny, and a chubby maid.

    The legendary Madam Meng, said to be as beautiful as Daji, was indeed pretty, but not to that exaggerated extent.

    But the little girl their master mentioned was truly beautiful, translucent, delicate like fine jade, radiant and glowing.

    They had moved fast.

    But they didn''t expect the other side to move even faster.

    Lying in the cer, the coachman was barely breathing, more inhaling than exhaling.

    The two nuns weren''t much better off. After the torture, they thought they could rest, even thinking of ways to escape.

    But in the middle of the night, they felt something biting them. However, they were in too much pain to notice and fell back into unconsciousness.

    The next day.

    Jiang Mianmian woke up, staring at the ceiling.

    She hadn''t slept wellst night.

    Her digestion wasn''t good, so she had drunk too much spirit spring water, causing her to get up in the middle of the night.

    Pangya had attended to her.

    As soon as she woke up, Pangya quietly lifted the curtain and gave her a big smile.

    Come to think of it, how did Pangya know she was awake when she just opened her eyes?

    That was a bit too perceptive.

    This maid''s professional standards were too high.

    Thinking of her loli-like yet vicious kicking yesterday, indeed some cuteness has existed since ancient times.

    Like curling her toes while kicking.

    Oh right, Pangya also had a lisp.

    Pangya said her mother always told her she was destined to be a rough maid, but she didn''t believe in fate, so she worked hard to learn from the first-ss maids, and that''s how her voice ended up like this.

    Before her was not just a maid with high professional standards, but also one with ideals and ambition.

    Seeing Pangya''s big smile, Jiang Mianmian felt that the new day would be bright and sunny.

    But when she opened the window.

    It wasn''t.

    It was raining.

    An autumn rain brings a chill.

    It was very cold.

    Jiang Mianmian was dressed in a cotton robe, then a cotton vest, and cotton shoes.

    Pangya held an umbre and carried her to eat.

    Though it was raining, the path had been swept quite clean.

    Arriving at the dining hall, Jiang Mianmian greeted each elder in turn.

    She called out to everyone, after all, she was the youngest.

    Finally, she ended up in her father''s arms.

    It''s nice being a child, often able to be a legless essory.

    After eating.

    It was raining today.

    Commander Jiang wasn''t in a hurry to go to work.

    After all, he didn''t have much official business at the office.

    Beingte for roll call didn''t matter.

    But unexpectedly, despite the heavy rain, someone came calling.

    It was Judge Yu.

    Lord Yu, in charge of criminal cases.

    Lord Yu brought a group of subordinates and knocked on Commander Jiang''s door.

    "Brother Jiang, pardon the intrusion. Someone reported that two masters from Shangqiu Convent went missing in your home. They insisted Ie to check. You know, people like us, even though we''ve obtained official positions, are still nobodies, just following orders. I hope you''ll forgive the offense." Yu Qian wore a smiling face, but behind him stood a fullplement of yamen runners.

    The rain made everything look a bit white.

    Jiang Changtian smiled at Yu and said, "No worries, no worries. We all follow orders. Please, do search thoroughly. How could someone disappear in broad daylight?"

    Looking at Commander Jiang''s exceptionally beautiful face, Yu Qian''s heart inexplicably raced. He inwardly cursed: I''ve fought tooth and nail in Jingzhou, and all I got was the position of a judge. This Jiang fellow did nothing, stayed holed up in Ming County, and became a Commander. Surely he didn''t get it by selling his body?

    Yu Qian was just starting to make a name for himself in Jingzhou, even the prefect had to treat him with respect, so he didn''t think much of Commander Jiang.

    Seeing Jiang''s weak andpliant attitude, he also smiled: "Excuse us, then."

    He not only brought men, but also dogs.

    Dogs could track scents.

    This Lord Yu might becking in character, but he did have some skills.

    However, after a thorough search, they found no one.

    But they did see a horse carriage.

    This Commander was interesting.

    So greedy, yet he kept the carriage.

    It was as if he was openly telling them he had the people.

    Yu Qian left with his subordinates.

    Looking back through the rain, Commander Jiang was still there.

    He cupped his hands towards Commander Jiang.

    Then galloped away on his horse.

    Commander Jiang and his mansion became part of the rainy evening scenery.

 Chapter 184

    After two days of rain, the sky cleared up.

    Sunlight streamed through the carved doors and windows into the room, falling on the floor.

    Beautiful patterns formed on the ground.

    The sunlight was like a magical brush, recreating the designs bit by bit.

    Jiang Mianmian yawned and stretchedzily.

    In the morning, Grandma had dressed her up.

    Because today, Mom was taking her out.

    In just these two days, there had been many rumors circting in the Provincial Capital.

    They said that the young daughter of Magistrate Jiang had a strange fate, and it would be best for her to be a nun. If she stayed at home, she would surely bring misfortune to her family.

    Aunt Yin dressed up the little mistress, making her look like a small princess.

    She was certain no one would look better than her.

    A red cape, pearl hair ornaments - the hair essory was a small band with two rows of pearls arranged on top.

    Jiang Mianmian had provided the idea.

    Grandma had it made for her.

    Grandma said that little girls should be treasured like pearls, given the best things. Through constant exposure, they would naturally develop an air of nobility.

    What was nobility? It was confidence.

    Jiang Mianmian, wearing a beautiful little robe, adorned with pearl hair essories, with a face very much like her father''s, and wearing pretty embroidered shoes, was going out with Mom to attend a gathering.

    Jiang Mianmian felt that Grandma had dressed her up very formally.

    But then she thought about how she was now someone of status.

    Much higher than a working-ss family in modern times.

    Attending this banquet was almost like the child of a high-ranking official attending a party hosted by the governor''s wife. Thinking of it this way, she realized how high the level was.

    She had inexplicably climbed up the socialdder.

    The whole family was adapting to their new identities.

    Today, Elder Sister was feeling unwell due to a slight cold and didn''t join them.

    Jiang Mianmian remembered that before marriage, Elder Sister had been as strong as an ox. Even chickens that drank her soup broth could be poisoned to death, yet she remained hale and hearty. Strangely, after marriage, she had be frail.

    Today, Brother-inw also didn''t go out, staying behind to take care of Elder Sister.

    Jiang Mianmian, along with Pangya, went out with Mom and Grandma.

    However, it was only in the carriage that Jiang Mianmian learned from Mom''s conversation with Grandma.

    Elder Sister had started her menstrual period.

    She was suddenly rmed.

    There were no sanitary pads...

    Although it would be many years before she needed them herself, she knew that when women menstruate, if not kept clean, it could easily lead to illness.

    In ancient times, youngdies of noble families rarely left their homes, partly because frail women would be menstruating for half a month. If hygiene wasn''t properly maintained, it was easy to develop gynecological diseases, which were also not easy to discuss openly.

    When watching historical dramas, she always felt that noble women seemed as fragile as tofu, miscarrying at the slightest bump.

    While working farm women aged quickly, partly due to the prevalence of gynecological diseases andck of conditions to maintain hygiene.

    Thinking about this, Jiang Mianmian felt that sanitary pads were necessary.

    She decided to start working on it as soon as they returned home from the banquet.

    The carriage swayed, and the journey wasn''t too long, but they had to wait in line for a long time.

    If you didn''t want to squeeze into the world of fame and fortune, you wouldn''t, but if you did, you would clearly feel the ss distinctions.

    Even the positions of carriages were ranked.

    Those of higher rank were like VIPs, allowed to enter first.

    Those of lower rank had to wait in line outside.

    Mom wasn''t impatient.

    She sat in the carriage listening to Aunt Yin introduce the otherdies.

    Jiang Mianmian also listened attentively, but soon got bored.

    People really were different.

    At least Jiang Mianmian felt she didn''t have Mom''s patience. If they had started from the same point, and she was also a clueless mother of three children, she probably wouldn''t have the patience to learn and strive like Mom did.

    Mom seemed to be the person who had made the most progress in the family.

    Jiang Mianmian herself was wrapped in the shell of a young child. With just a little effort, she was called a genius. Even if she farted a bit louder, people would apud.

    But Mom had truly transformed from what Jiang Mianmian remembered as an ordinary farm woman with a round face, to the current Mrs. Jiang who could hold her own among nobledies, always maintaining an upright posture. Jiang Mianmian felt proud seeing this change.

    The Spirit Spring could change one''s physical constitution, but it couldn''t change one''s thoughts.

    Like herself,zy and slightly socially anxious, she was stillzy and slightly socially anxious.

    Elder Sister, a foodie with a sharp tongue, was still a foodie with a sharp tongue.

    Jiang Mianmian admired Mom and couldn''t help but tter her a bit: "Mom, you''re so amazing. You''re the most amazing."

    Qin Luoxia smiled sweetly and gently pinched the little one''s cheek.

    When Jiang Mianmian first saw Mom, she had just given birth to her and was still plump and swollen. Now she was spirited, neat, and radiant. Jiang Mianmian felt that her lifelong n to rely on her parents had hope; Mom was too aplished.

    She felt proud.

    Finally, it was their turn to get off the carriage.

    An old matron came to wee them and lead the way.

    This chrysanthemum banquet indeed had many chrysanthemums, and manydies.

    Everyone''s gaze more or less converged on Mrs. Jiang.

    Those whose family members had attended the twentieth birthday banquet of Magistrate Jiang''s eldest son couldn''t stop talking about it when they returned home, saying how good the food was and that they wanted to go again next month.

    They even prepared generous gifts.

    Surprisingly, no one found fault with it.

    This made thedies who didn''t go feel like they had pped themselves in the face.

    Moreover, the cleansing cream they sent as gifts was truly magical. A small, slippery cube actually whitened hands after washing. When used on the face, it seemed to whiten theplexion and refine the skin.

    Everyone curiously looked at Mrs. Jiang.

    Amidst a sea of golden chrysanthemums, there was ady in red.

    It wasn''t a new outfit with creases. When attending a gathering, wearing clothes that had never been worn before wouldn''t show respect, but rather reveal one''s unease.

    It would seem like you were trying too hard.

    Besides, if there were any sizing issues with clothes that had never been worn, it could be embarrassing.

    It was best to wear rtively new clothes.

    Mrs. Jiang wore a red dress, which was very beautiful.

    Mrs. Jiang didn''t have a delicate, dependent appearance. She was tall with long legs, and surprisingly, she wasn''t wearing embroidered shoes, but something more like men''s shoes. Yet it didn''t look odd, giving her a free and easy air.

    Mrs. Jiang''s appearance was very beautiful, the kind that would make other women admire and like.

    She had a grand and bright aura, not seductive.

    One look and you could tell she was the principal wife.

    Looking at Mrs. Jiang like this, and hearing that Magistrate Jiang was devastatingly handsome, it seemed fitting that such a bewitchingly handsome man should have such a wife to keep him in check.

    Then they looked at the little girl beside Mrs. Jiang.

    She was very small, walking slowly, step by step, but veryposed.

    She didn''t look around restlessly. asionally, when she saw something curious, she would say something to Mrs. Jiang, who would then smile.

    The little girl would smile too.

    Her smile was captivating.

    Even at such a young age, her extraordinary beauty was evident, mesmerizing everyone.

    All the attendees were women, yet they were dazed by a little girl''s beauty.

    No wonder there had been mysterious rumors circting in the Provincial Capital these past two days, saying that the youngest daughter of the Jiang family was originally from the Buddhist world and should return to it.

    How could the mortal world contain such beauty?

    It made people''s hearts itch, wanting to hold her in their arms and cuddle her like a soft, fluffy kitten.

    As Mrs. Jiang approached, the otherdies didn''t know how to start a conversation.

    In fact, they had all received invitations from the Jiang family, but because they looked down on them, none had attended, which was equivalent to a collective snub.

    At this moment, a woman also wearing a red dress stepped forward.

    While both wore red, Mrs. Jiang was dignified andposed, while this woman was seductive and revealing, as if eager to disy every part of her body.

    This was the favored concubine of Lord Yu, Zheng''er.

    Lord Yu was a prominent figure in the Provincial Capital''s officialdom, often arresting people at will, like a mad dog.

    Zheng''er''s status had risen with his, and she brazenly attended the prefectural magistrate''s wife''s banquet.

    She even brought Lord Yu''s three daughters.

    However, those three daughters stood serving like maids.

    Thedies didn''t want to socialize with her, but they had to force themselves to do so.

    Zheng''er was very vindictive. Once, when ady offended her, she went back and whispered in Lord Yu''s ear. The next day, Lord Yu found an excuse to torment thatdy''s husband until thedy came to apologize.

    It was said that Zheng''er was as close as sisters with Xiao Fengxian.

    Although thedies disliked Zheng''er, they didn''t want to cause trouble for their husbands.

    On the surface, they still had to tter Zheng''er.

    Zheng''er looked arrogant and domineering, but she was actually clever. She wouldn''t go after the prefectural magistrate''s wife.

    The people she tormented were all those whom Lord Yu could influence.

    From afar, she saw Mrs. Jiang also wearing red.

    Zheng''er smiled meaningfully.

    This Mrs. Jiang, rumored to be of peasant origin, was unexpectedly grand and beautiful.

    It was the kind of look she hated, proper and bright.

    It made her ufortable.

    However, she walked out openly and blocked Mrs. Jiang''s path.

    She smiled and said, "Sister Qin,e sit over here."

    Qin Luoxia saw the neer and, recalling thedies Aunt Yin had introduced to her, felt confident.

    She asked, "Whichdy are you?"

    The onlookers watched with interest.

    Both were wives of pardoned rebels, so it was fitting they should sit together.

    "My husband''s surname is Yu," Zheng''er said coyly, leaning against a pir.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at her with curiosity. She truly stood out.

    Just like the type of person Grandma described as unconventional in every way. Leaning against the doorframe certainly gave off an air of worldliness.

    She made a mental note to be mindful of her posture in the future.

    Stand tall, chest out, eyes straight ahead.

    Jiang Mianmian made a small correction to her own stance.

    Qin Luoxia noticed three girls of varying ages standing beside her, serving tea and water like maids.

    The three girls were blushing, looking awkward and unsure whether to bow or what to do, heads lowered as they fidgeted with their clothes.

    Qin Luoxia raised her hand and pped Zheng''er''s provocative smiling face.

    One p sent her tumbling to the ground.

    Several pots of chrysanthemums were crushed in the process.

    "Thest person who impersonated my family member is already dead. How dare you pretend to be Mrs. Yu when I just met her the day before yesterday?"

 Chapter 185

    Silence.

    Silence was thenguage of the moment.

    Thedies were like chrysanthemums in flower pots, vying for beauty, unable to speak.

    The wind blew the chrysanthemum petals, making them sway, while it jingled the ornaments in thedies'' hair.

    The prefect''s wife arrived just in time.

    She was a slightly plump woman, not tall, and not particrly good-looking.

    Surprisingly, when Jiang Mianmian saw the prefect''s wife, her first thought was that this prefect must be a good man, not abandoning his wife from humble beginnings. The plump wife looked like she was living a veryfortable life.

    And this was probably what most normal people looked like.

    How could one see one stunning beauty after another?

    There weren''t that many countries and cities to be captivated.

    Everyone was worried that Zheng''er would make a scene and refuse to let it go.

    Mrs. Jiang''s actions were satisfying, but they were concerned about how it would end.

    Zheng''er was no pushover.

    Having suffered such a great insult, she would surely seek revenge.

    But Mrs. Jiang''s p had knocked her out cold.

    It must have been genuine unconsciousness, otherwise, given Zheng''er''s temperament, she wouldn''t have been too embarrassed to fake it.

    Seeing the prefect''s wife, Qin Luoxia felt a bit embarrassed and said, "I''m sorry, I damaged a few of your flower pots."

    The prefect''s wife looked at the human-shaped impression in the flowers and wanted tough.

    She pursed her lips, holding it back hard.

    She put on a solemn expression and waved her hand, "It''s fine."

    She was also sick of these favored concubines, but for the sake of appearances, she still had to entertain them.

    Watching Zheng''er being carried away, Qin Luoxia kept the three girls behind.

    "Xiu''er, Mian''er, Mi''er,e here. Stay with Aunt Qin, I''ll take you to y."

    The three girls were amazed that thisdy dared to hit Madam Zheng and even knew their names.

    This must be the Mrs. Jiang their mother had mentioned, the formidable Mrs. Jiang.

    If they went back with Madam Zheng, they would surely be punished.

    The girls were timid but not stupid. Instinctively following the powerful one, they obediently called out, "Hello, Aunt Qin."

    Jiang Mianmian reached out to hold the hand of the youngest girl.

    "Hello, Sister Mi''er, I''m Mianmian."

    Mi''er''s palm was sweaty with nervousness as she carefully grasped the other''s hand.

    The other girl was dressed too beautifully and exquisitely, and was too pretty, a hundred times more beautiful than Madam Zheng.

    Father had said Madam Zheng was a celestial beauty, so what would you call someone a hundred times more beautiful than a celestial being?

    After apologizing, Qin Luoxia asked Pangya to give what she was holding to the prefect''s wife.

    The prefect''s wife, though feeling that Mrs. Jiang''s actions were satisfying, also thought they were a bit reckless and too fierce.

    Seeing her offering a gift, she smiled politely.

    But then she saw the chubby maid lift the ck cloth, revealing a pot of ck chrysanthemums underneath. They were blooming extraordinarily beautifully, with distinct petals and vigorous growth.

    The prefect''s wife stepped forward in delight, examining them closely.

    "Is this a mutation that was then cultivated?"

    Qin Luoxia nodded.

    "It''s grown so well. I''ve seen mutated nts before, but they''re very difficult to raise."

    Qin Luoxia smiled and said, "Mutated nts are out of ce among other nts, but with careful nurturing, they can grow into their most beautiful form."

    The prefect''s wife truly loved chrysanthemums.

    She was absolutely enamored with this pot of flowers.

    "Such a fine flower, probably one of a kind, I feel unworthy to ept it."

    "If you like it, it bes precious. If no one cares for it, it''s like wild grass by the roadside."

    The prefect''s wife nodded happily.

    The more she looked at Mrs. Jiang, the more she liked her. Not only were her actions grand, but her words were also interesting and profound the more one pondered them.

    Just with one pot of flowers, Mrs. Jiang, who had knocked out Lord Yu''s favored concubine, became an honored guest of the prefect''s wife.

    The otherdies naturally greeted her with smiles as well.

    Some praised the beauty of the chrysanthemums.

    Someplimented Mrs. Jiang''s beautiful clothes.

    Some praised Miss Jiang''s beauty.

    All around were words of praise.

    Even Madam Yu''s three daughters received smiles andpliments.

    It waspletely different from the cold, mocking looks they usually received. It turned out thesedies'' knife-like mouths could also speak words as sweet as honey.

    For a moment, everyone was harmonious.

    No one mentioned the fainted Zheng''er.

    No one dared to bring up the recent rumors in the Provincial Capital about ipatible destinies and such.

    Even Madam Liu, known for her straightforward personality, kept her mouth tightly shut today.

    After all, no one wanted to be knocked out and carried away.

    This Mrs. Jiang was truly fierce.

    When they beat a lowly maid at home, their hands would hurt, and the maid could still cover her face, half-hiding behind a pipa, crying and whining coquettishly to the master.

    Mrs. Jiang directly knocked someone unconscious, there was no room for coquettish behavior.

    Mrs. Jiang''s temperament was truly enviable.

    Whenever they felt murderous at home, thinking of a hundred ways to kill those lowly maids, they still had to say, "Sister, you''ve worked hard, thank you for taking care of the master for me..."

    It was said that the Jiang family had no concubines.

    Mrs. Jiang could subdue ten with one blow. With her demeanor, no matter how devastatingly handsome Mr. Jiang might be, he wouldn''t dare to have wandering eyes.

    The hosts and guests were all in good spirits.

    Thedies also put aside their prejudices.

    Although they were all from families of pardoned rebels, this Mrs. Jiang seemed very worth associating with.

    Everyone looked down on Madam Yu, firstly because she didn''t understand proper behavior, and secondly because they despised her for being controlled by a concubine.

    If you don''t establish yourself, letting a concubine set rules for your daughters, it''s ridiculous andughable. Who could help you? No one could interfere in your family affairs.

    Looking at how the girls had been taught to be quiet and reserved, at least their eyes seemed right. If they had really been taught the ways of a concubine, with an air of sensuality about them, who would dare to marry them as proper wives in the future? They would likely end up as concubines.

    "Mrs. Jiang, your skin is so good, you don''t look like someone who''s had three children at all. Do you have any secret methods? The cleansing cream you sent is also very good," onedy praised.

    Anotherdy also felt her face was a bit loose, while Mrs. Jiang''s face was tight like a young girl''s.

    Qin Luoxia smiled and said, "I do have some secrets. My little daughter naturally loves to tinker with these things. The cleansing cream was her creation. It can make people whiter when used for washing. She also made face masks, essences, and otherplicated things. You just put them on your face. I used to do a lot of farm work and wasn''t fair-skinned, but she forcibly turned me into this."

    Jiang Mianmian put on a sweet, silly smile.

    Mother, you know how to show off,ining while showing off is still showing off.

    "I don''t know if someone found out these secret forms were created by my little daughter. Some people with ulterior motives want them, after all, the desire to be beautiful is universal. But spreading those ridiculous rumors is hateful. If thedies have time, next timee to our manor, and I''ll let you try them," Qin Luoxia said naturally.

    "Yes, it''s too despicable."

    "Their intentions are condemnable."

    "Then we''ll wait for Mrs. Jiang''s invitation. I''ll bring my daughter too when the timees."

    Thedies were extremely enthusiastic.

    When it was time to leave, the prefect''s wife still held onto Qin Luoxia and said, "Sister Luoxia, next time I''ll invite you to my home. There were too many people this time, we couldn''t chat properly. Don''t worry, my old Zhou doesn''t like that Yu fellow either. If your Mr. Jiang punishes you when you get home, feel free toe find me. Say I told you to hit her."

    Hearing these words, Jiang Mianmian really liked this prefect''s wife.

    She couldn''t help but go forward, hugging the prefect''s wife''s leg and saying, "Aunt,e y at our house, we have yummy food."

    The prefect''s wife''s children were all grown up, and even her grandchildren couldn''t act as adorably as this.

    She was extremely fond of this pretty little girl who could hug her leg so charmingly.

    Even as she left, she was reluctant to part. She gave the little girl another string of ss and jade beads to wear around her neck, which was extremely beautiful.

    "Thank you, Aunt." Jiang Mianmian rubbed her head against the prefect''s wife''s plump belly.

    It was very soft.

    Qin Luoxia personally took the three girls home in a carriage.

    In the carriage, the eldest girl Xiu''er suddenly knelt down and kowtowed to Qin Luoxia, saying, "Aunt, please save my mother. My father said that if Madam Zheng gets even a little hurt, he would beat my mother."

    "Mother can''t fight back against Father. This time Madam Zheng is so badly hurt, my mother will be beaten to death."

    "Can you help us take our mother away and send us back to the countryside? We used to live in the countryside before, we had a farm, we could do whatever we wanted. Mother would nt crops, the beans were delicious," Mian''er also knelt down and said.

    "That Madam Zheng always punishes us, saying we say the wrong things, making us kneel. Father doesn''t care, Father is very fierce."

    "Father says he wants a son, we are all money-losing goods. Madam Zheng says once she gives birth to a son, she''ll drive us out."

    "Aunt Qin, my father is truly terrifying. You must be careful. Madam Zheng will surely im she''s pregnant when she returns, and might even use you of causing her to miscarry. Last time, she falsely used Mi''er of pushing her, and my father kicked Mi''er so hard he flew across the room. Mi''er''s stomach still hurts to this day."

    Mi''er, the five or six-year-old girl sitting next to Jiang Mianmian, naively lifted her shirt, revealing a bruise on her stomach.

    The young girls, as if in a group therapy session, hurriedly shared their woes with Qin Luoxia.

    They feared being sent back home and getting beaten again.

    They also worried about their mothers being beaten.

    Hearing this, Jiang Mianmian was shocked.

    She felt grateful for having transmigrated into a normal family. This father they spoke of was truly terrifying.

    Qin Luoxia pulled the three children close and said, "Don''t worry. I''ll take you back, and I promise you won''t be beaten. Your mothers will be safe too."

    The girls remained skeptical.

    Especially Xiu''er, the oldest.

    When she was sent into the Yu manor, her struggling gaze and constant looking back resembled a small deer being thrown to the tigers ¨C confused, frightened, and somewhat unwilling.

    Even as the door closed, that look in her eyes was still heart-wrenching.

    Jiang Mianmian couldn''t help but cling to the carriage curtain.

    She turned to ask her mother, "Will they really be okay?"

    Qin Luoxia pulled her little daughter into her arms, gently stroking her head as she said, "They''ll be fine. When mother says it''s okay, it definitely will be. Don''t worry."

    ...

    That night, Lord Yu didn''t return home. He went to investigate a case and identally fell off a cliff, dying from the fall.

 Chapter 186

    "My lord, let me tell you, that Qin woman, tsk tsk, she struck fast and fierce. As soon as the other woman mentioned her husband''s surname was Yu, Qin pped her and sent her flying."

    "I''m telling you, several pots of the prefect''s wife''s chrysanthemums were crushed, with a person-shaped imprint on them. Now that''s what I call chrysanthemum appreciation - those flowers were truly a sight to behold."

    "My lord, next time don''t bring out those dear, obedient, kind girls of yours - Lu''er and Guo''er. It''s embarrassing."

    ...

    After attending the prefect''s wife''s chrysanthemum viewing party, all thedies had something to say when they returned home.

    They couldn''t resist sharing with their husbands about Mrs. Jiang beating Lord Yu''s concubine.

    They also took the opportunity to tighten the reins on their own husbands.

    Of course, some cleverdies had a different perspective on the matter.

    "Mrs. Jiang gifted the prefect''s wife a pot of ck chrysanthemums, which she adored, instantly elevating Mrs. Jiang to an honored guest. That Mrs. Jiang seems quite cunning. Her beating of Lord Yu''s concubine may appear rash and impulsive, but she likely knows her husband doesn''t get along with Lord Yu. After all, Lord Yu openly led people to search the Jiang Manor, showingplete disregard for the Jiang family."

    "The Jiang family''s young daughter is indeed stunningly beautiful. Madam Meng wasn''t present today, but rumors of her beauty rivaling Daji''s must be true. As for those rumors about her fate, someone must be spreading them deliberately."

    Whether it was the cleverdies, the jealous ones, or thosecking in wit, by the time they finished sharing gossip with their husbands, their spouses had an even bigger piece of news to report:

    Lord Yu was dead.

    All thedies felt a chill run down their spines.

    They hade home chattering away, perhaps with a touch of schadenfreude, intending to express to their husbands, "See how other men''s wives cause trouble? I''ve never given you any trouble, I''ve even tolerated those little hussies in your back courtyard. You should show me some respect."

    But now, Lord Yu was dead!

    They had been worried Mrs. Jiang might face retaliation from Lord Yu.

    Instead, he was already dead?

    It happened too quickly.

    It was too coincidental.

    It was too timely.

    What in the world?

    The prefect''s wife was also chatting with her husband.

    Between them sat that pot of ck chrysanthemums.

    It was exceptionally beautiful.

    She had never seen such robust chrysanthemums before.

    And the color was an unusual ck.

    She smiled at the flowers, even eating an extra bowl of rice at dinner.

    Prefect Zhou and his plump wife were somewhat simr in appearance, both a bit chubby and well-fed.

    However, Prefect Zhou''s face looked much fiercer, and even when he smiled, he resembled a smiling tiger, appearing quite shrewd and calcting.

    In front of him, his wife seemed rather naive and simple.

    "Old Zhou, don''t you think these flowers are beautiful? Mrs. Jiang gave them to me. You know, that extremely beautiful Commander''s wife. She''s quite nice, we get along well. She''s righteous and seems good-natured. I''ll invite her over to y again tomorrow."

    The Prefect already knew about Mrs. Jiang pping Lord Yu''s concubine, and also that Lord Yu had died.

    Yet here was his foolish wife, praising Mrs. Jiang''s good nature.

    At home, he didn''t dare easily discuss official matters with his wife, as she was known for her loose tongue.

    "Alright, if you like her, invite her over to keep youpany. But don''t keep calling her over too often. She has her own affairs and can''t always be ying with you," Prefect Zhou said patiently.

    His wife was his mentor''s only daughter, also his junior apprentice sister. He had been coddling her since she was young.

    From a blossoming young girl, he had pampered her into the current wife as plump as two blossoming young girls.

    "I understand, you can trust me to handle things. Commander Jiang''s daughter is also extremely pretty and lovable. Oh my, seeing her makes me want to have another child," the prefect''s wife said, smiling so broadly her eyes became mere slits in her chubby face.

    Lord Zhou''s body shuddered, and he stood up ufortably. "I still have official business to attend to. I''ll go handle it now."

    ...

    The next day.

    The weather was fine.

    Due to Judicial Commissioner Yu''s unexpected death, an emergency meeting was called.

    Everyone privately thought, how could there be so many idents?

    He had just had a conflict with Commander Jiang''s family, Mrs. Jiang had beaten Lord Yu''s concubine in broad daylight, and that very night Lord Yu died in an ident.

    They were all curious about what Commander Jiang would do and how he would prove his innocence.

    They were even more intrigued by this new colleague.

    Today, Jiang Changtian wore his official robes, looking more handsome and dashing than all the other gentlemen present, young and old.

    When the matter of Judicial Commissioner Yu was brought up, Commander Jiang resolutely stood up and volunteered:

    "Lord Yu and I were as close as brothers. We were both colleagues who epted amnesty and joined the government. All the other officials here have experience in officialdom, while wecked such experience and might have easily offended others. With Brother Yu''s unfortunate incident, I bear an unavoidable responsibility. I must find the culprit. I don''t believe that someone as cautious as Lord Yu would identally fall off a cliff. There must be more to this story. Prefect, please entrust this matter to me. I will get to the bottom of it and give everyone an exnation."

    Everyone: ...

    Prefect Zhou: Granted.

    The meeting adjourned.

    As a group of officials walked out together, one noticed a stain on Commander Jiang''s official robe and hurriedly pointed it out. Commander Jiang smiled and said, "It''s nothing, nothing. I was painting with my daughter this morning and identally got it dirty."

 Chapter 187

    ......

    The weather was cold.

    Early in the morning, before Father went to work, they enjoyed a scene of paternal affection as he tried to teach her painting.

    Father had seen her drawing of a human facest time and may have thought she was a painting prodigy, so he prepared to teach her how to paint.

    Things like impressionistic ink wash painting.

    Holding a brush.

    Jiang Changtian was surprised to find that his little girl''s aesthetic sense seemed rather fixed.

    She simply couldn''t appreciate the beauty of ink wash painting.

    As if her tastes had been set in stone.

    After a morning of fatherly instruction, Jiang Changtian was nearly ready to shout in frustration.

    After being red at twice by Mom, he finally left for work.

    Jiang Mianmian felt relieved.

    What era were these parents from? Teaching children seemed to be bad for their hearts.

    But what could she do? Father had made an ink dot and asked her what it was. Even if the king of heaven came down, it would still just be an ink dot. How could she lie?

    She felt Father''s aura was a bit off at that moment.

    After Father went to work, the air seemed much clearer.

    Jiang Mianmian wanted to tell Mom to keep an eye on her husband - could it be that he was going through male menopause due to his age?

    But Mom''s punishments hurt, so she decided against it.

    After breakfast, Jiang Mianmian followed Grandma to watch her arrange gifts to be sent to the Capital City.

    They now had rtives in the Capital City.

    Her brother-inw''s family was from there.

    Mainly, Grandma was instructing Elder Sister on what to send, Mom was learning, and she was observing.

    "The winter solstice ising soon, and winters are cold in the Capital City. We can send some things to keep warm. Even though we''re not there in person, we should prepare what''s needed. The gifts should beprehensive," Grandma instructed the eldest daughter as she packed things.

    Jiang Yu looked at Mom and smiled, "It feels like we''re stealing things from home."

    Qin Luoxia tapped her forehead, "What nonsense are you talking about? You''re already married but still so immature. Your grandma is right. If you put your heart into sending these things, at least Xiao Meng''s parents will worry less about himing all this way."

    Jiang Yu nodded, "I understand, Mom~~"

    In any case, they prepared all kinds of warm furs, along with scarves, gloves, woolen socks, knee pads, headbands, and slippers made by her younger sister.

    There were also various foods, preserved vegetables, dried meats, noodles, and so on.

    Nothing too expensive, but very practical and diverse.

    They also sent several carts of supplies to Grandpa Meng stationed at the border, focusing on warmth and food.

    Jiang Mianmian took the opportunity to have Uncle Gong send gifts to Zi Xiaochong as well.

    Oh, and they also prepared gifts for Eunuch Duan - he liked tea, so they prepared some tea for him.

    Eunuch Duan had mentioned there was an Eunuch Yan who was favored by the emperor, but they weren''t sure if it was the same Eunuch Yan they knew. They would ask about it when they got back.

    In any case, it was all about reciprocity.

    The life of a youngdy from a wealthy family involved spending a whole morning looking at gifts in the storehouse.

    Jiang Mianmian btedly realized how quickly they had progressed from having no food stores to now having a storehouse.

    The storehouse contained many gifts her brother had received for his birthday, including a lifelike golden mouse, exquisitely crafted and incredibly heavy.

    She didn''t know who had sent it, but it was certainly extravagant. Even a fingernail-sized piece of gold had some weight, and this whole mouse was so heavy that if she wasn''t strong, she could barely lift it.

    There were also vases and such that people had sent. Jiang Mianmian didn''t examine them closely, not knowing if they were particrly valuable, but she thought that with current craftsmanship, making a matching pair of vases with identical patterns would be quite difficult.

    After touring the storehouse, she looked for particrly soft cotton fabric. She wanted to make sanitary pads.

    "Elder Sister has started her period, so I want to make clean pads for her that can be thrown away after use, without needing to be washed. She can change them several times a day," Jiang Mianmian exined.

    Jiang Yu still felt a bit shy talking about menstruation, but hearing her sister''s words, she couldn''t help but feel touched. She hugged her sister tightly and kissed her.

    "It wasn''t for nothing that Elder Sister dotes on you, you little worrier."

    Mom and the others who heard her idea thought it was wasteful.

    Using something once and throwing it away seemed too extravagant.

    Ordinary people certainly couldn''t afford it.

    If they didn''t even have one good set of clothes, how could they make something good just to throw away after one use?

    Washing and reusing was better.

    It was simr to howter generations would get used to disposable diapers, while older generations still preferred cloth diapers that could be washed and reused.

    Jiang Mianmian felt she had been a bit presumptuous again.

    Fortunately, her parents were progressive enough. If they were still struggling, her tendency toe up with new ideas might have been very depressing.

    Anyway, whether others used them or not didn''t matter; the important thing was to convince her own family to use them first.

    Jiang Mianmian spent the whole afternoon researching what kind of core material would be absorbent, healthy, and hygienic.

    She was very serious and formal about it.

    It was just like when she wanted to make soap bubbles before, and ended up making soap.

    At times like these, Jiang Xiaoshu would obediently y with his ant colony on the side, not disturbing her.

    Pangya helped by fetching things, earnestly keeping herpany as she worked.

    In the spacious room filled with sunlight, the little girl who didn''t like to braid her hair sat with messy locks and a pretty hairpin at her forehead. In front of her were many white cloth strips. The little girl took a cup of water and poured it repeatedly to test, very seriously.

    The little ants marched around in groups, also very seriously.

    ......

    Lord Commander carefully observed the cliff where Lord Yu had fallen.

    He tied a g with white cloth at the edge of the cliff.

    To warn people to be careful.

    Of course, Lord Commander was very careful.

    He wondered why Lord Yu would have been standing in this ce for no reason.

    Looking at the spot, there should have been other people standing next to Lord Yu at the time.

    Lord Yu''s attendants stood outside, all saying they didn''t know what happened.

    They just heard a sound, and Lord Yu had fallen down with a scream.

    They didn''t see anyone.

    Then Lord Commander indeed found a pair of footprints nearby.

    And they were rather small.

    They looked like a woman''s footprints.

    Lord Yu had been investigating a case before his death.

    He was investigating the case of missing nuns from Shangqiu Convent.

    Commander Jiang said seriously, "Brother Yu came to my house and looked around everywhere. Those two nuns mysteriously disappeared. Brother Yu must have discovered something significant while investigating this case and was silenced. These footprints are the proof."

    So all the evidence pointed towards Shangqiu Convent.

    Commander Jiang was very efficient.

    He didn''t let Lord Yu die in vain.

    Before Lord Yu''s body was even buried, while it was still lying in state, he led arge group of men to surround Shangqiu Convent.

    He demanded they hand over the murderer.

    That day.

    The worshippers who hade to burn incense at Shangqiu Convent were terrified.

    The nuns of Shangqiu Convent were also frightened.

    A dense crowd stood at attention at the gates of Shangqiu Convent.

    A bird startled by themotion flew out from the courtyard, only to be shot down by an arrow, falling straight back into thepound.

    The cold wind blew.

    Commander Jiang''s hair tips and clothes fluttered in the breeze.

    Sunlight shone on the que above the convent gate, its golden characters gleaming: "Abandon not your own path, disturb not others'' hearts."

    The leaves at the entrance of the temple had been swept clean.

    The scent of incense was thick and rose to the sky.

    The fragrance permeated the air.

    ......

 Chapter 188

    Recently, attending funerals has be quite frequent.

    Qin Luoxia had just returned from Ming County with her husband to attend a funeral. Now they had to go to the Yu Manor.

    She never expected that her first visit would be because the master of the house had passed away.

    When the tea turns cold, people leave.

    When Lord Yu was in power, there were many guests offering congrattions. He had many drinkingpanions as well. Every day, the house was full of distinguished guests, with singing and dancing all around.

    But now that he was gone, only his first wife and three daughters sat in the mourning hall.

    The favored concubine who had been fighting for a son was knocked unconscious and sent back to her residence. She woke up on the way home and vowed to take revenge.

    Her husband valued offspring the most and wanted a son. If she said her son was lost due to the beating, he would surely fight Madam Qin to the death.

    She had already nned how to cry and make a scene, her heart full of rage.

    She had never suffered such a great insult in her fight for a son.

    She wanted to teach that country bumpkin Madam Qin the consequences of offending her.

    As for those three money-losing goods who watched her get beaten, she wouldn''t let them off either.

    She had already instructed her maid to prepare her undergarments to make them appear bloodstained.

    She wanted to teach Madam Qin a lesson in one go.

    By nightfall, old Yu''s body was sent back.

    The concubine was trembling all over, wondering if she should quickly pack her things and flee. However, Lord Yu had given her too many things, and she was reluctant to part with any of them. She also felt that Madam Yu was formidable, so there was no need for her to run away. She hesitated, torn between staying and going.

    Madam Yu released the barely alive wet nurse who had been locked up. After eating her fill, the wet nurse''s first order of business was to have someone tie up the concubine. A concubine was still a concubine and could be sold off. With her looks, the concubine could fetch a good price.

    Then they prepared the mourning hall.

    Lord Yu had no son, and Madam Yu had no intention of keeping the house. She nned to return to their country estate after the funeral.

    The three youngdies changed into hemp mourning clothes that had been hastily made overnight.

    They kept vigil in front of the mourning hall.

    Qin Luoxia brought Mianmian and Grandma''s Pangya to pay their respects.

    Mom said Mi''er was too young and asked her toe along to see.

    Grandma didn''t object; she usually didn''t oppose Mom''s decisions.

    She had thought Grandma would say the child was too young to attend a funeral or something like that.

    When they arrived at the Yu Manor, white banners were fluttering at the entrance.

    Inside, there was some chaos, with people running about.

    At the mourning hall, Madam Yu seemed to be in good spirits. Seeing Mrs. Jiang arrive with her child, she hurried forward to express her gratitude.

    "I''m so grateful for Mrs. Jiang''s help yesterday. My three girls are so timid, they don''t even know how to fight back when wronged. It''s my fault; following me has made them like this."

    "My condolences, Madam Yu. If you have any ns or need help in the future, please don''t hesitate to ask."

    "I''ll probably take the children back to our country estate. The girls are used to life there, and we have rtives who can help out. Life shouldn''t be too bad. If we encounter any difficulties, I''ll send someone to find you. Don''t turn us away," Madam Yu said frankly.

    Jiang Mianmian followed along to offer incense.

    After leaving a mary offering, Mom took her to leave.

    Before they left, little Mi''er shared a piece of preserved fruit with her.

    Although they were keeping vigil, Mom didn''t let them go hungry.

    In some ces, there are rules against eating or drinking during the vigil.

    Jiang Mianmian looked back and saw onerge and three small figures dressed in hemp mourning clothes, with a red coffin ced above them.

    Madam Yu watched Mrs. Jiang leave and suddenly burst into tears.

    The eldest daughter, Xiu''er, didn''t dare look at Mrs. Jiang. She had thought countless times before about how she wished her father would die, but now that he was really gone, she felt lost and scared.

    In front of the mourning hall, Madam Yu said to the children: "After your father went to the provincial capital, he became like a different person, offending people with his arrogance and epting money he shouldn''t have. This disaster was bound to happen sooner orter. Don''t think about avenging your father or anything like that. You reap what you sow. We''re already lucky that the misfortune didn''t extend to the whole family. We should focus on taking care of ourselves and living our own lives well."

    On the way back, they didn''t take a carriage, as the two houses weren''t far apart.

    Qin Luoxia took the children to browse the market.

    Although she had said she wanted to bring the children, she was also worried it might not be good for them. Going out to get some fresh air would help dispel any lingering gloom. She herself wasn''t superstitious, but the children might be affected.

    The market was very lively, with people calling out their wares all along the way.

    Money didn''t go far, but a few coins could buy all sorts of small trinkets, as well as street food.

    It was crowded, so Mom carried her.

    There were quite a few women on the street, and judging by their hairstyles ¨C all with their hair pinned up ¨C they were all married.

    Unmarried young women were rarely seen.

    There were also some children running around in the market, probably the children of the merchants.

    The scene was full of the vibrancy of everyday life.

    Mom bought her meat pies from a street vendor, four in total, one for each person, and packed up another bag.

    Even though she had be Mrs. Jiang in the provincial capital, Qin Luoxia didn''t put on airs or act superior.

    She also enjoyed eating these street snacks.

    She finished one piece very neatly.

    Pangya had originally wanted to save hers forter, but seeing the mistress eat, she happily ate hers too.

    Aunt Yin, being older, didn''t have any particr expectations for herself. She enjoyed the meat pie with some tea, feeling quite content.

    Jiang Mianmian held her pie and took small bites. It had a nice wheat aroma and was a bit hard, but it was freshly baked and still warm, which made it very tasty.

    She couldn''t really taste the meat, but it was oily and fragrant.

    As Jiang Mianmian ate the baked pie, her hands became oily, and her mouth was greasy too. There seemed to be some crumbs at the corners of her mouth. She puckered her lips and moved closer to her mom, saying, "Mom, wipe it off."

    After wiping her mouth, Qin Luoxia patiently wiped her hands as well.

    Passersby asionally stopped to watch but didn''t daree too close because there were guards nearby. After thedy left carrying the child, a long queue suddenly formed at Old Wu''s meat pie shop. Everyone wanted to taste the pie that the nobledy had enjoyed so much.

    Qin Luoxia continued on, carrying Mianmian. She bought her small y figurines, wooden carvings, and wooden hairpins, collecting quite a few things along the way.

    She also took her to watch street performances, thoroughly exploring the area until Jiang Mianmian got tired and fell asleep on her mom''s shoulder.

    Only then did Qin Luoxia carry the child home.

    As a mother, she wanted to tell her child that life would have hardships, but she was also afraid of frightening her. So she spent the whole day ying with her until she fell asleep, which put her mind at ease.

    It was a conflicting feeling.

    Qin Luoxia couldn''t quite describe this feeling, and she wasn''t the type to share her emotions anyway. She was very practical and just did what needed to be done.

    ...

    At Shangqiu Convent.

    Commander Jiang led a dense crowd of people, surrounding the entrance.

    Some were yamen runners who hade to investigate Lord Yu''s unexpected death, but they found themselves standing at the gate of Shangqiu Convent.

    Some quick-witted runners had already quietly gone back to report the situation.

    Shangqiu Convent was untouchable.

    Even when the rebel Zi Lu attacked the city, he didn''t touch the True Return Temple or Shangqiu Convent.

    This Commander Jiang from Ming County was just a reckless fool.

    They had thought that Lord Yu, as a magistrate, had already fallen quite quickly into being a rebel''sckey, taking bribes and beautiful women, skillfully bing a tool for the powerful. Some officials were already rubbing their hands together, waiting for him to make a big mistake so they could bring him down.

    They never expected Lord Yu to die so suddenly.

    And Commander Jiang had fallen even faster. Because there was no war to fight here, Commander Jiang couldn''t obtain weapons, troops, or equipment. The officials were experts at making excuses; if Commander Jiang could get what he was supposed to have within a year, it would be impressive.

    Who knew that Commander Jiang would find another way, hosting a birthday celebration for his son as soon as he arrived, with ns to celebrate his son-inw''s birthday next month.

    His skill at amassing wealth was one thing, but his talent for causing trouble was no less than Lord Yu''s.

    People thought that Lord Yu''s death was due to internal strife among the rebels, and they were preparing for a showdown.

    But they never expected that the madman Commander Jiang would actually lead people to surround Shangqiu Convent.

    Many officials'' inner chambers still had people sent from Shangqiu Convent.

    The convent also housed the family members of many powerful figures.

    Commander Jiang had brought his own troops.

    He knocked on the door, but the gate remained tightly shut.

    He demanded that the master of Qingci and Qingminge out, suspecting her involvement in Lord Yu''s death.

    However, Shangqiu Convent refused to hand anyone over.

    Instead, several waves of mediators arrived.

    "Commander Jiang, this is a Buddhist sanctuary. You mustn''t act rashly."

    "Commander Jiang, Shangqiu Convent has deep connections. There are even noble people from the capital inside. You must not be reckless."

    "Commander Jiang, think of your family. You don''t want to follow in Lord Yu''s footsteps, do you?"

    "Commander Jiang, I advise you to reconsider."

    "Commander Jiang, you''re already an official of the imperial court. By bringing so many troops, are you thinking of rebelling?"

    Commander Jiang looked at the person who came to persuade him with a surprised expression and said, "I''m here to investigate a case, for the sake of my sworn brother Yu Qian. He died with unfinished business, and I''ve only brought some fellow vigers with me. They''re all from my hometown, just kindhearted people. How could we have known that Shangqiu Convent had so many rules? If you go to our Ming County and ask around, you''ll find that the masters andmon folk there are like family. Not a single person would say anything bad about me. I have the utmost respect for Buddhism. If we''re not allowed to investigate, then so be it. But to pile on so many usations? It''s frightening."

    The gates of Shangqiu Convent remained tightly shut, without even a single person to greet them.

    Inside, the incense was still burning, its smoke rising into the air and forming the shape of a gigantic monster, as if it were opening its mouth to mock Commander Jiang''s naivety.

    What good would it do to surround Shangqiu Convent with troops? Would you dare to enter?

    Deep within Shangqiu Convent, in the meditation hall, a beautiful nun was striking a wooden fish, appearing as one detached from worldly affairs.

    The sound of the wooden fish was incredibly soothing.

    It seemed to calm the hearts of those who heard it.

    Behind her was a group of young girls, each with distinct features but all strikingly beautiful. They were carefully striking their own wooden fish. The oldest looked to be around ten years old, while the youngest seemed only two or three, unable to kneel properly and sitting clumsily as she tapped the wooden fish, her cushion wet from where she had urinated.

    Outside the main gates of Shangqiu Convent, Commander Jiang watched wave after wave of mediators and seemed to finally be persuaded. He began to move his troops back.

    After all, one couldn''t make enemies of everyone.

    The mediators wiped sweat from their brows, relieved that the Commander had listened to reason.

    Master Jingren heard a servant report, "Commander Jiang seems to have been persuaded to leave. He''s already gathering his troops to turn back."

    Jingren slowly paused in striking the wooden fish and turned to look at the little girl who had wet herself. Frowning, she said, "If you can''t control yourself again, I''ll send you to keep the Buddhapany."

    At that moment, thick smoke began to rise into the air.

    Commander Jiang had already led his troops to prepare for departure.

    But then he saw what appeared to be a fire breaking out in the temple.

    Seeing the billowing smoke, Commander Jiang rushed back with his men.

    He bowed to the mediators and said, "I understand that Shangqiu Convent houses important people, and we can''t let anyone die, especially not important figures. Don''t worry, I''ll lead my fellow vigers in to fight the fire and save lives. The people of Ming County have always been honest and selfless. Even though you may look down on us, we still want to help save people."

    Commander Jiang swung his sword, and the main gates of Shangqiu Convent came crashing down.

    ...

 Chapter 189

    That day.

    The weather was very cold.

    The monk''s robe was not thick enough, worn for many years, covered in grime.

    Dared not wash it,

    If washed, it might fall apart.

    Sometimes, filth could also serve as a warming shell.

    A nun with beautiful eyes, face veiled, hunched over as she worked.

    She repeatedly pounded the medicine in her hands, hammer after hammer after hammer, pounding until the medicine turned to bits and powder, then poured it out and continued pounding.

    The room was very dark.

    Beautiful eyes were of no use here.

    She mechanically repeated the medicine pounding.

    She had forgotten that she once had a beautiful embroidered bed, beautiful embroidered shoes, traveled by sedan chair, ate exquisite meals daily, had parents, brothers and sisters. That life was too wonderful, like a dream.

    Suddenly one day, she was sent to Shangqiu Convent.

    She was terrified, angry, rebellious.

    So her face was disfigured.

    Then she was thrown here to work.

    Day after day.

    Day after day.

    She gradually forgot her past, forgot who she was, forgot why she was alive. She only knew she was a medicine ve, the lowest of medicine ves.

    She mechanically pounded the medicine, exhausted, almost crushing her hand. She felt some pain but didn''t cry. Crying would lead to beatings.

    She heardmotion outside but didn''t move.

    Continued pounding medicine.

    She smelled thick smoke but didn''t move.

    Continued pounding medicine.

    She heard the door open, saw strangers, her mouth opened slightly but no sound came out.

    Continued pounding medicine.

    Someone dragged her away. She saw many others being taken away too.

    Some in tattered clothes, some in luxurious garments.

    Some whose sight made her tremble.

    Shangqiu Convent had a strict hierarchy.

    But now all were being equally taken away.

    She saw the blue sky.

    Saw the clouds.

    Saw the Buddha.

    He wore white robes, rode a white horse, like a true Buddha descending. He raised his sword and slew the evil demons blocking the way, while speaking ofpassion.

    He shouted to save people while killing others.

    He must have understood at a nce who was human and who was a demon.

    So Buddha really does appear.

    The Jingzhou officialdom was shaken.

    That murderer Jiang Er had torn open the sky.

    It seemed he alone cared when no one else did.

    With so many people in Jingzhou, was there really no one who knew about Shangqiu Convent''s shady business?

    So many officials had studied hard all their lives to pass the exams, and still studied daily. The convent''s deeds weren''t secret, how could they not know?

    They were all elites.

    But everyone followed the rules.

    No one would break the rules.

    Breaking rules made it hard to get ahead.

    Jiang Er, that rebel, disregarded the rules and would surely face dire consequences.

    Shangqiu Convent was burned down, fierce mes rising up.

    The whole of Jingzhou seemed to smell the scorched odor.

    It wasn''t just the convent that burned, but a nest of deeply entrenched powerful families.

    It was said that Master Jingren of Shangqiu Convent was the disciple of Eldest Princess Huiyun.

    The wives of various powerful families had to queue and apply for appointments just to see Master Jingren.

    Unexpectedly, Jiang Er that killer had her taken to jail under the pretext of ensuring her safety.

    That day, the jail cells achieved perfect yin-yang bnce.

    Never before had so many women been imprisoned.

    Jiang Er had aplished it.

    Jiang Er was simply a crazy, neurotic madman.

    As people pieced together the events, they realized it all started with Shangqiu Convent.

    The rumors that had spread in the city these past days: Commander Jiang''s young daughter had an unusual fate, it would be best for her to be a nun, otherwise she would bring harm to family and friends.

    Usually when such rumors arose, the likely oue was that the young girl would be sent to Shangqiu Convent.

    Better safe than sorry.

    But Jiang Er chose to destroy the entire Shangqiu Convent.

    A thousand-year-old temple, ruined in an instant.

    Thinking about it still sent chills down one''s spine.

    This Jiang Er was truly aplete lunatic, was it really necessary?

    Meanwhile, in the mourning hall, Madam Yu who was keeping vigil, upon hearing this news and looking at her dead husband lying in the coffin,

    Broke out in a cold sweat down her back.

    When Mrs. Jiang brought her children to offer incense during the day, she couldn''t help but harbor some resentment, though she suppressed it.

    Although she hated her husband''s cruelty and heartlessness, he was at least still alive.

    With him dead, how would she and her daughters get by? She was actually quite panicked.

    But upon hearing the news that Shangqiu Convent had been demolished,

    She suddenly felt that the Commander had actually been very merciful to them.

    The fact that she and her children could sit here keeping vigil, that she could still im benefits as the widow of a judicial official, was already a case of him showing leniency and sparing them.

    That was because Jiang Er hadn''t moved against them.

    When Jiang Er did take action, Shangqiu Convent was left without a de of grass.

    It was said that when the Buddha statues burned, they burned especially well, with crackling mes.

    Because it was so shocking, more people came to pay respects, unable to resist asking Madam Yu for news and sharing gossip.

    The youngest daughter, Mi''er, had fallen asleep.

    Xiu''er and Mian''er also looked bewildered.

    When they had walked with Mrs. Jiang, they had also noticed Jiang Mianmian.

    Their circumstances were actually quite simr.

    But they were treated like servants.

    Jiang Mianmian, however, was at ease, like a princess. Though her father was also a pardoned rebel from the countryside, she wasn''t awkward at all, but confident and natural. When receiving gifts from others, she wasn''t shy, showed happiness without appearing fawning, epted them as if it were only natural.

    At this moment, they realized that Jiang Mianmian truly deserved her status.

    Because Jiang Mianmian''s father would raze Shangqiu Convent for her sake.

    When rumors arose, Jiang Mianmian''s mother came out to refute them, while her father directly eliminated the source of the rumors.

    You speak one idle word about me, I''ll exterminate your entire n.

    While their father would beat them bloody over a casual remark from his wife.

    It was good that he was dead.

    He deserved to die.

    At this moment, the Jiang Er everyone was talking about returned home.

    He took a bath.

    Jiang Changtian liked cleanliness. Things could be old, but not dirty.

    Being old was an external state, being dirty was a mental state.

    After bathing, he changed into clean clothes.

    He had also washed his hair.

    Sister Xia helped him dry it for a long while, and when it was almost dry, she tied it up.

    He wanted to cook tonight.

    Back in Kan''er Vige, he often cooked.

    Although it had been a while, he wasn''t out of practice.

    Jiang Mianmian watched her father wearing white clothes and a white hat, chopping vegetables, while her mother kneaded dough. They were having noodles again tonight.

    Jiang Mianmian''s little head popped up between the two from time to time.

    She had grown taller; her head could now reach above the stove.

    "Dad, I like friedrd bits, fry somerd bits and add sugar," Jiang Mianmian requested.

    "Alright, go wait outside, I''m worried you''ll get burned."

    In the kitchen, her mother also wore a white apron as she kneaded dough.

    "Wearing white really does get dirty easily. Your daughter insists on wearing white in the kitchen, saying it looks clean to others. Where did she get all these notions from? She must take after you."

    "It''s good that she takes after me. Girls should be clean and tidy."

 Chapter 190

    ¡­¡­

    Deep within the Shangqiu Convent.

    Weeds grew in abundance.

    Piles of broken Buddha statues were scattered about, so were piles of shattered bones.

    With an eye for autopsy, you''d discover, most of the bones belonged to young girls.

    Young in age, female.

    Not far from the ce where incense was burnt and Buddha was worshipped.

    The front was a tranquil sanctuary, the rear was a forbidden shrine.

    Hell and the sacred grounds of Buddha were not separated, divided by only a thin line.

    The grass grew alike everywhere.

    The scene wasn''t easy to limatize to.

    Even Meng Shaoxia, who had spent time in the military, fought alongside his father, and seen half the world, found it slightly unnerving.

    He was more ustomed to the bustling affluence of the Capital City.

    When he saw the three people confined within his family''s cer, he thought his father-inw was a bit too ruthless.

    Looking at such a beautiful person, whose methods were brutal, gave him chills.

    Then came the unexpected demise of Judge Yu. He found it rather hasty.

    Judge Yu, he thought, wouldn''t have tumbled off the cliff on his own.

    Finally, they surrounded Shangqiu Convent.

    When the map was exhausted, the dagger was revealed.

    The ultimate aim of his father-inw was Shangqiu Convent.

    By now, everyone should understand.

    Judge Yu was merely a stepping stone to reach Shangqiu Convent.

    As far as Meng Shaoxia knew, considering what Judge Yu had done, he did not die unjustly.

    In charge of the criminal justice, corrupt and unrestrained, he condemned innocent people for money and freed the truly evil.

    This kind of corruption was far more repugnant than his father-inw epting gifts for his son''s birthday.

    But even so, he didn''t deserve such a death.

    Such chaos withoutw and order, if allowed to flourish, would instigate anarchy.

    Despite his presence from start to end, he didn''t notice any issues.

    Upon reaching Shangqiu Convent, he wanted to dissuade his father-inw.

    After all, it was a holy Buddhist site. Breaking through would certainly attract denunciation.

    But before he could advise, waves of people came forward to do the same.

    It sealed Meng Shaoxia''s lips. Things didn''t feel right. There had to be a catch.

    Despite therge number of men they brought, the door of the Shangqiu Convent remained firmly shut. Inside, the sound of bell tolls and incense burning continued unabated, unfazed.

    There was a ring issue, and they didn''t even attempt to hide it.

    ording to the conventions of officialdom, they were supposed to retreat.

    But knowing the problem, retreating didn''t sit well.

    Meng Shaoxia felt trapped between a rock and a hard ce.

    Frustrated, helpless.

    Until he saw smoke billowing from the temple.

    His father-inw wanted them to rush in and help.

    Then, they saw inside Shangqiu Convent, they saw heaven, and they also saw hell.

    They saw Buddha and encountered ghosts.

    The scenes within shook Meng Shaoxia, a model citizen, to his core. He had to hold in the urge to retch. If it wasn''t for his mask, afraid of vomiting into it and making the situation worse, he would have sumbed to the urge.

    He knew of people drowning baby girls simply because they couldn''t afford them or didn''t want them.

    But he had never seen such a multitude of severed limbs and hands as in the backyard of Shangqiu Convent. Those tiny, slender fingers...

    Back at the Jiang Manor.

    His first inquiry was for Jiang Yu.

    Jiang Yu had been mostly reclining that day.

    Her current visit to the water,rgely involved advice to rest and lie down. Presumably because she had lost some blood, she needed more rest to recover her strength.

    Meng Shaoxia came back, changed his overcoat, and theny down beside Jiang Yu.

    Jiang Yu felt the presence of another person next to her, a familiar scent. Her hand instinctively draped over him, her leg wrapping around him like a spider. However, remembering she was in her period, she withdrew her leg, with only her arm still in contact.

    "Why is your scent of blood stronger than mine, what were you up to today?"

    Meng Shaoxia didn''t say what he was up to. Instead he asked, ¡°Jiang Yu, do you believe in Buddha?¡±

    Jiang Yu, in her half-asleep state, yawned before replying, ¡°I do believe. I perceive Buddha as omnipresent. When I was a child and came across an attractive stone, I''d collect it, put it on my window sill, and worship it, hoping that the stone would bless me. I did the same when I saw a big tree, hoping it would bless me as well. I never visited a temple because, as my mother said, incense for worship there is expensive and far away. So I basically worship anything I could. I don''t know if they bless me, but at least I feel content having worshipped them.¡±

    Meng Shaoxia found it amusing yet typical of Jiang Yu when she said she worships everything.

    ¡°Do you believe in Buddha, Meng? Did you visit a temple to worship today?¡± Jiang Yu asked curiously.

    ¡°Sometimes yes, sometimes no. We have a Buddha hall at home where my grandmother, father, or I would light incense for days when I¡¯m out on the battlefield. They do this to pray for safety. When there¡¯s nothing else one can do but burn incense and seek inner peace. But when I''m on the battlefield, I often feel that the worldcks Buddha. If there were a Buddha, it would perhaps be a fighting Buddha, ying the turmoil and returning tranquility to the world."

    Jiang Yu was rather curious, ¡°Is there such a Buddha who''s engaged in wars and killings? Doesn''t Buddha oppose taking life?¡±

    "Yes, there is. Next time I will take you to the temples in Capital City. There, you''ll see a myriad of Buddhas, diverse in nature." Meng Shaoxia gently rubbed Jiang Yu''s belly.

    ¡°Are you still in pain?¡±

    "No. If you have to go out to war in the future, I won''t pray or burn incense. I''ll just stay at home waiting for you and taking care of it. It''s enough for me if you return home soon."

    "Alright."

    "Today, I sent gifts to our parents and grandparents in Capital City, and also sent out the letters you wrote. I wrote a letter too,¡± Jiang Yu recalled.

    "Alright."

    Then Meng Shaoxia, lying next to his wife, fell asleep and began to snore lightly, though a bit loudly.

    In Jiang Yu''spany, he slept peacefully and stably.

    ¡­¡­

    They ate noodles again that evening.

    But tonight''s meal was slightly different.

    It was cooked by her father-inw.

    Meng Shaoxia was a bit bewildered.

    Earlier in the day, he saw his father-inw swinging the knife at people in a fight, like he was shing a melon, upassionate to genders.

    And now, the father-inw was using a small knife to chop garlic.

    The garlic stems seemed a bit old and hard to cut through.

    He handed the knife to his wife.

    She chopped off the stem effortlessly.

    He responded with a smile.

    Then served the tter.

    Jiang Mianmian guarded her bowl, ¡°Daddy, I won¡¯t eat it. I don¡¯t like garlic.¡±

    "Eating garlic is good for health. It can preventmon colds," Jiang Changtian exined.

    Jiang Mianmian shook her head in refusal.

    Jiang Changtian did not insist and moved on to serve others.

    Jiang Feng was in a good mood, not at all affected by the hustle and bustle around him. He returned after finishing off his tasks, took a sip of the noodle soup, and smiled, "It''s father''s craftsmanship, his soup is a bit nd.¡±

    Meng Shaoxia couldn¡¯t taste any difference, he was never fond of noodles, hence, couldn''t notice anything distinctive. However, hearing garlic can prevent colds, he picked some up for Jiang Yu and hesitated before also having some.

    It was spicy, hot, and tangy. He wanted to shed tears because of that raw garlic.

    A mouth full of noodles, quickly, disced the strong spicy taste.

    Ideally, for every piece of raw garlic, a mouthful of noodles is consumed.

    It seemed as though he grasped a new way to enjoy noodles.

    The rest of themughed at this.

    After dinner, the family enjoyed some tea soup.

    Today, Jiang Mianmian washed her hair and it was fluffy.

    However, as soon as her brother arrived, he messed it up, deting the fluffiness.

    She tried to escape, but failed.

    She was upset about her once fluffy and silky hair, and her egg-yolk-coloured long dress.

    Noticing his sister was genuinely upset, Jiang Feng, being good-natured, said, ¡°I¡¯ll braid it for you. I promise it will look pretty."

    He pulled out a box full of essories.

    He bought them specifically from the market prior toing home.

    He bought an array of items little girls would need.

    Jiang Yu unted a red string he got for her all over the vige, which gave him immense joy.

    The box was filled with various types of hair essories like hairpins, widebs, and hair ties.

    In the evening,

    Mianmian took theb and insisted she wanted to do her brother¡¯s hair.

    The temperature dropped.

    They gathered around the furnace, Jiang Feng was seriouslybing his sister¡¯s hair.

    His movements were gentle yet sometimes a few strands of hair was pulled.

    His sister¡¯s hair was soft, and her head was warm.

    After tying a couple of flowers, she turned around at which Jiang Fengughed.

    Mianmian looked cute with the hair full of flowers.

    She was heavy-handed, pulled a few strands of his hair. Sheughed gleefully with delight upon tying a braid and sticking a flower onto it.

    Their mother watched the sibling''s camaraderie.

    Their father was quietly enjoying his tea.

    Her brother-inw fed her sister roasted dates.

    The fire was burning, the fragrance of the dates was floating.

    ...

 Chapter 191

    In the prison cell.

    No one dared to torture Master Jingren.

    Originally, after Judge Yu''s death, everyone was thinking about dividing power and seizing positions.

    But then Jiang Er suddenly threw this hot potato at them, and no one was willing to take it.

    Not only did they not dare to ept it, they didn''t even want to touch it.

    Whoever touched it would die.

    Since Jiang Er arrested her, naturally it was up to Jiang Er to interrogate her.

    Jiang Er didn''t personally interrogate her, but had his subordinatese and ask her over and over what she had done wrong, recording it three to five times daily.

    They didn''t use torture either.

    Perhaps because they were all highly respected monastics, Jiang Er even started building a structure in the prison cell. The workers said it was to be a meditation room.

    He built it quite meticulously, withyers of outer walls and a very sturdy door. The only thing was that due to the short construction period, there were no windows.

    He even specially ced meditation cushions inside.

    He also made an altar and put a wooden Buddha statue on it.

    Everyone was quietly observing.

    Had Jiang Er reached a dead end?

    Was he trying to clean up his own mess?

    It was toote now. Even if he built a beautiful meditation room with Buddha statues and cushions, Master Jingren wouldn''t forgive him.

    Master Jingren had deep private connections with royal rtives in the capital, and had once been an honored guest in the imperial pce.

    Last time Heir Apparent Han came, he had specifically visited Shangqiu Convent to pay his respects.

    In prison, Jingren''s emotions were very stable.

    She ate very little, but still looked to be in good condition. She continued to maintain the temple''s daily schedule, morning and evening prayers, as if she wasn''t in prison at all, but rather like a bodhisattva who had simply changed to a simpler temple, adapting to circumstances.

    On this day, three escaped prisoners were brought to the jail - two nuns and a carriage driver.

    Among the group of nuns, they didn''t stand out at first.

    But those two nuns were too badly injured, covered in wounds, barely breathing, looking like they had suffered inhuman torture.

    The usuallyposed Jingren''s gaze was no longer so calm.

    She still looked peaceful, but the blue veins on her hands striking the wooden fish betrayed her emotions.

    On this day, the nuns confessed much more content than the usual scraps from previous days.

    They went through two notebooks recording it all.

    The days in prison seemed particrly long.

    But actually it wasn''t that long. Based on how they came to question them daily, asking them to confess what they had done three to five times a day, it probably hadn''t been more than a few days.

    It seemed things outside must have changed dramatically, and in a few days she should be able to get out of prison.

    Those matters could eventually be smoothed over.

    Jingren was very careful, and had never really touched the children of those in power who couldn''t be offended.

    On this day.

    It was raining.

    The prison was very damp and cold.

    Finally, Commander Jiang came to the prison.

    His shoes were wet, and there were water stains on the hem of his clothes.

    Jingren saw the legendary Commander Jiang, saw the culprit behind it all.

    The day she was arrested, the temple was in chaos, and she hadn''t seen this man.

    Now in prison, seeing Commander Jiang for the first time.

    The usuallyposed Jingren''s pupils shook, and her hands clenched into fists several times inside herrge sleeves before she managed to adjust her emotions.

    Commander Jiang calmly gazed at Jingren.

    "Do you know why I arrested you?"

    In front of him was a nk interrogation notebook. Over the past few days, the others had confessed quite a lot, but Jingren hadn''t said a word.

    Jingren forced herself to stay calm and said, "We didn''t kill Judge Yu. His death has nothing to do with us."

    Seeing that he remained silent, Jingren continued, "The northern regions are poor, and many people drown their baby girls. Shangqiu Convent is willing to take in these baby girls and give them food to eat. Just for this alone, we have saved countless lives."

    Jiang Changtian still didn''t speak, just looked at her.

    Jingren went on, "The baby girls don''t grow up, they die - it''s fate, natural selection. The numbers may have increased somewhat, but without us, they would have died much earlier."

    Jiang Changtian just kept looking at her.

    His gaze made Jingren extremely ufortable.

    Mainly because facing such a face, Jingren felt an inexplicable fear.

    As a monastic, she still felt fear in her heart.

    "I heard your master was Princess Huiyun?" Jiang Changtian asked.

    Jingren hurriedly shook her head, "No, Princess Huiyun just liked me a lot and took me along to chant sutras. She never epted me as a disciple."

    Jiang Changtian smiled.

    "Seeing my appearance, are you afraid? Does it seem familiar?"

    Jingren lowered her head in silence and began to chant sutras.

    Her lips moved faster and faster.

    Jiang Changtian revealed a faint smile.

    When he smiled like this, he looked especially handsome, almost glowing, though also a bit annoying.

    He smiled as he looked at Jingren.

    "You still don''t know why I arrested you? The mystery of your origins? The death of the judge? Countless corpses? No, I don''t care about any of that. I arrested you because you spread rumors about my young daughter, saying her fate was inauspicious. Whether her fate is good or bad is for us to decide, not for you to spread rumors about."

    Jingren continued chanting sutras, her lips moving faster and faster. She felt this was just an excuse. It was just a rumor, casually saying someone''s fate was inauspicious. She didn''t need to find a reason, she didn''t even need to look at the child''s birth chart.

    She said it because she wanted to say it.

    As long as it was beneficial and useful, what did it matter if it was a rumor?

    Even if there was no benefit, she spread the rumor anyway. She could forget about it, say it was just a casualment. If you really came to confront her about it, she wouldn''t remember. Maybe she had seen it a long time ago and forgotten.

    But Jiang Changtian took it very seriously.

    He had suffered from such rumors before.

    Being looked at with strange gazes every day.

    Any random person on the street could use him of being a beast.

    They had no grievances with him, didn''t care if he was truly unfilial or disloyal, if he had really wronged his brother and sister-inw, if he had really identally killed his own father.

    They didn''t know him, but they could call him a beast, say his character was vile.

    They didn''t know the reasons, but they just said it, following others and joining in the abuse, reveling in it.

    Look, there''s a person, he''s a beast. He looks so handsome, he works so hard, but it doesn''t matter, he''s a beast.

    He had experienced it.

    He had experienced it day after day. Even his children and his wife had to endure unfair treatment because of these rumors.

    The rumormonger Old Lady Jiang, yearster, lightly said, "How can there be overnight grudges between mother and son?"

    The rumormonger Master Jingren, lightly said, "Amitabha Buddha."

    They all deserved to die.

    A young girl judged to have an inauspicious fate from childhood, harming her family and friends - she would either be sent to a temple, lonely for life, or live under the strange judging gazes of the world. Once anything bad happened, it could all be med on her. People could curse her, bully her, wrong her. And she had done nothing, didn''t even understand anything.

    For their own selfish interests, rumormongers made up stories without needing reasons. The reason could be that they forgot, but it definitely existed. They might not even remember it themselves, but it must have happened long ago, others should know about it too. Anyway, they said it existed, and if it didn''t, they could just make something up.

    Jingren looked at Commander Jiang in disbelief.

    Looking at that face, familiar, strangely familiar.

    Commander Jiang kept repeating one thing.

    Saying they had spread rumors that his daughter''s fate was inauspicious.

    Jingren felt wronged.

    They had said many girls had inauspicious fates.

    Master Jingren was famous for her mastery of Buddhist teachings and fate reading.

    When nobledies wanted to assess people, or their own descendants, if they had the chance to see Master Jingren, they would all ask her to take a look.

    She also cherished her reputation, and her readings and predictions were quite urate.

    However, this time, the fate of Commander Jiang''s young daughter was truly quite strange - it was a fate that should have led to death, yet she was still alive.

    She had unexpectedly obtained the girl''s birth data and portrait, and was amazed.

    Actually, she knew the "unexpected" was certainly not unexpected.

    But it didn''t matter, she wanted this girl.

    She had spread rumors, but this was just the mostmon tactic.

    Their mouths were their own, they could say whatever they wanted. You couldn''t stop all the gossip.

    As long as enough people spread a rumor, even falsehoods could be truth.

    Seeming true was enough, there was no need to clearly distinguish truth from lies.

    You couldn''t exin to everyone you met: "No, that''s not true. My daughter''s fate is good, she won''t harm her family."

    Just like before, Jiang Changtian couldn''t exin to everyone he met: "I''m not unfilial or disloyal. I didn''t do those things."

    People didn''t care, they just wanted to step on you. Whether out of envy, jealousy, disgust, or indifference - they just wanted to step on you.

    Who told you to be so hardworking, so upwardly mobile, so driven? You should be like me, like a maggot crawling in the dark - weak, dying. You shouldn''t smile, shouldn''t rise up, shouldn''t have family and friends, shouldn''t show off, shouldn''t be alive.

    Jiang Changtian didn''t interrogate anyone else, he only interrogated Jingren.

    It couldn''t even be called an interrogation; it was merely a conversation with her.

    He rambled on and on to her.

    Muttering endlessly, like a sick person.

    He repeatedly said, "You mustn''t spread rumors. You can''t spread rumors. How could you do such a thing? This is not right."

    He said it so much that Jingren felt annoyed.

    She had just said it casually.

    Wasn''t it always like this?

    Spreading rumors costs the least. You don''t have to pay anything, just say something casually, and you can achieve your goal. It''s good for you, good for me, good for everyone.

    As for whether the victim of the rumors dies or not, it doesn''t matter.

    Jiang Changtian smiled.

    Yes, it doesn''t matter.

    He didn''t care either.

    He didn''t need morality, righteousness, rules, or human sentiment. He just wanted these rumor-mongers to die.

    If you say one bad thing about my Mianmian, I''ll make all of you die.

    Go spread rumors in hell, go spread rumors to the King of Hell, whatever, he didn''t care.

    He wanted them to regret, to be haunted, to either die or from this day forward, every day, every moment, pay the price for their rumor-mongering.

    Either die or live a life worse than death.

    That day, Jingren was politely invited into the newly built meditation room. Inside were cushions, a table, nkets, tea and snacks, and a Buddha statue.

    But the door was closed, closed, closed, closed.

    Fouryers of doors were closed.

    Everyone thought this was Commander Jiang''spromise.

    Treating her well with food and drink, not daring to torture her, closing the doors probably out of concern that someone might identally enter and harm Jingren, for which he would be held responsible.

    Commander Jiang was just letting her reflect alone for three days, under public scrutiny, and promised to release her after three days.

    Jingren shook her head helplessly, thinking, "You see, it''s just rumor-spreading, it doesn''t matter."

    "Actually, with your looks, if we had met in a different setting, we would all be willing to follow you."

    "But we''ll talk about thatter. There''s plenty of time ahead."

    Thest look Jingren gave Commander Jiang was almost loving.

    Commander Jiang ultimately understood the rules of officialdom; he ultimately had topromise.

    ...

    Three dayster.

    The door opened.

    Master Jingren had entered nirvana.

 Chapter 192

    Master Jingren''s death was not a pretty sight.

    It was unclear what horrifying event she had encountered.

    Her expression was contorted, eyes wide with anger.

    Her beautiful, slender fingers were filled with blood and flesh.

    The coroner came to examine.

    Due to the suddenness of Jingren''s passing.

    Commander Jiang urgently summoned the coroner.

    An autopsy was performed on-site for everyone to witness.

    He was determined to find the true culprit.

    The coroner was startled.

    The prison guards were also shocked.

    They truly hadn''t done anything.

    When Master Jingren entered, everything for her daily needs was prepared, and the room was spacious, just without windows, but clean.

    Commander Jiang had it newly built, every corner tightly sealed, impossible for venomous snakes or insects to enter.

    They were very careful with the food; the water and meals weren''t even finished, so it couldn''t have been poison.

    Even in prison, Master Jingren was to be well-treated, as per instructions.

    The items sent to her meditation room were all inspected and didn''t pass through Commander Jiang''s hands.

    Including the meditation room, which Commander Jiang had built as apromise after being nagged by colleagues, a spiteful gesture.

    He really built it, and the contractor was a rtive of a certain official. Ordinary people rarely get government contracts, and even if they do, it''s hard to get paid.

    This rtive contractor was even more senior than Commander Jiang.

    This rtive certainly wouldn''t risk sabotage.

    The building was solid, airtight, absolutely no issues.

    The room was fine, the food was fine, the staff was fine, and the room was so secure with guards constantly patrolling that no one could have entered.

    Yet Master Jingren had passed away.

    They had to call in the coroner, as it was inexplicable.

    But to prove his innocence, Commander Jiang demanded an on-site autopsy, with the nuns as witnesses.

    After the autopsy, the coroner concluded death by extreme fright.

    Then one of the observing nuns also died of fright.

    Commander Jiang shook his head helplessly, saying, "What sins must you havemitted? It''s only been three days. I said you''d be our guest for just three days. The higher-ups were making a fuss, and I couldn''t hold out. I was preparing to give everyone a way out and release you, yet you died of fright."

    Commander Jiang had Master Jingren and the frightened-to-death nun''s bodies taken care of.

    He then went to interrogate the remaining people.

    The confession records were reced several times.

    The content became increasingly rich and strange.

    For some young girls who truly hadn''t done anything, most didn''t know where their parents were, and those who did didn''t want to return. Commander Jiang established a home for the elderly and young.

    Just like in Ming County, he took in and cared for the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled.

    The main culprit, Jingren, was dead, her body cut into pieces by the coroner for examination. If anyone came to plead, Commander Jiang would directly send them a piece of Jingren.

    This terrifying move.

    Immediately silenced the official circles of Jingzhou Prefecture.

    It was too brutal.

    Commander Jiang took over the prefecture''s prison. After Judge Yu took office, the prison became overcrowded, with many people crying injustice, saying they had paid and should be released, that they were only supposed to be locked up for a few days.

    Even though Judge Yu had died, they still had proof of these transactions.

    Commander Jiang inherited this mess.

    His daily work became re-examining the criminals.

    He worked tirelessly, not afraid of the tedium, digging up cases from long ago, re-examining them one by one, meticulously to the point of ridiculousness.

    If wiping out Shangqiu Convent was because those people spread rumors about his young daughter''s inauspicious fate, then re-examining the prisoners seemed thankless, and it was unclear what he hoped to gain.

    But everyone had experienced Commander Jiang''s personality of not tolerating even a speck of sand in his eye.

    Jiang Mianmian, at home, couldn''t feel the wind and rain outside.

    However, it had gotten colder recently.

    She added anotheryer of clothing.

    Now that conditions were better, Jiang Mianmian had even received a fluffy fur cape, wrapped in which she looked like a sheep.

    Elder Sister''s menstrual period had passed, and she was full of energy again. Jiang Mianmian still hadn''t managed to make sanitary pads, alwayscking suitable cotton cores. If she had those, she could make cotton-padded jackets and such.

    But there was no rush, she was still young.

    She first made a rabbit ear headband for herself, and one for Elder Sister too.

    Hers was white, Elder Sister''s was ck, it was very fun.

    Wearing them made them look beautiful, and with their rabbit fur capes, walking under the trees in the courtyard, they looked like rabbit spirits wandering about.

    Her dance troupe hadn''t returned yet. After performing rites for General Zi''s deceased wife, they were invited by other families. Recently, with no nuns avable, the nuns'' business had ceased, and the dance troupe''s memorial service business had suddenly increased.

    Jiang Mianmian could only have Father send people specifically to lead the troupe. Father said he had added many more people, finding jobs for those with nowhere else to go.

    It felt like it had already gone beyond her scope.

    Today it rained heavily.

    Father, after breakfast, didn''t rush to work, nning to teach her writing first.

    Jiang Mianmian wore her rabbit ear headband, her little hair fluffy, her clothes adorned with fur as she liked, looking extremely cute.

    Jiang Changtian looked at her with great delight.

    But seeing the characters taught yesterday, which she had written well then, today she had forgotten to write the radicals, always missing parts of the characters.

    Jiang Changtian, restraining his urge to shout, gently asked, "Where''s the radical for this character? It was there yesterday, wasn''t it?"

    Jiang Mianmian cried; traditional characters were so hard to remember, and when writing quickly, she would revert to simplified ones.

    Seeing Father''s eyebrows raised, she seriously rewrote it, but still made mistakes.

    Moreover, having previously practiced doctor''s prescriptions with a focus on industry-specific handwriting that outsiders couldn''t easily read, now practicing regr writing was really difficult.

    It''s easy to draw on a nk piece of paper.

    But it''s so hard to draw on a paper already full of content.

    The life of a youngdy isn''t so easy; while well-fed and clothed, the learning tasks are also heavy.

    Time flies.

    The burnt-down Shangqiu Convent was cleared out and became a school.

    Instead of smoke from incense, there was the sound of reading aloud.

    Instead of nobledies kneeling to seek audience,

    There weremon people carrying bags, bringing their children step by step up the stairs.

    The ruins once piled with broken Buddha statues were cleared and covered with a library.

    Jiang Mianmian put on her little backpack, followed by the much taller and wider Pangya.

    "Young Miss, wait for me, slow down a bit," came Pangya''s panting voice.

    Jiang Mianmian hadn''t walked fast, just step by step, it was Pangya who was too slow.

    She could only stop and sit on the steps to wait. By the steps, ants busily walked about. She put her finger in their path, and the ants on both sides circled around her fair little finger.

    Birds chirped in the trees.

    Sunlight filtered through in patches.

 Chapter 193

    A group of children sat on chairs, earnestly nodding and swaying as they read.

    Birds chirped chirp-chirp-chirp.

    Cicadas buzzed buzz-buzz-buzz.

    Time passed slowly.

    Jiang Mianmian sat among the students, also nodding and swaying.

    Unconsciously, she started swaying along.

    If she didn''t sway, the rhythm would be off.

    To be honest, ssical Chinese was really difficult to learn and memorize.

    But learning this way wasn''t so bad. Memorizing one passage a day, gradually it all sank in.

    She never expected to have the chance to go back to school and start over.

    Jiang Mianmian discovered that this education model suited her well, going to school every day.

    After all, this was how she had learned before.

    Commander Jiang also discovered he couldn''t manage to teach his daughter to read. He simply couldn''t do it.

    For some reason, teaching Yu''er and Feng''er had been fine before, without constantly feeling the urge tosh out.

    But with Mianmian, after exining something eight times, seeing her still looking back at him with an innocent, adorable, and confused expression, he felt somewhat desperate.

    Late at night, Jiang Changtian had even privatelyined to his wife.

    "Xia, other people''s children get smarter as they grow up. Why does our Mianmian seem less clever than when she was born, getting more foolish as she grows? Is she regressing?"

    Qin Luoxia: ...

    Jiang Mianmian: ...

    Is it my fault? When I was born, you praised me for just rolling over. You apuded when I said a full sentence. Now I''m still so young, yet you want me to write in traditional characters and recite ssical texts. Aren''t you suddenly raising your expectations too high?

    Commander Jiang couldn''t teach her himself, despite repeated attempts.

    Later, he hired a tutor to teach at home.

    He reorganized the prison system, sentencing those who trulymitted evil to heavy penalties or death, while pardoning some who had been wrongly used. This area happened to be Meng Shaoxia''s specialty, so he focused on helping with this and felt some relief.

    His father-inw was still lecturing on thew.

    If people kept mysteriously dying like before, it wouldn''t be good.

    In reorganizing the prisons, Jiang Changtian set aside past grievances and didn''t discriminate against those who had been imprisoned.

    He even invited two tutors from the prison toe home.

    To be Feng''er''s tutors.

    He had originally nned for them to teach his daughter as well.

    But his daughter was too mischievous at home, quickly winning them over, making it impossible to teach her.

    Just like Aunt Yin, they couldn''t bear to speak harshly to her.

    Jiang Changtian finally made the tough decision to send his daughter to school.

    Thus, schools in Jingzhou appeared where girls could also attend.

    The social atmosphere in Jingzhou became quite different from other ces as a result, with very good public security.

    Because for girls to be able to attend school, their safety when going out had to be ensured first. Commander Jiang overhauled the entire public security system of Jingzhou for this purpose.

    He especially cracked down on human trafficking.

    The brothels in Jingzhou were also transformed into entertainment venues for food and drink.

    Every working girl had to register her origin and identity, cutting off the human trafficking business at its source.

    Commander Jiang, who was also Judge Jiang, made sweeping reforms to Jingzhou''s public security. Everyone trembled, thinking the rebels were making aeback. In the end, it turned out he just wanted his youngest daughter to be able to go to school???

    Countless memorials were sent to the capital, requesting troops be sent to deal with Jiang the Second.

    But Jiang the Second''s request was simply to allow his daughter to walk on the streets by herself and go to school on her own.

    Everyone wept.

    If you had that energy, you could train a squad of household guards, or train a troop of soldiers. Even if there were more people and better equipment, they wouldn''t say anything about it. Protecting your daughter, everyone knows how much you love her. Because others spread rumors that your daughter had an unlucky fate, you wiped out a temple with 1,780 people...

    But is it necessary? Is it necessary to turn the entire prefecture upside down and scrub it clean just so your daughter can go to school?

    Will your daughter stay in Jingzhou her whole life? What if she wants to go to the capital when she grows up? Can you manage to scrub the entire capital too?

    Of course, people only dared to grumble in private.

    They wouldn''t dare say it openly.

    Because in reality, they were also beneficiaries.

    When Commander Jiang reorganized Jingzhou''s public security, starting with handling Judge Yu''s funeral affairs, he confiscated Judge Yu''srge amounts of unexined wealth and turned it over to the public instead of pocketing it himself.

    His method of umting wealth was still through hosting birthday celebrations for the younger generation of his family.

    Commander Jiang cared especially about the children in his family, hosting grand celebrations for each child''s birthday. Later, this influenced other families, including poor households, to celebrate a little when their children had birthdays, rejoicing that they had survived another year and grown a year older.

    Without people noticing, even the poorest households would have an extra box of facial cleanser. Using it sparingly, it couldst most of a year. It was said that washing hands with this could reduce illnesses. It was true - before using it, some people would be sick for half the year, but after using it, they fell ill much less and became notably healthier.

    There were also tooth-cleaning and hair-washing products.

    The wealthy bought them in porcin bottles, which were very expensive.

    Poor families would also buy them, in small pouches. When going out as guests, or during festivals, or for weddings, using these to wash once would make the hair fluffy and attractive, and teeth white.

    Everyone became three degrees more beautiful.

    So even the poorest girls would try hard to save money to buy this set of three items.

    Now that Jingzhou''s public security was excellent, girls could also go out to work, so they weren''t unable to afford these things.

    The streets were lively with hawkers.

    Tourists thronged everywhere.

    There were both men and women.

    Many of the women wore their hair loose, clearly unmarried girls.

    Yet they walked about as usual.

    They weren''t so poor as to be barely clothed, but looked quite presentable.

    An elderly man with a long beard, apanied by a young servant, walked along the streets of Jingzhou.

    He seemed curious about everything.

    Beside him was a local broker, Old Wu the Third.

    Old Wu the Third stood guard at the city gate or dock every day, meeting neers from other ces, guiding them, helping them find lodging or food, and make purchases. Don''t misunderstand, he didn''t take a cut. He was no longer the hooligan of the past.

    He had an official position under the government office, called a guide or tour guide. Although he didn''t have a formal official position, he still received a sry.

    Not only did he receive a sry, but he would also get tips from generous guests.

    Old Wu the Third had a shrewd, oily face that didn''t look like that of a purely good person.

    As he led the way, he seemed familiar with all the shopkeepers, greeting them as they passed.

    The old man watched with amusement, while the young servant was nervous, seeming prepared to be fleeced.

    The old man asked, "I''m new to Jingzhou. Where would be a good ce to stay tonight?"

    Old Wu the Third replied with a grin, "Sir, there are three types of lodging in Jingzhou. One is a rest stop, withrgemon rooms at every street corner. It''s very cheap - five copper coins will get you a night''s stay and a meal, guaranteed to fill you up. Another is the ''Home Stay'' - you see those banners hanging on the street that say ''Home Stay''? You can knock on those doors. They''re normal households that set aside a few rooms for guests. You can also eat with them. It''s more expensive than a rest stop, but morefortable. If you want to learn about local customs, staying at a Home Stay is excellent."

    The old man looked up and indeed saw banners with "Home Stay" written on them hanging from houses on the street. So these were actually lodgings. He had wondered earlier why he hadn''t seen any inns. Renting out one''s own home to strangers could indeed bring in quite a bit of extra ie. But it also showed how good Jingzhou''s public security was, that people dared to open their doors to outside guests.

    The young servant had already asked curiously, "What if a guest is a bad person? What if someone has evil intentions and robs the host? If the host has daughters, wouldn''t their chastity be at risk?"

    Old Wu the Thirdughed heartily. "You don''t need to worry about that. Since our Lord Commander arrived, every household has had someone sign up to be trained as security personnel to keep everyone safe. Just one shout and people wille instantly. Sir, your young servant here isn''t very cautious. He''s carrying a bag that looks very heavy, with the shape of silver ingots bulging out. This is fine in our Jingzhou, but if you went elsewhere, you''d have been robbed already. In Jingzhou, if you drop your silver ingots, as long as you report it to the government office, they''ll definitely be found and returned to you within a day."

    Inspector He raised an eyebrow slightly, wondering if the man had recognized him. Impossible - he had traveled in disguise the whole way.

    "Staying in someone else''s home feels inconvenient. Aren''t there normal inns by the roadside?" he asked.

    "That''s the third type of normal lodging, which also has different levels depending on how much you want to spend. For normal lodging, you can just go to an ordinary inn. If you want to experience the treatment of a noble, there are options at every price point. There are even Prefect Suites, Inspector''s Suites, General Suites, and Prince Suites that cost a thousand taels of silver per night. Whatever you desire is avable."

    The young servant was utterly confused upon hearing there was even an Inspector''s Suite.

    Inspector He was also taken aback for a moment, then asked, "What kind of room is the Inspector''s Suite?"

    Old Wu the Third smiled smugly, knowing that outsiders were inexperienced and always curious to learn.

    "Come, my lord. This humble servant will show you."

    ...

 Chapter 194

    Old Wu the Third led the master towards the city center.

    On the way, they encountered his colleague Jia.

    Jia was walking beside a young couple, with the woman wearing a hat and veil, obscuring her face. Judging by her figure, she was certainly a youngdy in her prime.

    In the past, it would have been normal for women to dress like this on the streets.

    Nobledies didn''t want to be seen when going out.

    But now, on the streets of Jingzhou, everyone was open and confident. Even Commander Jiang''s beautiful daughter went out directly. This kind of cover-up actually seemed a bit strange.

    However, it was clear they were from out of town, which was normal.

    Jingzhou was receiving an overwhelming number of tourists from other ces every day.

    The outskirts of Jingzhou were being expanded, with houses being built, and many people relocating their entire families there.

    Jia exchanged greetings with Old Wu the Third with a cupped-hand salute, then they passed each other.

    The veiled woman seemed to stiffen, lowering her head.

    Jia found it slightly odd. The couple he was escorting did seem a bit strange, not like a proper married couple, more like they were eloping.

    But as long as they weren''t breaking anyws, it wasn''t his business.

    Inspector He followed Old Wu the Third to view the inspector''s suite, not noticing the young couple they had passed.

    The woman wore a hat and veil, clearly not wanting to be seen.

    Inspector He naturally wouldn''t stare at a young woman.

    When they paused, the woman simply turned her back, and Inspector He assumed she was just shy.

    It was his first time in Jingzhou, so he couldn''t possibly know any young girls here.

    Jia continued on with his clients.

    "If it''s your first time in Jingzhou, sir and miss, you must buy the Jingzhou Three-Piece Set. It''s excellent for personal use or as a gift."

    The veiled woman was none other than Jiang Wan. After her elder brother''s unexpected death, she had been secretly investigating the cause.

    She initially thought Jiang Changtian was responsible, but he imed it was the Seventh Prince who had ordered it.

    She didn''t believe it, but as she investigated, it seemed to have nothing to do with Jiang Changtian.

    Although Ming County was full of Jiang Changtian''s influence, her brother''s death truly wasn''t his doing.

    It really bore the Seventh Prince''s signature.

    This terrified her because she was actually the person who knew the Seventh Prince best.

    She felt that if their family continued to stay in Ming County, they would end up like Jiang Changtian''s family in her previous life - all dead.

    Now her Mom and Younger Sister had already fled Ming County.

    She learned that her Mom had be a concubine of Heir Apparent Han, and her younger sister was now the daughter of the Heir Apparent in the Capital City, enjoying wealth and status.

    Mom had abandoned them.

    Her elder brother was dead.

    She had tried to escape Ming County several times, but was always sent back under the pretext of protecting her safety.

    With her grandmother and father, she simply couldn''t leave Ming County.

    This small county was where she grew up, but she had no fond memories of it, only deep fear.

    She hated that dream, why did it make her know so much, let her know she had a bright future, high status and power within reach, yet trapped her in Ming County like a caged beast.

    Everything was reversed.

    It was as if she was experiencing the suffering of Jiang Changtian''s family in her previous life.

    Although, to be fair, their life wasn''t exactly miserable.

    At least the Jiang manor was still there, with servants and all.

    But there was no hope in sight.

    That was the most desperate part.

    During this time, Jiang Wan had struggled.

    From her dream, she knew there was a Shangqiu Convent in Jingzhou, with a famous Master Jingren who liked to collect beautiful young girls or girls with strange fates. In the future, Jingren would be an honored guest of the royal family.

    Later, one of the concubines was offered by Jingren.

    That concubine was exceptionally beautiful but had a heart like a snake and scorpion. Fortunately, she had a short life, otherwise, even Jiang Wan couldn''t have fought against her.

    It was also from that concubine that she learned of Master Jingren''s existence and knew about his perverted and terrifying methods of training those girls.

    Because of this, she cautiously and indirectly leaked information about Jiang Mianmian to Jingren.

    She seeded.

    Because as she pondered day after day, she realized that everything seemed to have changed from the moment Jiang Mianmian was born and didn''t die prematurely.

    She remembered that day when worshipping Buddha, she saw tears falling from Buddha''s eyes, which shook her to her core.

    It seemed that everything started to change from that day on.

    Jiang Feng didn''t die, Jiang Mianmian didn''t die either, Qin didn''t die, Jiang Yu didn''t disappear, and Jiang Changtian didn''t go missing.

    She felt she had found a solution - if only Jiang Mianmian died, everything would return to its proper course.

    But then, Shangqiu Convent disappeared.

    When she received this news, Jiang Wan trembled all over.

    How could it be, how could someone be so crazy?

    But thinking that person was Jiang Changtian, yes, he was indeed a madman, aplete lunatic.

    Day after day, Jiang Wan seemed to give up.

    Her father became obsessed with Buddhist scriptures, chanting sutras all day long.

    Her grandmother, who used to chant sutras all day, stopped chanting and started wailing and cursing constantly because she felt unwell, her wounds always hurting.

    Pain can make people''s emotions copse, and she would asionally receive news of Jiang Changtian''s family''s happy life in the Provincial Capital. Jiang Yu had a blissful married life, Qin was an honored guest of the prefect''s wife, Jiang Mianmian became the most dazzling youngdy in the Provincial Capital, Jiang Feng had apprenticed under a famous master and was bing more and more aplished, and Commander Jiang''s authority and power were growing.

    Even the slightest bit of good news would be ryed to Old Lady Jiang.

    After telling her, they would say: "Madam, you''re just ungrateful. With such good children, you wanted to drive them out of the family and even disown them, tsk tsk."

    These words often made Old Lady Jiang feel like her heart was about to burst, and she developed heart palpitations.

    Old Lady Jiang was already suffering physically, and the death of her eldest grandson was a huge blow to her, but what devastated her more was her son''sck of motivation.

    Her eldest son''s degeneration, chanting Buddhist scriptures every day, made her feel hopeless.

    She used to chant Buddhist scriptures daily, but there was actually no Buddha in her heart.

    However, her eldest son chanting Buddhist scriptures daily was clearly obsessed. He had donned monk''s robes and started eating vegetarian food. Except for not having shaved his head, his every move was no different from a monk.

    Old Lady Jiang cursed her son. Except when mentioning Wu, that fickle woman, when he showed slight emotion, at other times, he seemed unaware. No matter what she said, he would only respond with "Amitabha Buddha."

    She knew that Huaisheng hated her.

    After an idental argument where Jiang Huaisheng bitterly cursed the heir apparent, Old Lady Jiang identally revealed that Heir Apparent Han was actually his full brother, and Jiang Huaisheng had be like this.

    He was indifferent to everything. Except for still being at home, he was basically no different from having left to be a monk.

    Even when Jiang Wan was of age to have hering-of-age ceremony, Jiang Huaisheng didn''t care.

    Old Lady Jiang wasn''t in the mood either.

    Jiang Wan served her grandmother daily, listening to her curses every day, and grew increasingly weary.

    Finally, after long plotting, she disguised herself as a damsel in distress and was rescued by a young gentleman.

    She pretended to have lost her memory and followed that gentleman, leaving Ming County.

    The moment the carriage stepped out of Ming County, she truly felt as if the shackles on her body had shattered, her whole body lightening.

    She had observed for many days before choosing this gentleman as her target.

    Although she hadn''t met this gentleman in her dream and he shouldn''t be someone familiar, she saw his noble demeanor and generous nature.

    His essories and the details he inadvertently revealed all matched the style of nobles from the Capital City.

    He imed to be a young master out traveling, handsome in appearance, righteous and naive in behavior, surely the son of some great family.

    He called himself Liu.

    She remembered there was indeed such a family named Liu in the Capital City, but they weren''t prominent, considered middle-ss in the capital. Young Master Liu''s aunt seemed to have married into the pce, but was only a concubine.

    But no matter who he was, as long as he could help her escape Ming County, it was good enough.

    She had developed a phobia of Ming County.

    However, after leaving Ming County, Young Master Liu didn''t return to the Capital City, but headed towards Jingzhou instead.

    He said he hade to see its fame, that he was originally heading to Jingzhou but took a wrong turn and ended up in Ming County, identally rescuing Miss Qing Qing.

    Young Master Liu didn''t know what to call thedy, but seeing her dressed all in green and extremely beautiful, he temporarily called her Qing Qing.

    Although there was ambiguity along the way, they still treated each other politely.

    For a young man and woman traveling together, with her adding charm to his life, it was hard not to develop feelings.

    As a "amnesiac" damsel in distress, Jiang Wan naturally couldn''t stop him from going to Jingzhou.

    But thinking of the famous Commander Jiang, Jiang Wan still instinctively felt terrified.

    She put on a hat and veil as soon as they entered the Provincial Capital, but unexpectedly, this seemed to attract more attention, as no one else on the street was dressed like this.

    But she could only grit her teeth and continue.

    Just as they arrived in the Provincial Capital, they unexpectedly saw the famous Inspector He.

    Inspector He was a man with a tough life. Several emperors had changed, yet he remained an inspector.

    Jiang Wan was grateful that she was wearing a hood, which prevented her from being discovered. She was like a startled bird, constantly afraid of being found out.

    She and Young Master Liu followed the guide to the shop, listening to the young man''s enthusiastic introduction: "...This is the property of our Commander Jiang''s eldest daughter, all part of her dowry."

    "Your Commander Jiang truly loves his daughter like his own life, giving such generous property to a married daughter. I heard he has another daughter, is that right?" Young Master Liu''s servant asked curiously.

    "Yes, these shops, as well as the inns, restaurants, stores, andnd in the city, are all the younger daughter''s property. Commander Jiang treats both his daughters extremely well."

    Jiang Wan held a porcin bottle in her hand, lowering her head to smell the rich fragrance inside. It was for washing hair, and this single bottle cost one tael of silver. The items in this shop alone were worth thousands of taels, and they had even queued up for a while before entering.

    There were also cheaper versions avable, which were also selling like hotcakes. Customers didn''t even need to enter the store; they could buy them at the stalls outside. There was a constant stream of patrons, and the sound of clinking copper coins never ceased.

    ...

 Chapter 195

    The setting sun hung low in the sky.

    By the time they reached the Flying Heavens Pavilion, they saw a red sun settling on the rooftop.

    There was a sculpture of an eagle on the roof, which at that moment seemed poised to spread its wings and take flight, looking lifelike.

    Though they hadn''t yet seen the Inspector''s Suite, the sunset view alone was extremely beautiful.

    "This building wasn''t here before, was it?"

    "That''s right, it''s newly built. My lord, you''vee at a good time. If it were during the peak season when out-of-town merchantse to stock up, this suite would likely already be booked."

    Inspector He merely smiled faintly, not taking it seriously.

    A room costing a thousand taels per night couldn''t possibly be casually booked up; it was probably just marketing talk.

    Even he, as an inspector, couldn''t really afford to stay here on his official sry.

    There were many memorials in the court criticizing Commander Jiang, using him of acting arbitrarily, using his birthday to extort gifts and money, being greedy, and having low moral character. All kinds of insults were hurled. Strangely, though the civil officials attacked fiercely, they didn''t use him of dereliction of duty, usurpation of power, or poor performance in his official duties.

    These attacking memorials were all personal attacks, filled with extreme hatred, butcking in substance.

    The street in front of the Flying Heavens Pavilion was very wide. There were no small stalls, but many children were ying in the street.

    Watching the children running back and forth, ying boisterously, the Book Boy couldn''t help but ask, "What if someonees in a horse carriage or on horseback?"

    Old Wu the Third smiled and pointed to a sign by the road.

    "There''s a red cross and a picture of a horse on it. This means there''s a speed limit. All vehicles and horses must slow down in this area. If they go too fast, they''ll be fined. So the children can y safely on the road."

    They were walking slowly, and indeed saw a horse carriage approaching that slowed down when it reached them.

    "I hear this Inspector''s Suite is Lord Commander''s property?" Inspector He asked.

    Charging a thousand taels for one room, not to mention the rest ¨C this Commander was indeed quite greedy.

    Old Wu the Third shook his head: "This is the property of Lord Commander''s Youngest Daughter. The Lord Commander dotes on his daughter extremely, all of this belongs to her."

    Inspector He raised an eyebrow slightly.

    "This way, sir," Old Wu the Third led the way. Having guided so many people, he had some discernment.

    The old man before him exuded an air of officialdom, looking extremely formidable ¨C clearly no ordinary person.

    One''s clothes and appearance could be changed, but this aura was difficult to alter.

    Old Wu the Third didn''t slight the old man at all despite his ordinary attire.

    In their training, they were given many examples: helping an ordinary-looking old man, putting on boots for an old gentleman, gaining recognition, being rewarded with wealth and beauties.

    Upon entering, there was a row of chairs covered with thick cloth. When one sat down, they would sink into it, feeling something soft supporting their lower back, causing the whole body to lean back and the legs to rx.

    Then someone brought over a steaming hot cotton cloth.

    "Sir, please clean your hands."

    This clean, white cotton cloth was actually for wiping hands.

    He picked it up and sniffed it, detecting a faint fragrance, even more pleasant than his wife''s perfume, like the scent of spring grass, very fresh.

    After wiping his hands, someone brought steaming hot tea and snacks.

    Surprisingly, without asking anything or collecting payment, they first let the guests eat and drink?

    The entrance was a veryrge hall, very high, but not empty.

    Apart from these soft chairs, there was even an artificial mountain and stream not far away, right in this room, allowing one to drink tea while listening to the sound of a spring.

    Moreover, sitting in this position, one could still see the red sun setting.

    It was like a painting.

    Not to mention how much the Inspector''s Suite cost, just this moment of rest upon entering made one feel that there was a reason for its high price.

    Inspector He was well-traveled, having been in and out of the imperial pce in the capital many times, and was himself from a noble family, yet he still felt that this scene was truly beautiful.

    Sitting on the soft couch, watching the sunset, listening to the sound of the spring, he even thought that it was fortunate the Emperor hadn''t seen this scene. If the Emperor were to see it, he would surely start another grand construction project, wanting to build something just like it.

    This great hall had many intricacies, with numerous candles inside making it very bright.

    The candles seemed to burn endlessly, and each had a beautifulntern cover. Looking up, it was as if one saw a sky full of stars.

    It was like a very luxurious hall, with the only difference being that outsiders could enter here.

    As he sat there drinking tea and resting, people came and went around him. Each time someone entered, a waiter would gently call out, "Wee home."

    He sat there eating and drinking.

    The tea was excellent, without added fragrances, yet with a natural tea aroma. It was slightly bitter, but left a lingering fragrance in the mouth, with a sweetness rising in the throat.

    The snacks were also particrly exquisite.

    It felt like each bite was worth a tael of silver.

    This was just for resting, yet the treatment was so good that one would feel embarrassed to leave, to say they weren''t staying.

    Then a waiter came over, surprisingly a young woman, who crouched down in front of him openly, holding paper and pen, saying she needed to register his check-in information.

    The waiter was literate, a pretty girl who looked like a nobledy from the capital.

    Yet she was doing work that involved public exposure.

    People around seemed used to it, and Inspector He almost couldn''t help but ask if she had some grievance.

    Fortunately, he held back. There would be time in the future.

    He gave a false name, Su Lin, a merchant from the capital.

    Even the Book Boy had to register his name. The Book Boy didn''t give a false name; he was called Ji Zi.

    After registering, she also checked both of their identity documents.

    Inspector He noticed the young woman flipping through Su Lin''s identity document several times, but she didn''t say anything.

    She politely inquired about their needs: "Sir, do you have any special requirements? Do you prefer it cool or warm? Also, do you have any preferences for the mattress? Does the sir prefer to sleep on something softer or firmer? Does the sir prefer sweet or savory food? Or if you have any additional requests, need to receive guests or invite someone, you can tell us. After you check in, you will have your own personal steward. You can ring the bell to call him for anything, and he will appear immediately."

    Inspector He didn''t state his preferences, but was somewhat shocked by what the young woman said, as if a ce for an overnight stay could cater to every aspect.

    He only booked for one night, leaving two thousand taels as a deposit.

    The Book Boy painfully took out the bank notes.

    He felt it was outrageous.

    How could amodation cost so much?

    Were they sleeping on a bed made of gold?

    After the two paid, Old Wu the Third was about to leave. Inspector He wanted to give him a tip, but saw him repeatedly refuse.

    Inspector He thought he must be getting a cut for bringing in such a big customer.

    But Old Wu the Third said he had a sry, they were all government officials, no need for tips. If the great man could put in a good word when he saw his superiors, praise him a bit, that would be enough.

    This made Inspector He feel somewhat amused.

    Old Wu the Third clearly looked like a street ruffian who had changed professions, yet he was asking for a good review.

    Well, throughout the journey, this man had indeed been quite interesting. They were waiting for him to swindle them, but it seemed he hadn''t. The Book Boy grumbled that they must have been swindled ¨C otherwise, how could he rmend a room that cost a thousand taels a night?

    The Steward was a schrly-looking man, wearing a moon-white robe, refined and cultured.

    When he spoke, his words were indeed eloquent, and he spoke with great sophistication.

    The Steward led the way while introducing things.

    First, they passed through a long corridor, then arrived at the entrance of a courtyard.

    Above the door was written "Inspector''s Suite."

    The Steward took out a key to open the door. As they pushed it open, the Book Boy looked down at the ground, which was surprisingly covered with cloth. Stepping on it felt soft and fluffy.

    The epitome of luxury and extravagance.

    Walking on the red cloth, they climbed a few steps and reached the room. There was anotheryer of locks, which when opened revealed a very clean interior with a faint fragrance. Upon entering, one''s nose felt cool, and the whole mind seemed to clear up a bit.

    It was dusk now, and the weather was somewhat stuffy.

    The Book Boy had casually mentioned that their master was afraid of heat.

    As soon as they entered, the Steward went to a pole by the door and lifted it up. Suddenly, they heard the pitter-patter of rain, and a cool breeze came from somewhere, lifting the robes that clung to their bodies.

    Looking up, they saw that it had suddenly started raining outside their room? But it wasn''t really rain, just a rain curtain outside their room, while it was clear in the distance.

    Then the rain curtain fell, water droplets hitting the stone steps at the entrance, creating a deep and shallow rustling sound together.

    It wasn''t clear how it was done, but in the corner there was an automatic wooden piece spinning around, and a cool breeze started blowing in the room.

    Veryfortable.

    This thousand-tael room wasn''t asrge as imagined.

    It looked like an ordinary room, with an entrance hall and a screen upon entering.

    On either side of the entrance hall hung a couplet.

    The upper line read: "Frugality nurtures integrity, pure as the autumn moon without blemish."

    The lower line read: "Strict with oneself, as clean as plum blossoms with their natural fragrance."

    ...

 Chapter 196

    The calligraphy was beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The writing of this couplet was very pleasing to the eye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At least it was visually appealing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although having such a couplet hanging in a suite costing a thousand taels per night was somewhat ironic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He curiously asked the young steward leading the way: "Who wrote this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "It was written by our Lord Commander''s eldest son."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He''s footsteps paused as he entered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He looked at the couplet again:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Frugality nurtures integrity, pure as the unblemished autumn moon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Strictness rectifies oneself, clean as the naturally fragrant plum blossom."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He thought of a young man who once wrote the poetic line "Knocking on thin bones, still carrying a copper sound."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Later he heard the young man had rebelled alongside his father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then his father surrendered and became Commander Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How strange life was, that he hade to Jingzhou because of Commander Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And now he saw a couplet written by that same young man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The content was good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The calligraphy was also good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But somehow it left him feeling mncholic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Stepping past the screen in the entrance hall,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He saw a flower bed, with bamboo and trees, lush and green.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Next to it was a thick long table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On the table surface was a stone b.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On the stone b were blue and white tea cups, tworge and six small.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The designs varied slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He was surprised, this was the tea brewing method popr in the imperial pce, a gongfu tea tray.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    He had the honor of drinking this tea before, a tiny cup, personally bestowed by the emperor, just one sip, unable to discern the vor, very light.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But here was aplete tea set, looking even moreprehensive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Behind the desk, there was actually a wall of bookshelves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was filled with precious books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In this era, books of any kind were very rare.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Book Boy, who had been muttering about waste along the way, suddenly fell silent upon seeing this entire wall full of books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So, so, so many books just disyed here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He''s figure also stood before the bookcase, reaching out to take a book.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He randomly picked one, the Tao Te Ching.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It wasn''t a particrly special book, he had read it before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But this wall of bookcases was all-epassing, each shelfbeled with book categories: history, novels, medicine? Tea? Antiques? Geography? Agriculture? Strategy?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Each ssification broken down further, looking at the books inside, it became very interesting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He was definitely considered well-read for his time, after all he had spent his whole life reading, and had ess to quite a lot of books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yet in this bookcase in a lodging house in Jingzhou, there were actually quite a few books he had never seen before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He pulled out a book called "Mr. Yin''s Tea Discourse" which detailed various types of tea, gongfu tea brewing methods, timing, water temperature, what water, what tea. The text was serious and rigorous, but he had never read it before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    These books were all handwritten copies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But they were all written very carefully and neatly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The books showed signs of having been read.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Steward Lin Yi exined: "These books are changed regrly. Lord Commander has established a library in the city where people can register with their identity documents to read books. If they want to borrow, they need to leave a deposit. If they have no money, they can copy books - they need to copy two to take one away. The library provides paper and writing utensils for free."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He lingered for a long time before the wall of books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just ncing over, there were already several he hadn''t read.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It felt like he couldn''t finish them all in a day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was a tea room. Next to the table, against the wall, the floor was covered with woven grass mats, with low tables on top, and cushions on both sides that seemed like you could lie down if you pushed them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A go board and pieces were set out on the low table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The view from the window was also beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Rain and sunset oddlybined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Outside the window was actually a wheat field, not some precious flowers, but it was even more pleasing to the eye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This tea room could satisfy receiving guests, resting, drinking tea, reading, and working.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Next to the tea room was the washroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Other washrooms were small and dark, but this washroom was surprisinglyrge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was even a dressing table inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were tables and chairs, arge bathtub, with a pipe directly connected to the tub.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was also a toilet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The toilet also had a pipe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The toilet seat was actually covered in silk, and had a backrest, like arge chair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    On the wall were wooden shelves, hanging clean, in-colored towels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was even a robe hanging.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Each towel and robe had a small tag indicating its use.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The towels for washing face, hair, feet, and body were actually separate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That robe was for wearing after bathing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Next to the bathtub were several jars,beled with various flowers, and salt, and even a jar of milk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Steward Lin Yi exined: "These are for guests to use when bathing. They can be poured into the tub, they have beautifying effects. This is the water valve, if you want to bathe, you can notify me, and hot water wille out of the valve. Everything is reced daily. Apart from the fixed items, you can take anything you like with you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Book Boy noticed there was a special surface for washing hands, not just a lonely basin, but arge countertop with a porcin basin inset in the middle, with a hole at the bottom and a stopper, and a pipe above.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The steward opened the water valve, and water indeed flowed steadily from the pipe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He reached out to catch some water, it was cool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thinking of the rain outside, it wasn''t surprising that the pipe had water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On the countertop were several porcin bottles,beled cleansing cream, toothpaste, shampoo.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    These usually cost one or two taels of silver per bottle outside, but here they were set out, ready to use, and apparently could be taken away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Book Boy thought this was quite generous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He shook his head slightly, one or two taels of silver was a lot, butpared to the thousand tael lodging fee, it was very little.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just touring the washroom took quite some time, ending with Inspector He relieving himself alone inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Watching his urine instantly disappear, flushed away, while the washroom still retained its fragrance, Inspector He felt a kind of emptiness in his heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Beforeing, he had imagined that a room costing a thousand taels a night might have beautiful maids and fine wine, pools of meat and forests of alcohol, extremely luxurious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In reality there was none of that, forget beautiful maids, the only steward was just a clean-cut schrly type.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In fact, all along the way, the officials who had entertained him had certainly spent more than a thousand taels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Courtesans on pleasure boats, the finest wines, rare birds and beasts, Inspector He was a man of the world, he had experienced all these entertainments.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But none had been as profound as this time, this was a change.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A strange transformation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Next to the toilet was soft white paper for wiping one''s bottom, and a wooden bucket for trash.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was even a small bookshelf beside it, also filled with books, so one could read while defecating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    A frightening feeling, he had actually just wanted to reach out and take a book to look at.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thinking about the person who put books here, they must be quite a genius, definitely someone who especially loved books, needing to read even during those moments of evacuation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Leaving the washroom, the steward handed Inspector He a semi-dry cotton cloth, and he wiped his hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Next they went to the adjoining bedroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, it was a lodging ce, there had to be a bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The view from the bedroom window was beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The bed wasn''t one of those ornate embroidered beds, lookingyer uponyer, it was just a simple wooden bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The bedding looked very white and clean.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not a single hair to be seen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was a wardrobe for hanging clothes, inside hung sleeping robes, and shoes without heels. Steward Lin Yi bent down, indicating that the master could change his shoes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Book Boy hurried over to attend to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Feet that had been enclosed in shoes, having walked a long way, were notfortable. ced in these open, heelless shoes, it seemed the soles could spread out. Without even getting into bed, they were already resting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Sir, we offer foot and massage services. If you need them, just ring the bell anytime, and I''ll arrange it for you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He thought, here ites, this must be the beautiful maid service.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But then the steward Lin Yi handed him a card, which read: Foot massage 10 taels of silver per session, full body massage 50 taels of silver.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He stumbled in shock. Spending so much money on lodging, and massages still cost extra?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Could it be massages from courtesans?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He couldn''t stand it, but since he was already here, he might as well go for it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was here to experience and understand the chaos and corruption of Jingzhou.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To see what a mess the rebel Commander Jiang had made of Jingzhou.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He sat down heavily on the soft bed, waiting for someone toe and give him a massage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sure enough, there was immediately a knock at the door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Steward Lin Yi answered: "Come in."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The sound of the door opening was heard, followed by slow footsteps. There was no heavy fragrance, but rather a faint medicinal scent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then a middle-aged man in a ck robe entered, walking very slowly, leaning on a cane, tapping it lightly as he moved forward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He was dumbfounded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It wasn''t until he was asked to lie down, and a pair of dry hands began to roam, press, and tap on his shoulders, that Inspector He came to his senses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were no beautiful maids, no courtesans; the one giving the massage was, surprisingly, a blind middle-aged man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Inspector He curiously asked, "Can a blind person actually work like this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The manughed and replied, "Lord Commander says we''re only blind, not useless. Of course, we can earn money with our skills. Our blindness makes us unable to see, but it also makes us more focused. With one touch, I can tell that your right shoulder isn''t good, sir. It''s severely strained from long periods of desk work in a fixed position. Be careful, sir, it might hurt when I press here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Pop."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Pop."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Hiss."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Ouch."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Oh, that feels good."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "You must earn quite a bit. How many taels of silver for one session? It should be enough to support a family."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "It''s decent. My wife is pregnant, and when the child grows up and goes to school, there will be many expenses. I need to work hard and save money."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 197

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He fell asleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was snoring softly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even after the masseur left with his stick,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He still hadn''t woken up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps the fact that even a blind man could marry, have a job, and dare to hope for his child to be born and go to school, had both shocked and deeply satisfied him. For the first time in ten years, he fell asleep just as dusk was falling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    The Book Boy carefully reclined on a nearby couch, picking up some dried meat from the small table in front and eating it gently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was no clinking of sses tonight, it was rather quiet, and no one asked him about the master''s preferences.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For a long time, the master showed no signs of waking, his snoring growing louder.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Book Boy slowly got up and went to the adjacent tea room, took down a book, brewed some tea, ate some snacks, and flipped through the book. The rain had stopped, and the night wasn''t so hot. A gentle breeze came through the window, and he could seemingly hear the sounds of children ying outside the walled courtyard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A littleter, someone brought over a bowl of hot noodle soup.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It didn''t wake Inspector He who was sleeping inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Book Boy finished eating in the tea room, and then someone came to clear away the dishes and lit an incense stick, filling the room with a fragrant aroma.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This thousand-tael-per-night inspector''s suite seemed hardly worth it, but once you stayed in it, it feltfortable no matter how you used it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jia also brought two distinguished guests to stay.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Young Master Liu was very generous with his money, and he had originally demanded the top-tier suite, but the woman beside him persuaded him otherwise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The woman''s voice was very pleasant to hear. Jia felt his heart flutter just from the sound of it, feeling certain she must be a great beauty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Young Master Liu booked two rooms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Miss Qingqing had lost her memory, her every move still betrayed her noble origins, indicating her extraordinary status.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong had been very polite to her throughout their journey.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two chatted and asionally exchanged nces as they traveled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong promised to take her to the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan had been well taken care of throughout the journey, making her think that perhaps, regardless of those things in her dream, she shouldn''t go looking for Chu Xi. In this life, finding a man she liked and living a simple life might actually be very good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Young Master Liu was generous, rather naive, and had some schrly pride.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The sun set, and a half-moon rose.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although the two rooms weren''t the top-tier suites, they were still quite high-end, costing fifty taels of silver per night. They came with a set of cleansing cream, toothpaste, and shampoo, which could be used freely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The candlelight in the room was very clean and bright.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The bathroom was fragrant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For women traveling, the most inconvenient things were grooming and using the toilet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But in the inns of Jingzhou, one hardly wanted to leave. The bathrooms were sofortable, there was even a pot of flowers in the bathroom. Not precious ones, but they inexplicably made one feel at ease.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Jiang Wany alone on the bed, having washed off some of her makeup, still beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Like a lotus emerging from the water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What she wore was bought on the road, since being in distress, she certainly hadn''t brought aplete wardrobe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was very luxurious, even more so than what she wore at home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At home, her father was devoted to Buddhism, her grandmother cursed daily, alwaysining of this illness or that pain, needing medicine to keep her going. Her brother''s funeral had cost a lot, hiring monks, the coffin, the cemetery, all were very expensive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thinking of this, Jiang Wan was suddenly startled, her brother had passed away, yet she was still thinking about the expenses after his death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She felt a bit self-mocking, not knowing how she had fallen to this state.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She remembered when Aunt Yao was around, she always said she was an extremely kind-hearted girl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She herself believed so too, she always felt distressed seeing others suffer, and would always give some alms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was also diligent in her studies and had no bad habits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As for the power struggles in her dreamter, she was just trying to survive, people often have many things they have no choice about.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She wasn''t a saint, she had all seven emotions and six desires, and had experienced both good and evil thoughts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But was that wrong?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    All people are like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wany on the bed, able to see the half-moon hanging in the sky through the window.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A knock sounded at the door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She got up to open it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Outside was Liu Tong, with an unremarkable-looking young girl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong nced at Miss Qingqing''s appearance and his face turned red, looking a bit flustered as he said, "Miss Qingqing, this, this is the maid I found for you. There have been many inconveniences along the way. Do you, do you want some tea? Would you like to freshen up and thene for tea?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong''s face was red as he spoke, and it turned even redder when he nced at Jiang Wan midway through.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this moment, Jiang Wan wasn''t as carefully dressed as during the day, she was more casual, with her hair slightly disheveled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But this appearance was even more attractive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan looked at the little maid who was lowering her head, and nodded in agreement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She actually didn''t want a maid, worried about being recognized, but which youngdy from a good family didn''t have someone to serve her?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The maid came in very properly and carefully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Miss, let me help you with your hair."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan didn''t refuse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After grooming and changing into another set of clothes, Jiang Wan followed the maid out to the tea room that Young Master Liu had mentioned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was a tea house provided by the inn for guests, which could be closed and locked, forming its own space, with a view of the river outside the window, the scenery was beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was a soft couch and a tea table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At night, there were boats on the river, the sound of string and wind instruments, and twinkling lights.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Jiang Wan arrived, Liu Tong was already brewing tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was very serious about it, as he brewed, his long fingers touched the beautiful porcin cups, looking very nice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing Jiang Wan arrive, he immediately stood up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Qingqing, this is the popr way of brewing tea in Jingzhou. I''ve been practicing for quite a while. Let me brew for you, you''ll definitely like it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hot water poured over the tea leaves, creating steam.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The bottom of the cup that had held tea was especially fragrant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She didn''t taste anything special from drinking the tea, but the fragrance of the cup was excellent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Slightly hot, she held it in her hands and lowered her head to smell it gently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The evening breeze wasn''t hot, blowing in from the window, gently lifting her skirt and the tips of her hair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The tea fragrance flowed, and ambiguous feelings also flowed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan was very good at grasping that ambiguous yet open feeling, as if she was naturally adept at it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong drank three cups of tea in one go, as if not afraid of the heat, then he finally gathered the courage to speak: "Miss Qingqing, to be honest, my family has already arranged a wife for me. After this trip, I will prepare to go back and get married. She is the daughter of my father''s superior, and our families are close. Sister Dong is also a good girl. I can''t let her down. I''ve observed your behavior and manners, your status must be extraordinary. If you have any difficulties you can''t speak of, I can help you. I shouldn''t have had inappropriate thoughts about you. I''ve been too greedy on this journey."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan was stunned for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this moment, she only felt the aftertaste of the tea was very bitter, with no sweetness, only bitterness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were only her and Young Master Liu in the room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She held the cup, stood up, and went to the window.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The window was open, the pleasure boats outside were like stars in the human world, twinkling, not bright enough to light up that patch of darkness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Young Master Liu also stood beside her. Throughout the journey, no matter how ambiguous things got, Young Master Liu had always been very proper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He avoided suspicion as much as possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As soon as they arrived in the city, he immediately found a maid for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan stood there, hearing Young Master Liu talk about Sister Dong, suddenly remembering such a girl, when the new emperor ascended the throne and the Crown Prince was selecting a consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At that time, as the Empress''s niece, she wasn''t even considered as a candidate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her aunt didn''t want her to marry Chu Xi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A girl surnamed Dong stood out, she was naive and innocent, when she smiled, her front teeth were uneven, with a particrly pointy little canine tooth, and very deep dimples.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her skin was very white, her face round and chubby.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Very likable, and probably clever too, otherwise she wouldn''t have been chosen as a candidate for the Crown Prince''s consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But at the final stage, when it was down to just Miss Dong and Miss Zhang, with one to be chosen out of the two, Crown Prince Chu Xi clearly preferred Miss Dong, smiling at her several times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At thest moment, however, Miss Dong voluntarily refused, stating directly that she had someone she liked, "I grew up with Brother Liu as childhood sweethearts. He hasn''t let me down, so I can''t let him down either. Therefore, I can only refuse the Crown Prince''s favor."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    At that time, a group of people looked at this Miss Dong as if she were a fool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan was the same, thinking, how could a childhood sweetheartpare to being the Crown Prince''s consort? That would be the future Empress. The Miss Zhang beside her was cautious, yet this Miss Dong voluntarily refused.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan now stood by the river, remembering that scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sheter entered the Crown Prince''s Mansion only as a concubine, never imagining that someone would directly refuse to be the Crown Prince''s consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She wanted tough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So it turns out that Miss Dong refused the Crown Prince for Liu Tong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Round and round, round and round.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had observed Young Master Liu throughout the journey, he was indeed a man of integrity, without any major ws.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The feeling she exuded was one of vulnerability, easily taken advantage of. If Young Master Liu liked her, he could simply take her back with him, where she would serve him tea and keep himpany. Yet Young Master Liu remained steadfast in his principles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this moment, his confession to her implied that he had no intention of taking her with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan had gone from being a widow to the Crown Prince''s concubine to the Empress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Deep down, she was not one to admit defeat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She envied the innocence and carefree nature of that young Miss Dong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had been jealous in her past life, and even now, thinking back, she was still jealous. How could someone so easily reject such an honor? Didn''t she regret it?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She stood by the window, her heart resolute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She could nod and agree; Young Master Liu would likely arrange for her. She could go to the Capital City to find her mother, or seek refuge with her aunt - both seemed possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was said that in the capital, because the current emperor was feeling unwell, the princes were all making their way back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was for this reason that she had seen Young Master Liu as a lifeline and had run away with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But suddenly, she felt discontented.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Why should she settle for this?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She couldn''t believe that help without genuine feelings was as thin as paper, easily torn apart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even in her dreams, scenes of life-and-death struggles were prevalent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She didn''t trust others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Standing by the window, her beautiful eyes shed crystal-like tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When she looked up at Young Master Liu again, she had be a tear-stained beauty, sorrowfully enchanting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She tilted her head slightly to gaze at Young Master Liu. They were very close to each other. With tears streaming down her face, she gently bit her lip and looked at him. She said nothing, her gaze unfathomable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong turned his head away, unable to look at her, feeling awkward and unsure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, she leaned into his embrace.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She buried her head in his chest, her tears soaking his clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I don''t know what to do, I don''t know how to act. I''m so scared, Brother Liu. If you leave me, what will I do? I''m just a weak woman, with no one to rely on. I only have you, no one else." Jiang Wan''s voice was filled with grievance, her body trembling slightly, soft, helpless, and alluring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Liu Tong was nervous, not knowing where to ce his hands. His Adam''s apple bobbed up and down. With her soft body leaning against him, at this moment, Sister Dong''s deep dimples and smile faded away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His hands found their way to her soft waist, pulling her tightly against him, fitting together without a gap. He sumbed to the most basic physical desire.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He liked her, he admired her. From the first nce, seeing her beautiful, vibrant, wronged, vulnerable, noble - it was like a spell.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I''m sorry, Qingqing. I''m sorry," Liu Tong said apologetically, flustered as he lowered his head to kiss her lightly, unable to resist caressing her, kissing her, embracing her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Outside the window, a song drifted from a passing boat:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Since ancient times, beauty has been ill-fated,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Drifting east and west, hard to findpassion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 198

    Waking up.

    The sound of silk and bamboo instruments wafted gently through the air.

    Having not eaten anything the night before, I had somehow slept until dawn.

    Upon waking, my stomach growled with hunger.

    Inspector He pressed down on the mattress, only to discover that it was both soft and firm, quite ingeniously designed. Upon waking, he realized his back no longer ached, his shoulders felt lighter, and his entire body wasfortable. He suddenly felt that the weather was splendid.

    At a thousand taels per night, it was like sleeping on gold.

    He went to the washroom to freshen up. Watching the hot water flow steadily from the copper pipes as he opened the tap, he thought again that charging a thousand taels was indeed extravagant.

    After washing up, he had his page boy pack up all the items they could take with them.

    No shame in that.

    After all, he had paid for it, and nobody''s money grows on trees.

    He wasn''t even sure if this night''s stay could be reimbursed.

    By rights, it shouldn''t be like this. How could the Jingzhou government be so insensitive? He had arrived and stayed for a night, having to pay for his own lodging, and no one hade to receive him?

    "My lord, for breakfast, Steward Lin says they can send it to your room, or you can eat in their main hall. Would you like them to send it up, or would you prefer to go out to eat?" asked the page boy.

    "We''ll go out to eat, of course."

    He hade here to experience the local customs and practices. (He wanted to see if there were any other poor fools like him.)

    Ji Zi, the page boy, felt somewhat reluctant. In a room costing a thousand taels a night, every moment spent inside felt like making money, and every step outside felt like a loss.

    With that much money, one could buy a whole courtyard house in a small town, yet here they were only staying until noon.

    When they arrived at the breakfast area, Ji Zi was once again dazzled.

    There was such an abundance of food.

    Inspector He frowned slightly.

    It was too wasteful.

    How could one eat so much for breakfast?

    The waiters, both male and female, allowed guests to either serve themselves or have the staff assist them.

    Upon entering, a waiter would ask what tea you''d like and serve you a cup first.

    There was also their steward.

    Steward Lin led them to their seats.

    He served tea to Inspector He first.

    "Master Su, what would you like? We can fetch it for you, or you can help yourself."

    "A bowl of noodles, please. I''d like something hot."

    Steward Lin quickly brought the noodles.

    The noodles had a fragrant aroma, and the soup was rich in vor.

    It was an ordinary bowl of noodles, but the soup had been seasoned with something that made it the most delicious taste he had ever experienced.

    Meanwhile, Ji Zi, upon hearing that everything was free, took a lot of food.

    He looked exactly like someone who had never seen the world.

    However, every guest did the same, with those who didn''t take much being the minority.

    After finishing a bowl of noodles, he didn''t feel full because the bowl was quite small. Instead, it had whetted his appetite.

    Perhaps this was to encourage guests to try various dishes.

    For Inspector He, as a lord, the feeling of serving himself was quite novel.

    He noticed that all the guests here helped themselves, taking whatever caught their eye.

    He decided not to stand on ceremony either.

    He nned to get some fruit.

    When he reached the fruit section, he found peaches and plums that were out of season, looking fresh and appetizing.

    This seemed like a magical ce.

    Many things here defied reason.

    Spending a thousand taels to broaden one''s horizons didn''t seem like such a bad deal after all.

    In just a short while, many guests had arrived one after another.

    Old Wu the Third hadn''t been lying; this expensive inn was indeed attracting so many guests.

    Although there were many people, everyone served themselves without causing chaos.

    There were even couples dining together.

    At the next table was a couple with a young girl.

    Their appearances were quite striking.

    Inspector He couldn''t help but nce at them a few times.

    Then he ordered another bowl of noodles. As he was adding vinegar, the young girl from the next table approached him:

    "Grandpa, are you done with this vinegar bottle? May I use it?"

    "I''m finished, please go ahead."

    Inspector He watched as the young girl confidently took the vinegar bottle to her table and poured some into her parents'' bowls.

    Then he heard the little girl chattering away.

    "You''re so mean, sneaking out to have fun without me."

    "I study so hard."

    "Now, I''m the only one in the family who has to go to school on time every day. How could you bear to do this!"

    Hearing the little girlin about her heavy workload, Inspector He couldn''t help but chuckle.

    He found it both amusing and heartening.

    "If you don''t work hard in your youth, you''ll regret it when you''re old. Youngdy, having the opportunity to study is not easy toe by."

    Inspector He couldn''t resist interjecting.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at the thin old man with a long beard and thinning hair, clearly a schr, and nodded with tears in her eyes. You schrs know more, so whatever you say must be right.

    She just never imagined that in ancient times, she would be able to go to school every day. The thought seemed a bit unreasonable.

    Having joined the conversation, Inspector He began chatting with the young couple next to him.

    "My name is Su Lin, and my family is in the cloth business. I heard that business is good in Jingzhou, so I came to take a look," Inspector He lied smoothly.

    Jiang Changtian from the next table also quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "My name is Su Wen, and I''m in the medicinal herbs business. I never expected that we would share the same surname. We must have been from the same family 500 years ago. It''s a pleasure to meet you."

    "This is my wife and youngest daughter. My daughter studies at Qiu Academy. We oftene to Jingzhou for business. Jingzhou has good public security and arge poption. We''re actually considering moving our entire family here," Jiang Changtian spoke confidently.

    Inspector He also seriously engaged in discussing business strategies.

    The two men conversed back and forth, eventually sitting at the same table. They talked with great enthusiasm.

    They even discussed the possibility of partnering in a business venture to produce scented fabric with medicinal properties.

    Ji Zi, the page boy, was lost in his own thoughts, thinking that someone else was about to be fooled by his master.

    Qin Luoxia smiled as she watched her husband chat with the stranger, a look of admiration on her face. Her husband seemed so knowledgeable about everything.

    She also kept an eye on her daughter eating.

    Her daughter was so young and thin, yet she was worried about gaining weight.

    Qin Luoxia didn''t know what was going on in little Mianmian''s head. Being plump was considered attractive, after all. She felt that no matter how much she fed her daughter, she never seemed to gain weight. With all the delicious food she ate, it was a mystery where the meat was going.

    She had no idea that one day she would discover that this little one actually wanted to lose weight.

    If she weren''t older now, Qin Luoxia would have given her a good spanking.

    After a long breakfast.

    Inspector He, in the cloth business, and Jiang Changtian, in the medicinal herbs business, felt like kindred spirits.

    They agreed to chat again when the opportunity arose.

    ...

    When it was time to report for duty at the government office.

    Unexpectedly, the two met again.

    The old Su who sold cloth was wearing the official robes adorned with peacocks.

    The wealthy Su merchant who sold medicine was wearing the official robes adorned with cranes.

    Inspector He, dressed in his official robes, looked at Jiang Changtian, also in official robes. The two men smiled at each other: "What a pleasure to meet again."

    ...

 Chapter 199

    The washroom in the Jingzhou government office was exceptionally clean.

    It reminded one of the Sima Family Inn.

    Ji Zi, the young servant, had eaten too much for breakfast and had to visit the office washroom three times.

    He walked out with weak, unsteady steps.

    He silently berated himself, vowing never to eat so much again.

    At breakfast, everything had tasted so good that he couldn''t get enough, but sadly his stomach was only so big and couldn''t hold it all.

    He somewhat admired his master, who had eaten just the right amount despite how delicious everything was.

    Indeed, he was just a servant boy, and his master was the master.

    At that moment, Inspector He was looking at Commander Jiang before him.

    Their eyes met, with a hint of awkwardness, but not much.

    Inspector He felt like he had met his match.

    This Commander Jiang could lie so effortlessly, even iming to be a medicine seller and speaking knowledgeably about medicinal herbs.

    However, considering that he had once worked as a temp in the Medicine Preparation Department, it wasn''t so strange. It was said his medical skills were quite good too.

    He could be considered a jack of all trades.

    Observing his attitude towards his wife and daughter, it truly seemed as the rumors said - he loved them as dearly as his own life.

    His nephew He Chen had written him a letter a few years ago during his travels, mentioning this man.

    At the time, He Chen had described him in the letter as a rare talent, feeling that public opinion was to be feared and expressing sympathy for him.

    When Inspector He read the letter then, he felt that He Chen was still too young, admiring the man just because of his good looks, believing him to be a good person and sympathizing with him.

    In the blink of an eye, several years had passed.

    He Chen had be the current Third-ranked Schr.

    And the Mr. Jiang he sympathized with had be the Commander of Jingzhou, with authority above his own.

    Perhaps the world was fair most of the time.

    If one was truly talented, even time couldn''t bury them. Those grains of sand and dust only polished them to shine more brilliantly.

    The government office''syout and furnishings had the simple style of an inn everywhere.

    Not luxurious, but very practical and convenient.

    At noon, there were simple meals for those still working, and ces to rest.

    No need for tiring travel back and forth, and people could leave work earlier.

    Everyone had work to do, very busy, but not chaotic.

    From the details, one could see that Commander Jiang held the dominant position in Jingzhou.

    Thinking now of those memorials impeaching him, Inspector He suddenly understood why they seemed so ipetent.

    Perhaps those memorials impeaching Commander Jiang were submitted with his own tacit approval.

    If a former rebel who had been granted amnesty and made an official had great political achievements, with themon people singing and dancing in prosperity, all credited to him, it would make people even more uneasy.

    But entering Jingzhou, there was truly a sense of a golden age. The level of prosperity and bustle was no less than the capital. People came and went, greeting each other with smiles. Children yed, young ones studied. Even disabled blind people could marry and dare to hope their descendants could go to school.

    This was a city full of hope.

    And the man before him was the one who had nted that hope.

    Inspector He hade to find faults. He had looked around carefully outside and gone through arge pile of files in the office.

    It was different from the greedy luxury he had imagined.

    In the office, the governance was clear, responsibilities were clear, and expenses were very clear. Every expenditure was recorded, every ie was noted, even where bribes were collected from and what they were for was all clearly written down.

    What the expenditures were used to build, item by item.

    There were no flowery words, it looked very much in the style of rebels.

    In people''s impressions, rebels were always illiterate.

    But Inspector He discovered in conversation that Commander Jiang was actually a schr, a true schr by background, and he was very eloquent.

    Yet he handled affairs very directly.

    On the road, he had already researched this man.

    Inspector He''s view was different from others. He did not agree with the content of those memorials. He did not think Commander Jiang was a greedy person who amassed wealth.

    When they met at the inn this morning, although Commander Jiang''s family had outstanding appearances, their attire was ordinary, not luxurious. His wife and daughter also wore no precious jewelry. Their manners showed this was their daily habit, not deliberate disguise.

    Observing Commander Jiang''s past experiences,

    Inspector He always believed he was a truly wicked person, with no sense of loyalty or filial piety.

    This was also why Inspector He came to Jingzhou in person.

    Stepping into Jingzhou, he saw another side.

    At the city gate, he saw the hooligan Old Wu the Third. He spoke arrogantly, acted crudely, was flexible in his ways. In the capital, he would be a typical street rascal, evenmitting crimes, constantly making small mistakes, until one day he finallymitted a big one and either fled or spent his life in prison.

    But here, Old Wu the Third proudly said he worked for the government office, he had a sry, he didn''t need tips. He straightened the shoulders that used to be habitually hunched, looked at people directly, not avoiding their gazes.

    At the inn, he saw the pretty young girl who half-squatted to register his identity. Ji Zi inquired and learned that she was called a "receptionist" at the inn, also greeting guests like a waiter.

    Ji Zi found out that girl''s surname was Lai, she had been trafficked to Shangqiu Convent. After Commander Jiang destroyed Shangqiu Convent, she went to the home for the elderly and young, and now she worked here.

    She had some beauty, no parents or rtives, and was literate. Elsewhere, she would have been sold to a brothel. Because she was literate, she might have even be a minor courtesan, as schrs and officials liked literate women. Or she might have been sold as a maid to a big family,ter bing some master''s concubine, wasting away in harem struggles, either living dramatically or dying.

    But in Jingzhou, Miss Lai was actually an independent person. She could work, could set up her own household, could choose who to marry. She half-squatted to register people''s identities - her body was lowered, but her soul stood tall.

    As guests came and went, she would smile and greet them, equally and without fawning.

    Not to mention the disabled blind people actually had work to do.

    It was said that massage was very hard work, and themission wasn''t actually very high, but he was very satisfied. He worked hard to improve his skills, thinking that when his skills were more outstanding, he could open his own massage shop on a street corner. He felt his massage skills weren''t outstanding enough yet, so he didn''t dare risk renting a shop, but he already had friends who had done so.

    The blind man said his friend was also blind.

    Elsewhere, if born blind, in a big family they might be kept alive, but day after day of difference would rarely allow them to grow up. They would develop psychological problems, leading to other illnesses and early death. Those blindedter in life would also have psychological issues and find it hard to ovee.

    Amongmon people, those born blind couldn''t grow up at all, couldn''t be kept alive. Usually it was those blindedter by ident, and even then it was extremely miserable. They couldn''t even beg for food, and if they got any it would be stolen by others.

    To have a ce where blind people could marry and have children, hope for their children to go to school - if this ce wasn''t a golden age, what was?

    After looking around, Inspector He still felt that Commander Jiang was a truly wicked person.

    He harbored great hatred towards Old Lady Jiang who raised him and his elder brother.

    He killed without blinking an eye, indifferent to human life.

    He had ways of amassing wealth and should be very rich.

    Those three-piece toiletry sets were items fought over even in the capital.

    If everyone in the world gave him one coin, he would be as rich as a country.

    But for such a Commander Jiang, Inspector He surprisingly couldn''t bring himself to dislike him.

    Commander Jiang had extremely strong execution ability.

    In just a few years, from Ming County where he had stayed to the current prefectural capital of Jingzhou, huge changes had taken ce.

    Commander Jiang had always been striving to be stronger, from the illiterate refugee Jiang Changtian to the current Commander Jiang wielding real power in Jingzhou. He had always been climbing upwards.

    Moreover, observing his actions, from the earliest when Old Lady Jiang said he was unfilial and disrespectful to his elders, toter when Shangqiu Convent falsely imed his daughter had an unlucky fate, he never tried to prove himself. He would never open himself up for others to see what he was really like. He sent those masters from Shangqiu Convent straight to hell, letting them discuss fate in hell and see for themselves what fate was like.

    Inspector He felt this Commander Jiang was thoroughly unconnected to being a good person.

    But indeed, true to being a member of the He family, he was always very tolerant of good-looking people.

    "A few years ago, my nephew met Mr. Jiang and was immediately struck by his extraordinary qualities. He specially wrote me a letter praising you, saying you were a rare talent in this world."

    Jiang Changtian bowed in thanks: "I was poor then, without enough to eat. Young Master He''s kindness in my time of need, gifting money and books, I will never forget."

    Inspector He waved his hand: "Young people are sentimental, acting on impulse. No need to take it to heart."

    He didn''t find Commander Jiang''s appearance familiar or strange.

    That year when Meng Shaoxia and He Chen were still youths, seeing Mr. Jiang''s true face would have shocked them greatly. To find such a person in the rural countryside was a huge contrast, leaving a deep impression, which is why they tried hard to think who he resembled.

    Now, Commander Jiang himself has be an official, holding a high position and conducting himself with ease and freedom.

    When you see him, you won''t think he resembles anyone else; he is simply himself.

    Commander Jiang of Jingzhou!

 Chapter 200

    ......

    A few days ago, it was still a half-moon.

    Unconsciously looking up again,

    The moon was full.

    Several more days had passed.

    And Young Master Liu, who originally needed to hurry back to the Capital City, had dawdled for a few more days in Jingzhou.

    Under the moonlit night,

    A warm breeze blew.

    Tonight, he chose to sleep on the boat.

    In reality, Young Master Liu didn''t have much money left. After all, though he had brought a considerable amount for his youthful travels, it was still limited. It couldn''t withstand daily expenses at fine hotels, especially if he wanted to appear generous in front of the woman he liked. He had inadvertently overspent.

    But Liu Tong rarely worried about money.

    Although his servant had reminded him once, he didn''t take it to heart.

    Tonight, he still insisted on taking Miss Qing Qing night sailing, because the moon was full, and admiring it from the river would surely be beautiful.

    Young, unrestrained by parents, and having met a girl he admired, with whom he''d even shared intimate moments, he was almost in a state of mad infatuation. Everything seemed interesting, everything felt good, even just staring nkly together felt blissful, and he had extra energy every day.

    He lingered, reluctant to leave.

    Indeed, various ces in Jingzhou seemed inexplicably more convenient andfortable than elsewhere, and he had unknowingly stayed for several more days.

    During these days, Jiang Wan, staying in Jingzhou, was also secretly surprised.

    In her dream, she had passed through Jingzhou, but it was just an ordinary city, nothing special.

    People''s eyes were dull, their clothes tattered, because this was the first city captured by rebels, and it was also a strategic military location. In short, after several back-and-forth battles, the city had been ravaged. Everyone''s eyes were cold; seeing wealthy passersby, they either showed fearful expressions or greedy looks.

    In any case, her impression was very poor.

    But now, this waspletely different from the scene in her dream.

    Tourists thronged, the city was thriving, and even these night cruise boats were just for amodation. There was someone ying music and singing, but it wasn''t vulgar tunes. They sang of mountains, waters, partings, and encounters, extremely elegant.

    This scene rmed her a bit, breaking her cognition.

    Moreover, because there were traces of General Jiang everywhere in Jingzhou, it also made her uneasy.

    She wanted to persuade Young Master Liu to leave earlier.

    However, Young Master Liu, infatuated with her, was unwilling to leave. Perhaps in his heart, he felt that if he left this ce for the Capital City, he would eventually have to face his parents and Sister Dong, which he dared not do.

    That day, because Young Master Liu had mentioned his engagement to Sister Dong, they had engaged in some overly intimate behavior.

    Afterwards, although they still stayed close together, Jiang Wan never again had any intimate physical contact with him. She knew well that a woman could show great love for a man, but couldn''t be too forward, especially with physical intimacy. She had to restrain herself.

    Men always tend to take for granted and care less about what they''ve already obtained.

    They always prefer what they haven''t gotten, what they''re about to have, what they might have, what they have to strive to possess.

    Sailing at night was very romantic.

    They admired the moon, drank tea, and ate desserts.

    Young Master Liu was full of enthusiasm, seemingly never tired, thinking all day about how to invite Miss Qing Qing to y together.

    In the past, even while traveling, he would flip through books, but these days, his books had gathered dust.

    Young Master Liu felt that Miss Qing Qing was very knowledgeable. Although she had lost some memories, her speech was still elegant. Talking with her made him feel happy and joyful.

    The night boat gently rocked.

    The night breeze blew the girl''s fragrance to his nose.

    It lingered, barely perceptible.

    The river surface was very dark, but it didn''t frighten anyone at all. One only felt that it could be even darker.

    The maids and servants were all guarding outside.

    Perhaps because they were on a boat, Young Master Liu became a bit bolder.

    He sat close to Miss Qing Qing. At this moment, Young Master Liu was like a big dog, following her scent, wanting to be near her, next to her, even if doing nothing.

    Jiang Wan didn''t avoid him like she had in the previous days.

    The night breeze on the river was cooler and morefortable than onnd.

    She leaned back slightly, able to rest against a warm chest, feeling the rise and fall of his heartbeat.

    She felt an arm encircle her chest, then gradually tighten.

    He pressed close to her, embracing her, as the pleasure boat gently rocked, facing the Jing River, its waters flowing swiftly.

    Jiang Wan looked at the dark surface of the river. She thought about how once her family had taken a boat to the Capital City, full of ambition and vigor. Now, in this darkness, she was doing something that couldn''t bear the light of day, leaning against someone else''s fianc¨¦. It was bothughable and pitiful.

    Liu Tong, however, thought of nothing. He just held the woman for a long time. Suddenly, he spoke: "Qing Qing, I''ve been thinking these past few days. I''ll take you back to the Capital City and exin everything to my family. I like you. I only have sibling affection for Sister Dong. I want to marry you. Is that alright?"

    Jiang Wan''s body stiffened slightly, her heart beating faster.

    At this moment, she felt somewhat moved.

    In the distance, a boat slowly approached. It wasn''t intentional; the waterway was just narrow, and they would pass by each other.

    Jiang Wan, leaning in Young Master Liu''s embrace, watched as the opposite boat drew nearer. Almost at the moment they were about to brush past each other, she suddenly saw a tall, imposing man standing at the bow, facing the night wind, his ck hair and white robe fluttering in the breeze.

    It was actually Chu Xi!

    Jiang Wan felt as if he had looked over at her too. For an instant, her heart seemed to stop. Impossible.

    Frightened, she turned around, her back to that boat.

    Liu Tong, however, thought she was responding to him. He effortlessly lifted her and ced her on hisp.

    His breathing became a bit rapid, his movements clumsy, his face flushed. He spoke again, emotionally: "Qing Qing, trust me. My grandmother loves me dearly. If I insist, they will certainly agree."

    At this moment, Jiang Wan felt as if a knife had cleaved down her spine, as if splitting her in two.

    ......

 Chapter 201

    ......

    "Ah~ Ah~ Ah~ Ya~"

    The melodious and lilting singing drifted continuously from the passing boat.

    The Jing River surged on.

    Young Master Liu was a bit excited, pouring out his heart in the night.

    "In spring, there''s a patch of pear blossoms in my family''s backyard. When they bloom, they''re as white as snow, so beautiful, with a delicate fragrance. You''d surely love them. Those flowers are as lovely as you."

    "In summer, we can go to the countryside estate to escape the heat. There''s a river there too, and we can watch people fishing. In the evening, fish leap from the water''s surface, their scales glistening."

    "In autumn, many fruits ripen. People in the Capital City also love to eat crab. My father has a subordinate who sends us many excellent crabs every year, extremely fatty."

    "In winter we can watch the snow. We''ll brew tea in the snow, or we can hide indoors to read books, with steam rising, watching the snow outside the window."

    "I have many friends, and they''ll surely envy me for marrying the woman I truly love. After I bring you back, I''ll introduce you to all of them."

    The young man was in the throes of passion, his body warm, his voice warm, his breath warm.

    Even the wind couldn''t disperse it.

    Jiang Wan looked at the dark river. She actually wanted to ask: When do you study? How do you make a living? Will you rely on your parents forever? When a woman marries, she follows her husband. The Capital City has clear social hierarchies. If you don''t have an official position, I''ll have to bow and kneel to everyone in the future. How am I supposed to cope with that?

    But all of this was too distant, too disheartening, and impossible to begin with.

    She couldn''t do it. There were flowers in the courtyard of Ming County too, they also had a countryside estate, she had seen people fishing before - it was a bit dirty. She had brewed tea in the snow before, and she was excellent at brewing tea. But now, even in Jingzhou, people preferred to steep kung fu tea; there was no need to brew it anymore.

    She had staked everything not to live a repetitive life, not to apany him in fighting against his parents.

    She just wanted to escape. She believed that if she told cousin Chu Xi about the things she knew from her dreams, he would surely keep her, even if she was in a miserable state now.

    In her previous life, she had been miserable too.

    So she said: "Liu, you should go back tomorrow. I don''t want you to argue with your parents for my sake. My background is unclear; I''m not a suitable match. You and Miss Dong have grown up together; how could you let her down? I love you deeply, so I don''t want anything bad to happen to you. Go back, listen to your parents, get married. Forget about me, I''m not worth it."

    At this moment, Liu Tong was truly moved, not just physically aroused, but touched in his heart and soul. He had been hesitating and dawdling these past few days, secretly pleased but also panicked. He was also worried about regretting his decision, but he had to face it eventually. He never expected that Qingqing would love him so much that she couldn''t bear to see him suffer even the slightest grievance, willing to sacrifice herself instead.

    "No, a real man must take responsibility for his actions. Have you heard of the young general Meng, Meng Shaoxia? He fell in love with a country girl and was willing to stay at his father-inw''s house for three years just to marry her. I, Liu Tong, am no worse than him. If he can do it, so can I."

    Liu Tong steeled his resolve.

    At the bow of the boat stood Chu Xi, facing the river. He hade to Jingzhou and seen a different side of it. His heart surged with excitement. He wanted to tell his father, he wanted to go back and govern Pan City. He could do it too. This was how the world should be.

    Themon people living in peace and contentment, everyone with work to do, everyone with aspirations for the future.

    That Jiang Er was a capable person, and would also be a true enemy.

    As therge boat brushed past the smaller one beside it, Chu Xi seemed to see a pair of lovebirds on the neighboring boat. The woman appeared to notice him and looked a bit nervous. He couldn''t help but find it amusing, and also felt that Jingzhou was indeed quite good, but perhaps a bit too open. The men and women were too casual. Who knew whose backyard was on fire?

    The night boat swayed.

    Jiang Wan steeled her resolve to leave.

    Liu Tong steeled his resolve to love Miss Qingqing.

    He released Miss Qingqing. Since he loved her, he couldn''t bear to take advantage of her. He had to respect her more.

    He could wait.

    As the night deepened, they returned to their respective rooms.

    Liu Tong was very excited, lying down but still thinking about many things.

    Jiang Wan was also a bit excited. She didn''t regreting out with Liu Tong. If she hadn''te out, she might have been confined in Ming County forever, unable to leave for her entire life. She had seen Chu Xi, and she wanted to leave with him. It was a bit risky, but she could do it. After all, they had an unbreakable connection.

    ......

    Inspector He was He Chen''s uncle.

    Meng Shaoxia and He Chen were good friends, so he also called him uncle.

    That''s how these family rtionships were established.

    This kind of intermarriage andplex rtionships weremon in the Capital City.

    A pile of dung on the street in the Capital City might have been stepped on by at least three leaders.

    Since they were all uncles, Inspector He was invited to the Jiang family tonight.

    After many years, Inspector He barely recognized these juniors when he saw them again.

    The food at the Jiang family must be too good; their faces had be round.

    This young Meng didn''t seem to have suffered any hardship at his father-inw''s house; he hadn''t lost weight at all, but had gained so much.

    The others were fine, probably because they saw each other day after day, so the weight gain wasn''t very noticeable.

    When Inspector He tasted the food at the Jiang family - Madam Meng had personally cooked tonight.

    Even Inspector He, who didn''t indulge in food pleasures, inwardly eximed, "Good heavens!" Young Meng''s round face was well-earned; it was too delicious.

    This cooking skill was even better than the imperial chefs in the pce.

    Young Meng not only had a rounder face, but he also looked much stronger and more mature after marriage.

    Poor nephew of his still wasn''t married, with no prospects.

    Looking at young Meng''s wife, she was also a round-faced girl. When she smiled, her cheeks puffed up. She had nothing to do with the rumors in the Capital City that imed she was as beautiful as Daji and could bewitch souls. Beforeing, his old wife had asked him curiously about it. At first, when he saw Commander Jiang and his young daughter, he really thought young Meng''s wife was exceptionally beautiful.

    He finally met Jiang Feng.

    Inspector He patted Jiang Feng''s arm and couldn''t help but squeeze it. It was so hard. He praised, "It''s good to be young! This is truly a youth with a body of bronze."

    Jiang Feng showed a simple and honest smile and said, "Uncle He, you tter me. I started practicing swordsmanship after meeting Chen Ge and Shaoxia. They said they persevered through summer and winter, practicing daily, which inspired me. Since then, I''ve been practicing every day. Eventually, there were results. I heard Chen Ge ranked third in the imperial exams. I''m really happy for him. We even exchanged letters before the exam. Finally, my mind is at ease."

    With this conversation, their rtionship grew closer.

    Inspector He remembered that when his nephew was preparing for the exam, he had sent him a piece of high-quality felt. In winter, he could sit on it to write, keeping his whole body warm. His nephew said he also had one, a gift from a friend.

    Now that he thought about it, it must have been from Jiang Feng.

    They hadn''t seen each other for several years. Except for the chaos in Jingzhou at first, when there was no correspondence, they had maintained contact afterward. It wasn''t easy.

    This young man wasn''t bad. He seemed better than his ck-hearted father.

    Inspector He had eaten a hot meal and also observed the Jiang family.

    Although it wasfortable to sit and lie down, it wasn''t luxurious or extravagant. Overall, it seemed lessvish than the wealthy merchant''s house he had stayed at on the way.

    Where had all the Jiang family''s money gone?

    Even if it was for his daughter''s dowry, it couldn''t be that much idle money.

    As for social connections, Inspector He calcted that at most there was the inw Meng family, his own nephew could count as one, and it seemed there was also a eunuch in the pce. Thest time he came to Jingzhou for pacification, the rtionship was quite good.

    Inspector He suddenly realized that the Jiang family really had charm. Those rtionships he had cultivated initially were just from a single meeting.

    Now that he thought about it, in the court, whether civil officials, military officials, or pce officials, they all had some connections, silently forming awork. Their scheming was truly profound.

    The bed he slept on at night turned out to be the same as the one in the thousand-tael-per-night Inspector''s suite. What a loss! If he had known earlier, he would havee directly to find Jiang Er.

    In other ces, the official circles all knew to directly reimburse, and even give extra.

    But with Jiang Er, he was a sensible person who didn''t mention this matter at all.

    At night, when he should have slept soundly, he inexplicably tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. Perhaps he had slept too much yesterday?

    Inspector He got up in the night and went to the toilet to solve his physiological problem. As he was preparing to go back to sleep, he saw a ce in the Jiang family home that was brightly lit, with muffled soundsing from it.

    Although a guest shouldn''t be too curious,

    Inspector He was really curious about Jiang Er, whom he had determined to be a great viin.

    Now that he was in Jiang Er''sir, he would regret it for life if he didn''t look.

    Is it really peeking if a schr does it? That''s called a thirst for knowledge.

    Inspector He slowly walked towards the light.

    Before he got close, he heard voices.

    "Dad, Dad, children need to sleep early. If I don''t sleep now, I''ll be stupid. Dad, calm down. It''s normal not to be able to memorize that text. Big brother inherited your brain, sister inherited your cooking skills, I inherited your face, I don''t have a brain. Dad, Dad, don''t be angry.

    Mom, Mom, don''t use your hands.

    "Father, Mother, I was wrong.

    I won''t be naughty anymore.

    Great-aunt, save me.

    Big brother, big brother, save me.

    Sister, brother-inw, save me."

    Inspector He''s face twitched slightly. He was about to turn and leave when suddenly a figure darted out. A pretty little girl threw herself in front of him, grabbing his clothes and shouting loudly, "Uncle He, save me! Please persuade my father. A kind father makes a filial child. Look at him! He''s supposed to be teaching, but he''s using a stick!"

    Looking up, he saw Commander Jiang, usually calm and cunning, with disheveled hair, chasing after her with a stick in hand.

    Inspector He''s face split into a grimace.

    Then, the father and daughter chase ensued, circling around him. Inspector He was inexplicably hit several times, hearing Commander Jiang cursing as he chased: "I asked her to exin ''Time flows away like water.'' She said, ''For truly formidable people, they just stand by the river, and their enemies'' corpses float by on their own''... Doesn''t she deserve a beating?" (Note 1)

    Inspector He thought to himself: She does deserve it, but why are you hitting me instead of her? You clearly touched her, but in the end, you''re hitting me...

    He shouldn''t have been so curious; he should have gone to bed earlier.

    ...

    ...

 Chapter 202

    The tea room at Jiang Manor.

    Inspector He, who had taken a few blows, still tried to persuade Commander Jiang through his pain.

    "Don''t take it out on the child. Your situation is still good - she just can''t understand poetry. My daughter is even worse. Trying to get her to read is like pulling teeth. All day long, she just learns how to apply makeup. Can good looks put food on the table?"

    Commander Jiang tidied his hair. Though disheveled, he was still handsome.

    Looking at him could whet one''s appetite.

    Sometimes, good looks could indeed put food on the table.

    He sighed, "I''m not beating her because she doesn''t understand. She understands everything. She just refuses to study properly, deliberately provoking me. You don''t know - those three-piece bath sets, the toilet, the slippers, pajamas, cotton robes, all sorts of things - they''re all her inventions. Her brain works better than my father''s and minebined. When ites to creating things that make lifefortable, her imagination knows no bounds. Take bathing, for instance. She came up with a shower head that makes water spray out of the copper fixture like flower petals, just so she could take a hot shower without having to do it manually."

    Inspector He: ...

    So it turns out I''m the only one actually scolding my child, while you''re here bragging about yours.

    Is this really necessary in the middle of the night?

    "Where can I find that shower head? Even the Inspector''s Suite doesn''t have one," Inspector He couldn''t help butment.

    "It''s not finished yet. It''s a bitplicated. We''ve only made two at home so far. If you''re interested, Brother He, you can try it tomorrow."

    "By the way, Brother Jiang, you shouldn''t use a stick to beat her. It''s easy to cause injury. You should use bamboo twigs, the thin, dense kind. When they hit the skin, the pain spreads over a wider area, but it''s less likely to cause harm," Inspector He suggested sincerely, rubbing his own leg.

    Jiang Changtian smiled sheepishly. Although he had a stick, he never actually hit her. His daughter was so adorable, how could he bear to strike her? When he got angry, at most he''d pull his own hair. He wouldn''t hit his daughter. Tonight was just a coincidence.

    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry, Brother He. The tea tonight is excellent. It''s also my Mianmian''s creation. She selected hundreds of tea trees and finally chose one. She personally nted and cared for it, picking the leaves on specific days each year. The taste is sweet and refreshing. We get less than a jin (500 grams) a year. Tonight, I was only able to get some from her because you took a beating for her. Consider it a benefit of your misfortune. You must try it properly."

    Inspector He: ...

    Bah!

    In the capital, everyone was into kung fu tea, and Inspector He knew how to brew it too.

    But here in Jingzhou, there were a few extra items.

    There was also a tea scoop, a fair cup, a tea strainer, and a tea pick.

    And a small scale for weighing.

    Watching Jiang Changtian meticulously weigh out only five qian (25 grams) of tea leaves, Inspector He found him increasingly irritating.

    What a waste of a handsome face, he thought. Just looking at him was annoying.

    Jiang Changtian unhurriedly weighed and brewed the tea.

    He wasn''t lying; this tea was truly exceptional.

    He rarely brewed it for others.

    He only brought it out because he felt Inspector He was useful, definitely very useful and valuable.

    Jiang Changtian was not one for pointless socializing.

    If he was friendly to outsiders, it was certainly because they were useful. Otherwise, he preferred to spend time with his family, even if it meant having his little girl anger him to the point of pulling his own hair.

    A small charcoal fire burned, spring water boiled, steeping the curled tea leaves. They watched as the leaves unfurled and the water turned a pale green, releasing a fragrant aroma.

    "Many people discard the first brew, but this tea is so precious and rare that I never pour it out. It can be drunk directly."

    Jiang Changtian used small tongs to pick up a tiny cup, not even a full mouthful, just half a sip of tea, and ced it in front of Inspector He.

    Inspector He was at a loss for words. Such a small cup - was it out of preciousness or because it tasted good? The guest had waited so long, and before they could even wet their teeth, it was gone.

    Never mind, he thought. He had inexplicably taken a beating earlier.

    The current emperor might dislike him, but even he had never beaten him.

    Thinking about it, he felt shortchanged. But the tea did smell wonderful.

    Inspector He picked up the hot little cup and drank it in one gulp. He felt a warm current flow down his throat, as if his entire body''s pores had opened up. Suddenly, he felt invigorated.

    Inspector He''s eyes widened. Was this normal for good tea?

    If so, what had they been drinking before?

    He eagerly awaited the next cup, watching as Jiang Changtian rinsed the cup with water. Hurry up and pour...

    He didn''t mind drinking from the same cup, no need to rinse.

    Watching Jiang Changtian carefully use the tongs to bring over another half cup, he grew impatient.

    He longed to pour himself arge cup and drink it all at once.

    It was elegant, yes, but it truly tested one''s patience.

    As another cup went down his throat, he finally felt like he had rinsed all his teeth.

    The fragrance lingered in his mouth.

    A true lingering fragrance.

    Inspector He thought again of the thousand-tael-per-night Inspector''s Suite andmented, "This tea is excellent, even better than the tea in the Inspector''s Suite."

    Jiang Changtian smiled and said, "Of course. The tea in the Inspector''s Suite, although picked from high mountains and mists, can be bought with money. The tea at home is personally grown by my daughter. It can''t be bought with money."

    Inspector He: ... I don''t have money.

    After that, he drank the tea earnestly.

    Watching Jiang Changtian brew the tea with such care, well, being able to drink a cup of tea personally brewed by someone with Commander Jiang''s looks was indeed something money couldn''t buy.

    These mere five qian of tea became more vorful with each sip.

    There was even a feeling of intoxication.

    He broke out in a light sweat from head to toe.

    There was even a slight tipsiness.

    It was simply magical.

    In all his years, he had never tasted such delicious tea.

    Inspector He felt that Jiang Changtian was right about one thing: his daughter truly knew how to enjoy life. She had a gift for improving the quality of life in every aspect.

    After drinking too much tea, he became tipsy and drunk.

    When Inspector He woke up the next day, he was bewildered to see Jiang''s little girl in front of him, ready to formally be his disciple.

    He saw Jiang Changtian wearing a white robe, looking fresh and spirited.

    Inspector He frowned and asked, "Aren''t you going to the office today?"

    Jiang Changtian smiled and said, "Today is a rest day. At the Jingzhou Government Office, we work five days and rest for two. It''s extremely humane. We need to work for the people, but also for our families. Family members are citizens too."

    Jiang Mianmian looked innocent. Who could have known that she''d wake up with a new teacher?

    She just couldn''t believe that after all her antics, her father still hadn''t given up.

    She really didn''t want to be some female prodigy or outstanding young woman. She had enough of thatpetitive life in her previous life. In this life, she just wanted to take it easy, as easy as possible.

    Looking at the incredibly smart Uncle He before her, Jiang Mianmian put on a sweet smile and presented him with a package of tea leaves.

    This was truly excellent tea. She had dripped a drop of spirit spring water on it, butter found many ants and animals crawling towards it, so she didn''t dare mess with it anymore.

    Inspector He had initially wanted to back out, but when he saw the package of tea leaves.

    He couldn''t resist and epted it.

    By epting the tea leaves, he also epted a student.

    Actually, when it came to teaching students, he did have experience.

    After all, the He family had produced several top schrs and court examiners.

    He didn''t believe he couldn''t handle a child.

    A young girl in her early teens should be a piece of cake.

    However, remembering what Jiang Changtian had saidst night about the trantion of "Time flows like this," he became a bit more cautious.

    He said, "I''m very strict when ites to epting students. I''ll give you a test. If you can pass it, then we can talk about you bing my disciple."

    Jiang Mianmian nodded obediently.

    Inspector He thought that since Jiang Changtian had asked about the Analects yesterday, the little girl must have studied it. So he decided to focus on the Analects, asking her to write out trantions.

    As long as they were close enough, he would ept the package of tea leaves.

    The questions Inspector He chose were quite simple, without any obscure ones.

    He was deliberately going easy on her.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at the questions, trying hard to recall the contents of the "Analects." She didn''t want to study with Uncle He; Uncle He''s hair looked so thin.

    Inspector He had breakfast at the Jiang family home.

    The breakfast was delicious, the noodles had great texture, and he loved it.

    He enjoyed noodles.

    After finishing, he wiped his oily mouth and went to check his student''s work.

    Jiang Changtian even personally apanied him.

    Inspector He thought, it''s fine, don''t worry, I won''t hit your child.

    He pushed open the door to the study and entered. He saw a girl sitting with a straight back, writing conscientiously. Her brush-holding posture was also very nice, each stroke careful and deliberate. She looked extremely well-behaved.

    Inspector He thought to himself, Jiang Changtian just spoils his child too much. The child might run wild in front of him, but there wouldn''t be such problems with me.

    Look, isn''t she doing well, being so obedient?

    The trantion he asked for was alsopleted.

    Inspector He gently picked it up to read:

    "The Master does not speak of prodigies, feats of strength, disorders, or spiritual beings.

    Trantion: Confucius doesn''t need to say a word; with his strange power, he beats people until they be mentally disordered.

    In the morning, hear the Way; in the evening, die content.

    Trantion: If you hear the way to your house in the morning, by evening you''ll be dead."

    Since you''vee, then rest here.

    Trantion: Since you''ve arrived, let''s bury you here.

    The departed are like my husband, not leaving day or night.

    Trantion: The dead person is just like my husband, resembling him both day and night.

    What Boya thinks of, Zhong Ziqi must obtain.

    Trantion: Boya thinks he must obtain Zhong Ziqi.

    ...(Note 1)

    Inspector He''s cheeks twitched back and forth as he painfully pulled out the package of tea leaves from his body and returned it to Jiang Er: "I can''t teach, I really can''t teach. I admit defeat. Here''s your tea back."

    ...

    ...

    ...

    ...

    (Note 1: Humorous trantions sourced from inte jokes.)

 Chapter 203

    In the end, under her mother''s watchful eye, Jiang Mianmian wrote a proper, serious trantion.

    Because her mother would really hit her.

    o(¨i©n¨i)o

    Inspector He looked at the rewritten trantion with aplex expression.

    Isn''t this quite good?

    How could she trante it like that before, constantly wishing death upon people? This child''s thinking seems a bit problematic.

    Meanwhile, her elder brother Jiang Feng saw those trantions wishing death upon people and sighed inwardly.

    It''s not Mianmian''s fault; she''s just like him.

    Sometimes he also wants people to die.

    He still remembers that night when the family took refuge in a cave.

    The things his father taught him in that cave.

    After all this time, he had gained new insights.

    He thought this was quite good.

    Bullying others is always better than being bullied.

    The Analects his sister read had great power.

    Inspector He, with a conflicted expression, put the tea leaves back in his pocket.

    This morning when he woke up, he counted the hairs on his pillow. Usually, there would be many fallen hairs, but today there were only half as many.

    Although he didn''t pursue immortality elixirs like the Emperor, he still valued health preservation.

    How long an official can serve depends first on how long they can live.

    He pondered for a moment and realized that the only thing noticeably different in his diet was that tea.

    When he woke up in the morning, there was no bad breath. Previously, he would wake up with terrible breath, feeling like all the bad stuff in his stomach had risen to his mouth overnight.

    This morning, his mouth felt clean and fresh.

    When he sat up, he didn''t feel the usual heaviness or dizziness in his head. Instead, it felt natural, like ten years ago, and he got up in one swift motion.

    Inspector He felt that these tea leaves must be extraordinary.

    So he took them back.

    Learning that she had been teasing him, Inspector He found it a bit amusing.

    This child is truly mischievous.

    Then he thought, with such a mischievous daughter, Jiang Changtian would have his hands full in the future. Thinking this way, he felt much more bnced.

    Today was also Jiang Mianmian''s day off.

    The sad thing was that her interest sses were basically all full.

    She had to learn to y the zither, y chess, practice calligraphy, learn painting, horseback riding, carriage driving, archery, sword practice, soft whip techniques, and cultural studies were just a small part of it all.

    It was really quite challenging.

    Jiang Mianmian truly had no musical talent, being tone-deaf. Her chess skills were average, her calligraphy was mediocre, but her painting was passable, though her style was a bit unpredictable. She loved horseback riding, enjoyed carriage driving, liked archery, enjoyed sword practice, and her soft whip techniques made whooshing sounds.

    It was clear that she had severe subject preferences, favoring physical education sses...

    Her intelligence was average, with no gic mutations.

    She was just an ordinary girl.

    The need to be someone, to meet everyone''s expectations, to have a profession that could support oneself, was just a matter of course.

    But now she found that she had no pressure to make a living, her parents doted on her excessively, and even her elder brother, sister, and great-aunt didn''t really have any true expectations of her.

    So she began to live more freely.

    Growing up slowly, living her days slowly.

    Finding ways to make her life morefortable, slowly changing some aspects of her lifestyle.

    No grand ambitions, but many small hobbies.

    She didn''t like embroidery, but she enjoyed drawing designs for others to embroider.

    The advantage of being a youngdy was that she could like or dislike things as she pleased.

    Of course, she knew that when her father asked her to learn these things, he just wanted her to have a general understanding, enough to manage in public and avoid embarrassment. He was more concerned about her not feeling unhappy, everything else was secondary.

    To be honest, she used to be a person who cared about others'' opinions.

    If someone said something negative about her, she would dwell on it for a long time, wondering if she should change, how to change, and if the person would approve after she changed.

    Her father was much more open-minded in this regard.

    He wasn''t afraid of what people said.

    If someone criticized him, he would make them find the reason themselves, insisting that the critic must be wrong.

    Her perfunctory zither skills allowed her to pluck out half a tune. With another month of practice, she might be able to piece together a whole song.

    In the future, she could use this song to entertain her parents, which should be barely sufficient.

    She didn''t need to learn singing.

    Her voice was quite good, but she was always off-key. She sang happily, but the listeners wanted to cry.

    Her family didn''t want to apud insincerely anymore, nor did they want to hurt her self-esteem.

    Strangely, her elder brother actually had to learn this subject.

    In this era, quite a few men could sing. ording to her brother, when good friends dined together and were in high spirits, they would also sing a song, considering it a refined activity.

    She had learned chess halfway, knowing just enough to y.

    Calligraphy, however, was practiced daily, as it was part of her studies.

    This required patience, and she treated it as a way to cultivate her temperament.

    As for painting, after Jiang Mianmian had scared away several teachers, no more came. Jiang Changtian taught her personally.

    Now her father had personally tricked a teacher intoing.

    And even gifted him tea leaves.

    Jiang Mianmian knew that this teacher must be very important.

    Not so easy to fool.

    Inspector He, having received good tea, knew that he wouldn''t stay in Jingzhou for long. Even if he epted this advantageous student, there wouldn''t be many opportunities to teach.

    He had to teach something; he couldn''t just take advantage of people.

    So Inspector He gave a one-on-one lesson.

    This lesson was undoubtedly of high value.

    It was almost equivalent to being personally taught by the modern-day Procurator-General of the Supreme People''s Procuratorate or the Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission.

    Inspector He was also the top schr in the imperial examinations of his year.

    For others, being the top schr was the highest honor, but for him, it was just an insignificant starting point.

    Being able to converse with such a person was certainly immensely beneficial.

    Jiang Changtian felt that his living environment was narrow and his experience shallow. Even if he wanted to pour out all his knowledge to his children, there wasn''t much he could offer. He hoped his children could receive better education, see further, and stand more firmly.

    As for why he invited Inspector He to be a teacher for Mianmian instead of Feng, this showed Jiang Changtian''s emotional intelligence.

    Teaching a young girl had no need for avoiding suspicion, it all depended on Inspector He''s mood.

    If he were to teach young Feng, there would be many moreplications, which would be troublesome for everyone.

    Knowing what can''t be done and refraining from it, knowing what can be done and making an effort to push it forward.

    In the afternoon.

    The sound of a spring bubbling.

    The tea room could hear the spring.

    Inspector He listened carefully to the sound of flowing water and asked Mianmian, "Why did you create this sound?"

    Jiang Mianmian replied, "The gentle sound of the spring is good for sleep."

    Inspector He nodded. He had already figured out this child''s sensibilities. If she were his own daughter, he might not be able to resist reaching for the bamboo cane.

    Fortunately, she was Jiang Changtian''s child.

    Thinking that she was someone else''s child, to be honest, he quite appreciated her personality.

    In this world where everyone is busy, being able to sleep well is actually a great blessing.

    It''s just that most people spend half their lives rushing around before realizing the importance of good sleep.

    The young girl before him, whose beauty was already exceptional, surpassing her predecessors, with looks even more stunning than Jiang Changtian''s, without the weathering of time, pure and lovely, was already thinking about how to sleep well.

    "Life is short and full of wonders, how can you just think about sleeping?" Inspector He said.

    Next door, the eavesdropping Jiang family... Father Jiang Changtian, Mother Qin Luoxia, elder brother Jiang Feng, and great-aunt Yin Ping. Jiang Yu wasn''t there as she was too noisy and couldn''t hold back, and neither was Meng Shaoxia, as his sense of morality made him ufortable with eavesdropping.

    "Uncle He is right, why sleep long in life when we''ll have eternal rest in death," Jiang Mianmian nodded. (Note 1)

    Next door, Jiang Feng''s eyes moistened.

    Jiang Changtian remained silent. This was also why he couldn''t bring himself to teach his daughter. The thought of her truly entering eternal rest at such a young age cut his heart like a knife. He couldn''t bear to say a harsh word, but he was genuinely worried. If in the future, when he and Luoxia were gone, would she be able to live well?

    Among all the children, Jiang Changtian felt that Mianmian had the mostplex thoughts.

    Those eyes, from the moment she was born, seemed to sparkle with ideas.

    A child who is sensitive and thoughtful doesn''t necessarily live happily.

    It might be better to be like Yu, who was thick-skinned. As long as they were strong enough, they didn''t worry about her being bullied.

    Inspector He hadn''t expected that a casual conversation would lead to such a profound statement: "Why sleep long in life when we''ll have eternal rest in death."

    It seemed ordinary at first, but the more he thought about it, the deeper its meaning became.

    It could even be used to teach himself.

    He was stunned for a moment.

    Then he smiled and said, "Your trantion of the Analects is very interesting, quite decisive and ruthless. If Confucius knew about it in the afterlife, he might crawl out of his grave to debate with you."

    Jiang Mianmian said seriously, "Confucius was said to be from the State of Lu. He traveled to many countries with his students. During the Spring and Autumn period, there was constant warfare, so students specte that Confucius must have been at least eight feet tall, physically strong, and extremely robust. He spent every day on the road, enduring wind and rain, scorching sun, so he must have been a burly man with dark, rough skin and a big beard. Only then could he have safely led his students to various countries to lecture."

    Inspector He''s face cracked open.

    In his mind, Confucius was like himself: tall and thin, elegant, with a fine beard and long robe, speaking only in ssics.

    But after hearing this little one''s exnation, he found it somewhat reasonable.

    However, if Confucius was a dark, burly man, reading the Analects now... somehow, it became difficult to face.

    It was over. He couldn''t discuss ssical literature with her anymore. Any further discussion would only ruin it.

    He now dared not even think about Boyi and Zhong Ziqi.

    Next door, Jiang Feng nodded, thinking his sister''s words made sense. Confucius must have had superiorbat skills to travel the world. At any time, martial prowess is fundamental.

    Qin Luoxia thought, "The child''s words may be rough, but the reasoning isn''t wrong. She''s right."

    Jiang Changtian thought, "Confucius would cry if he heard this."

    The great-aunt thought, "The young mistress is born rebellious, caring for no one''s opinion."

    ...

    ...

    ...

    ...

    ...

    (Note 1: This sentence is from a work by Republican-era author Xiao Hong)

 Chapter 204

    While teaching a little girl, Inspector He''s mind began to wander.

    He listened to the sound of the spring and gazed at the setting sun outside the window.

    The sunset in Jingzhou was particrly beautiful.

    The sun was round, red, and pristine.

    There were no clouds obscuring it.

    It was stunningly gorgeous.

    Without realizing it, he had spent the entire day at the Jiang family''s home.

    He had eaten breakfast and lunch, and now he was waiting for dinner.

    As he watched the sunset, the little girl was also watching it.

    The atmosphere was almost too rxed.

    Inspector He thought to himself that she must not know his official position, or have any concept of it, as she sat before him so at ease, without a hint of tension.

    Although he wouldn''t use his authority to intimidate people, thepletely carefree attitude of the little girl across from him felt somewhat unsettling.

    He thought about his colleagues sitting together, their every word and action carefully considered, pondering each statement three times over, wondering if there was any deeper meaning, being cautious and vignt, never leaning back in their chairs as it would hinder their thinking.

    Only by keeping their spines isted and upright could they maintain a sense of crisis and stay alert.

    Yet at this moment, he was leaning back in his chair, his spine fully cradled by the soft seat.

    The chairs in the Jiang household were exceptionallyrge andfortable, making one feel like a cat wanting to curl up when sitting in them.

    Perhaps a bit toofortable.

    In reality, Inspector He was also in a rather rxed state at the moment.

    The journey from the Capital City to Jingzhou had undoubtedly been tiring.

    His body was tired, and so was his mind.

    Upon arriving in Jingzhou, he discovered that the city had significant issues.

    Because this city was different.

    It seemed out of ce in this country, almost as if it existed independently.

    Yet the people here had more smiles on their faces than elsewhere.

    The little girl before him had a sweet, contented smile.

    She appearednguid.

    And thatnguid feeling was contagious.

    He couldn''t possibly just sit idly all afternoon after receiving such fine tea.

    Inspector He realized that although the little girl was young, her eyes seemed to see through people''s hearts, as if she understood everything.

    Teaching a clever student who counters your every statement with one of her own isn''t particrly useful.

    Moreover, being at home was toofortable.

    Theziness was making him drowsy.

    Inspector He stood up and said, "Come, let''s go for a walk outside."

    Jiang Mianmian very much enjoyed going out.

    If one truly never left the house, how would it be any different from being in istion?

    Being able to go out was important.

    The Jiang family members eavesdropping next door realized that this Inspector He was indeed cunning and sly. Perhaps he had discovered their eavesdropping and didn''t want them to listen in, so he decided to teach outside.

    Once outside, they wouldn''t dare to all gather around to eavesdrop.

    Only Pangya could follow along.

    Jiang Feng also went along as a guide.

    Jingzhou, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, was beautiful.

    It had a vast and majestic air.

    Especially when walking near the city gates, the view from beneath the towering city walls was particrly striking.

    Jiang Feng rode on horseback.

    Inspector He took his new student in a horse-drawn carriage.

    Jiang Mianmian contentedly enjoyed the evening breeze.

    The carriage wheels moved at a leisurely pace, the sound of them rolling over the stone bs was pleasant.

    Inspector He sat in the carriage, which was quite different from others. It was exceptionally soft, and even when passing over bumpy areas, the body barely felt any movement, as if it just gently glided along.

    It didn''t cause any difort to the waist.

    He pondered seriously for a while before asking, "Has this carriage been modified?"

    Jiang Mianmian nodded, "Yes, teacher. Riding in a carriage to school every day, I noticed how bumpy the roads were. When we hit small potholes, the carriage would jump, making the ride ufortable. So we had someone add springs - those coiled thin metal pieces. When we hit bumps now, the carriage still dips down, but because of the springs, it gently bounces back, making the ride much less jarring and ufortable."

    "Springs." Inspector He pondered this term, finding it increasingly ingenious.

    He even thought about governing officials, citizens, and the country - if there were springs to gently bounce back when hitting rock bottom, perhaps transitions would be smoother.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t mention that if the pressure became too great, it would go "bang" and fly into the sky.

    They arrived at their destination.

    Jiang Mianmian was surprised to find there were still corners of Jingzhou she hadn''t been to.

    This was also a government office in Jingzhou.

    It looked more like a side building, located in a secluded spot, resembling a small gatehouse.

    A sign hung above the office, its characters faded but still faintly legible as "Star Observatory."

    It had quite a mysterious feel to it.

    Inside the Star Observatory, the path was also paved with stone bs, but it was clearly rarely visited.

    Vegetation grew stubbornly from between the cracks in the stones.

    Having arrived at dusk as the sky darkened, they were even worried about stepping on small animals underfoot.

    Inspector He noticed that the little girl didn''t seem scared at all.

    She walked forward step by step.

    Jiang Mianmian was indeed unafraid. In such areas with dense vegetation, she would usually let her little tree out to scout ahead, ensuring they wouldn''t step on any strange little creatures.

    Jiang Feng observed their surroundings more cautiously.

    As the group proceeded, it seemed there was no one guarding the ce.

    They followed an upward path, climbing steadily.

    This path was clean, without weeds, evidently cleared daily.

    But it was very narrow.

    When the group reached the top, they found a small house with a person sitting at the entrance, head tilted back, gazing at the sky.

    Even as he noticed their arrival, the man continued to look upward.

    His posture was somewhat strange.

    Seeing people approach, he merely turned his head slightly, bowed in greeting, then resumed staring at the sky.

    His skin was very pale, almost sickly.

    In front of him was a thick notebook filled with densely drawn dots.

    "What are you doing?" Jiang Mianmian asked curiously.

    "Recording the stars," the man replied.

    "Just with your naked eyes?" Jiang Mianmian inquired.

    The man looked at the young girl with some curiosity, wondering what other kind of eyes there could be besides the naked eye.

    "Yes, every day after dinner, Ie to watch the stars."

    "How long have you been doing this?"

    "Twenty-seven years."

    "Always from this spot?"

    "Yes, the position cannot be changed."

    As the man spoke, he kept his head tilted back, facing the sky.

    By now, faint twinkling stars had appeared in the sky, though not very bright yet.

    The spot where the man sat had a deep depression from his constant presence.

    The ground in front of him was the same.

    Despite being stone bs, a hole had been worn into them.

    Jiang Mianmian flipped through the densely packed star charts. Without binocrs, let alone an astronomical telescope, just using the naked eye to observe like this every night for decades...

    Was there any meaning to it?

    There was.

    These charts would form the foundation for future knowledge.

    Standing at a high point, all mountains seem small.

    Inspector He took a deep breath, feeling his airways clear.

    Jiang Mianmian gazed at the star observer.

    He probably had a neck problem, not the kind where the neck bends downward, but where it tilts backward and outward.

    If he had a smartphone and spent all day looking down at it, it might actually cure his neck condition.

    She mimicked the star observer''s pose, tilting her head back to look at the sky.

    Pangya also looked up.

    Inspector He looked up.

    The page boy Ji Zi looked up.

    Her elder brother Jiang Feng looked up.

    They stood in a line, all gazing up at the starry sky together.

    The sky grew darker, and the stars shone brighter, twinkling one by one.

 Chapter 205

    Under the stars, nothing is fresh.

    Gazing at the stars for a while.

    Inspector He, who has long been bent over his work, feels his neck particrly sore and particrly satisfying.

    The schrs of this era are quite romantic.

    Watching the stars, the sea, and the mountains, they all like topose poems.

    Summer solstice.

    The weather''s warm.

    The starry sky is pure.

    The stars are all over the sky, and if you look up for a moment, the stars seem to be responding to you, popping up more and more.

    After a while, theye in bunches.

    The weather is too hot, looking at the starry sky, seems to bring momentary coolness.

    Standing high.

    Just a little bit higher.

    But it''s enough.

    It feels close to the stars.

    Far from the city.

    The feeling of looking at the world and looking at the stars is somewhat simr.

    The streets of the world are bustling, the houses are brightly lit, and from a distance, they are also like twinkling stars.

    Neither Inspector He nor his elder brother wrote poems.

    It seems that writing poetry requires talent.

    Jiang Mianmian, on the other hand, has recited a few poems, but it seems not easy to fit the asion, so forget it.

    If she giarizes a poem, and her father thinks she is suitable for the path of a talenteddy, and makes her write poems every day, it would be dreadful.

    Jiang Mianmiancks determination in everything she does, just like a good-looking chicken.

    She can''t do it, but she greatly respects the people who can.

    Just like the stargazer before her eyes. This is an early human astronomer. The Big Dipper was recorded by them. He looks at the stars, records the stars, knows everything about each distant star, as if they were his nephews.

    The stars are so far away that they can never be touched with the current technology.

    Like a myth.

    But he still observes and records every day, for decades as if they were one day. It''s not an adjective, it''s what he''s doing.

    His predecessor handed over to him after his death, and when he is about to die, he will hand over to the next person.

    He probably senses his impending end, so he selects someone early, brings a youth like he was back then, watches the stars every day, apanies him for a while, and then one day, under the stars, he lies down and leaves.

    The youth continues to watch the stars until he bes middle-aged, old-aged.

    This is the continuation of civilization.

    Even without poetry, it moves people.

    A group of people on the mountain top watched the stargazer, the dense starry sky, the dense star maps.

    They watched the stargazer with cervical spondylosis in reversal, who looked up and waved goodbye to them.

    They left.

    He was alone on the mountain.

    Looking up at the starry sky.

    The stars move.

    .....

    Back on their way, Inspector He looked at his pensive students and felt proud.

    For suchzy students who think too much, the heavy hammer approach prevails.

    Let her experience the real life will make her understand better.

    The star observer, was quite a shocker to Inspector He when he saw them for the first time.

    After the shock, came respect.

    And it also strengthened his determination to study.

    Whenever he wanted to ck off, the image of the person gazing at the stars would appear in his mind. In the vast ins, on high mountains and dangerous towers, by rivers andkes, their lonely gaze at the stars, for decades as if it were a single day.

    It made him feel the need to persist.

    Get up early to study, sometimes when he''s sleepy, soaking a cloth in cold water and cing it on his face, waiting to sober up a bit and continue reading.

    There''s no such thing as a born talent, a natural schr. Only persistence and hard work through cold and heat, eventually bring sess.

    Every sess of his was well-deserved.

    Today, he revealed the secret of his initial sess to his newly epted student.

    He hoped she understood.

    The carriage swayed.

    For how long it swayed, the world seemed foreign. Seeing the ancients in long tunics swaying, it always felt like a dream.

    However, today she saw the formation of the dream, she saw the dream weaver.

    So many stars, recorded day after day, do they mean something?

    Perhaps when you blink, a star shes brightly and then dimly. That''s a sign of a violent explosion in far-off gxies that seems to have nothing to do with you.

    Perhaps when you blink, a star disappears.

    As if it never existed all.

    But someone, recorded it.

    Its existence, leaves traces.

    At this moment, Jiang Mianmian seemed to feel a lot more settled inside.

    She had always felt like a drifting leaf on the ocean that didn''t know where it came from or where it was going. Destruction seemed to be its eventual destination.

    As if there was no meaning in struggling.

    At this moment, she felt, different.

    Through hard struggle, final death.

    Unordinary death, it''s different frommon death.

    We can change things through hard work, it''s not fruitless.

    Don''t feel so powerless.

    Don''t panic either.

    Even the distant stars leave traces with their existence.

    That feeling of being out of ce, at this moment, seemed to converge somewhat, be a bit more earnest.

    Outside the carriage, Jiang Feng, who was riding a horse, led the way slowly in front of the carriage. He saw the stargazer and was also moved.

    Because he had hibernated in the ground and witnessed the endless darkness, he has an endless stream of negative energy.

    It made it impossible for him to love others.

    He just wanted to protect his family.

    But seeing the stargazer, looking up at the stars day after day.

    In that instant, perhaps he himself was a person buried in darkness, as seen by the stars.

    Was he looking up at the starry sky, or was the starry sky looking at him?

    His heart was moved, bing particrly calm, watching the world''s fleeting time, the bustling peopleing and going.

    He still liked the liveliness.

    Whether it was a lively celebration or a lively funeral, anything would do.

    When Inspector He saw his student lost in thought for a long while, he felt that his teaching objective had more or less been achieved, so he asked ¡°Have you understood?¡±

    Jiang Mianmian nodded.

    ¡°Oh! Understood what?¡±

    ¡°Sir, you should look up at the stars more. You have a bad neck. Aren''t you often dizzy, and when you stand up, do you sway a bit? All of these are because your neck is bad, causing poor blood supply. Looking at the stars more in the future is good for your health.¡±

    Inspector He''s cheeks twitched a bit¡­¡­

    Is there really nothing else you want to say?

    Jiang Mianmian looked at the instructor''s suppressed anger, and continued.¡°Sir, your liver fire is a bit high, your hand trembles, you might have hyperthyroidism. You should eat lighter food on a regr basis, and eat less seafood.¡±

    Inspector He took back his trembling hand. You¡¯ve just angered me. It''s not a disease.

    "Sir, I''ve decided. From now on, when I have free time, I can turn to practicing medicine and saving people, each saved life counts. Every person is like a star, insignificant, yet when looking up at the stars, he is also a star in the eyes of the stars. Some stars are brighter, some stars dimmer, some stars disappear, and new stars are born, like an astronomer''s star map in the long history, day after day, being handed down as a legacy."

    Inspector He''s heartbeat slightly quickened again.

    One minute suffocated, another moment stunned, and thenforted.

    The ups and downs of all this.

    It really was exhaustive.

    "What''s for dinner tonight?"

    "Noodles, my mother makes delicious noodles."

    "Very good."

    "What are you holding in your hand?"

    "My star."

    "Speak inly."

    "An ant."

    "Don''te over..."

    ...

 Chapter 206

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Dinner was indeed noodles, as expected.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He watched the student wash her hands, only allowing her to sit at the table once they were clean.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He never imagined there woulde a day when he''d have to teach a student about hygiene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He thought of the giant ck ant, with its shiny exoskeleton, hard antennae, thin waist, and many legs. The hair on his back stood on end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Such a finedy, why would she y with such a thing?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He gazed at the sky, speechless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He lowered his head to eat his noodles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For dinner, not only had Mrs. Jiang personally cooked, but Jiang Er had also helped in the kitchen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A gentleman should stay away from the kitchen, but he showed no hesitation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Jiang family kitchen wasn''t far, and it was set up very brightly, with an open section.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As night fell, candles were lit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Inspector He returned, he saw under thentern light a handsome man with his hair tied up meticulously, kneading dough, while a woman chopped green onions nearby.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was a very domestic scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This kind of feeling was absent in his own household. His wife, also from a noble family, would certainly never cook personally, nor would he.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps in his memory, his mother had cooked for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Maybe a very, very long time ago.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His servant boy Jizi said that Commander Jiang had spent the whole day at home, cuddling with his wife, hardly looking at official documents or receiving guests. In the afternoon, he even went to water the vegetables in the yard, personally picked some wild onions, and in the evening, he kneaded dough himself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He thought to himself that while he was busy helping to look after children, Jiang Er was leisurely enjoying marital bliss. He felt somewhat cheated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Oh well, at least the noodles were quite tasty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking at the little girl sitting across from him, who had washed her hands clean and was now slurping noodles, was quite a pleasing sight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sitting together, Inspector He didn''t feel out of ce at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The atmosphere in Jiang Er''s home was very good, harmonious and happy,pletely at odds with the rumors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Rumors said Jiang Er was a ruthless killer, cold and heartless, but at home he moved slowly, kneaded dough, and even needed his wife''s help to peel a clove of garlic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    After dinner, Inspector He even took a walk with Jiang Er.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian followed behind, strolling leisurely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    By the time they returned from stargazing, it was quitete.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unexpectedly, someone came looking for them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The visitor seemed somewhat flustered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang didn''t try to avoid Inspector He, and Inspector He didn''t excuse himself either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He hade looking for trouble in the first ce, so why should he avoid it now that it had arrived?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The visitor was County Magistrate Huang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    County Magistrate Huang was very obedient in front of the Commander, and didn''t even recognize the bearded man as Inspector He, thinking he was just one of the Commander''s advisors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Sir, Old Lady Jiang went to the county office to beat the drum and file aint, saying you''ve kidnapped her granddaughter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang didn''t even furrow his brow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Is Jiang Wan missing? I remember I always told you to take extra care of them."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Magistrate Huang wiped the sweat from his forehead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    From the heat, and also from fear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "She''s been missing for a few days, but we didn''t notice. Old Lady Jiang only came to report it several dayster."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang smiled and said, "My niece is exceptionally clever. All my children''s brainsbined can''t match her shrewdness. If she wanted to run away with someone, it would indeed be difficult to keep her in check. But is Old Lady Jiang trying to falsely use me again? I can''t be wrongly used anymore. If she says I kidnapped someone, then I must actually kidnap someone to show her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Inspector He: ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Magistrate Huang: You''re absolutely right, sir.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That night, Jiang Wan tossed and turned, unable to sleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was thinking about how, with Young Master Liu''s help, she had escaped from Ming County.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yet because of her, Young Master Liu was now lingering in Jingzhou.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Every day she stayed in Jingzhou, her heart grew more panicked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But unexpectedly, she had seen her cousin Chu Xi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This time, she was determined to leave with her cousin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But how should she appear? How could she get away from Young Master Liu?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It seemed as if heaven itself was helping her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After her cousin disembarked from the boat, she thought it would be impossible to find his whereabouts in the vast sea of people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But surprisingly, they happened to be staying at the same inn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She hadn''t seen Chu Xi again, but she recognized the guard by his side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Heaven was truly on her side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She wanted to leave without saying goodbye, but worried that Young Master Liu would search for her everywhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So she decided to leave a letter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She thought of writing many things, but felt it would leave too many traces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the end, she wrote on a piece of letter paper: "May you achieve sess in the imperial exams and win the hand of a beautiful bride."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As she wrote, she identally spilled some tea on it, leaving what looked like tear stains.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The letter paper was soaked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She even carefully used her left hand to write, making the handwriting merely neat, far inferior to her usual right-handed script.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan didn''t rece it with a clean sheet. After she finished writing, she packed her things and left under the cover of night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    During their stay, they hadn''t just been talking about love. Jiang Wan had obtained a new identity and travel permit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was now called Liu Qingqing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When she took on the Liu surname, Young Master Liu''s face had reddened slightly, feeling very happy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With the new identity and travel permit, she could leave.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had already scouted out a location during the day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She chose a new inn, disguised herself, and then waited for the chance to meet Chu Xi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Young Master Liu kept professing his love and promising to marry her, Jiang Wan still didn''t believe him. She felt hecked resolve and couldn''t follow through. A young man who had been pampered all his life and never faced setbacks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Once he encountered difficulties, he might end up like her father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now separated from his wife and children, still reciting Buddhist scriptures.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Weak and evasive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She hated such men.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everything went smoothly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan left the inn without Young Master Liu noticing. No one chased after her. She arrived at the pre-arranged inn and was in the process of checking in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At that moment, she encountered the man who had guided them into the cityst time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She couldn''t remember what he said his surname was.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Feeling somewhat flustered, she lowered her head to avoid him, thinking he hadn''t seen her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When she returned to her room at the inn, it was somewhat shabby and seemed to house a mix of characters, but this was just an ordinary inn, not a Jiang family property.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan entered the room, checked the table, and looked at the water kettle. There was still water in it. She poured herself a cup and took a sip, suddenly feeling that the taste was off. Then she felt dizzy and copsed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Before losing consciousness, she seemed to see the man who had guided them into the city. She remembered now, he said his surname was Jia, and to just call him Xiao Jia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The next day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Someone had spread a rumor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He, while staying at Commander Jiang''s house, had actually taken Commander Jiang''s young daughter as his disciple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    People thought Commander Jiang was too cunning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was actually using his young daughter to curry favor with Inspector He.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was said that Inspector He was impartial and incorruptible, and loved to report to the Emperor. One report from him could lead to the execution of nine generations of a family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No one expected that he would be deceived by Commander Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It''s not like he''s the only one with a daughter. Everyone has daughters. In these times, children were quite numerous, after all, there were no contraceptive measures. It was just a matter of whether they could be raised or not.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On this day, many thick-skinned uninvited guests came to Commander Jiang''s house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian''s ssmates came to y with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To be honest, Jiang Mianmian''s poprity wasn''t great.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Firstly, she didn''t like ying with kids her own age.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Secondly, Jiang Mianmian didn''t have impressive social skills; she was naturally azy homebody.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Of course, no one dared to bully her. After all, the Shangqiu Academy they attended was established by Commander Jiang. Pangya, the chubby girl who apanied Jiang Mianmian, was also quite intimidating, being very fat and sturdy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Guests are always wee.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today, Jiang Mianmian was quite happy to have her ssmates over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, she and her newly acquired teacher viewed each other with mutual dislike.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This rtionship was a bit tiring to maintain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Having ssmates help share the burden made things much better.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Speaking of youngdies in ancient times, they were quite precocious in some ways.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, they would marry and have children at the age of junior high school students, so they had to mature early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In front of Inspector He, those girls were subtly trying to show off their best sides.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He looked at the group of little girls in red, green, and blue dresses before him and felt dizzy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He felt his reputation had been damaged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yet he still had to maintain an authoritative appearance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Governor Wu''s daughter, who was also Jiang Mianmian''s ssmate, was very polite in front of Inspector He.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She asked Jiang Mianmian:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "How did you do on thest literature exam?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian happily replied, "I got a D-minus. I was lucky, almost didn''t pass."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The little girl sighed and said, "I didn''t do well, I only got an A-minus."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian''s eyes widened in agreement, "You only got an A-minus? You spend so much time studying every day, working so hard, and you only got an A-minus? If I were you, I''d bang my head against a wall and die."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    The little girl: ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He: ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 207

    Early morning.

    The air was filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers.

    Old Wu the Third and his group went to work at the city gate again.

    Jia had the day off today.

    They weren''t official employees of the court, with only two rest days per month.

    But Old Wu the Third knew that Jia seemed to have made another achievement.

    There would surely be a rewarding.

    Ah, Jia had borrowed money to buy a small courtyard house in the north of the city. With a few more rewards, he''d have enough to clear his debt.

    The others were envious, and quietly encouraged themselves.

    No matter, as long as they kept their eyes wide open and watched those entering the city carefully, they''d always be able to spot suspicious characters.

    For example, those who acted nervously and timidly when obtaining travel permits in the city.

    During their training, they were told which types of people were most suspicious and should be closely monitored.

    Old Wu the Third had actually led a group of people before who looked a bit suspicious.

    However, since the group wasrge and imposing, he didn''t dare act rashly and only quietly reported it.

    If there really was a problem, he would also receive a reward.

    It was quite embarrassing to say, but despite his presentable appearance and not-so-young age, he had never married and had been fooling around with Widow Liu, who sold tofu in the city.

    Widow Liu only saw him as a good-for-nothing rogue, but ever since he became a guide for the yamen with a regr sry, Widow Liu had softened her stance and seemed willing to settle down with him.

    If he could get a few more rewards, he also wanted to start a family.

    ...

    Jiang Wan opened her eyes and saw that she was not in the inn.

    She looked down at herself and found her clothes intact.

    Although she had been cautious and nned for a long time, she stillcked real-world experience.

    She felt her life had been tumultuous, but in reality, she had always lived in luxury andfort.

    Waking up in an unfamiliar ce, Jiang Wan didn''t panic and scream hysterically, but remained rtively calm.

    She observed her surroundings and listened. It was very quiet - she was no longer in the inn. There were no sounds of vendors calling out or people talking. It waspletely silent.

    This must be a private residence.

    The air smelled stale, as if she had been locked away in some deep underground ce.

    She had woken up on a bed. The bedding was clean but not luxurious.

    She got up.

    There was no water in the room. Even if there had been, she would have been cautious about drinking it this time.

    She stood up and walked around a couple of times, then tried the door. It was locked.

    Surprisingly, there were books in the room.

    She picked up a book and sat down to read it.

    Although her heart was in turmoil, she still forced herself to remain calm.

    Panicking wouldn''t solve anything.

    In reality, she was already quite frightened.

    She held the book, forcing herself to read.

    It was a book of leisure reading, telling stories of ghosts and strange urrences. It seemed well-written.

    Here she was in a strange ce, away from family and friends.

    Yet she had started reading a book.

    Just thisposure alone was something ordinary people would struggle to maintain.

    Inspector He had also yed the role of a peeping tom for once.

    He was curious about how Jiang Er handled matters without regard for propriety.

    Magistrate Huang hade running to say that Old Lady Jiang hadined about her niece being abducted.

    That very night, Jiang Er had brought the girl back.

    He wouldn''t suffer even a bit of false usation.

    The youngdy didn''t look like she had been abducted, but rather like she had eloped with someone. She even had a new travel permit and had altered her appearance. An extremely beautiful young woman had made herself look very ordinary.

    But when she was brought back, she was alone.

    Inspector He thought to himself that this Jiang Er was truly an interesting character.

    Others would avoid him, Old He, at all costs.

    Jiang Er was different. When Jiang Er saw himing, he warmly invited him for tea, even pushed his own daughter to be his student, and now even involved him in this misdeed.

    Could it be that Jiang Er was a fool, not knowing how Old He had risen to power?

    Inspector He didn''t know whether tough or cry.

    At first, he had thought the youngdy had simply eloped and run away.

    Thinking back on the whole affair, Magistrate Huang had said that night that Jiang Er had brought the person back that very night. It made him realize that Jiang Er''s control over Jingzhou was terrifyingly thorough. He probably knew as soon as he entered the city, yet still tricked him into staying at the Inspector''s Suite without reimbursement.

    Commander Jiang: Think what you will, it was just a coincidence. As a high-ranking official, how could he have so much free time to keep tabs on people? Naturally, he just had his subordinates handle it.

    Commander Jiang had caught this youngdy and actually called him toe see.

    Even if he hadn''t been called, he would havee anyway.

    But Jiang Er wasn''t ying by the usual rules.

    Others would try to hide their actions, but here he was actively inviting him to participate.

    He felt a bit ufortable with this.

    He had originally thought it was just a family matter.

    But when Inspector He saw this youngdy, her every move indeed seemed somewhat off.

    Would an ordinary youngdy who had been suddenly abducted be able to remain so calm andposed?

    She was even reading a book.

    This level ofposure was something even he, an old man, couldn''t achieve.

    However, even if she had extraordinaryposure, it still wasn''t right to abduct her.

    Abducting a youngdy who had eloped, and being so secretive about it.

    Jiang Changtian handed a note to Inspector He.

    Inspector He saw written on it: "On the first day of the ninth month, the Crown Prince died suddenly... On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month, the Seventh Prince ascended to the throne... On the sixteenth day of the first month of the Xingyuan Year, Chu Xi was established as Crown Prince..."

    Inspector He''s pupils constricted slightly.

    He felt that whoever wrote this note must be insane, treasonous, aplete lunatic.

    Jiang Changtian calmly pointed at the youngdy in the room and said, "She wrote it. Now, isn''t it much more interesting?"

    A gentleman does not speak of strange powers and chaotic forces.

    But in this world, there are indeed many strange urrences.

    Jiang Changtian spoke, "I suspect my niece is no longer my niece, but has been possessed by an evil spirit. When we raided Shangqiu Convent before, we found a book on how to identify evil spirits and how to make them tell the truth. I''m prepared to try it out."

    Inspector He was momentarily speechless.

    Perhaps the contents of that note were too shocking.

    He didn''t even object.

    After all, how could a normal person say such treasonous things?

    Even if the former Crown Prince had many faults, one couldn''t wish death upon him.

    This ce was an underground chamber of the Jiang residence.

    Quite secretive.

    One had to descend more than a dozen flights of stairs to reach it.

    Inspector He didn''t know if Jiang Er trusted him too much or if he was simply brainless.

    To show him such a secret chamber.

    He didn''t know that this was just one of many small secret chambers in the Jiang residence.

    One should be honest in dealing with people, of course, but being honest about part of things is already quite good.

    Jiang Wan read the book, waiting for someone toe.

    Then Jiang Changtian arrived, and her eyes filled with terror.

    She had guessed it might be her cousin''s people, but never imagined it would be Jiang Changtian himself.

    When she saw the old man beside Jiang Changtian, a glimmer of hope rose in her heart.

    Although Inspector He was quick to sentence entire ns to death, he was undoubtedly a gentleman who wouldn''t stand by and watch someone die.

    Jiang Changtian threw the note at her and asked, "Tell me, what''s going on? How do you know these things?"

    Jiang Wan looked at the contents of the note, which were identical to her own notes, but she would never have written this down. Was she stupid? Even if she wanted to gain Chu Xi''s trust, she wouldn''t leave such evidence. At most, she would say it in person.

    Moreover, the dates on it were wrong. It was all nonsense.

    But how could anyone else know about these things?

    Had she written it while drugged?

    She was terrified. Seeing Jiang Changtian made her think of her own death, especially in this enclosed space with him so close.

    She backed away in fear, dropping the book she was holding.

    "No, I didn''t write this. It''s not right, it definitely wasn''t me. The dates are wrong, they''re wrong, haha..."

    She looked at the note, then touched her nose. Suddenly she felt liquid flowing from her nose. She wiped it with a handkerchief - it wasn''t blood, just yellow clear fluid. Where had the fluide from?

    Jiang Changtian smiled.

    Inspector He: ...

    Looking at the uncle and niece in the room, he couldn''t tell for a moment which one was the treasonous lunatic.

 Chapter 208

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For a moment, Inspector He couldn''t tell who was actually possessed by an evil spirit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Would a normal person write such nonsense?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What''s even more terrifying is that one dares to write it, and another dares to acknowledge it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He seemed as if he didn''t exist.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But then again, Jiang Er has a background as a rebel.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It''s not strange for a rebel to write such things.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, the problem is that the young girl had a mystified expression as if some truth had been revealed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her terrified expression seemedpletely genuine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And the yellow fluid flowing from her nose, as if her brain was leaking?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Surely the brain can''t leak fluid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Inspector He had no medical knowledge, he did have a brain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t know why Jiang Er had invited him to participate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian invited Inspector He to participate because he knew that even if he understood what was in Jiang Wan''s mind, it might not be of much use, but it would be different if Inspector He knew.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was actually just making things up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan had been living in Ming County without worry, but she had previously tried to leave Ming County unsessfully, and had been waiting ever since. Recently, she suddenly became impatient, as if backed into a corner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She hastily chose a stranger and left with that person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So something big must have happened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian had observed Jiang Wan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although she was a young girl, Jiang Changtian never dared to treat her as a real little girl, considering she was someone who wanted to kill him and harbored murderous intent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There''s no love without reason, and no hatred without cause.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There must be a reason.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To reach a life-or-death situation, the grudge between them must not be small.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, Jiang Changtian believed that although he wasn''t a good person, he wouldn''t torture a young girl for no reason.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although strange and incredible, some stories have been passed down, and they''re not entirely non-existent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Like the "Dream of the Yellow Millet".<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    That person, relying on a pillow, really dreamed of a life of great wealth and honor, children, grandchildren, official positions and such. How could a failed schr possibly know so clearly about these things, even in a dream? But that''s how the story was written. Where there''s smoke, there''s fire; there must be some truth to it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian wanted to know, had Jiang Wan also had a strange dream? Or had she also experienced death and rebirth? Or did she have some strange origin?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Of course, it''s not easy for one person to know another''s dreams or past life experiences. How would you know if what she''s saying is true or false?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian was just guessing based on Jiang Wan''s decisions and actions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had be impatient recently, but why? Was there some change in the capital?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She seemed particrly familiar with the people in the Seventh Prince''s household.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That Chu Yi he had killed also seemed to be someone she knew well, even though it should have been their first meeting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He only found out after killing him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And observing her daily behavior, she seemed to have great confidence in herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She should also be a winner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had managed to leave Ming County with Liu Tong with great difficulty, but then unhesitatingly left Liu Tong in Jingzhou. Who had she seen?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian had just written down the most likely possibility based on his guesses about Jiang Wan, actually without any basis.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But Jiang Wan had panicked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Things were getting interesting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian was a patient hunter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After waiting for several years, he finally saw his prey be anxious and crawl out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He looked at Jiang Wan as if she were a juicy bug, ready to be stepped on and burst.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Jiang Changtian had studied the secret drugs of Shangqiu Convent, simr to a kind of psychological suggestion and control.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan''s mental fortitude was definitely not that of an ordinary young girl. An ordinary girl wouldn''t be so calm andposed, able to run away from home alone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian brought Inspector He along because Inspector He was useful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian locked up Jiang Wan, using abination of a dark room and Shangqiu Convent''s secret drugs to control her. He and Inspector He interrogated Jiang Wan together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He, being an inspector and error-checker by profession, was very sensitive to every contradictory point, scrutinizing every word and sentence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan was in a daze, sometimes standing up or sitting down, changing her position, only to find yellow clear liquid flowing from her nose. She thought she was about to die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was terrified.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How could this be happening?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her brilliant life hadn''t even begun yet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her glory hadn''t even started.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Was she really going to die like this?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Was it really just a yellow millet dream?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It couldn''t be.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In fact, she had observed that, except for the variables of Jiang Changtian''s family, everything else was roughly the same as in her dream. She had already confirmed this several times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She wasn''t stupid; she had already grasped the truth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She felt that the first person in the Jiang family who should have died was Jiang Mianmian. Everything changed when Jiang Mianmian didn''t die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unfortunately, her power was too weak at the moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She repeatedly went into the dark room, was repeatedly questioned, repeatedly felt dizzy and had headaches.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She finally couldn''t bear it anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She intermittently told about her dream, what she had seen in her dream.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The former Crown Prince would suddenly die next month.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The one who would ultimately ascend to the throne was the inconspicuous Seventh Prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But that would be next year''s event, and the Seventh Prince would directly dere his eldest son Chu Xi as the Crown Prince upon ascending the throne.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How did the Emperor die? She didn''t know either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She could only dream about things rted to herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Late at night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the cer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unlike Jiang Wan''s room which had a bed and table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Outside there were chairs and tea-making equipment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was a thick stack of paper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the corner, there was also a pile of carrots and cabbages.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian took a sip of strong tea and poured a cup for Inspector He as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He was a bit drowsy, but still struggled to stay awake.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He couldn''t imagine there could be such a strange yetplete dream.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It seemed as real as seeing a past life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A true "Dream of Yellow Millet".<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To be honest, Inspector He was shocked by Jiang Wan''s brief description of the changing political situation at court. She shouldn''t be familiar with court affairs, she just knew what happened, not the specifics.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unexpectedly, she was originally Meng Shaoxia''s fianc¨¦e, and the current Mrs. Meng, Jiang Yu, was actually just Meng Shaoxia''s concubine, who eventuallymitted suicide by hanging.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Later, she became the favored concubine of Crown Prince Xi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then step by step, she climbed to the position of Empress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    During this period, the He Family was actually her strong supporter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He felt like banging his head against a wall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The He Family waster sentenced to execution of the entire n. He had been wise all his life, but because of his nephew''s poor judgment, an entire family was destroyed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But looking at Jiang Er in front of him, he was even more miserable. His entire family had died, leaving only him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was like listening to an absurd grand dream, like a paper full of nonsense.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They questioned, corrected, and recorded every word meticulously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian asked very detailed questions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian died before reaching one year old.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Feng died at about fifteen years old.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sister Xia went mad after Elder Sister Yu went missing and Feng and Mianmian died. She caused a scene at the Jiang residence and was beaten to death by the Seventh Prince''s guards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Elder Sister Yu hanged herself at the Meng family''s house in the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan was somewhat incoherent, being questioned over and over again. Each time it felt like someone was stabbing her head with needles, and each time when it came to the most terrifying part, perhaps she forced herself to forget, as it always ended in a nk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At first, Inspector He thought that if this was a past life, then Jiang Er''s family was too unfortunate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was heart-wrenching to hear, butter he didn''t expect that there would even be matters concerning their He Family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just because his nephew He Chen admired her, nine ns were executed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He, Inspector He, was also a prime candidate among the nine ns.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At first, he sympathized with Jiang Changtian, butter he began to sympathize with himself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    An undeserved cmity. After returning to the capital, he must give his nephew a good beating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He heard that he didn''t even wait for the beheading, but died directly from anger, coughing blood and dying of heart failure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He looked at the thick book of interrogation about the dream''s content with both amazement and horror.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Turning his head, he saw Jiang Er still calmly drinking tea, only his hand holding the cup was slightly trembling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two of them had actually stayed up all night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At dawn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They finally came out of the cer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Outside was a clear sky and bright day, with a gentle breeze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The leaves were very green, with dewdrops.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The sunshine was bright and warm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were flowers in the courtyard, with thick, snow-white petals.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The air was fresh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian stepped out, as if stepping into a new world.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    While another world was buried underground.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian''s body swayed slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He was also somewhat tired, forcing himself to stay upright.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two went to have breakfast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian saw that the whole family was there. He sat down with a thud, smiling at everyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He looked especially kindly at his son-inw Meng Shaoxia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Shaoxia felt ufortable all over, the hair on his back standing up, not knowing why.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Yu looked at her father with a puzzled face: "Father, why are you staring at Brother Meng like that?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian smiled and said: "I''m just looking at young Meng, feeling close to him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Shaoxia felt as if his spine was protruding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Yu chuckled and said, "Of course, a son-inw is half a son. We''ve been living together for so long, we''re definitely close. Father, eat this, the oil pancake is very fragrant."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Yu picked up a piece of pancake for her father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She also politely offered a piece to Uncle He, their guest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then she began eating herself, but halfway through, she suddenly covered her mouth and retched.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everyone was startled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Elder Sister Yu''s stomach had never been upset by anything she ate before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian stepped forward and held Elder Sister Yu''s wrist, feeling her pulse for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He suddenly scolded Meng Shaoxia, "How have you been taking care of Yu? She''s already two months pregnant, and you haven''t even noticed. What have you been doing all day? You useless thing!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Meng Shaoxia was bewildered by the scolding, but upon hearing "two months pregnant," he was so overjoyed that his hands began to tremble.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Faced with his angelic father-inw''s inexplicable outburst, he paid it no mind. Instead, he was overwhelmed with excitement ¨C he was finally going to be a father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Shaoxia sat next to his dear Yu, treading carefully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The whole family bustled about, looking at Jiang Yu as if she were some rare animal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The dishes clinked with a crisp sound.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everyone was busy fussing over her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian''s eyes turned red, with hints of tears. He used his sleeve to wipe the corners of his eyes vigorously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the tears fell like a bursting spring, rolling down his cheeks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Shaoxia hadn''t expected his father-inw to be so emotional. Upon learning of Elder Sister Yu''s pregnancy, he actually cried from excitement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    From now on, he would definitely treat his father-inw even better.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Elder Sister Yu was also startled. Her father was really something ¨C was he that worried she couldn''t get pregnant? Learning of her pregnancy actually made him cry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian, seeing her father''s tears streaming down, quickly hugged his arm andforted him, "Father, it''s alright. Elder Sister will definitely give birth safely, to many children. Then you''ll be able to teach your grandchildren to read, and you won''t have to keep pestering me all the time."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Feng was also surprised by his father''s intense reaction, wondering if something else was going on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia sat close to her husband,forting him, "Brother Tian, it''s okay, don''t worry. We''ll take good care of Elder Sister Yu."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He sat alone to the side, feeling a bit out of ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The oil pancakes were quite delicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    They were made with green onions and flour, fried in oil, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fragrant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Living is good. One should live long enough to see their children''s children born, to experience life, with all its hustle and bustle, to live vividly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 209

    I could have killed her.

    But I didn''t.

    Because I wanted her to suffer a fate worse than death.

    Jiang Changtian took the day off work today.

    Everyone understood, as Commander Jiang loved his children dearly and always threw big celebrations for each child''s birthday. Now that his daughter was pregnant, he was too excited to work. People were already thinking about what gifts to bring for the full moon celebration.

    Inspector He had also stayed up all night.

    But he couldn''t use the excuse of being overjoyed about someone else''s daughter-inw being pregnant to skip work at the government office.

    He still went to the yamen.

    Looking quite haggard.

    After all, even if one took immortality pills, staying up all night would still affect the skin and cause eye bags. Even celestial beings need sleep.

    Inspector He''s poorplexion was rather frightening.

    Hadn''t he just been getting along splendidly with Commander Jiang? Could Commander Jiang have offended Inspector He?

    Inspector He knew well that when emotions run high, it''s easy to make poor judgments. At such times, it''s best to speak less, make fewer decisions, and just observe.

    So he remained silent.

    This caused the entire officialdom of Jingzhou Prefecture City to grow quieter.

    Jiang Changtian slept until midday.

    He woke up at noon.

    Opening his eyes, he saw the familiar bed curtains, clean and fresh in a hemp color. There were two pillows and a thin nket. Outside, it should be midday, with bright light filtering through the curtain gaps in streaks.

    The doors and windows in the house that let in light had ck curtains hanging, so that even in broad daylight, if one wanted to sleep, they could draw the curtains and feel like it was nighttime, allowing for a long rest.

    This was an idea that little rascal Mianmian hade up with.

    He rarely slept during the day.

    After sleeping his fill, his mind felt a bit sluggish, and he lingered in bed for a while.

    Sister Xia then came in.

    Qin Luoxia noticed her husband''s mood was off.

    Actually, her husband had improved a lot over the past few years.

    Before, she felt like she was taking care of a younger brother rather than a husband.

    Outside, her husband appeared imposing, but at home, he was actually quite fragile.

    She would never forget the sight of pulling him out of the water, how he didn''t want to live. How desperate must one be to seek death?

    Though life is bitter, it''s still better than death.

    When you''re dead, there''s nothing left, but while alive, there''s always hope.

    She didn''t pull her husband up, but insteady down beside him.

    Without elders above them, they could be more casual.

    Qin Luoxia had changed a lot, but one thing remained the same: though she became Madam Jiang for social asions outside, at home she was still the same as before.

    Aunt Yin said that manydies, after rising in status, try to meet society''s expectations of being elegant and dignified, putting on airs and forgetting the basics. Being ady is for show to others, but daily life is for oneself, so it''s better to be more rxed at home.

    Qin Luoxiay down, apanying her husband side by side.

    Jiang Changtian gently ced his hand on Sister Xia''s neck. Though Sister Xia was busy with many daily tasks, she still persisted in martial arts training and exercise. She had arge frame, but it was very proportionate.

    Qin Luoxia felt her husband''s hand caressing her neck, a bit ticklish, and asked, "What''s wrong?"

    Jiang Changtian said somewhat dejectedly, "It seems I haven''t bought you any jewelry to wear."

    "I manage all the household money, you don''t have any private funds left to buy me jewelry. Confiscated," she teased.

    "We could probably buy jewelry on credit, given Commander Jiang''s status. You can pay for itter," Jiang Changtian said, starting to smile.

    He embraced his wife, feeling the warmth of her body,pletely content.

    Though there was still a lingering sadness, dejection, and sense of powerlessness inside him, at this moment he felt truly alive again.

    Someone to care for him, manage his money, take care of his life, bear his children - it was wonderful.

    After cuddling for a while, they got up.

    Qin Luoxia helped her husband dress.

    Jiang Changtian also helped Sister Xia arrange her robes.

    This was what it meant to be equal partners.

    When it came to dressing and grooming, Qin Luoxia actuallycked talent. The clothes she chose for her husband weren''t outstanding, it was just that Jiang Changtian''s looks were so striking that he looked good in anything.

    But Jiang Changtian had an innate sense of aesthetics in this area.

    He would help Sister Xia choose fabrics and clothes.

    Other officials'' families would have fabric shops deliver goods to their homes for selection, but he didn''t. He liked to take Sister Xia to choose in person.

    Mianmian liked to go too.

    Mianmian said this was what shopping meant.

    Some people said Commander Jiang liked to put on a show, but the women in other households were actually quite envious of Madam Jiang.

    Their husbands wouldn''t even be willing to put on a show with them.

    So after eating, Jiang Changtian decided to take his wife out for a stroll.

    Just like when they had stayed at an inn together before.

    Jiang Changtian knew how to enjoy life.

    After hearing Jiang Wan''s grand yet absurd dream, he felt even more that he should live well with his family and cherish every moment.

    Fighting and climbing the ranks was all for the sake of living happily and freely.

    So one must be happy and free in daily life, not wait until reaching the top to be happy.

    Since it wasn''t a rest day, the two of them disguised themselves a bit.

    Jiang Changtian toned down his appearance, while Qin Luoxia wore men''s robes, giving her the air of a wandering swordsman. Jiang Changtian looked like the swordsman''s schrly friend.

    Together, they first went to a tavern to listen to storytelling.

    Ordering a pot of tea, they sat in the bustling main hall, listening to the storyteller tap his sandalwood block.

    He vividly narrated "The Legend of the Green Snake"... not the tale of the white snake, but the story of Old General Meng and General Meng Qingshe battling the barbarians on the northern frontier.

    "General Meng let out a mighty roar, ''I am the reincarnation of the Azure Dragon, ying you lot is as easy as chopping vegetables, one slice at a time''... We all know why he''s called the Green Snake instead of the Azure Dragon, right? Yes, that''s to avoid taboos. Then we see General Meng, raising his sword and charging into battle, fighting his way in and out seven times..."

    Jiang Changtian''s cheeks twitched slightly.

    He never expected that bringing Sister Xia to hear a story would result in mindless praise of his inws.

    What reincarnation of the Azure Dragon? He knew that the name Meng Qingshe came from snakes'' strong reproductive abilities, hoping he would have many children. People passed on mistaken information without seeking the truth.

    Seeing Sister Xia listening intently, Jiang Changtian felt a twinge of jealousy.

    He considered whether he should also adopt a more muscr image.

    Jiang Changtian couldn''t really focus on listening anymore and nced around.

    Then he spotted a young nobleman searching frantically for someone.

    He stood at the entrance, looking lost, asking everyone if they had seen a dignified and beautifuldy. Peopleughed, telling him to go to brothels to find beautiful women, as this was just a storytelling venue full of men.

    He persisted undeterred, questioning people one by one.

    He approached a handsome young man, Liu Tong paused for a moment, then bowed and asked if he had encountered a beautiful and dignifieddy.

    Chu Xi found this person quite amusing and vaguely familiar.

    However, being out in public, he still politely replied, "I haven''t. I''m traveling and haven''t seen thedy you mentioned. If you''ve lost someone in your party, perhaps you could report it to the authorities."

    Liu Tong shook his head disappointedly. Qingqing had left a note, clearly indicating she left of her own ord. If he reported it to the authorities, he feared it might damage her reputation. But he was truly worried about a youngdy suddenly leaving like this.

    Jiang Changtian watched the two men talking.

    He tugged at Sister Xia and said, "Come, I''ll show you a good show, better than this storytelling."

    Seeing her husband''s mood lift, Qin Luoxia stood up as well.

    This story really wasn''t that great. Those few people the general killed, needing to go in and out seven times - what useless weaklings.

 Chapter 210

    ¡­¡­

    Today¡¯s weather is sweltering hot.

    Old Lady Jiang arrived at the Provincial Capital.

    Witnessing the mansion of the Jiangs in the Provincial Capital, she found it much grander than their humble abode back in Ming County.

    The entrance que of their Ming County home was shabby and worn, each absence from the house led to ransack and robbery, leaving it in a state of squalor.

    The entrance couplets were skewed.

    Within the courtyard, the traces of neglect were evident due to theziness of the servants.

    However, the Jiang Mansion in the Provincial Capital gleamed with new paint, the entrance couplets fresh and upright, reflecting prosperity and growth.

    Old Lady Jiang felt a pang of regret.

    She wished she had acted sooner to eliminate the nuisance. She now wouldn''t have had to move into this ce.

    Whereas Jiang Huaisheng, amidst the rising waves, persisted in his Buddhist chants.

    He had decided to be a monk.

    However, he still couldn''t find inner peace.

    Wan''er, who he had fondly watched grow up, had now disappeared. Dead or alive, he had to see her, which brought him here.

    The striking entrance didn''t evoke any emotions in him though.

    What''s the use of such grandeur?

    Like the white clouds in the sky, a gust of wind and everything scatters and fades away.

    ¡­¡­

    Jiang Changtian approached the two young masters.

    Young Master Liu was d in a pale green robe.

    Young Master Chu donned a dark green robe.

    Young Master Liu looked somewhat naive, whereas Young Master Chu bore a demeanor of nobility.

    A top-notch jade que hung around the waist of Young Master Liu.

    Young Master Chu had a block of wood carved into a que, evidently made of agarwood, unpretentious but undeniably more valuable than jade or gold.

    The two stood together, their disparities in demeanor noticeable.

    Young Master Liu was clearly the younger brother.

    Chu Xi shared a resemnce with Chu Yi.

    Qin Luoxia didn''t recognize them; she didn''t remember faces of the vanquished.

    But Jiang Changtian did.

    His mind was sharp.

    Taking in the contrasting figures, with bits and pieces of information ryed by his scout, he made an educated guess about the man''s identity.

    He had also deduced why Jiang Wan left Young Master Liu¡¯s side.

    Chu Xi had arrived in Jingzhou.

    Jiang Changtian took a detailed look at the man in the dark green robe. Handsome, slightly elongated face, the perfect haircut bncing the look, oozing maturity and calm with an astonishing regal aura. The epitome of aristocracy.

    His entire being exuded an inescapable sense of nobility.

    Jiang Changitian moved forward to greet them.

    He mentioned that he had seen the girl.

    Young Master Liu¡¯s face lit up with excitement.

    While Chu Xi, facing both of them, was inexplicably tense.

    And quite astounded.

    Because of Chu Yi''s death, Jiang Wan had written a letter to her aunt that essentially recreated the scene at the time, except for the part where she ordered Chu Yi to kill Jiang Changtian.

    The rest of the details were urate, unemotional, and logically clear. The letter was indeed an impressive piece of writing.

    The Seventh Prince was not pleased with the response.

    Being a man of great patience, the death of his son would surely lead him to seek revenge.

    Hence, Jiang Rong was also killed.

    Chu Xi had an image of Jiang Changtian and his wife in his mind. He thought the former was a man who had gained a sudden fortune, thetter a crude woman from the country.

    Yet, standing before him were two distinguished men, one of whom upon closer inspection turned out to be a woman.

    Unlike his mother, who oozed charm in her arrogant ways, they exuded a graceful sternness.

    Swift and decisive, they indeed radiated the aura of action takers.

    And there they were, standing right in front of him. Chu Xi felt a surge of nervousness, which quickly turned into the realization that he shouldn''t be the one feeling uneasy.

    Jiang Changtian smiled and said, "Young Master Chu, it turns out we are rtives. You should call me ''uncle,'' though you may not acknowledge the queen as your mother, making me quite an unreachable uncle."

    Chu Xi''s face soured. How could a man speak in such a sarcastic tone?

    He always made sure to please his mother, and if these words were to get back to her, it would surely lead to trouble.

    Moreover, his whereabouts were not usually public, yet he had been recognized.

    Was Jiang Changtian that idle?

    To think that he would be caught in a storytelling teahouse at such a time!

    Chu Xi feigned surprise and respect, indicating that he had just arrived and had nned to visit with a greeting card, but unexpectedly ran into them here.

    Jiang Changtian warmly took the two gentlemen back to his residence.

    They happened to meet Old Lady Jiang and Jiang Huaisheng.

    Old Lady Jiang, ustomed to being domineering in front of Jiang Changtian, often burst into curses, but in front of outsiders, seeing the two elegant young men, she restrained herself, though her face was still terribly dark.

    Upon hearing Jiang Changtian introduce the gentleman as the eldest son of the Seventh Prince, Old Lady Jiang suddenly adopted the demeanor of a kind olddy, almost wanting to embrace Chu Xi and weep, thinking that his politeness was due to her influential connections.

    If it were the Old Lady Jiang of the past, Chu Xi would have been willing to y the role of a filial son, as she was quite a beauty despite her age, well-maintained and obviously ady of high status.

    But now, with deep wrinkles and suffering from illness, her fierce appearance was far from beautiful.

    Even though she tried to appear kind, Chu Xi couldn''t bring himself to feign a sobbing embrace.

    He hadn''t expected Old Lady Jiang to look so fierce.

    Jiang Changtian told Chu Xi, "I was just joking earlier. I''ve been disowned by the Jiang family, so you don''t have to recognize me as your uncle. But Old Lady Jiang is indeed your maternal grandmother, and this is truly your grand uncle. You should acknowledge that."

    Looking at the fearsome Old Lady Jiang and Jiang Da in his monk''s robes, Chu Xi suddenly felt that bringing these two back might just make his mother cry tears of joy.

    His mother always praised her brother for his literary and martial prowess, and spoke of Old Lady Jiang as the kindest person, who prayed and fasted daily. She imed her niece Jiang Wan was famously talented. She always praised her family to the skies.

    They had no official family status, so naturally, there were no family members to speak of.

    Old Lady Jiang was there to look for Wan''er, but unexpectedly encountered a noble.

    The son of the Seventh Prince, Old Lady Jiang was indeed eager to forge a good rtionship.

    For a moment, there was a rare peaceful coexistence.

    Jiang Huaisheng appeared utterly tranquil.

    The Jiang family''s guest hall was quiterge.

    Liu Tong, anxious about Qing Qing, eventually couldn''t help but ask, "Master Sima, may I inquire where Miss Qing Qing might be?"

    "Don''t worry, I have already sent someone to invite her," Jiang Changtian said.

    Old Lady Jiang inquired, ¡°Where is Wan''er?¡±

    Jiang Changtian replied, "I have already sent someone to fetch her, there¡¯s no need to rush."

    Jiang Huaisheng nced at his brother.

    Old Lady Jiang, struggling to contain her fury, was certain that her granddaughter must have been snatched by these brutes.

    Jiang Changtian bid everyone to take a seat.

    Qin Luoxia left to change her clothes.

    A servant poured tea.

    Liu Tong was the most anxious.

    Chu Xi was a bit puzzled.

    Old Lady Jiang was infuriated.

    Jiang Huaisheng felt ufortable.

    Although he was constantly chanting Buddhist scriptures, he felt uneasy sitting in this residence.

    He could never have imagined his brother, who was once skinny as a stick dressed in ragged clothes, was now a man of authority, sitting upright, quite intimidating.

    The atmosphere was tense. In fact, Old Lady Jiang still wanted to have a meaningful discussion with Chu Xi, to ask about Yu Luan''s condition.

    But she was also worried about Wan¡¯er, she decided to meet Wan¡¯er first.

    Upon seeing Chu Xi, a person of talent, and considering their cousin rtionship, Old Lady Jiang started to have additional thoughts.

    As for that young man, who was in such a rush to find Qingqing, seemed very frantic and irresponsible. Old Lady Jiang didn''t appreciate seeing him.

    Everyone was on edge, none in the mood to drink tea.

    Luckily, it was just the ordinary refreshing tea that was being served.

    Everyone waited for a while before a haggard-looking girl was brought out.

    Although she was tired, it didn''t hide her beauty. Instead, it added a fragile charm which was utterly breathtaking.

    She walked up with somewhat of a daze, as if her head wasn''t entirely clear.

    The brightness outside made her ufortable, and she didn''t know where she was being led.

    Soon as she was brought out, Liu Tong, unable to contain his excitement, rushed over. Showing anticipation of a young man in love and having been separated, Liu Tong cherished her even more. Overflowing with intense emotion and sincerity, he quickly pounced and embraced Jiang Wan, crying out, "Qingqing, Why would you leave me like this? How could you be so heartless, to discard me? Without you, who else matters in my life?"

    Jiang Wan, held in a warm embrace, slowly regained her senses. Recalling her terrifying experience, she couldn''t help but burst into tears.

    When she lifted her head, she could see through Young Master Liu''s shoulder a man dressed in dark green robe - Chu Xi, who was frowning at her.

    Jiang Wan''s tears, dripping onto her cheeks in shock, then fell on the ground, sshing around.

    ...

 Chapter 211

    "Ugh!"

    Jiang Yu vomited.

    She never imagined there woulde a day when eating would make her throw up.

    It was simply unthinkable.

    She was experiencing this moment.

    Everything she ate made her want to vomit, every smell made her nauseous.

    Her face turned pale from the vomiting.

    The normally energetic and lively woman now had an air of fragility about her.

    This gave Meng Shaoxia quite a fright.

    In one day, he wrote three letters to the Capital City.

    After some thought, he hurriedly wrote two more letters to his grandfather guarding the border.

    In recent years, Meng Shaoxia''s rtionship with his family hadn''t grown distant, but rather closer.

    Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

    He was now "my darling boy" in his mother''s words.

    When he was around, he was still a "little rascal" to her.

    His rtionship with his grandfather had also grown closer.

    Mainly because of the food he sent, as well as warm clothing - thoughtful, practical items that even saved lives.

    These days in the imperial court, the Emperor indulged in pleasure and feared Old General Meng''s military power growing too strong. Even knowing that someone was embezzling military funds, he turned a blind eye, not caring. After all, in the end, it didn''t matter - they could still fight wars and win them. Giving them so much military pay, who knows who it was feeding.

    The soldiers on the front lines fought in tattered clothes, freezing or starving to death before they even entered battle.

    Old General Meng had written to the Emperor pleading for aid, but to no avail.

    If he were truly an unscrupulous general, he might have simply led a rebellion.

    But Old General Meng still had a strong sense of duty, adhering to his responsibilities and guarding the nation''s borders.

    His conscience wouldn''t allow it.

    As an old general, he went around begging for aid.

    In the end, the most help he received came from someone with origins as a rebel.

    The young men at the border may never have eaten grain from the Capital City, but they had eaten Jiang Family''s noodles, dried meat, and biscuits.

    Of course, the Jiang Family wasn''t purely doing charity work. They had established a trade route with thin profits, unafraid of bandits. Now it wasn''t just the Jiang Family anymore. As long as there was profit, even if small, people could do business in every corner of the world.

    General Meng wasn''t a businessman, and felt somewhat embarrassed, feeling that his grandson staying with their family was taking advantage of their kindness.

    Meng Shaoxia carefully tended to Little Yu''er, his heart jumping at the slightest frown on her face.

    Usually, Little Yu''er neverined of illness or pain, except for a few years ago when she first experienced menstruation and appeared a bit weak. Normally, when they went together to climb mountains and wade through streams to pick mushrooms, she was incredibly energetic.

    Now that she was slightly weak, Meng Shaoxia couldn''t even attend his sses properly. His position was already nominal, mainly assisting his father-inw. His father-inw had already skipped work because his daughter was pregnant, so he had even more reason to do so.

    He paced around the room asking, "Little Yu''er, what would you like to eat? I''ll make it for you."

    Jiang Yu found it amusing, as she had never seen her husband cook before.

    However, Grandma had said that unused power is wasted power. In a marriage, women can sometimes act a little spoiled. There''s no need to be too virtuous - that''s just for show in front of others. There''s no need to pretend with your husband; it''s part of the couple''s intimacy.

    She said, "Well, I''d like to eat noodles, noodles that you knead."

    "Alright, I''ll go knead them for you." Meng Shaoxia stood up excitedly.

    Then he worried about leaving her alone.

    He looked at the maid disapprovingly, feeling that she was too clumsy to take good care of Little Yu''er.

    "You teach me, and watch me knead," Meng Shaoxia said, still wanting to keep Little Yu''er in his sight for peace of mind.

    "Okay."

    The young couple pattered towards the kitchen.

    "Slow down."

    "Don''t run."

    "Feeling unwell again?"

    "Take it easy, take it easy."

    "Not unwell, just suddenly craving pickled vegetables?"

    "Then I''ll make pickled vegetable noodles."

    ...

    In the front hall.

    Jiang Changtian said, "When I received news from Magistrate Huang that Old Lady Jiang had used me of kidnapping her granddaughter, I was quite startled. Fortunately, Imperial Censor He was present, so I couldn''t bear this false usation. Therefore, I sent people to search Jingzhou thoroughly overnight, and finally found Jiang Wan."

    Jiang Wan looked at the room full of people in shock and pushed Young Master Liu away.

    However, due to her weak body, she failed to push him away sessfully. It looked as if she had struggled a bit before falling back into Young Master Liu''s embrace.

    Under everyone''s gaze.

    Old Lady Jiang''s hands shook with anger.

    Jiang Wan lowered her head. Her dreams had been her greatest support, something she hadn''t even told her father or grandmother. Now, the contents of her dreams were known not only to her but also to Jiang Changtian and Imperial Censor He. How was this any different from the whole world knowing?

    Jiang Wan looked at Chu Xi sitting opposite her. His gaze was gentle, his robes clean and tidy.

    He was just like in her dreams, seemingly passionate towards others, but actually cold-hearted, very much like his father, the King.

    Old Lady Jiang was also trembling continuously. She couldn''t believe that the girl she had carefully educated and nurtured would do something like eloping with someone.

    But Jiang Wan was in a difficult position and didn''t dare to speak about her dreams.

    She had her reasons.

    She didn''t want to die in Ming County.

    Now, with Chu Xi so close, he seemed like her hope, her future right before her eyes.

    But she knew that Chu Xi couldn''t tolerate even the slightest w, and was vengeful. In her previous life, although she had been Meng Shaoxia''s fianc¨¦e, she and Meng Shaoxia had beenpletely innocent, never crossing any boundaries. Even so, after entering the Crown Prince''s Mansion, he would still asionally look down on her.

    Now, in front of him, she had been embracing another man. If she were to directly deny it now, not only would it provoke his disgust, but it would also make her seemcking in integrity.

    Could he still be the Crown Prince in this life? So many things had changed.

    Sometimes, when you speak a wish aloud, it loses its power.

    Jiang Wan gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and simply admitted, "Grandmother, Father, Young Master Liu and I fell in love at first sight. I... I was wrong."

    A naive, love-struck girl was still better than a fickle woman.

    Jiang Wan closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face.

    Young Master Liu''s eyes reddened with joy.

    He knew that Qingqing liked him too.

    Jiang Huaisheng, who had been reciting sutras since he entered, suddenly stepped forward, pulled Wan''er away, and pped her.

    "When a child is not taught, it is the father''s fault. You are not like your mother. Your mother left, that was my mistake. But you, why would you do this?"

    Jiang Huaisheng then pped himself, the sound heavy.

    Jiang Wan felt dizzy. Her father''s p made her nose start running again, and she wiped it with her handkerchief.

    After wiping for a while, it suddenly stopped flowing. She didn''t feel as ufortable, and her head stopped buzzing, except for the pain in her cheek.

    Jiang Huaisheng was utterly disappointed.

    Old Lady Jiang was so angry she kept tapping her cane.

    Chu Xi hadn''t expected to witness such a scene.

    This cousin, who he had thought to be wise, whose back view he had seen in a painting in his mother''s room, had actually made him feel a subtle attraction, making him want to see her face.

    Although meeting in this awkward scenario was ufortable, he had to admit that she was an extremely beautiful woman face to face.

    However, the girl his mother had always praised for her rare wisdom had actually eloped with someone because of love at such a young age.

    Perhaps love makes people foolish?

    He despised this the most. A person who couldn''t even control their emotions and desires, what great things could they achieve?

    This cousin was quite good-looking, but seemed tock intelligence.

    Jiang Changtian admired Jiang Wan''s performance in this scene.

    Sitting opposite was Chu Xi, who she had said was the biggest winner in her previous life, and also her husband. They had entered the grand hall together, reached the pinnacle, wore grand ceremonial robes, and received the worship of all under heaven.

    Now she managed to remain calm and even dragged in that muddle-headed Young Master Liu.

    Compared to her, even he seemed like a good person.

    ...

 Chapter 212

    ......

    Normal people, upon seeing the protagonist, would bow their heads in reverence.

    They wish to follow him from his humble beginnings.

    Waiting to reap the greatest benefitster.

    It''s like buying stocks - I know it will soar, it will rise, it will go from one cent to millions. If I buy when it''s one cent, I''ll be rich. Even though it''s ten dors now, if I buy, I''ll still be wealthy.

    But abnormal people think differently.

    Take the born antagonist, Comrade Jiang Changtian, for example.

    When Jiang Changtian sees Chu Xi at ten dors a share, his first thought is how to drive the price down~~~~

    It''s a bit difficult for him to do it alone, and in the end, he doesn''t know who will benefit.

    Fortunately, there''s Inspector He, who should be quite enthusiastic.

    After beating Jiang Wan and then himself, Jiang Huaisheng began silently reciting Buddhist scriptures, constantly repenting.

    He had always wanted to be a monk, but was worried about his mother and Wan''er.

    Now, this scene further strengthened his resolve to enter monastic life.

    He sped his hands and said to his mother: "Mother, you''ve always loved Buddhist rituals. I remember when you were young, you would copy sutras daily. Why don''t you join me in bing a monk? We''ll devote ourselves to Buddha. As long as we have true faith, Buddha will surely forgive the mistakes we''ve made."

    Old Lady Jiang thought her eldest son was just chanting sutras to escape reality.

    But she never imagined he had gonepletely mad, actually wanting his elderly mother to be a nun with him.

    Old Lady Jiang picked up her cane and started hitting him.

    Jiang Huaisheng didn''t even try to dodge.

    He took one blow, then another.

    "Thud!"

    "Bang!"

    The cane hit flesh, hit bone, producing dull thuds.

    On the third strike, Old Lady Jiang didn''t swing. She dropped the cane in shock, her face flushed with anger and distress.

    "Why didn''t you dodge? ept small punishments, avoid big ones - are you trying to anger your mother to death?"

    Old Lady Jiang clutched her chest, her breathing bing rapid.

    Jiang Huaisheng, after taking two blows, swayed on his feet, his face swollen. He had hit himself hard earlier. He smiled and said: "Mother once told my younger brother not to dodge. When he did, you said he was unfilial. I don''t want to be a monk while still bearing the name of an unfilial son."

    Jiang Huaisheng stumbled, turning in a circle before managing to locate his daughter''s position with difficulty. He turned to Wan''er and said:

    "Wan''er,e join your father in bing a monk. Really, this young master is clearly unreliable. He''s still wet behind the ears, how can he be trusted? He may make promises now, but who knows if he can fulfill themter? You''ve always had a talent for Buddhism. Come with your father to be a nun, serve our Buddha. Buddha won''t deceive you. Wealth and power are all just fleeting dreams. Wan''er, trust your father, I won''t harm you. Following me to be a nun is the only way to ensure a good end."

    Jiang Huaisheng saw his daughter''s face, still red from where he had hit her. He hadn''t used much force when striking, and immediately regretted it afterward. Fortunately, it wasn''t badly injured, and seemed to be recovering quite quickly, with just a slight redness remaining.

    Jiang Wan shook her head in disbelief.

    She was still young, how could she think of bing a nun?

    She wasn''t crazy.

    Had her father gone mad?

    She thought he was just devoted to Buddhism, escaping reality.

    But now he actually wanted her and her grandmother to be nuns too.

    She thought of her dream, where Jiang Changtian eventually became a monk.

    Everything was reversed, as if Jiang Changtian''s family''s fate had befallen her own. She was terrified.

    She wanted to shake her father awake, tell him that bing a monk was useless, that Buddha was useless, that Jiang Changtian had even razed the Shangqiu Convent in the Provincial Capital, that power was the only useful thing.

    But in front of Young Master Liu and Chu Xi, she couldn''t say such things.

    She could only cry, looking at her father with a heartbroken expression, speechless.

    The sight made Young Master Liu''s heart ache.

    He felt that Miss Wan had been through so much hardship.

    Jiang Huaisheng looked at his daughter''s face, tearful and pitiful, sighed deeply, then turned to look at Jiang Changtian. Without saying goodbye, heughed loudly three times, tears in his eyes, as if he had gone mad: "Ha ha ha!" Then he stumbled away.

    Old Lady Jiang, tears in her eyes, watched her eldest son''s fleeing figure. She picked up her cane and jabbed it into the ground forcefully. Her mouth opened to curse again, "Unfilial son! Unfilial son!" But her throat felt hoarse, and no matter how hard she tried to shout, it seemed no sound woulde out.

    Jiang Changtian silently watched his elder brother''s stumbling, fleeing figure.

    The Buddhist path is not a purend, turning back is not the shore.

    Put down the butcher''s knife, and you''ll immediately be ughtered.

    ......

    Young Master Liu didn''t understand what was wrong with Miss Wan''s father.

    To say he was unreliable right in front of him - sure, he had been a bit frivolous, but he truly loved Wan''er and was determined to marry her.

    For this uncle to urge his daughter and mother to be nuns - was there something seriously wrong with him?

    Chu Xi waspletely bewildered. Had his nominal uncle-inw just run off like that? Was he really leaving the olddy to him?

    This family didn''t have a single normal person. His cousin wanted to elope, the olddy was sickly yet hit with surprising strength - those two blows she''d struck had made Uncle Jiang sway, and when he ran out at the end he was stumbling, clearly badly hurt.

    Chu Xi felt that this Jiang the Judicial Commissioner was looking at him very strangely, making him ufortable.

    He stood up, preparing to take his leave.

    But he was enthusiastically asked to stay.

    "Although you may not want to acknowledge me as your uncle, since Young Master Chu hase, please stay for a meal. Inspector He will be here shortly, as well as my good-for-nothing son-inw. I believe you''ve all met before."

    Young Master Liu had also intended to leave, but hearing the Judicial Commissioner mention these people, he suddenly became nervous again.

    General Meng wasn''t his friend - his social circle was a bit lower, not yet able to associate with General Meng. But that didn''t stop him from joining his friends in mocking Meng Shaoxia.

    They mocked the Meng family for having only one heir, mocked him for marrying a country girl, mocked that he probably couldn''t change their single-heir fate, saying the line might even end with him.

    And who in the Capital City didn''t know of Inspector He''s reputation? He had heard his father mention him many times at home, always saying: "Don''t ever, if that He catches us, our whole family is finished."

    Now, to dine with Inspector He and General Meng, along with the imperial grandson Chu Xi, the eldest son of the Seventh Prince, Young Master Chu - this ordinary second-generation official felt very nervous and excited.

    He didn''t know where to put his hands and feet.

    He wanted to leave but didn''t dare to speak up.

    Jiang Wan was very anxious. She desperately wanted to leave the Jiang residence, but Young Master Liu didn''t even dare to say goodbye.

    She looked at him pleadingly, even tugging at his sleeve secretly, but he didn''t understand.

    So they were forced to stay for the meal.

    In the evening, Inspector He and Meng Shaoxia indeed arrived.

    Meng Shaoxia wore a ck robe, with white flour on his sleeves and in his hair, looking somewhatical.

    Seeing Chu Xi and Young Master Liu, he greeted them warmly.

    "Wee, Young Master Chu and Young Master Liu, to our humble home. My wife is pregnant, so I was just taking care of her, making her some food. I identally got some on my clothes. I kneaded the dough for tonight''s noodles myself, you must try themter."

    Chu Xi had almost forgotten what Meng Shaoxia looked like, remembering only a small square face. He was surprised to see that he now had a round face.

    Young Master Liu was a bit nervous and quickly responded: "Brother Meng is so skilled, even able to knead dough."

    Chu Xi cupped his hands: "Brother Meng, congrattions. We''re in for a treat tonight, thanks to your wife."

    Inspector He had also finished work, looking very tired and a bit fierce.

    But his words were unexpectedly quite friendly, especially towards Young Master Chu, seeming particrly warm. Seeing this made Young Master Liu a bit envious - indeed, different status, different treatment.

    Chu Xi also found it puzzling. Wasn''t this Inspector He famous for being difficult to get along with? Why was he so friendly towards him?

    Meanwhile, among the women.

    Jiang Wan, upon arriving at the Jiang residence, met the Jiang family women for the first time.

    Qin was graceful and dignified. Jiang Yu, reportedly pregnant, had a face more beautiful than flowers, looking utterly happy. Jiang Mianmian''s appearance was striking; one could imagine that when she grew up, her beauty would surpass even Jiang Wan''s.

    Seeing Jiang Mianmian''s appearance, Jiang Wan thought of the tear from Buddha''s eye, making her very ufortable.

    Old Lady Jiang was even more ufortable.

    Seeing that the former country woman now lived more nobly than her, with maids and servants attending to her.

    She showed them no warmth at all, constantly boasting.

    Even though she was very hungry, the boasting had filled her with anger instead.

    Jiang Wan, however, cherished the food, eating inrge mouthfuls.

    The noodles weren''t good, not chewy, but they were said to be kneaded by Meng Shaoxia himself.

    She would take a bite, and hear Jiang Yu retch beside her.

    She ate with big mouthfuls, head down.

    ......

 Chapter 213

    ......

    "Jiang Wan, eat slower. It''s not like there''s a shortage of food. Old Lady Jiang always talks about ourck of manners, but how are you so carefree that you''ve run off with someone?"

    "Ugh." (vomiting sound)

    "But if I were you, I''d run too. Having to face Old Lady Jiang''s face every day would make even food taste bad."

    "Ugh." (vomiting sound)

    "That young master must be very wealthy. You''ve always had a keen eye, able to tell someone''s status from a nce. Your observation skills have always been impressive."

    "Mianmian, we shouldn''t follow her example. We don''t run away. If you really like someone, let Mom help you bring him back."

    "Stop talking so much, it''s not good for prenatal education," Qin Luoxia was exasperated by the older girl''s unrestrained speech.

    This Jiang Wan was quite something.

    Even after being confined for a night, she still maintained the demeanor of a well-bred youngdy.

    Her skin was extraordinarily thick. Most people would have died of shame, but she ate her food nonchntly without a word.

    This toughness didn''t seem like that of a child raised with love, but rather like one who had emerged from a wolf pack.

    It gave people an eerie feeling.

    Old Lady Jiang had truly aged now, having lost her spirit and energy.

    When Old Lady Jiang was in Ming County, Jiang Changtian had arranged for people to provoke her daily, constantly boasting about how well they were living now, which was quite spiteful.

    The fact that the olddy had endured until now, still able to be fierce and ill-tempered, showed how tough she was.

    Jiang Mianmian watched her older sister, who was vomiting yet still managing to make snide remarks, looking quite lively.

    She smiled and said, "It''s alright. In a bit, Aunt will read to you. Listen well, and when you''re born, you''ll be able to recite lessons right away. Your grandfather will be so happy he won''t be able to close his mouth."

    Jiang Yu imagined the scene and burst intoughter.

    She didn''t like studying, and her sister, though capable, didn''t like it either.

    They truly were sisters.

    Despite Old Lady Jiang''s ck face, Jiang Yu managed to eat two bowls of noodles while vomiting.

    She felt refreshed.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t have much impression of Old Lady Jiang, just that she was a rather fierce old woman.

    Her impression of Jiang Wan was deep. She felt this person had a kind of maism, making one want to look again after just a nce, as if she could focus attention.

    When looking at her, everything else became blurry, only she remained clear.

    It always gave her a bit of a fright. It was good that this was in their own home, with Father and Mom present. They were immune to all poisons and everything would go smoothly, so there shouldn''t be any problems.

    This shouldn''t count as getting involved in household infighting, at most they were strange rtives, and there probably wouldn''t be much interaction in the future.

    She was grateful for her parents'' ambition.

    Otherwise, if she had been born having to face this olddy and Miss Jiang Wan, she would have grown hundreds of extra eyes out of anger.

    The men''s side ate and drank veryte.

    They needed to be arranged for overnight stay.

    Jiang Wan and Old Lady Jiang were arranged in the guest rooms.

    Jiang Mianmian apanied her older sister to wash up.

    Grandma also apanied them.

    Now her older sister was the focus of care in the family.

    Jiang Mianmian''s mention of prenatal education was just a casual remark, but everyone thought it might be true. The child had a spirit, and education could begin while still in the womb.

    Only the pregnant woman herself didn''t believe it.

    After washing up, Jiang Yu rested in her room.

    Jiang Mianmian and Grandma returned to their own rooms.

    At night, worried that Grandma might not walk well, she held onto Grandma''s arm, skipping as they walked.

    Aunt Yin, being pulled along, looked at the little girl and said, "You''re so happy?"

    "Of course, I''m about to be promoted to an elder, it feels very exciting."

    "And I feel that my parents are so aplished. Without me even having to try, they''ve already done everything. I feel like I was born to enjoy good fortune."

    Aunt Yin: ......

    What''s with this tone of satisfaction?

    "As a youngdy, you can enjoy good fortune, but when you get married and manage a household in the future, it won''t be so simple."

    "Don''t worry, Grandma, I won''t get married. I''m a youngdy now, in the future I want to be an old maid, andter a great-aunt. I''ll have someone to take care of me all my life, live happily, and do whatever I want."

    Aunt Yin: ......

    This rebellious child of their family, her thoughts were a bit hard to describe.

    Never mind, teach her slowly. All young girls say they won''t marry, but when they meet a man they like, they''ll tell their parents to make the decisions.

    Jiang Mianmian returned to her own room, went through her washing routine, and excitedly flopped onto her soft big bed. She stretched out her whole body,y there for a while, then thought about needing to memorize her lessons. ssical Chinese was so hard to memorize. She had just taken it out and flipped through a few pages when she immediately fell asleep. It was so soporific.

    Pangya saw that her mistress had fallen asleep, gently took away the book, lowered the bed curtains, and went to sleep in the outer room.

    This was the boudoir of an ancient youngdy, with someone guarding outside. Generally, no one could easily intrude. Jiang Mianmian just treated it as if she had a roommate.

    In the middle of the night.

    Suddenly, there was a violent shaking, the whole bed was trembling.

    Jiang Mianmian opened her eyes, startled.

    An earthquake?

    Pangya was already by her side, helping her dress: "It might be an earthquake, Young Miss. What should we do?"

    Earthquake? Jiang Mianmian sat up in a hurry, cooperating to get dressed. Mom and Grandma had alreadye over.

    Mom picked her up in one motion and said, "It''s alright, don''t be afraid."

    Jiang Mianmian hadn''t been held much since she grew up. Feeling her long legs and arms still being easily lifted by Mom, she really wasn''t afraid at all.

    It seemed to be raining heavily outside, with raindrops pattering.

    Mom and Grandma''s clothes were also wet.

    "Are Father and Sister alright?"

    "They''re fine. Father is with your brother, your sister is with your brother-inw. Everything''s okay. Mom is with you."

    Jiang Mianmian looked at her little tree, feeling confused. Shouldn''t ants or something give a warning before an earthquake? This was so sudden.

    In the back courtyard of the Jiang family, not only was there an earthquake, but probably because too many tunnels had been dug, there was a rumbling sound and the whole ground copsed. Even more dramatically, several huge meteorites fell from the sky out of nowhere, crashing down. The entire back courtyard became ruins.

    There used to be a hill, now there was just a big pit left.

    It was as if they had been struck by divine punishment.

    It was terrifying.

    Ancient people were quite superstitious.

    This sudden earthquake must mean something big was happening.

    But while other ces just had an earthquake, the Jiang family even had meteorites from the sky specifically fall on their house. Was this meant to wipe out their entire family?

    Jiang Changtian looked at the ruins in the courtyard with a gloomy expression.

    Inspector He was also startled.

    His guest room wasn''t in the back courtyard, but he had still almost been killed by heaven.

    He asked with a bewildered face, "What have you done?"

    Jiang Changtian wiped the rain from his face and said, "Were you thinking of killing Jiang Wan?"

    Inspector He shook his head, then nodded.

    "I was just thinking that with the dark night and high winds, I could kill the troublemaker.

    But before I could act, the heavens started shaking, then started throwing stones down from the sky, dropping them one by one at my feet. Can you believe it?

    I feel like I''ve offended heaven somehow."

    Inspector He nodded. He believed it. He had thought about it too, and then his guest room had also had a hole smashed in it.

    Jiang Changtian looked up at the pitch-ck sky.

    With the crazed look of a viin.

    I just wanted to kill someone, and you respond with earthquakes andndslides.

    Is she heaven''s favorite?

    What kind of great deeds has she done to save people from suffering?

    Delivering all living beings from torment?

    umting virtue and doing good for eighteen generations?

    I don''t believe it.

    She can''t be killed?

    The next morning at daybreak.

    Because of the earthquake, the Jiang family couldn''t properly host guests. Jiang Wan left the Jiang mansion with Young Master Liu, Chu Heir, and her grandmother.

    She couldn''t believe she had actually left the Jiang mansion so easily. Moreover, because of the earthquake, Chu Xi and his group also quickly wanted to leave Jingzhou. Their destination was all the capital, so they headed towards the capital together.

    The carriages raced along the road. When they reached the border of Jingzhou, there was an ancient stone monument with the characters for "Jingzhou" written on it, looking majestic and full of the traces of time.

    At the moment they passed out of the territory, Jiang Wan felt her whole body rx, as if a great weight had been lifted. She could no longer hold on and fainted, her forehead also starting to burn with fever.

    At the Jiang family home.

    When Jiang Mianmian woke up early in the morning, she found that their back courtyard now had a huge crater, with many stones in it, leaving her very confused.

    Had real meteorites actually fallen on their home?

    Was there some mystical exnation for this?

    Suchrge meteorites, falling precisely in the back courtyard.

    If they had deviated just a little, the whole family could have been wiped out.

    What had happened?

    An earthquake wouldn''t just target one family.

    Inspector He looked at the back courtyard, also at a loss for words. There was still arge stone by his bedside.

    This supernatural urrence was quite frightening.

    The two stood at the edge of therge pit.

    Inspector He spoke up and asked, "You just let them leave like that? What did you say to Jiang Wan before she left?"

    Jiang Changtian said, "I only wanted to kill her, but heaven rained down meteorites, destroying all my crops. What could I say? I just told her that I had fed her a secret drug from Shangqiu Convent, that she would live a very beautiful but short life."

    "Didn''t you say you destroyed that secret medicine?"

    "I did destroy it. I lied to her. We can''t kill her, so can''t I at least deceive her a little?"

    "That''s true. This woman is beautiful, with deep thoughts and a calcting nature. She''s likely to be prone to mncholy, experience some illnesses, and overthink things. It will be difficult for her to conceive, and even if she does, it will be hard for her to carry the baby to term... I still need to go back and give my nephew a good thrashing."

    Jiang Mianmian crouched at the edge of therge pit, still in disbelief, and let Little Tree go for a stroll.

    Then she saw Little Tree leading arge group of ants, huffing and puffing as they carried a small stone up.

    Jiang Mianmian picked up the stone; it was quite heavy.

    She hugged the stone and excitedly said to her father, "Father, have we struck it rich? Look, do you think this is a meteorite that fell from the sky? It must be amazing for forging swords. Father, can you have someone make a sword for me?"

 Chapter 214

    Natural disasters always hit the poor the hardest.

    The thatched cottages of the poor in the west street all copsed overnight.

    Many people died.

    Corpses were cleared out one by one andid out in the street za.

    When an earthquake strikes a ce, wealthy families with means hurriedly leave the city, fearing aftershocks and the gue that usually follows earthquakes.

    This earthquake in Jingzhou was extremely severe.

    Many died, many were injured, and medical resources were overwhelmed. Being summertime, it was easy for an epidemic to break out, as countless historical records have shown.

    Heaven shows no favoritism.

    It won''t spare your house from shaking just because you''re poor.

    It won''t prevent you from getting hurt just because you''re already sick.

    Most people are expendable, mere NPCs.

    It was said that the Jiang Family also suffered heavy losses. Besides the earthquake, huge stones fell from the sky, which couldn''t be exined by science and could only be discussed in terms of theology.

    At this time, rumors spread throughout the streets that it was because Inspector Jiang had destroyed the Shangqiu Convent. Heaven values all life, and retribution hade.

    How could humans oppose Buddha? The masters of Shangqiu Convent were all disciples of Buddha and shouldn''t be offended.

    These rumors, originating from who knows where, quickly spread through every street and alley.

    The Jiang Family managed things well internally.

    With Great-aunt in charge, these rumors wouldn''t reach the ears of Mianmian and Sister Yu.

    Actually, on the night of the earthquake, Jiang Yu was startled and immediately got up to carry Meng Shaoxia.

    Meng Shaoxia, with his feet dangling as he was princess-carried: ...

    He thought he was ascending to heaven.

    He was so scared he almost wet himself.

    He quickly asked little Yu to put him down, reminding her that she was pregnant and shouldn''t be startled.

    Jiang Yu suddenly remembered she was pregnant and shouldn''t lift heavy things, so she quickly put Meng down.

    Perhaps due to the shock, she forgot about her morning sickness and didn''t keep vomiting.

    This was a considerate baby.

    Jiang Yu touched her plump belly, which didn''t look pregnant, just as if she had eaten too much and gained some weight.

    Meng Shaoxia was truly frightened.

    They had finally married and gotten pregnant, and he worried about any idents.

    If news of the Jingzhou earthquake reached the capital, his parents would surely worry.

    He hurriedly wrote a letter to report their safety.

    Outsiders felt the Jiang Family had suffered heavy losses, but in reality, only the back courtyard was hit. The only room damaged was Inspector He''s guest room, possibly because it was close to the back courtyard.

    The financial losses were manageable. Qin Luoxia, havinge from humble origins, wasn''t fond of porcin and such, preferring gold and silver - durable things that could be dug out even if ttened.

    However, Inspector He was a bit unnerved by the size of the craters in the Jiang Family''s back courtyard. Even if meteorites had fallen, they couldn''t have created suchrge holes. Were there originally so many underground tunnels?

    It was like a maze of intertwining roots.

    After the earthquake, the government offices were bustling, organizing rescue efforts, settling the injured, post-disaster reconstruction, and so on. Otherwise, there would be an epidemic or a rebellion.

    Father, Elder Brother, and Brother-inw all became busy.

    School was suspended.

    Jiang Mianmian thought she could have a few days off.

    To lie t at home.

    But instead, she was told to go study with a new teacher.

    At the dog-despised age of seven or eight, Jiang Mianmian wore a small robe, her hair tied in a round bun, wearing small boots, with a small ornament hanging at her waist. It wasn''t a jade pendant, but a small sachet bag where she kept her little tree.

    Inspector He helplessly looked at his little shadow. He felt that Jiang the Second was treating him too much like family.

    It was one thing to let him hear those unspeakable, treasonous secrets, but to even entrust the child to him when going to the office?

    Did they think he was very free?

    Well, to be fair,pared to the local officials, he was slightly less busy.

    Inspector He''s main job was actually to assess officials, so wandering around was his work.

    Inspector He asked Jiang Mianmian, "What do you want to do today?"

    Jiang Mianmian thought for a moment and said, "Let''s distribute medicinal soup. I heard that after a major disaster like an earthquake, especially in summer, it''s easy for epidemics to break out. We can brew some medicinal soup to prevent diseases."

    Mainly because if everyone else got the epidemic, her family couldn''t escape it either.

    Person-to-person transmission is quite fast.

    Inspector He thought.

    Very good.

    So he took his student assistant Jizi, while Jiang Mianmian brought Pangya and some servants. They went to a square near their home, set up arge pot, lit a fire, and started brewing medicine.

    Father had worked in the Medicine Preparation Department, so the family habitually kept various herbs at home.

    They put the herbs in to boil, then added rice. What they made was actually more of a medicinal porridge. Although it was thin porridge, it could still fill stomachs.

    Jiang Mianmian remembered that when she was young, her family was very poor, and having enough to eat was a problem.

    Most people were in the same situation.

    Once the big pot was ready, without any announcement that porridge was being distributed, people started lining up. Then more and more people came.

    The student Jizi distributed the porridge, while Pangya maintained order in the queue.

    Jiang Mianmian thought for a moment, then had the servants send a bucket to the government office for her father and his colleagues to drink as well.

    There were so many people in line that one pot wasn''t enough, so they set up another.

    Mianmian stood in front of the newly set up pot, adding herbs and rice, while the servants added water and tended the fire.

    Gradually, the fragrance of herbs wafted through the air.

    More and more people lined up, until the end of the queue was out of sight.

    Inspector He sighed inwardly. This was Jingzhou, where people''s lives were rtively good. In other ces, it might be even worse.

    Jiang Mianmian also set up a stall on the side.

    It disyed a sign saying "Treating Illnesses, Saving Lives".

    She thought that after the earthquake, many people must be injured, so she could treat them.

    Usually, people were reluctant to ept treatment from a young girl, always feeling that older doctors were more reliable. But after the earthquake, medical resources would surely be tight, so patients mighte to her, giving her a chance to practice.

    Jiang Mianmian wasn''t acting out of a saviorplex; her family''s medicine and food didn''te from thin air.

    Distributing medicinal porridge was to attract people.

    She had a small pot on the side where she was boiling her medical instruments.

    After tinkering for several years, she had barely put together a set of usable tools. But in the absence of antibiotics, proper sterilization was crucial.

    The current tools were still a bit crude. She wondered if the meteorite iron from the back courtyard could be forged into a more delicate set.

    Even though she had put up her sign,

    She was too young.

    Although grateful, thoseing for porridge didn''t approach her position to seek treatment.

    She wasn''t in a hurry.

    She spread a clean white cloth and had a wooden box, carefully boiling her instruments, preparing.

    Inspector He sat nearby, looking more like an old doctor, with people asionallying to ask about illnesses.

    In the end, Inspector He had to stand up. He really couldn''t diagnose illnesses.

    As for his student, he felt she probably couldn''t either.

    But seeing her so earnestlye out to distribute porridge, Inspector He felt he shouldn''t dampen her enthusiasm.

    Her behavior was good and deserved affirmation.

    Jiang Mianmian sat at her position, waiting for a long time, but no one came.

    There were many people getting medicinal porridge, and among them was an exceptionally strong man whom Jiang Mianmian sawing for the third time.

    She didn''t expose him though, because with his build, he surely needed to eat a lot to be full. Even three bowls of medicinal porridge wouldn''t be enough.

    The whole morning passed like this.

    By noon, Father Jiang Changtian came to check on his daughter, bringing along a man with a bloody finger.

    It was a yamen runner whose finger had been cut off. Jiang Changtian remembered that Mianmian was good at stopping bleeding, so he personally brought the man.

    Jiang Mianmian was excited. Finally, a patient hade.

    Although it looked like Father had personally cut off the finger and brought it...

 Chapter 215

    The people in line were still queuing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Those who tried to cut in line were caught and pulled out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But if you went to the back and started queuing again, no one would chase you away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After a great disaster, if you''re lucky enough to survive, you have to think about how to keep on living.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Being able to receive free medicinal porridge increases your chances of survival +1+1+1+1+1...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had also heard rumors that the earthquake was heaven''s punishment for the Sima family, and that many huge stones had fallen from the sky, crushing the Sima household.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was said that Commander Jiang had destroyed the Shangqiu Convent, and this was his retribution.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the Shangqiu Convent had never given them porridge before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Shangqiu Convent used to be a ce for nobles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now even the children ofmon people could go there to study.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now Commander Jiang''s own family was in such a miserable state, yet he still came out to distribute porridge to everyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Who is the demon? Who is the ghost? Who is the Buddha? Who is human?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When the soup, fragrant with medicine and rice grains, slid down their throats and filled their empty stomachs, everything became clear without words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When they saw Commander Jiang''s young daughter sitting there with a sign that read "Treating Illnesses, Saving Lives," they all showed friendly smiles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Providing medicinal porridge was already treating illnesses and saving lives.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This medicinal porridge seemed extremely effective. Those who had been feeling dizzy before felt their heads clearing and their bodies regaining strength after drinking it for a while.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In reality, there''s no such thing as an instant cure. It was just that after a sleepless night of anxiety and travel without food, having a bowl of hot soup would naturally make anyone feel much better. With something to fill their stomachs, their heads would naturally stop spinning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Moreover, when so many people sat together to drink a bowl of medicinal porridge, it made them feel that there was still hope in living.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Heaven might be unfair, but the officials above were still good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As long as there was a glimmer of goodness, a bit of hope to keep living, they were very grateful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Until they saw Commander Jiang bring over a staff member with a bloody finger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The crowd was somewhat surprised, and became less focused on receiving their porridge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everyone craned their necks to look.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The burly man who had queued for the fourth time stretched his thick neck particrly long.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian saw the person her Father brought over and became very nervous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The bad news was that the current medical conditions were very poor, with no concept of sterilization or disinfection, and basically no antibiotics.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The good news was that the attending physician had good eyesight and nimble fingers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The bad news was that the attending physician was young and had little practical experience.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The good news was that at crucial moments, the attending physician might have a secret spring to rely on, with some buffs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In any case, seeing her first patient,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian showed a friendly smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Actually, she had done other hands-on practice before, not counting things like peeling melons, but she had done quite a bit of dissecting small animals.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her sister made delicious small animal dishes, and Jiang Mianmian often helped patch up those small animals.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Who isn''t constantly breaking apart, patching up, and cooking?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As for humans, there were fewer opportunities.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian looked at this staff member with great care.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The staff member looked at his own finger in pain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    While working, he had identally injured himself, and his index finger had been cut off. This wouldn''t kill him, but it would take away half his life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even if he survived by chance, without an index finger, he would be a cripple, unable to do many things.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thinking of his wife and children, parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, and the whole big family at home,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Staff member Old Nine''s heart was in a turmoil.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The good news was that his immediate superior had personally brought him for medical treatment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The bad news was that the doctor was his immediate superior''s young daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Damn it, damn it, he really wanted to cry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But thinking that with his hand cut off, he might lose his position as a staff member in the future, being able to please his immediate superior wasn''t so bad.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There''s a saying, something about bad things not necessarily being bad, they might also bring good things.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even if the treatment went wrong, at least he would have made a contribution.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The staff member came seemingly confused, but in reality, he had been mentally preparing for a long time, considering the future from all angles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, every NPC has their own thoughts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian quickly dealt with this fresh patient, stopping the bleeding, then asked if the severed finger was still there?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Yes, yes, yes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    One''s body, hair, and skin are received from one''s parents, so even if it''s cut off, it can''t be thrown away. It''s best to bury it together after death, to keep the body whole.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking at the fresh severed finger, it was well preserved, not salted, not damaged, with a clean cut, it should be salvageable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The staff member felt he was beyond saving, prepared to resign himself to being disabled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, using a severed finger to please the superior wasn''t a bad deal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian looked around, there shouldn''t be any risk of medical disputes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She asked the staff member if she could reattach it for him?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The staff member kept nodding with tears in his eyes, anything was fine, just don''t cook his finger in front of him, he couldn''t bear that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The small pot nearby was bubbling away, cooking something, and he was afraid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It wouldn''te to that, though in orthopedics there are pressure cookers that cook patients'' bones.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Orthopedic doctors are at two extremes, some doctors really like drinking bone soup, while others can''t stand it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian asked Pangya toe over and help pass instruments.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang sat nearby, chatting with Inspector He.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meanwhile, he was also there to support his daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The surgery was done in a specially cleared room, they could only use general anesthesia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because local anesthesia wasn''t possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They used Anesthetic Powder to make the patient unconscious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After a while, everyone saw that the staff member who had only cut off a finger was actually carried out horizontally, which was terrifying. Had he been treated to death?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had walked in on his own when he entered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They saw him covered with a white cloth, with his hand also wrapped in thick white bandages.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The staff member''s wife and children had also arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing her husband lying there, she was choked with emotion for a moment, unable to speak. Wasn''t it said that he had only cut his hand? Why did it look like he had stopped breathing?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yet she didn''t dare to wail loudly, because while waiting, the other staff members had already told her what had happened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her husband had cut his hand, and Commander Jiang had personally sent him for treatment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The wife was a sensible person. Although she was worried, she understood her husband''s intentions as soon as others mentioned it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With his finger cut off, it certainly couldn''t be good, but if they could gain a favor from Commander Jiang, there would always be opportunities in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But suddenly, seeing the person being carried out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The wife''s eyes immediately turned red.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Their son was also very understanding. Large teardrops fell, but he didn''t cry out loud, just supporting his mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The young boy looked up and saw a girl in white clothes, with fresh blood on her body and blood on her gloves. She wore a white mask on her face, and her eyes were extremely beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She didn''t care about the blood stains on her body at all, taking off her gloves while saying, "Madam, don''t cry. He''s about to wake up. While he''s just waking up and still confused, quickly ask him if he has any mistresses or any secret savings. He''ll answer you honestly at this time, guaranteed."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sure enough, at this moment the staff member opened his eyes, looking dazed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His wife''s tears fell.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The boy excitedly called out "Father," so excited that he blew a snot bubble, quickly wiping it with his sleeve.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A nearby staff member asked, "Old Nine, Old Nine, how much secret savings do you have?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Nine answered in a daze, "Not much, just nine taels. Every time it reaches ten taels, my wife takes it away."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Where did you hide it this time?" another staff member asked mischievously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was about to answer when his wife covered his mouth, "I''ll deal with you when we get home."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Don''t let the wound touch water for seven days, don''t let him eat spicy food, and he''ll be fine with good rest," Jiang Mianmian instructed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The wife kept nodding, as long as he was alive, it was good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had already given up hope for the finger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After the patient left, the crowd dispersed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Naturally, after seeing someone being carried out, no more patients dared toe forward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian also took a deep breath.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He and Jiang Changtian, who had been watching the whole process from next door to the small room, were both silent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mainly because they saw a little girl first knock out a grown man in one go, then use a needle threading some unknown line to sew human flesh. The impact was quite significant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Could it really work when sewn up like this?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And what mysterious book left by the Shangqiu Convent couldpare to Mianmian''s swift move?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She knocked the man out in one go.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t wake up at all while she was manipting the severed hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When they came out, they saw her snap her fingers, and the staff member actually woke up, answering whatever was asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No wonder the masters from the Shangqiu Convent wanted to steal from here, this must be the founding master of the Shangqiu Convent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Others only saw that Old Nine''s hand was wrapped up and thought it was over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But Jiang Changtian and Inspector He had seen with their own eyes that Mianmian had sewn the man''s finger back on. Could that really work?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If that could be connected, could a person cut in half be sewn back together? Wouldn''t that be bringing the dead back to life?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian saw that there was no hope of having any more patients today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Actually, this surgery had taken a bit too long.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was covered in sweat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Fortunately, Pangya was quick-witted and kept wiping her sweat for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It seems I still need to train some like-minded people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The day was almost dark.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the end, I still cheated by dripping a little diluted spirit spring on that severed finger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian felt very helpless; she still didn''t have the confidence to do it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If she could only rely on cheating in the end, she felt useless and like she had aplished nothing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sometimes she thought, her current state of idleness, eating and waiting for death, was no different from her dreamsing true.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wasn''t this her original dream after all?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After the tense surgical process, she needed to rx a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She asked Pangya to bring a bucket of hot medicinal porridge, nning to go check on the stargazer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yesterday''s earthquake had damaged the observatory''s location, causing some areas to copse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Jiang Mianmian climbed to the top of the mountain, she indeed saw the stargazer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Like a sculpture, he stood in the same spot asst time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, in front of him, a whole area had copsed, creating what looked like a new cliff. One step forward would mean plunging into the abyss.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian approached and offered him the food.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The stargazer ate with his head tilted upwards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today the sky was overcast, and not many stars were visible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Did the stars change after yesterday''s earthquake?" she asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Yes, one star flickered for a moment, seeming to brighten a bit, then dimmed significantly. I recorded it, and then the earthquake happened. The timing of the quake corresponded to the change in that star''s brightness."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The stargazer, still looking up, handed Jiang Mianmian his records from yesterday.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian looked at theplex star chart, drawn with a brush.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was intricate and incredible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had also done something incredible today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Would future generations be amazed when they read about this in books?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Marvelous, incredible, existing, enduring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Like the wind, the stars, and this earth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 216

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Returning home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The sky had already darkened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Dinner was eaten.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Dinner was rice cooked by brother-inw. The rice was very hard, requiring three more chews than usual to swallow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Yu ate while sighing, "Our family''s conditions are so good now. This rice is cooked so dry and firm. In the past, one scoop could have cooked a whole pot."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Feng was also struggling to chew the rice,menting between bites, "The young hero doesn''t want to eat soft rice anymore."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian had his Luoxia sister cook him noodles separately.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As he ate, he said, "I''m suited to eating the soft rice my wife cooks for life. Too hard doesn''t work, it hurts my teeth."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia just smiled gently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He had gone out for a social engagement in the evening.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian had put in somebor this afternoon and felt quite tired, so she ate half a bowl more than usual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian and his wife were delighted to see this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As parents, they always felt their daughter was too thin, surely because she ate too little each day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When it came time to sleep at night,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian quietly told his Xia-mei about the day''s events in bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "She really helped sew up someone''s fingers. I saw it wasn''t done carelessly. There were fine tubes inside, all seemed to be connected, matched one-to-one. Do you remember that human bone diagram Mianmian drew? This child seems to have seen many corpses, and dissected ones at that."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia felt a bit guilty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Could it be the child took after herself?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although she had never butchered people, when it came to butchering animals, she did it thoroughly and clearly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When she carried the baby on her back as a child, did she also do such things? She seemed very skilled at it. She could butcher a wild boar neatly, categorize and arrange it properly, piece by piece. She could even cut up a wild boar and reassemble it into four chickens...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Guilty conscience.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Finally feeling that her daughter had traits simr to her own.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Especially simr.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But especially guilt-inducing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxiaughed it off, changing the subject, "Yu-er seems to be showing a bit now. Her belly isn''t pointed or round, hard to tell if it''s a boy or girl."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Boy or girl, the Meng family will surely cherish it. If they don''t, that''s fine, we''ll keep it at home. It''s good to have a prosperous household with many people."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Feng-er still doesn''t have a suitable match. What do you think of Governor Wu''s daughter?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Not much. She seems a bit silly."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "It''s alright. This prefecture town is too small to meet suitable matches. We''ll look in the capitalter, there''s sure to be someone suitable there."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The couple''s feet touched as they chatted idly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian fell asleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He began to snore softly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian returned to her own chambers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The room was veryrge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was specially requested by her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The bed was huge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was also a desk, bookcase, tea table, drawing table, sofa, carpet, and a dressing room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In short, it had to be veryrge, veryfortable, and fully equipped.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A bathroom was also installed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Going out to relieve oneself at night was too difficult.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Doing it by the bed at night was too smelly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For reading at night, the oilmp had to be bright.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Candles were expensive,moners generally wouldn''t use them. Commoners used oilmps more often.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    One oilmp couldst a long time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian asionally liked to arrange many oilmps and candles, curling up on the sofa to read.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When she needed to use the bathroom, she''d slip on her slippers and go to the washroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was a small tea table by the sofa, with snacks and tea. Pangya would also attend to her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If she walked too much, Pangya would even massage her feet and calves. This was required by her aunt.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her aunt said a young girl''s legs should be massaged regrly, worried that her calf muscles would be hard and thick, unattractive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her dressing room was veryrge, with many clothes, the better ones inplete sets, so she didn''t have to consider how to match them. Of course, she didn''t have to wash them herself either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her current clothes required special care when washing, they couldn''t be washed casually. The kind where you put them in a basin and beat them with a stick by the river would generally ruin them in one wash.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    These brightly colored dresses and robes were also particrly troublesome to wash.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In any case, there were specialundry people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her family was now of the "three changes three times" ss.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That is, the family had many clothes, able to change at least three sets every day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not only were there many clothes, different clothes were worn to different ces, and social circles were also diverse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In short, it was a ss slightly higher than middle ss.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian had eaten too much dinner, the rice was indeed very hard. Fortunately, she had changed her teeth, but these new teeth also needed protection. They were for life, and dentistry standards were too low at this time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this moment, she didn''t want to sleep, nor did she want to lie down and read.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian pulled out a ck-covered book-like object from the cab.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The cover read "Mianmian''s Diary".<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That''s right, this was Jiang Mianmian''s diary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    All proper people had a diary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She would make her own records.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Probably because of confusion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At some times, or at certain moments, she always felt a bit out of sorts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As if her body was lying down, but her soul was floating up, sweeping with a third-person view.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So she would write in her diary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Recording daily life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then she would also draw some strange pictures in the diary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Write some special requests.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For example: It''s so hot today, I really want to wear a thin, multiyered, cool, and pretty dress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then after a few days, Father would bring her a dress, saying he happened to see it outside and it seemed fine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For example: Unhappy, don''t want to eat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then in the evening there would be all kinds of especially delicious food.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For example, today I don''t want to memorize books, really don''t want to, can''t memorize them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But Father would still make her memorize.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were always one or two days when he pretended not to have seen her diary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian knew this well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But she would still write seriously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Like today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was also a day worthmemorating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She must write in her diary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today''s first surgery, finger reattachment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Surgery difficulty: 8 points.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Surgerypletion: 7.8 points.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Need to remind about correct methods for preserving severed limbs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Cannot dy too long.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian recorded the process of performing surgery on someone today, what wascking, and how to improve.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She wrote very carefully, stroke by stroke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although it was all written by her, who knows, it might be important archaeological material in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mainly to make archaeologists doubt history and science.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After seriously writing a proper diary entry,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian took Jiang Xiaoshu and Pangya for a walk around, seeing that therge rock in the backyard had already been moved away by people Father had sent. The efficiency was high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Next, life became simple, with few words in the diary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Second day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No sses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Distributed porridge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Third day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No sses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Distributed porridge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Fourth day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No sses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Distributed porridge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Fifth day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No sses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Distributed porridge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today, that burly man with the exceptionally thick neck who kept cycling through the queue came to find me.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When he saw me, he knelt down and pulled out a bloody knife, pointing it at his own neck, saying: "These past few days I''ve beening for medicinal porridge, but starting from the second day, there was a group of people acting suspiciously. I, Zhang Kuibiao, have eaten five days of filling meals from you, Miss, and have no way to repay. I followed this group and overheard them nning to kidnap you, Miss, during the chaos. So I killed them first. I''vemitted murder, I''m telling you, Miss, to thank you for the meals. I, Zhang Kuibiao, stand by my name and my actions. I killed those people, and I''ll pay with my life. I won''t implicate you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    I reached out to stop him, almost failing to do so, his strength was too great.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    I thought these things only happened in storybooks, yet it truly happened before my eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    I had people send him to the magistrate''s office. If he trulymitted a crime, Father will sentence him. If he did nothing wrong, would this count as proactive self-defense?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In any case, this truly is an era of righteousness and decisive action.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    I hope to see Zhang Kuibiao tomorrow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    I hope to establish a medical department.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Lastly, I hope Mom makes fewer noodle dishes, I want to eat rice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The diary closed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The blue leather cover was beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 217

    Dawn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The morning light envelops everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng family awakens early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe starts exercising his body early in the morning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He loves the Green Dragon Broadsword most, long with copper rings attached. When he swings it, the rings tter noisily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It''s quite impressive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He practices with utmost precision.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Afterpleting a full set of martial arts moves, his entire shirt is soaked through.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he feels invigorated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After resting for a while, he goes to change his clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Madam Meng is also exercising. Her familyes from a lineage of officials in the Ministry of Justice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She holds an iron ball, spreads her legs, and swings it between them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    The movement looks a bit unseemly, requiring a half-squat with both hands gripping the swinging iron ball, but she persists. She feels her waist bing stronger, her leg lines looking better, and her marital life more harmonious (????).<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps it''s also because she''s given up on having children, it''s be purely enjoyable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In recent years, although she hasn''t met her daughter-inw, they''ve been corresponding regrly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At first, when she saw the letters, Madam Meng felt a bit nervous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although her natal family was also considered an official family, not all such families are the same. She couldn''t stand overly formal writing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    All that back-and-forth, "As the sages say," - it would bore her to death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But upon opening the letters, she found straightforward, everydaynguage, no obscure characters, and even illustrations. Though the drawings were a bit crude, they warmed Madam Meng''s heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She hadn''t met the girl yet, but just from the style of the letters, she liked this daughter-inw. No wonder her son fell for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Life must be quite lively with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    During various holidays throughout the year, gifts would arrive from Jingzhou.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They weren''t particrly expensive, though asionally there were valuable items. Most were practical.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Once, when sheined in a reply letter about feeling old, with an aching waist and ufortable legs,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    her daughter-inw specially sent her an iron ball with handles, along with strange little diagrams showing her how to exercise with it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Surprisingly, it actually worked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Of course, Madam Meng kept it hidden and didn''t show it around.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But thest time she went out for a gathering, someone asked how her waist had be slimmer, eyeing her with envy and admiration.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Since acquiring a daughter-inw, she had repeatedly be the center of attention at gatherings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sometimes it was her more attractive headdress, sometimes her more stylish clothes, winter hand warmers, summer fans - all sorts of innovative items that made her stand out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Every time, she would boast proudly, "My daughter-inw sent it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Rumors spread outside that her daughter-inw was more bewitching than Daji.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    She wouldugh heartily when she heard this, without exining. Her son had told her that the girl was round-faced and straightforward, certainly nothing like Daji.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But when she heard people say the Meng family always loved beauties, unable to resist a pretty face,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    wasn''t that including her in the praise? She was quite pleased.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Ho ho ho, she loved it most when people scolded her, "You''re just good-looking!" "You just married well!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng Family Grandmother was also in good health.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She ate heartily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Having lived a rougher life, she enjoyed gardening.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In summer, the gourd-growing season, the Meng family''s diet suffered a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Gourds at every meal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Fortunately, they still had some pickled vegetables to go with it, making it quite refreshing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At breakfast, seeing gourds on the table again, Meng Qingshe''s face turned as green as the gourds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Old Madam Meng saw her son''s face and scolded, "You little brat, if you don''t want to eat it, then don''t."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He missed when his son was around; at least then, there was a younger generation to be called "little brat" instead of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As the family was eating, a messenger arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Nowadays, letters from Jingzhou were delivered immediately upon arrival.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe quickly wiped his mouth, put down his chopsticks, and went to read the letters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He found several letters just for his son, sent together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was also a separate letter for the child''s mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe felt a bit jealous - why did the child''s mother and grandmother get special letters, but not him as the father-inw?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But since it was written by his daughter-inw, he didn''t dare to peek.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing several letters, he quickly opened them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe finished reading swiftly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He burst intoughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng family had an heir on the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His daughter-inw was pregnant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng were also reading the letter from their daughter-inw, saying she felt nauseous all the time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Madam Meng was both excited and worried.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some women suffer greatly during pregnancy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She wished she could go to Jingzhou right away to take care of her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then she thought how wonderful it was - in three years when they next saw their son, they might have grandchildren already.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Such efficiency!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This day, the Meng family was full of joy, with even the sounds of things being dropped seeming more melodious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng went to search the storerooms together, hurrying to send things over. Anything useful would be sent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "My son will have a son, how wonderful. We deserve to prosper."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor was having his breakfast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor rarely attended morning court in person these days; for the sake of his health, he had begun to prioritize sleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Servants attended to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Surprisingly, Eunuch Yan was also eating with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two had a close rtionship, not physically intimate, but conversing and chatting casually.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At the Emperor''s age, he relied on medicinal pills for his interactions with women. At first, he was interested, but after a few times, hearing from the master that it was bad for his health and depleted his essence, he gradually lost interest in femalepany.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    There were many interesting things in this world, and he was someone who loved to y and knew how to enjoy himself. If not ying with pce concubines, he could have other hobbies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuch Yan had be his new mealtimepanion and ymate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wenxin was very pure, never minding the intricacies of court officials, wholly immersed in art, loving to sing and dance, very much to the Emperor''s liking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As they were eating and discussing yesterday''s musical piece, the Emperor felt thest line was a bit awkward. He thought it should either be removed or modified.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuch Yan thought seriously and said, "If Your Majesty feels it''s awkward, we could remove it. I also think adding that line was a bit superfluous. I didn''t think much when writing it, but when sung, it does seem a bit out of ce. Your Majesty is truly perceptive."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperorughed heartily, epting this routine ttery.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just as they were eating, a Little Eunuch entered with a pale face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor hated such situations the most.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not even able to eat in peace.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he also knew that matters interrupting his meals must be urgent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, quite a few who had casually disturbed his meals had been dragged out and executed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He frowned slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The little eunuch knelt trembling, and though reluctant, he forced himself to say, "Your Majesty, the Former Crown Prince has passed away."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor surprisingly showed no reaction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He let the little eunuch kneel there, shaking all over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He continued eating and drinking his soup.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As he finished thest sip of soup, suddenly the spoon slipped from his hand and fell to the ground.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor''s eyes filled with tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Over a decade ago, when I started hearing news of ministers passing away, I began seeking immortality, wanting to live forever. I refused to ept it. I wanted to be as eternal as the heavens. I am the ten thousand year emperor, the eternal emperor. Today, my son has also left. The son I bore has gone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 218

    Early morning.

    Jiang Mianmian wakes up.

    After washing up, she bounces into her elder sister''s room first thing.

    Her brother-inw has already gone for his morning exercise.

    He''s building his strength together with her elder brother and father.

    Since her brother-inw''s sword kept getting knocked out of his hand by her elder brother, he switched to practicing with a knife.

    His knife practice is bing fierce and imposing.

    Jiang Feng still prefers the sword, slender and graceful, killing cleanly and neatly, unlike the knife which cuts in chunks, sttering blood and flesh, so messy...

    Jiang Mianmianes over early, carrying a book.

    She sees her elder sister just getting up to wash.

    She reads aloud from the book in her elder sister''s room.

    She''s determined that the baby in her sister''s belly should hear it. Thefortable future of their little aunt depends on you, so start learning from the womb, and you''ll surely be smarterter.

    With this mission, she reads with even more enthusiasm.

    Jiang Yu listens to the reading as she washes up. Her stomach feels quite good, she hasn''t been vomiting muchtely, and her appetite has increased.

    Although she speaks without filters, people who speak without filters also don''t hide their sweet words.

    Every day she speaks directly to Elder Brother Meng: "Darling, you''re so amazing. Darling, I like you so much. Darling, your cooking is so delicious, I ate an extra bowl today. Darling, you''re so good to me. Darling, you''re so knowledgeable. Darling, you''re wonderful..."

    Jiang Mianmian feels inadequate in this respect.

    Her elder sister is truly impressive.

    Many people start by saying: "I speak directly, so bear with me, don''t take offense."

    Then they only say things that people dislike.

    But her elder sister is different. She speaks directly, she directly scolds people, and she also directly speaks words of love.

    It makes her brother-inw dizzy with happiness. He''s been at his father-inw''s house for three years and has never blushed, always happy every day.

    Jiang Mianmian thinks her elder sister''s direct way of speaking ys a big role in this.

    It''s worth learning from.

    Speaking directly can directly point out faults, but can also directly say "I love you." One must be more direct.

    After Mianmian finishes giving prenatal education to her future niece or nephew, nodding and shaking her head, she goes with her elder sister to have breakfast.

    After breakfast, Jiang Mianmian leisurely drinks a cup of fermented ck tea.

    She strolls around to change into a neat outfit for going out.

    Recently she likes white robes, tied with a belt, her long hair in a ponytail, looking very pretty.

    Looking at herself in the mirror, Jiang Mianmian even feels a desire to have a daughter. Girls are so beautiful, from childhood to adulthood.

    At seven or eight years old they''re also cute, in between growing up and not growing up, with fluffy hair.

    Her skin is very fair, partly because she''s careful about physical sun protection, partly thanks to the Spirit Spring, and partly due to gics. Her father is very fair, even without sun protection, as if he can''t tan.

    Wearing small boots, she takes Pangya out to distribute medicinal porridge.

    Outside the mansion, the fallen tiles and copsed beams have all been repaired, and the upturned stones on the roadside have been ttened.

    Usually, such repairs are prioritized for the nobles and officials.

    The houses of the poormoners, even ifpletely copsed, can only be dealt with slowly.

    After all, they can''t let the lords see the squalor before their eyes, as it would make the work seem inadequate.

    It''s fortunate that it''s summer, so even without houses, people won''t freeze to death.

    But summer is also not good, as corpses gather and easily lead to gues.

    When Mianmian arrives with Pangya, she immediately spots Zhang Kuibiao. Hisrge frame, squatting in the corner, looks like a tent.

    Seeing theme, Zhang Kuibiao stands up to help with the work, without saying a word.

    After finishing the work, he squats to the side again.

    As the medicinal porridge starts cooking, people in the square spontaneously form a line, and people from other areas alsoe.

    It''s getting a bit hot, but fortunately, the queue isn''t crowded.

    As long as no one cuts in line, even if the queue is long, everyone is willing because it''s fair. Hope is right before their eyes, they just need to wait for their turn.

    But once someone cuts in line, the people behind easily be upset because of the unfairness.

    With Zhang Kuibiao squatting there, basically no one cuts in line.

    He helps maintain order, so he doesn''t need to queue repeatedly and is given porridge as a work meal.

    It''s just one meal, but he honestly squats here every day.

    Jiang Mianmian goes to ask him some questions.

    "How did they let you out?"

    "That gang turned out to be the one that was stealing and killing in nearby viges recently. The officials said I did a public service by eliminating them, so they released me."

    "You killed twenty-seven people in one night. You could make a living anywhere. Why insist on guarding this ce?"

    "I''ve never seen any noble family truly give out rice, medicine, and food to fill stomachs. If such families are bullied by evil people, this world is finished. So I, Zhang Kuibiao, will guard this ce."

    He looks like the biggest viin on the scene, with a fierce and evil appearance.

    He has killed before, his clothes still stained with blood, his face full of murderous aura.

    People around keep their distance. Anyone who might have thought of causing trouble behaves themselves.

    After speaking, he squats back at the side of the queue, watching everyone like a hellhound.

    Jiang Mianmian oversees the porridge distribution while continuing to disy her "Treat Illnesses and Save Lives" sign.

    Perhaps because the yamen runner with the severed finger she treatedst time was too frightening, no patients havee for many days.

    Jiang Mianmian can only wait helplessly. She can''t ask her father for help with this every day.

    Fortunately, today Old Nine from the yamen is due for a dressing change.

    As the first and only patient so far, Old Nine doesn''t need to queue or register when hees. He sits directly in front of the youngdy.

    He stretches out his thickly bandaged finger.

    He''s actually very afraid, doesn''t dare to look or touch, but it doesn''t hurt.

    Jiang Mianmian gently unwraps the outer hemp cloth. The hemp fabric, raw hemp, is breathable and simr to gauze, just a bit harder.

    Old Nine closes his eyes, turns his head to his shoulder, not daring to look.

    It doesn''t hurt, but he''s still nervous, his arm shaking.

    Since it''s just a dressing change, Mianmian didn''t take him into the small room, just doing it outside.

    Old Nine thinks it doesn''t hurt much, so it probably hasn''t rotted. He didn''t even have a fever when he went home, so it should be fine. After losing a finger, things are inconvenient, but at least he has connections in the yamen. He and his wife have already discussed that they can do something else in the future.

    Jingzhou has been prosperous these past few years, one can make a living doing anything.

    Doing it himself would certainly be more convenient than outsiders, at least with official connections, getting permits and such would be easier.

    Old Nine prepares himself mentally, but still doesn''t dare to look when the outer bandage on his finger is being removed.

    Then he hears the people around eximing "Ah!"

    One after another.

    It scares him so much his whole body trembles, and he can''t help but turn to look.

    He sees his finger intact, just a bit swollen and red, as if it had been pinched in a door, butplete and attached to his hand.

    That finger is actually bright red, the color of flesh, not ck. It hasn''t rotted, hasn''t festered. If not for the thread on it, one couldn''t tell it had been severed at all.

    Yamen runner Old Nine is so shocked he bows his head to look, as if looking at someone else''s hand, utterly unbelievable.

    He instinctively wants to move it but is held still, unable to move.

    "I''m changing your dressing and fixing it in ce. If you want this finger to recover like before, it will take at least three months. A hundred days to heal tendons and bones. During this time, do some light work. Don''t use force with this hand. Come back to see me in ten days."

    Yamen runner Old Nine, with his dressing changed and finger rewrapped, is still dazed and incredulous.

    This finger is actually still there? And not just for decoration, it can actually be used.

    At home, he had already cried three times with his wife, children, and parents.

    Worried that he would be useless in the future.

    But, but, his finger is actually still there.

    Old Nine bursts into tears, kneeling on the blue brick ground, kowtowing heavily three times.

    "Young Miss, your great kindness and virtue, I, Chen Ajiu, will never forget. If there''s any errand, pleasemand me."

    Jiang Mianmian waves her hand and says, "Treating illnesses and saving lives, you need to pay. Last time I didn''t charge, but this time for changing the dressing, I have to charge. This surgery was quite difficult, so it won''t be cheap."

    Yamen runner Old Nine, tears mixed withughter, says, "Of course, of course."

    Even if it meant selling everything he owned, he should pay. Over the years, his family''s savings should be over a hundred taels. If it''s not enough, he''ll find a way to get more. He must pay in full. He thought even the greatest immortal couldn''t save this finger, but unexpectedly, the young miss had reattached it for him, and it seems usable.

    Jiang Mianmian calctes her consumption. Actually, the most valuable thing, the Spirit Spring, is priceless.

    But with experience, it won''t be like this in the future. She still charges ording to market price: consultation fee, surgery fee, medication used. She writes out a long list, calctes, and the totales to one tael and two silver.

    Jiang Mianmian hands the bill to him.

    Old Nine, the yamen runner, had prepared himself to lose everything. Now that his finger had been reattached, the young miss had said it was very expensive. A suite at the young miss''s inn cost a thousand taels per night, yet unexpectedly, this procedure only cost one tael and two wen of silver.

    Old Nine cried andughed simultaneously.

    Jiang Mianmian said, "Since you''re my first patient and were referred by my father, I''ll give you a discount. Just pay one tael of silver. I can''t go any lower than that; I''m really not making a profit. Those instruments and materials are very expensive."

    Jiang Mianmian calcted the cost very seriously.

    Because medical fees were life-saving money, they had to be calcted precisely.

    Of course, she couldn''t treat patients for free. Without charging, she wouldn''t be able to continue her practice.

    For any endeavor tost long-term, it needs to at least generate a small profit to sustain one''s livelihood. Only then can one continue doing it.

    She calcted carefully, exining each item to Old Nine, the yamen runner.

    The ugly, burly man Zhang Kuibiao squatted to the side, listening and nodding. In his eyes, the young girl before him suddenly rose to an infinitely higher status.

    Even higher than when she was distributing porridge that day.

    Perhaps just slightly lower than the honorable magistrate.

    Or maybe even on the same level.

    ...

 Chapter 219

    Today''s good deed +1.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Treated someone''s illness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Also increased ie.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Made a small contribution to the social economy and GDP growth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Porridge distribution good deed +0.1+0.1+0.1+0.1...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The first day of distributing porridge had the best effect, it was lifesaving for some people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After several days of continuous distribution, the effect diminished day by day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If you distribute porridge for years and then stop one day, you be an unforgivable viin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Such is human nature.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian wasn''t truly a naive sweetheart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was wondering what to do next.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then she saw a group of prettily dressed young girls, apanied by their family guards,ing over in grand style.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wow, look at them carrying pots, rice, flour, and oil~<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian was very happy inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Finally.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    These children from other families were alsoing to distribute porridge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Governor Wu''s daughter Wu Yi''an gave Jiang Mianmian a challenging look.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As if to say, "You''re not the only one who can gain fame."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Actually, she had wanted to distribute porridge from the beginning, but her parents thought it was too chaotic outside after the earthquake. In case of aftershocks, it would be dangerous, so they didn''t let here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After waiting for a few days, when things seemed fine, they finally gave in to her persistence and agreed to let here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The porridge on Jiang Mianmian''s side was very thin, chopsticks definitely couldn''t stand up in it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had originally cooked it for epidemic prevention, to relieve heat and reduce inmmation, adding a bit of rice to attract more people and fill their stomachs a little.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu Yi''an, on the other hand, wanted to outdo Jiang Mianmian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So she had people cook thick, sticky porridge that chopsticks could stand up in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The medicinal ingredients were more expensive too. Jiang Mianmian saw them throw in a ginseng root - goodness!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    They were really being generous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Probably stolen from home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Otherwise, what parents would let you waste things like this?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With Governor Wu''s daughter leading, several young girls came together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With more people, opinions varied, and the porridge distribution ended up being like hosting a feast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Watching everyone lining up over there, Jiang Mianmian saw that her big pot of medicinal porridge was almost empty. Perfect. She had Fatty Ya pack it up, told the servants to clean up everything, and finished work.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As she was leaving, she greeted her ssmate Wu Yi''an.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Do you need a small stool?" Mianmian asked as she was about to leave.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu Yi''an saw that when she arrived, she had taken all the people queuing in front of Jiang Mianmian, and felt a little embarrassed. But it wasn''t intentional; she was giving out better things, so it was natural for people toe over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Like a proud little rooster, she raised her head and said she didn''t need it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Standing all day will make your calves thick, you know."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    With that, Jiang Mianmian sauntered off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was overjoyed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had been worried that suddenly withdrawing would cause a bad reaction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That it would disappoint those who were looking forward to it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now it was great, someone else could be the bad guy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That ugly man Zhang Kuibiao, who had been squatting there just to eat his fill, didn''t continue to wait. Seeing them leave, he followed from a distance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian was curious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She waved him over and said, "Weren''t you here to eat your fill? Their porridge is thick and good, made with new rice and added tonics. You''ll definitely get full. Why aren''t you staying?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Zhang Kuibiao scratched his head and said, "Never seen people give out rice and tonics before, afraid there might be a fight. I ate my fill this morning. Because of my mistake, someone was killed, afraid of retaliation, so I''m following."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian hadn''t expected this scruffy-looking strong man to speak with such a sense of chivalry. He seemed brainless, yet somehow also intelligent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I''m going to the government office, it''s fine. You can go queue up first, get a meal, thene back," Jiang Mianmian said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Zhang Kuibiao felt this made sense. The young miss was so clever.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But his sense of duty wouldn''t allow it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    You help whoever feeds you. If something happened over there, he wouldn''t be able to help in time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So he continued following.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian ignored his following and took Fatty Ya to the government office, carrying the leftover soup from the porridge distribution.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unexpectedly, when Jiang Mianmian arrived at the office today, she received especially warm and respectful treatment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Previously, it felt like people respected her just because she was an official''s daughter, out of obligation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today was different.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The smiles were especially genuine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It felt like her reputation had grown a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian brought the medicinal porridge to the office kitchen. The office provided simple work meals, lunch, and meals for staff on duty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The medicinal porridge was very thin, basically just a bucket of medicinal soup.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian had it divided up and personally brought some to her father and teacher.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Those who distribute porridge should also drink the porridge they distribute; it''s also a kind of virtue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was a heat-relieving medicinal soup, a bit bitter, but effective.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Ancient officials wore manyyers when working, which was very hot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, when Jiang Mianmian arrived at her father''s office, she saw her father and teacher both looking unhappy, as if they had been arguing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Children raised with love don''t read adults'' facial expressions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because they''re not afraid of being hit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They know their fathers would never bear to hit them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He and Jiang Changtian were reviewing the things Jiang Wan had said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two government officials took a dialectical approach to discuss the fake dream reincarnation plot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Jiang Wan first said that Jiang Changtian''s entire family basically died out, Inspector He thought it was absurd.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What kind of malice was this, wanting an entire family to die even in a dream?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Besides, Jiang Er and his family were fine now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the other party described it in such detail, exining how everyone died so clearly, it gave a chilling feeling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Later, when it was said that the He family would be executed to the ninth degree of kinship, and Inspector He himself would die at home from a heart attack after vomiting blood.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At that moment, Inspector He really felt like his heart had stopped.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Analyzing it, he felt that the content Jiang Wan described might be simr to a ce that exists. Like a mirror. If there was another world inside the mirror, they would all be there, identical, living and doing things exactly as Jiang Wan had described.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Otherwise, it couldn''t be exined how Jiang Wan, whom Inspector He didn''t even know, could give him his manner of death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He also recalled that when he first came to Jingzhou, he encountered a young couple strolling. The woman wore a veil and seemed to act strangely when she saw him, turning her body away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At the time, he had only nced at them without thinking much of it, but now recalling that scene, it became clearer and more interesting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That woman was Jiang Wan, and Jiang Wan knew him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian''s family was still alive, proving that things could be changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But that night when they all wanted to kill Jiang Wan to eliminate future troubles, they encountered an earthquake as if punished by heaven.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This seemed to indicate that they couldn''t directly act against Jiang Wan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, when Jiang Changtian deceived Jiang Wan into taking a secret drug, there were no consequences.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Both were old foxes, skilled in using others to do their dirty work. If they couldn''t kill her themselves, they could have someone else do it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan spoke of love, hate, and romance, a journey of pce intrigue, uncontroble emotions, troubles of the heart, with all kinds of love.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He set aside the romantic entanglements and looked at the future trends of the imperial court.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In conclusion, the Seventh Prince couldn''t ascend to the throne.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Seventh Prince was truly a vicious person, yet always maintaining the image of a devoted good man, making everyone sympathize with him. His princess consort was childless, yet he still wholeheartedly supported her. Even when her family fell from grace, he didn''t look down on her at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He used the princess consort''s misfortune to highlight his deep love and harmlessness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Once he ascended the throne, his true face was revealed, even more absurd than the current emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He died within two years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He left the court in chaos, the people destitute, and the empire falling apart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If the mirror world truly existed, then at this moment the Former Crown Prince should have met with misfortune, the Seventh Prince would be emerging, and Inspector He would need to rush to the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Jingzhou earthquake was also a turning point, a heavenly punishment that would require the emperor to admit his mistakes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He needed to hurry back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two men wore serious expressions as they discussed how to kill someone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At first, Inspector He thought Jiang Er was a greedy rebel, rashly bing an official just to amass wealth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After meeting him, Inspector He felt Jiang Er was a capable rebel, deeply scheming with decisive methods.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now as he was about to leave, he saw that after the Jingzhou earthquake, the people weren''t homeless, there was no famine, no rebellion, no epidemic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was as if they had tripped, gotten a bit hurt, then got up and continued walking, a bit slowly at first, but gradually picking up speed and returning to normal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They would summarize how they fell, try not to fall next time, and if another ident happened, what method to use to get up and recover better, walk faster, or what posture to use when falling to propel themselves forward, possibly saving effort and moving a few steps ahead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    From the earthquake to the aftermath handling, Jiang Er was truly capable, very good at being an official and getting things done. Inspector He greatly admired him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    From initially seeing him as a thoroughly evil rebel to now seeing him as a refined and cunning good official.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian knocked on the door and entered confidently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing her father and teacher looking rather solemn, she said:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Father, Teacher, I''ve brought you some cooling soup."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He, seeing the little one arrive, remembered how she had covered someone with a white cloth, revealing a severed hand, with blood sttered like embroidery. He suddenly felt a bit more clear-headed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing the medicinal soup she brought, Inspector He took it and started drinking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His body''s fever subsided slightly, and his mood also improved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian also picked up his bowl and drank slowly and methodically.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    From his daughter, even bitter medicine tasted sweet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Are you not distributing porridge today?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian knew that if the daily porridge distribution was missed, they would certainly be scolded. However, such a young child usually wouldn''t listen to words. People teach people to do things, but can''t always seed; things teach people to do things, and they understand in one go.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although reluctant, within his area of supervision, Jiang Changtian was prepared to let the child experience the cruelty of the world, to prevent her from saying things like "Why don''t they eat meat?" in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian smiled and said, "Except for the first two days when many people couldn''t find a ce to stay, were injured and confused, and really needed medicinal porridge,ter on, some people gradually went to settle their families and clean up. Those who kepting became people who don''t like to work normally. They would drink the medicinal porridge and just lie around. I couldn''t drive them away. Fortunately, today Wu Yi''an and others came to distribute porridge too, so I took the opportunity to withdraw. I brought the remaining medicinal porridge to you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He, who was drinking the medicinal soup, had a mouthful of soup that he couldn''t swallow or spit out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    So, what she specially brought was the leftover soup from the porridge distribution. No wonder it was so clear, with only the medicinal broth left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This student really knew how to save face!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After thinking for a moment, he still swallowed it. If themon people could drink it, so could he.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then he heard Jiang Changtian saying to his daughter, "Very good. If someone elsees to distribute porridge, you don''t need to go anymore. Later, if peoplein, it won''t be directed at you. It''s good to want to help people, but you don''t need to take the lead and get scolded. You need to be methodical in doing things. We should take credit for good deeds, but let others be the bad guys."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian nodded, epting the lesson: "Father is so clever."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Inspector He thought: ...You''re going to spoil my student.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Never mind, he drank the bitter medicinal soup.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps because it was the dregs, each sip was more bitter than thest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But as he watched Jiang Er speaking seriously to his daughter, he saw nothing but warmth and affection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some people use despicable means only for their own selfish interests; such people are contemptible and shameful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some people use despicable means, but for the benefit of themon people; they can be called moral models, even sages.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 220

    The Capital City was scorching hot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The cicadas were chirping incessantly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Former Crown Prince''s birthday celebration had been grand, and so was his funeral.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was said that the Former Crown Prince had died from depression while under house arrest. But how could depression kill? So there were rumors that he was murdered, or that he died from abuse, or that he hanged himself, drowned himself, or swallowed gold...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    There were so many ways to die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And so many rumors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the end, The Emperor put an end to all the rumors with a grand funeral.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was his son, his own flesh and blood. Though a father might be angry at his son''s mistakes, he wouldn''t want his son''s life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor''s decision to hold a grand funeral actually excited many people. For those aligned with the Former Crown Prince, it meant, at least for a moment, the possibility of forgiveness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Would the Former Crown Prince''s children be released from confinement?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Every move held deep meaning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As Jiang Wan and her grandmother rushed towards the Capital City, they saw the fluttering white banners at the city gates.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Someone important had passed away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Xi nced at Jiang Wan with some surprise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan returned a faint smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then she lowered the curtain again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This journey together had continuously changed Chu Xi''s opinion of Jiang Wan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At first, he thought she was just a naive girl in love, unaware of the ways of the world. But as they conversed, he discovered she was very talkative, knowledgeable, and insightful - a very perceptive woman, rarely encountered in his life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Perhaps it was because that Liu fellow had unexpectedly saved him, and the young girl, in the flush of youth, felt extra gratitude towards her lifesaver, mistaking it for love.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Xi clearly knew that his cousin''s marriage would not be smooth sailing. This Liu fellow already had a fianc¨¦e; his behavior outside was indeed improper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Of course, what moved Chu Xi''s heart even more was the information Jiang Wan inadvertently revealed in her speech.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She seemed extremely intelligent, as if she could deduce things from the slightest clues.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    During the journey, they somehow got to talking about the Former Crown Prince, and Jiang Wan actually said the Former Crown Prince had to die. Only his death could break the deadlock and pave a way for his descendants.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At the time, Chu Xi thought it was nonsense. If one could live, everyone would want to live. Death was easy, but terrifying; everyone strived to live.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But now, her words hade true.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Xi found Jiang Wan increasingly captivating, unlike any other girl. She was like an enigma.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He never thought there woulde a day when he would be infatuated, lost in a woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And a woman who was secretly betrothed to another, at that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thinking about it, wasn''t it thrilling?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong saw that Wan''er and the Chu Heir were chatting happily along the way, but he wasn''t jealous. Wan''er had said the Chu Heir was her cousin, a rtive, and it was good to maintain good rtions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Moreover, she had already dered her feelings in front of the elders.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although at certain moments, Liu Tong felt that Wan''er and the Chu Heir seemed too in sync, as if he were an outsider, he reasoned that it was normal for cousins. Besides, a girl had openly admitted her affection for him in front of everyone; she must bepletely devoted to him, and he would certainly take responsibility.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They arrived at the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong felt nervous yet excited.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Nervous about how to tell his parents, excited at the thought that after informing them, he could marry Miss Wan. He imagined their future together, living in harmony, sharingmon interests, painting and ying chess - life would surely be blissful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was also proud of his discernment. Who would have thought that on a journey, he''d find such a wonderful woman? It was worth it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But when they reached the city gates and saw so many white banners, he hesitated. Which important figure had passed away? It looked like national mourning. Would it affect weddings?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan looked at the white banners and felt relieved. Everything was back on track. Although she only had her grandmother by her side at the moment, she had traveled with Chu Xi and, using her understanding of him, their rtionship seemed even better than at the beginning of her dream.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In her dream, he had always been full of suspicion towards her at first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Here, she was just ying the role of a naive girl in love with someone else. What schemes could a girl with love in her heart have?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As they entered the city, perhaps because Liu Tong had written to his family earlier about when they would arrive, there was a carriage waiting at the city gate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A round-faced girl stepped down, looking unworldly. When she smiled, her pointed canine teeth showed, and her teeth were uneven, but she had deep dimples on both cheeks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    She saw Liu Tong and waved happily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Brother Liu, I''m here! Aren''t I clever? I thought you''d arrive soon, so I''ve been waiting here for days. I finally caught you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The girl smiled openly, making the sky seem brighter and the white banners gentler.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was instantly likeable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then she saw Jiang Wan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong felt awkward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan just nodded slightly to her. It was Miss Dong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She stood beside Chu Xi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong sighed in relief and said, "This is my friend. We traveled back together."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Miss Dong saw Jiang Wan and was stunned. She sincerely praised, "Sister, you''re so beautiful."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan nodded and smiled, somewhat reserved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was Miss Dong, the cheerful and innocent Miss Dong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Miss Dong apanied them, helping Jiang Wan settle in, chattering all the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Liu Tong finally managed to avoid Miss Dong and promised toe see Jiang Wan soon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan just smiled gently, with a hint of sadness as she looked at Miss Dong outside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The wind in the Capital City was dry and a bit harsh, but her whole body rxed. She felt the familiar ce, where every move had support. She was like a kite blown high by the wind, spreading her wings and flying high and beautifully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The wind in Jingzhou was neither dry nor harsh, even a bit humid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    sses had resumed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At Shangqiu Academy, a group of girls were indignant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu Yi''an and the others had worked hard to distribute porridge, but instead of gratitude, they were cursed at.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    People used them of being fake and deceiving the public.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Heaven knows, even though their porridge became thinner than at the beginning, it was still much thicker than Jiang Mianmian''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But they didn''t curse at Jiang Mianmian, only at them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu Yi''an listened to everyone''sints and cried, face down on the desk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The young girl''s shoulders shook as she cried, her long hair spread across the desk, her whole being fragrant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian, who couldn''t concentrate on her studies anyway, was disturbed by her deskmate''s constant crying behind her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was like trying to memorize lessons while hearing a puppy whimpering next door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Stop crying. It''s not your fault, it''s their problem. You''ve already done very well."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu Yi''an looked up in surprise, her eyes red, tears hanging on her lowershes, pouting, her chubby face with fine down still slightly twitching.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her shoulders were still trembling slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was surprised that Jiang Mianmian wasforting her; usually, Jiang Mianmian mocked her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I gave them so much, and not only are they not grateful, they even curse at me. Do you know what that man who received porridge yesterday called me? He said I was stingy..." At this point, Wu Yi''an choked up again, her hands shaking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She felt so wronged. For the porridge distribution, she had contributed all her secret pocket money saved for two years, yet that person called her stingy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian watched the little girl cry and found it quite amusing. The little girl cried prettily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She couldn''t help but pinch her cheek.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu Yi''an cried even louder.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "You''re bullying me too!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian said, "You gave too much at first, andter it wasn''t as good as before, so of course theyined. If you had given thin porridge at first, then made it a bit thicker the second day, and even thicker the third day, they would have been very happy. People always can''t stand things going from good to bad, but they''re full of hope and happiness when things go from bad to good, even if they end up getting the same amount."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Wu Yi''an listened and felt there was some truth to it, but she still wanted to cry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She suddenly felt that Jiang Mianmian wasn''t so bad after all. She had wanted to steal her thunder in distributing porridge, yet Jiang Mianmian wasforting her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Now that I''m advising you, don''t you think I''m quite nice?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu Yi''an nodded with puffed cheeks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "It''s because I used to mock you all the time, and suddenly I''m being a bit nice to you, so you think I''m quite good. If I had been coddling you all along and now coddled you a bit less, you''d think I wasn''t good anymore."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I understand. Thank you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu Yi''an thanked her, choking back tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this moment, she really did think Jiang Mianmian was nice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian took the opportunity to pinch her other cheek: "Bncing it out. The other side was getting a bit swollen."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Wu Yi''an, her face pinched, burst into loud tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Jiang Mianmian, let go of me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Okay, but that side''s not swollen enough yet. Wait a bit."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Waaaah... Teacher, help!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The banana leaves swayed outside the window, while birds chirped merrily in the trees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The breeze was warm, and time seemed to slow down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 221

    The weather was fine.

    The autumn breeze was cool.

    Leaves were falling in colorful profusion.

    Time painted colors on the leaves.

    From fresh green to orange-yellow, another season had passed.

    Madam Meng had been joyful every day since learning of her daughter-inw''s pregnancy. If not for her husband stopping her, she would have gone to Jingzhou to take care of her daughter-inw.

    By her calctions, the belly should be quite big now. She spent each day sewing small clothes and shoes, sending batches to Jingzhou as she finished them.

    After the funeral of the former Crown Prince in the Capital City, there was another funeral.

    The rebel leader Zi Lu, who had been pardoned and was living in the Capital City, had also fallen ill and died.

    Not many people attended this funeral, but the Meng family paid attention to the news since their inws were also of rebel origin.

    After the funeral, the Capital City seemed to slowly be more populous.

    The Emperor was getting old and his health was failing. With the former Crown Prince gone, voices calling for the establishment of a new Crown Prince began to rise in the court.

    It was said that several Imperial Princes had been summoned back to the Capital City by the Emperor.

    As a result, there were many banquets,rge and small, in the Capital City.

    The Capital City had be quite lively recently.

    A female immortal had appeared, said to be a good friend of Princess He''an. Her surname was Liu, given name Qingqing, and she had be an honored guest in many families.

    It was said that everything she said came true, and everyone wanted to speak with her.

    She herself didn''t acknowledge this, saying she just spoke off the cuff.

    But she had already spoken about several matters, and everything had turned out exactly as she said.

    Today''s banquet, it was said, would also be attended by this female immortal.

    Madam Meng very much wanted to know if her daughter-inw would give birth to a boy or a girl. Hearing how mystical everyone said it was, she couldn''t resist wanting to go and ask.

    General Meng grumbled internally, seeing his wife had even prepared gifts. He couldn''t help but say, "Let it be. She''s already pregnant, that''s heaven''s blessing. What does it matter if it''s a boy or a girl?"

    "I just think that if we knew, we could prepare different clothes and jewelry. If it''s a girl, we should prepare more dresses, and we''ll need to make lots of jewelry for the future, the more the better. For a boy, dresses don''t look good, and he can''t wear much jewelry either, so it would be a waste."

    Madam Meng carefully prepared gifts and went to attend the banquet.

    When she saw Miss Liu, she indeed had a radiant appearance, looking just like an immortal.

    She was also extremely good at conversation, smiling and chatting pleasantly with everyone, making all feel as if bathed in spring sunshine.

    Madam Meng carefully presented her gifts.

    Unexpectedly, they were directly refused by Miss Liu.

    Miss Liu didn''t even ask who she was, but just said with a stern face, "I observe that Madam has very heavy killing energy, which may harm future generations. Your family may be in danger of having no descendants. I dare not ept your gifts."

    The assembleddies were in an uproar.

    This Immortal Liu was too daring in her speech.

    What she said seemed entirely possible, as everyone knew the Meng family had only single heirs for several generations.

    So it was because of too much killing energy?

    Madam Meng was furious.

    Her daughter-inw was already pregnant, she just wanted to ask about the gender. It would have been fine not to say, but to curse her with no descendants here, wasn''t that saying her daughter-inw would have a misfortune?

    This made her think of the news she had heard earlier about an earthquake in Jingzhou. Although Shao Xia had written to report they were safe and nothing had happened.

    But with this woman ying at being mystical and talking nonsense, Madam Meng really began to worry.

    Madam Meng, who had been strong and healthy all her life, fell ill upon returning home.

    The illness came on fiercely, and by the next day she couldn''t get out of bed.

    This frightened Meng Qingshe.

    How could Madam be like this?

    On her sickbed, Madam Meng kept calling out "Shao Xia, Shao Xia" and "Yu''er, Yu''er".

    Her body convulsed, her eyes tightly shut, tears streaming down.

    She didn''t respond when called.

    Meng Qingshe was also scared.

    Meng Qingshe could only write a letter and send someone to deliver it to Jingzhou overnight.

    He hoped his son and daughter-inw could rush back.

    Old Madam Meng heard the news and came, scolding her son harshly.

    "Your wife is ill and talking nonsense, and you hurriedly send a letter to Jingzhou? What if it frightens Shao Xia and our granddaughter-inw? They were doing well in Jingzhou, about to give birth to the child. By early next year you''d be a grandfather. Now you''ve really sent this letter over, scaring them. If something happens to our granddaughter-inw carrying the child because she can''t handle the shock, or if they rush back in a hurry - a pregnant woman shouldn''t travel long distances, that could easily cause problems too. So-called ''golden wordse true'' is just cursing. You panicked and lost your head, so you''re fulfilling the curse. If something really happens in the end, it will make her seem even more effective."

 Chapter 222

    The autumn air was crisp and refreshing.

    Catching the tail end of autumn, Qin Luoxia took her two daughters out to visit.

    It was mainly because Elder Sister Yu, who was pregnant, had been cooped up at home every day, and Qin Luoxia feared she might develop problems from the confinement.

    When Qin Luoxia herself was pregnant, she didn''t stay at home all day. She would work when work needed to be done,ing and going in wind and rain, sparing herself nothing. At most, she would eat an extra bite when eating.

    Moreover, based on Qin Luoxia''s experience, she worried that if Yu truly acted like a pampered youngdy, never leaving the inner courtyard, she might not even be able to lift her legs when the time came, which wouldn''t be good for childbirth.

    It was still necessary to move about. Elder Sister Yu had an outgoing personality and loved to see lively scenes, so she couldn''t always be confined at home.

    However, given her current heavy body, Qin Luoxia decided to take her to visit the prefect''s wife.

    Among the wives of various officials, Qin Luoxia got along best with the chrysanthemum-loving prefect''s wife.

    They clicked well together.

    The prefect''s wife had a round face, a round head, and was slightly plump and fleshy. She also extremely liked her little sister Luoxia, finding her efficient, straightforward, and easy to get along with.

    Seeing her bring Jiang Yu along, the prefect''s wife was startled at first, but then very pleased.

    Bringing a pregnant woman to visit showed how much they valued and liked her. The initial surprise was out of concern for not being able to take proper care of her.

    She instructed her servants to prepare food carefully and meticulously.

    Jiang Yu was very well-behaved when out, speaking as little as possible and only smiling with pursed lips.

    Pregnancy had made her face rounder and her body fuller.

    She originally had a round face, so it didn''t appear swollen. Instead, her skin seemed even more delicate and radiant.

    It''s said that carrying a girl makes the expectant mother more beautiful.

    Given the situation in the Meng family, they definitely wanted a son, but would surely love a daughter too.

    Either way would be fine.

    The prefect''s wife had made flower cakes today and specially invited them to taste.

    When Jiang Mianmian saw the prefect''s wife, shefortably ran over to call her "Auntie."

    Seeing that Governor Wu''s wife was also present, she politely greeted her as well, then casually took Wu Yi''an, the governor''s daughter, by the hand.

    Wu Yi''an didn''t want to go, her face pained.

    Wu''s wife was a bit angry, thinking her daughter looked low-ss.

    Jiang Mianmian, being right under the adults'' noses, dragged the little girl away, along with Wu Yi''an''s half-brother Wu Yilu.

    Jiang Mianmian knew that thedies needed a ce to gossip, with content not suitable for unmarried children to hear.

    But she knew her elder sister would surely ry it all to herter.

    Elder Sister Yu sat with her mother and the otherdies to chat.

    Being married, she could now listen to the married women''s marital gossip, which quite pleased her.

    Hearing many juicy stories, she wanted to p her hands in delight and ask, "What happened next?"

    Unfortunately, her aunt would always straighten her clothes at such moments, and she knew it was time to be quiet.

    Even if she wanted to listen, she shouldn''t express it outwardly.

    If she wanted tough, she would cover her mouth with a handkerchief.

    Hehe.

    After a few outings, Jiang Yu quite enjoyed thesedies'' gatherings.

    They were quite interesting.

    Getting together to talk about others behind their backs.

    Well, not exactly bad-mouthing, more like gossip. After all, this was a high-ssdies'' gathering. Even when speaking ill of someone, they would preface it with something like, "That person is actually quite good, but..." and then go on and on.

    It felt not too different from the countryside, really.

    This made Jiang Yu feel much more at ease.

    Now when she went out, she no longer looked at people timidly. Her demeanor had changed quite a bit.

    It was also because she had confidence in herself, her natal family had backing, and her marital family had standing.

    Somehow, in her every move, she became graceful and noble.

    "I don''t want anything from you, so why should I fear you?"

    If one had something to ask for, one''s back would unconsciously bend.

    Of course, it was mainly because Commander Jiang had smoothed things over in the Jingzhou officialdom, so everyone was very polite and friendly.

    When everyone is friendly, where are the harsh people?

    Meanwhile, Jiang Mianmian was with Wu Yi''an and a shy little boy. The boy was only five years old, wearing a small red robe, fair-skinned, with long hair, and quite handsome.

    Wu Yi''an was actually a little schr, very good at reciting books and studying, the kind of excellent student who ranked at the top of her ss.

    Jiang Mianmian liked to y with good students, oh no, liked to y with good students.

    The little boy was Wu Yi''an''s half-brother, Wu Yilu.

    As soon as Wu Yi''an sat down, she said to Wu Yilu, "Stay away from me. If you sit too close and bump into me, you''ll me me again."

    Most of the time, there was a clear distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, but there were exceptions. For instance, if there was no legitimate son and only an illegitimate son, the illegitimate son''s status would be much higher.

    Governor Wu had three concubines, neither few nor many.

    The third concubine had given him a son.

    His original wife had only given birth to one daughter.

    The other two concubines had each given birth to a daughter as well.

    The two daughters were older than Wu Yi''an, with Wu Yilu being the youngest.

    Wu Yi''an, as the legitimate daughter, should have been cherished and pampered. Now that there was a brother, even if he was illegitimate, her status had inexplicably diminished.

    So it made her personality a bit awkward.

    Very hardworking, but awkward.

    Away from the adults, she sat in the small courtyard with her cheeks puffed out. The table was set with snacks and fruits, but she still pouted.

    "What''s making you unhappy now?" Jiang Mianmian asked.

    "My elder sisters were talking bad about me. They said I shouldn''t go to school or help distribute porridge to the poor. They said I''m too exposed in public and won''t be able to find a husband in the future. Properdies don''t like girls like me."

    Jiang Mianmian picked at the snacks on the table. Seeing Wu Yilu staring at the small flower cakes, she handed him one and said, "Don''t mind what others say behind your back."

    Wu Yi''an looked at Jiang Mianmian, waiting to hear her sage advice.

    Then she heard Jiang Mianmian say, "What they say might not be as harsh as what I would say."

    Wu Yi''an: ...

    How could such a pretty face say such terrifying things? o(¨i©n¨i)o

    The little boy lowered his head to eat the flower cake, his shoulders shaking.

    "Next time you encounter this situation, you should confront them on the spot. Make a big scene, escte the matter. This isn''t just talking behind your back; they''re trying to ruin your future and the family''s prospects. If the legitimate daughter can''t marry well, what future does your whole family have? Your father certainly can''t bear that."

    "But, but..."

    "But if you bring it up now, if you''re upset now, you''ll just seem petty and narrow-minded. What''s wrong with your half-sisters criticizing you a bit? They''re doing it for your own good. If you didn''t confront them at the time and bring it up now, your father and the concubines will think you''re making trouble on purpose. This is their first time bullying you and talking behind your back; they''re testing your limits. So next time you encounter this, you must confront them on the spot, curse back, and make yourself feel better first."

    Jiang Mianmian spoke while sipping some floral tea, which was a bit sweet and sour, and quite tasty.

    Wu Yi''an hesitated for a few moments, feeling that what Jiang Mianmian said made sense, but something still seemed off. "The teacher says youngdies shouldn''t use foulnguage."

    "What''s wrong with using foulnguage? A certain teacher once said, ''When you speak foul words, your mouth bes clean.'' What teachers teach are society''s requirements for women, all benefiting others. But the most important thing in life is to make yourself happy."

    Wu Yi''an looked at Jiang Mianmian with adoration,pletely convinced.

    Aww, she really liked Jiang Mianmian in her heart.

    "Which teacher said that?"

    "Teacher Spear."

    Wu Yilu, seeing his sister cheered up, began peeling fruits for Sister Mianmian to eat.

    Sister Mianmian happily ate the fruit and shared some with him too.

    While carefully peeling an orange for Jiang Mianmian, meticulously removing the white pith, Wu Yi''an said, "Jiang Mianmian, if you ever bully me again, I''ll curse at you, using really dirty words."

    "Good."

    "You''re so smart. You''ve graduated."

    "Of course, I''m very smart."

    ...

 Chapter 223

    The Beginning of Winter.

    It rained yesterday.

    Suddenly, it turned cool.

    Jiang Manor was a scene of busy yet orderly activity.

    They were packing up.

    During the earthquake earlier, Qin Luoxia had already reorganized and packed away the valuable items in the household.

    Because the earthquake had damaged the house, it had been renovated once again.

    Jiang Mianmian had also acquired a sword forged from meteorite iron - the kind with a beautiful sword tassel, a scabbard, and a de that was very sharp when unsheathed.

    She was absolutely delighted with it.

    For this reason, she even signed up for an extra hobby ss, sword practice taught by her Elder Brother.

    She tried it out and found that wearing the sword at her waist didn''t actually affect her walking.

    It looked very cool.

    Having a sword wasparable to what? Perhaps like carrying an extremely expensive luxury handbag in modern times.

    Then she also had a set of medical instruments made that she needed.

    Her Elder Brother was very good at teaching and very patient.

    Mianmian felt thatpared to memorizing ancient texts over and over, practicing swordsmanship was actually much easier.

    She imagined the sword moves as radio calisthenics, which made them easier to remember.

    Foreigners think radio calisthenics are superplex and mistake them for Chinese kung fu, but really it''s just doing the same thing every day until it''s ingrained in your bones.

    Sword practice was probably simr.

    Every morning she practiced with her Elder Brother, first one move at a time.

    Then they were strung together.

    First slowly connected, then smoothly, and finally quickly.

    Then practicing repeatedly every day, Jiang Mianmian felt very happy. Sword practice indeed gave a sense of physical strengthening, much like radio calisthenics. After practicing swordsmanship daily, her height, which hadn''t increased for a long time, actually loosened up a bit and grew by half an inch.

    Jiang Mianmian was overjoyed. It was an unexpected gain, and she resolved to keep working hard.

    Sword practice had be one of her favorite activities recently.

    Next to that was treating patients, which basically broke even.

    Ever since she reattached the finger of Old Nine, the yamen runner, a few monthster he was actually able to move it freely, which amazed everyone.

    As it happened, the day she reattached Old Nine''s finger was the first day of distributing porridge, and a huge crowd hade, spreading the word far and wide.

    After that, she had many more patients.

    Jiang Mianmian wasn''t an almighty god; she only treated what she could and referred those she couldn''t treat to other doctors in the city.

    Mianmian discovered that sword practice also helped improve her hand speed and surgical skills,plementing each other.

    Now when she went out to practice medicine or to school, she had an extra bodyguard. Originally it was just Fatty Girl, but now Wei Biao had been added.

    Jiang Mianmian had just adapted to life in Jingzhou.

    School, sword practice, medical practice - it was very fulfilling.

    But then an official order came from the capital, and her Father had to go to the capital with the prefect''s family to report for duty.

    None of their family had imagined that one day they would not only leave Kan''er Vige for the Provincial Capital, but now they were even going to the Capital City.

    They were excited and nervous.

    Jiang Yu was very excited, having heard that there were many more delicious foods in the capital. The capital also had the imperial pce, and the pce had imperial chefs. It was said that every imperial chef was the best in the world.

    She was nervous because she would finally meet her parents-inw.

    Although they had been corresponding and things seemed good, they hadn''t met in person. What if the meeting wasn''t pleasant? That would be so awkward.

    And she was setting out while heavily pregnant. What if they were too slow on the road and she gave birth? If it was a girl, she''d name her Meng Lu, if a boy, Meng Lu. Jiang Yu had already thought of names.

    For some reason, when she said she''d name a daughter Meng Lu, Mianmian smiled like a little fool, probably excited about bing an aunt. Every day she woulde to read to the baby in her belly, even more diligently than she read for herself.

    Meng Shaoxia was also very happy. Although he would be in the way of his parents, after being away for so long he missed them too.

    Moreover, bringing little Yu''er back, and soon to have another child, the thought was exciting. He would soon be upgraded too.

    Jiang Feng was very busy, not with packing luggage, but because he had been responsible for leading troops in training. Now that they were going to the capital, the elite forces certainly couldn''t be abandoned and had to be brought along.

    So during this time, apart from teaching his sister sword practice every morning, he was organizing the troops, selecting the elite, and streamlining the force.

    Those left behind weren''t being discarded either.

    Jingzhou was still their stronghold and couldn''t be abandoned. It had to be guarded well.

    Jiang Changtian returned home after spending half a day at the yamen.

    He didn''t have much to hand over. The yamen was now filled with his people, who would act ording to his requirements even after he left.

    Jingzhou had prospered, but power had imperceptibly changed hands.

    Jiang Changtian received a letter.

    It was from his friend, Gong Qichi.

    "Changtian, I hope this letter finds you well.

    Sinceing to the capital, we have been umting strength without sinking into decadence. We believe that as long as we work hard, there will surely be results. However, our Lord has been defeated by fate. The Lord would asionallyin of headaches, which we didn''t pay much attention to, because sometimes when I stay upte, think too much, or sit for too long, I also get headaches. But suddenly the Lord''s head burst, and he died. He died in front of the Young Lord, who witnessed it with his own eyes.

    The Young Lord, in recent years, had be less taciturn, more like us. However, after the Lord''s death, perhaps due to shock or other reasons, he has fallen silent again, no longer speaking. I could only step up in this crisis to take care of the Young Lord. But the Lord had many adopted sons, and their rtionships were not solidly united. While the Lord was alive, everyone could work together, but with the Lord gone, the adopted sons have differing opinions. Now the situation in the capital isplex, and it seems we are falling apart. Years of effort may be wasted in an instant. If it must be destroyed, I would rather it be destroyed in your hands.

    The situation is urgent. Pleasee quickly.

    Your friend, Night Sailor."

    Jiang Mianmian also received a letter.

    It was from Zi Xiaochong, the little brother from that year.

    They exchanged letters asionally, but very infrequently, about once a year. Usually, it was when Zi Xiaochong''s family sent New Year''s gifts, with a letter tucked in, just to say hello.

    Jiang Mianmian would politely reply with her own greetings.

    However, this letter was different.

    "I attended the first funeral of my life. It was my Father''s.

    He died in front of me, very suddenly, without shock or sorrow. Perhaps it''s a good thing.

    The thing I feared most was Father leaving me.

    It finally happened.

    From now on, in this world, I have no family left.

    I am like a wandering soul.

    Drifting, floating.

    The funeral was simple. Father''s grave is not far, at the foot of Yanshan Mountain.

    If youe to the capital for spring outings, you might even pass by.

    Father liked lively ces when he was alive, he probably fears loneliness after death too. That''s good.

    My little turtle is still alive, and so am I.

    Strange.

    I once had a dream where I died, and Father attended my funeral. Father was very sad.

    Now I''m very sad, and for a moment I can''t tell which is better.

    It turns out dreams are the opposite.

    I''m very afraid of dreaming.

    Things in dreams are always a bit scary.

    The only time I had a dream that felt reassuring was when I dreamed of you.

    I heard you''reing to the capital. This is probably the only reason for me to stay alive now.

    I want to see you one more time.

    Then I''ll go to apany Father.

    I want to ask you to take care of my little turtle, because you look like you''ll live a long life. You can take care of the little turtle for longer."

    Jiang Mianmian read the letter, read it three times over.

    Only then did she realize tears had fallen onto the paper.

    She looked up.

    Outside the window, there were two trees.

    She remembered when she was very young, she told him, if you want to give a gift to your father, to express your like, your love, you have to say it out loud.

    She picked up a tree branch and gave it to him.

    He gave it.

    She taught him to try hard to love people, he did, and then the person he loved died.

    A gust of wind blew, and leaves fell from the trees, floating and drifting, empty and falling.

 Chapter 224

    On the second day after the beginning of winter, it began to rain.

    It was the first big rain since autumn, falling into winter.

    The mountains were shrouded in curtains of rain.

    Yet Jiang Changtian still went out.

    He brought a little bottle with him¡ªhis little girl wearing a ck cloak and carrying a sword.

    The little girl always said she wanted to roam the jianghu and right wrongs.

    She had probably read too many storybooks.

    Where does a woman relieve herself when wandering the jianghu?

    Living on the road would ruin her skin, making it dark and weathered.

    Walking so much would make her feetrge and legs thick.

    And with no fixed abode, she''d have to carry her own bags. Carrying luggage for a long time would broaden her shoulders and roughen her hands.

    Female warriors often end up looking strong, dark, and coarse¡ªmore muscr than men, with an androgynous appearance.

    They don''t look very feminine at all.

    But Jiang Changtian didn''t say this to his daughter. People need to have dreams.

    Let her enjoy her fantasy.

    If she really wanted a jianghu, he could create one for her.

    The rain stopped around noon.

    But the roads were still very slippery.

    Jiang Mianmian walked very carefully.

    The soles of her shoes were too slippery at this time.

    Jiang Mianmian was a bit worried about her father. Although sometimes her father looked so handsome that she forgot his age.

    But considering ancient times, her father was solidly middle-aged to elderly.

    Jiang Mianmian took a few steps and looked back, calling out: "Father, slow down."

    "I''m fine, watch yourself."

    Then Jiang Mianmian slipped with a whoosh and fell down.

    Shended on her bottom in the mud.

    The ck mud was especially noticeable, but it didn''t hurt.

    Jiang Changtian picked up his daughter and said: "Watch where you''re going, not your father."

    "It doesn''t hurt at all," Jiang Mianmian said with augh.

    But it gave Pangya quite a scare.

    Pangya wanted to carry her mistress, but Jiang Mianmian didn''t let her.

    Zhang Kuibiao wanted to carry the old master, but Jiang Changtian refused as well, saying thanks, but he wasn''t old.

    Usually, if Mianmian didn''t go out, Zhang Kuibiao would apany Jiang Changtian. He looked strong and fierce¡ªif he belonged to someone else''s household it would be scary, but since he was their own, it gave a sense of security.

    Mianmian got up and held her father''s hand as they continued on.

    Fortunately, there was only a short stretch of muddy road, probably due to a recentndslide leaving a lot of loose soil.

    The path ahead was grassy. Stepping on the grass wasn''t as slippery.

    Though after walking for a while, their hems and shoes would get wet.

    The grass that was stepped down would slowly stand back up after people passed. Time would repair it, and soon there would be no trace of travelers.

    When they were past the muddy section, Jiang Mianmian took out her sword¡ªor rather, unsheathed it. The posture was quite important too. It had to look cool, and she had to be careful not to cut anyone nearby.

    There was a certain angle to it. If you didn''t get the angle right, you might not be able to pull it out smoothly, which would ruin the cool effect.

    If the motion was too big, you could easily hurt your allies. Before even facing the enemy, you''d be at -1 ally.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t know if her swordsmanship was any good, but she had already mastered the basics of looking impressive: unsheathing the sword.

    Jiang Mianmian drew her sword and began striking at the flowers and grass along the path.

    Though it was winter already, so there were fewer flowers and more grass.

    The sword made a swishing sound as it cut through the grass tops. It sounded nice.

    She was like an industrious pathfinder, swinging her sword nonstop.

    Originally Jiang Changtian had been in a bad mood about going to the temple, because he was going to see his elder brother.

    But watching little Mianmian in front of him, mud-stained but happily swinging her sword with a big smile, Jiang Changtian''s hard, dark heart unconsciously softened and became cheerful.

    He listened to her unconsciously making sound effects for her sword.

    "Hya! Ha!"

    The corners of Jiang Changtian''s mouth had already turned upwards.

    Jingzhou originally had many temples.

    There were two extremelyrge temples, Shangqiu Convent and True Return Temple.

    After Shangqiu Convent was gone, True Return Temple became the biggest taxpayer in Jingzhou overnight. The taxes from True Return Temple alone were enough to support the urban development of an entire prefecture.

    True Return Temple not only paid taxes enthusiastically, but many people, envious of the strong men always exercising at the temple gates, also left the secr world to join in working out and getting pumped up.

    True Return Temple not only paid taxes enthusiastically and actively supplied society with literate, strong talents, but also actively returned excessnd. After all, with fewer people, they certainly didn''t need so muchnd. Whates from the people should be returned to the people.

    The taxes from True Return Temple supported the urban construction of an entire city.

    Thend returned by True Return Temple supported half the poption of a city.

    As thergest temple setting an example, how could the other hundred-oddrge and small temples not follow suit?

    The Buddha is merciful, excellent, excellent!

    Because of this, Commander Jiang was affectionately called "Old Demon Jiang" by the Buddhistmunity in Jingzhou.

    The affectionate Commander Jiang brought his little daughter to a small temple in the mountains.

    At the temple gate, they saw a tall man with long hair sweeping with a broom.

    The area in front of the temple wasn''t particrlyrge or small.

    But after the start of winter, there were many fallen leaves.

    After the rain, the ground was wet and the leaves stuck to the surface, making them very difficult to sweep away. The more you swept, the more they seemed to stick.

    He kept sweeping one stroke at a time.

    It seemed the goal wasn''t important; the process was what mattered.

    The sweeping monk''s main focus was on sweeping beautifully, not necessarily on getting things clean.

    The young monks at the temple heard someone hade and were about to go out to look, but when they saw Old Old Old Demon Jiang, they wished they could immediately close the temple gates and turn tail to run.

    They went to report to the abbot.

    But the abbot scolded them: "Others call him Old Demon Jiang, but since he came to Jingzhou, apart from Shangqiu Convent disappearing and the big monks at True Return Temple getting thinner, themon people have all gotten fatter. What does that have to do with small temples like us? We used to be oppressed by True Return Temple and Shangqiu Convent, barely seeming like proper temples. Now things are a bit better, we asionally even get worshippers. It''s much better than before. Would you rather eat greasy leftovers or clean food you made yourself?"

    The abbot tidied his kasaya robe and went out to greet the visitors.

    Jiang Changtian watched his elder brother in his faded old monk''s robe, earnestly sweeping. He said, "Brother, I''m going to the capital. I came specially to say goodbye."

    Jiang Huaisheng continued sweeping.

    "Mother and Wan''er have already arrived. I heard Wan''er is even ying tricks, pretending to be a female immortal who can divine the future. Brother, you know how I despise supernatural nonsense. Don''t worry, when I get to the capital, I''ll teach her a good lesson for you."

    Jiang Huaisheng kept on sweeping.

    "I hear your wife has be Heir Apparent Han''s concubine. Speaking of which, brother, you still owe your wife a divorce certificate. She needs to divorce you first before she can marry someone else. Marrying directly is certainly not right, even if he is the emperor''s nephew. The emperor was wrong in this matter. When I get to the capital, if I have the chance, I''ll definitely seek justice for you. But brother, you''ve be a monk now. Monks renounce all worldly ties. Have you written the divorce certificate? I can deliver it for you."

    Jiang Huaisheng continued sweeping, vigorously sweeping at a leaf on the ground in front of him. He had swept so hard that the leaf was shredded by the bamboo broom bristles.

    The abbot came out.

    He was a thin old man.

    "Evil entrust¡ª"

    Oh no, slip of the tongue.

    "Amitabha Buddha."

    "What brings Commander Jiang here?" the abbot asked respectfully.

    "I came to visit my elder brother. He''s be a monk at your temple, but there''s one thing you''ve done poorly. Even if he''s my elder brother, since he''s be a monk he should look the part. Keeping his hair and beard is unseemly. The government has issued regtions forbidding temples from taking ony disciples as affiliates to evade taxes."

    "Yes, yes, yes. Layman Huaisheng has great potential for enlightenment. We''ve already chosen an auspicious date to give him the tonsure. We never affiliatey disciples here. We pay taxes based on headcount and absolutely do not evade taxes."

    Commander Jiang asked: "Which auspicious date?"

    The abbot counted on his fingers and said: "Today."

 Chapter 225

    ......

    After apanying Elder Brother toplete an important life event, a ritual.

    Received the divorce letter written by Elder Brother.

    Left Aoru Temple.

    Elder Brother, with his shaved head, stood at the temple gate to see him off.

    Elder Brother''s eyes were red, seemingly reluctant to part.

    Jiang Changtian turned back and waved goodbye.

    Hepleted his farewell.

    Goodbye to Jiang Huaisheng.

    Goodbye to Elder Brother.

    Goodbye to Monk Huaisheng.

    While going down the mountain, Jiang Changtian tapped the grass with his sword, without unsheathing it, striking with the scabbard on.

    The father and daughter, without agreement, tacitly struck the grass on either side.

    Very in sync, very chuunibyou.

    But Jiang Changtian was happy.

    For some reason, seeing Elder Brother''s serious, stern expression that seemed to be holding back swear words made him happy and content.

    The words of concern that hadn''t been said for so many years, now need not be said, nor in the future.

    This is where it ends.

    The grass Jiang Changtian hit flew high, then fell back down.

    Messy, but very joyful.

    The path down the mountain was even more slippery because it was downhill.

    However, when Jiang Changtian came down, that section of the path had been paved with stones, one by one, so you wouldn''t slip when stepping on them.

    The abbot had seen little Mianmian''s dirty clothes and had the monkse down to pave it.

    This was a clever abbot.

    Aftering down the mountain and entering the city, it became bustling.

    Even in the rain, the stone-paved streets weren''t dirty, but cleaner.

    The historic stone bs, washed by rainwater, were shining.

    The weather had turned a bit chilly. A few days ago, people were still wearing thin robes, with schrs fanning themselves and maidens holding round fans. Today, they had changed into thick robes, put on hats, and their gait was no longer as graceful, having to lift their skirts slightly.

    Because of the rainy streets, stepping on them could easily result in a ssh, water getting on the hem of the skirt.

    After apanying Father to Aoru Temple, Father then apanied her to Shangqiu Academy to handle the transfer, which would likely require a temporary leave of absence.

    There were no such ces specifically for girls to study in the Capital City.

    Jiang Mianmian said goodbye to her ssmates.

    As it turned out, it was fortunate that her rtionship with her ssmates was rather ordinary, so there wasn''t much sadness when saying goodbye.

    Having average poprity has its advantages.

    She couldn''t bear the red-eyed, sad feeling of parting.

    It was just that when Wu Yi''an learned Jiang Mianmian was leaving, she burst into loud tears.

    Jiang Mianmian interpreted it as tears of joy, after all, the person who had been bullying her was leaving.

    What she didn''t understand was Wu Yi''an hugging her tightly.

    Jiang Mianmian''s body stiffened.

    Little Miss Wu Yi''an had actually developed, with small mounds appearing. Isn''t that a bit precocious?

    She seemed to be two years older than herself, so maybe it wasn''t that precocious after all.

    She apparently still didn''t have... never mind, a female warrior doesn''t need these.

    "Jiang Mianmian, will you miss me when you''re gone?"

    "No."

    Wu Yi''an angrily punched her lightly, and her small chest bumped against her again.

    Jiang Mianmian: ......

    Sister, you''re breaking the rules.

    "I heard your father got promoted too, and you''re also going to the Capital City. What are you thinking about? We''ll see each other again soon."

    Wu Yi''an suddenly smiled in surprise.

    Tears still glistened in her eyes.

    Jiang Mianmian coldly said, "It''s a government secret, don''t spread it around. Don''t tell your father either, let him worry and pace around at home."

    Wu Yi''an reallyughed this time.

    Her father was a man who treated everyone at home equally. She thought all fathers were like that, though some were much worse, favoring concubines over wives and such. Her father was already considered good, her mother always said so.

    But it wasn''t until she saw Jiang Mianmian''s parents that she realized it wasn''t always like that.

    It turns out some fathers don''t take concubines, and some fathers treat their daughters like they can pluck stars and moons for them.

    Wu Yi''an was very envious of Jiang Mianmian, not for her looks, but because her father, mother, elder brother, and elder sister all treated her so well.

    "Then when I go to the Capital City, I''lle find you. Don''t lie to me."

    "Mm."

    There was a tearing sound.

    Wu Yi''an took out a book, tore it in half, and handed thetter half to Jiang Mianmian.

    "You haven''t learned the back part yet, so I''ll give you the second half. You can recite it when you go to the Capital City. This will be our token from now on. I''ll bring the first half of the book to find you."

    Jiang Mianmian: ...... Let me say thank you.

    "Goodbye."

    "Goodbye."

    She waved goodbye to Wu Yi''an in her red dress.

    Jiang Mianmian breathed a sigh of relief.

    Goodbye means hoping to really see each other again, but travel is so inconvenient now.

    But please don''t test me on recitation.

    Many people never leave their ce of residence within a hundred li in their lifetime, let alone go to another city. In this era, parting usually meant parting for life and death.

    Like Uncle Zi Lu, Zi Xiaochong''s father.

    She remembered their previous meeting, he was such a handsome man with a beautiful beard,ughing heartily and boldly. Anyone who first met him would feel he was an extremely charismatic person.

    Goodbye, there would be no more goodbyes.

    This person no longer exists in the world.

    It seems that if you don''t attend a person''s funeral, they won''t die. If you don''t say goodbye, there''s no parting.

    In the morning, they went to Aoru Temple to get a divorce letter.

    In the afternoon, they went to Shangqiu Academy to get half a book of ancient prose.

    In the evening, they went to the observatory.

    Evening is when stargazers wake up.

    Mianmian had previously suggested he nt two vegetable patches and water them daily. Actually, doing more work with his head down could effectively treat cervical spondylosis from looking up too much.

    When they arrived, he was meticulously watering the vegetables.

    "Sir, it rained today, the ground is very wet."

    The stargazer touched his neck.

    "I forgot. I do it every day, so I forgot it had rained today."

    "Sir, we''re setting off for the Capital City tomorrow. We came especially to say goodbye."

    Hearing this, the stargazer put down the watering bucket and said, "Wait a moment."

    He found a very thick letter and handed it to Mianmian, saying, "The person at the Capital City''s observatory is my senior disciple brother. We''re as close as real brothers but haven''t seen each other for over ten years. If you go to the Capital City, please help me deliver this letter to him."

    Jiang Mianmian epted the letter.

    It was quite thick, presumably containing a lot of content.

    She solemnly said, "As long as I can make it to the Capital City alive, I will definitely help you deliver this letter. However, I don''t know how long it will take, after all, my whole family is traveling, so we might not be quick."

    "It doesn''t matter. It''s been dyed for over ten years, another year won''t make a difference."

    Leaving the observatory, she got an old, bted letter.

    Returning home.

    It was already dark.

    Because they were leaving tomorrow, dinner was kept simple.

    Thinking about travelingfortably, they wanted to take the whole house with them.

    Moving house included too many odds and ends like bowls, chopsticks, bedding, towels, and so on.

    Fortunately, Aunt Yin directed everything steadily.

    Mom had also graduated and didn''t make any mistakes.

    Elder Sister just needed to take care of herself.

    Night, darkness fell.

    Aunt Yiny in bed, the bones in her waist making a few popping sounds, feelingfortable.

    Sitting all day had tired her waist.

    She never thought that in her lifetime, she would return to the Capital City.

    Fate goes round and round, like a circle.

    Jiang Mianmiany down and chatted with Jiang Xiaoshu.

    "We''re going to the Capital City, I don''t know if you''ll have trouble adapting."

    Crawled two steps. (Won''t)

    "Have you settled your little brothers here well?"

    Crawled one step. (OK)

    "Do you have a partner?"

    Crawled one step. (Yes)

    "Are you bringing your partner to the Capital City?"

    Crawled two steps (No need)

    "We''re leaving early tomorrow, are you sure you don''t need to?"

    Crawled one step (Mm)

    "It''ste, time to sleep."

    Crawled one step (Sleep)

    "Can''t sleep, what should I do, Xiaoshu, Xiaoshu?"

    Crawled onto her finger, pressing on her tiger''s mouth... amp!@#@#£¤%...

    ......

    The next day.

    The rain stopped.

    There was fog.

    They had to leave early, nning to reach the next resting point, so they had to get up early.

    The whole family started moving in the middle of the night.

    When Mianmian opened her eyes, it was still dark.

    She was helped to wash up by Pangya, still feeling a bit dazed.

    She was still dozing off when she got into the carriage.

    She had been a bit excitedst night, like a child about to go on an autumn outing, and hadn''t slept very soundly. Now she was dead tired.

    The carriage started moving, then suddenly stopped.

    Jiang Mianmian was jolted awake by the sudden stop.

    She opened her eyes and asked what happened.

    Pangya said, "It seems like some civilians are blocking the road."

    Jiang Mianmian was startled, wondering if Father had been too greedy in collecting taxes these past few years and was resented by people.

    She lifted the curtain and saw outside a dense crowd of civilians. Some were carrying vegetables, some firewood, some a wild rabbit, some a fish, some a piece of felt, some a handful of feathers.

    No one was empty-handed. Everyone was holding something, whether valuable or cheap, everyone had brought something.

    "Magistrate, take these for the road."

    "Lord Sima, this is our heartfelt gift. You must ept it."

    "Lord Sima, if you can''t stay in the Capital City, pleasee back. Jingzhou Prefecture City will always wee you."

    "Lord Sima..."

    Jiang Changtian, who was usually adept at putting on a show, found himself speechless in the face of this scene and the dense crowds lining both sides of the road. His Adam''s apple bobbed up and down as he struggled to find words, despite his usual eloquence.

    Unconsciously, he activated his most excellent acting skills.

    His eyes reddened, his hands and feet trembled, conveying deep emotion yet restraint.

    In truth, he had done very little for themon people. He only wanted to consolidate his power, incidentally taking care of the people in the process.

    Because he had suffered, he knew the people''s hardships and simply tried to prevent those things from happening.

    He didn''t love these people; their lives and deaths were of no concern to him.

    He only wanted to live well for himself.

    They were just ignorant masses.

    Yet when countless ignorant people gather together, they be a surging tide, with turbulent waves that seem capable of engulfing a person.

    On this day, when Jiang Mianmian went out, she again received several carts full of gifts.

    There were vegetables and grains, chicken feathers and chickens, firewood and mushrooms, grass and medicine, shoes and cloth...

    Among them were also gifts specifically to thank Mianmian.

    Though few, they were present.

    This is perhaps also the charm of this era.

    Fearing separation, so before parting, they want to say all the words they wish to say and give all the gifts they wish to give.

    Hoping your journey ahead is smooth as silk.

    Hoping you return safely in the future.

    Cherishing this brief encounter between us.

    ...

 Chapter 226

    ... in the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The cold came earlier.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Madam Meng had put on her full makeup early in the morning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was a First-rank Imperially-Conferred Lady.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her ceremonial robe wasrge and thick.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The golden jewelry on her hat was piled high, heavy enough to make her neck problems worse than others''.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking at his well-dressed mother, Meng Qingshe was startled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Mother, are you going to the pce for an audience with the Emperor? His Majesty hasn''t been seeing peopletely, I haven''t seen him in a long time. I hear he''s only meeting with all sorts of strange and mystical people."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Madam Meng tossed back the pearl curtain on her hat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "What audience? All that kneeling and bowing is exhausting. I''m going to avenge my daughter-inw and granddaughter-inw."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    My old man is still suffering in the frontier, braving the northwest wind so you can all live good lives, fighting life and death battles, baybat, bloody knife fights.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How can we let our family be bullied by some nobody female mystic?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What Liu family adopted daughter? The Liu family is nothing, they have to kowtow before me.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What princess''s good friend? Princesses have to be polite when they see me.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    I don''t care if you''re some immortal or goddess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    You dare speak ill of me?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Anyway, my reputation in the capital is already bad. This olddy hasn''t made a move in many years, those people may have forgotten why my reputation is bad. Is it because my temper is too good?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Early in the morning, the First-rank Imperially-Conferred Lady set out grandly in her carriage, leading a troop of people escorting a huge object covered in red cloth, heading majestically towards the residence of the Liu family''s divine woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The people of the capital love a spectacle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The shocking news that the divine woman said the Meng family would end without heirs had already spread everywhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some people with too much time on their hands and nothing better to do delighted in hearing such bad news about the nobility.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In truth, they had no grudge or enmity, and weren''t even clear on what the Meng family had done for the country and people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They just blindly followed what others said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How many good people could there be among the powerful and wealthy?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No heirs?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That must mean they''ve done too many evil deeds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Heavy with murderous energy, they deserve it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He must be a bad person, otherwise how could he have no heirs?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then they started talking about the divine woman''s feats again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The divine woman looked at a man and said there was an official aura above his head, crimson in color. Sure enough, not long after, that man was promoted, even jumping up two ranks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were also cases of her seeing women''s marriage fortunes and such.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    All extremely urate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The divine woman certainly wouldn''t lie.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When people saw Old Madam Meng wearing her official robes and sending a cart of gifts, reportedly to see the divine woman, they wondered if she was offering heavy tribute to ask for her fate to be changed?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It can''t be changed, didn''t the divine woman say their murderous energy was too heavy?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    People followed along to watch the excitement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A grand procession.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At a residence on the west side of the city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The exterior was unremarkable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the interior was very luxurious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With pavilions, towers and halls.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Land in the capital was extremely valuable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But this residence Chu Xi had acquired for her, though not in the best eastern part of the city, was impable in every other way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The east was for nobility, the west for the wealthy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Since arriving in the capital, Jiang Wan''s life had be spectacr.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She took to it like a fish to water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As if all her previous suffering had been preparation for this moment of blossoming.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "When Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on any man, it will exercise his mind with suffering, subject his sinews and bones to hard work, expose his body to hunger, put him to poverty, ce obstacles in the paths of his deeds, so as to stimte his mind, harden his nature, and improve his ability."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This saying resonated deeply with Jiang Wan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had lived it step by step.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The days and nights of despair, confusion and fear she once experienced in Ming County were exchanged for her brilliant sess in the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even the matter with Young Master Liu was easily resolved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Except that Young Master Liu was still infatuated with her, privately insisting he would marry no one else, the Liu parents very shamefacedly adopted her as their daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Open and proper, with full dignity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As expected, Chu Xi was still attracted to her, though he tried hard to restrain himself and never said it out loud. But the conditions in this residence kept improving, the gifts she received kept increasing, even more attentive than she had seen in her dreams.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everything was developing well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And ording to what Princess He''an revealed, her father the Emperor also wanted to meet her, and would likely summon her for an audience. She should prepare herself to respond well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    These past few days she hadn''t attended any banquets, quietly waiting at home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had resumed her daily routine of copying Buddhist sutras, reading books, burning incense, and ying the zither.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With her grandmother by her side, well cared for, she had also recovered a lot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Having abandoned her grandmother once, then twice, Jiang Wan would never do such a thing again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because she discovered that having an elder by her side made everyone praise her for being filial, giving her a natural advantage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If she were truly alone, it wouldn''t look right.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sometimes bad things aren''t necessarily bad.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was just that with wintering, grandmother''s chest pains red up daily. When in pain, her temper worsened, erupting every day, which was quite vexing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan got some expensive pain-relieving powder for grandmother to inhale.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Grandmother had been quieter these past two days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Otherwise she would curse Jiang Changtian non-stop, sometimes cursing her eldest son too, and cursing the fickle Wu. If not for her, how could her oldest son have be a monk? How could Rong''er have drowned? How could that bitch Wu still have the face to live, she should die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As for the daughter Wu took away, Old Lady Jiang never mentioned her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was said she had changed her name to Han Shu, and Heir Apparent Han doted on this daughter his concubine brought excessively, treating her like a true princess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had taken her to wander the imperial pce since she was small.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had even ridden on the back of the head eunuch who served the Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mischievous and causing trouble without restraint, the current Emperor must be going senile, he didn''t favor his real princesses much, but not only doted on Heir Apparent Han, he was also extremely fond of this daughter who suddenly appeared, reportedly Han Shu had even climbed onto the dragon throne and tugged the Emperor''s beard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    This was all witnessed by court officials.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang cursed Wu, but was very clear-headed, never once mentioning bringing Shu''er back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today was bitterly cold.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan paid her respects to grandmother and lit some pain-relieving powder for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Grandmother, it''s cold and you''re coughing again. I got some good pears yesterday, I''ll stew them myself for you to eat, it can help stop the cough."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang closed her eyes and nodded slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang had an extremely strong desire for control all her life. She never imagined Wan''er would abandon her and run away. She said there was an ident or something, but Wan''er had been clever since childhood, if she didn''t want to, how could such an ident happen?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Lady Jiang still felt estranged in her heart, but at this point, as an old woman with no new support, she could only pretend to be muddled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The finest snow pears, veryrge. Delicate white fingers holding a small silver spoon to scoop out the pear cores, removing them and adding in fritiry bulbs and rock sugar, to be stewed as a cough remedy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was actually making it specially for Cousin Chu Xi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was said that Chu Xi was mischievous as a child, and was once punished to kneel by his stepmother. In the cold of winter, he caught a chill and developed a chronic condition, so he was prone to coughing when the weather turned cold in winter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In her dreams, she had searched everywhere for prescriptions to stop Chu Xi''s cough, finally discovering that stewed pears worked best. It wasn''t that the medicinal effect was strongest, but that cousin was willing to eat this - he was reluctant to take medicine, probably having some aversion to it deep down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In any case, this was how Jiang Wan was - when she wanted to be good to someone, she would take care of them meticulously in every way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It wasn''t without reason that she was able to be Empress in her past life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This time, although things had deviated a bit at the start, everything was back on track now, even better than before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As she finished preparing the third pear, a servant came to report.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Madam Meng, the First-rank Imperially-Conferred Lady, hade to deliver gifts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan unhurriedly prepared the fourth pear. In her past life, although she was also a nobledy, she was inferior to others in every way in the capital. Everyone there was a nobledy, all with better family backgrounds than hers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had to be cautious, afraid of making any misstep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This time, everyone was cautious around her, afraid of saying the wrong thing in front of her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan spoke of the Meng family with righteous confidence, because that was how things should have ended up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When she was imprisoned and tortured at the Jiang residence, she had told them everything, but in the end Jiang Changtian still wanted to kill her. Even though she had already seen Chu Xi, with hope right before her eyes, he still wouldn''t let her go.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unexpectedly, even Heaven helped her in the end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was actually an earthquake.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even more miraculously, the earthquake happened right in front of her, but didn''t harm her in the slightest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    From that moment on, Jiang Wan felt that she was someone protected by Heaven.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She would set things right and be the ultimate winner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As for Jiang Changtian saying he had given her a secret drug from Shangqiu Convent, it was indeed a thorn in Jiang Wan''s heart, because she found that she was indeed much more beautiful now than at this time in her previous life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everyone who saw her was amazed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But as long as she could enter the imperial pce and be the final victor, the imperial family also had some secret medicines.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wasn''t that why Zi Lu rebelled, to get secret medicine to cure his son?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In this life, his son hadn''t even died yet, but he himself was dead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A youth who couldn''t speak wouldn''t cause any big waves, so it didn''t matter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As for Old Madam Meng, Jiang Wan felt some disgust towards her. In her previous life, when discussing marriage, she was technically the unmarried granddaughter-inw. Later, after Meng Shaoxia died in battle and she became the crown prince''s concubine, Old Madam Meng actually pped her in front of everyone when she went out to attend an event.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This also made her the subject of mockery for a long time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In this life, she would have her revenge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After slowly carving all six pears, she instructed the servants to steam them before changing her clothes to greet the guests.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, she was a First-rank Imperially-Conferred Lady, and she had to show some respect.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As for saying unpleasant things, they shouldn''t me her. After all, fate was predetermined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Jiang Wan finished dressing up and went out to greet the guests, the entrance was already crowded withmoners watching the spectacle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "The goddess''s memorial tablet is so grand!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Even a First-rank Imperially-Conferred Lady has to wait this long."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "That tall cart of gifts covered with red cloth, what could it be? Could it be coral? I heard coral is more expensive than gold. Being so tall, it must be worth a fortune."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Those rich people just earn their money through sinful means."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "It might be a jade tree. My second aunt''s cousin works as a servant in a prince''s household and said she''s seen one. A tree made of jade, with leaves so green they look real, fruits made of gemstones, and a trunk of gold... tsk tsk."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    The cold wind blew, but it couldn''t dampen the enthusiasm of the onlookers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The First-rank Imperially-Conferred Lady, Old Madam Meng, sat in her carriage at the entrance, allowing others to point andment, her dark old face showing no concern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This only served to highlight the goddess''s high status.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Themoners chatted excitedly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Even a First-rank Imperially-Conferred Lady has to wait obediently."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Finally, as all eyes were fixed and the spectators'' noses began to run from the cold wind, the door opened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The crowd saw the legendary goddess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Wow!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Ah!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Exmations rang out as everyone felt the wait was worth it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The goddess was indeed divine, exuding an otherworldly aura even from afar. She was breathtakingly beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It wasn''t an ordinary kind of beauty, but something indescribable and mystical. Everyone''s gaze was irresistibly drawn to her, as if she were the only person in sight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan politely greeted Old Madam Meng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, Old Madam Meng didn''t get out of her carriage. She simply said, "I heard you said my Meng family would have no descendants. I think you''re young and spoke carelessly to attract attention, without thinking it through. Now that I''m here in person, are you willing to take back your words and exin properly? I''ve prepared a generous gift for you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan smiled, "I''m sorry, Old Madam Meng, but fate cannot be changed. One can ept fate, but not alter it. It''s better to do more good deeds and umte virtues."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The crowdughed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This goddess telling the olddy to do more good deeds and umte virtues implied that she had done many unscrupulous things in the past.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Madam Meng wasn''t angered. She said, "If that''s the case, then I''ll take my leave. However, since the gift has been brought here, there''s no reason to take it back. You can predict marriage fortunes for youngdies and future prospects for young men, but you shouldn''t joke recklessly about the fate of the nation. My Meng family has guarded the borders for generations. If we were to have no descendants, there''s only one possibility ¨C dying in battle for the country. If all the men in my Meng family were to die, would you all still have the chance to stand here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Madam Meng''s carriage turned and left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her words shocked the crowd, leaving their faces pale and ufortable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Wan also felt a bit embarrassed. This old woman had blown things out of proportion. She had spoken about the Meng family, but the olddy had elevated her family to such heights, seemingly unafraid of a great fall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The soldiers bringing the gift lifted the red cloth and removed the lid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The curious crowd craned their necks to look, only to smell an unbearably foul odor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This tall,rge barrel was actually filled with nightsoil.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    The soldiers forcefully tipped the barrel over in front of Jiang Wan. She dodged quickly, but her shoes were still sttered with yellowish-brown stains.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The man-high barrel of nightsoil spilled more than half its contents into the courtyard, flooding the path and covering the flowers and grass.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The soldiers then tookrgedles and evenly spread the remaining contents on the main gate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Madam Meng had said it was to ward off bad luck, fighting poison with poison. If someone couldn''t speak kind words, they could only be smeared with excrement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As the carriage rolled away, the fully made-up Old Madam Meng sat with a straight back, moving forward without hesitation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 227

    As they left Jingzhou, thendscape gradually became deste. The once lush grasnds had transformed into a sea of golden hues.

    The prairie''s changing seasons painted thendscape like an artist''s palette, each hue more beautiful than thest.

    Early winter draped thend in yellow.

    The grassy t, as if the entire prairie had decided to take a nap.

    Parting the withered yellow surface asionally revealed a hint of green hidden beneath.

    But mostly, it was a world of gold.

    They set up camp on the grasnd for the night.

    Jiang Mianmian slept in the horse-drawn carriage.

    The carriage had been made asfortable as possible. Inside, cushions wereyered ording to her specifications, even providing some shock absorption. However, it couldn''t be toorge, as the road conditions along their journey weren''t always favorable.

    The carriage itself was quite wind-resistant. In fact, many everyday items from ancient times were already quite practical and well-made.

    Moreover, they were all handcrafted ¨C items that would likely fetch a high price in modern times.

    It''s said that Rolls-Royce cars are handmade.

    The carriage Mianmian now rode in was also handcrafted.

    Part of the journey to the Capital City was along official roads, which were rtively easy to traverse, but many sections were quite rugged.

    The winter season meant fewer mosquitoes and insects.

    But it also made travel more challenging.

    Any further dy, and they might encounter ice and snow, significantly shortening the distance they could cover in a day.

    The journey wasn''t entirely peaceful, with the threat of mountain bandits, highway robbers, and wild beasts.

    For Mianmian, it felt like a long-distance journey, albeit one with a sense of security. They traveled in a caravan with many people.

    They could be considered a strong, well-equipped group.

    Pangya and Wei Biao were specifically assigned to take care of her. She could call on them for anything she needed along the way.

    Despite the basic conditions being less than ideal, she was living quitefortably, with people attending to her every need.

    Mianmian sometimes worried she might be overweight.

    Because, essentially, apart from using the toilet, she could have someone assist her with everything else.

    She could have people feed her, dress her, and even bathe her.

    As she had grown a bit, she now bathed herself, asionally allowing Pangya to help wash her back.

    On the road, bathing was quite inconvenient.

    They needed to reach a county town at least.

    Staying at small viges they encountered along the way might not even be asfortable or clean as the carriage.

    It was more like a hiking trip, with its share of hardships.

    Early one morning, Mianmian felt cold and was awakened by the chill.

    She rolled over and felt around, realizing her heat source, Pangya, wasn''t there. No wonder she felt increasingly cold, to the point of shivering.

    Little Tree (her pet) was good in many ways, but its body temperature was too constant to provide warmth in winter or coolness in summer.

    In winter, it was like a cold-blooded ant.

    However, its back was sleek and shiny, probably from Mianmian''s constant handling.

    Outside, day had broken, and light filtered into the carriage.

    Wearing her nightclothes and wrapped in a thick nket, she lifted the carriage curtain and peered out the window.

    It was bright, extraordinarily so.

    For a moment, it was as if she saw the entire grasnd covered in jewels.

    Jiang Mianmian closed her eyes and opened them again, realizing they weren''t jewels, but icicles.

    Across the prairie, countless icicles glittered in the morning sunlight.

    If there had been just one or two, or even ten, the effect wouldn''t have been the same.

    This was a vast, endless prairie, transformed into a world of icicles, shimmering and sparkling, possessing a unique beauty.

    It resembled a frozen fairnd, both deste and dazzling.

    Seeing that Mianmian was awake, Pangya climbed into the carriage to help her dress.

    Mianmian put on her baseyers ¨C undergarments and long johns. She had insisted on having these made. Since she wore long robes on the outside, the pants weren''t visible. Being away from home, she felt odd with her legs exposed, so long johns were a must.

    After dressing, she wrapped herself in a thick robe, donned a rabbit-ear hat, and threw on a fur cape. She looked like a lively rabbit as she hopped down from the carriage.

    Then, Jiang Mianmian excitedly jumped onto the grasnd, hearing the crisp sound of ice crystals breaking beneath her feet, as if she were waking up a dreamlike world.

    Nearby, Jiang Changtian watched his daughter, who had just woken up and was now jumping on the grass, breaking ice, with a smile on her face.

    He couldn''t help but smile too.

    He loved his little girl''s personality. Mianmian loved all beautiful things and was skilled at finding beauty in anything.

    While others mightin about the bitter cold, she would say how beautiful the ice was and how lovely the sound it made.

    Pride shone in Jiang Changtian''s eyes and smile.

    Then Qin Luoxia came galloping back on horseback from the distance, shattering the colorful world. In one swift motion, she scooped up her rabbit-eared daughter, who had been hopping about on the grass, and lifted her onto the horse.

    "Aren''t your feet cold? Jumping straight onto the wet grass as soon as you wake up! Your feet will be soaked through, and you''ll catch a chill. You''ll be miserable then," she chided.

    For Jiang Mianmian, the transition from being airborne to nestling in her mother''s embrace to hearing her mother''s nagging happened in the blink of an eye.

    If you''ve ever wondered whether those scenes in TV dramas where the hero effortlessly scoops the heroine onto his horse are done in one take, let me tell you ¨C it''s incredibly difficult.

    Her feet were a bit chilly, but when she was suddenly lifted into the air, her head felt even colder.

    "Mom, my rabbit fur hat fell off!" she eximed.

    The hat promptlynded back on her head, messing up her hair.

    Then, with a leap of the horse, they arrived in front of her father.

    Qin Luoxia first dropped her daughter down.

    Jiang Changtian anxiously reached out to catch her.

    Jiang Mianmian, now in her father''s embrace, slid down sheepishly, feeling a bit embarrassed as she wasn''t a three-year-old anymore.

    Qin Luoxia dismounted and patted the horse''s back. "Husband, there''s a valley ahead that doesn''t feel right. It''s too quiet. There might be an ambush."

 Chapter 228

    Many people were lying in ambush on both sides of the valley.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Ambushing is a tiresome task.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    One must hide.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To hide in advance means hiding for a long time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    One must wait.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Waiting is exhausting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because it''s an ambush, they naturally can''t cook or light fires. They can only gnaw on dry bread, unable to have a single bite of hot food.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had started the ambush three days ago.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Their bodies were frozen stiff.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The targets were supposed to arrive two days ago, but for some unknown reason, they were dawdling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They still hadn''t arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was said there was a pregnant woman, but they had factored her into their timing for the ambush.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unfortunately, they hadn''t ounted for a little brat who loved watching sunrises and sunsets, loved looking at the icicles on the grasnd, and demanded clean ces to relieve herself. Her father and brother indulged her without limit, so their journey was several days slower than expected.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    In any case, it was now the third day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    These people were the elite forces under the Seventh Prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Many among them were suicide troops.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It seemed a bit strange to ambush at the first stop.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It felt like going all-in right from the start.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the young master had emphasized the gravity of the situation, insisting they must kill Jiang Changtian and his family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After Jiang Wan demonstrated her talent in front of Chu Xi, she confidently stated that he had the aura of a dragon, but someone''s presence was interfering with it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Jiang Wan mentioned that person, Chu Xi wasn''t surprised at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In this world, for someone to look like that, their appearance alone set them apart from ordinary people. Moreover, they were so adept at governing, with the people of Jingzhou thriving under their rule, standing out from the rest of the country. This person would surely be a formidable enemy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In fact, even if Jiang Wan hadn''t said anything, he had his suspicions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But Jiang Wan''s words strengthened his resolve.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Trying to ambush Jiang Er''s family in Jingzhou would be like attempting to rob someone''s home¡ªfar too difficult.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It would be like walking into death''s embrace.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They needed to lure Jiang Er out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So, an imperial edict was issued, summoning Magistrate Jiang to the capital to report on his duties.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was typically a necessary step for a promotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then he decided to send Jiang Er on a journey¡ªto the afterlife.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Xi was a decisive person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Seventh Prince was also decisive and willing to follow orders.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As the ultimate victor in his previous life, he naturally wouldn''t hesitate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thus, this all-in ambush was set from the very beginning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Xi believed in thoroughly eliminating evil and cutting the grass at its roots. Among the group that had rebelled together years ago, one faction had indeed be the Seventh Prince''s people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was also why when Jiang Wan said he had the dragon''s aura, Chu Xi believed her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because they had prepared earlier than anyone else.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Why should all princes be equal, yet the Seventh Prince be neglected and exiled?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Why couldn''t he sit on the dragon throne?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The rebellion was a test.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Besides rebelling, the Seventh Prince also had connections with foreign powers, coborating both internally and externally.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was preparing on two fronts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Back then, they had already noticed Jiang Er.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And because of Chu Yi''s death, the Seventh Prince had wanted Jiang Er dead too, but he had restrained himself for the sake of the bigger picture.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now was the perfect opportunity to exact revenge as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But they had been in ambush for three days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even for suicide troops, it was grueling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The winter days were bitterly cold.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were exposed to the elements, sleeping rough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And they couldn''t make any noise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Earlier, they had seen a woman on horseback approach from afar, wander around, and then return. She had even traversed back and forth through the gorge, making their hearts race with tension.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They shouldn''t have been discovered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, they were professionals.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Their professionalism was evident in how they had even caught birds and released them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Generally, in an ambush, apart from being discovered due to carelessness or making noise, the other way to be found out is if it''s too quiet, which can also be suspicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because excessive silence itself is unnatural, viting thews of nature, indicating that someone has disrupted the natural order of the ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So they had prepared birds to release. They were extremely thorough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But who was Qin Luoxia? When she ruled the mountains, even pythons shed their skin and slithered away on their own.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    As she rode through on her horse, sensing something amiss, she looked up to see a bird flying overhead, emitting a crisp call.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This bird, rather than camouging the ambush, became the very signal that confirmed it to Qin Luoxia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Having eaten so many birds, she could tell this one''s flight pattern was unnatural. It was definitely suspicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then Qin Luoxia left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They thought this woman might be a scout, but surely they wouldn''t send a woman for such a task.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But subconsciously, they lowered their guard against a female, and since they had even released birds, they couldn''t kill this woman without risking alerting their targets.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Topletely annihte the enemy, this gorge was the perfect burial ground.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So they continued to lie in wait.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Ambushes typically involve defeating arger force with a smaller one, catching the enemy off guard and unprepared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the Seventh Prince was prepared, with manpower, equipment, and money at his disposal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For all these years, the Seventh Prince''s wife had apanied him in living a frugal life. Where had all the money gone? Of course, it had been used to nurture their forces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    These men were the elite of the elite.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When setting up the ambush, the Seventh Prince''s son, Chu Xi, had some differing opinions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Seventh Prince had never met Jiang Er face to face and didn''t find him so terrifying. He believed the men he had sent were sufficient, especially with the element of surprise on their side. This wasn''t the first time they had done something like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was ruthless and merciless, leaving no room for error.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But Chu Xi had met Jiang Er, and because of Jiang Wan, he was extremely cautious about Jiang Er. He insisted on deploying more manpower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not only did they need to ambush, but they also needed an overwhelming numerical advantage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No survivors could be left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because Jiang Er was now an imperial official, and the men they had deployed for the ambush could, to some extent, be traced back to the court. They had to be absolutely thorough in their actions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Besides, Jiang Wan had said that the Meng family would definitely end their lineage. Meng Shaoxia and his pregnant wife were among the targets. It was perfect¡ªthey could kill them all at once.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had the advantage in numbers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were well-equipped, regr troops with superior gear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had chosen the ambush site, giving them the advantage of both timing and terrain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had to win.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After killing these people, they would return to be served with good wine, good food, and beautiful women.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    A vulture flew overhead, circling with outstretched wings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The ambushing suicide troops looked up, inwardly cursing. These flying beasts were always the most sensitive. They surely knew people were about to die and were waiting for a feast. They hade early to wait.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

 Chapter 229

    ......

    Arge bird soared across the sky.

    Its shadow swept over the grasnd.

    The sun climbed higher.

    Icicles slowly melted into water,

    Gradually soaking the yellow grass.

    Come next year, as soon as the spring breeze blows,

    Tender shoots will emerge from the damp earth.

    By then, the wild grass will have withered into mud, bing fertilizer for the new grass, helping them grow strong and bloom in midsummer.

    When autumn and winter arrive, the grass will turn yellow again, covering the ground like a nket, its dry body sheltering next year''s new life.

    The cycle continues, life persists.

    This ce was beautiful.

    The resting spot had a grove of trees, a small river, and backed onto a grasnd. It was hard to leave.

    This scenery was so stunning that if they had phones, a simple photo could turn it into a ticketed attraction.

    Jiang Mianmian tucked her small sword away, as her mother had warned of an ambush.

    She stood facing the grasnd, her rabbit fur coat billowing in the wind, holding her sword with a serious expression.

    Jiang Yu called out, "Mianmian,e here."

    "Coming!"

    Jiang Mianmian trotted over.

    Elder Sister handed her a walnut kernel sprinkled with sesame seeds.

    "Try this, it''s deliciously fragrant."

    Jiang Mianmian looked at her sister''s belly.

    It was frighteninglyrge, and she kept eating.

    Though not a gynecology specialist, based on Jiang Mianmian''s limited experience, the chances of twins were high.

    The good news was that the Meng Family''s single-child curse might finally be broken.

    The bad news was that in ancient times, childbirth relied on natural delivery, and the risk ofplications with twins was high.

    The good news was that Jiang Mianmian could perform a C-section if needed, as it was now the simplest surgery. Grandma also knew how to deliver babies.

    The bad news was that they were on the road, unsure of the due date, and twins were prone to premature birth, making postpartum care tricky.

    The good news was that Elder Sister was as strong as a young bull, seemingly not needing C-section equipment.

    Jiang Mianmian watched her sister jump down from the carriage, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

    "Elder Sister, be careful! When others are pregnant, even harsh words are off-limits, yet here you are jumping around."

    "It''s fine. I feel like when I jump, the babies in my bellyugh. They must be as active as I am."

    Grandma, who hadn''t managed to catch her in time, felt her eyebrows twitching.

    As an experienced woman, seeing such arge belly made Aunt Yin worried too.

    The most important matter in the pce was undoubtedly pregnancy.

    As a seasoned professional servant, to secure a ce by the master''s side, one had to be an expert in the full spectrum of pregnancy care, from childbirth to postpartum recovery.

    Sister Yu seemed to be carrying twins.

    Twins were difficult to deliver.

    And they were on the road. Ifbor started early...

    Fortunately, Sister Yu looked robust, with hips that seemed good for childbearing. Aunt Yin had been careful with her diet and encouraged appropriate exercise. It should be fine.

    Although this sudden journey to the capital was unexpected.

    Still, Sister Yu''s husband''s family was in the capital, so they would have gone there eventually. Going together as a family now was actually a good thing.

    But now, they were stopping to rest, with a potential ambush ahead.

    Aunt Yin''s right eyelid kept twitching.

    This journey was unlikely to be peaceful.

    Meanwhile, Jiang Changtian and his wife, along with their son and son-inw, Jiang Feng and Meng Shaoxia, were discussing strategy.

    They knew there was an ambush in the valley ahead.

    The ambushers outnumbered them several times over.

    Passing through would certainly lead to a fierce battle.

    So what should they do?

    Jiang Feng said, "That''s the only way through. If we detour over the mountains, it''ll add two days to our journey. Plus, we have women with us, and Jiang Yu is pregnant. Mountain paths would be difficult."

    Meng Shaoxia suggested, "Father, why don''t we rest now andunch a night attack? Strike first for the advantage."

    Jiang Feng turned to look at his brother-inw. You''ve changed, he thought. Not only has your square face be rounder, but your heart has also grown darker. You never used to suggest sneak attacks. Could it be that proximity breeds simrity... No, I''m not a pig.

    Seeing his brother-inw''s innocent gaze, Meng Shaoxia quickly exined, "They dare to ambush government officials. With so many of us, and them lying in wait, they clearly don''t intend to leave survivors. We must strike first."

    Jiang Feng patted his brother-inw''s shoulder and looked up at the clouds racing across the sky. "Father, Shaoxia is right. We should strike first. Those people are lying in ambush without food or water. We can''t poison them, but we could use fire attacks, then throw in poisonous herbs. They still need to breathe. Fire plus poison - that should finish them off!"

    Jiang Changtian gave his son an approving look.

    His half son-inw Shaoxia was clever, but his thinking was too straightforward. The enemy was well-prepared for their ambush. Attacking them from below, while a counterattack of sorts, would still result in heavy losses. Every person they had brought was an elite among elites, and he was reluctant to waste them like that.

    A true viin prioritizes achieving the goal, regardless of how despicable the means.

    Qin Luoxia offered, "I''ll start the fire. I have experience from cooking every day."

    Jiang Changtian replied, "Sister Xia, this is too dangerous. Let Feng and Shaoxia handle it."

    Meng Shaoxia: ... There was love there, but not much.

    ......

    That night, Jiang Mianmian was still awake when she heard a distantmotion. She saw smoke rising from the far-off mountains, with patches of bright light.

    In the endless dark night, a glow had appeared.

    It was beautiful.

    Like a grand firework blooming on the grasnd.

    Jiang Mianmian wondered if there might be wild goats, if there were any kebabs, if there was any delivery service. She craved a midnight snack.

    Shey down, her stomach making gurgling noises.

    The journey was long, and midnight snacks were necessary.

    She got up and climbed out of bed.

    ......

 Chapter 230

    ...

    On the third day of the ambush, darkness fell.

    Nightfall brought some relief, as the cover of darkness provided the best protection. However, the night also brought cold, and with it, a natural decline in morale and energy.

    They had scouts positioned ahead.

    To avoid alerting their targets, they only had a few lookouts stationed at key points, not daring to send out full reconnaissance. This was because Jiang Er was said to be extremely perceptive.

    Jiang Er was also apanied by the Meng Young General, a son from a military family, who was surely no ordinary person.

    They proceeded with extreme caution, only rying messages back through a few key points. Once they had selected the ambush location, they remained still.

    This was the only route to the capital city. With elderly, women, children, and even a pregnant woman in their group, the targets would certainly not choose to take a detour. They had to pass through this stretch of road.

    They couldn''t let their guard down even at night. There was always the possibility that their targets, sensing danger, might attempt to travel under the cover of darkness.

    However, the prolonged waiting and surveince had reached a point of fatigue.

    By the third day, they were utterly exhausted.

    They persevered only because their goal seemed within reach. That morning, they had spotted people approaching.

    It would be soon now.

    If they could endure this night, they would see real action.

    After eating their dry rations, they took turns addressing their bodily needs.

    Dealing with bodily functions was challenging.

    Generally, they would dig a hole, relieve themselves, then bury it and cover it with decaying leaves.

    The mountains in this grasnd area were somewhat barren, unlike dense forests.

    There were mountains and trees, but not tall ones. They were more like shrubs. The ambush relied on rocks, angles, and these shrubs for cover. They couldn''t stand up, making everything quite difficult. The nights risked hypothermia, so they had to stay warm.

    As darkness fell, Death Soldier A opened his mouth wide in a yawn, then gently closed it.

    If he bit down too hard and identally punctured the poison sac in his tooth, he''d die a rather pointless death.

    Just as everyone was growing weary from their vigil, feeling drowsy, cold, and shivering, they suddenly felt a bit warmer.

    A fragrant scent seemed to waft towards them.

    Someone even sniffed the air hard.

    Then, out of nowhere, someone shouted that there was a fire.

    Looking down, they saw that mes had already started at the foot of the mountain, rapidly climbing upwards along the dry grass and rotting wood.

    Aided by the wind, the mes leapt quickly, billowing thick smoke.

    Some realized something was wrong and ran down the mountain, only to find that the smoke seemed odd. After inhaling it, their heads became dizzy and heavy. Before they could reach the bottom of the mountain, they passed out.

    Those who had inhaled less covered their noses and struggled to run down with all their might. But at the foot of the mountain, they found a group of people wearingyered masks that obscured their faces. As soon as they came down, they were captured.

    The fire wasn''trge and didn''t spread everywhere.

    The smoke was the real problem.

    Thick smoke rolled everywhere, causing everyone to cough incessantly.

    Then they all copsed.

    Before falling, someone cursed bitterly: "How can there be such shameless people in this world, actually using poison!"

    The death soldiers were exceptionally strong. Even poisoned, they managed to charge down, risking being burned, for onest fight.

    But they were stabbed to death by several people at once.

    It was a case of many bullying few.

    Mountain fire, poisonous smoke, and finishing blows - that night, the Jiang Family Army was exceptionally busy.

    Vultures gathered in increasing numbers in the sky, but didn''t dare to descend yet. They could only wait for their food to be "well-done" pletely dead) beforeing down.

    ...

    The sky was filled with countless stars.

    If a stargazer were here, it would likely worsen their cervical spondylosis.

    In ces with little human activity, there''s rarely anything obstructing the view overhead, leaving the sky particrly clear.

    However, there was a fire on the distant mountains.

    Smoke drifted about, but didn''t reach here as this was the windward side.

    The stars remained brilliant.

    It was cold, a dry cold, requiring warm clothing.

    Jiang Mianmian got up, and naturally, Pangya alertly followed suit.

    The bodyguard Wei Biao was outside keeping watch, sitting by the campfire.

    Jiang Mianmian saw that her parents were both awake, not sleeping.

    She had the neat and orderly feeling that they were having a barbecue behind her back.

    As a result, when she got up, a certain pregnant woman also rose.

    Jiang Yu was even more dramatic, as if she had caught a group of treasonous rebels. She was about to shout, "You''re eating in secret without me!"

    But upon seeing her stern mother and gentle father, she swallowed her outburst.

    She greeted them sheepishly, "Father, Mother."

    Jiang Mianmian moved aside from her warmed seat, letting her elder sister sit.

    Jiang Yu, with her big belly, sat down, and Aunt Yin wrapped an extra-thick cloak around her.

    Her elder sister''s skin had been milky white recently, making anyone who saw it want to touch it.

    Jiang Mianmian thought this, and acted on it, her small icy hand pinching her sister''s soft cheek. The feeling was indeed as soft as she had imagined.

    Jiang Yu gently patted her sister''s hand.

    Her elder brother and brother-inw weren''t present, but judging by her parents'' rxed state, everything must be fine.

    Tea was brewing over the campfire, and sweet potatoes were buried in the embers. When dug out and peeled, they were ready to eat, smelling delicious.

    Throughout this journey, perhaps due to eating fewer vegetables, Jiang Mianmian felt somewhat nutritionally imbnced, even having some difficulty with bowel movements.

    It could also be amon problem for beautiful youngdies, who were said to be universally constipated.

    So, smelling the aroma, she hesitated, unsure whether to eat.

    If only she had some effervescent tablets, she thought. Drop one in water, drink it, and have the illusion of taking vitamins, skipping the vegetable-eating step altogether.

    Mianmian was a bit picky with food.

    In the end, though, she couldn''t resist the temptation.

    Mianmian ate sweet potatoes with her elder sister, had some roasted meat, and drank some tea.

    When Jiang Yu wanted to eat more, she saw her mother''s hand, as big as a dinner te, fanning the air, and silently withdrew her own hand.

    Mianmian was also full. At worst, she could drink some Spirit Spring waterter. She was probably the only one who used Spirit Spring water as axative.

    However, she''d wait until she found a proper ce to relieve herself before drinking it. Whether in the carriage or hiding somewhere, it didn''t feelfortable to do her business here.

    Her inability to defecate might simply be psychological.

    After thete-night snack, she felt psychologically satisfied and much happier.

    She also felt sleepy.

    Eating always made her want to sleep.

    Jiang Mianmian let out a dainty yawn, went to brush her teeth again, and then returned to sleep.

    Jiang Changtian and Qin Luoxia: ...

    They were both a bit silent regarding their little daughter who brushed her teeth after eating at night.

    She really loved cleanliness and beauty.

    The other one, their grown daughter, about to be a mother herself, didn''t even bother to wipe the oil from her face. Fortunately, she was already married.

    Jiang Mianmianpleted her routine of brushing teeth, washing face, and relieving herself, then climbed back into the sleeping carriage, full of drowsiness, ready to fall asleep as soon as shey down.

    She thought about how there should still be frost in the morning, allowing her to see once more the feeling of ice stretching for a thousand miles. The vast wild grass, hanging with icicles, would sparkle like countless jewels hidden in the grass when the sunlight hit it. It would be beautiful.

    Being able to see it once more would be wonderful.

    Jiang Mianmian fell asleep contentedly.

    Tomorrow they should set out on their journey. There would be even better scenery along the way, and most importantly, she would be with her family.

    It was perfect.

    She clutched her well-worn Little Tree Jiang, her breathing even, truly asleep.

    ...

 Chapter 231

    The fire burned for most of the night, and fog rolled in during thetter half.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was nothing left to burn on the mountaintop.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everythingbustible had been consumed, and conveniently, a cliff created a natural firebreak.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This wave of setting fire to the mountain favored the Jiang family in timing and terrain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    One doesn''t simply set fires recklessly; wind direction and topography must be considered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Foolishly starting a fire could result in burning oneself, spelling doom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Xi hadn''t expected to go all-in, but he truly did.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were ruthless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Er was no slouch either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Both had backgrounds as rebels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Why should they leave each other an escape route?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The vultures had waited so long; it was time for their feast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To the victor go the spoils; the defeated die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No survivors left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang waited for his daughter to finish herte-night snack and go to bed soundly, soothed his wife to sleep, and then went out to kill.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A bloodbath ensued.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The stars twinkled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To the starry sky, humans ughtering each other was no different from ants doing the same - utterly insignificant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this moment, Jiang Changtian was as cold-blooded as an ant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The enemy had ambushed his entire family, intending to exterminate them all, from the eldest to the youngest, including unborn children in the womb. And now they begged for mercy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Should he spare them, only to wait for them to recover ande kill him again?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In Commander Jiang''s view, there was only death!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    About a hundred people had fled down the mountain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A hundred survivors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian arrived and immediately ordered their execution.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As swords sliced through bodies, blood sprayed, and the dying let out wails and curses before their end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian listened intently to these curses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If they only cursed him, he didn''t mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But if anyone dared to curse his wife and children, he would lean down and say: "You dare curse my wife and children? I will investigate your identity, and when the opportunity arises, I will personally kill your parents, your wife, your sons, your daughters, your brothers and rtives. If you''re alone in this world, it matters not - I''ll grind your bones to dust and ensure you never reincarnate."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thus, the dying became more civil in their final words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because the others sensed this man meant what he said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was emotionless, the most handsome, and the most decisive in action.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That night, vultures gathered in flocks; it seemed as if scavengers from all directions had arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They pecked frantically at the feast, and when full, perched on the rocks like ck umbres.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The next day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was frost and ice, but no sunlight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A nket of fog covered everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The dazzling spectacle from yesterday was gone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Only a shivering coldness remained.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian, with her abundant energy, got up to wash and dress, warming up quickly as she moved about.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As she rose, the entire caravan seemed to awaken, bing lively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian was talkative, able to converse with anyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, she was someone who could chat endlessly even with Jiang Xiaoshu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing movement from her elder sister''s carriage, and with her brother-inw absent, Jiang Mianmian carried out her routine of bringing books to read to her future niece or nephew.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even while traveling, prenatal education couldn''t be neglected.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After everyone had breakfast and packed up, they set off again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Passing through a valley, Jiang Mianmian noticed a strange smell. From afar, she saw two dark mountains, but as the carriage drew closer, she realized it wasn''t that the mountains were ck, but that they were covered in ck birds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    These birds stood motionless, nketing the mountaintops.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Up close, it was rather frightening.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was a smell of burning and what seemed like the scent of blood.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, the wind was strong today. Looking at the mountain full of birds, especially the enormous bird at the peak, Mianmian found it quite scary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Its eyes seemed to be staring right at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She lowered the curtain and, inside the carriage, held onto Xiaoshu to y, feeling a bit safer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The valley was long, and it took quite a while to pass through.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After the valley, they traveled a bit further, and suddenly the view opened up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Amazingly, before themy a vast in, but they were at its upper edge, as if in a world atop a cliff.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Below was an incredibly wide riverbed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Due to winter, the wide riverbed contained only a trickle of water, splitting into several meandering streams, with ice and snow covering the distance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was deste yet beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Having lived in Jingzhou all her life, surrounded by mountains and waters, she hadn''t expected such andscape outside of Jingzhou.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It seemed perfect for a thundering herd of horses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Without horses, cattle, or donkeys, walking in such a ce where one couldn''t see a single tree for miles would feel very lonely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    One might die from sunstroke or freezing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So the peaceful and happy life of Jingzhou''s people was indeed beyond the Imperial Censor''s expectations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was like a mirage in the desert, unbelievably beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They continued forward, traveling for half a day until they reached a small vige. But the vige was too small to amodate so many people for lodging, so they pressed on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They journeyed on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After two more days of travel, they finally reached a properrge town.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang, with his wife and children, would certainly need to rest in this city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    While sitting in a carriage was tolerable for others, even if tiring, it was extremely unfriendly for a pregnant woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Pregnancy already tends to cause water retention, and constantly sitting in a carriage would make both legs swell terribly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Fortunately, along the way, Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian had seen that their daughter was not at all shy about asking for foot massages. During the day, her maids would massage her feet, and at night, even her son-inw had to give her foot massages, sometimes continuing even after she had fallen asleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Every time he saw his son-inw''s hands reaching out to take something or pass food, Jiang Changtian would quietly avoid them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although his son-inw was massaging his daughter''s feet, he still found it distasteful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hands that massaged feet daily might carry foot odor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Disgust and admiration coexisted, after all, it was for his beloved daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The town they arrived at was called Dwarf Horse Town, and itsmerce was exceptionally bustling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Probably because this town had be thergest market for trading horses, mules, cattle, and donkeys, so there were many travelers and it was very lively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They found arge inn, and after checking in, Jiang Yu couldn''t wait to go out for a stroll.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was no help for it; if she didn''t walk around and see some people, she felt she would suffocate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To go out for a walk, with so many people and prying eyes around, and considering the ambush they had encountered on the road, a group went out with visible protection and hidden guards as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian suddenly felt like she had the air of a little princess. Not only did she have a strong-built attendant in Wei Biao and a robust maid in Pangya, but she was also followed by a group of bodyguards, with more hidden from view.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had noticed that those in front and behind, who appeared to be casually strolling, were actually arranged in a neat formation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The only unsafe aspect was the worry of a cold arrow being shot from a tall building somewhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, this was a small town, and although prosperous, itcked tall buildings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In ancient times, constructing tall buildings by hand was extremely costly, so withnd being cheap, buildings were built wide rather than tall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Without high ces for cold arrows, they only needed to watch their surroundings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her mother was also worried about her eldest daughter. One downside of her being married was that in front of her son-inw, it wasn''t appropriate to scold her daughter. With so many peopleing and going, insisting on going out for a stroll while heavily pregnant was cause for great concern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Aunt Yin was also very worried, but pregnant women can sometimes be quite contrary - the more you try to stop them, the more determined they be. It was inexplicable; the mistresses in the pce who were usually quite intelligent would seem to lose their senses when pregnant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian knew this was because pregnancy altered hormones, which in turn affected emotions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Postpartum depression and such were all due to hormonal changes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In any case, she advocated for pregnant women to maintain a happy mood and stay active.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Those who were overly cautious, tiptoeing around daily, afraid to walk or move, extremely tense, andcking exercise were actually more likely to miscarry at the slightest touch.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In reality, the little life inside was quite robust. As long as one was mindful, it wouldn''t be lost so easily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The market was very lively and quite spacious. The bodyguards provided good protection, ensuring no one could suddenly rush in and bump into her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They couldn''t get in at all, first of all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The roadside stalls sold many things, a dazzling array of goods. There were many small trinkets and many unfamiliar foods, along with various spices.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian and her sister would buy a little of whatever they liked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Nothing was expensive; money went a long way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After browsing for quite a while, they saw a small eatery by the street.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The owner was cooking food right by the roadside, emitting a rich aroma.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Surprisingly, he was cooking clear soup with meatballs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On a cold winter''s day, drinking a bowl of hot soup warmed the entire body, and with the added meatballs for satiety, it was quite satisfying.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A sign above indicated that extra soup could be added.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not far away, there was actually a public restroom establishment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A pay-to-use public toilet? Truly befitting amercially developed small town.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It gave a strange sense of a chain operation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eating soup here, pouring water there, not sure if they''re rtives, but this business has quite a vor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It seems many people are eating here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Yu stopped in her tracks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian also stopped, and honestly began to salivate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No matter how delicious home-cooked food is, you get tired of it after a while and start craving takeout.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A couple was making meatballs, very enthusiastically.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Great-aunt had inquired and learned they''d been doing this for over ten years, not neers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This kind of street food that canst for over a decade must indeed be delicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The broth was vorful, the meatballs had a nice chew, satisfying from the first bite, feeling worth it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No wonder the small stools and tables by the roadside were greasy, with a thickyer of oil that couldn''t be wiped clean - not exactly hygienic, but the kind of ce where you eat without getting sick.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian found it delicious and ordered a small te, picking out a meatball for Jiang Xiaoshu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Xiaoshu wasn''t picky about food and ate very elegantly, using his small ws like a knife to cut the meatball into pieces before putting them in his mouth, finishing cleanly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian''s table manners were now quite proper as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Under great-aunt''s watchful eye, Jiang Yu behaved +1, contentedly eating a bowl of meatballs, thoroughly whetting her appetite.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They continued strolling and eating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The journey was smooth, with bountiful gains.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Back at the inn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian was tired from all the walking, but Jiang Yu, despite her big belly, still seemed to want more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Under her mother''s death re, she obediently went back to rest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    While waiting for her husband in the room, a servant came to deliver something.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He said it was food sent by Young Master Meng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Yu looked and saw it was the clear soup meatballs she had just eaten, and she was very happy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Indeed, her husband knew her well. She had just eaten these and couldn''t stop thinking about them, but didn''t want to walk all the way back. He had actually gotten them packed for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She excitedly sat in the room and started eating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But she felt the takeout tasted a bit odd, not as good as before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had only eaten half a bowl when Meng Shaoxia returned, carrying a packed bowl of clear soup meatballs in his hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 232

    "Ugh!"

    The sound of violent vomiting filled the air.

    She had already filled an entire basin.

    The problem was that when Jiang Yu saw what she had thrown up, it made her want to vomit even more.

    ...

    Meng Shaoxia was carrying some packed food when he heard little Yu''er ask in surprise, "Didn''t you already pack food for me?"

    Meng Shaoxia was suddenly rmed.

    He was very nervous.

    But he didn''t panic.

    He tried to stay calm, though his hands were already shaking.

    He said, "Yu''er, stop eating for now. Think back to when you first got pregnant. Remember how that pickled vegetable smelled so bad it made you want to throw up?"

    Jiang Yu thought about that smell for a moment, and then realized the meatballs she had just eaten didn''t taste good. She finally couldn''t hold back and retched.

    Meng Shaoxia hurriedly asked someone to call for Aunt Yin.

    Aunt Yin was in the next room and had alreadye out after hearing themotion.

    Meng Shaoxia exined as quickly as he could, "Great-aunt, I''m afraid Yu''er has been poisoned."

    Aunt Yin looked at the table, then at the food Meng Shaoxia was holding, and understood.

    She approached, told the youngdy to open her mouth, and used chopsticks to poke the back of Yu''er''s throat. This immediately triggered Yu''er''s gag reflex, and she started vomiting violently.

    Aunt Yin quickly had someone remove the half-bowl of meatballs from the table.

    Then everyone was alerted to the situation.

    When Jiang Mianmian heard what had happened, she was shocked. It was just like those phone scams - you say you''re going to transfer money to a friend, and the next moment you receive an ount number. You transfer the money, and only then does your friend''s real ount number arrive.

    Although most people would carefully double-check, there''s always one or two careless individuals who might identally send it to the wrong ce.

    But when she entered the room, she found her brother-inw''s face had turned pale, and his hands and feet were trembling. She thought he was the one who had been poisoned.

    Her sister, despite being forced to vomit, had a rosyplexion and didn''t seem to be in any trouble.

    Jiang Mianmian thought about how her sister had once eaten a bunch of poisonous mushrooms by herself. She had used the bowl she ate from to mix chicken feed, and all the chickens died, yet her sister was still bouncing around full of energy.

    If her sister wasn''t pregnant, she wouldn''t be worried at all. For her sister, things were either delicious or not delicious.

    Even if it were arsenic, she''d be tempted to taste a little bit. She had quite the spirit of Shennong, the legendary Chinese ruler who tested hundreds of herbs.

    Great-aunt and Mother were worried about the baby in her belly.

    Although Mother was usually fierce and always yed the "bad cop" at home, when something really happened, she didn''t immediately vent her emotions. Instead, she actively worked to solve the problem, inducing vomiting,forting her son-inw, and checking her daughter''s condition.

    Jiang Changtian had also rushed over to take his daughter''s pulse. He had a background in traditional Chinese medicine and felt that her pulse was strong. But seeing his daughter start to sweat as she continued vomiting, Jiang Changtian said nervously, "It looks like she''s going intobor."

    Meng Shaoxia was so shocked his legs went weak.

    His throat went dry.

    Fortunately, Aunt Yin had been prepared all along. Because the belly was so big, they suspected it might be twins, and premature birth was quite likely with twins. It was good that they were in an inn - giving birth in the wilderness would have been much more troublesome, even just to boil water.

    When his sister got into trouble, Jiang Feng immediately took charge of the inn.

    He rounded up everyone.

    Then he had people prepare boiling water.

    Although Jiang Mianmian was just a young girl, she had managed to reattach someone''s severed finger before, and her drawings looked like she had dissected many corpses. She stayed to help as well.

    Jiang Yu was in pain and covered in sweat, but when she looked up and saw her mother, sister, and great-aunt all around her, she felt very reassured.

    How many girls giving birth had all their female rtives from their maiden home present? She was truly blessed.

    Outside the room, Meng Shaoxia''s face was ashen.

    He waited outside.

    At that moment, coincidentally, a messenger from the Meng family in the Capital City arrived.

    They had first gone to Jingzhou, but just missed the family. After receiving word there that everyone had already left for the capital, they set out in pursuit. They were two days behind, but by chance, they caught up in Dwarf Horse Town.

    After inquiring about a group traveling with a pregnant woman staying at an inn, they finally found them.

    Meng Shaoxia was already in a state of panic.

    Seeing the letter from home saying his mother had fallen into aa, he was shocked. In his memory, his mother was the kind of person who could swing a big stick and hit his father sixty times without stopping to rest. How could she be in aa?

    And then there was that female fortune-teller saying the Meng family line would end - it felt like a curse on Yu''er.

    At this moment, with Yu''er in the room, he couldn''t bear to think about what would happen if something went wrong with her. He truly didn''t want to live if that happened.

    He couldn''t go on without her.

    Their first meeting had been love at first sight, and after days and days of living together, she had be a habit, a part of his life - the main part of his life.

    It was like a big tree with vines wrapped around it, growing upward together. If one day the vines withered, the tree''s heart would be empty, and it would soon die.

    There had been no grand derations of love, just the chaos of daily life, and the anticipation of a new life.

    Every day when he thought about the birth of the child that belonged to him and Yu''er, Meng Shaoxia''s heart would race with excitement, his eyes would fill with tears, and happiness would overflow.

    He had be braver, more mature, and more steady.

    But all of this was based on Yu''er being well, healthy and alive, and their child being fine.

    Looking at the letter, Meng Shaoxia at that moment wished he could fly to the capital and hack that so-called immortal to death with a sword.

    Meng Shaoxia rarely felt such strong hatred towards others, but at this moment, he did.

    Impotent rage was the most useless thing.

    Hearing the muffled cries from inside the room,

    Meng Shaoxia showed the letter to his father and brother-inw Jiang Feng.

    The messenger was also afraid. He had heard that they had been poisoned on the way here, and now with the premature birth, could the fortune-teller''s words being true?

    The messenger had left early and didn''t know that the Meng family''s old madam had gone to dump excrement at Jiang Wan''s residence.

    Because it was so crude for a nobledy of the first rank to do such a thing, the news quickly spread throughout the streets and alleys.

    It even reached the imperial pce.

    The emperor, who had been nning to summon the legendary Immortal Liu, hesitated and decided to postpone the audience.

    The olddy from the Meng family was also quite troublesome. If he summoned her, and she came to the pce wearing her noble robes to dump excrement... it wasn''t impossible.

    ...

    Inside the room.

    Aunt Yin checked the cervix and found it was already two fingers dted.

    She told the youngdy to conserve her strength. It was okay to cry out in pain, but she shouldn''t push yet.

    Jiang Mianmian was also very nervous.

    Indeed, doctors can''t treat themselves or operate on their own rtives - it was too frightening.

    It was easy to be influenced by emotions.

    When operating on other patients, you anesthetize them, cover them with a white cloth exposing only the affected area, and proceed as if you''re doing homework or taking an exam.

    But when operating on your own family, you can''t help but let your imagination run wild.

    Jiang Mianmian tried her best to stay calm, seeing how professional Aunt Yin seemed.

    In hospitals, the most skilled midwives are often quite old, but they''re incredibly capable. They encourage the mother to eat when needed, drink when needed, and push when needed, often achieving twice the result with half the effort, making the birth much easier.

    Jiang Mianmian assisted Aunt Yin.

    Qin Luoxia encouraged her eldest daughter, letting her grip her hand.

    The maids went to boil water and prepare other necessities.

    The cervix was now five fingers dted.

    Without an epidural, the pain was truly intense.

    But Jiang Yu seemed to have a high pain tolerance. When she was little, she wore the small shoes Jiang Wan had given her even when they made her feet bleed. She could endure a lot.

    Hearing Aunt Yin say not to shout and waste energy, she held back, only letting out a few groans when the pain became unbearable.

    Outside the room, she could hear her father, brother, and husband, all talking to her loudly.

    Jiang Yu thought about this scene and felt happy, feeling that her whole family was with her, and that she was truly blessed.

    In pain yet joyful, her eyes were bloodshot and tearful, her hand tightly gripping her mother''s.

    Seeing her sister helping Aunt Yin pass things, she couldn''t help but say, "Mianmian, do you want to wait outside? Seeing this might scare you so much you won''t dare to have children in the future."

    It was indeed frightening.

    But it wasn''t too bad.

    It''s said that women naturally secrete hormones that help them forget the pain of childbirth. Even if they feel like they''re dying duringbor, once it''s over, they quickly forget the pain and just think about how cute the baby is. After a while, they might even want to have another one...

    For the sake of human reproduction, hormones really work overtime, increasing and decreasing as needed.

    "Seven fingers, eight fingers, very good."

    Mianmian saw Aunt Yin rubbing her fingers and realized for the first time how small Aunt Yin''s hands were. Her entire palm was tiny and delicate, but very nimble.

    And she kept wiping her hands, as if she had learned the skill of catching babies barehanded.

    Small hands were incredibly advantageous for delivering babies.

    At this moment, Aunt Yin looked exactly like a master gynecologist in a hospital, seemingly very experienced and steady.

    Jiang Mianmian''s heart gradually calmed down. Everything would surely be fine.

    Her sister had also drunk from the Spirit Spring, after all.

    "It''s fully dted. Push hard, youngdy. Use all your strength."

    "Cry out, it''s okay to scream loudly."

    "The head is crowning."

    "Push hard."

    ...

    The blood-red, naked baby taken from her body was ced in Mianmian''s hands. She quickly examined and patted it, hearing a faint cry. It was small but healthy.

    Mianmian fed it a drop from the Spirit Spring, and at that moment, she briefly wondered if she should have boiled it first.

    "Push harder, there''s more."

    "Aaaargh, why is there more?!"

    "The head''s showing, that''s good."

    Jiang Yu''s cries grew softer.

    She was still stretching her legs and pushing.

    Her mother tightly gripped her daughter''s hand, which was turning red from Jiang Yu''s squeezing.

    A second baby''s cry rang out.

    "Ah!"

    "Ah!"

    Much louder this time.

    Jiang Mianmian also routinely took the baby, quietly feeding it water from the Spirit Spring.

    There was no time to check if they were boys or girls.

    Only now could they attend to that.

    Picking them up, both were boys.

    Jiang Yu looked at the two children in disbelief. She hadn''t known it was twins; they hadn''t told her for fear of worrying her.

    At this time, the mortality rate for mother and twins was very high.

    Seeing her two sons, her face lit up with joy: "What a bargain! Onebor, two babies. It''s so worth it!"

    Qin Luoxia, seeing her daughter still able to joke, also breathed a sigh of relief.

    Jiang Mianmian helped with the aftercare.

    centa removal, cord mping.

    Some bleeding, but nothing serious.

    Having twins was extremely taxing. Jiang Yu drank the warm water her sister handed her, and fell asleep right after.

    Outside the room.

    After hearing cries, shouts, and a long period of waiting,

    Meng Shaoxia was nearly going mad.

    When he heard his little Yu''s cries from inside, he paced back and forth nervously, surely taking over ten thousand steps.

    Now, seeing the door open and two babies being carried out, Meng Shaoxia was stunned.

    "Is little Yu alright?"

    "She''s fine, just asleep."

    "Congrattions, son-inw. Two young masters."

    Meng Shaoxia looked at the two infants, momentarily at a loss. His chest feltpletely full, countless emotions welling up, finally transforming into bittersweet yet full tears that rolled down his cheeks.

    His Meng family line would not end.

    He and his little Yu had children now.

    In the future, these children would have children of their own.

    Life would continue, endlessly.

 Chapter 233

    Tonight, who knows if there will be two more stars in the sky.

    There might be.

    Just like that, two new lives have been added to the family.

    Jiang Changtian''s chest heaved with excitement, almost in disbelief.

    These were his daughter''s children.

    Suddenly, he had moved up a generation, bing a grandfather.

    This feeling, a bittersweet ache nestled in his chest, was both moving and nerve-wracking.

    He feared not doing enough, not being able to shelter the children from wind and rain.

    He worried about strong winds, heavy rains, and loud thunder disturbing his precious little ones.

    At this moment, he wished he couldmand the wind and summon the rain, control the entire sky and earth, just so the children could sleep peacefully.

    Meanwhile, Meng Shaoxia, after his bout of uncontroble sobbing, still didn''t dare to hold his own children.

    The babies were actually quite big when born, one over four pounds and the other over five, totaling more than nine pounds together. It was a stroke of luck that they came early. At nine poundsbined, a natural birth was already pushing it. If it had been anyter, with the babies growing bigger, a natural birth would have been impossible. They might have needed an episiotomy or a C-section, which would have been very risky without a sterile environment.

    It was a blessing in disguise.

    Jiang Mianmian felt that in her entire family, her older sister seemed to have the best luck, always turning misfortune into good fortune.

    Living the most carefree and happy life.

    When they heard the older sister wake up, open her eyes to look at her two babies, and exim in surprise: "How ugly they are, who do they look like?"

    Grandma, who was about to smile and say they looked like her, couldn''t help but grind her teeth in frustration.

    Mianmian heard the strength in her sister''s voice and knew she must be alright.

    Qin Luoxia, holding a bowl of soup on the side, stirred the bottom with a spoon and said, "When you were born, you were much uglier than this."

    Meng Shaoxia, his eyes swollen from crying, was now standing guard by Little Yu''er''s side.

    Jiang Yu looked up and saw her husband, startled: "Brother Meng, I gave birth, how did you be ugly too? Is this because of the children?"

    Meng Shaoxia grinned foolishly. If it weren''t for his mother-inw, sister-inw, and grandma being present, he would have buried his head against Little Yu''er right then and there.

    In any case, the fact that big sister could still talk, and talk as tactlessly as ever, meant she was probably doing fine physically.

    At this moment, everyone felt very special and excited about the newborns.

    Except for the new mother herself.

    Jiang Yu found it a bit unbelievable. Were these two little ones really born from her?

    She had eaten dumplings and given birth to children.

    She had eaten two bowls of dumplings and given birth to two children.

    If she had eaten the dumplings in Brother Meng''s hand at the time, would she have given birth to three?

    Thinking about it this way, she felt like eating dumplings again...

    Seeing that Sister Yu was doing well, they left the space for the young couple.

    Meng Shaoxia took the soup from his mother-inw''s hands; he would feed her.

    The babies were also ced in this room. At times like this, they really appreciated the suite-style rooms of the Jiang family home. In case of childbirth, having multiple rooms was very convenient. They didn''t need to open doors to go in and out, letting in drafts.

    In a normal inn with just one room, it would have been much more inconvenient.

    Grandma went out.

    They had tried feeding half a bowl of the dumplings to a chicken, and it had died on the spot.

    Looking at the dead chicken certainly made them feel uneasy.

    However, the soup tasted very strange. How much poison had been put in it? It felt like half a bowl''s worth.

    Part of the mey with their own daughter.

    If others had tasted something strange, they would have stopped after one bite. But she managed to eat half a bowl. If her husband hadn''t arrived, she might have finished the whole bowl.

    If it had been the younger daughter, she wouldn''t have even eaten it. Just smelling that it wasn''t good, or if it was cold, she would have pushed it away in disgust...

    Jiang Changtian felt a bit angry, but more so heartbroken. They had deprived Yu''er when she was little. Although their conditions were better now, the ingrained feeling of food scarcity couldn''t be changed.

    At home, Yu''er was actually the most frugal. She would carefully put away everything she bought, never carelessly discarding anything. Every time she sent things to her inws in the Capital City, why was it always homemade food and drinks to show her sincerity? It wasn''t because of her high emotional intelligence, but because she was thrifty, reluctant to spend money or part with valuable things.

    The younger daughter, on the other hand, seemed to have been born that way. She wanted her fruit peeled, often took one bite of food and forgot about the rest, then took a new piece for another single bite next time. As for toothbrushes, those finely crafted items that others would use for a lifetime, she would rece every few months. In Jiang Changtian''s eyes, his younger daughter was absolutely spoiled, even more wasteful than a princess.

    The pressure was immense.

    Heaven''s blessings.

    This time his daughter had noplications, and the children were born safely. Jiang Changtian decided to forgive heaven just this once.

    But he absolutely would not forgive the people of Dwarf Horse Town for causing trouble right under his nose.

    He went to find the waiter, but the waiter had alreadymitted suicide.

    Dead men tell no tales.

    But only good people need to talk about evidence, piecing it together bit by bit to prove: you harmed me, this is how you harmed me, this is why you harmed me.

    Without evidence, victims can only swallow their grievances, endure it themselves, possibly carrying it in their hearts for a lifetime.

    Not understanding why bad people can''t be brought to justice, why they can get away with clearly doing bad things.

    In the end, they might me themselves for being useless, deserving to be bullied.

    Some people who can''t get over it might even end their own lives, unable to move past it.

    Jiang Er admitted to himself that he was not a good person.

    He never had been.

    So the waiter''s suicide, the trail going cold, didn''t matter.

    Everyone present was suspect.

    Guilt by suspicion.

    It worked out well that Sister Yu needed to observe postpartum confinement and couldn''t travel so soon after giving birth.

    Commander Jiang sent people to take control of the entire Dwarf Horse Town.

    Even Meng Shaoxia, usually so full of righteousness, didn''t make a sound this time, focusing on staying at the inn to apany his wife during her confinement.

    After all.

    Forgiving those who harm you is for saints.

    Ordinary people, of course, should hold grudges, take revenge when the opportunity arises, and if there''s no opportunity, seek one out.

    When Commander Jiang didn''t lose his temper, everyone thought he was just greedy for money.

    The first time he lost his temper, he unleashed it on Dwarf Horse Town.

    The entire town was put under martialw.

    Everyone would be screened.

    Not even a living cow or horse could leave.

    The air was thick with killing intent.

    Commander Jiang had at least a month to y with them.

 Chapter 234

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The messenger raced back towards the capital city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were all veteran soldiers of the Meng family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wounded in battle and retired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Taken in by the general.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Able to live like proper human beings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now that there was joyous news in the general''s household, they had to report back immediately.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The young Madam Meng had not only given birth, but to twin boys.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Breaking the curse of single heirs in the Meng family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Both mother and sons were safe and sound.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old soldier rode his horse, galloping all the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even the cold winds of the human world felt warm at this moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because his heart was on fire.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unlike modern day workers, these old soldiers were people who lived and died with the Meng family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When the Meng family prospered, the old soldiers'' families prospered too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If the Meng family fell, the old soldiers would surely die first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The horse''s hooves kicked up dust, magpies flew ahead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Dwarf Horse Town.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When it came to what to eat during postpartum confinement, Aunt Yin was the expert.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But she couldn''t resist a very demanding new mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    During pregnancy, she wasn''t allowed to eat rabbit, fearing the child might have a cleft lip.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After giving birth, she suddenly had a craving for rabbit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Spicy rabbit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Of course, there was no spicy option.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just rabbit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A bit harder to catch, but should be avable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not called rabbit, but hare-rat, verymon on the grasnds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Aunt Yin rmended breastfeeding here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mainly because they hadn''t prepared a wet nurse for the journey, and it wasn''t easy to find one on short notice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Secondly, based on grandaunt''s experience, those less favored royals in the pce who were worried about issues with wet nurses and breastfed themselves, ended up with much stronger children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On average, children fed by wet nurses weren''t as robust as those fed by their own mothers, for reasons unclear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Anyway, this was all based on experience.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Yu was a very healthily developed girl, with plenty of milk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her own breast milk should be enough, especially for twins.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She needed to drink lots of crucian carp soup, pork trotter soup, chicken soup.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    All kinds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sister began her long and blissful postpartum confinement, eating, eating, eating every day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It''s a good thing she had two babies to output to, otherwise with this appetite, Mianmian was worried sister would be a big fatty after the confinement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How strange, brother-inw should have initially liked sister because of her good looks, but now sister looked quite unkempt, yet brother-inw seemed to like her even more, wanting to stick to her all the time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That feeling of love overflowing, even Jiang Mianmian could sense it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She felt too embarrassed to go read to her two nephews.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Never mind, let them rest for a month first, then start learning after a month.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That should be in time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian nned to take Little Tree out for a stroll today, along with bodyguards and maids.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was thergest donkey and horse trading center in the entire Northwest, a town formed because of horse trading.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian also wanted to choose her own horse first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The previous little white horse, since it was given by brother-inw, of course was returned to him when he came to propose.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thinking back to Guo Jing, who gave Huang Rong a Ferghana horse upon their first meeting, the kind that''s rarely found, simr to a handcrafted limited edition Rolls-Royce, possibly worth tens of millions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Huang Rong fell in love with Guo Jing at first sight, the precious horse wasn''t important, what mattered was his sincerity...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thinking of it this way, brother-inw had simr intentions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meeting by chance, he gave away precious horses, swords, family heirloom jade pendants and various gifts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When brother-inw came back to propose to sister, father and mother didn''t object.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Money wasn''t important, what mattered was his sincerity...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today''s horse market was very orderly, with far fewer people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were still many horses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t know how to choose.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Apparently, horse appraisal was very difficult.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In ancient times, horse appraisers were a very high-level profession.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The owner was very enthusiastic in promoting his wares.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Something unknown had happened, and people in town couldn''t leave, the city was inexplicably locked down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Originally, the merchantsing and going would surely need to enter and exit, but not allowing entry or exit meant no one would buy anything, as they''d have nowhere to keep what they bought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Suddenly having a customer, even if just a young girl, but with such extraordinary beauty and manner, surely a youngdy from a wealthy family, a big client.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The owner was a thin, not tall man, dressed quite well, though his sleeves weren''t very clean, perhaps because he often had to pull on horses, easily dirtying his sleeves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He seemed very talkative.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian felt like she was choosing a car in a 4S store.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And it was a 4S store with many brands of cars.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She felt very wealthy, seeming to only need to consider her preferences, not how much it cost.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The experience also felt very advanced.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The owner said if she had a license (knew how to ride), she could test ride.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Under the bright sun, Mianmian sat under a sunshade, with tables and chairs, tea and snacks on the table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The tea and snacks were prepared by Pangya, the owner had also prepared some, but they didn''t look very appetizing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian generally didn''t eat opened food outside, not because she was worried about poisoning, but because conditions were limited at this time, many foods might not meet hygiene standards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were also no preservatives, so food could easily spoil.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So Pangya always carried tea and snacks with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing this, the owner''s eyes twitched slightly, but he became excited inside, big client, big client!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The owner personally apanied her, having his subordinates lead out the horses for viewing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Five horses at a time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Tall and short, fat and thin, white, brown, ck, grey, each different.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The owner patted each horse as he introduced them: "Feel this back, broad and sturdy, these legs, strong, this rump, round... Just look at how robust it is, how powerful..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian looked at the horses disyed before her one by one, inexplicably feeling like she had entered an improper establishment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    The owner''s introductory words became increasingly explicit...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Look at these legs, aren''t they long!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "These pectorals..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian took a sip of warm tea, wolfberry with dates, starting health cultivation from a young age.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She really found it hard to choose.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Every horse looked quite good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the end, she decided to let Little Tree choose.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian selected a group of horses that looked pleasing to her, then let Little Tree make the final decision, whichever horse Little Tree climbed onto would be the one chosen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the end, a white horse was chosen, but with a tuft of mane on its forehead that seemed slightly pink-gray, not very strong, but pleasing to the eye. The owner said this was still a young horse, still growing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian saw this horse''s eyes were moist and bright, Little Tree climbed onto its head, and it was very docile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After Mianmian made her choice, she also let Pangya and Wei Biao each choose a horse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If she was going to ride, she would definitely need someone to apany her, if no one apanied her, mother, father and brother certainly wouldn''t let her ride alone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the end, Pangya chose a brown horse, and Wei Biao chose arge ck horse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Horses were indeed expensive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As expensive as cars.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After the family''s conditions improved, parents gave them fixed pocket money every month.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian got ten taels of silver.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    One tael of silver was equivalent to about 1,100 yuan, rounding down to 1,000 for easier calction, so ten taels was 10,000 yuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So Mianmian had 10,000 yuan of pocket money per month.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Pure pocket money, clothes, food, essories and such were all provided by the family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the horse she chose actually cost two hundred and fifty taels, Mianmian bargained it down to two hundred and forty taels of silver, equivalent to two years of her pocket money, 240,000 yuan for one horse, about the price of a small BMW.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    While the horses chosen by Wei Biao and Pangya added up to one hundred taels, that''s 100,000 yuan, equivalent to each choosing a Wuling Hongguang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Fortunately, when going out shopping, Father had given plenty of money.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After choosing the horses, it was time for test rides.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Pangya had been with the Jiang family for many years, and her main job was to take care of the young mistress and improve her own work skills, so she had gotten her "driver''s license" early on and learned to ride horses early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Pangya''s parents were both servants in the household, belonging to professional family servants, with decent living conditions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She herself was a first-ss maid exclusively serving the youngdy, and after so many years, her umted wages were enough to buy a horse, of course the horse bestowed by the youngdy was better, not requiring her to spend money.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wei Biao had never ridden a horse before, but his athletic skills were very developed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Aftering to the Jiang family, he quickly learned with just a bit of instruction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He never thought that now the master would buy him a horse. Unexpected that at such a young age, he could own his own horse, he felt his life was nowplete.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wei Biao led the horse, unable to let go, wishing he could hug the horse''s head tightly and kiss it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That big ck horse snorted, looking like an adult ck horse with a rather temperamental disposition.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The horse Pangya chose was also veryrge, she was strong and sturdy herself and liked big horses, thinking the brown color suited herplexion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian simply thought the horse she chose looked good, and Little Tree liked it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The three of them test ran a fewps in the horse arena together, all very satisfied.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian had Pangya pay.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then happily rode the horse, parading through the streets.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But today''s spending was really a lot, not feeling it when it was just a few taels of silver here and there, but when converted to modern currency, it was tens of thousands at a time, suddenly feeling the pinch.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She''d have to ask Father for reimbursement when she got home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian drove her new "car", clip-clopping towards the inn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With the new horse, she still needed to change the interior, swap out the saddle and reins, and such. She''d have to ask Great-Aunt about this when she got back; Great-Aunt would surely be able to get her a good set.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Pangya and Wei Biao were also riding horses, following her one in front and one behind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian felt like a super-rich kid with an escort vehicle in front and another bringing up the rear. She could ride however she pleased and changenes at will.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    The sunshine was just right, and the roadside was clean and tidy, much cleaner than when they first arrived, and not nearly as crowded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They returned to the inn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian put her horse in the back yard and went to find her father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian was discussing matters with his son when he saw his little girl skipping in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Instinctively, he reached out to embrace her, but halfway through the motion, he pulled back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His little girl had unknowingly grown into a pretty youngdy. Indeed, as she used to say, you should hug them plenty when they''re small; once they grow up, even if you want to, it bes awkward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian reached out and patted Mianmian''s head, then touched her ear, which felt cool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Father, Big Brother," Mianmian greeted them, while dodging her father''s hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "You''vee at just the right time. Your birthday is approaching. Tell Father what you like."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Without a second thought, Jiang Mianmian said, "Horses, I like horses."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian was hoping to get more pocket money to cover her expenses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian smiled and said, "Perfect. Father has acquired a horse ranch with over two hundred horses. I''ll give them all to you as your birthday gift this year."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian''s eyes widened, her mouth agape, too excited to speak coherently... Damn it, she had wasted money!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Pangya and the others chose horses, they were very cautious, picking the cheapest ones at fifty taels of silver.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That was about 50,000 yuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Over two hundred horses would be close to 10 million yuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What if some of them turned out to be exceptional, like some Ferghana horses or something simr?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And horses could have foals, and those foals could have more foals.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian sat there, counting carefully on her fingers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A horse''s gestation period is about 300 days, so roughly one foal per year, mostly single births, with asional twins. A young horse could start breeding at a year and a half, continuing until about ten years old, producing eight to ten foals.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Doubling every year?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Other people''s horses might not get pregnant easily, but hers surely would.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian suddenly felt as wealthy as a nation...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So many horses, horses, horses, horses, horses...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That night, she wrote in her diary:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Month X, Day X. Shocking! Father gifted me over two hundred vehicles as a birthday present.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 235

    There was wind.

    The wind was strong.

    There was sunlight.

    The sunlight was also intense.

    A golden prairie stretched out before the eyes.

    In the middle of the prairie were silver patterns.

    These were natural paintings formed by frozen water flows.

    They shimmered faintly under the sunlight.

    In the distance were mountains and a grand canyon.

    This was how vast and boundless was invented.

    The scene before the eyes was too beautiful.

    Mianmian was delighted to have over two hundred more vehicles.

    The next day, she came to see her new horses, and was even more surprised to discover that what she thought was a horse farm was actually a ce as big as a field.

    She never imagined that a horse farm for over two hundred horses could be sorge.

    Jiang Feng watched his sister''s excitement from the side, the corners of his mouth constantly upturned, never dropping.

    "These are real warhorses that can be used in battle. They can''t be kept in enclosures, only free-range. Our cavalry is weak because we can only raise this kind of horse in specific ces. It takes at least fifty mu of grasnd to raise one horse, so for over two hundred horses, we need this much space."

    Mianmian could already see it.

    Steeds galloping across the prairie, the scene was too beautiful.

    The horses given by Father and her own horses, as well as those bought by Wei Biao and Pangya, werepletely different.

    The horses she bought were like small sports cars.

    The horses Pangya and Wei Biao bought were more like family cars.

    While the horses Father sent her were more like war vehicles, tanks, or superrge Jeep Hummers, Land Rovers and such. Hearing her elder brother say that one of these horses could sell for a thousand taels, wow, they were all million-level luxury cars.

    Thinking about it this way,

    She suddenly realized that she was also among the ranks of top-tier rich kids.

    She thought she was given just over two hundred horses because she was a little girl.

    But her Elder Brother said that in the entire country, there were only over two hundred of these war horses.

    Modern horses are all super expensive, exclusive to the wealthy and powerful.

    Ordinary middle-ss people can''t even get close.

    Because horses can''t be raised well in cities, let alone herds of horses. Really good horses are all bred in specific regions and then transported over.

    She didn''t understand before why horses were so expensive, couldn''t high-tech be used instead?

    But looking at the grasnd and terrain before her eyes now, she realized that indeed, other ces couldn''t match this.

    Humidity, temperature, space, water sources, topography, all indispensable.

    Beautiful grass, sweet springs, long mountains and great valleys, wilderness, sunshine, wind and rain, all these provided the basic conditions for horses to gallop in herds.

    Pangya and Wei Biao, who came riding family horses, were also shocked by the horse farm before their eyes.

    The view was too vast and majestic.

    Even the petty scheming in one''s chest would dissipate at the sight of such a scene.

    Even though it was winter, the wind was strong, a bit cold, cold even under the scorching sun.

    Their noses were a bit red.

    From today on.

    Chopping firewood, feeding horses.

    Chopping firewood, feeding horses.

    Chopping firewood, feeding horses.

    The End (crossed out).

    Mianmian saw the horse keepers, they lived right next to the horse farm, in those mobile tents.

    There couldn''t be too many people gathered on the horse farm, if there were too many traces of human activity, it would encroach on the grasnd area.

    The horse keepers wore thick clothes, had whips in their hands, their faces were very red, probably due to years of wind and sun exposure, their faces seemed to have ayer of protective shell, hard like a mask.

    They raised horses.

    They sang.

    They were not good with words.

    They wielded long whips and sang boldly.

    Besides war horses, there were also some flocks of sheep and mules on the horse farm.

    Like nting some bean seedlings along the ridges of rice fields.

    Among the horse keepers was a little boy, not very old, looking a bit shy, with wet, very beautiful eyes. When Mianmian looked at him, he just grinned foolishly, his teeth very white.

    He rode a horse in front of Mianmian, showing off his skills. Because he had grown up on horseback, he could even flip his body under the horse''s belly while riding.

    After performing, the boy shyly smiled again.

    The boy was very good-looking, his skin wasn''t fair, but he had a high, straight nose bridge and deep-set features.

    His eye sockets were very deep, looking at people with what seemed like a deep, passionate gaze. In reality, it was just because the wind on the prairie was strong, and looking at people required careful gazing with slightly squinted eyes.

    So when youe to the prairie, don''t be enchanted by the handsome prairie youths. When he gazes at you passionately, he hasn''t fallen in love with you, it''s just that the wind is too strong and sand has gotten in his eyes.

    From a medical perspective, it might be trachoma, symptoms after repeated infections.

    The trachoma boy before her eyes was particrly good-looking, with wet, glistening eyes.

    Mianmian rode her newly bought mini horse, slowly touring with her elder brother.

    She raced with her elder brother, galloping on horseback.

    Looking at the distant mountains, sunset, canyons, prairie.

    The wind felt real, the cold felt real too.

    Jiang Feng knew his sister would like this horse farm. Actually, Father initially said he was giving the horse farm to him.

    But he thought, his sister had always liked different things since she was little. Compared to giving gold, jewels, jade, pretty clothes and such, his sister would definitely prefer this.

    Sure enough.

    Looking at her smile, sometimes heartily, sometimes in disbelief, sometimes oddly, anyway, she should be very happy.

    Jiang Feng was very happy too.

    There was no gloom in his heart, because it was all cured and filled by his sister''s smile.

    Mianmian was indeed very happy.

    She brought a bucket of water, added her Spirit Spring to it, then went around feeding each horse a mouthful, counting them down one by one, a total of 236 horses. Among them, three horses actually came back for a second drink, almost causing a miscount of 239.

    She patted each horse''s head.

    After patting over two hundred times, her hand was sore.

    Indeed, top-tier rich kids don''t remember what cars they have, they have too many cars.

    In the days that followed, Mianmian basically went to her horse farm to ride horses whenever she had time.

    Just like someone who just got a lot of new cars, each one could be test-driven.

    By the time she was acquainted with every horse, Mianmian could already ride a horse, take the lead, and gallop across the wilderness with a group of horses.

    Beautiful scenery kills.

    Especially when there''s a huge, setting sun hanging before your eyes as you gallop forward, that kind of beauty is indescribable.

    She also became familiar with the trachoma boy.

    His name was Kasar.

    He had foreign blood.

    Here, mixed-race children weren''t objects of envy, they were generally despised and called mongrels.

    Because their births all had unsavory origins.

    So Kasar never went to town, he had been on the horse farm since he was little.

    He had be one with the horses, his appearance was also very wild.

    Mianmian rarely met a boy about the same age as her. Every day they rode horses together, fed horses, galloped, felt the wind, basked in the sun, conquered the world.

    From dawn to dusk.

    Running at full speed.

    Time slowly moved forward a little bit.

    Mianmian''s height also quietly grew a tiny bit taller.

 Chapter 236

    Commander Jiang''s efficiency was off the charts.

    If he said you''d die at the third watch, he definitely wouldn''t dy until the second watch.

    He''d send you off at the first watch.

    His main focus was on being efficient and outstanding.

    On the first day his daughter gave birth, and on the second day he began reorganizing Dwarf Horse Town.

    With his rich experience from Ming County and Jingzhou Prefecture City,

    He found reorganizing Dwarf Horse Town even more manageable.

    This ce was actually a transportation hub, always a mix of good and bad elements, with poor public security, but because of good economic development, it was populous.

    Many were desperate criminals seeking fortune or gambling with their lives.

    First, he rounded them all up.

    Starting with interrogating these criminals, then arresting them one by one, hebed through the entire Dwarf Horse Town.

    Themon people who honestly worked for a living weren''t actually affected, but rather benefited from this. With fewer bad people around, they no longer suffered multipleyers of oppression and could even earn a little money.

    Of course, those wealthy gentry and powerful families suffered. With many people in their households and great power, how could there not be those who had done bad things?

    Jiang Changtian, just as he had done in Ming County, made everyone hand over two-thirds of their family property.

    Back then he was a rebel, now he was a government official, but he was doing the same thing.

    Different identity, same persistence.

    To everyone, Commander Jiang would cry sincerely once, saying, "My daughter was almost harmed, it would have been three lives lost.

    I haven''t killed your entire family, which is already umting virtue for the newborns. Collecting a littlepensation for mental anguish isn''t too much, right?"

    In short, Commander Jiang, famous for amassing wealth, gave everyone in Dwarf Horse Town another serious demonstration of what wealth umtion meant. If he didn''t take 90% of your family''s wealth, that wasn''t called umting wealth, that was called leaking wealth.

    Jiang Yu stayed in her room every day for postpartum confinement. Although she was greedy for food, she strictly followed the rules of not going out for walks and not being exposed to wind.

    Women''s bodies are very weak after childbirth, and with the poor medical conditions at that time, once they caught a cold, they basically couldn''t be saved. They must avoid wind; getting some heat rash was better than losing their life.

    Jiang Yu solidly stayed in the inn for a full month, not going out even for a day.

    A month is both long and short, mainly because she was happy eating different postpartum meals every day.

    Watching the two fuzzy babies expand like rising dough, her days were too fulfilling.

    At first, they were like hairless little mice, but now they were already like two little piglets.

    Both boys were growing well.

    Although they were twins, they were very easy to tell apart.

    The older one, weighing over five jin, had a square face.

    The younger one, weighing over four jin, had a round face.

    Jiang Yu gave them nicknames: the older one was called Big Goose, and the younger one was called Little Goose.

    Their formal names would be given by their great-grandfather, who had the highest seniority.

    A message had been sent to Old General Meng at the border.

    If Old General Meng knew that his grandson had gotten two sons in one go, who knows how happy he would be.

    He''d probably hug a bottle of strong liquor and have a drink.

    On this day.

    Finally.

    A month had passed.

    Jiang Yu hadpleted her postpartum confinement.

    She could finally change clothes, wash her hair, take a bath, get all cleaned up, and felt like she had lost five jin off her body.

    She could finally go outside.

    She opened the door.

    Even the cold wind outside felt dear.

    Her husband was holding Little Goose, her aunt was holding Big Goose, and a bunch of maids, old women, and bodyguards followed.

    Outside, not knowing what day it was, people were actually setting off firecrackers.

    And the streets were much cleaner and wider, strangely reminiscent of Jingzhou.

    There were even signs for Home Inns on the street, and even suite hotels. One by one, item by item, it was strangely familiar, as if she had just spent a month in confinement and teleported back to Jingzhou.

    Themon people and powerful families of Dwarf Horse Town were beating gongs and drums today because it was said to be the day the curfew was lifted, and also the day Commander Jiang''s daughter came out of confinement.

    Her one month of confinement had been apanied by everyone in Dwarf Horse Town for a month.

    She had eaten and drunk well during confinement, with her husband apanying her to y with the babies.

    Others hadn''t eaten or drunk well, living in fear, afraid that Commander Jiang would suddenly discoverwbreakers in their families and half the family would disappear.

    Finally, the confinement was over.

    Everyone celebrated and rejoiced with all their might!

    Beating gongs and drums, celebrating together.

    Dwarf Horse Town was privately called Yuezi Town by these people, because starting from this month, the entire town had undergone huge changes. (Copied from readerments, the name Yuezi Town.)

    It had be two parts, one part a military stronghold, one part amercial center.

    Commander Jiang severely cracked down on all kinds of crimes. Although currently it was very unfriendly to arge part of the poption, in the long run, it actually promotedmercial development.

    Andter, rumors about Little Madam Meng being a femme fatale grew even stronger.

    It was said that because she was in confinement and couldn''t go out to y, the people of an entire town apanied her in not being able to go out to y... even Daji reborn couldn''tpare.

    Jiang Yu''s face had be rounder, whiter, and more delicate.

    The first thing she did aftering out of confinement was to hurriedly go eat clear soup dumplings.

    She had only eaten half a bowl before giving birth, and there was still half a bowl left. She had been thinking about it for a month.

    Fortunately, although many shops on the street had changed names, that clear soup dumpling shop was still there.

    However, the nearby chain of outhouses had been moved farther away.

    The tables and chairs were much cleaner, no longer on the roadside, but in a storefront, and there were no more street vendors setting up stalls randomly on the roadside.

    Jiang Yu sat down and finally drank the steaming hot dumpling soup.

    The dumplings bobbed up and down, white steam curling upwards.

    She had given birth to children, and now she was eating dumplings. Everything hade full circle.

 Chapter 237

    This year''s Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A bit deste.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yet with a certain vor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the western part of the city, people used to think living next to the Goddess would bring them some spiritual aura, making them smugly content as property values rose even higher.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A while back, a house two doors down from the Goddess sold for a full six percent higher thanst year. Given how high prices already were in the west, that six percent increase meant a fortune.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But ever since Old Madam Meng brought people to ssh that huge bucket of urine, it was as if the Goddess''s filter had been washed away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    The Goddess''s servants scrubbed for three days and nights, but the smell still lingered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When the Goddess was in her glory, no one dared say anything, fearing she might im their fate was poor if they did.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But once someone opened the floodgates, the gossip came pouring in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There had long been those who resented her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was a young woman with a fianc¨¦, but when the Goddess read another girl''s love fortune, she actually said that girl''s destined match was that very man - the first girl''s fianc¨¦.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Somehow, it came to pass that the man actually broke off his engagement and married the other girl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It seemed the prophecy had brought about a happy union, while simultaneously destroying another engagement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Those who enjoy the benefits of fame are always apanied by nder.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was no shortage of jealous people either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The nobles of the capital already had various professional frauds surrounding them. Jiang Wan''s sudden rise was essentially stealing their rice bowls.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was said The Emperor was about to summon Goddess Liu, but after Old Madam Meng''s bucket of urine came down, there was no follow-up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Moreover, Goddess Liu became aughingstock.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then more gossip spread that Liu Tong, the Liu family''s eldest son, was desperate to avoid marriage because of his adopted sister the Goddess. He even went before his fianc¨¦e Miss Dong, kneeling and begging her to let him go...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Miss Dong broke off the engagement, also bing the joke of the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, the Goddess proved worthy of her title by unexpectedly saving the Crown Prince''s only son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Crown Prince is currently the prince with the loudest calls to be heir apparent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Though not born of the main wife, he is the eldest. The Crown Prince himself is valiant and handsome, tall and brave, with an generous personality that many admire.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It''s just that he had childrente, with daughtersing first. He finally had a son, which is one of the reasons he''s a strong contender for Crown Prince. After all, without an heir, the position of Crown Prince would be essentially out of reach.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So the Crown Prince was extremely grateful to Goddess Liu, especially the Crown Prince''s wife, who personally invited Goddess Liu as an honored guest. The winds of the Capital City shifted once again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Rumors and gossip quickly subsided.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Rumors always have the wings of power, fearing the strong and bullying the weak.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On this day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Many people were queuing at the city gate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The travel-worn old soldier was also in the queue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He held the Meng family token, already in the noble VIP line, but there were so many nobles in the Capital City that even the VIP priority channel still required some waiting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was still much better than the regr channel. The regr channel to enter the city moved at a snail''s pace, sometimes taking one or two hours to get through.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old soldier waited about half an hour before finally passing the inspection and entering the Capital City, then galloped towards the Meng mansion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Madam Meng had regained consciousness, for some reason she was sometimes confused. She had been frightened by a dream where her son died in battle and her daughter-inw hanged herself. She was so scared she didn''t dare close her eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She didn''t dare speak of it, fearing it would worry others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She could only keep it bottled up inside, making herself miserable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her spirit seemed much diminished.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When the old soldier finally rushed home, dusty and travel-worn but with a joyful expression.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Mydy, master, Old Madam, great joy! The young mistress has given birth - twins! Two young masters!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    The old soldier hadn''t even taken a sip of water, his wordsing out dry and hoarse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But when Madam Meng heard this, she suddenly sat bolt upright.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "She really gave birth? And twins? Two sons? Hahahahaha!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Giving birth to two at once? As expected of my son, with twice my valor." Meng Qingshe alsoughed heartily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Madam Meng''s eyes turned red as tears suddenly fell.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her hair was nowpletely white.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That day when she wore her heavy official robes and went to ssh urine at the so-called Goddess Liu''s door in front of the whole Capital City, Old Madam Meng was smiling on the outside but feeling utterly deste within.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "The general dies in a hundred battles, the hero returns after ten years."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her old man had not yet returned, and might never return.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now even upstart clowns dared to spit flowery words above their heads.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Upon hearing the good news, Old Madam Meng immediately wanted to go to the ancestral hall to burn incense and kowtow to the ancestors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The ancestors had blessed them - the Meng family had heirs now, two at once. They would never again have to worry about watching helplessly as the Meng family dwindled, unable to continue the line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With her snow-white hair, Old Madam Meng wanted nothing more than to kneel before the ancestor tablets and have a good cry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She also wanted to search through her storerooms - she had to send gifts to her granddaughter-inw.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Madam Meng heard the news, she suddenly felt free of all illness and pain, free of all disaster and difficulty, light as a feather.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She also wanted to search her storerooms, wishing she could move everything to her daughter-inw.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Little Yu''er had given birth to two sons in one go. From now on, whatever the daughter-inw wanted, she would get. They could even enshrine and wait on her - she was too praiseworthy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If the messenger hadn''t said they were already on their way to the Capital City, just needing toplete the month of confinement first, Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng would have set off for Jingzhou overnight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "The young mistress nearly met with disaster. Someone tried to poison her, but fortunately the young mistress was clever and saw through it. However, she was frightened into earlybor because of it. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise - she gave birth to two big, healthy boys. If it had been anyter, the babies would have been too big and difficult to deliver."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    The old soldier caught his breath, drank some tea to wet his throat, and continued to describe the scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The listeners'' hearts leapt in shock.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Then what happened?" Old Madam Meng asked anxiously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Was the poisoner caught?" asked Meng Qingshe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "They should be cut into a thousand pieces!" Madam Meng cursed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "The waiter who delivered the food killed himself."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Madam Meng frowned, "Then there''s no way to verify anything, and it happened on the road too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Madam Meng also felt frustrated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe said gloomily: "I hear my inw is an upright and honorable man. Although he was forced to rebel before, he never actually fought or killed anyone, just helped maintain order in the county. In Jingzhou he''s also been diligent and conscientious. Even someone as impartial as Inspector He praised Commander Jiang as a good official after returning from Jingzhou. In this world, the kind are bullied by others. They''re taking advantage of our Meng family having no one around."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old soldier was also furious, but there was nothing to be done. He had rushed back to report as soon as he got news of the young mistress giving birth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But there was no help for it. That Lord Jiang looked too handsome, the typical schrly official who would probably faint at the sight of blood, unlike their Meng family. That Madam Jiang also looked kind and gentle. Young Master Jiang also appeared to be a very well-behaved youth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    No wonder the whole family wanted to keep their young master at home. Without the young master, they''d probably all be bullied to death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Oh right, these are the young masters'' first hairs. The young mistress cut them and asked me to bring them back." The old soldier produced two identical pouches.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Madam Meng opened them to find two locks of hair, which she couldn''t stop fondling lovingly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two ordinary pouches were passed around between two generations of the family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Madam Meng''s heart grew even fonder of her daughter-inw. She really was considerate, knowing they would miss the children and sending these first hairs. Even gold, jade and other treasures couldn''tpare to how precious these two pouches were - they had captured their hearts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Mother, I''ll go check again if there''s anything else to prepare. When Little Yu''er returns, we should add some more things for her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Go ahead. Take thatrge coral from my room and move it to my daughter-inw''s room. It''s auspicious."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 238

    The sunset in Yuezi Town was asrge and red as coral.

    The evening glow was full and could travel a thousand miles.

    Tomorrow, the Jiang Family would be ready to set out on their journey.

    Jiang Mianmian had named all her beloved horses, though she wasn''t good at naming. She used numbers instead.

    Arabic numerals.

    Serial numbers.

    Starting from 001.

    What if a horse suddenly got crushed by some kind ofndslide and became a fossil?

    It probably wouldn''t happen; there wasn''t enough tree resin or time for that.

    But just in case.

    If it were possible, and it was dug upter, would future archaeologists be puzzled to see a horse with "007" written on it? Would they think it was an alien horse? Did horses need to shave too? An ancient ughterhouse?

    In any case, anything is possible in history.

    Jiang Mianmian reluctantly bid farewell to the little boy, Kasar.

    Childhood friendships are sincere and pure, like a satisfying steamed bun.

    Kasar didn''t know who his father was.

    His mother had died.

    Now he lived with his aunt and uncle.

    His aunt and uncle were horse breeders who had adopted him.

    He was well-behaved, having grown up with horses and never been anywhere else.

    He was also very intelligent.

    Gically speaking, mixed-race children not only have advantages in appearance but are often quite smart too.

    Kasar was just like that. Although no one had taught him, he seemed naturally clever, knowing how to use his advantages.

    Not only had he gained the care of his aunt and uncle,

    But he had also won the friendship of the young mistress.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t like ancient texts, but she liked having others read them.

    Before she left, she gave Kasar a book.

    "First learn to read, and when you finish this book, go to town and ask the teacher for more. There''s a Maple Leaf Library in town where you can borrow books. This is a library card I got for you. With this card, you can go in for free."

    "Once you learn to read and write, you can write me letters. I''ll write to you from the Capital City too, but you need to study so you can understand what I write."

    For someone who had received nine years ofpulsory education, it was unbearable to see someone practicing writing with a stick in the grass, looking up with moist eyes, eager to learn.

    The desire to improve oneself is always worthy of respect.

    This time, Kasar truly cried.

    It wasn''t because of the wind.

    It wasn''t because he felt wronged.

    His nose just felt sour.

    Tears kept flowing from his eyes.

    Unstoppable.

    He felt very reluctant to part.

    At the horse farm, his uncle would call him "little mongrel."

    Others called him that too.

    He knew they meant no harm.

    It was just a habit.

    When they ate meat and sang songs, they would share with him too, never letting him go hungry.

    They just treated him like a stray dog they had picked up, adopted, fed, and let live.

    But Jiang Mianmian was different.

    When she first met him, she asked for his name.

    He said Kasar.

    She said her name was Jiang Mianmian.

    She actually exchanged names with him, no one had ever been so considerate before.

    He thought she would be surprised, because no one else had a name like his.

    They all had surnames and given names.

    Kasar wasn''t really a name, just a blessing word. When his mother gave birth to him, she kept muttering blessings.

    His mother hadn''t given him a name, but because she always called "Kasar, Kasar," he thought she was calling him. Every time he heard his mother''s blessings, he would smile and respond, thinking she was calling him.

    Now Jiang Mianmian called him Kaka.

    She thought his surname was Ka.

    How could anyone have Ka as a surname?

    She made him a library card. She said "library card" shared a character with his name.

    The library card wasn''t actually a card, but a piece of leather with "Kasar" printed on it.

    He had always said his name was Kasar.

    But learning these three characters was something Jiang Mianmian taught him.

    Some people are like sparks.

    Their arrival can ignite you, changing your primitive life forever.

    The next day.

    Little Kasar rode a horse, watching his first friend in life leave.

    He didn''t even have the chance to get close.

    But it didn''t matter.

    The horse she rode was the one Kasar had taken the best care of.

    Number 023.

    Every horse had a number, and he remembered them all.

    During this time, many horses seemed to be pregnant.

    His uncle said it was because Yuezi Town''s name change was auspicious.

    Even the horses wanted to have their postpartum confinement.

    Goodbye.

    The morning light bade farewell.

    A hundred horses galloped.

    Magnificent and grand...

 Chapter 239

    The Jiang family members all upgraded their mounts.

    Originally, Dwarf Horse Town was not a traditional town, but rather one that formed spontaneously due to trade. Therefore, the imperial court did not pay much attention to it, just as they wouldn''t specially name or appoint officials to a roadside stall or confirm its administrative status. At most, they would treat it as an appendage of the nearby main town and supervise it.

    The fact that Dwarf Horse Town had grown to such arge scale while still maintaining this status without an administrative level was initially a coincidence, butter became intentionally concealed by those with vested interests.

    Profit moves people''s hearts, and the emperor is far away from the high mountains.

    In the end, it all served to pave the way for Commander Jiang.

    Thunder-like methods + business tactics + brainwashing and bewitching people''s hearts + severe punishments + promoting education and enlightening the people + taking in the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled + ...

    A set of mature processes that had already been verified in Jingzhou waspletely replicated in Yuezi Town.

    Moreover, any gaps were identified and filled.

    From then on, Commander Jiang became the actual controller of Yuezi Town, which also became a supply point outside of Jingzhou.

    After apanying his daughter through her postpartum confinement, Commander Jiang and his family obediently continued their journey towards the capital.

    As they traveled further, things became more prosperous.

    They were also getting closer to the capital.

    The journey became much more peaceful and joyful.

    Finally, they stopped to rest and recuperate in a big city.

    Originally, the weather should have been colder.

    But because they were traveling south, it seemed to get warmer as they went.

    They arrived in Jiangzhou.

    The Jiang family''s ancestral home was in this ce.

    The Jiang family was also a well-known old aristocratic family, but with the downfall and exile of Grand Tutor Jiang, the century-old n disintegrated, bing a page of dust in history.

    Upon reaching Jiangzhou, they found that the people''s standard of living was much higher.

    This was rted to the topography; thend here was t, with ins, developed water systems, pleasant climate, dense poption, and both agriculture andmerce were well-developed. The architectural style also had more poetry and softness to it, indicating that people were generally well-fed.

    Entering such a city, the Jiang family''s attire actually appeared somewhat rustic.

    They looked like they came from a harsh, cold ce, not wearing silk but fur.

    Travel-worn, withrge hats covering their heads and masks on their faces, only their eyes were visible.

    However, their mounts were too tall and beautiful. Even ordinary people who didn''t know horses could see the glossy coats, the sturdy legs, the huge hindquarters, and hear the crisp sound the horses made when their hooves hit the ground.

    The sound of ordinary small horses is clip-clop, clip-clop, like the sound of a small electric vehicle.

    But the sound of Mianmian''s group of horses was boom-boom-boom, boom-boom-boom, like the sound of a top-tier sports car engine.

    The journey was far from boring.

    In fact, it could be said to be too busy.

    Mianmian was taking care of her two nephews.

    Changing diapers, feeding, educating...

    Very busy.

    She had memories from her childhood, remembering that most of the time, it was Elder Sister who held her, carried her on her back, changed her diapers, washed her face and bottom.

    She hadn''t expected that in the blink of an eye, she would be holding Elder Sister''s children.

    It was simply miraculous.

    Both children were very heavy.

    They grew rapidly during the postpartum period, one weighing ten jin, the other eleven jin, totaling twenty-one jin together.

    Like little calves.

    Fortunately, the Jiang family members were all strongmen.

    Holding a ten-jin baby was very easy for them.

    But it didn''t look easy to others.

    Meng Shaoxia, having eaten the Jiang family''s food for so many years, had also be much stronger.

    In the Jiang family, he was at the bottom of the food chain. He didn''t realize it himself, because he couldn''t beat his brother-inw, didn''t dare to beat his father-inw, but suspected he probably couldn''t beat him either, definitely couldn''t beat his mother-inw whose fists were very heavy, and apparently couldn''t beat his wife either - he hadn''t tried, but he had been beaten.

    The whole family, perhaps only his sister-inw was somewhat more delicate.

    But his sister-inw had terrifying hobbies, she liked to cut up food or animals or people, so Meng Shaoxia was also a bit wary.

    His wife was still the best.

    Arriving in the new city, there was a hubbub of voices outside the carriage, extremely lively.

    The big goose and little goose also seemed interested in the sounds outside. Although they couldn''t roll over or turn their heads, staying in whatever position they were put in, they could already raise their hands and make "yi-ya-ya" sounds with their mouths.

    The two were dressed thickly in the carriage, so Mianmian pulled open the curtain to look at the scenery outside.

    Suddenly, it was as if they had traveled through time and space, back to a modern ancient town, with tourists everywhere, dressed in colorful, bright clothes.

    There were some differences, of course.

    In modern times, you wouldn''t see people selling themselves to bury their fathers on the street - the city management wouldn''t allow it.

    As soon as the curtain was lifted, she saw a pitifully beautiful girl in a white robe kneeling by the roadside. She had a pretty face, with wisps of hair falling on her forehead, and her posture was also very graceful. There seemed to be a person lying beside her.

    Coincidentally, at this moment, the girl was tugging at her brother-inw''s clothes, begging him to take her in.

    Jiang Mianmian looked and indeed, her brother-inw, who had apanied Elder Sister for a month of postpartum confinement, had also gained weight, bing wider and rounder, looking like the wealthiest person among the group.

    This girl had a good eye, her brother was standing right there, but she didn''t go to tug at his clothes.

    Jiang Yu was also sitting in the carriage, curiously watching someone tugging at her husband''s leg.

    She was still enjoying the spectacle.

    When Meng Shaoxia was young and traveled, he liked to y the hero and save many pitiful people.

    Now that he was a father, he had matured a lot and was more down-to-earth in his father-inw''s house. He hade to his senses - of those women he had saved in the past, some might have truly needed saving, some might not, but it didn''t matter, he had handed them all over to He Elder Brother.

    Also, his aesthetic standards had changed. His father-inw''s face was otherworldly beautiful, his sister-inw even more so, and of course his little Yu was the most beautiful. All others were just ordinary beauties; his aesthetic standards had risen by several levels.

    Looking at the girl by the roadside, dressed all in white in broad daylight, with messy hair, a thin face, looking mean, not having said anything yet but already crying and wailing, Meng Shaoxia found it very inauspicious. If he got involved with this and it infected the children when he went back, that wouldn''t do. He angrily said, "Don''te over here. If youe any closer, I''ll really bury your father!"

 Chapter 240

    Commander Jiang was, after all, a passing official.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Prefect of Jiangzhou didn''t need toe out to wee him, but there were people specifically responsible for receiving guests.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Officials look out for each other, first and foremost in this way, through theirwork circles. When traveling to various provinces, there''s always someone to receive them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For those who passed the imperial examinations, they might have hosts even in small ces, either ssmates from the same year or adjacent years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang received fewer receptions because he was originally a rebel who had surrendered and been pardoned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Such officials rarely ventured out of their circles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Few could enter the capital again to be appointed officials or promoted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The court didn''t encourage this, for if rebels could be officials and even get promoted, why would anyone bother studying hard and taking exams? Everyone would just rebel.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Secondly, if pardoned rebels could all be truly good officials, passing evaluations or even excelling, it would be embarrassing for those who had worked hard to be officials. How could a former rebel be an official and be good at it? Impossible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For these two reasons, Commander Jiang was a very special person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Most officials actually didn''t want to be associated with former rebels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But Commander Jiang had managed to marry his daughter to the Meng family''s son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At least among former rebels, his identity had been thoroughly whitewashed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His rank was also respectable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The local officials of Jiangzhou City, even if they wanted to pretend not to see him, couldn''t do so. They still sent people to wee him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, when they saw the scene of someone selling themselves to bury their father at the city gate, they didn''t step forward to intervene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some people enjoy this kind of drama - the young master gets to y the hero, the youngdy finds a good match, it''s a perfect fit. What does it matter if it''s her real father or not? As long as both parties are willing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When the weing official got a clear look at the man the girl was clinging to, he felt a sense of familiarity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It seemed he had seen him before, a few years ago.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wasn''t that Young General Meng?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had apanied the prefect in receiving Meng Qingshe General and his son Meng Shaoxia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He vaguely remembered a thin youth with a square face, but after a few years, he had turned into a round-faced, sturdy man, as fat as two people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    If it weren''t for the squareness still visible in the roundness, he wouldn''t have recognized him at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Lord Jia reprimanded the girl selling herself to bury her father, telling her not to embarrass the people of Jiangzhou.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then he put on a smile that was warm yet distant,ing forward to wee Commander Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Lord Jia wore a crisp official uniform, with a beautiful jade pendant around his neck, a jewel-encrusted hat on his head, a pouch of jewels at his waist, and official boots on his feet, fully disying the wealth of Jiangzhou. The officials'' uniforms were all attractive, new, and crisp, asvish and mboyant as possible within the regtions of their rank.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Lord Jia had a long horse-like face, his elegant attire and air of authority naturally enhanced his appearance. Dressed up like this and standing on the street, he was at least a five out of ten.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang wore arge cloak with a hood. Qin Luoxia, worried that her husband would be dusty and tanned from the journey, had prepared thisrge cloak for him. At most, only his eyes were visible, and most of the time he traveled by carriage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When a colleague came to wee him, Commander Jiang lifted the hood of his cloak.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For a moment, the white-d woman crying on the ground was like a pheasant caught by fate, unable to make a sound.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The crowd gathered around, curious to see which fool had been caught by a professional "selling herself to save her father" scam artist.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Instead, they saw a man in ck robes sitting on a tall horse, lifting his hood and removing his cloak to reveal a young man in white robes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Sunlight, long hair, a handsome face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today was the Minor Cold sr term.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Minor Cold wind was biting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A beautiful person arrived on horseback.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The bustling street.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Beauty can make time stop.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At least for this moment, it paused.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Lord Jia, as a seasoned official, took a moment to find his voice again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "C-Commander Jiang, I''ve long looked forward to meeting you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang responded with a cultured, slightly socially anxious smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Thank you foring to wee me personally, Lord Jia. We''ve just entered the city and encountered this situation. Fortunately, you arrived, or we wouldn''t have known what to do. Can... can we leave now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Commander''s voice was also very pleasant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A young gentleman on the road, face like jade, voice like emerald.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Lord Jia never imagined that while the son-inw had grown fat and jowly, the father-inw would still be so refined and beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    No wonder it was said that Commander Jiang''s daughter was more beautiful than Daji. Young General Meng had only to see her once to stay by her side, unwilling to leave for even a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If the father could look like this at his age, how bewitching must the daughter be?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Lord Jia couldn''t help but nce towards the carriage behind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing is believing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had previously misunderstood the rumors about Commander Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How could someone who looked like this possibly be a vicious rebel? This was clearly a young master from a noble family who had been forced into difficult circumstances.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang dismounted and walked side by side with Lord Jia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Come,e, Brother Jiang, let me take you to get settled. We''ll arrange a weing dinner for you this evening."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Jiangzhou has a famous dish, taro duck, extremely renowned, rich and delicious, a rare delicacy. We''ve arranged for the famous chef Jiangbei to prepare this dish for you tonight. You must try it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Excellent."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang and Lord Jia strolled forward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiangzhou was prosperous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Children were running in the street.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang saw a child running ahead, with an adult chasing behind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Xiao Tian, don''t run so fast, I''m worried you''ll fall."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I know, Dad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Dad, taro duck is so delicious. Ask Uncle Bei to make it tonight."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    "Alright."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian paused, lost in thought for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "After you, Commander Jiang."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "After you, Lord Jia."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiangzhou was his hometown.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Returning, he was no longer a youth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 241

    Despite the long and tiring journey,

    It did not affect Lord Commander''s elegance in the slightest.

    In the afternoon.

    A pleasure boat.

    Drifting on theke.

    The winter wind was a bit chilly.

    But it was warm on the boat.

    Jiangzhou was wealthy, situated by a great river.

    Unlike the somewhat rapid flow of the Jing River,

    The river in Jiangzhou was vast and boundless, which ancient people who had never seen the sea might have mistaken for the ocean itself.

    Lord Jia was immediately captivated by Commander Jiang''s grace upon meeting him.

    He politely received him at the courier station, a guesthouse specifically for hosting traveling officials.

    After settling in, he promptly arranged for afternoon tea.

    Lord Jia was a typical scion of an aristocratic family. His official rank wasn''t high, his sry wasn''t impressive, but his family was powerful. He knew how to enjoy life''s pleasures, though his administrative abilities were average, so he ended up in a reception position.

    It suited him well enough.

    Of course, while his rank wasn''t high, his grade wasn''t actually that low.

    It was just rtive.

    With family backing, even the weakest would be at least fifth or sixth grade.

    Ordinary people had no idea how to choose an official career or get promoted, but in great families, there was already a familiar path. One just needed to follow it step by step, as everything had been arranged.

    The Jia family was also an old aristocratic n.

    Jia Sen didn''t have any great talents. He barely passed the imperial exams and barely managed as an official, but he was most fond of the literati lifestyle and socializing with famous schrs.

    Jiangzhou happened to be a ce teeming with renowned schrs.

    If someone had more political acumen, they probably wouldn''t immediately engage with Commander Jiang, but rather wait for the situation to be clearer.

    But Lord Jia happened tock this particr insight.

    Upon meeting Commander Jiang, he was utterly amazed.

    At this moment on the pleasure boat, Lord Jia was like a peacock spreading its tail, his face even adorned with powder and rouge.

    Mianmian, dressed in the robes of a wealthy young master, sat beside her father like his servant.

    Looking at the uncle across from them, she noticed his face was actually covered in foundation?

    But because the base wasn''t done well, the pores were a bit coarse. From afar it looked whitish, but up close it actually triggered a bit of trypophobia, with eachrge pore plugged with white powder. However, as people get excited, they produce oil, so the edges of the pores would be moist, and the powder would be eaten away by the oil, forming a face that was both white and full of holes.

    Ah, this was the result of using too many cosmetics but not cleaning properly, failing to remove makeup thoroughly.

    It also showed that their family''s sales ability wascking.

    Just selling skincare and cosmetics, such basic consumer goods, should have made their family as rich as a nation, but the result was just normal. They seemed only slightly richer than the average wealthy family, without feeling exceptionally wealthy. It must be that their business acumen was poor.

    They hadn''t even sold to Jiangzhou city.

    The capital was a first-tier city, so Jiangzhou and Qingzhou, the hometown of Teacher He, the imperial censor, would be considered quasi-first-tier. Jingzhou used to be a fifth or sixth-tier city, but under Commander Jiang''s vigorous development, it should have reached second-tier status.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t stare at his face for too long, as that would have been impolite.

    She just nced once, but couldn''t help internally criticizing.

    Actually, Lord Jia was very nervous at this moment.

    Because Commander Jiang was already handsome and elegant, and after freshening up to attend the appointment, in a navy blue robe, it entuated his fair skin and beautiful features even more, making him indescribably perfect.

    Seeing him wear such a navy blue robe, Lord Jia thought that when he returned, he should also purchase one, it looked so good.

    But what made Lord Jia sit up straight wasn''t just the graceful Lord Commander, but the young boy beside him.

    Or rather, not a young boy, but a young girl.

    Commander Jiang had actually brought his youngest daughter.

    "My little girl is mischievous and wanted to see the world. Brother Jia, please don''t mind," Commander Jiang said indulgently.

    Lord Jia felt a bit unsettled, because the appearance of the young boy in front of him was really, really too exquisite.

    There are many beautiful poems praising people''s appearances.

    But faced with this young boy''s looks, he found himself speechless.

    Commander Jiang''s heroic bearing was such that his daughter should naturally have a beauty that could topple cities.

    But when such city-toppling beauty still carried a childish air, unaware of itself, with azy self-satisfaction, it became something else entirely.

    Radiant and dazzling, as if not real.

    Mianmian also quite liked her own appearance, feeling like she had hit the jackpot.

    Father was as beautiful as a celestial being.

    So she was Celestial Being Plus.

    Although Mianmian didn''t usually look in mirrors.

    Mainly because she hadn''t even invented and created mirrors yet, how embarrassing~

    She had made a half-baked mirror, but it wasn''t very good, dead heavy, dead expensive.

    Anyway, she didn''t look in mirrors much, but asionally when she could see her reflection in a mirrored surface, she would be a little shocked and entranced.

    With this face, she felt that even if she did bad things, it would be easy to be forgiven.

    It was also with this face that every time her mother beat her, she actually couldn''t bear to use much force.

    If her mother had used force, there basically wouldn''t have been any survivors.

    One''s values follow one''s appearance, and after looking at her own face a few times, Mianmian worried she might be arrogant.

    She was also worried about having appearance anxiety.

    Ordinary people''s appearance anxiety is feeling they don''t look good and wanting to look a bit better.

    Her appearance anxiety was, looking too good, what if she didn''t look good in the future?

    It''s said there was a narcissus who died from such anxiety.

    Mianmian didn''t have any appearance anxiety now, at least she thought she didn''t, but her whole family actually thought she did, because she brushed her teeth morning and night, and also applied face cream, and made a bunch of things to smear on her face.

    Essence water? Essence liquid? Face cream? Sunscreen? Face mask?

    Anyway, Mianmian thought she needed normal skincare things, and made a bunch, but she was still young and didn''t use them. Her older sister and mother didn''t like to use them much either, and her older brother cared even less about such things. Only her father would use them, because he had a mother who was eager to protect her husband and would apply them for him.

    Anyway, Mianmian nced at Lord Jia across from her, and he became a bit restless.

    As if wanting to spread his tail even wider.

    However, maintaining a fully spread tail state is actually quite tiring.

    Fortunately, there was the pretentious tool of kungfu tea.

    Presumably, people from the bitter coldnd of Jingzhou hadn''t tried such an elegant activity before.

    Lord Jia spread his tail and made tea.

    Sandalwood charcoal burned, boiling water.

    Expensive, top-quality spring water came to a boil, then was poured over porcin cups thin as cicada wings, steaming.

    After wasting one round, he began to add tea leaves, steep, use the fair cup, and distribute the tea.

    Worried the others might make a faux pas, Lord Jia specifically said, "No need to drink the first pour, it''s for washing the tea."

    Of course, it was also for warming the cups.

    Boiling water rinsed the cups, then the first pour warmed them, keeping the cups consistently warm to maximize the release of the tea''s fragrance.

    Lord Jia meticulously handed the slightly cool fair cup to Commander Jiang in front of him, prompting, "Brother Jiang can smell the tea''s fragrance."

    Commander Jiang casually took the fair cup and gave it a sniff, resigned. He had done this gesture too many times at home.

    When the little one first started making tea, she forced him to smell several cups every day and describe the different vors.

    After smelling, he passed the fair cup to his daughter.

    Mianmian took a sniff. It smelled quite nice, with a honey fragrance. The only w was that it might have been stored slightly improperly, with a bit of a stale smell, but it was already a very good tea.

    Mianmian''s hometown was a ce where everyone had tea mountains. Later it became an excuse for tel fraud, and she never dared tell people "my grandfather grows tea" again, fearing they''d use her of fraud, even though her family really did have tea mountains.

    She smelled it, then handed it to Aunt Yin standing behind her.

    Aunt Yin stood behind her master like a door panel.

    She also took the fair cup offered by the young mistress, smelled it, then frowned slightly and handed it back.

    Lord Jia was made slightly unhappy by this series of actions.

    Making tea was a very elegant affair.

    Especially kungfu tea, which had been passed down from the imperial pce.

    Although Commander Jiang''s young daughter had city-toppling beauty, she was a bit disrespectful, actually giving the fair cup to her family''s maid to smell, and that old maid even frowned.

    It was also at this moment that Lord Jia noticed the old maid.

    Only upon noticing did he realize that this maid had an unusual bearing, not looking like an ordinary person.

    She looked even more formidable than the maids by his own family''s Old Lady. He hadpletely failed to notice this maid earlier.

    "How is the tea fragrance? Does it have a honey scent? To be honest with Brother Jiang, one tael of these tea leaves is more expensive than one tael of gold. I only managed to snatch two taels from my elder brother, and usually don''t dare to brew it. I only bring it out for honored guests."

    "Very good," Commander Jiang nodded.

    "It seems to have a plum fragrance too," Mianmian said.

    Lord Jia''s long face immediately lit up, his cheeks quivering slightly, clearly very pleased.

    "Yes, yes, that''s the plum fragrance. This tea is made by slowly roasting it over green plum wood."

    "If Lord Jia likes this type of tea, you can also try tea made with small green tangerines. You remove the flesh and put tea leaves inside. The resulting tea has both tea and tangerine fragrances. The vor is smooth and lingering, not only delicious but also nourishing and energizing," Mianmian said.

    Then she turned to Aunt Yin and asked, "Auntie, did you bring that tea? Please brew some for Lord Jiater."

    Aunt Yin nodded helplessly.

    Commander Jiang smiled indulgently, ying along.

    They all sat together, drinking tea and chatting.

    Lord Jia thought to himself, this youngdy is exceptionally beautiful and speaks well, but her knowledge is limited. Not everyone can brew this kind of tea properly; it requires skill. How could an old nanny do it? But considering how pretty she was, he didn''t object. When you''re good-looking, you can say whatever you want.

    It''s just letting an old nanny brew tea, so be it.

    Aunt Yin gave a few instructions, then sat down at the tea table.

    Facing the river.

    The singing minstrel changed to a new tune.

    Fresh incense was lit.

    Lord Jia was still trying to find topics for conversation.

    Then he saw the old nanny in front of him extend her hands, which were even more beautiful than those of a sixteen-year-old girl. A pair of delicate, nimble white hands picked up the teapot, added water, and brewed the tea. Every movement was filled with a unique beauty and sense of ceremony.

    It left him speechless.

    Until a cup of tea was pushed in front of him.

    He picked it up dumbly and took a sip.

    Neither too hot nor too cold, it was smooth on the pte, pleasant down the throat, and warming in the stomach.

    One sip of tea could flow so smoothly all the way through.

    Lord Jia was a bit bewildered. What kind of tea was this?

    What kind of nanny was this?

    An etiquette instructor?

    How could brewing tea look so beautiful?

    It made himpletely forget about the nanny''s age, feeling as if he was watching a true peerless beauty.

    Smelling the serving pitcher again, a rich fragrance wafted up,pletely different from the tea he had brewed earlier, which required effort to detect any scent.

    No wonder Brother Jiang had just casually sniffed it earlier. He had thought Brother Jiang didn''t know how to appreciate it.

    Lord Jia asked somewhat embarrassedly, "May I ask who this tea-brewingdy is?"

    Mianmian smiled and said, "Lord Jia, didn''t you just say you like brewing kung fu tea? My aunt''s surname is Yin, and she wrote ''The Origin of Kung Fu Tea.'' You must have read it."

    "This... this..." Lord Jia''s face was full of surprise, and he quickly stood up and bowed.

    "I''ve made a fool of myself."

    ...

 Chapter 242

    ......

    Boating on theke surface.

    Outside was a cold wind.

    But on the boat there was a charcoal fire, warm and cozy.

    The windows couldn''t be closed, as it would be too hot if closed.

    Mainly because Lord Jia came in a hurry today, the clothes inside weren''t so nice looking.

    Not good for taking off.

    Next time he felt he should pay attention, wear a cloak or something on the outside, and wear less underneath, so it wouldn''t be so hot sitting indoors, and getting hot makes one anxious.

    At this moment, sitting in front of him was the founder of kung fu tea, brewing tea for him.

    He drank it so well he wanted to bow down in worship.

    He also wanted to learn seriously, so he could brag about it when he went out.

    Seeing the father and daughter pair drinking casually on the side, he felt they were wasting the tea.

    After drinking a stomach-warming small green tangerine peel tea, he saw Teacher Yin take out a tea canister from the box he brought with him.

    The mark on that tea canister looked somewhat familiar, wasn''t it the same as the mark on the tea canister he had forcibly taken from his elder brother?

    His brother said it was as precious as gold, priceless and unavable on the market, but this Aunt Yin from the Commander Jiang''s family in Jingzhou actually took it out casually.

    "This tea?"

    "This is the tea roasted by the young master, indeed the production is not high, we only kept about ten catties at home, and it''s almost finished," Aunt Yin exined.

    Lord Jia''s silence was deafening.

    Damn, he had been shown up again.

    He only grabbed two taels when he snatched it.

    And still bragged about it.

    But ended up bragging in front of the real owner.

    Drinking another brew of this tea made by Teacher Yin.

    The taste was indeed somewhat simr, he understood why it was as precious as gold, because when drunk thoroughly, it moistened the mouth and tongue.

    Smelling that tea fragrance, he also understood why Teacher Yin frowned earlier, the same tea seemed to taste different when he brewed it, always with a hint of bitterness.

    He thought that was the aftertaste, that sweetness would follow after the bitterness.

    In fact, truly good tea doesn''t have that bitter taste, only smooth and pleasant, followed by a sweet aftertaste.

    "Your tea hasn''t been stored properly, it should be kept in a ce with consistent humidity, sealed and stored, if opened and contaminated with other vors, it won''t taste as good," Aunt Yin exined.

    Indeed, the tea might be the same tea, but it tastes different when brewed.

    He felt his head was a bit stuffy, maybe his brain was growing.

    Lord Jia drank tea and chatted with Commander Jiang.

    Brother Jiang was really good at conversation, not only handsome, but also spoke well, knowledgeable, and good at listening.

    Whatever Lord Jia said, Brother Jiang would show a serious listening expression, and appropriately give questioning words, listening very attentively and engagingly.

    Lord Jia loved to talk and loved to show off.

    He would always start with "my elder brother, from the Ministry of Justice...", "my uncle from the Ministry of Rites...", "my maternal uncle from the Ministry of Revenue...", pulling together a bunch of connections, making it seem like he had a very impressive background, reciting his family tree, listing all the important figures in his family.

    Jiang Changtian listened patiently, appropriately showing expressions of amazement and appreciation.

    Apart from talking about his family tree, Lord Jia was also very knowledgeable when it came to talking about food, drink, entertainment, and spending money.

    After chatting for an afternoon, it was time for the wee banquet in the evening.

    Jiang Changtian usually didn''t socialize easily.

    He would spend more time with his family if he had time.

    If he came out to socialize, it should be because this person was useful, or should die.

    Lord Jia should be the former.

    And he was also quite interesting and sincere.

    He didn''t know Commander Jiang''s characteristics, just felt that Commander Jiang was a good person, elegant and easy to get along with.

    By the time of the evening wee banquet, Lord Jia was already calling Jiang Changtian brother and treating him very intimately.

    Jiang Changtian was actually a bit tired, but being new here, he still put on an act.

    His essential nature was actually more inclined towards enjoying life and being azy homebody.

    Facing each Jiangzhou official, he politely greeted them.

    He originally thought this would be a night of socializing.

    But he didn''t expect to meet an unexpected person.

    "Commander Jiang, I''ve long admired you."

    "Master Gong, I''ve long admired you."

    "How are you?"

    "How are you?"

    "You came."

    "I came."

    "You''rete."

    "Just in time."

    Gong Qichi''s temples were graying, his body thin, suddenly looking ten years older, already looking like a retiring old official, mixed among a group of officials, but still spirited and energetic.

    sses clinked, voices buzzed, various official robes, different ranks, verbal sparring, back and forth.

    In such a noisy and busy ce of fame and fortune.

    Jiang Changtian met an old friend from many years ago.

    Gong Qichi also smiled.

    His waist was more bent than before, his shoulders more hunched, his rank higher than before.

    In this ce of fame and fortune, colorful and varied.

    You wear a mask, I wear a mask.

    Yet in this ce of fame and fortune, he saw an old friend.

    The trip was not in vain.

    Lord Jia sat on Jiang Changtian''s left, Gong Qichi sat on Jiang Changtian''s right.

    Gong Qichi blocked drinks for Jiang Changtian.

    "He can''t drink, I can."

    "I''ll drink, three cups."

    Gong Qichi was particrly enthusiastic tonight.

    Master Gong, who was considered an old fox in the Jiangzhou official circle, was as enthusiastic as if he had taken the wrong medicine today.

    Governor Lu of Jiangzhou, seeing Commander Jiang''s pretty boy appearance, spoke up: "Commander Jiang, at this wee banquet today, I have an unreasonable request, I don''t know if I should say it or not."

    Jiang Changtian smiled.

    Governor Luughed and said: "I have always liked fine horses, and I see that the horses Commander Jiang brought are very good. I wonder if you would be willing to part with them. Don''t worry, I will definitely pay you higher than the market price. Those fine horses on the market are fifty taels each, I am willing to pay a hundred taels of silver."

    Jia Sen felt this was inappropriate. Those fifty-tael horses on the market were all inferior horses, old, weak, sick, and disabled. Even a hundred taels couldn''t buy a good horse. The horses Commander Jiang rode here were all plump and strong, how could they possibly be a hundred taels of silver? ording to the market price, even a thousand taels probably couldn''t buy them.

    This Governor Lu was going too far, but he had close ties with the Eunuch Faction and was very powerful in Jiangzhou.

    "Governor Lu is so noble, actually willing to spend money to buy things. But how could I let Governor Lu spend money? Don''t worry, I will definitely send the good horses to your mansion tomorrow," Jiang Changtian agreed readily.

    Governor Luughed heartily and patted Jiang Changtian''s shoulder, saying: "Brother Jiang is really a wonderful person. Let''s have tea together another day. I wonder what Brother Jiang''s hobbies are?"

    Jiang Changtian thought seriously for a moment and said: "I like to sleepwalk when I sleep."

    Gong Qichi chimed in: "What a coincidence, I also like to sleepwalk when I sleep."

    Gong Qichi took a bite of the dish, felt the taste was not bad, and used the public chopsticks to put some more on Changtian''s te.

    ......

 Chapter 243

    ......

    Commander Jiang''s gentle demeanor.

    His elegant manner of speech.

    His handsome appearance.

    All left a deep impression on the officials in Jiangzhou, a city on the cusp of first-tier status.

    Among the crowd, there was a prevalent sentiment: "With someone as handsome, dashing, and excellent as myself already here, why must there also be a Commander Jiang?"

    Commander Jiang seemed to possess a face naturally suited for a sessful career in officialdom.

    It was said that even Inspector He greatly admired him.

    Of course, there were also rumors that Commander Jiang was quite fond of umting wealth.

    Whether he was a formidable neer or merely an insect, the even more acquisitive Governor Lu had already stepped forward to test the waters.

    The others need only observe quietly and see how things unfold.

    The wine ran dry, the dishes dwindled, the table was in disarray, and young women sang to enliven the atmosphere.

    Jiang Changtian, new to the scene, carefully observed the crowd.

    He discovered that the pecking order here was more tant.

    For instance, if one couldn''t discern an official''s rank, the beauty of the girls at their table could be used as a gauge.

    The more attractive the girls, the higher the official''s rank.

    There was a clear ss divide among the group.

    In their eyes, a fifth-rankmander like himself was of unremarkable rank,cking any significant backing, and merely served as a pretext for their revelry.

    Most of them came from prominent families, proud and arrogant, looking down on everything.

    They were intoxicated by splendor and beauty.

    Even if they found Commander Jiang''s appearance and demeanor somewhat surprising, that was the extent of it. This was a world strictly divided by rank.

    Inparison, even young Jia seemed to have a bit more humanity.

    As for Governor Lu, who had brazenly asked for a horse, the others merelyughed.

    Enjoying the spectacle.

    The first round of the banquet concluded.

    Gong Qichi and Commander Jiang shared a carriage back.

    The seasoned officials of Jiangzhou bid farewell withughter and banter.

    They were yet unfamiliar with the idiom "wolves and jackals collude" - or rather, "dragons and tigers unite."

    Gong Qichi had drunk a bit too much.

    As he boarded the familiar carriage, with its familiar scent of Chinese herbs, he felt at ease.

    Gong Qichi, who had been smiling all along, tilted his head once inside the carriage and fell into afortable sleep.

    Soon, he began to snore.

    When they arrived at their destination, the carriage stopped.

    Gong Qichi opened his eyes.

    As if the person who had just been snoring wasn''t him.

    He got off the carriage together with Jiang.

    Qin Luoxia had been waiting at the door of the ry station, her tall figure both powerful and reassuring.

    Jiang Changtian revealed a genuine smile.

    Gone was the three parts aloofness and three parts pride, reced by an openly foolish grin.

    "Sister-inw," Gong Qichi also disyed a hearty smile.

    Qin Luoxia was equally delighted.

    With her husband entering the capital, she had been somewhat worried. It was said that people in the capital were all very cunning, each more sly and treacherous than thest. Her husband was simple-minded and could easily be taken advantage of.

    As a woman, she couldn''t apany him to the government office.

    With Elder Brother Gong around, things would be much better.

    Back in Ming County, their family''s fortunes only improved after Elder Brother Gong arrived.

    It could be said that Elder Brother Gong was their family''s benefactor.

    Qin Luoxia warmly weed Gong Qichi.

    She called the younger family members toe and greet him.

    Time flies.

    Gong Qichi saw Jiang Feng; the young man had lost his fierce edge, appearing more restrained and gentle.

    The Meng Young General had gained a bit of weight, clearly living well, with slightly heavy dark circles under his eyes, but smiling broadly.

    Elder Sister Yu had grown fair and plump, the kind of appearance that delights elders.

    Little Mianmian had be a graceful youngdy.

    She seemed much more well-behaved now.

    He saw the Meng family''s twins.

    When he held the hefty infants in his arms, he felt deeply moved.

    It''s only when holding new life that one can trulye to terms with those who have passed.

    These two children were quite heavy; after holding them for a while, his arms began to tire, but he dared not move. He quickly handed the children back.

    He felt that everyone had changed somewhat, yet hadn''t changed at all. Seeing them again was just as heartwarming.

    However, everyone thought he had changed dramatically, aging far too quickly.

    Gong Qichi initially looked like Jiang Changtian''s colleague, then like an elder brother, and now he looked like a father~~~

    Indeed, his movements were also like those of a father''s father.

    He casually gave Mianmian many gifts again.

    He also gave gifts to Mianmian''s two older nephews.

    Then he went to have ate-night chat with her father.

    Although not at his own home, Qin Luoxia had grown ustomed to Mr. Gong''s ways and prepared tea and snacks.

    Men sometimes seem to have endless topics to discuss, talking about ideals, the future, and human affairs. In short, they always seem to have more to say than time allows.

    The two of them had returned rtively early.

    Other officials still had another round to attend.

    Master Jia, unable to refuse his colleagues'' enthusiastic invitation, also stayed for the next round.

    They chose to return home together.

    Although the ry station wasn''t home, with family there, it became home.

    The courtyard of the ry station was rather simple, with few flowers and nts.

    The climate here was generally warm; even in winter, the leaves in the courtyard remained green.

    In the past, when Mianmian was still small, Jiang Changtian and Gong Qichi would like to hold her in their arms during theirte-night talks.

    Jiang Mianmian would pretend to understand, listening very attentively.

    Now, little Mianmian no longer needed to be held, and could even help brew tea and assist.

    Mom borrowed their pot to make noodles, and also prepared some for her daughter who, though out of confinement, still had pregnancy cravings.

    A good bowl of noodles with a handful of green onions, sprinkled with dried wild scallions brought from their hometown, emitted a fragrant aroma.

    The weing banquet may have seemed to have many dishes, but one couldn''t really eat their fill. It wasn''t as satisfying as a bowl of noodles at home.

    The familiar taste, with the fragrance of noodles and wild scallions, savory and salty.

    The noodles they once ate in that small courtyard in the countryside now tasted the same.

    From north to south.

    The soup even stained his beard; hecked the elegance of the past, eating a bit hastily.

    Life had be rougher.

    He buried his head in the noodles, not looking up.

    He wasn''t just eating noodles, but memories, the past. A gentleman doesn''t shed tears, but if tears fall into the soup, they be invisible, only adding to the saltiness.

    After finishing the noodles, he wiped his mouth.

    Gong Qichi grinned.

    He reached out and patted Mianmian''s head again.

    In truth, Mianmian was also a bit startled by Uncle Gong. The Magic Spring Water wasn''t omnipotent after all. Uncle Gong seemed to have drunk a tiny bit of it, and had also eaten at their home, but in these few years apart, he had aged rapidly, looking extremely weathered, as if on the verge of death.

    It was truly shocking at first nce.

    It served as a reminder to Mianmian to be cautious and moderate when taking risks; there''s no such thing as immortality.

    After apanying her brother, father, and Uncle Gong for ate-night snack, Jiang Mianmian was dragged off to bed by her mother.

    The night in Jiangzhou was filled with light, not just from the starry sky, but from the entire city, twinkling with countless lights. It was a city rich in nightlife, without a curfew.

    Meng Shaoxia, in his role as a hands-on father, personally attended to the children. With two babies, twins, he didn''t trust the maids and nannies to care for them. Meng Shaoxia was very involved in childcare.

    Now he could hold one baby in each arm with ease.

    He no longer used swords for morning exercises, switching to babies instead.

    With a baby in each hand, he would lift them up and down, or lie down and bench press them. The two babies would grin with delight, and he managed to keep up with his daily exercises.

    At night, to take care of the babies, he also went to bed earlier, as the little ones would wake up several times during the night.

    Initially, they had considered finding a wet nurse in the big town, but after encountering assassination attempts and poisoning incidents, they couldn''t trust anyone. So they decided to raise the children themselves.

    As a result, the couple grew even closer.

    They became more affectionate with each other.

    The Jiang family generally didn''t disturb young Meng at night, so he wasn''t part of thete-night tea gatherings.

    As Mianmian passed by her sister''s room, she heard her brother-inw still humming some tune to soothe the babies, sounding quite content.

    She felt that although her sister seemed simple-minded, she had at least one talent: she had her husband well in hand. In their years of marriage, they had never had a real argument, living each day withughter and joy. Even during pregnancy mood swings, they never truly fought.

    Her great-aunt once said that if nothing else, being able to keep a good husband in check is enough to sustain one for a lifetime.

    This point seemed quite remarkable.

    Mianmian felt that her sister sometimes showed a bit of cunning, but it was all focused on her husband alone.

    That was enough.

    Meanwhile, the voices of her father, brother, and Uncle Gong had also lowered.

    Without deliberately listening, she couldn''t make out what they were saying.

    Mianmian took her little tree and went to bed.

    She faintly heard something about horses and donkeys.

    ......

 Chapter 244

    That night, Jiangzhou City was bustling with activity.

    Governor Lu returned home at midnight after an amorous encounter with his favorite courtesan, only to find two people drinking tea in his back courtyard. He thought he must have sleepwalked to the wrong ce.

    Thenterns outside still hung quietly.

    Upon closer inspection, he saw his courtyard was filled with people.

    But the two drinking tea stood out in particr.

    The household servants had all been roused, tied up, and gagged.

    Commander Jiang yawned and said, "Governor Lu, I''ve always had a habit of sleepwalking. Whenever I''m unhappy, I tend to sleepwalk. My family worries about me, so they follow me at night, concerned I might identally harm someone."

    Governor Lu, still reeking of perfume and powder, was half-drunk and unsteady on his feet. He leaned softly against the servant behind him, mustering what little strength he had left to say:

    "You... you... you wouldn''t dare kill an imperial official, would you? Killing an imperial official is punishable by death."

    "Governor Lu, don''t you know I was originally a rebel? I built my reputation on killing imperial officials!"

    "Lord Gong, Lord Gong, please talk some sense into him. My godfather is Eunuch Liu, don''t bring ruin upon yourselves." Governor Lu hadn''t expected this Jiang fellow to be so reckless, nor had he imagined his many guards would be so useless, allowing intruders to sneak in and capture everyone without a sound.

    Gong Qichi shook his head and said, "I''m just following along with the sleepwalking."

    Jiang Changtian took his sword and traced it across the governor''s neck.

    "Swish!"

    A lock of hair fell to the ground.

    Governor Lu nearly thought his throat had been slit. His body went hot, and he wet himself.

    Gong Qichi simply sat there drinking tea, holding his cup but not drinking much, just wetting his throat. He was worried that drinking too much tea at night would make him need to urinate frequently.

    He watched the scene unfold with an air of nonchnce.

    How refreshing this was.

    Still as invigorating as ever.

    Serving as an official in court, one had to endure daily indignities.

    Smiling at everyone, bowing to all, until eventually, one forgets even their own name.

    Jiang Changtian said, "I hear you''re quite skilled at amassing wealth. Under your governance, over sixty families have been ruined. That''s not a good habit. I too enjoy umting wealth, but I always ensure people give willingly. Like right now ¨C Governor Lu, are you willing to give me two-thirds of your family fortune? Are you willing?"

    "I''m willing, I''m willing." Governor Lu nodded frantically.

    With a sword at his eyes, how could he not be willing?

    With swords pointed at the heads of his entire family, how could he not be willing?

    Jiang Changtian had people go to the storerooms to move things.

    They were skilled workers who knew to choose valuable, precious, lightweight, and easily transportable items.

    Before leaving, Jiang Changtian directly stabbed his sword through Governor Lu''s palm.

    "I don''t usually sleepwalk, but you told me you wanted my family''s horses. Those horses were a birthday gift for my daughter. I didn''t want her to have to part with them. I don''t mind giving away my own possessions, but those belong to my little girl. I really couldn''t agree to it. I couldn''t sleep, so I came personally to exin to Governor Lu. Surely you can understand a father''s concern."

    "I understand, I understand."

    Governor Lu was in tears from the pain, thinking that if he could survive until tomorrow, he would have these country bumpkins killed.

    Jiang Changtian shook his head: "You still don''t understand. Your expression isn''t right; it''s not sincere enough."

    Jiang Changtian pulled out his sword and gestured towards the governor''s heart.

    Governor Lu''s eyes filled with terror, his whole body trembling.

    "I truly understand now. I don''t want any horses, not even one."

    "That''s better. You see, I came to have a heart-to-heart talk with you in the middle of the night, and we''ve reached an understanding. If we couldn''te to an agreement, we''d have to open our hearts and have a good discussion until we did, right, Governor Lu?" Jiang Changtian ced his sword on the governor''s chest, making his point quite clearly.

    "Yes, yes, yes, everything you say is correct." Governor Lu was drenched in sweat, his body shaking. ''Opening one''s heart'' was just a figure of speech, not an invitation to use a sword...

    Governor Lu''s hand wouldn''t stop bleeding.

    He watched as Jiang Changtian stood up, apparently ready to leave. He took deep breaths, feeling he had escaped death.

    But just as Jiang Changtian had taken two steps, he came back.

    He kicked the governor hard in the chest twice, causing him to curl up like a cooked shrimp.

    "I forgot to mention one thing. I wonder if Governor Lu genuinely likes horses, or if someone told you I had good horses. Do you know, once someone spoke ill of my daughter, and I killed over six hundred people from that family in one night? I burned down their home, and the fire raged for days. The de I used for killing became dull, and I had to change it three times. Do you understand what I''m saying? That person wasn''t encouraging you to ask for horses; they were encouraging you to seek death. Do you understand now?"

    Governor Lu wept bitterly. He understood, he truly understood now.

    Whoever had whispered in his ear about Commander Jiang''s horses was sending him to his death.

    Jiang Changtian, seeing that he still didn''t seem too bright, kicked him twice more.

    Under thentern light, in the night, Commander Jiang said with a hint of anger: "I despise how you people always bring up your connections to the eunuch faction. Is this how an imperial official should behave? You''re disgracing the position!"

    "Yes, yes, yes. I''ll never mention it again. I''m sworn enemies with the eunuch faction." Governor Lu swore with tears in his eyes, raising his hand.

    Then he was kicked again.

    "It''s scoundrels like you who ruin the reputation of the eunuch faction. They work tirelessly in the imperial pce, barely able to leave once a year. What wrong have they done? They''re simply devoted to serving the emperor. Yet you vermin tarnish their name. You dare call yourself an imperial official? Bah!"

    Governor Lu was thoroughly confused by the kicking.

    Wait, whose side are you on?!

    "I have a half-brother, surnamed Yan, skilled in music. He''s in the pce, struggling and trying to survive, yet his reputation is ruined by miscreants like you. What eunuch faction? That''s my good brother, and I won''t allow you to nder him like this. From now on, if I, Jiang Changtian, encounter anyone causing trouble in the name of the eunuch faction, I''ll kill them on sight."

    Thenterns swayed.

    Commander Jiang finally left.

    Governor Lu finally passed out.

    ...

    There was no curfew in Jiangzhou.

    The night breeze was cool.

    Commander Jiang led his men, slowly walking towards the courier station. Fortunately, it wasn''t far from the government office or the officials'' mansions. If it had been too far, he might not have bothereding.

    Gong Qichi followed along leisurely, taking a stroll.

    As they walked, he fell half a step behind.

    Jiang Changtian stopped to wait for him.

    Gong Qichi caught up again.

    "Brother Jiang, your murderous aura is much stronger than before."

    "It''s just for show. With a weak wife and children, one must appear fierce when out and about."

    "In the future, we should establish a curfew. The security in Jiangzhou is poor. Look at how Governor Lu''s entire family was nearly wiped out, and no one intervened."

    "Indeed, it''s not good. Not as good as Jingzhou. You managed it much better, Brother Gong."

    "Yes, before bing an official, I didn''t care much. Now that I''m in office, when I see things that aren''t right, I want to fix them."

    ...

 Chapter 245

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    This was the standard attack pattern of the Liao People.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They killed all the men and children, except for the women.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The women were taken to be used as breeding tools, to continue their lineage. Food and valuables were all looted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    The Liao People didn''t farm. When winter came with heavy snow, and they had no food source, they woulde to raid the Chu Kingdom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Liao People were innately ferocious, bloodthirsty, and merciless. At their strongest, they had once fought all the way to Jiangzhou, rivers of blood in their wake, terrifying the people of Chu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They didn''t build, only savagely destroyed, killing indiscriminately.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If it weren''t for Old General Meng guarding the frontier, such tragedies would likely ur every few years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was also because of General Meng''s protection that the younger generation had forgotten those past atrocities.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The current emperor had probably forgotten too, after all, the Liao People had only reached Jiangzhou, not yet the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing the infant corpses, Old General Meng couldn''t help but close his eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Without even waiting for his men to act, he personally picked up a baby, gently cradling it in his arms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had a special fondness for children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    An extreme fondness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When local children mischievously ran into the military camp, Old Meng would at most give them a mild scolding, and even send them off with some snacks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Children were the future hope of a family, and also the future and hope of a nation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He couldn''t bear to see children die like this. They had barely been in this world, they hadn''t grown up yet, and to die like this - it pained him beyond words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Meng had led troops in battle for many years, and could be said to have killed countless people, but he had never killed a child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They buried all the bodies in the vige.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old man he had spoken to just days ago was now frozen stiff.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were no survivors; the Liao People were ruthless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Meng exhaled several breaths, forming white mist.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This winter, snow hade early. Their supplies weren''t enough tost the winter, so the Liao People would surelye to raid again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was bitterly cold, his wrists ached slightly, and the wind cut like a knife against his face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everyone was silent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old General Meng felt a sense of mncholy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The war seemed endless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Liao People appeared to be growing stronger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Previously, they couldn''t carry out such swift raids, killing and leaving without a trace. It felt as if there might be a traitor among them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He felt that one day he too would die here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps this ce would be his final resting ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had a premonition of his death here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His premonitions were usually urate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chaos was frequent in the imperial court, and the Liao People were restlessly provoking them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was impossible to manage both fronts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Those loyal to the emperor and devoted to righteousness always died first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How tragic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Meng had even received news from the capital that some nonsensical female mystic had prophesied the end of the Meng family line, and everyone seemed to believe it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How pitiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The snowfall intensified, quickly covering the bodies they had dragged out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If those civil officials were here, they would probablypose a poem, praising the beauty of such a grand snowfall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Misfortune neveres alone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With this snow, if they tried to march to the next vige, they might not make it in time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Liao cavalry had the advantage of speed; even if they traveled through the snow, they might continue to leave behind corpses like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Cough, cough." Old Meng coughed a few times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In this cold, opening one''s mouth meant inhaling icy air.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After burying the bodies, Old General Meng prepared to lead his troops forward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The wind and snow were fierce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The soldiers had be somewhat numb.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Their bodies were numb from the cold, and their minds were growing numb too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because after seeing the corpses of their own kind, the initial shock had passed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were learning to get used to it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Anyone could die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today it was these people, tomorrow it could be themselves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In fact, they had already died many times over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In their battles against the Liao People, they had narrowly escaped death numerous times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Arge part of their survival was thanks to the Jiang Family, who continuously sent food and clothing to the frontier, stimting the local trade routes. With meager profits, they ensured the basic living conditions of the soldiers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    After burying the dead, they quickly made a fire and cooked a meal. At least they could eat something hot to gain strength before continuing their pursuit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This time, the Liao People were unusually vicious, ughtering vige after vige, as if deliberately luring Old Meng to kill them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Meng ate in silence. Sometimes, even knowing it was a trap, they had no choice but to walk into it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was an open stratagem.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    I kill your people, if you don''t act, I''ll keep killing until youe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was silently adjusting his emotions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His own death didn''t matter much, everyone dies eventually.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was just worried about his wife, children, and grandchildren.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His son was honest and kind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His grandson was sincere and loyal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had been taught too well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sometimes Old Meng felt the Chu Kingdom didn''t deserve his son and grandson.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So when Shao Xia wrote asking to live at a girl''s house for three years, he agreed without hesitation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His family already had this old man selling his life for the country, constantly risking death. At least someone should be able to live.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His family had few descendants, and he worried and regretted that he might die before seeing his family line continue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    People believed in spirits and gods.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He believed too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because every battle was a gamble with death. If not spirits and gods, what else could one believe in?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Surviving was always a matter of luck, snatching back a life from the hands of the spirits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If history hadn''t changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After this meal, General Meng would lead his troops to pursue the Liao People.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Liao People would set a trap, and with the betrayal of General Meng''s most trusted man, General Meng would die in battle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The wind and snow would cover everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His body wouldn''t be dug out until two monthster.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This entire group would die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But now, they were eating heartily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They ate instant noodles, dried meat, and hard bread - quite a feast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    They were also dressed warmly, with cotton padding in their clothes for instion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This winter was very cold, but they were living slightly better than in previous years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As General Meng was eating, halfway through his meal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Themunications officer came running.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "It''s born! It''s born!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "What''s born?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "General, your grandson''s wife has given birth! She had twins, two boys at once!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Themunications officer, with frozen snot that he couldn''t sniffle back, blurted out in one breath.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Meng''s noodles ttered to the ground, half spilling onto his clothes, but he didn''t feel the heat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His mouth still full of unchewed noodles, he swallowed hard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then he burst intoughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As heughed, his eyes reddened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was truly cold.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today, he had personally cradled an infant''s corpse, carefully burying it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As he buried it, he had mumbled, "In your next life, may you be born into a good family, at least somewhere warmer. It''s too damn cold here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His Meng family line would continue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His grandson had fathered twins in one go.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had great-grandsons.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Ha!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Meng let out a long breath.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Extra rations tonight, bring out all the food you have on you, let''s have a good meal. To honor the dead and celebrate new life," Old General Meng said, picking up the half-spilled bowl of noodles from the ground and addressing everyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Extra rations. To honor the dead and celebrate new life."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "To honor the dead and celebrate new life."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "To honor the dead and celebrate new life."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The chant spread.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the distant mountains, snow fell from the trees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Liao People in ambush didn''t know what they were celebrating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Suddenly, it seemed very lively and exciting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The hidden Liao warriors grew impatient.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Tonight''s wind and snow were heavy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If the enemy didn''te, they would suffer through the night and fall ill too. A Liao life was still a life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had received urate information that General Meng would surelye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he waste in arriving, and instead they heardughter and shouting, which made them restless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Meng was ecstatic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Away from the crowd, he wailed, embracing his oldrade who had fought alongside him for years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Crying rather ungracefully in his arms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As he cried, he suddenly felt the knife on his oldrade''s body.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Meng was incredulous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His actions were faster than his thoughts. He pulled out the knife and plunged it into hisrade''s back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Brother Yu Bei, why? Why have you betrayed me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    The snow fell heavily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Liao People were still waiting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Tonight, Old Meng wouldn''te. He was celebrating the birth of his great-grandsons, and then immediately lost his best friend. Heughed and cried, continuing to bury people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The north wind blew, snowkes danced.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A tree branch snapped with a crack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 246

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The tree branch snapped with a crack as Mianmian broke it off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Early morning in Jiangzhou, out for a spring outing - no, not quite a spring outing, it was winter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not a snow excursion either, as there was no snow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps it could be called surveying the territory.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Uncle Gong was extremely fond of givingnd deeds as gifts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With the newly acquirednd deed, Mianmian went out with Father and Elder Brother to familiarize themselves with the ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiangzhou was not far from the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A day''s journey on foot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Half a day if one moved quickly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiangzhou was and of fish and rice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Gong Qichi was very thoughtful, giving Mianmian and deed for the location of the Jiang Family Ancestral Home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He knew that although Brother Jiang deeply resented the Jiang family matriarch, he was still very dependent on and admired his father, Grand Preceptor Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If one were to say who Jiang Changtian''s every move resembled, those who had seen Grand Preceptor Jiang would realize that he was very much like him. Their faces might not look alike, but their mannerisms were extremely simr.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In his youth, Grand Preceptor Jiang was also known as a talented and handsome schr, with every gesture exuding the grace of an aristocratic family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The phrase "as bright as the wind and clear as the moon" seemed to be welded to Grand Preceptor Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian was also striving to develop in this direction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Those who didn''t know him well would think he was as bright as the wind and clear as the moon, while those familiar with him thought he was crazy about the moon - wild during the day and even wilder at night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    After Grand Preceptor Jiang''s incident, the Jiang Family fell apart and was quickly divided up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For arge family, without a strong authoritative figure at the top andcking robust strength of their own, it was basically impossible to hold on to everything and could only be eaten away piece by piece.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian looked at the vast fields before her, with houses, rivers, and trees - this was where the Jiang Family once lived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was a very peaceful ce, and one could see its prosperity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So muchnd could support many people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But prosperity is like clouds and mist, dissipating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Gong Qichi didn''t immediately go to wee Jiang Changtian, but he had done the work of redeeming, buying back, and reiming the Jiang Family Ancestral Home and thend, painstakingly connecting it into oneplete piece.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Originally, the ancestral home''snd wasn''t this intact.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now Mianmian, Father, Elder Brother, and Uncle Gong had climbed to the top of the mountain, where there was a four-story small pagoda.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was incense burning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And green pine trees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The view was extremely vast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Uncle Gong pointed to a whole area below the mountain, saying this was the range covered by thend deed, Mianmian was so surprised that she broke off a pine branch.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was fortunate that Mom didn''te; if she had seen this expanse ofnd, she might have uprooted the entire pine tree.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    "This vige has one side bordering the river. I had arge port rebuilt there. With a boat, you can reach the Capital City very quickly by water."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "This area is just behind the mountain and can be used for military training."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "This area is rich in paddy fields,pletely self-sufficient, secluded, yet with convenient transportation."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Gong Qichi spoke with slight excitement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t know why Grand Preceptor Jiang had originally chosen such a ce for the ancestral home, but when he bought it back and connected it all, he discovered that this ce was perfect for training troops and staging a rebellion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It had both natural and geographical advantages.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Gong Qichi came to Jiangzhou intending to give Brother Jiang a gift.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had always known that Brother Jiang had no ambition. Whenever Brother Jiang had free time, he would stay at home with his wife and children, rarely going out to socialize.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To see a person''s ambition, one only needs to observe their words and actions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If he were truly ambitious, he would certainly beworking and socializing everywhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Brother Jiang wasn''t that kind of person; if he had time, he would definitely spend it with his family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For such a person, dragging him into the vortex of the Capital City made Gong Qichi feel guilty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With the Lord gone, the only person who could rece him, Gong Qichi felt, was none other than Brother Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because when the Lord had previously talked about Brother Jiang, he had also said that if the world were to fall into chaos, this man would be a true hero.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Gong Qichi knew himself; he had the talent to assist butcked the heart for decisive action.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He couldn''t aplish great things.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Changtian had no ambition, he had ability.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This piece ofnd was his sincerity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He knew that while he and the Lord were out conquering everywhere,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Brother Jiang had been taking in refugees, the old, weak, sick, and disabled, building schools and libraries.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    From several years ago until now, those children had gradually grown up, and they were the Jiang family''s true foundation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Loyal and educated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking back, one would feel that Brother Jiang was truly remarkable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Anything, as long as you do it, as long as you start doing it, it''s never toote.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even now, starting now, it''s not toote.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If you don''t do it, ten yearster, it will still be wasted time, twenty yearster, it will still be empty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was Gong Qichi''s biggest realization after seeing the people Brother Jiang led.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The subordinates Brother Jiang led all had a kind of sharpness, as well as a uniformity, absolute loyalty, and super strong execution ability.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Though the sparks were few, they could start a prairie fire.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Brother Jiang did things very steadily, step by step, steadily and surely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian looked at the scene before him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the distance were rolling rivers, stretching as far as the eye could see.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Nearby were fertile farnds, clusters of houses, and groves of trees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was indeed a very good ce, with an excellent geographical location.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Easy to defend and difficult to attack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Convenient transportation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    essible by both water andnd.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A natural base for rebellion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    No, no, no, he was now a legitimate official, he couldn''t think like that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He only wanted his family to live peacefully and safely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If they were bullied, they would have the strength to resist, nothing more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After viewing the new territory his brother Gong had given him, Jiang Changtian spoke: "Brother Yehang, this ce indeed suits my heart. It vaguely reminds me of my childhood memories. I remember that port used to be able to dock small boats. Father once took me boating, rowing himself. It feels like just yesterday. I truly like this ce very much, thank you for your thoughtfulness, elder brother. I can''t promise anything else, I can only say that whenever you need me, whatever I can do, I will do my best."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The group went down the mountain together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They encountered a shepherd boy on the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The shepherd boy didn''t recognize the group of people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old man with the shepherd boy didn''t recognize them either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But Jiang Changtian remembered that old man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He too had once been a shepherd boy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Time had not been kind to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had aged very quickly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Returning to the inn, the group set off for the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Lord Jia came in a hurry to see them off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I''m sorry, I''m so sorry, Lord Jiang. Today Governor Lu suddenly fell seriously ill and needs to take a long leave. Many of his tasks have been transferred to me. I was originally idle, but now I''ve be busy too. I had nned to take you sightseeing for a few days."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "It''s alright, Jiangzhou is very close to the Capital City. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian left Jiangzhou with his family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were about to reach the Capital City, and the most nervous was Elder Sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Jiang Yu was now undoubtedly a great merit to the Meng family, she had never met her inws and elders, so she was still somewhat anxious. Moreover, if they entered the capital, would she have to live in the Meng family''s house from now on? Suddenly she realized that she was married; before, while staying at her maiden home, she hadn''t felt like she was married.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, Great-aunt said she would apany her for a while, which made her feel a bit more at ease. As long as Great-aunt was there, it seemed like everything would be fine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her husband also said that she could return to her maiden home anytime, and that his mother often went back to her maiden home too. They wouldn''t have as many rules as the schr-official families.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian was also looking forward to it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were finally reaching the imperial capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Soon she would be able to see Zi Xiaochong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And help the stargazer send him a letter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A letter that could have been sent long ago but wasn''t.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, it was the prosperous imperial capital, so there was some anticipation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had left Jingzhou earlier than Miss Wu Yi''an, but arrivedter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wu Yi''an had left her half a book, which she had given to her nephew to read, without memorizing it herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She didn''t know if her little nephew had memorized it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Uncle Gong hade to Jiangzhou specifically to acquirend for their family, and then return to the capital together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was probably the sentiment of the ancients. Without real-timemunication, even letters were hard to receive on time, maybe just one or two letters a year.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Then, knowing you wereing, he would cross a city to wait for you.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Preparing gifts for you with all his heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not worried about changes in people or things, just doing it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this time, people''s feelings seemed more sincere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They traveled quickly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When they reached the Capital City, it was truly at the time of the evening glow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The city gates were majestic, with a red background.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Each soldier''s face was unclear, like a silhouette.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because it was evening, there were fewer teams entering the city and more leaving, so they didn''t have to wait long.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Feng sat on horseback, looking at this city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As a youth, he would wander the streets every day, listening to passing merchants boast about how grand the Capital City was. Just listening made him feel like he was gaining knowledge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now, at the foot of the city gate, his heart was both excited and nervous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had left Jingzhou, left that burial ground, ande to the Capital City to see new sights.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was wonderful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The young man dared to pursue his future now, because his whole family was with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The young man had finally arrived in the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 247

    The Meng family had been in high spiritstely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They would stop and chat with anyone they met, whether familiar or not.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe, who usually disliked attending court, was now lurking around to do so.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hisrge, square ck face was always smiling at people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Madam Meng made sure to attend every banquet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No matter what the topic of conversation, she would always steer it towards her children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When an official said, "It''s gotten cold these past couple days."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe replied, "Yes, it has gotten cold. When my two grandsons return, we must make sure they wear plenty of warm clothes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When an official mentioned, "The Emperor wants to build another Buddhist temple."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe said, "A Buddhist temple, ah! I should go pray there too. It''s truly Buddha''s blessing that our family suddenly has two grandsons..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Everyone in the Capital City, including the dogs, probably knew by now that the Meng family had broken their single-child curse, with two grandsons in this generation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Most people were fine with this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Immortal Liu felt a bit awkward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With Meng Qingshe constantly chattering about it, even the Emperor, who only attended court once every ten days, knew that the Meng family now had two grandsons.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He felt a strange sense of envy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He should have many grandchildren, but none of them seemed particrly close to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor had no real reason to me anyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He felt that his children weren''t as close to him as his nephew, young Han.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But whenever any of his sons tried to get close to him, he would suspect them of having ulterior motives. "Your elder brother, the Crown Prince, isn''t even dead yet, and you''re already trying to take his ce," or "Your elder brother, the Crown Prince, has just died, and you''re already trying to take his ce. Rebellious son!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The imperial heart was difficult to fathom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng family didn''t bother to try and figure it out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were happily waiting to hold their grandsons.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The nursery and the rooms for their son and daughter-inw were all prepared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Many sets of clothes for all four seasons had been ordered for their daughter-inw.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng family was wealthy, after all. The old master had fought in many battles, and even if the Emperor''s rewards were just for show, they were still substantial.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Additionally, sometimes during battles, they would kill one or two noble princes from other countries, and confiscating some money was reasonable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Old Meng himself didn''t have the time or ce to spend it, so naturally, he could only send it back home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Their whole family wasn''t particrly fond of luxury, appearing quite low-key.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But now there was a new generation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If not now, when would they spend it?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old Meng family was ostentatiously spending money, ordering clothes and jewelry for their daughter-inw, filling up the schedules of all the shops in the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It even provoked some officials to submit memorials criticizing the Meng family for their extravagance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "You''ve made things for all of them, but my mother and daughter-inw weren''t included. If I don''t criticize you at home, who else should I criticize?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Faced with such memorials, the Emperor was extremely tolerant, even thinking it was quite good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If they were truly loyal to the throne and frugal, he would have suspected the Meng family of having other intentions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Spending some money, what''s the big deal?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The people of the Capital City were truly looking forward to seeing the Meng family''s daughter-inw, that legendary beauty said to be able to shame even Daji into death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    A bewitchingly beautiful woman who had captivated the second generation Meng at first sight, making him willing to be a live-in son-inw, inseparable for even a day - what level was this? Even more impressive was her ability to single-handedly change the Meng family''s single-child fate, giving birth to two sons in one pregnancy. This was a woman with both beauty and capability.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Many mothers in the Capital City with unmarried daughters privately wished their daughters could pay respects to the young Madam Meng. That level of skill was truly impressive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was said that when she was in confinement after childbirth, she made the entire town keep herpany. The rumors were getting more and more exaggerated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    However, the Capital Citycked variety in its entertainment, so this kind of story about keepingpany during confinement was a first, further deepening people''s impressions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Anyway,pared to Immortal Liu, who was asionally ineffective despite her reputation for efficacy, the matriarchs of various noble families were actually more eager to meet the legendary young Madam Meng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, this was true social climbing, marrying properly and giving birth openly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As for Immortal Liu, only some young men would discuss her as being as beautiful as a celestial being. The real matriarchs actually looked down on her, just like how people might consult a fortune teller for information but wouldn''t want to marry one into the family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Haven''t you seen that the Liu family agreed to take her as an adopted daughter, but didn''t want to marry her in?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Those who wanted to hear gossip, see Immortal Liu embarrassed, or marry off their daughters were even more eager than the Meng family for young Madam Meng to return with her twin babies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Of course, there were also some with darker thoughts, wondering if young General Meng would end up like Heir Apparent Han, bing a father painlessly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Finally.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On this day, the evening glow filled the sky. Although it was winter, there was no wind, and it wasn''t actually cold.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng family''s carriages had been waiting at the city gate for a long time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To wee them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had just arrived in the Capital City and had agreed to go to her brother-inw''s house first.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian had no say in the decision-making anyway, she just followed along.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Many of the Meng family''s servants were old soldiers who had retired from the battlefield, looking somewhat different from other families'' servants.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had a more fierce and valiant air about them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Their movements were orderly, and they didn''t look around aimlessly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When this group saw the fur-d team approaching, their eyes met, and there was a sense of familiarity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old servant''s heart trembled, almost thinking the Liao People had disguised themselves as civilians to enter the city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This group of people had cold eyes, clearly having undergone some kind of training. They also looked orderly and uniform, all seeming like they had more than one life on their hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It wasn''t until they noticed the slightly chubby, square-faced man leading the group that the servants recognized him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Oh, it was their young master.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe hade to wee them personally, to show respect to his inws.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Oh my, he hadn''t recognized his own son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This... the Jiang family''s food must be too good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His son seemed to have gained quite a bit of weight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Meng Shaoxia recognized his father at a nce, instantly feeling that his father had aged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After more than three years apart, his father had aged, with more wrinkles and looking much more weathered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Shaoxia felt both excited and sad.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He silently reflected, feeling that he was truly an unfilial son who forgot his parents after getting a wife. His parents must have missed him terribly, missing him to the point of bing haggard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Father!" Meng Shaoxia shouted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe''s horse even took a step back. He almost didn''t want to acknowledge his son, who looked stupidly fat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After a round of recognition, the family headed towards the Meng Mansion in a grand procession.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was a row of taverns and inns near the city gate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Many people were sitting in the private rooms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The imperial grandson Chu Xi had rented one of these private rooms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Back then, he had sent people to ambush the Jiang family, but he never expected that they would bepletely wiped out, failing in a way that defied reason.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Originally, he thought that even a lion uses its full strength when catching a rabbit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the lion ended up being killed by the rabbit?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This caused the Seventh Prince''s movements in the capital to slow down a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Of course, the Seventh Prince still had the most advantages. He was like a venomous snake that had been lurking for many years, havingid out his ns in the court long ago.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At the same time, he had also set his sights on Zi Lu''s forces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After Zi Lu''s death, more than half of his people had joined him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Capital City was now like a great whirlpool, precarious and ready to explode at any moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Watching the slowly disappearing procession, Chu Xi sighed. In fact, deep down, he sometimes even felt grateful to Jiang Er, because his father was very fond of his second brother. The second brother was sincere and brave, and his father often praised him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The third brother had a pampered personality, and his father also doted on him a lot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As the eldest son, he could only be well-behaved. Perhaps because he was too much like his father, his father looked at him as if looking in a mirror. In daily life, his father didn''t seem to like him very much.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even when praising him, it was a kind of distant praise, never intimate, more like a rtionship between superior and subordinate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Xi was secretly observing his enemies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How was Jiang Er able to kill their people?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He noticed that Jiang Er''s horses were very good, each one a fine steed, difficult to obtain even for a thousand gold pieces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This person was very ruthless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He hadn''t received any news because Jiang Er had truly killed everyone, leaving no survivors. ording to the reports from his spies, Jiang Er had set fire to the mountain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He might have burned everyone to death, but fire alone couldn''t have prevented even a single person from escaping. Chu Xi suspected that Jiang Er had also used poison.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was a madman who didn''t care about consequences, killing, setting fires, and using poison - stopping at nothing, with no bottom line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Damn it, the enemy was much worse than he had imagined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This person would be a formidable opponent, but fortunately, Chu Xi had confidence in his subordinates. Jiang Er definitely didn''t know that he was the one who sent those people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The enemy was in the light, while he was in the shadows.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As the sun set, the long procession disappeared at the end of the long street.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian, whose bottom had be sore from sitting in the carriage all day, leaned out to catch some fresh air for a while.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As the carriage started moving again, she sat back down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian said to her mother, "Mother, just now someone was watching us from the tavern upstairs. It looked like Jiang Wan''s cousin, the eldest son of the Seventh Prince."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 248

    ......

    The closer they got to home, the more Meng Shaoxia''s heart swelled with both anticipation and nervousness.

    He wondered if his mother and grandmother were well.

    They must have missed him terribly.

    When they arrived at the Meng family home,

    The main gates of the Meng Mansion were wide open.

    Thest time they had been opened like this was to wee Old General Meng home.

    Meng Shaoxia expected there would be tears, hugs, head-patting, and thorough inspections.

    That had been the routine every time he returned home in the past.

    Thinking about it now made him a bit embarrassed, considering he was a married man now.

    But he was overthinking it.

    When he arrived home, his mother and grandmother were stunned for a moment, seeing how much weight he had gained - he hadn''t suffered at all, it seemed.

    They hurriedly pushed past him to see their daughter-inw (granddaughter-inw) and their first and second grandsons.

    He was relegated to the role of a mere guide.

    He watched, quite dramatically, as his mother and grandmother embraced Little Yu''er with tears in their eyes, sobbing.

    "Oh, child, you must have suffered so much."

    "Let me look at you. Oh my, my heart aches for you. It aches so much."

    "And these are our grandsons. Oh my, oh my, tsk tsk tsk, oh dear."

    They held on tightly, refusing to let go.

    Meng Shaoxia felt acutely as if he were adopted,pletely unrted to the scene before him.

    Watching his mother hold Little Yu''er so tightly, and seeing how naturally Little Yu''er nestled into his mother''s embrace, he felt a twinge of loss, but mostly joy.

    He knew his mother would love such a straightforward girl as Little Yu''er.

    They would surely get along well.

    Perhaps too well, as he seemed to have been forgotten entirely.

    Meng Qingshe also eagerly eyed his two grandsons. They had been raised so well - plump and fair, with chubby, dimpled hands. He was delighted and satisfied.

    Their looks were also remarkable. Though the eldest grandson had a square face, on a child it looked undeniably handsome.

    Moreover, the inws'' family''s good looks seemed destined to improve the Meng family''s gic pool.

    He felt the entire Meng Mansion looked more attractive because of it.

    After much fussing and cooing, they tidied up and went to eat.

    During the meal, Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng found themselves increasingly pleased with Jiang Yu.

    They had heard rumorsparing her beauty to Daji, and although their son had assured them that Little Yu''er wasn''t like that, and that he didn''t like such girls anyway, they couldn''t help but worry until they saw her in person.

    Now that they had met her, they were truly relieved.

    She was beautiful yet dignified, with a round face that suggested simplicity. Her words were sweet, direct, and pleasant to hear.

    They felt even more sympathetic towards the two children.

    The whole household came alive with activity.

    How could Madam Meng be ill now? She was the picture of health, full of energy, bustling about.

    Having been away from home for so long, Meng Shaoxia felt somewhat out of ce.

    He found himself thinking that his inws'' home felt morefortable.

    The chairs here seemed a bit hard.

    The chopsticks didn''t feel right in his hand.

    The bowls were a bit too hot to hold.

    There were no spare pajamas or slippers.

    The food tasted a bit too greasy.

    Before long, he had found fault with a whole list of things.

    At first, Madam Meng maintained a kind expression, but as she listened to her son''sints, she felt the urge to skewer him with the family''s halberd and toss him out.

    How annoying he had be.

    He had clearly been spoiled by his inws, developing so many quirks.

    He used to be so well-behaved, eating whatever was given to him, but now he had be picky.

    Seeing her mother-inw scolding her husband, Jiang Yu tugged at her sleeve and said, "Mother, please don''t scold him. He probably felt too polite to voice anyints at my family''s home, so he''s only letting it out now that he''s back."

    Hearing this, Madam Meng thought to herself that before seeing her son, she had worried he might have suffered hardships. But now that he was here, he showed no signs of hardship at all. In fact, he seemed to have been living quitefortably, almost forgetting his roots.

    "Don''t spoil him. Let me tell you, men can''t be indulged. They need to be kept in check asionally. Otherwise, they''ll get too full of themselves."

    Jiang Yu just smiled.

    Because her aunt-inw was tugging at her sleeve from behind.

    Having given birth and recovered well, Jiang Yu''s smile was radiant. Her white skin seemed to glow, and her eyes curved into crescents, making her utterly charming.

    Both Old Madam Meng and Madam Meng were very fond of her.

    Moreover, looking at her mother-inw, Mrs. Jiang, with her round face, she appeared kind and gentle - an excellent woman indeed.

    Her father-inw''s looks were perhaps a bit too striking.

    Fortunately, their daughter-inw took after her mother, which was preferable. They were pleased no matter how they looked at her.

    ncing at their daughter-inw''s sister, who resembled her father, they found her beauty almost too much to look at directly. She was certainly more beautiful than that Fairy Liu, hardly seeming human.

    Still, they preferred their own daughter-inw.

    The evening banquet was lively, and the food wasforting.

    Jiang Changtian carefully observed Meng Qingshe. Indeed, as the son-inw was of good character, so was his father. Like father, like son.

    He was very satisfied.

    This way, Yu''er should not suffer any mistreatment.

    However, too proper a family could also be problematic. He worried they might be too straightforward and easily taken advantage of.

    He felt an inexplicable increase in pressure. Before, he only had to look after his own family.

    Now he felt responsible for watching over the entire Meng family as well.

    Jiang Changtian had always been one to rise to challenges. Pressure motivated him, and he became even more energetic.

    Meng Qingshe dined with his inw.

    Seeing his handsome features and delicate build, typical of a schr,

    He had heard that from a young age, Jiang Changtian had been mistreated by Old Madam Jiang and falsely used of being unfilial, struggling to survive.

    The first time Shaoxia met them, they couldn''t even afford enough food.

    Although their circumstances had improved, watching his inw''s eating habits, Meng Qingshe noticed how carefully he ate, wasting nothing. His speech was soft and slow.

    Meng Qingshe felt that speaking too loudly might startle his inw.

    It pained him to think that such a good person had been forced to be a rebel.

    Fortunately, he had epted the offer of amnesty. It was said that he was an excellent official, caring deeply for the people. This year, Jingzhou''s tax revenue ranked among the top in the country. Even Inspector He, who came looking for faults, couldn''t find any and gave a positive evaluation.

    But thinking about it, such a good person in the Capital City would likely be bullied.

    Those sly officials in the capital had no shortage of ways to mistreat others.

    His inw had no background to speak of, so in the future, he would have to stand up for himself, with Meng Qingshe''s protection.

    Look at how they had fattened up his son and raised two chubby grandsons. They were truly a family of honest, good people.

    He suspected that things had gone so smoothly these past few years partly due to his son''s efforts. He had been somewhat useful.

    "The official circles in the Capital City areplex. In the future, when you go out, just mention my name. I''m a military official, and I''m not afraid of their tricks. If anyone bullies you, don''t be afraid, don''t cower. Our family has connections too."

    Jiang Changtian nodded repeatedly at his straightforward father-inw.

    "Thank you, father-inw. I was worried about being a neer without support. With your words, I feel at ease now. If anyone bullies me, I''ll certainly let you know."

    Meng Qingshe, excited by the food and drink, repeatedly patted his inw''s arm.

    However, seeing how thin he was, he patted gently, controlling his strength.

    Meng Shaoxia ate silently, not joining the conversation. He had already been scolded harshly by his mother for saying a few words earlier. If he spoke again now, his father would likely intervene physically. Better to just eat.

    My inws'' family is truly formidable, what kind of eyes do you all have?

    After praising his inw, Meng Qingshe went on to praise Jiang Feng.

    Jiang Feng was truly talented and handsome, with a smile that hinted at a bit of simplicity - the very picture of a gentle nobleman.

    His old Meng family''s genes just couldn''tpare; they were all rough folk.

    Hearing that Jiang Feng was still single, Meng Qingshe couldn''t help but want to introduce him to potential matches. No, he couldn''t do it himself - he''d have his wife do it. She knew more youngdies.

    Old Meng was very happy today. He had held his two grandsons and seen his chubby son. He resolved to be a bit more ambitious in the future. After all, life held promise now. With grandsons, he would need to take better care of his inws'' family as well.

    Mianmian dined with the women.

    She met her Elder Sister''s mother-inw and grandmother-inw. The Meng family now had four generations under one roof, which would be rare even in modern times - truly a blessed family.

    Her brother-inw''s mother and grandmother were very nice people. They spoke generously, without any sarcasm, and got along well with her mother.

    Qin Luoxia had been worried that the people from the Capital City might look down on country folk, but after meeting them, she felt much more at ease.

    Indeed, little Meng was a good match. She felt a bit guilty towards the inws, but now that there were grandsons, there was no returning the goods.

    After dinner,

    They rested at the Meng family home.

    The guest rooms were well-prepared.

    Mianmian curiously asked her mother, "Mother, where will we live after this?"

    "In our own home, of course. Your father knows how much you love buying property, so he''s already arranged for someone to purchase a house andnd for us in the Capital City. Today we''re staying with your Elder Sister to meet her inws. Now that we''ve met them, we can rest easy. Tomorrow we''ll go to our own home," Qin Luoxia said, her cheeks flushed.

    Mianmian was very excited.

    Father was amazing.

    He had even bought a house in the Capital City.

    Come to think of it, there were no purchase restrictions in the Capital City now. With money, you really could buy anything.

    Before bed,

    In the guest room of her Elder Sister''s inws'' home, Mianmian opened her diary and made an important entry.

    In the 289th Year of Chu Era, during winter, they entered the Capital City. As guests at the Meng Family residence, both hosts and visitors were in high spirits. They received wee gifts of a bag of eastern pearls and a bag of precious gems...

 Chapter 249

    Early morning.

    At the Meng Mansion, in the training grounds.

    Meng Qingshe wielded arge saber, its movements creating a whooshing sound. His body moved like a snake, with only the jingling of the bells on the saber audible amidst his blurred form.

    Meng Shaoxia watched his father''s enthusiastic performance and quietly lowered his head.

    Looking at his brother-inw and father-inw beside him, who were watching intently, he felt a strange atmosphere.

    A few years ago, he couldn''t have beaten his father.

    But at his father-inw''s house, he had been beaten day after day after day...

    Now, watching his father''s saber dance seemed like watching a slow-motion rey, full of openings.

    He now believed he could defeat his father.

    Meng Shaoxia felt slightly excited. In a moment, hehe!

    Jiang Feng watched Uncle Meng practice with his saber earnestly, thinking that the Meng family truly lived up to their reputation as a military family. Such arge saber, wielded with ease and imposing momentum.

    This feeling might be fine on the training grounds, but once on the battlefield, Uncle Meng''s saber, leading a great army in a charge, would be unstoppable, advancing relentlessly. This was a saber suited for the battlefield.

    Uncle Meng was born to be a general, the kind that leads troops in a charge.

    Inparison, he himself was somewhatcking in this aspect.

    Jiang Changtian watched his inw''s saber dance attentively. It looked good, but it wasn''t suitable for him. He didn''t like such broad, sweeping movements; he preferred something more refined.

    After warming up, Meng Qingshe wanted to train his son a bit. Seeing that he had gained some weight, he must have neglected his training quite a bit these past few years. Considering that he had given him two chubby grandsons, he''d go easy on him this time.

    Meng Qingshe called his son onto the field.

    Meng Shaoxia looked back at his father-inw, then at his brother-inw, and sighed with a hint of smugness.

    "Father, when you lose in a moment, don''t say I didn''t give you face."

    "You brat, your skills haven''t improved, but your boasting has. Don''t cryter."

    Meng Qingshe swung hisrge saber towards him.

    Meng Shaoxia, used to being thoroughly beaten at his father-inw''s house - he couldn''t even beat his mother-inw - was finally home and ready to turn the tables.

    He nimbly dodged, also drawing out his saber.

    His saber was in, without fancy bells, and even a bit dull, looking ckish.

    It was forged by his father-inw from a meteorite that had fallen in the backyard.

    He hadn''t had a chance to use it properly on this journey.

    But he cherished it greatly.

    This iron was different, very heavy.

    The saber''s size was even smaller than before, but its weight had tripled.

    Meng Shaoxia swung it a few times, slowly getting the feel of it.

    His father, Meng Qingshe, waited a while for his son.

    Seeing that he had improved somewhat - in his youth he had preferred the sword, all sh and no substance - now he had switched to the saber. Although changing weapons midway wasn''t ideal, watching his son wield the saber sofortably, it was clearly more suitable.

    However, the saber was a bit small,cking in presence. Meng Qingshe wasn''t tall, but he likedrge weapons - if height wascking, make up for it with the weapon.

    After waiting for his son to warm up a bit, Meng Qingshe began to exert real force with hisrge saber.

    For those untrained in martial arts, seeing thatrge saber swinging towards them, they would first freeze, not knowing how to resist or dodge, because they would be locked in ce by the saber''s momentum. It was like a high-speed training at you - you''d certainly be at a loss, though you should run. But the scene is too terrifying, like the train is already at your forehead, your brain would think you can''t escape, and your body, receiving the brain''s signal, would be unable to move. You simply couldn''t run.

    The bells on the saber handle weren''t purely decorative, but had a mind-confusing effect when the saber was swung. Apanying the saber''s whistling through the air, the dense jingling of the bells would disturb one''s mind, making it hard to concentrate.

    On the battlefield, being a beat slow meant death.

    Meng Shaoxia had adapted to the meteorite saber in his hand.

    This saber was full of his father-inw''s love.

    He had thought only Mianmian had such a thing, but unexpectedly, he had one too.

    Jiang Changtian: The leftover material after making one for his daughter, naturally, shouldn''t be wasted.

    Meng Shaoxia raised his saber to block his father''s Green Dragon Saber.

    "ng!"

    Sparks flew.

    This strike, Meng Qingshe hadn''t held back.

    This block, Meng Shaoxia hadn''t taken lightly either.

    Meng Qingshe''s face reddened. In the past, he could easily press down on his son with therge saber, then take the opportunity to educate him: "Son, you still need more practice," and so on...

    He had memorized these lectures over three years, knowing them by heart.

    Seeing his son had gained weight, he had even reviewed them several times overnight, determined to train his son well, to get him back in shape.

    But unexpectedly, his son had caught it.

    He had caught hisrge saber.

    His Green Dragon Saber couldn''t press down.

    Not only had his son gotten fatter, but his strength had increased too?

    Impossible, right? Looking at his chubby son, he seemed soft and weak, how could his strength have increased so much?

    He couldn''t press down any further.

    Meng Qingshe withdrew his saber and struck again!

    "ng!"

    It was blocked again.

    Strike!

    "ng!"

    Strike!

    "Bang!"

    Strike!

    "ng!"

    ...

    Jiang Changtian and Jiang Feng watched from the edge of the training ground, and then a little girl joined them.

    Mianmian, having gotten up and learned that her father and the others were morning training with Uncle Meng, came over for a stroll.

    Then she saw Uncle Meng and her brother-inw going back and forth.

    The fight was so boring!

    In her mind, martial artists should have various changing techniques, dazzling moves,ing and going, swinging swords with flying coat tails, leaping across rooftops and walls.

    But the actual duel was just: I strike, I strike, I strike strike strike!

    It felt a bit like when her mother chopped wood.

    And her brother-inw had just one move: I block, I block, I block block block!

    A in and simple 100% saber catch.

    Due to different angles, the sounds varied, but it wasn''t very entertaining to watch.

    Jiang Feng and Jiang Changtian were watching very seriously.

    The more Jiang Changtian watched his inw''s moves, the more he felt this man was too upright and easy to take advantage of.

    Jiang Feng was studying intently, silent, with his sister''s head in his hand after she arrived, continuing to learn.

    Meng Qingshe was panting, incredulous.

    A normal person would be dead after three strikes from him.

    His son had taken ten strikes and still had strength to spare.

    He was already out of breath.

    His son still had a rosyplexion, standing there white and chubby.

    Had he gotten old? Be useless? Impossible!

    This brat was beaten ck and blue by him just a few years ago, had his teeth knocked out, and he had also been punished by his own father for that.

    How had he be so formidable now?

    "What have you been eating? You haven''t taken Xiaoyao Powder, have you?" Meng Qingshe asked gravely.

    He had seen people who took Xiaoyao Powder suddenly gain strength, bing incredibly powerful. An ordinary person would suddenly be fierce and invincible, fearless of death. But once addicted to the powder, they would have to keep taking it. If they stopped, they would go mad and lose their minds, in severe cases even self-mutting, their bodies rapidly weakening, and in worse cases, their bodies would rot and they''d lose control of their bowels.

    "Father, that stuff is so expensive, I could never afford it. These past few years, all my food and expenses have been covered by my father-inw. Where would I get the money?" Meng Shaoxiained.

    His father was quite interesting, evening up with Xiaoyao Powder.

    Meng Qingshe''s face reddened upon hearing his son''sint. Nonsense, haven''t I given you pocket money? I''ve sent you lots of money.

    "Father, if you can''t win, just admit defeat. Don''t say anything else," Meng Shaoxia finally felt he could stand tall. After being beaten down at his father-inw''s house for so many years, he could finally hold his head high. It was worth it, worth it.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at her brother-inw, feeling he was courting death.

    Very much like how she usually behaved.

    Sure enough, just as Meng Shaoxia was getting cocky, he was suddenly caught by a whip his father pulled out, and with therge saber, spanked several times.

    Jiang Mianmian: ... She couldn''t bear to watch.

    No matter how old you are, your father is still your father.

    Meng Shaoxia''s face turned red. "Father, we''re sparring in the training grounds, and you''re actually cheating, bringing out bondage props."

    Meng Qingshe was also a bit embarrassed. Who knew his son would be so strong after not seeing him for a few years? Impressive.

    But as a father, he still wanted to beat his son.

    This was one of the benefits of having a son.

    If it were a daughter, he wouldn''t have the heart to beat her.

    Meanwhile, Jiang Feng, delighted with the saber, borrowed Uncle Meng''s Green Dragon Saber and began practicing in the training ground.

    He still used the basic three moves from before.

    In fact, because he had practiced them so many times, they were etched into his bones and blood.

    He wielded therge saber smoothly.

    Meng Qingshe, on the other hand, snatched the saber from his son''s hand. During the battle, he had noticed something strange about his son''s saber. Ordinary weapons couldn''t withstand his Green Dragon Saber for long, but this saber had taken ten strikes and seemed to grow brighter, not only not breaking but making his hand hurt with each sh.

    He took his son''s saber in hand and immediately felt its weight.

    Damn!

    This unremarkable saber in his son''s hand was actually heavier than his Green Dragon Saber.

    The son''s strength had definitely more than doubledpared to before. No wonder he didn''t feel pain when hit earlier, just putting on an act and crying out halfheartedly. The blows must have been too light.

    "Where did you get this sword?"

    "My father gave it to me," Meng Shaoxia said, looking at Jiang Changtian.

    Normally, if Meng Qingshe heard his son calling someone else "father," he would certainly feel jealous.

    But at this moment, holding this heavy yet ordinary-looking greatsword, he gazed eagerly at Jiang Changtian, also wanting to call him "father"...

    Jiang Changtian felt slightly awkward.

    But also a bit gratified.

    Young Meng was a good kid.

    "This was specially forged for Shaoxia, made from meteorite iron. Because time was short, it hasn''t been sharpened, but the cksmith said that with regr use, it will be sharper and morefortable to wield. There''s no need to deliberately sharpen it," Jiang Changtian exined.

    Meng Qingshe ran his hands up and down the greatsword, feeling its cool touch and dark surface. It truly was a treasure.

    No wonder the little brat was so content he forgot toe home, and even gained some weight. His inws truly treated him well, willing to give him such a precious gift.

    His inws were too honest. This meteorite iron, rarely found even once in a hundred years, was actually given to their son-inw.

    Meng Qingshe''s enthusiasm for his inws increased several notches. He thought to himself that he must take good care of them. In two days when they go to court, he would personally apany them.

    ...

 Chapter 250

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng family''s breakfast had many staple foods.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was also a bit greasy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking at Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng, who were both plump women, one could tell the tendency of their diet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It suited Jiang Yu''s taste very well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After breakfast,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Jiang family was about to pack up and go to their own home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe had originally prepared amodations for his inws, and it would have been fine for guests to stay in the mansion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Opening another door could have made it apletely separate residence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, where there are people, there is gossip. Although it was for the convenience of taking care of the inws, living like this would still seem like freeloading to outsiders, so Meng Qingshe had prepared a separate house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It had also been cleaned up, and they were originally nning to send people there today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unexpectedly, the Jiang family did not ept this house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Keep this one for Big Goose in the future, I''ll prepare another one for Little Goose," said Jiang Changtian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe didn''t insist.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He knew that his inws probably weren''t short of money.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The New Year gifts they received from their daughter-inw each year, including various items for washing hands, face, teeth, and hair, were all very precious. When merchants brought these to the capital, they sold for quite a high price.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Who would have known that these were actually produced by his daughter-inw''s family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In a way, the Meng family had gained from this marriage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The daughter-inw also appeared to be of good character and appearance, clearly a well-raised youngdy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was nothing toin about in how she treated their son Xiao Xia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As the adults packed up to say goodbye, Jiang Mianmian was a bit reluctant to part with her two nephews.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Finally, she read them a piece of ssical literature.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two little nephews, perhaps used to hearing their aunt''s voice since they were young, had been looking around just moments ago, but immediately quieted down and listened attentively when their aunt started reading.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The sight of one chubby, fair-skinned child lying down with big eyes, obediently listening to someone read, was already adorable enough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Two chubby, fair-skinned children lying side by side with big eyes, obediently listening to someone read, was absolutely heart-melting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When two human cubs are put together, it definitely causes a qualitative change from the quantitative one.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The people of the old Meng family were amazed to learn that the daughter-inw''s sister had been reading to the children steadily every day, without fail, since the daughter-inw became pregnant. They were deeply moved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No wonder the two grandsons looked so intelligent, with the appearance of future top schrs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old Meng family, who had been ridiculed for only knowing how to go to the battlefield and being uncouth, felt that things were about to change in this generation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    These two babies looked refined, like their inws'' family - cultured, intelligent, and beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And they were strong too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Their little fists were quite powerful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Anyway, when Mianmian was leaving, Old Madam Meng was holding her tightly, refusing to let go, urging her toe and y whenever she had time, anytime.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She also gave Mianmian a red envelope.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inside was a deed to amercial property.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Indeed, there is gold within books. Reading to her two nephews had earned her a shop in a prime location.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Keep up the good work.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After leaving the Meng family, they took a carriage ride. It didn''t feel too far, just about half an hour, equivalent to an hour''s carriage ride, before they arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It wasn''t in the center where the powerful and wealthy gathered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Houses in that area were generally hard to buy, usually bestowed by the emperor, and the neighbors of big shots were also big shots.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If one wanted to spend money, they could only buy in the west of the city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian had asked Inspector He for help in buying the house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was very good at utilizing personal rtionships.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Officials from other ces would tremble in fear at the sight of an inspector.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian, however, invited the inspector to participate, increasing the inspector''s sense of involvement in various ways.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the end, he even asked the inspector to help with buying the house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As if afraid that the inspector wouldn''t be able to find the ce when confiscating property in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was all about selfless trust.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He had originally taken on a female student, thinking she would leave after a few days of teaching.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now, unexpectedly, her whole family hade to the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No matter, he also had students. In the future, he could let his students teach his student.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That kind of suffering only needed to be endured once.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian got off the carriage and toured her new home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was a strange feeling, the whole family seeing their new home for the first time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Theyout of houses in the capital was quite different from Jingzhou.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Houses in the capital were tter, but slightly smaller than those in Jingzhou, without as many courtyards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Theyout was more reasonable andpact.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was understandable, after all, in the capital wherend was as precious as gold, the economic and political center of the country, having such arge mansion was quite good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some officials without much family wealth lived on the edge of the city, only able to afford houses there, taking two hours to get to court. Their dailymute took four hours, eight hours in total, so they had to get up in the middle of the night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Therefore, minor officials would rent houses in the city center, close to work, which led to high rents in the city center.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Of course, house prices were even higher.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, after entering the backyard of the home, they discovered it was a hidden paradise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The yard of the neighbor on the left had actually been connected.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He had helped him buy this house, and then when Gong Qichi found out, he bought the two adjacent ones, so it appeared to be an ordinary single house on the surface, but was connected to two more at the back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With elder sister, brother-inw, and the two big nephews gone, the house suddenly felt much less crowded, much quieter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And the great-aunt was still temporarily staying with elder sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Around Jiang Mianmian were just Pangya and Wei Biao.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mom was in charge, settling the household.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Elder Brother went next door to arrange his subordinates.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Father went to the study to organize his books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian was temporarily left to her own devices.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She took Pangya and Wei Biao to familiarize themselves with the courtyards of the house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    First, she released Little Tree, letting it get ustomed to the soil of the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian wandered around.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had originally thought that in a ce wherend was so precious, the house would be very small.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But with the neighbors'' houses bought and connected, it became veryrge, even with ake.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Think about akeside vi in the imperial capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian felt a bit unreal walking by theke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She walked along thekeside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Until she came to a wall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She stopped.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Curious about what was on the other side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She seemed to hear people talking on the other side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this moment, great-aunt wasn''t by her side, Mom wasn''t by her side, Father and Elder Brother weren''t by her side either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Elder sister wasn''t by her side either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian was filled with a spirit of mischief.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian looked around, saw a big tree, lifted up her little skirt, tied it up (she was wearing leggings underneath), and then swiftly climbed up the tree.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The trees in the capital were the kind that keep their leaves in winter, with lush green foliage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian climbed up in no time, and saw the other side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was anotherke on the other side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were even people boating on theke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In this cold weather, how interesting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian looked carefully, hey, she actually knew them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    No wonder she noticed them at a nce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On one side of the small boat sat a girl who was radiating brilliance, catching one''s eye immediately.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was wearing a fluffy white cape, sitting on the boat, with a clear breeze and warm sun, looking quite beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On the other side sat none other than the imperial grandson Chu Xi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Xi was very cautious. If he wanted to say something treasonous, he would definitely find a special ce where he couldn''t be overheard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Like boating in the middle of theke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Water on all sides.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The scenery was also very nice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Cousin, are you cold?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "A little, but seeing you, cousin, I don''t feel cold anymore."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian felt a bit cold in the tree, the wind was strong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Feeling like someone was looking her way, she quickly slid down the tree.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Cousin, what were you looking at?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "It seemed like there was a bird in the tree."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Chu Xi smiled, looking at Jiang Wan. There were many well-bred youngdies in the capital, but he had yet to meet one more outstanding or whose words pleased him more than his cousin. However, he felt that his cousin seemed a bit distracted today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian slid down the tree and ran to find her father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Father, Father, I saw our neighbors, they''re actually people we know, it''s Jiang Wan, and that Prince Chu."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian ran to her father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian was holding a book in his hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hearing his daughter say that Jiang Wan actually lived next door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He suddenly had a bold idea, the meteorite was used up...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 251

    The winter sunlight was not very warm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But as long as there was sunlight, one''s mood would improve.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian was helping her father organize books in his study.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Books were an important resource, and a whole carriage was filled with them on their journey to the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The courier industry wasn''t very developed at that time, otherwise it would have been more convenient to ship books by courier.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Due to underdeveloped courier services and inconvenient transportation, they only brought carefully selected books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Or more often, people memorized information in their minds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Father''s study was quiterge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps because Uncle He had seen the Inspector''s suite in Jingzhou, he decorated Father''s study with a simr vor, including a wall-to-wall bookshelf.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Father was organizing the books onto the shelves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When it came to tidying up, Father wasn''t very gifted and worked rather slowly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Often, he would take out a book, flip through it, then sit down and keep reading.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This greatly reduced his progress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, browsing through books randomly was also a kind of enjoyment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian was called by her father to stay and help with this task.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Mianmian didn''t like memorizing books, she could understand what she read. She ssified and arranged the books for her father one by one.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Modern people have too many channels to acquire knowledge, so they don''t like memorizing books. Ancient people had few channels to acquire knowledge, so they wanted to memorize every book.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian discovered a pile of books on Yin-Yang and the Eight Trigrams. She hadn''t expected her father to believe in such things, or to enjoy reading these types of books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    There were also many books on Chinese medicine, including one titled "Interpretation of Herbal Medicine" authored by Changtian Recluse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was obvious that this was her father''s pen name.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Calling himself a recluse was quite amusing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian thought about whether she should write a book herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At that time, if you wanted to publish a book, it seemed you didn''t need to buy an ISBN.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The main limitations were printing and paper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian would often pick up a book he hadn''t read in a long time, suddenly flip through it, have some memory of it, and then feel a sense of realization.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He closed the book and looked at his busy little daughter arranging the books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Mianmian, what do you want to do when we get to the capital?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Keep a low profile?" Jiang Mianmian tentatively replied.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Jiang Changtian: Uh-oh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Something must have gone wrong in her education.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But thinking carefully, it seemed his little daughter was speaking the truth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As a Fifth-rank Commander, an official pardoned from being a rebel, they would indeed be at the bottom of the heap in the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Above them were officials of the fourth, third, second, and first ranks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were also various royal rtives and nobles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Their only rtives in the capital now were their inws, the Mengs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The court valued civil officials over military ones, so their inws probably weren''t doing very well either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When he visited the Meng family, he found no signs of factionalism or nepotism, which indicated two possibilities: either his inws were too upright, or they had been excluded from the inner circles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian, who always assumed the worst about people, felt it was probably thetter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng family had been excluded from the center of power.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But to advance in officialdom, one must collude, form factions, and take sides.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Pure officials, straight officials, only be the emperor''s tools because others won''t y with them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Bing a tool means losing one''s personality.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Take for example the confiscation of Inspector He''s property...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He too was a big tool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As Jiang Changtian thought about it, he realized something was wrong - all the officials he was on good terms with in the court were tools.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Two tools already.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he still had connections. His Third Son had finally entered the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If he hadn''t guessed wrong, the current favorite of the Emperor, Eunuch Yan Wenxin, was his Third Son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Only there had been no correspondence, so Jiang Changtian wasn''t sure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It would be better to wait until they met to confirm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As neers to the capital, they should indeed keep a low profile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But hearing these words from his daughter''s mouth somehow felt off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian began to understand Luoxia''s urge to spank the child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His hand was itching a bit too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But looking at his daughter''s smiling face, he couldn''t bring himself to do it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With Mianmian''s help, Jiang Changtian''s efficiency in organizing the study greatly improved, and the books were ssified and arranged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then Mother had someone call them for dinner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Without looking at the connected courtyard next door, just their own small courtyard felt quite cozy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was convenient to call for meals.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Lunch was simple, with the cook from Jingzhou who hade with them preparing familiar vors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Noodles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It seemed people in the capital didn''t eat noodles much.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian''s tastes now followed her family''s, and she also liked eating noodles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "The water here doesn''t seem right, the noodles aren''t as chewy, not as tasty," Qin Luoxiained.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "The nobles here specially go to Clear Spring Mountain outside the city to fetch water, and that water costs money. I heard many people spend money to buy water for drinking. Those aristocrats think there are too many people in the city, making the water turbid and unptable, especially for making tea. They use mountain spring water," said Jiang Feng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Qin Luoxia had been Madam Jiang for a long time, following her husband, she was still surprised at the idea of spending money to buy water. If their family had such a mountain, wouldn''t it be an inexhaustible source of ie? As long as there was water, there would be money,sting for generations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Who owns Clear Spring Mountain?" Qin Luoxia asked curiously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Clear Spring Mountain belongs to the royal family. The money is probably collected by people from the Imperial Household Department," answered Jiang ''All-Knowing'' Changtian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian thought to herself, it''s not surprising. In the future, even ordinary people have to buy water to drink. But this using mountain spring water for tea... she felt like an arrow shot many years ago had somehow hit her on the forehead today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    What a sucker.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Then let''s buy a bucket tomorrow to try," said Qin Luoxia, who was very adaptable to local customs. She thought her husband might need that water for making tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thinking about it this way, expenses in the capital seemed quite high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The house had already cost a lot of their savings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The two neighboring courtyards hadn''t been fixed up yet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They couldn''t let Brother He keep spending money either; some debts should be repaid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her husband should get a new official position in the capital. ording to Brother He, seeking an official position also required giving favors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The capital was much more corrupt than the provinces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As the family talked, lunch was finished.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was no afternoon nap.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was still an important matter to attend to today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Paying respects to Zi Lu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian actually didn''t know quite what to do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because she had received a separate letter from Zi Xiaochong, asking her to help take care of the turtle he raised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And he seemed very depressed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This kind of emotion, others couldn''tfort him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Every word seemed pale and powerless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She didn''t even know how to reply to the letter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The weather was fine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was an endless stream of people leaving the city for an outing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At the foot of Yanshan Mountain, there was a greenwn, not the t kind, but arge slope where one could roll down from the top.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was a river.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even in winter it didn''t freeze, with water flowing gently, making a pleasant sound.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was already evening by the time they arrived outside the city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When the sunset glow filled the sky.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was at such a time that Mianmian saw her childhood friend again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He stood in front of the grave, dressed in white robes, with his ck hair tied up only in the front, the ends of his hair and clothes fluttering gently in the wind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "A peerless gentleman in the world, like jade among themon folk."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This poem had two more lines.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Unable to be born in the same era, I only wish to be buried in the same earth."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing a uniquely handsome and jade-like young man, although they couldn''t be born at the same time, the ancient people hoped to be buried in the same ce after death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The practicality and romance of the ancients.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing a handsome man, they even thought about the burial ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In her memory, the five or six-year-old boy didn''t like to talk, was very serious, a bit precocious, probablycked love, liked her mother, his eyes always wandering to her mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now he had be a dashing young man, a teenager of about fifteen or sixteen, very tall, like his father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not fat, but lean andnky.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Very beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Zi Lu had a bearded, romantic, and gant air, like a martial arts alliance leader, with the free and easy manner of Xiao Feng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Zi Congheng grew up clean and beautiful, with a pair of cold and clear eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For Jiang Mianmian, who was used to seeing her father every day, seeing Zi Congheng again and finding him so beautiful was quite rare.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Fortunately.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her childhood friend hadn''t grown up ugly, but had be even more handsome.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Zi Congheng turned to look at Mianmian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They had exchanged letters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not many.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just a few words, but he always felt her life was vivid and exciting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He remembered her as a very pretty chubby child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now, she had grown up, a graceful youngdy, walking slowly towards him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her pace was as he imagined, a bit quick.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She liked to jog while walking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She almost ran over to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Standing in front of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They faced each other wordlessly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian reached out her hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Zi Congheng was stunned for a moment, then also reached out his hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her hand grasped his.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Long time no see."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    "Long time no see."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 252

    Zi Lu loved lively ces during his lifetime.

    Even after death, he was buried in a lively ce.

    Many peoplee to Yanshan Mountain for sightseeing.

    However, at this moment, it was dusk.

    The sky was filled with sunset clouds, and the air had grown cold.

    The tourists were packing up to head back.

    Gradually, it became quiet and deste.

    His tomb was built like a house.

    It had an arched facade with a tform where offerings could be ced.

    Behind the tform was the burial chamber, resembling a door inviting people toe in and sit.

    Jiang Changtian looked at the tomb, momentarily speechless.

    Thest person whose death had affected him deeply was his father, Grand Preceptor Jiang.

    At that time, he felt as if the sky had fallen, and he was devastated.

    He was young then.

    It felt as if a part of his internal organs had been buried along with his father.

    The grief was indescribable.

    He thought that from then on, only he, his elder brother, and his mother would walk the path of life together.

    But after his father''s passing, his world truly copsed, and he was truly left all alone, struggling to survive.

    Countless times he thought, if he had never experienced the happy life when his father was alive, he would surely have believed that he was meant to be so miserable, meant to be lowly, meant to be pitiful.

    But he had once lived a happy life.

    So he felt painfully torn.

    Zi Lu, whoy before him now, was the second elder figure he had encountered in his life.

    Zi Lu was a very charismatic person, but he didn''t have a strong fatherly air about him and didn''t like to lecture people.

    He was very good at praising others.

    He was always smiling.

    Very magnanimous.

    But in his presence, one felt very safe.

    Initially, the rebellion was only out of necessity.

    Butter, it was under Zi Lu''s protection that he steadilynded on his feet.

    Jiang Changtian felt that Zi Lu knew about his little thoughts.

    Zi Lu had sent people to bring Aunt Yin, always helping to settle matters in the inner quarters.

    Zi Lu was a true hero.

    If anyone could ascend to power, Jiang Changtian thought General Zi could.

    He knew how to use people well, was magnanimous yet attentive to details.

    But now, buried in the earth, he had vanished like smoke.

    So one must live, stay alive to have all possibilities.

    Jiang Changtian lit incense and knelt down earnestly, kowtowing three times.

    Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parents, and Teachers.

    He regarded him as his teacher...

    Jiang Feng looked at the tomb, not feeling good about it, even though this tomb was considered quite beautiful, much better looking than the mounds of earth he remembered.

    But this was still a tomb.

    A ce for burying bones.

    So while alive, one should strive harder, do all the things one wants to do.

    Leave no regrets, no remorse.

    One might die at any time, so while alive, one must live freely and joyfully.

    He also burned incense and kowtowed.

    To the elder, to the predecessor.

    Qin Luoxia brought Mianmian along to burn incense and kowtow.

    She spoke in front of the tomb: "Brother Zi Lu, I know you must have been worried about your child when you left. You called me sister, and I have no brothers or elders. I''m willing to take you as my elder brother. Entrust the child to me, and from now on, I''ll be his aunt. I''ll raise him, I''ll watch him get married and have children on your behalf. You can rest easy in theherworld, don''t worry."

    Zi Congheng had been calmly watching Jiang Mianmian''s family burn incense and kowtow.

    In fact, he had seen this scene so many times that he had be numb to it.

    At first, he had wanted nothing more than to crawl into the tomb and lie with his father.

    Later, he slowly realized that even if he entered the tomb, it would be of no use.

    He had talked to his father countless times, but his father never responded.

    If there really was a spirit after death, how could he bear to leave him so alone?

    Even looking at this tomb now, he felt as if it were a rope, tugging at his throat, making it hard to breathe.

    He didn''t want to speak anymore.

    In fact, he didn''t really want to live either.

    It felt meaningless.

    He was very smart.

    At least in the worldly sense of smart, he could read articles and remember them after a single nce, never forgetting.

    He could even tell from his sworn brothers'' clothes and shoes that they had betrayed him.

    But he didn''t speak up about it.

    He didn''t want to cause more deaths by speaking up again.

    Father was gone. Nothing mattered anymore.

    He even hoped his sworn brothers would kill him.

    But perhaps he was too useless.

    There were so many opportunities, but his sworn brothers never made a move.

    His sworn brothers: ...

    Suspecting you of entrapment.

    That lunatic Gong Qichi, after Father passed away, he went crazy.

    If we killed you, he would fight us to the death.

    Besides, you don''t even speak, so what''s the difference whether you''re killed or not?

    Of course, not all sworn brothers were like this.

    Just some of them.

    At this moment, after Qin Luoxia finished speaking, suddenly a bunch of incense on the tform fell over.

    It was as if the person in the tomb was responding.

    Was this agreement or disagreement?

    In the countless times he hade to the tomb, Father had never stirred, never responded once.

    Zi Congheng stared nkly at the fallen incense.

    Suddenly, tears streamed down his face.

    Qin Luoxia was a bit confused.

    Was Brother Zi Lu giving directions?

    The incense fell over, was that agreement or disagreement?

    Qin Luoxia was a bit bewildered, but she was a flexible woman, resilient.

    She lit another bunch.

    Then she repeated what she had just said.

    "Brother Zi Lu, I know you must have been worried about your child when you left. You called me sister, and I have no brothers or elders, I''m willing to take you as my elder brother..."

    "Puff..."

    At this point, the incense fell over again.

    Qin Luoxia nodded.

    "I understand, Brother is nodding in agreement. Thank you, Brother, for making the effort to push the incense."

    Then she lit another bunch.

    And repeated those words again.

    "...Brother, entrust the child to me, and from now on, I''ll be his aunt. I''ll raise him, I''ll watch him get married and have children on your behalf. You can rest easy in theherworld, don''t worry."

    A row of incense stood upright.

    The smoke swirled left and right, without pattern.

    As if a ghost was blowing the smoke.

    The smoke that should have risen straight up was twisting chaotically.

    Zi Congheng, who hadn''t cried for a long time, felt tears sliding down his cheeks, but the corners of his mouth turned up.

    He couldn''t help but smile.

    He didn''t know what his father meant.

    If Father didn''t want him to go to the Jiang family, he would surely be anxiously bumping around now. Thinking this way, it felt as if his father was still alive, truly by his side.

    Zi Congheng, who had been silent from the moment they met until now, suddenly knelt before Qin Luoxia and said: "Aunt."

    Qin Luoxia emotionally patted the young man''s shoulder, also shedding tears.

    "Good boy, from now on, you''ll follow Aunt. If Aunt has a bite to eat, you''ll have a bite. If Aunt has a sip to drink, you''ll have a sip. Aunt will treat you equally, I''ll be proud if you strive to improve, and I''ll also spank you if you''re naughty."

    The chaotic blue smoke finally rose straight up.

    ...

    On the return journey.

    Zi Congheng actually got into the carriage with the Jiang family to go back.

    He didn''t even go home to pack his things.

    Jiang Mianmian obsequiously called him brother.

    Although paying respects at a tomb was a somewhat sad affair, the degrees of intimacy were different after all, and human emotions are mostly not interconnected.

    On the return journey, Mianmian was only thinking that she now had a brother, one who clearly still needed education, and her father now had something to do, there was now someone to guide in studies.

    Although she wanted to appear sad, she couldn''t suppress her happiness.

    There are three things humans can''t hide: coughing, poverty, and love.

    Mianmian now had a deep fraternal love for her Worm Brother, the kind where joys and sorrows are shared.

    "Brother, do you like spicy food?"

    "Brother, did you bring your turtle back?"

    "Brother, are you cold?"

    "Brother, can you recite the Analects?"

    "..."

    Zi Congheng''s mind was in a jumble, with grief tangled up tightly in it. At this moment, he only felt his head was in a muddle.

    He thought his father had reason to push over the incense.

    He kind of wanted to get off the carriage now.

    "Brother, do you prefer practicing sword or knife?"

    "Brother, can you climb trees?"

    "Brother, have you put on your long johns, are you cold?"

    ...

 Chapter 253

    After returning home.

    Qin Luoxia prepared a bedroom for Zi Congheng.

    He didn''t feel like a guest.

    Because the Jiang family was also settling in.

    Everyone was essentially moving into this house at the same time.

    New residents of the same period.

    At Jiang Mianmian''s insistent request, Brother Chong was to live next door to her.

    Zi Xiaochong didn''t say anything, but he had lived at the Jiang''s house for a while when he was young.

    Qin Luoxia still remembered this child''s preferences.

    The bed sheets and quilt covers had to be of a single color. If there were floral patterns, he definitely wouldn''t be able to sleep. This child would count the flowers on them, and if one side had even one more flower, he would be ufortable.

    She chose navy blue,yered with thick quilts, fumigated with charcoal fire.

    Seeing her own little one bouncing around before her eyes, Qin Luoxia felt a bit nostalgic for Aunt Yin.

    Although she no longer needed Aunt Yin''s guidance in managing the household, and could be said to be quite adept at it now.

    But that Mianmian, she still needed Aunt Yin to keep an eye on her.

    Otherwise, she''d keep flitting about before her eyes, making her dizzy.

    Qin Luoxia personally made the bed, only considering it done when she felt it was dry and warm to the touch.

    The room was rtively simple.

    Bed, desk, bookcase, wardrobe, bathroom.

    There were plenty of windows.

    Theyout was the same as Mianmian''s side.

    While Qin Luoxia was tidying up, Jiang Mianmian was chattering away beside her.

    "Mother, we also need arge jar. My brother has a small turtle. Mother, why don''t you make a nest for my little tree? I don''t want a jar, just give me a box of soil."

    Qin Luoxia red at her daughter. Who puts a box of soil in their room?

    "I think you''re like a jar yourself. Take Brother Heng out to the courtyard for a stroll to aid digestion. Don''t go far."

    Jiang Mianmian heard the nickname "Brother Heng".

    Suddenly she felt that she had little "heng" (horizontal) and "shu" (vertical) trees around her. With both horizontal and vertical, it was perfect.

    This homophone pun was really not funny...

    She turned to look at her mother, whose big eyes were ring at her. If Brother Chong wasn''t here, mother''s big palm would have already swooped over.

    It''s not easy, newly arrived in the capital, having to behave cautiously outside, and now having to be careful at home too.

    Zi Congheng followed little Mianmian as they walked in the courtyard, watching her arrogant gait, always feeling as if a long tail had grown out of her back.

    Swaggering proudly.

    Zi Congheng turned his head to look at the trees beside him, no longer watching Mianmian.

    But his mouth was slightly open, as if he wanted tough.

    He very seriously held it back.

    Jiang Mianmian took Brother Chong for a stroll in the courtyard.

    It was cold, but there was no wind.

    It was a bit chilly, but jumping around made it bearable.

    Zi Congheng''s original clothes were somewhat thin, but once he got home, Qin Lady gave him an additional cape.

    With the cape added, he looked even more handsome.

    Usually, he liked to walk alone at night, walking very calmly.

    But at this moment, there was always someone in front of him who liked to talk while walking.

    "Brother, have you attended any gatherings in the capital? What kind of gatherings are fun?"

    "Brother, what time do you go to school every day?"

    "Brother, do you get up for morning exercises? If so, let''s do it together."

    "Brother, after all these years, do you still dislike eating green onions? My mother likes to put green onions in noodles. If you don''t like it, tell her first."

    ...

    The sky had grown very dark.

    The light and shadows in the courtyard were flickering.

    She chattered on endlessly.

    Her breath formed white mist as she spoke.

    Zi Congheng walked calmly.

    In front of him was always someone who liked to skip while walking.

    Without realizing it, they had made several rounds.

    Digestionpleted.

    Mianmian brought Brother Chong back to the room.

    Mother had already tidied up the room.

    It was cozy and neat.

    The jar was set up, but the soil she wanted wasn''t there.

    "Tomorrow, let Little Mian apany you to bring your little turtle back," Qin Luoxia said.

    "Thank you, Aunt," Zi Congheng said politely, his face still stiff.

    He received an affectionate pat on the head from Qin Luoxia.

    At the same time, she dragged her daughter away by the head.

    "Why aren''t you sleeping yet? What are you waiting for?"

    "Mother, Brother Chong is so handsome, too handsome."

    "Don''t say that to your father, he''ll get jealous."

    ...

    The next day, in the wee hours.

    It was still dark.

    Definitely the middle of the night.

    But Jiang Changtian had gotten up.

    Qin Luoxia had also risen.

    To prepare for her husband.

    It was a bit like when they lived in Kan''er Vige, going to work at the Medicine Preparation Department in Ming County.

    Always leaving early, under the stars and moon.

    Who would have thought, after so many years of hard work, they would still be leaving early under the stars and moon.

    Back then, Jiang Changtian was at the bottom of the county office.

    Now, Jiang Changtian was at the bottom of the imperial court.

    Seeing the dark circles under her husband''s eyes, as he had slepttest night and talked with Mr. Gong for a long time.

    Qin Luoxia rolled a hot boiled egg over her husband''s under-eye area.

    She helped him change into his official robes, packed some dry food, and didn''t dare let him drink too much water, worried he might need to relieve himself.

    It would be embarrassing to need the toilet during the court assembly.

    Many officials, fearing embarrassment, didn''t eat or drink anything.

    So most officials had stomach problems.

    There were some other differences too. In the past, he had to walk to work.

    Now he could ride in a carriage.

    Jiang Changtian sat in the carriage, heading towards the imperial court.

    At the same time, there were many wheel sounds on the street.

    Officials from various directions were all converging on the imperial court in carriages.

    Today was a grand court assembly, and the Emperor would be present.

    So the officials were particrly well-attended.

    After about an hour''s carriage ride, they arrived at the grand court gate.

    The carriages formed a long queue.

    Jiang Changtian''s carriage couldn''t go to the front, so he had to stop on the outskirts and walk a section.

    The hierarchy started from the carriages.

    The bigwigs'' carriages could drive straight in.

    The bigwigs'' carriages stopped closer inside, with dedicated parking spots, just a few steps from getting off to arrival.

    Ordinary officials'' carriages were very far out, with no parking spots, temporary stops, requiring a walk after getting off.

    It had quite a chaotic feeling.

    Like a market selling officials.

    Officials were everywhere, wearing official robes of various colors and patterns.

    Those of high rank had everyone scrambling to greet them.

    No one paid attention to the minor officials.

    Some officials who were good at socializing would enthusiastically chat all around.

    But most just stood by themselves.

    Jiang Changtian walked amidst the tide of officials.

    Seeing so many people, he was overjoyed.

    For some reason, seeing so many people, so many cunning people, so many people who had passed exams, his heart pounded with excitement and happiness.

    It gave him a sense of joy and familiarity, like a fish in water.

    Everyone looked dear to him.

    Perhaps it had been a long time since he had seen so many colleagues.

    In Jingzhou, towards the end, colleagues stopped socializing.

    At the beginning, everyone was quite friendly.

    Jiang Changtian had a shy appearance.

    It was still dark.

    Dawn was breaking.

    In the faint light.

    Jiang Changtian standing there was like a painting.

    He made the official uniform of his rank look a bit better.

    Making people can''t help but take a few more nces, wondering if he wore the wrong uniform.

    Some old officials were yawning.

    The silk ribbons on their hats swaying back and forth.

    Some cunning old officials squinted, sizing up others.

    Some officials skilled in socializing were chatting everywhere, looking energetic.

    Some officials who had too rich a nightlife the night before had dark circles under their eyes and weak legs.

    While Inspector He had no one within six zhang of him.

    Jiang Changtian stood there, a neer with striking looks.

    For now, no one paid attention to him.

    There were whispers though.

    There are no secrets in officialdom.

    Ordinary minor officials were all ignored.

    But if you had a special background or something else, everyone was well aware.

    They were all shrewd people here.

    A minor official from a small ce, with a background of being a pardoned rebel, who had been promoted to the imperial court due to exceptionally good political achievements.

    No backing.

    Their rebel leader Zi Lu had died not long ago.

    He couldn''t make any waves now.

    Rebels who don''t rebel, with no troops in hand, are just waiting to be boiled alive.

    Anyway, he had no future.

    After all, this was officialdom, not gentle, good looks were useless.

    When one bes high-ranking and powerful, any look bes handsome.

    Jiang Changtian obediently observed everyone''s expressions, looking exactly like a shy neer who had been isted.

    This was the scene Meng Qingshe saw when he arrived.

    He could have stood at the front, but he still stopped and walked to his inw''s side.

    Eagerly conversing with his inw, wanting to support him.

    With Jiang Changtian and Meng Qingshe standing together, Meng Qingshe seemed more like the one with a rebel background.

    Meng Qingshe''s voice was loud and rough.

    Jiang Changtian was soft-spoken, very gentle.

    Old General Meng led arge army guarding the frontier, a powerful military leader with troops under hismand.

    Now that the Emperor was old and increasingly suspicious, if you showed any desire to befriend him, your future would be ruined.

    It was tacitly agreed in the court that a bunch of civil officials would criticize General Meng in various ways, picking on trivial matters.

    The Emperor woulde out to y the good guy, rejecting these criticisms.

    Although rejected, if the criticism was good, the Emperor would still promote them.

    The result-oriented approach became: criticize General Meng, distance yourself from General Meng, and you could get promoted.

    Watching Meng Qingshe go over to greet Jiang Sima,

    The other officials subtly distanced themselves from the two.

    Suddenly, a bell rang.

    Seeing all the officials hurriedly walking inside,

    Jiang Changtian also pulled Meng Qingshe along.

    Walking behind, Meng Qingshe shared his experience: "Brother, walk slower, stand back here. When court dismissester, we can be the first to run out, avoiding the carriage traffic jam."

    Jiang Changtian looked at his inw with mixed amusement and exasperation.

    He really lucked out with this rtive.

    "Alright, Brother Meng is so clever, with such thoughtful ideas. But I''m new here and haven''t even seen what the Emperor looks like yet. I''d like to get closer, just to catch a glimpse of His Majesty''s face. Then I can brag about it to Xia when I get home," Jiang Changtian said sheepishly.

    Meng Qingshe thought, if he just wants to see what the Emperor looks like, that must be amodated. So he led Jiang Changtian to squeeze further inside, pushing several officials out of the way with a series of bumps.

    ...

 Chapter 254

    ¡­¡­

    "Ah!"

    The Emperorzily yawned.

    For those officials, today was a tense day.

    Today might decide many things, and there would be many changes.

    The rights they had been fighting for all along should have a result today.

    For some minor officials, after working hard for most of their lives, they finally got a chance to meet the Emperor.

    Meeting the Emperor today might change their fate for the rest of their lives.

    They might rise to power or remain frustrated and unfulfilled.

    In short, this was an extremely important day for the court officials.

    It might be a matter of life and death, or it might be a turning point in their destiny.

    For the Emperor, it was just one of the thousands of working days, a rather dull day.

    He had to get up early today.

    Last night, he discussed opera with Wenxin and went to bed a bitte.

    Getting up was difficult.

    It was still dark, and the eunuch who called him up frowned, not wanting to be the bad guy.

    The Emperor had finally fallen asleep and was sleeping soundly in the early morning.

    Those ministers each had their own thoughts, but none truly cared about the Emperor''s health.

    They were the ones who truly cared about the Emperor.

    After all, they had nothing but the Emperor, and they shared life and death with him.

    In the end, they still had to wake him up.

    They felt sorry, but the job had to be done.

    Seeing the Emperor drowsy, just waking up, looking like an old man, with many age spots on his face.

    His hair looked white and sparse.

    He was not even as robust as an ordinary old man.

    The Emperor was actually not older than Old General Meng.

    But when Old General Meng came backst time, he walked briskly and ate three bowls of hard rice in the pce.

    The Emperor was much worse.

    He would asionally feel dizzy after sitting for a long time.

    When the Emperor had not yet washed and dressed, the eunuch would silently keep the mirror away from him.

    After tidying up, the Emperor put on a luxurious dragon robe and a crown, covering his sparse white hair.

    His face was also massaged, making it look fuller.

    The Emperor himself more or less knew.

    He just didn''t want to face it.

    Anyway, he would be as happy as he could be.

    But every time he summoned Wenxin, it was after he had tidied up.

    It was more solemn than meeting the concubines.

    It could be said that Eunuch Yan was someone the Emperor needed to dress up to meet.

    And those concubines had seen the Emperor''s bare face.

    After tidying up, he had some breakfast.

    The Emperor didn''t have to worry about wanting to use the toilet; he was the boss, and if he wanted to use the toilet, he could just dismiss the court.

    He had breakfast with Eunuch Yan.

    Nowadays, there was no Empress Dowager in the pce, no Empress, and the concubines couldn''t control the Emperor, so no one would gossip if the Emperor wanted to dine with a eunuch.

    There were rumors outside that Eunuch Yan was the Emperor''s male favorite, but that was not the case.

    It''s just that as men get older, sometimes their interest in women wanes, and they prefer someone they can talk to, regardless of gender.

    Talking with ministers would always make them guess his deeper meaning.

    Eunuch Yan was different; he was just a eunuch who loved to sing, and Eunuch Yan understood him.

    They discussed hobbies and interests, which might not have been called "art" at that time, but it was just a matter of shared interests.

    Over there, the ministers were traveling by carriage under the stars, parking, queuing, socializing,ing and going, scheming.

    Here, the Emperor was in the warm pce, discussing with Eunuch Yan whether the melon was not sweet.

    "It doesn''t have to be too sweet, just clear and soothing for the throat. Too sweet would be a bit cloying," Eunuch Yan said slowly, eating slowly as well.

    The Emperorughed.

    He liked Wenxin''s calm demeanor.

    He was yful, loved to y, and had a good attitude. Being with Wenxin always made him feel a few years younger, seeing only the satisfying parts.

    "Wenxin, with your temperament, didn''t you ever like a girl before? You should be quite popr with girls," the Emperor asked, taking a bite of the not-so-sweet melon.

    "Yes, I did. I used to like a sister in the vige very much. She was tall and strong, with a round face, and very powerful. She could carry so much firewood by herself," Eunuch Yan gestured, drawing a big circle with his hands.

    The Emperor couldn''t help butugh.

    The pce maids and eunuchs serving nearby also couldn''t help but smile.

    For a moment, the room was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

    The more the Emperor thought about it, the funnier it seemed.

    What was it about Wenxin liking a tall and strong girl who could carry so much firewood? How much was that... How could a girl be measured by the amount of firewood she could carry?

    "And then what happened?"

    "I was weak, had no rtives, and could only sing. I couldn''t even support myself and often needed that sister''s help. One day, I finally made up my mind to work hard and earn money. I went to the county town and found a job as a waiter. After working for a month, I finally saved enough money to buy a hairpin."

    Compared to the messy court affairs, obviously, listening to gossip was more interesting.

    And it was the gossip shared by the person in front of him.

    It was vivid and lively.

    The Emperor and the others in the room were all intrigued.

    Eunuch Yan''s voice was pleasant.

    Clear and tender, naturally filled with affection and mncholy.

    "That day, I took a day off, holding the hairpin, and went to find the sister excitedly. But when the sister was chopping firewood on the mountain, she passed by a river and saw someone floating in the river. The sister was a warm-hearted person and jumped into the river to save the person. Our vige was remote and backward, and saving someone from the river and dragging them up was considered intimate contact. Although I didn''t mind, the sister did... The main thing was, that man was extremely handsome, much more handsome than me."

    Eunuch Yan was originally telling a rather sad story.

    A twisted and winding love story.

    The listeners were all stunned.

    Even the Emperor felt a bit sorry.

    He wanted to say a word offort.

    But when he heard thest sentence.

    The soup in the Emperor''s mouth almost spurted out.

    What the...

    The other eunuchs and pce maids struggled to hold back theirughter.

    "So, your sister married that man because he was handsome?" a bold eunuch chimed in.

    "Who says otherwise? I worked hard for a month, bought a hairpin, and gave it to the sister as a wedding gift," Eunuch Yan said with an extremely aggrieved look.

    "Hahaha!" The Emperor finally couldn''t help butugh out loud.

    "How could there be a man more handsome than Wenxin in this world? That girl must have been blind, what a pity."

    "Fortunately, Eunuch Yan didn''t marry that girl, otherwise, we wouldn''t have seen Eunuch Yan''s elegance. Now that Eunuch Yan is in such good condition, do you still think about that sister?" Eunuch Liu chimed in.

    This remark was a bit gossipy, with some insinuations. What could a eunuch think about women, and did Eunuch Yan, who was now well-off, still help his past love? Was he kind or disgusting?

    The Emperor was the master, indifferent to what the people around him said. Only others guessed his thoughts, not the other way around.

    He casually asked, "Did that girl regret it?"

    Eunuch Yan shook his head and said, "The sister married a man of unparalleled beauty, who is also very promising. I guess the Emperor will see him at the court meeting today. I have always thought about her, but with my status, it''s not appropriate to approach her. Seeing her living well is good enough."

    Hearing this.

    The Emperor remembered.

    The court meeting.

    The morning court.

    He still had to attend court.

    After eating, feeling cold, he left the inner hall and walked out.

    The smile under the crown also turned stern.

    He didn''t want to go to work.

    ¡­¡­

 Chapter 255

    The court officials were arranged in order.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was the normal procedure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were ranked by level.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Generally, one''s position corresponded to one''s rank.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But asionally there were one or two shameless individuals who didn''t follow the rules and moved around.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If you moved backward, no one would mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But if you pushed forward, it would be considered improper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Meng Qingshe pushed forward, no one said anything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe''s rank was quite high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Usually, he didn''t like to move forward, but he actually could if he wanted to.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But what was the deal with the young neer he was pulling along?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He also had the nerve to push forward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t understand any court etiquette at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He, who usually had no one within six zhang (about 20 meters) of him, found the distance shortened as everyone gradually drew closer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He noticed the strange expressions on people''s faces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He turned around and saw the person being pulled forward by Meng Qingshe, quickly approaching him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe, true to his name (which means "green snake"), walked in a serpentine pattern, grasping Commander Jiang and weaving left and right.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    He squeezed his way up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The usually stern-faced Inspector He''s expression almost cracked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe''s protective attitude was quite unnecessary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Jiang really didn''t need his protection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Between the two of them, he definitely wasn''t the one who needed protection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He didn''t move closer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had an image to maintain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He hadn''t even brought his own nephew.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He''s nephew, He Chen, was also in the crowd.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just now, when Meng Qingshe was leading Mr. Jiang through, he had bumped into him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was about to greet them, but General Meng had already pushed forward with hispanion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As a workce neer who understood the rules, even though he had connections, he couldn''t move around freely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although he had heard his uncle mention Mr. Jiang,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t expect to see him again in the imperial court.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He himself no longer felt young due to preparing for the imperial examinations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His hair was falling out in handfuls, and his hairline had receded quite a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If it weren''t for his official hat, he felt his high forehead would be exposed, making his face look longer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yet Mr. Jiang''s appearance remained unchanged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In fact, he looked even more radiant in his official robes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Years ago when they met, he had seemed somewhat poor and down on his luck.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After so many years, not only had he not aged,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had be even more beautiful and confident.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He seemed to have grown into his looks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Time had uniquely bypassed him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Back then, he had regretted that Mr. Jiang, despite his evident knowledge and talent in conversation, could only remain unknown in a small vige.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He hadmented that Jiang Feng, with his outstanding appearance, had no way to advance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now they met again, both in the imperial court.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He himself had gained his position through diligent study and passing the examinations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mr. Jiang, surprisingly, had arrived through rebellion and subsequent amnesty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Life was bothmentable and unpredictable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, Mr. Jiang seemed unchanged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just now, he had given him an apologetic look.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The vicissitudes of fate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With General Meng''s protection, Mr. Jiang should not be bullied.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The court was indeed tooplicated; even as a neer with Inspector He as his uncle, he was exhausted and worked very hard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thinking that Shao Xia had also returned, he had originally nned to visit him after court today.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meanwhile, Meng Qingshe led Jiang Changtian forward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    identally, unable to stop in time, they even passed Inspector He.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, Meng Qingshe eventually halted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He pulled his inw back a few steps, retreating behind Inspector He.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Old He is quite petty, we''d better not stand in front of him. Standing here is fine. Any further forward and there''d be few people left, increasing the chances of being questioned by the Emperor," Meng Qingshe said in a low voice, like a typical poor student.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    His quiet voice was just loud enough for everyone around, including Inspector He himself, to hear...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian once again marveled that his inw was fortunate to have such a good father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inspector He didn''t even twitch an eyebrow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In his heart, he sighed that Meng Qingshe was lucky to have such a good son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The officials, scheming and plotting, arranged themselves in line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The ceremonial eunuch threw several nces their way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe finally noticed it was directed at him and reluctantly moved away from his inw to stand beside him, no longer whispering.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Atst, another sound rang out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The eunuch called in a stretched voice: "The Emperor arrives."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    All officials knelt and called out: "Long live the Emperor, long live, long live for ten thousand years."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor sat down and waved his hand: "My beloved officials, rise."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was just like the start of a ss.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In ss, everyone stands when the teacher arrives.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At court, everyone kneels when the Emperor arrives.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The teacher says, "Please be seated."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor says, "Please rise."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The difference is, in ss you pay money, at court the Emperor pays you.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    For the Emperor, today''s court session was no different from those of the past few years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Except when he had just be Emperor, when he was more serious and hardworking, constantly thinking and engaging in battles of wit with his court officials.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now, after being Emperor for several decades, he was tired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Any job bes tedious when done for a long time without room for promotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For the court officials, it was different; every court session was unique.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, each of them had room for advancement if they performed well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The eunuch routinely called out in a stretched voice: "Those with matters to report, step forward. If not, the court is dismissed." Meanwhile, he red at General Meng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even though the Emperor had arrived, the General''s eyes were still restless, constantly exchanging nces with the handsome neer beside him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Who knows where this person came from.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    How could he be so handsome.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The way he wore his official robes made everyone who saw him feel good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Coming to court only once every ten days, the officials naturally had matters to report.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Whether big or small, they all needed to report something.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even if there was nothing, they had to find something to report, otherwise wouldn''t it seem like they hadn''t been working hard?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    One memorial after another was presented.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Indeed, it was mainly the officials at the front who spoke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Most of those at the back were just background, only serving to fill the space.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They couldn''t even act as mood-setters because they weren''t allowed to speak freely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor watched them rehash the same old topics, talking about the same problems over and over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    To him, there was nothing new.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In winter, they reported on which ces had suffered disasters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Or they opposed something he wanted to build, even though he was using money from the Imperial Household Department, these people all wanted to have a say, to show they had status.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then there were the bold ones who weren''t afraid of death, still suggesting that a Crown Prince should be appointed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This time, there was a slight difference in that two or three officials separately rmended the eldest prince as Crown Prince.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the Emperor''s view,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was just them impatiently wanting him to die so the eldest prince could take the throne.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It seems the eldest son had been very restlesstely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Stirring up trouble was one thing,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But to actually collude with court officials was crossing a major line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not long after the Crown Prince''s death anniversary, this unfilial, disloyal dog who had no brotherly love or respect for his parents.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As the Emperor''s expression turned displeased,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Those officials who had made the rmendation began to tremble.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Something was wrong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They hadn''t originally nned to make the rmendation together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Such matters should be done separately.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Doing it together was clearly putting pressure on the Emperor, telling him they were the eldest prince''s faction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There must be one or two among them who were false supporters, doing this intentionally.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But now, even if they had the words, they couldn''t exin clearly. The Emperor wouldn''t listen to their exnations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The true supporter of the eldest prince, Prime Minister Wang, lowered his head at this moment, thinking, it''s over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The eldest prince was in danger, and so was he.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On his first day at court,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian hadn''t said a word.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He just watched as the arrogant, untouchable Prime Minister Wang, who had been standing at the very front with his head held high, ignoring everyone''s greetings,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now trembled, prostrating himself fully on the ground, his official robes stripped off on the spot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The eldest prince was also ordered to reflect on his actions behind closed doors and not cause any more trouble outside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After dealing with these matters,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor finally felt his anger subside a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing that the court was no longer in an uproar, but very quiet,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He swept his gaze over the officials with satisfaction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then he saw a man of celestial grace standing next to the dark, burly, square-faced Meng Qingshe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    While others wore their official robes stiffly and nervously,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His robes seemed as if they were specially designed and tailored for him - any longer would be too long, any shorter too short, any wider too loose, any narrower too tight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He stood there, his face like jade, his posture like a willow, his whole being like a clear spring in the mountains. Just looking at him made one''s heart leap with joy, dispelling all gloom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    How could there be such a person in the world, who at first nce felt so familiar?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As if he had been seen before in a dream.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Is this what they call love at first sight?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    The Emperor suddenly remembered what Wenxin had said this morning, that her sister had married that man because of his good looks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "His beauty is unparalleled, second to none in the world." (Note 1)<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    (Note 1: This linees from the Song Dynasty poet Guo Maoqian''s "Bad of the White Stone Youth":<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The White Stone Youth lives by the river.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Led by the River Earl, followed by fish.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Piled stones like jade, lined pines like emerald.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The youth''s beauty is unparalleled, second to none in the world.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This is also the content of ament by reader <Cat Who Wants to Be Reborn and Time Travel> in the previous chapter. The reader is so cultured ¦ä(£þ¦á£þ)¦ä.)<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 256

    Who married the big-boned, tall, and sturdy elder sister?

    It was the man standing before him.

    Almost immediately,

    The Emperor thought of this gossip.

    He dealt with countless affairs of state,

    Encountering too many things to remember.

    Few things could stick in his memory.

    And as he aged, he became increasingly capricious.

    It was only in his tenth year that he truly began to rule as Emperor.

    For the first ten years, he worked diligently,

    Consolidating his position, engaging in battles of wit with court officials,

    Managing external affairs, and ensuring internal unity.

    His heart was set on the welfare of themon people.

    After the tenth year,

    Everything changed.

    One day, as if enlightened,

    He realized - he was the Emperor after all, why toil so diligently every day?

    If he wanted to eat something good, officials would submit aint.

    If he wanted to sleep with a woman, officials would present memorials of admonition.

    He''d given them too much face.

    The Emperor began a life of debauchery, continuously lowering his standards.

    And he discovered that no one could truly control him.

    He lived ording to his whims.

    The five years from the tenth to the fifteenth year were when the Emperor fell fastest.

    They were also the years when Chu Kingdom saw the most deaths.

    The years of greatest turmoil.

    It was only after he nearly brought about his own demise that he became somewhat restrained.

    After the fifteenth year, he began a journey of health cultivation.

    He became much more steady.

    Of course, during those five years as a decadent ruler, he had done it all.

    Even more outrageous things.

    Fortunately, the throne hadn''t changed hands.

    After embarking on the path of health cultivation, he wasn''t as outrageous as before, but once a person bes unrestrained and rxed, it''s actually hard to rein themselves in most of the time.

    Anyway, he developed various hobbies.

    He was interested in everything except state affairs.

    Of course, in reality, he became even more suspicious.

    Since that time he nearly died, he became deeply paranoid about everyone.

    But for those he didn''t suspect, he was extremely generous.

    At this moment, among the sea of heads below, he suddenly spotted one that was so outstanding, so special.

    The Emperor, who was about to yawn, swallowed his yawn.

    He carefully looked at that head a couple more times.

    The eunuch beside him had already thoughtfully presented the information about that head.

    The Emperor had to meet so many officials, he certainly couldn''t remember all their names and information.

    The eunuch thoughtfully had everything prepared at all times.

    Even more professional than a professional secretary.

    The Emperor opened the introduction page and saw a familiar name.

    Jiang Changtian, youngest son of former Preceptor of the Crown Prince Jiang Bai.

    used of being unfilial by his mother, expelled from the family.

    Rebelled but waster pardoned.

    Appointed as Jingzhou Marshal.

    Exceptionally talented, Jingzhou''s public security improved remarkably, serious crimes decreased significantly in his three years in office.

    The people lived in peace and contentment, he handled natural disasters swiftly and effectively, avoiding significant losses for the people.

    Criticized by colleagues for his love of amassing wealth, using celebrations for his family members'' and wives'' birthdays to collect gifts, celebrating the birthdays of everyone in his family every year, even holding grand celebrations and epting gifts for his sons-inw''s birthdays.

    The Emperor couldn''t help but smile as he read this.

    No wonder he was standing next to Meng Qingshe.

    He was Meng Qingshe''s inw.

    Meng Qingshe usually didn''t like to stand at the front during court sessions, the few times he squeezed to the front were to tell everyone about his two chubby grandsons.

    He had even pulled the eunuch aside to exin twice.

    It was quite cruel.

    Seeing this man, the Emperor also thought of another piece of gossip.

    It was said that Meng Shaoxia had been captivated by a woman as beautiful as Daji, falling in love at first sight, staying behind regardless of consequences, not even returning home, insisting on marrying that woman.

    If that woman was this man''s daughter, then the gossip might be true.

    If a man could be so beautiful, wouldn''t a woman be as beautiful as a celestial being?

    The Emperor''s thoughts had wandered quite far, mainly because he couldn''t remember a single state affair, but could recall gossip at the slightest mention.

    He must have been pulled up here by Meng Qingshe.

    Based on his rank, it was impossible for him to stand so far forward.

    This timeing to the capital, it was time for reassignment of official positions.

    The Emperor cleared his throat and spoke, "Lord Meng, do you have any business today?"

    Meng Qingshe was startled at being suddenly called out.

    He knew it was best not to stand at the front, standing at the front made it easy to be called upon.

    "Nothing, nothing. It''s just that my inw, Lord Jiang, is new here and hasn''t seen Your Majesty''s sacred countenance before. I brought him to the front to broaden his horizons," Meng Qingshe said in a loud voice.

    Others: ...

    Jiang Changtian: ... with an obedient expression.

    The Emperor: "... Hmm!"

    He legitimately looked at the young official next to Meng Qingshe.

    Although his features were exquisite, he seemed unaware of it, appearing somewhat self-conscious and nervous.

    Jiang Changtian knelt down in a fluster: "Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live for ten thousand years. It''s not General Meng''s fault. It''s because this lowly official came from the countryside and had never seen Your Majesty''s sacred countenance. I wanted to be closer to Your Majesty, hoping to see Your Majesty''s dragon visage, so I could boast to my wife and children when I return. That''s why I asked General Meng to bring me to the front."

    The Emperor burst intoughter upon hearing this.

    Heughed so hard that tears squeezed out of his eyes.

    It had been a long time since he''d encountered something so amusing.

    Someone squeezed to the front, not to use anyone, not to leave their name in history, but simply to see what he looked like, to boast to his wife and children when he returned.

    What an official with no ambition.

    But the Emperor remembered him.

    His wife must be the elder sister from the same vige that Wenxin admired.

    Losing to such a man was not unjust.

    Not only was he good-looking, but he also constantly thought of his wife and children.

    "Both of you, rise," the Emperor said with a smile.

    Just a moment ago, he had dismissed a prime minister, ordered the Crown Prince to reflect behind closed doors, silencing all court officials. Now he was speaking kindly and gently to an official from the countryside. The other officials didn''t know what was going on.

    But with the example of Prime Minister Wang just before, no one dared to say or ask anything.

    They just listened as the Emperor conversed amiably with that official.

    Who knew where this brash neer came from, speaking so bluntly it was offensive.

    He was just like Meng Qingshe.

    Meng Qingshe had a good father, but what did he have?

    As court was dismissed, everyone looked back at him.

    Holy crap.

    He had his face.

    That face was cheating.

    When everyone arrived for morning court, they were all preupied with their own thoughts and didn''t pay attention to how others looked.

    As court was dismissed, when everyone was curious about his appearance.

    They looked again.

    A face blessed by heaven.

    All the officials felt a sense of injustice and misfortune.

    Years of hard study and effort to be an official, in the end, couldn''tpare to a face.

    Everyone else was leaving.

    But the eunuch actually stopped Meng Qingshe and that countryside official.

    "Lord Meng, Lord Jiang, please stay."

    Meng Qingshe looked dejected. He knew standing too far forward was no good. He was in a hurry to get home to see his grandsons.

    Those two grandsons of his were so adorable, they had smiled at him yesterday, smiling for a long time.

    But now he was being kept back, kept in the court hall while everyone else had left.

    "Don''t worry, son-inw. Stay with me, it''ll be fine. The Emperor isn''t fierce, at most he''s a bit long-winded," Meng Qingshe advised, worried his son-inw might be nervous.

    The eunuch: ... I may not have a penis, but I''m not deaf.

    Jiang Changtian nodded obediently, smiling even more harmlessly.

    They followed the eunuch all the way forward.

    The pce walls were magnificent, the sunshine brilliant.

    The morning sun shone on the big trees, casting shadows on the red walls. It was a beautiful day.

 Chapter 257

    After the morning court session.

    The Emperor went to take his medicine immediately.

    As he aged, he needed several doses of medicine a day.

    One pill in the early morning.

    One pill after breakfast.

    One pill after lunch.

    One pill after dinner.

    One pill before bed.

    Five doses of medicine a day.

    There was no choice - it was the aftereffect of his reckless behavior in previous years.

    Now if he didn''t take the medicine, he wouldn''t feel energetic.

    Of course, although they were medicinal pills, he didn''t take them carelessly. He had asked the Imperial Physician to verify them.

    They had also been tested on other living people.

    They seemed to have no toxicity, harm or side effects, and made one feel energetic after taking them.

    They were very good health-preserving pills.

    Sometimes he might feel there was a slight problem deep down, but he ignored it, because he had be dependent on them.

    Now for officials, concubines, eunuchs, pce maids, etc., whether they were favored or not depended on whether the Emperor bestowed medicine pills on them. Only those who received the pills were considered to be in favor.

    Normally, one would take a pill after breakfast.

    Today, since there was a morning court session, he took it after the court adjourned.

    Taking the medicine pills also involved a sense of ritual.

    One had to sit properly, take a deep breath, drink some water to moisten the throat, and then take the pill.

    After taking it, one had to sit still for a moment, because there would be a burning sensation in the abdomen.

    Only when that burning sensation dissipated could one get up.

    The body would feel slightly sweaty.

    This set of rituals had to be followed every time one took the medicine.

    After taking the medicine and resting for a moment, a eunuch came to say that Meng Qingshe and Jiang Changtian were already waiting.

    Only then did the Emperor leisurely get up to go meet them.

    There was a small garden between his resting ce where he took the medicine and the reception area.

    There were gardens everywhere in the imperial pce.

    The Emperor walked out a few steps and suddenly encountered a beautifully dresseddy.

    She looked at the Emperor hesitantly, seemingly wanting to speak but holding back, her eyes on the verge of tears, appearing pitiful and delicate.

    The Emperor nced at her and saw that her face looked strange. Startled, he suddenly turned and took a detour, walking away, even though she hade right up to him.

    After walking a few steps, he said to the eunuch: "Where did that ugly persone from, blocking the path so casually? Send her to the Cold Pce. It''s fine that she scared me, but if she scares the officials, it would be too embarrassing."

    The eunuch quickly ran back to order someone to send Concubine Li to the Cold Pce.

    The Emperor had been quite fickle these past few years.

    Justst month, he was still favoring this woman, promoting her from Lower Concubine to Concubine.

    But after just a month, he hadpletely forgotten about her.

    He couldn''t even remember her appearance.

    His forgetfulness was severe.

    However, apart from not remembering the women he had favored, there were no other major issues. The eunuchs and pce maids just thought the Emperor was being fickle, always chasing after new loves and tiring of the old.

    ...

    Meng Qingshe had been kept back after court sessions multiple times.

    After all, his father was fighting at the border.

    To express basic care and concern,

    The Emperor would asionally keep Meng Qingshe behind to say a few intimate words, appearing affectionate.

    After all, as an emperor, some behaviors were ingrained in his bones. He didn''t need to learn them, they came naturally.

    Of course, it was also partly because Meng Qingshe was quite an adorable person.

    He was a rather pure person.

    If he were like other officials, with many thoughts and schemes, the Emperor wouldn''t bother to guess.

    So at this moment, Meng Qingshe wasn''t nervous.

    He even had the appearance of an experienced poor student, sharing his experiences of being kept after ss with his inw.

    "If you''re hungry, you can eat a piece of cake to fill your stomach, but this cake doesn''t taste good. It''s too sweet, sickeningly sweet. After eating it, your throat will feel ufortable. When the Emperor asks you questions, you''ll keep coughing, which isn''t good."

    Jiang Changtian: ...Understood. His inw had eaten it and coughed before.

    "If you''re thirsty, you can drink some water to moisten your throat, but it''s best not to drink casually. Once, an official sat here and took a sip of water, and then he died," Meng Qingshe said with a gossipy expression.

    Waiting for his inw''s horrified look.

    Jiang Changtian gave a horrified look.

    Meng Qingshe continued: "That official angered the Emperor while speaking to him and was sentenced to death."

    Jiang Changtian: ...Not funny at all.

    "Nonsense, am I the kind of person who would sentence someone to death over a minor disagreement?" A clear voice came from the doorway.

    It sounded just like an office worker full of energy after getting off work.

    Just now in the court, the Emperor still had a listless and bored appearance.

    Now he came over full of spirit.

    He had changed into casual robes and a crown, looking somewhat younger.

    Meng Qingshe, caught talking behind someone''s back, wasn''t flustered.

    He pulled his inw down to kneel and pay respects.

    "Your Majesty, I hadn''t finished speaking. That official was sentenced to death for corruption and abuse of power."

    The Emperor walked over leisurely.

    This ce wasn''t the grand hall of the court with its extremely high ceiling and crowd of people.

    In the court, you could only see clearly the people in the front rows, while the back was just a dark mass.

    This room was just slightlyrger than a normal room, more elegant and luxurious, but people sitting here were much morefortable than in the court.

    Up close, the Emperor increasingly felt that this Jiang Er had an extraordinary appearance. Most importantly, he exuded a sense of familiarity.

    He felt different from others, particrly amiable, with a good rapport at first sight.

    So after the court session dispersed, the Emperor had kept him behind, intending to have a private chat.

    Jiang Changtian looked at the Emperor who had changed into casual clothes, his statepletely different from the morning court session.

    It wasn''t like a normal off-duty state, but more like someone who had taken a stimnt.

    At this time, the Emperor was not only energetic, but his thinking also seemed more meticulous.

    He brought up Old General Meng to Meng Qingshe for a sentence or two, and when Meng Qingshe turned the topic to his two grandsons, he promptly ended the conversation.

    Then he reminisced with Jiang Changtian about Former Crown Prince''s Tutor Jiang Bai.

    The former crown prince was dead.

    Death erases all crimes.

    The feelings of various diforts and angers that he once felt had all dissipated and reconciled after the person''s death.

    So when looking at the son of Tutor Jiang again, he actually felt a sense of familiarity.

    "Your father was brilliant in his youth. I didn''t expect you to surpass him. What are your ns now that you''ve returned to the capital?"

    Jiang Changtian frankly said: "To seek an official position, a higher one. So that in the future, my wife and daughter can go out more freely. I''ve heard that officials are everywhere in the capital, and I''m worried my daughter might cause trouble when she goes out, so I want to seek a position with some power."

    Seeing Jiang Er''s manner and way of speaking, the Emperor felt that every word resonated with him.

    How could there be someone so in tune with his thoughts?

    He just liked people who had desires and requirements and stated them directly. He felt that such people were real people, pure people.

    Those who imed to have no desires and constantly talked about righteousness, when real issues arose, would cause more chaos than anyone else.

    Meng Qingshe listened on the side, feeling that his inw was indeed worthy of being his inw, speaking even more directly than him.

    He was quite worried that speaking like this in the capital would get him beaten up when he went out.

    It seemed he would need to look after him in the future.

    "So what position do you think is suitable?" Meng Qingshe asked with a meaningful expression.

    Jiang Changtian said: "First or second rank would certainly be very good, but I don''t have that much power. I just want to be well-fed and clothed, and if my daughter causes trouble when she goes out, I can cover for her."

    The Emperor was curious in his heart - how much trouble could this daughter cause?

    Hadn''t he heard that Jiang Er only had two daughters?

    The elder daughter had married Meng Shaoxia, and the younger one was still a little girl, right?

    They chatted about old times for a while.

    The Emperor listened to him speak and found it interesting.

    He was indeed not of the same family as old Meng for nothing - birds of a feather flock together.

    His words were extremely straightforward.

    He looked very much like a civil official but acted like a military official.

    "Then would you continue as a Commander? Previously you were the Jingzhou Marshal, now you can be the Capital City Commander, how about that?"

    "This subject thanks Your Majesty for the great kindness," Jiang Changtian bowed in gratitude.

    The Emperor looked at him with pleasure for a few moments, thought for a bit, and then dismissed him without calling Wenxin to take a look.

    He even felt a bit of anticipation for the court session ten dayster.

    On the way back, Jiang Changtian walked slowly.

    Listening to his inw''s incessant chatter.

    This imperial pce felt so unfamiliar.

    He had no memory of it at all.

    Yet today he had knelt and bowed several times.

    A man has no gold beneath his knees, but he has power and prestige in his eyes.

    ...

 Chapter 258

    "What exactly is the position of Sima in the Capital City?"

    On the way out of the pce, Jiang Changtian earnestly asked his inw.

    The apanying eunuch, with an exasperated expression, looked up at the sky.

    Meng Qingshe said, "I don''t know either. The Emperor agrees to anything when he''s in a good mood, then forgets about it. Maybe it''s because there are too many concubines in the harem, always making wishes. But since the Emperor spoke to you, he''ll probably remember in a few days. Then you''ll know what position you''ve been given."

    The apanying eunuch thought: ...

    Are you saying the Emperor is fickle? Or forgetful? Or what? Do you think your head is too heavy on your shoulders and want to move it?

    Jiang Changtian nodded, "The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, child of the Heavenly Way. It''s normal for him to do as he pleases."

    Meng Qingshe replied, "That''s not entirely true. Sometimes the ministers criticize him too, for everything. Recently when Jingzhou had an earthquake, the ministers called for the Emperor to take responsibility and write a self-criticism edict. Whenever there''s a natural disaster, they demand the Son of Heaven take the me. Brother Jiang, don''t fixate on any particr position. Being an official is very tiring, always taking the me for things. It''s best to just get by. Besides, with your straightforward personality, it''s easy to get into trouble as an official. Those civil servants can be quite nasty."

    Jiang Changtian shook his head seriously, "If it were just me, I wouldn''t care. But I''ve brought my wife and children to the capital. I asked my daughter what she wants to do in the capital, and she actually said she wants to keep a low profile. You can see she knows my position is low and powerless, and doesn''t dare cause trouble. Imagine if our two grandsons go out in the future and get beaten up by other children. If those other families outrank us, not only could we not retaliate, we''d have to apologize. Isn''t that infuriating?"

    Hearing this, Meng Qingshe''s dark face turned red.

    He turned to walk back to the pce.

    Jiang Changtian held him back.

    "No rush, no rush. We have plenty of time. Our two grandsons can''t even roll over yet, so they probably won''t go out causing trouble. My daughter is actually quite well-behaved and sensible."

    The two of them continued their potentially treasonous conversation as they walked out of the pce.

    ...

    The eunuch who escorted them out wiped the sweat from his brow.

    Despite the cold weather, these two had frightened him into a sweat.

    There were eyes everywhere in the pce. Every step you took, every word you said, someone would immediately report it to others.

    Yet these two freely discussed and criticized the Emperor.

    It was understandable that Meng Qingshe wasn''t afraid to enter the pce, given his connection to old General Meng.

    But why did Lord Jiang act as if he were strolling through his own garden?

    The young eunuch returned to the Emperor''s side and recited the two men''s conversation word for word,plete with expressions.

    Surprisingly, the Emperor didn''t get angry after hearing it.

    Instead, he burst outughing.

    "The Son of Heaven is the child of the Heavenly Way - I can''t believe he said that. Do as I please? If only I could."

    The Emperorughed.

    The pce maids and eunuchs around the Emperorughed too.

    For a moment, the atmosphere was filled with joy.

    Afterughing, the Emperor asked Wenxin, who was sitting across from him.

    "So this Jiang fellow is the man your sister likes? He''s quite interesting indeed. Not only handsome but also kind-looking. Wenxin, you didn''t lose unfairly."

    Eunuch Yan rubbed his brow helplessly, ncing reproachfully at the Emperor, "Your Majesty, we should consider seniority. I came to Your Majesty''s side first, that Jiang fellow cameter. However, regarding my sister''s three children, before I came to the capital, I was worried I might die on the way, so I had them all ept me as their godfather. If they really cause trouble, may this servant use his authority to bully others on their behalf, borrowing Your Majesty''s prestige?"

    The Emperorughed heartily again.

    His face glowed red with good humor.

    Borrowing imperial prestige - Wenxin was quite mischievous too.

    Having been Emperor for most of his life, he was now extremely paranoid, yet also extremely capricious, full of contradictions.

    He took everything both very seriously and very lightly.

    He especially liked those who spoke directly, who asked for positions outright.

    Everyone said he favored Heir Apparent Han exclusively. He''d even heard absurd rumors from the streets iming he had an affair with the princess, and that Heir Apparent Han was actually the Emperor''s child.

    He had everyone who spread such nonsense put to death.

    He liked Heir Apparent Han solely because of his directness.

    The boy clearly expressed whatever he wanted, wearing his heart on his sleeve.

    And he was very dependent on the Emperor.

    Come to think of it, that boy hadn''t been to the pce for several days.

    The Emperor ordered for him to be summoned, intending to show some care for the younger generation.

    Outside the window, birds chirped cheerfully.

    ...

    "Chirp chirp chirp."

    Early morning.

    Awakened by birdsong.

    Mianmian washed her face, brushed her teeth, and applied face cream with Pangya''s assistance.

    Then shebed her hair and chose her clothes.

    Choosing clothes was aplex process.

    There were so many outfits.

    She really wanted to choose, it made her happy.

    This was probably an activity most men rarely engaged in.

    Mianmian looked at her wardrobe full of dazzling options and picked out a light blue dress.

    Blue was a tricky color for skin tone.

    If you were even slightly dark, you couldn''t wear blue.

    But now her skin was luminously white.

    She could enjoy the benefits of wearing blue.

    Thebination of blue and white looked very beautiful.

    There were no coats or padded jackets here, just dresses - the difference being thick dresses and thin dresses.

    She could wear clothes under the dresses.

    And cloaks over them.

    The dresses also had multipleyers.

    Severalyers.

    They used a lot of fabric.

    The embroidery on top was very intricate, with borate patterns sewn stitch by stitch.

    Many of her luggage items for this trip were her clothes.

    There was even an embroiderer among their party, specifically to make clothes for her.

    Her family''s private tailor.

    Only wealthy people had so many clothes.

    Not only did clothes use up a lot of fabric, they became worn after just a few washes.

    Everything was pure handmade - cut, sewn, and dyed by hand.

    Very natural, with no need to worry about chemical dyes.

    Extremely beautiful.

    But expensive.

    The cost was a concern for her parents, not for Mianmian.

    Mianmian put on her dress and walked out, her skirt swaying beautifully.

    When she finished dressing and went out, she saw the door next door opening at the same time.

    A youth in snow-white robes walked out.

    The youth''s skin was even whiter than Mianmian''s.

    Probably the type who purely disliked sunlight.

    A kind of sickly paleness.

    As he came out, he didn''t look unhappy, but he didn''t look happy either.

    Overall, he gave off a very gloomy feeling.

    Even though it was early morning.

    The birds were chirping so cheerfully.

    The sunlight was so bright.

    Even the grass on the ground seemed to have emotions.

    Yet he had none.

    He was very quiet.

    Extremely like a pessimistic hypothyroidism patient.

    But hypothyroidism causes weight gain, and Brother Chong''s build was average, even a bit thin, so it probably wasn''t that.

    Or maybe he had mild depression?

    No, it might even be moderate by now.

    Mianmian thought about giving Brother Chong a few tests someday.

    After they finished breakfast.

    Mianmian enthusiastically offered to apany Brother Chong to pick up the little turtle.

    Hei Ta and Wei Biao went along too.

    Hei Ta''s beard had been neatly trimmed into an arc shape, which looked quite good.

    When Hei Ta and Wei Biao stood together, they actually matched outfits.

    When others match outfits, whoever looks worse feels awkward.

    When Hei Ta and Wei Biao matched outfits, whoever looked worse felt proud.

    Wei Biao was big and burly, with a face full of thick flesh. He looked like a great viin, ugly in a ferociously proud way.

    Hei Ta never imagined that after all his travels, he would end up back with the Jiang family.

    But the Jiang family wasn''t the same as before, and they no longer lived in the vige. Things were much better now.

    The little tot who could barely walk steadily back then had now be a graceful youngdy, yet he was still single.

    Being able to go out made Mianmian very happy.

    Her whole being radiated joy.

    Mom had arranged for her to ride in a carriage.

    She didn''t have much else, but she had many good horses and carriages.

    Riding in a carriage to go out was very nice.

    Because some stretches of road could be quite dirty.

    Mianmian noticed when entering the city that while the city center was very clean, the outskirts were quite smelly. The sanitation wasn''t good, not as clean as Jingzhou.

    With the curtains open, she could sightsee left and right. When tired, she could lie down or lean back in the carriage.

    Her carriage was veryfortable, even having a small table. She could even make tea, and many snacks were prepared.

    Pangya, Mianmian, and Brother Chong were in the carriage.

    Wei Biao and Hei Ta drove the carriage.

    Zi Congheng was a homebody who rarely went out.

    He didn''t understand why some people were so happy to go out.

    The outside world was noisy and chaotic, with no order.

    Fortunately, they were in the carriage.

    He looked at the little girl sitting cross-legged opposite him. With her manyyered skirts, she looked like a flower fairy sitting on a blossom. She held her head high, looking pleased with herself, with a plum in her mouth, her cheeks puffing out first on the left, then on the right.

    It didn''t seem so difficult after all.

    But when the carriage passed by a street of snack vendors,

    Mianmian wanted to get out.

    And she dragged Brother Chong along to squeeze into a tbread stall. Zi Congheng''s face fell.

    Couldn''t they have Hei Ta and Wei Biao do this? Why did they have to personally go squeeze and fight for it?

    "You don''t understand, this is the aroma of snatched food," Mianmian said, holding the warm tbread in her hand and pressing Brother Chong down to sit at a small roadside table to eat.

    Sesame seeds scattered from the bread.

    Crispy bread crumbs fell to the ground.

    The bread was a bit hot to hold, making her fingertips warm.

    It smelled delicious.

    People bustled back and forth on the street, their steps hurried.

    There was sunlight and wind.

    The wind made many banners flutter.

    The "Eng Shaobing" sign above the tbread shop flew especially high.

    The shop owner was tall and robust. It was a husband-and-wife business; the wife wasn''t particrly beautiful, with arge mole at the corner of her mouth, but her hands moved deftly.

    One kneaded dough and baked bread, while the other took money and packed the bread.

    Mianmian stuffed the bread into Brother Chong''s mouth.

    "Brother, you should eat it while it''s hot. It''s not as good when it''s cold."

    His lips touched the warm bread, slightly salty with the aroma of sesame.

    Sitting at a small roadside stall, feeling the cool breeze and warm sun, munching on hot bread.

    People came and went in an endless stream.

    "Brother, do you know how to bake tbread? Why don''t we open a tbread shop? You can bake, and I''ll handle the money."

    "I don''t know how."

    "Brother, then what do you know how to do?"

    "..."

    ...

 Chapter 259

    Jiang Er had arrived in the Capital City.

    Heir Apparent Han was panicking.

    In truth, he had long anticipated this day woulde.

    In recent years, he had be somewhat more restrained in his behavior in the capitalpared to before.

    The women in his household who truly disliked him, he had let go if he could.

    He did feel rather apologetic towards his primary wife.

    He also didn''t care for his secondary wife.

    The secondary wife was the eldest daughter of the imperial n, but her birth mother had passed away, and her household was now run by a stepmother.

    In any case, there were some ipatibilities at home, which is why she ended up being matched with him, an unworthy man.

    The primary wife couldn''t be sent away - if he could have, he would have let her go too.

    The mothers of his two sons were also unwilling to leave.

    As the sons of the Heir Apparent, there was still a chance they could be the next Heir Apparent. Leaving would be too disadvantageous. Not only did the two women refuse to leave, they engaged in heated rivalries.

    This at least added some liveliness to Heir Apparent Han''s household.

    Both children were now adults.

    They both seemed to have potential.

    Heir Apparent Han visited Wu''s chambers the most.

    It wasn''t that he had particrly strong feelings for Wu, but rather that he had personally been involved in raising the child when he returned to the capital with Wu. He had developed a unique bond with this child.

    He had raised the child from infancy, just like a biological father would.

    He often thought to himself, if he treated Shu Shu like his own child, would Shu Shu abandon him for his biological father if Jiang Huai were to return one day?

    Wasn''t closeness built through daily interactions?

    After returning to the capital, he remained very filial towards the Imperial Son-inw.

    Previously, despite his wild behavior, he had maintained very good rtionships with his elders.

    Except for his mother, Princess Huiyun.

    His mother never showed her face, so there was no opportunity for interaction.

    He was currently in Wu''s chambers, and noticed Wu''s expression was rather strange, as if she had something difficult to say.

    "Speak," he said.

    "I want to make Immortal Liu my goddaughter. She... she used to be Wan''er. Now that Jiang Huaisheng has left home and Old Lady Jiang is bedridden, she''s all alone. What good family would marry such a girl? I... thought..."

    Heir Apparent Han paced back and forth in Wu''s room.

    His head was starting to hurt.

    "You didn''t think. That eldest daughter of yours is quite the formidable character. I''ve met her once before. Don''t let her trick you with her pitiful act. For a young woman, she''s extraordinarily skilled at manipting people all over the capital. She''s quite terrifying."

    Wu just kept her head lowered.

    Seeing Wu like this, Heir Apparent Han kicked the chair in front of him.

    Wu was most adept at using this tactic - keeping her head down and remaining silent, while being more determined than anyone.

    Just like before, when she suddenly embraced the child and returned to the capital with him.

    She appeared weak, but was actually very stubborn.

    "I need to go to the pce. When you make your decision, think about Shu Shu."

    With that, Heir Apparent Han hurriedly left.

    Right now, he was like a y Buddha fording a river - barely able to save himself.

    He had considered simply having someone kill Jiang Er and be done with it, but such actions would leave traces. He was just a frivolous nobleman, not skilled in these matters.

    He had been hesitating until now.

    It was time to face the music.

    Whether he stuck his neck out or tried to hide, he would have to face the consequences eventually.

    At least he didn''t have any biological children, otherwise they would have to suffer along with him in the future.

    Thinking of it this way made him feel a bit better.

    Heir Apparent Han entered the pce. As usual, he took a detour to the famous Eng Baked tbread Shop in the capital, queuing up to buy a bag of tbreads to bring into the pce.

    His uncle used to love eating these tbreads.

    Butter, he was the one who bought them.

    His uncle probably hadn''t eaten them since.

    But he still bought them.

    It had be a habit.

    The carriage stopped by the roadside, and a servant went to queue up to buy the tbreads.

    He sat in the carriage.

    Surprisingly, he saw an extremely beautiful young man and woman sitting in front of the tbread shop.

    Some people can catch your eye at first nce.

    Enough to make you think about kidnapping them.

    As Heir Apparent Han was thinking this...

    Someone approached them.

    Of course, it wasn''t for kidnapping.

    In broad daylight, although it was bustling, it wasn''t as crowded as during holidays when people were shoulder to shoulder. It wasn''t conducive for kidnapping.

    It was just slightly more crowded than usual.

    Peopleing and going.

    A chubby young master walked over.

    In the dead of winter, he was holding a paper fan. He actually pointed the top of the fan at Zi Congheng''s chin and said, "Young master sees you''re quite handsome. Interested ining with me? I guarantee you''ll eat and drink well, certainly better than gnawing on tbreads here."

    Jiang Mianmian''s eyes widened.

    This wasn''t scientific.

    This was a ssic scene of harassing innocent women.

    But surprisingly, it wasn''t her being harassed, but her brother.

    Jiang Mianmian thought the other party had very poor judgment.

    There really was such a young master - white and chubby, surrounded by a group of servants, looking fierce and aggressive.

    People around them started to move away.

    Heir Apparent Han frowned slightly, feeling somewhat ashamed. For some reason, looking at that chubby young man reminded him of his past self.

    "Not interested," Zi Congheng replied.

    But the chubby youth didn''t believe him.

    Jiang Mianmian, on the other hand, was interested.

    She excitedly leaned in and asked, "Young master, if I go with you, can I eat and drink well too?"

    The chubby youth only then noticed there was an extremely beautiful girl next to the handsome man.

    But the girl looked quite young.

    For some reason, though.

    Usually, you couldn''t see even one person with such exquisite features.

    Now he suddenly saw two at once.

    And this younger one was so enthusiastic, it threw him off bnce.

    Shouldn''t someone being harassed resist violently?

    This...

    He felt an urge to turn and run.

    But these two people were really good-looking, and they were just sitting in front of the tbread shop.

    They seemed to have been sitting there for a while.

    They probably didn''t have any significant background.

    That''s why he had approached them in the first ce.

    After all, in the capital where powerful figures were everywhere, one could easily offend someone they shouldn''t if they weren''t careful.

    "Of course you can. This young master has plenty of money," he said.

    "How well can we eat and drink? Where? Can I bring friends? Can I bring my parents? Can I bring my sister? Can I bring my brother? Can I bring servants?" Jiang Mianmian asked rapidly.

    "I... suppose so," the chubby youth replied hesitantly.

    Lu Yuzheng looked up and saw a tall, sturdy man like a ck tower, and another man as ugly as a demon but equally strong, both standing behind the youngdy and young master.

    "Then let''s go. There''s no time like the present. Let''s go eat and drink well right now," Mianmian said happily.

    Lu Yuzheng wanted to run, but was blocked by the demon-like man. The six servants behind him were no match for a single punch from that man.

    Mianmian pulled Zi Congheng and said, "Brother, thanks to you, he''s going to treat us to good food and drink. It''s all because of your face. This is great! I''ll bring you out again next time. Bringing you out really brings good luck."

    Zi Congheng: ... Your hand is oily. You''ve touched the sesame tbread.

    Lu Yuzheng was shaking with anger. "You... you let go of me. Do you know who my father is?"

    Mianmian excitedly grabbed her bug brother''s hand even tighter.

    The key moment had arrived.

    Time to name-drop, oh no, father-drop!

    "Well, do you know who our father is?" Mianmian shouted even louder.

    Lu Yuzheng''s legs went weak with fear. This was bad.

    In the past, when he said this line, others would be scared.

    He never expected to meet someone who shouted even louder.

    His calves were starting to cramp. This foolproof method that had never failed before was actually being used more smoothly by someone else. It was over, he had met his match.

    "Who is your father?" he asked nervously.

    "If I tell you, you''ll be scared to death. First, take us to eat and drink well, otherwise I''ll have my father wipe out your entire family," Jiang Mianmian said fiercely.

    When out and about, one''s identity was self-proimed.

    Lu Yuzheng was truly frightened now.

    He didn''t know who he had offended.

    To be so arrogant, if not a princess, she must at least be a nobledy.

    He forced himself to say, "This lowly one has eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai. I''ve greatly offended you. Please ept this small token as an apology. I was just joking earlier."

    Mianmian gestured for Pangya to ept the banknote.

    She said leisurely, "In the future, do more research before going out. Don''t harass just anyone. This young master is in a good mood today, so I''ll let you off. There won''t be a next time!"

    "Yes, yes, yes. May I ask your honorable surname?" Lu Yuzheng asked nervously.

    "My humble surname is He. Go back and find out for yourself," Mianmian said arrogantly.

    The chubby youth politely handed over the banknote, then ran away with his servants without looking back.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at the banknote in Pangya''s hand and said, "Finders keepers. We''ll split it among the five of us. When we get back, don''t tell Mother about this."

 Chapter 260

    ......

    The pancakes were bought.

    After queuing for a long time.

    Some things require waiting to feel novel.

    But I witnessed a scene of harassment that turned into robbery.

    It''s now the 289th Year of Chu Era. This batch must be from ''28 or ''27. How frightening.

    Those from ''25 were all well-behaved, only using power to intimidate, never daring to speak recklessly.

    Are the ''28 kids all this scary now?

    Heir Apparent Han was still a bit dazed when he arrived at the pce by carriage.

    When the Emperor asked what he''d been up totely and why he hadn''te to see him,

    He recounted his experience buying pancakes to the Emperor.

    "The chubby boy who harassed people should be Minister Liu''s son. I don''t recognize the other two children. They were exceptionally good-looking, still young, probably from ''28. At such a tender age, they directly robbed Minister Liu''s son of several hundred taels in banknotes."

    The Emperorcked energy for official business but was interested in gossip.

    Hearing his nephew''s ount, he also marveled at how different today''s children werepared to their time.

    "They eat well now, so newborns can survive.

    In their time, conditions were average, and babies were born dark and skinny.

    The country is truly more prosperous now."

    Heir Apparent Han, who usually appeared foolish, subtly ttered the Emperor.

    The Emperor was greatly pleased.

    Today''s children being stronger than those of the past meant that under his rule, things had indeed improved.

    Today was a joyful day.

    ......

    Today was a joyful day.

    Boss Mian, holding the money and apanied by her Brother Chong, continued shopping.

    What''s taken from the people must be used for the people.

    It must all be spent.

    After eating pancakes, they became thirsty and wanted to drink something.

    They saw a roadside stall selling hot soup next to the pancake shop, but the owner seemed a bit unclean. At thest moment of serving, he would always wipe the edge of the bowl with his hand, then put his hand in his mouth to suck it.

    Zi Xiaochong''s face immediately contorted; he absolutely wouldn''t drink that.

    Well, Mianmian couldn''t drink it either.

    Never mind, although it smelled good, they''d find another ce.

    Next door was a dessert shop.

    But it was on the street.

    There were many flying insects.

    No fly swatters or electric mosquito rackets.

    Forget it, they wouldn''t buy food anymore.

    They looked at several shops.

    Really, the first pancake shop was so popr not just because it was delicious, but also for other reasons - at least it looked very clean.

    Mianmian thought about how Old Madam Meng had given her a shop. Should she go take a look? She really wanted to open a restaurant on this street.

    No, she''d heard running a restaurant was very tiring.

    She could open a teahouse.

    But she''d heard that without connections, opening a teahouse would definitely lose money.

    Mianmian had never started a business before.

    She''d heard that you won''t go broke from eating or drinking, but you will from starting a business.

    Suddenly, she felt like starting a business...

    Now that she was in ancient times, if she didn''t try something, what if next time she transmigrated to modern times with average conditions? She wouldn''t dare to do it then.

    When conditions are good, you should do everything you can, umting experience for the future.

    Thinking this way, Mianmian became ambitious again and continued shopping with Brother Chong.

    She wanted to see what this street specialized in.

    The street was bustling with peopleing and going, men and women mingling without much formality.

    There were many women on the street too.

    Of course, they were mainly women frommon families.

    They needed to be out in public, working outside, oring out to buy things, sell things, or just stroll.

    There were fewer women from wealthy families, perhaps because of the nature of this street.

    When wealthy families went out, they had guards in front and behind to prevent being robbed.

    Mianmian''s group had Hei Ta in front, Wei Biao behind, Pangya on the left, and Brother Chong on the right.

    They wandered along.

    Perhaps because of her young age, and the fact that she had just extorted money from Minister Liu''s son, people on the street suddenly avoided them.

    When she wanted to pay for something, a shopkeeper actually didn''t dare to ept her money.

    It made Mianmian feel like she was some kind of viin.

    This feeling was... actually quite nice.

    After exploring one street, she wanted to explore more.

    Finally, Brother Chong strongly protested and dragged Mianmian back to the carriage.

    Originally, going home would have been somewhat distressing.

    He didn''t dare to go back.

    There were traces of Father everywhere.

    After Father left, home felt like a huge, exquisite tomb.

    Although he was alive, he felt as if he had already died.

    But now, with a slightly sweaty forehead, who remembered about tombs? He just felt they couldn''t shop anymore.

    There were too many people.

    Too many shops.

    Everything was chaotic.

    He was also worried that Jiang Xiaogui would be kidnapped. She was good-looking and walked arrogantly. If he wasn''t careful and lost sight of her, she''d wander off somewhere else.

    This caused him to hold onto her constantly.

    Finally managing to pull her back to the carriage, he felt like he had used up all his breakfast energy.

    Mianmian was also tired from shopping.

    She happilyid out her spoils in the carriage.

    She could also drink some tea to soothe her throat.

    It was a bit dry outside in winter.

    She had bought some bracelets, very pretty, woven ones.

    Each one seemed beautiful.

    She could give them to the whole family.

    She put one on herself.

    Then she gave one to Brother Chong too.

    "Brother, let me help you put it on."

    Zi Congheng withdrew his hand, refusing.

    But he kept the bracelet.

    He closed his eyes without speaking.

    He worried that if he opened his eyes, Jiang Xiaogui would talk non-stop.

    They finally arrived at his residence.

    The house wasn''trge, very quiet.

    It was a private residence.

    Zi Lu didn''t work here, it should be where he and his son lived, a more intimate and secluded ce.

    It was quite maze-like, very difficult to find.

    The interior of the house was very exquisite.

    It was clearly decorated with great care.

    And everything seemed very valuable.

    However, Brother Chong''s bedroom was a bit sparse.

    Veryrge and empty.

    There was a bed.

    A window.

    A wardrobe.

    The clothes in the wardrobe were either white or ck, very simple.

    Entering Brother Chong''s room felt like entering the realm of immortals, as if an ascetic lived there.

    There was nothing, just an ethereal atmosphere.

    Fortunately, there was a small turtle.

    Hibernating in winter, all four legs tucked in. Mianmian wasn''t sure if the little turtle was alive or dead.

    Looking at the motionless little turtle.

    Mianmian reached down, picked up the little turtle, and weighed it in her hand. It was quite heavy, probably alive.

    "Come on, let''s change your living space."

    Pangya brought a wooden bucket, and Mianmian put the little turtle in it.

    Mianmian asked, "Is there anything else to take?"

    Zi Congheng took Mianmian to the storeroom.

    Jiang Mianmian looked at the fully stocked storeroom, filled with all kinds of jewels, jade, gold, paintings, and calligraphy.

    She didn''t expect Brother Chong to be so wealthy.

    "Should we take these?" Mianmian asked.

    "Pick what you like," Zi Congheng said.

    Mianmian didn''t stand on ceremony and carefully selected items.

    "This one for Father, Father quite likes famous people''s calligraphy and paintings."

    "These are throwing knives, can be given to my brother."

    "This ne for Mother. This should be a tonic, for my sister, she''ll like eating it. This, this weapon looks good, let''s give it to my brother-inw. This little gold pig, I''ll take it to y with. This pen is nice, Brother, take this one."

    "This felt is good, let''s take it for Uncle Ji."

    Mianmian picked out a round of gifts.

    Zi Congheng patiently watched her choose.

    He took many more items.

    Then closed the storeroom.

    It was like moving house.

    They packed a carriage of clothes and daily necessities, a carriage of books, and a carriage of various gifts.

    They came with one carriage and left with four.

    Since they had taken things, they didn''t wander around anymore.

    So going shopping on the way over was wise.

    Shopping should be done early.

    Enjoyment should be seized early.

    They returned to the Jiang family home.

    Although not as exquisite as Zi Congheng''s house, it was much livelier.

    There was a sense of life everywhere.

    By this time, Jiang Changtian had also finished his court duties.

    Seeing his daughter bring Congheng to fetch a pet turtle, but ending up moving three carriages of things back home, his expression twitched slightly.

    His daughter was quite good at dragging things home.

    Jiang Mianmian saw her father and was very happy.

    She eagerly went up to him.

    Curiously, she asked, "Father, did you go to court today? Did you see the Emperor? Is the Emperor old? Is he serious? Is he handsome?"

    ......

 Chapter 261

    After court adjourned.

    He Chen had arranged to visit the Meng residence.

    He even brought gifts.

    His old friend was now married with two children.

    He had been focused on preparing for the imperial exams, and finally passed. He even had a fianc¨¦e.

    But then his fianc¨¦e''s family listened to Immortal Liu''s words, saying they weren''t a good match, and broke off the engagement.

    He Chen, the Third-ranked Schr, was utterly confused.

    It was strange enough that his uncle had inexplicably beaten him upon returning to the capital.

    And this Immortal Liu, whom heter met, turned out to be Miss Jiang Wan.

    Why did she ruin his marriage prospects?

    But what''s done is done.

    If people would believe such things so easily, it''s better not to marry them. The broken engagement was a blessing in disguise.

    He used to have so many female admirers, thinking he''d marry and have children early.

    Yet unexpectedly, Meng had beaten him to it.

    He''d heard rumors in the capital that Shaoxia had been bewitched by a woman as beautiful as Daji, and wouldn''t even return home.

    He found it amusing, but couldn''t refute the rumors, as it wouldn''t be right toment on his friend''s wife''s appearance behind their backs.

    Arriving at the Meng residence.

    He Chen sat in the reception hall drinking tea, waiting for Shaoxia.

    The thought of reuniting with an old friend made him a bit excited.

    Even the tea seemed especially fragrant.

    No, it actually was quite fragrant.

    The Meng family''s tea quality had improved.

    In the past, when he visited Meng''s home, he felt their tea standards were quite ordinary.

    He couldn''t taste anything special.

    But now, just waiting as a guest, he could appreciate the tea''s aroma.

    When a plump, broad man walked out, He Chen thought it was one of the Meng family''s guards.

    Only when he came closer did He Chen realize.

    Damn!

    "Shaoxia?" he called out hesitantly.

    Meng Shaoxia had a face full of good fortune.

    The once handsome, square-faced youth had transformed into a very prosperous-looking man.

    He Chen didn''t recognize him at first nce.

    "Brother He, congrattions on achieving your goal of bing the Third-ranked Schr."

    "Shaoxia, congrattions on your marriage and fatherhood, achieving your wishes."

    They congratted each other, then embraced.

    They patted each other''s shoulders and backs firmly.

    Both of their appearances had changed somewhat.

    In Meng Shaoxia''s eyes, he also found it surprising.

    Brother He had aged a lot; once a dashing young man, now his hairline had receded quite a bit, and there were wrinkles around his eyes. Reading too many books really does age a person.

    But when they embraced, he felt that his friend hadn''t changed.

    Indeed, it was still like when they traveled the world together to study.

    Their feelings hadn''t changed.

    The two hadn''t seen each other for so long, they had endless things to talk about.

    They chatted for an hour straight.

    Meng Shaoxia invited him to stay for dinner, then introduced him to his two children.

    The two chubby kids stared at him with clear, innocent eyes.

    He Chen was incredulous.

    He really couldn''t have imagined.

    The twins didn''t look alike at all.

    One had a square face, the other round.

    But seeing them together was truly heartwarming.

    He wanted to hold them, but didn''t dare.

    He remembered years ago when he held Meng''s little sister-inw, she kept drooling.

    Encouraged by Meng, He Chen also held the two little ones.

    Their nicknames were Big Goose and Little Goose.

    He held each of them in turn; they were well-nourished, solid and heavy.

    They smiled when picked up, and quietly watched him when put down.

    He Chen was overjoyed.

    In that moment, he even wanted to get married and have children.

    No wonder Meng looked so content.

    When dinner time came, he tasted the Meng family''s evening meal.

    Now under Aunt Yin''s guidance.

    Jiang Yu was in charge of the Meng family''s cuisine.

    She had the whole family wrapped around her finger.

    Mrs. Meng and Old Mrs. Meng had both gained a pound or two in the past few days.

    It was too delicious.

    Meng Qingshe had also gained weight.

    The whole family showed signs of bing plump together.

    Faced with such delicious food, it was irresistible.

    He Chen ate the Meng family''s food with tears in his eyes.

    It was so delicious he almost bit his tongue.

    Meng was truly blessed.

    He saw the girl who had been kidnapped years ago, now even more poised and graceful. Though not the bewitching beauty rumored outside, she was very dignified and approachable.

    After dinner, He Chen chatted with Meng Shaoxia for a long time, until Meng said he had to go take care of the children, then He Chen took his leave.

    The capital''s streets were wide, with carriages rolling by. He Chen felt emotional, somewhat satisfied yet also wistful. Looking at the dark night outside the window, satisfaction still prevailed.

    After all, being able to reunite with an old friend, with both doing well, was a wonderful thing.

    ...

    Winter days grow dark early.

    After court, Jiang Changtian didn''t go out to socialize.

    He stayed home with his wife and children.

    Now that his eldest daughter and son-inw weren''t home, the house felt a bit emptier.

    But with little Congheng added, it somewhat made up for theck of people.

    Gong Qichi and Jiang Feng had returned to their hometown in Jiangzhou.

    They couldn''t bring too many people into the capital, so the current n was to settle them in Jiangzhou.

    Gong Qichi and Jiang Feng went to arrange the resettlement.

    At home were just Jiang Changtian and Qin Luoxia, Mianmian and Zi Congheng.

    Mianmian was very interested in the Emperor''s appearance.

    After all, he was the current number one big boss. It would be amazing if she could see him.

    She thought about how impressive her family was, already reaching the level where they could meet the highest leader. Awesome.

    Zi Congheng wasn''t curious; he didn''t care about the outside world at all.

    But Mianmian was very curious.

    Mianmian grabbed Bug Brother to participate in family life together.

    "The Emperor looks very kind. Next time there''s a chance, I''ll take you to see him," said Jiang Changtian.

    Jiang Mianmian felt her father was just cating her.

    But cating was better than quizzing her on her studies.

    Just as she was thinking this, in the afternoon her father started testing her on her studies.

    Fortunately, Bug Brother was with her.

    For an entire afternoon, Jiang Mianmian just watched her father praise Bug Brother.

    Studying with a super genius felt awful.

    He understood everything, while she was still confused about what the first question meant.

    Mianmian became drowsy.

    In the quiet study.

    Leaning back in arge armchair, Mianmian still held a book, pretending to be serious.

    The advantage of having two students was not being called on constantly, making it easy to doze off.

    She was really sleepy.

    The study was actually very quiet in the afternoon.

    Jiang Changtian and Zi Congheng were engaged in a question and answer session.

    Jiang Changtian was clearly testing his knowledge, when he suddenly asked, "Was Zi Lu''s original name Chu Heng?"

    Zi Congheng was stunned for a moment, then nodded.

    Such an important and secret matter, in Jiang the Second''s hands, seemed like opening a book and reading out the answer.

    He just read it out.

    The former Crown Prince died suddenly, and Zi Lu also died suddenly, around the same time.

    Normally, no one would be so crazy as to connect the two.

    Just like how normal people seeing simr faces would only feel a sense of familiarity, not think they were switched at birth or something.

    Zi Congheng''s eyes turned pitch ck again, staring at Jiang the Second.

    Jiang the Second looked back at him.

    Mianmian was dazed for a moment, suddenly bing alert.

    She saw Bug Brother actually nod.

    As if they were discussing how much vegetables cost per pound.

    Suddenly they were talking about how the notorious bully of this street supposedly had a huge background.

    Even though sheckedmon sense, she knew that Chu Heng was the former Crown Prince.

    He had died recently, and a period of national mourning was held.

    Thinking about it now, Zi Lu''s death happened around the same time as the former Crown Prince''s.

    And Zi Lu''s identity was strange, appearing out of nowhere.

    He had strong foundations, but no clear origins.

    Even Gong Qichi, a top schr, was willing to serve him.

    And Zi Congheng was actually the Crown Prince''s son, a legitimate Imperial Grandson?

    Jiang Mianmian''s eyes widened as she looked at Bug Brother.

    She never imagined that the supposedly confined former Crown Prince had actually been rebelling outside with a full beard, rebelling against his own father.

    Her Bug Brother was actually a legitimate Imperial Grandson. If not for all those messy idents, he might have even been the next Imperial Crown Grandson.

    But thinking of Bug Brother''s personality, being Emperor would be too difficult for him.

    It would be too hard on the officials too.

    If the Emperor didn''t want to speak, the officials would have to y charades every day. Too difficult, too difficult.

    Suddenly she felt her brother''s identity was noble and his behavior elegant.

    Mianmian quickly moved her head closer and nuzzled against him.

    Zi Congheng: ...

    Jiang Changtian: "Mianmian, what are you doing?"

    "Rubbing off some of his nobility," said Jiang Mianmian.

    "Don''t be naughty."

    "I''ve had a head ailment since childhood, feared not to live long. My father, pitying my short lifespan, kept me confined at home, so I escaped. He wanted to cure my illness, so he rebelled. When I stayed at your home as a child, I felt my head ailment seemed to improve after I returned. But I didn''t know my father also had a head ailment; he never told me. Later his condition red up, and he suddenly passed away, very abruptly." Zi Congheng calmly recounted this story.

    His cold temperament was also partly due to the head ailment. He didn''t dare to be too happy or too unhappy.

    He also didn''t dare to ept others or like others.

    Worried that one day, like his father, his condition would re up and he would suddenly die.

    He wasn''t depressed.

    He was simply panicking, closing himself off, and trying to escape.

    "Don''t overthink it," Jiang Changtian said. "The past is like clouds passing before your eyes. Focus on living well in the present, making each day count. When you string together many good days, that adds up to a good life."

    ...

 Chapter 262

    There was one thing Zi Congheng (Chu Yuan) didn''t mention.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After witnessing his father''s head explode, his headache red up again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was excruciating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His head felt like it was splitting open.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was like this most of the time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Fortunately, his expression remained impassive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even when in pain, it wasn''t noticeable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He wrote a letter to Mianmian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was because he sensed something different about her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She seemed to have a long life ahead of her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was as if he could see people''s lifespans.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some people were exceptionally bright, like a ball of light.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Others were as dim as a burnt-out candle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some flickered between brightness and darkness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t like looking at people, didn''t like seeing chaotic things.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He thought Mianmian could take good care of his turtle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He wasn''t emotionally depressed; he was in genuine physical pain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His head hurt.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Every moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was a spot that always ached.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t like to smile or talk, because even opening his mouth might cause pain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He truly wanted to hand over the little turtle and then end his own life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His life had been brief and painful, even bewildering and seemingly pointless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When he was born, his mother had already left this world.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His father was confined, a long and hopeless existence with no end in sight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But still.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had no regrets now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His father had tried his best for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At least he hadn''t truly lived in a cage, like a mouse without freedom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had seen mountains and white clouds, great rivers and many people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After leaving the Jiang Family as a child, he had always stayed by his father''s side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Living together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Father and son, relying on each other for survival for a long time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had earnestly apanied his father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was enough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The moment his father passed away, looking back, it wasn''t actually that painful, because he had been there by his side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The head that leaned close, gently nuzzling his arm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His arm trembled slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He raised his hand and patted her head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her family all liked to pat her head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because when they did, she would bristle, like a small animal with its fur standing on end, very cute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She used to be self-conscious about having thin hair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now, she had a full head of dark hair, fine and dense, with wispy bangs. Her hair was very lush.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even up close, you could see the fine, transparent down on her face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Goodbye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was truly beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    People are drawn to beautiful things and people because they please the eye and lift the spirits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was just like that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Only her temperament was slightly different.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was more lively and active than most people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps it was because her parents loved her so much, she lived quite freely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mr. Jiang was said to be very indulgent with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mr. Gong had mentioned that because someone said her fate was strange, Mr. Jiang had gone and turned that person''s life upside down,pletely cutting off the livelihood of that entire group of people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because he wanted her to go to school, he even established a new girls'' school.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Actually, the root of establishing girls'' schoolsy in money.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If girls could go to school, it meant that a family would have a girl who couldn''t work and would need money invested in her education.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was something ordinary people couldn''t afford.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even for families who could afford it, it was difficult to change their mindset.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was a long-term transformation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It might take hundreds of years to achieve.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he had managed to do it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Without considering the far-reaching implications, he improved public security, allowed those who wanted to earn money to do so, and those who wanted to farm to havend.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For his daughter''s simple desire to go to school, he aplished what countless others couldn''t.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mr. Gong often praised Jiang Er in front of his father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Whenever he got excited about it, he would p his thigh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sometimes he was there too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Thinking back on it now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He felt that girl must be the happiest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She lived so freely and uninhibitedly, without illness. Who knows how her personality might be now, if it had changed?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some people, when given unlimited goodness, develop terrible personalities.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because they be insatiable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Greed takes over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Human nature is inherently evil.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Goodbye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At his father''s grave.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She wore all white.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Er and his strong wife were there too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Er flickered between brightness and darkness, while his wife was steady, bright, and gentle, like a luminous star, stable and warm, not dazzling even up close.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Feng was like a ck me.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Somewhat simr to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some people are surrounded by light, but with an extremely high temperature, burning themselves as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian was also bright, translucent, as if surrounded by flowing water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She ran back and forth, like a constant star enveloped in flowing water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When she came near, his headache seemed to ease a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even the flickering Jiang Er was trying tofort him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He told him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Live well each day, and day by day, it adds up to a good life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It turns out that even people with illnesses, when surrounded by loved ones, can slowly recover.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His head still hurt, actually.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Lying down was mostfortable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With his head supported, he wouldn''t feel the pain constantly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But at this moment, he ignored the headache.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He looked intently at Jiang Er.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Er''s light was steady.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He nced at Mianmian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian still sparkled brilliantly, like a warm star, still surrounded by water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps all these lights didn''t exist, were just imagination.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Maybe it was because his headache was so severe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had personified people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Turned them into light.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some people recognize others through facial features, details, essories, clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he recognized people through changes in light and shadow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It wasn''t that you happened to leave just as I opened the door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It''s just that my world was dark and dim.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Only when you appeared did I dare to step out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was in the abyss.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Waiting for salvation or to fall deeper into the abyss.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 263

    Zi Congheng knew that Mr. Jiang was seeking an official position in the Capital City.

    In fact, there was a good solution at this moment.

    Turn him in.

    Mr. Jiang could get a good position.

    Jiang Changtian just looked at him.

    Zi Congheng felt uneasy under Mr. Jiang''s gaze.

    Being stared at by a sick person like this.

    He felt ufortable.

    He shifted his body, moving closer to Mianmian.

    "I''m tired, can we end the lesson here?" he spoke up.

    Mianmian''s eyes immediately lit up with happiness.

    "Is ss over?"

    Jiang Changtian patted his daughter''s head.

    "Yes, it''s over."

    She liked to call the examinations "ss" and the end of examinations "ss dismissal."

    Jiang Changtian didn''t really care much about his daughter''s studies, but he saw how exceptionally happy she was every time after an examination, when "ss was dismissed."

    For the sake of her extra happiness, he might as well reluctantly apany her to study a bit more each time.

    In fact, teaching his daughter to read was quite tiring for Jiang Changtian.

    Mentally exhausting.

    Zi Congheng felt as if he had said something extraordinary.

    A secret hidden deep in his heart for many years.

    A secret that couldn''t be spoken.

    But this father and daughter pair was too calm.

    Their reaction was too nonchnt.

    They didn''t be more respectful, nor did they be more distant.

    Mianmian pulled at him and asked, "Brother, what do you want to eat tonight? I don''t want noodles. Can you order something else? Let''s not have noodles."

    Zi Congheng: ... Wait, I''m the son of the Crown Prince.

    Isn''t that more important than what to eat?

    He was so annoyed he forgot about his headache.

    Jiang Changtian spoke solemnly: "Congheng."

    Zi Congheng looked at him seriously.

    Was he finally going to say something?

    Was there something he needed to entrust to him?

    "Congheng, Mianmian''s recitation of the Analects isn''t very good. As her brother, teach her, and try to make sure she learns it well."

    Zi Congheng: "Um, oh... alright."

    The next day.

    Jiang Changtian went to report to the government office.

    Several other officials like him were waiting there.

    Once high-ranking local officials, fathers of the people in various regions, outstanding figures from different ces, upon arriving in the Capital City, it was as if they had finally seeded in their cultivation and ascended to the celestial realm.

    Yet they became the lowest tier in this new celestial world.

    They were all waiting at the government office for their official assignments.

    There were unspoken rules to this.

    Family background, whether one knew how to behave, how much of a red envelope gift was given, the order of arrival and queuing.

    Jiang Changtian chatted briefly and learned that there was even a colleague who had been waiting for over a year...

    This colleague could no longer afford to rent a house and was now sharing amodation with others.

    Those waiting for positions were extremely bored.

    It was rare to see a neer.

    Those who came here to report in so naively were probably those without connections.

    Those with connections would have already been arranged for.

    Seeing that the neer was so handsome, the others wanted to establish a good rtionship.

    They offered advice, talking over each other.

    "The Emperor usually doesn''t handle these matters, it''s all done by Minister Lu. Minister Lu is actually quite fair, if you give him money, he''ll get things done for you. But it''s very difficult to get an audience with Minister Lu."

    Just to see Minister Lu''s housekeeper would cost several thousand taels of silver.

    Not to mention the gifts to be sent to Minister Lu afterward.

    For those who became officials through normal means without the backing of a big family, they might be able to embezzle such arge sum of money, but if it was all from embezzlement, they wouldn''t pass the official inspections and couldn''t enter the capital. However, to pass the inspections, they couldn''t embezzle, and without embezzling, they had no money. Without money, they couldn''t operate, and without being able to operate, they could only waste away here. A strange cycle.

    If you don''t have money to give, there are plenty of others who do.

    The buying and selling of official positions in the current court had be a norm.

    So even Jiang Er, with his background as a former rebel, wasn''t particrly bad.

    Some who purely bought their positions were really fat-headed and ignorant, knowing nothing.

    They relied entirely on their advisors.

    Because they spent a fortune to buy their positions, they naturally wanted to recoup their money, so they would do everything possible to extort money, creating a vicious cycle.

    The current Emperor turned a blind eye to all this, or perhaps he knew some of it but felt it was harmless.

    Everyone was scrambling to pay money to work for him, so it didn''t matter.

    The current Emperor, as long as it didn''t interfere with his enjoyment, everything else could be put aside.

    The most favored Minister Lu was like this, controlling court affairs, allowing the Emperor to y happily, trying not to disturb the Emperor, maintaining a certain tacit understanding with him.

    In private, the court officials called Minister Lu "Lu Three Corpses" or "Lu Five Ghosts." Even the legendary three corpses and five ghosts couldn''t match Minister Lu''s greed.

    Jiang Changtian listened intently as his colleagues exined.

    He was very interested in this Minister Lu.

    He recalled seeing a plump, honest-looking man who resembled a wealthyndowner standing next to Prime Minister Wang during the court session. That must have been Minister Lu.

    His father-inw had mentioned him before.

    When his father-inw said civil officials were the worst, he was referring to Minister Lu.

    He was extremely bad.

    Old General Meng was fighting at the border, and the supplies not reaching there were most likely embezzled by Minister Lu.

    Minister Lu had misappropriated the army''s pay once, and was caught by Old General Meng, who reported it directly to the Emperor.

    But the Emperor didn''t punish him.

    Because Minister Lu had used the misappropriated military funds to build a theater for the Emperor.

    If the Emperor were to punish Minister Lu, it would be like punishing himself.

    In any case, after numerous conflicts, Minister Lu always managed to slip away like this, old and cunning.

    Even Inspector He couldn''t catch him red-handed.

    Minister Lu seemed arrogant, full of loopholes, but in reality, these loopholes were deliberately disyed for others to see.

    Qi Chi had also analyzed the court situation for him.

    Currently, the most powerful was Minister Lu, "Lu Three Corpses."

    He controlled court affairs, second only to one person and above ten thousand others.

    Minister Lu had a small-minded temperament but was very capable in handling matters, which the Emperor liked.

    Jiang Changtian came to report in, learned about the situation, and sure enough, no position was assigned to him.

    This kind of thing, for officials, was a life-changing event.

    But for the Emperor, it was just assigning work to subordinates, too trivial to bother with.

    For Minister Lu, it was also the norm.

    If you haven''te to pay respects at his door, how could you expect a promotion? Who are you?

    Another official, seeing that Jiang Er had a kind face and was polite, even bringing food for them, couldn''t help but add: "Actually, if you have connections in the inner court, that could work too. Currently, the influential eunuchs in the inner court, Eunuch Duan and Eunuch Liu, have some power. If you can find a way to send gifts and have them speak a few good words in front of the Emperor, things might move faster. Of course, the most powerful is Eunuch Yan, but unfortunately, Eunuch Yan usually doesn''t deal with these matters. Otherwise, if he spoke up, the Emperor would definitely take care of it."

    Everyone sat in the small reception room. It was very cold in winter. They nibbled on small almonds, with no charcoal fire, huddling together to keep warm with body heat, talking about their bitter experiences andck of sess. It was indeed not easy.

    Jiang Er took out a notebook and wrote down everyone''s contact information, while also handing out his own contact details.

    This method was inspired by the cards his daughter made. He felt that making a card with one''s name like this was quite distinctive.

    With this exchange and recording, everyone indeed remembered him.

    They felt that Jiang Er was really a nice person.

    Jiang Changtian looked at the sky. It was already afternoon. If he hurried back home, he could still have a hot meal.

    He decided to leave.

    Anyway, ording to everyone''s experience, waiting was futile.

    You either had to give gifts or find connections.

    Others were also preparing to leave.

    Most people still wanted to stay and try their luck, in case they could bump into Minister Lu, greet him, get familiar with his face, it would be better than nothing.

    In fact, among them, some had tried to use connections and had given money.

    But it was toopetitive. There were always people with stronger connections, giving more.

    Jiang Changtian was walking towards the exit, almost at the door, when someone called out to him.

    "Lord Jiang, please wait. Minister Lu requests your presence."

    The officials waiting for positions all turned to look in surprise.

    Jiang Changtian also stopped, turning back with some astonishment.

    He hadn''t even gone to seek out Minister Lu yet.

    He knew the rules of officialdom, including gift-giving.

    Reciprocity, right? At worst, he could take back what he gaveter.

    But he didn''t expect Minister Lu to seek him out first.

    Jiang Changtian was a bit surprised.

    Following the official inside, passing by the group of colleagues, he bowed to them.

    At this moment, the expressions of the waiting group were quite varied.

    Some were envious, some jealous, some curious, and some resentful.

    The many faces of officialdom.

    All disyed in one small reception room.

 Chapter 264

    ......

    Jiang Changtian wore a sky-blue robe today.

    He looked elegant and graceful.

    Following the guiding official, they turned this way and that, seemingly going in circles, before finally arriving at a great hall.

    Many people were already waiting at the entrance.

    The official went in to report.

    He waited outside for a while longer.

    The wind made his nose turn slightly red.

    Then he was finally called inside.

    As he entered, others came out.

    There were also people waiting behind him.

    Minister Lu seemed genuinely busy.

    He had managed to cut in line to some extent.

    Some of those waiting behind looked at him with unfriendly eyes.

    Jiang Changtian found it quite interesting.

    This man, widely known as a great corrupt official, a treacherous minister, "Lu Three Corpses," "Lu Five Ghosts," actually gave off the impression of being diligent, as if he was doing real work.

    Upon entering, Jiang Changtian discovered that the room was bustling with activity.

    There were several desks where people were bent over, handling documents.

    And there was another room inside.

    Minister Lu was in there.

    He was leaning on a soft couch, his big belly protruding, holding a cup of tea.

    Seeing Jiang Changtian enter, he smiled warmly and said, "My apologies, after working for too long, my neck doesn''t turn well. I''m not intentionally avoiding looking at you, it''s just that my neck can only face forward. Some in the court say I''m arrogant, probably because of this."

    Jiang Changtian acted as if he was overwhelmed by the honor, nodding repeatedly.

    Minister Lu looked at the man before him, personally rmended by the Emperor. He disliked such variables, but he had to deal with tasks assigned by the Emperor.

    He could only bring the man closer and give him a few warnings.

    Looking at his face, it was indeed as the Emperor had said, somehow familiar, as if he had seen him before.

    He didn''t feel any warmth, rather a bit of disgust, thinking he looked like a court jester.

    Moreover, he was personally rmended by the Emperor, who remembered him.

    Minister Lu gave him a few stern words, seeing his apparentck of understanding, he closed his eyes briefly.

    A former rebel, from the countryside, probably caught the Emperor''s eye with that face of his.

    "Your father and I were once colleagues, yet in the blink of an eye, you''ve grown so big," Minister Lu mentioned thete former Grand Tutor Jiang.

    In official circles, this wasn''t a friendly remark, but rather implying, "I''m from your father''s generation, you''d better behave yourself."

    Jiang Changtian obediently nodded.

    Appearing inarticte.

    Looking very much like a handsome but empty-headed person.

    In his heart, he thought that Minister Lu wouldn''t have called him here just for a warning.

    Sure enough, when Minister Lu finally gave him his appointment, he saw the official position and understood that yesterday''s visit to the Emperor with his inws had indeed been effective.

    "Imperial Secretary, Fourth Rank, belonging to the Chancellery, a close attendant to the Emperor, with a sry of six hundred shi."

    ......

    Returning home, Mianmian curiously looked at her father''s appointment letter.

    Had father been promoted another rank just like that?

    "Brother, what kind of official is an Imperial Secretary?" Mianmian asked curiously.

    Zi.Wiki.Congheng exined, "An Imperial Secretary is a close attendant to the Emperor, an outer court official who can enter and exit the inner pce rtively freely, though they must leave before the gates are locked. Their main job is to handlemunications of official business between the Emperor and the Director of the Department of State Affairs."

    Jiang Mianmian pondered, thinking it was like being a secretary in the Emperor''s secretariat? The Fourth Rank should be at least at the bureau or department level. In the capital, although the rank itself wasn''t exceptionally high, being close to the Emperor should make it quite influential.

    Father''s sry was six hundred shi, which should be annual.

    Shi was a unit, meaning about 120 jin (catties).

    It should be calcted in grain.

    Mianmian did some calctions, using rice as an example, with one jin of rice costing about 3 yuan.

    3 yuan * 120 jin * 600 shi = 216,000 yuan.

    Father''s annual sry was about 216,000 yuan.

    A monthly sry of about 18,000 yuan.

    A monthly sry of 18,000, a bureau-level official, in the capital, it seemed that without some side ie, it wouldn''t be enough to support such arge family.

    Raising horses, servants, guards, maintaining the residence, social obligations.

    Zi Congheng saw Mianmian counting on her fingers and looked up at the sky, exasperated.

    Nobody really lived on their official sry alone. Sries were usually mentioned when the Emperor wanted to punish someone, saying they would be fined a certain number of years or months of sry.

    Mianmian returned the appointment letter to her father and said, "Father, we should find ways to earn money, but don''t be corrupt. Your job is very risky. They say serving the emperor is like serving a tiger, it''s quite difficult."

    Jiang Changtian looked at his little daughter''s serious expression and couldn''t help but smile, "Alright, I''ll do as you say. You stay at home and think about what we can do in the capital, how we can make money."

    ......

 Chapter 265

    Early morning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    An early rise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Father still had three days of vacation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today was for visiting his beloved daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian had already fished Zi Congheng out of bed early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Unexpectedly, Zi Congheng had slept quite wellst night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His headache didn''t seem to have red up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But being woken up before he was ready left him still feeling a bit sleepy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He yawned and asked, "Aren''t you tired?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian was already all tidied up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She said spiritedly, "I''m tired when I have school. When there''s no school, I''m not tired. Laziness is all about seizing the moment. If you get up earlier, you have more time to bezy. If you go to bedter, you get even more time to bezy. Early to rise andte to bed means countless long hours ofziness in a day. It''s delightful."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Zi Congheng: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He had ck Tower push Mianmian out so he could get up and wash.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After washing up, he changed his clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The family ate breakfast together, then prepared to go visit rtives.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was a strange experience for Zi Congheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Father had never taken him to visit rtives before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was still quite early in the morning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The inner city wasn''t congested yet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They arrived in less than half an hour.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng family already had servants waiting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The servants seemed much more enthusiastic thanst time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe personally came out to greet the inws.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His son-inw Meng Shaoxia also obediently came out to wee them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Imperial Secretary?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Qingshe patted his inw''s shoulder sympathetically.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Last night, several newly acquainted colleagues had alreadye to visit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Upon learning he was appointed as Imperial Secretary, their eyes practically turned red with envy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As a close attendant to the emperor, it was widely recognized as one of the fastest tracks for promotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian also felt this position was not easy toe by.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was a stroke of luck.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I knew the emperor wasn''t seriousst time. The position of Imperial Secretary is very tiring. You''re right under the emperor''s nose - it''s not easy to even ck off a little. You''ll be running back and forth between the pce and outside."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng smiled at their blundering family member.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If there weren''t others present, Madam Meng would have wanted to give her husband a good scolding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What nonsense was he spouting?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Meng Shaoxia hade to the capital and also had to work - as an Imperial Guard. He too would be going in and out of the pce, also close to the emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was the difference between the Meng family and ordinary officials.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng family didn''t need to wait - they got results directly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And it was a noble and rxed job.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Generally, as long as no one tried to rebel, there wasn''t much to do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Good pay, light work, close to home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Anyway, the father-inw and son-inw should be able to see each other often in the pce from now on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng felt more at ease knowing their inw would also be working in the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The daughter''s own father clearly couldn''t be relied upon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old man was more dependable, but he wasn''t around.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At least the inw seemed more reliable than the girl''s own father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian took Zi Congheng to see her older sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Aunt Yin saw the young man, she grasped his hand and wouldn''t let go.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was quite emotional for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was Commander Zi who had originally sent her to the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But there had been no follow-up after that, not even any inquiries.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was no nting of spies or anything of the sort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Later, she had settled down contentedly at the Jiang house and stayed all these years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The eldest daughter had married and had children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now seeing this young man again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Commander Zi had passed away, leaving behind an orphan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Zi Congheng wasn''t used to being touched by others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the old woman before him meant no harm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t understand why she was so moved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yet he felt a sense of gratitude, mixed with his father''s legacy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Aunt Yin didn''t say anything about considering the Jiang family as his own from now on. Some things didn''t need to be said or repeated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was no need to prove one''s kindness through others'' pity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Time would tell.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Aunt Yin simply held his hand lovingly and patted his head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Zi Congheng passively epted this affection, because he discovered that sinceing to the Jiang family, whenever anyone lovingly held his hand or patted his head, he couldn''t push them away. The Jiang family members all seemed to have great strength.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Zi Congheng was given a task - to watch over the two chubby babies as they sunbathed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If the sun crept onto their faces, he was to move them a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They were worried about the sun getting in the babies'' eyes and being too bright.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At the same time, he could hear Mianmian and her sister chattering away in the next room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Sister, you''ve lost so much weight!" Mianmian looked at her sister, feeling that her waist had slimmed down while her chest had grownrger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She hadn''t expected that her sister, after giving birth, would actually look even more beautiful than before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Before she had been a round-faced young girl, but now she seemed to have gained an indescribable charm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In any case, she was very alluring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian couldn''t help but reach out to touch her when she got close.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing the maid bring in some snacks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian went to get some.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With her sister not at home, it felt like the family''s mealscked soul.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Yu sat beside her younger sister and also reached out her hand, just barely reaching the snacks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Suddenly, she heard a cough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Young miss, you can''t eat any more. Although you don''t look bad now, if you keep eating without restraint, your body will be plump and you''ll age quickly. Men don''t change much in appearance as they age, but women who have had children can easily look old if they don''t take care of themselves. If you keep eating like this, in a few years when you stand next to your husband, you''ll look a generation older."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Yu withdrew her hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She looked at the sweets on the table somewhat wistfully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was no help for it - breastfeeding made her want to eat more, and eating more increased her appetite. Now she felt hungry all the time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Sister has recovered very well," Mianmian said, touching her sister''s waist. The flesh was still firm, not bby at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, wives at this time certainly didn''t have it easy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Not only did they have to manage the household, have children, serve their inws, and handle social interactions, the most terrifying thing was that they might suddenly be stabbed in the back by their husband. While you''re here busy as can be, running the household and kitchen, managing social affairs, he might suddenly bring home a concubine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And she''d likely be younger and prettier than you, with full legal status.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But looking at her sister''s condition, she seemed to be doing quite well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps it was mainly due to the simple family atmosphere at her brother-inw''s home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For a family that had only had single children for generations, they surprisingly didn''t have any concubines. Their family values were truly excellent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It could be counted among the best in the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was also why there were so many rumors about Jiang Yu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because Meng Shaoxia, in the eyes of mothers-inw in the capital, was among the top three most desirable son-inws.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Wealthy background, high status, and no concubines.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    You couldn''t find better even if you searched with antern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing how loudly her sister spoke at the Meng house, she probably wasn''t being mistreated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "When it''s time for the children''s hundred-day celebration, you''ll need to make an appearance. Try to restrain yourself a bit. Even if you can''t be The Seductress Yu, you shouldn''t be Yu Daji."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Jiang Yu heard her aunt mention "The Seductress Yu", she burst outughing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The first time she heard people talking about the rumors outside, Jiang Yu had alreadyughed uncontrobly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She never imagined that one day, such rumors would actually be associated with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Speaking of beauty, Jiang Yu knew very well that she probably ranked near the bottom in her family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, she had never cared much about her appearance since she was young. If you put face cream and a steamed bun in front of her, she would definitely choose the bun.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Although she didn''t care, hearing people say she was very beautiful still made her very happy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Since moving to the Meng family, Jiang Yu''s biggest impression was that prices in the capital were quite high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was skilled at cooking, so she was naturally sensitive to ingredients and their prices.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Soon after arriving at the Meng house, with her aunt''s assistance, she quietly lowered the prices in the back kitchen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Without making a fuss, she reorganized the Meng family''s inner household.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Meng family didn''t have issues with concubines, but there were other problems.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Madam Meng''s management wasx, Old Madam Meng didn''t interfere, so the servants would take advantage of loopholes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In short, with Aunt Yin''s help, as soon as she arrived at the Meng house, she tackled a major corruption issue in the purchasing department.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She took control of the kitchen''s authority.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Establishing the authority of the Meng family''s third-generation mistress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were no secrets in the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This added anotheryer to the impressive image of "The Seductress Yu".<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Indeed, she was a formidable woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Entering the household with two sons, in just three days she had taken over household management and dismissed a servant who had worked there for over twenty years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    Yet the Meng family, from top to bottom, still praised the young mistress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At the Meng house, Mianmian felt that the servants indeed seemed more respectful thanst time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After chatting here and having some snacks and tea, it was time to go eat lunch together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian felt that her silly sister had be a bit more astute after a few days at the Meng house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It felt like at home, her sister was always the soft and gentle older sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But at someone else''s house, she suddenly stood tall, like she had be an adult.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Yu stood up, holding Mianmian''s hand. Her aunt had someone go fetch the two young masters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian and Zi Congheng walked behind her sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They watched as maids ran to open doors, and servants lined up outside calling out greetings to the young mistress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What a grand scene!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 266

    On the second day, Jiang Changtian stayed at home with his family.

    Mianmian once again endured her father''s loving education.

    She also faced the added pressure ofparison with her academically gifted brother.

    Originally, as a student, one could be either first orst in ss without much pressure, as there was noparison.

    Everyone was the princess of their own world.

    But now, with another student in the picture, she was always behind, caught in apetitive spiral.

    Intelligence, for the most part, remains constant.

    Though one''s perspective might grow and expand over time.

    Fortunately, many guests suddenly arrived at their home.

    Jiang Changtian, who was typically shy and disliked socializing, had made a brief visit to the government office the other day, exchanging contact information with a group of people waiting for official positions.

    Over the next couple of days, visitors started showing up at their door.

    Some came bearing gifts after hearing about his appointment as Imperial Secretary.

    Others, truly struggling to make ends meet and unable to pay rent, came seeking help from the reliable Jiang, hoping for a way out of their desperate situation.

    There were also those with ulterior motives,ing to gather information.

    The Jiang family received them all with courtesy.

    Meanwhile, Jiang Wan suddenly noticed that her neighbor''s neighbor''s neighbor''s house had be a hub of activity.

    Only then did she learn the news.

    To her utter surprise, Jiang Er (Second Jiang) hade to the capital.

    And he had be an Imperial Secretary.

    She remembered that in her previous life, her father had also be a secretary after arriving in the capital, though he was in the Ministry of Rites.

    Now her father had renounced the world, and she hade to the capital alone with her grandmother.

    The secretary position had gone to Jiang Er.

    And he was now her neighbor.

    For Jiang Wan, Jiang Er was like a nightmare.

    With peopleing and going at home, Mianmian''s parents didn''t let her go out.

    Mianmian decided to find something to do on her own.

    She chose to farm.

    She dragged Brother Chong along to dig soil and nt in the courtyard.

    Mianmian always involved Brother Chong in her activities.

    Because if Brother Chong was truly depressed, staying busy and active would leave him little time for depression.

    In the nice courtyard, Mianmian specifically requested a plot ofnd, and asked Hei Ta, Wei Biao, and Pangya to help with the digging.

    They tilled the soil.

    As they were digging, they unexpectedly unearthed a box of silver in the courtyard.

    Mianmian hadn''t expected to have such good fortune.

    So before they even started nting, the whole family joined in the digging.

    Mianmian brought Jiang Xiaoshu along, as it was time for it to prove its usefulness.

    She let the little tree explore and save some time.

    On one side, Mianmian led the group in digging holes all over the ce.

    On the other side, their neighbor Jiang Wan heard all sorts of strange noisesing from the adjacent courtyard and thought she was hallucinating.

    Because Jiang Er was supposed to be next door to the next door neighbor.

    But she kept hearing odd soundsing from right next door.

    Jiang Wan was so frightened that she developed a high fever that night in her bed.

    On the third day.

    Jiang Changtian stayed home with his family.

    Yesterday, he couldn''t apany his little daughter because of receiving guests.

    But in just one day, the house had nearly been dug into a graveyard, with piles of dirt everywhere.

    Probably because Brother Chong was there, Mianmian avoided a beating.

    Because she had dragged Brother Chong along to dig.

    The harvest was bountiful.

    Not only did they dig up two boxes of silver, but they also unearthed a skeleton, a box of books and ancient texts, and a box of various bottles and jars.

    If her parents hadn''t stopped her, Mianmian would have continued digging today.

    The silver and books weren''t much to speak of.

    The skeleton was quite old.

    It was the skeleton of a young person.

    In the end, they properly collected it and found a ce to bury it.

    Zi Congheng wasn''t scared, but he couldn''t understand why Mianmian wasn''t scared either.

    The two were fearless about everything.

    If the family hadn''t stopped her, Mianmian would have wanted to keep the skeleton.

    Medical students all know the value of body donors.

    But Jiang Changtian absolutely forbade it.

    He felt in his heart that it must be because of what Feng had said.

    Causing his daughter to feel particrly attached to things dug up from the ground.

    On this day, Jiang Changtian apanied his daughter in digging and nting.

    They focused solely on nting now, not treasure hunting.

    Qin Luoxia, seeing her daughter digging everywhere, felt a bit guilty, thinking this trait of her daughter might havee from her.

    She had escaped famine with her mother, so she always wanted to store food.

    Whenever they arrived at a new ce, she wanted to dig cers to store grain.

    These past few days she had been busy, still scouting locations, wondering where would be good to dig.

    But her daughter''s digging around had inadvertently helped her scout locations.

    The whole family worked together, opened up a plot ofnd, and carefully nted the wild onions they had brought, along with some unknown seeds that Mianmian had people buy from the street.

    They nted very carefully yet randomly.

    Mianmian thought she needed to find something to do. She didn''t have anything else, just a spring that hadn''t changed in decades... no, in years. She hadn''t lived for decades yet.

    Just a thin spring of water.

    She dripped a drop into a bucket to water the newly opened vegetable garden.

    She watered it all very carefully.

    Though unskilled at manualbor, they managed to open a plot, nt it, and a day had passed.

    On the fourth day.

    Jiang Changtian had to go to work today.

    He had received his work uniform yesterday.

    Perhaps because he was a close minister to the emperor, he received it quickly. If it were another position, it would probably still be going through procedures.

    The robe was dark blue in color, with a patch of embroidery in the middle.

    It had small deer.

    And cranes.

    And auspicious clouds and lingzhi mushrooms.

    The hat was shiny ck, made of silk.

    It had a round jade ornament on top.

    If one''s face wasn''t attractive, wearing this hat could make it look oily.

    Jiang Changtian had a widow''s peak, and when fully dressed, with his long hair flowing beneath the hat, neatly trimmed at the ends, his eyebrows handsome, and eyes naturally full of emotion.

    The robe required a belt.

    It showed off his figure well.

    On his feet were official boots.

    Aplete set.

    When he put it on, it added even more charm to his already handsome features.

    Mianmian felt that her mother was very reluctant to let her father go to work, probably feeling that he looked too good and was worried.

    Mianmian and Little Chong got up early to see their father off to work.

    Their daily routine hadn''t changed much.

    Wherever her father went, he had to work.

    After seeing her father off, Mianmian went to water the vegetables.

    She decided to water them every morning.

    The servants in the household felt that this youngdy, who had never done a day''s work in her life, actually wanted to grow vegetables in winter, diligently watering them every day. nting at this time, no matter how much you water, it won''t help.

    But no one dared to tell the young mistress what to do.

    Jiang Changtian went to work, first reporting to the government office. After normal reporting, he should have entered the pce to await his duties.

    Probably because he hadn''t given any bribes or shown his stance.

    When Jiang Changtian arrived at the office, someone took him to familiarize himself with the business, then dumped a lot of tedious rules and regtions on him, telling him to memorize them first. It looked like he wouldn''t be able to enter the pce without some training.

    Perhaps after a while, the emperor would forget about this person.

    Jiang Changtian sat in a room in the government office.

    This room was much better than the small room in the Medicine Preparation Department in Ming County.

    Through the window, he could see the trees in the courtyard, with leaves of golden yellow edged in red, along with green leaves, blending together beautifully like a painting.

    The windowsill was also very clean, with no random carvings or writings on it.

    He sat in this small room, watching the bustle outside, where people were lining up again today to pay respects to Minister Lu.

    In front of him was just a desk, piled high with various rules and regtions.

    Jiang Changtian wasn''t in a hurry. He opened the first book, "Pce Rules," and started reading carefully.

    He had a photographic memory, turning page after page quickly.

    Over there, after Minister Lu had seen two officials, he asked his subordinate, "What is the new Imperial Secretary Jiang doing?"

    "He''s looking at the rules, but he''s flipping through them very quickly. It doesn''t seem like he''s actually reading them," the subordinate answered.

    Minister Lu nodded.

    He has some depth, but not much.

    No matter, we''ll wear him down slowly. Young people''s temperaments need to be tempered, otherwise they really think they can make a name for themselves in the capital with just a pretty face. The capital is particrly full of dead beauties.

 Chapter 267

    A new day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The maids and eunuchs around The Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Their main daily responsibility is essentially to keep The Emperor happy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Keeping The Emperor happy also has different levels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    One type is to share gossip, which needs to be interesting without crossing any taboos. This is like being a chat buddy, something that can be present or not, with many eunuchspeting for this position, allowing for multiple people to coexist in the role.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Another type is to provide physical and emotional satisfaction, like the concubines. But as The Emperor has aged, he''s begun to prioritize health preservation, greatly reducing his physical desires. As a result, the concubines'' advantages have significantly diminished.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    There''s also a type that resonates with the soul, like the rtionship between Bo Ya and Zhong Ziqi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Currently, only Eunuch Yan has achieved this level.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuch Yan doesn''t speak much in front of The Emperor, but every word he says seems to carry weight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On this new day, The Emperor wakes up rather early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although he doesn''t have to attend morning court, sometimes he just can''t sleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He gets up, washes, and eats, feeling exhausted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Only after taking his first dose of medicine does he feel somewhat energized.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today isn''t cold, but it''s not sunny either - it''s overcast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor seems to be in low spirits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A eunuch skilled at reporting news steps forward to speak.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuch Liu says that Immortal Liu has somehow caught a cold and fallen ill. Several young talents have visited her, and unexpectedly, Minister Lu''s youngest son, Lu Zhaolin, also went and ended up fighting with her sworn brother, Young Master Liu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor waves his hand, indicating he doesn''t want to hear this kind of news about love rivalries.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He recalls that he once wanted to summon Immortal Liu, but thankfully Old Madam Meng''s intervention sobered him up, otherwise his reputation might have been damaged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This Immortal Liu was said to be close to his eldest son recently, resulting in the eldest son''s exuberant behavior, which led to The Emperor reprimanding him and ordering him to reflect behind closed doors. The Emperor feels that Immortal Liu''s luck seems a bit ominous. Perhaps fortune-tellers really do have bad luck themselves. Thinking this way, The Emperor decides it''s best to stay away from her and not mention her again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He is somewhat superstitious, after all, he wants longevity and believes in fate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuch Duan immediately picks up the conversation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He smiles and says, "Your Majesty, there''s been something interesting these past few days. That Lord Jiang, the one you appointed as Imperial Secretary, he''s moved next door to Immortal Liu. You gave him three days off, and guess what he''s been doing during these three days?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There are many people and many things around The Emperor, with everyonepeting to show their worth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This Eunuch Duan hadn''t mentioned it before, and The Emperor had truly forgotten about it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "He must have been socializing andworking," The Emperor says.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He knows these officials well. Although Imperial Secretary is a minor position, it''s close to him and has the right to enter and leave the pce. Those officials would fight tooth and nail for this position.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That day, he had suddenly had the whim to arrange for an outsider to take the position.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At least to arrange for someone pleasing to the eye toe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This position should be like manna from heaven for anyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "On the first day, Lord Jiang went to the Meng Family to see his daughter and two grandsons. Lord Jiang has adopted Zi Lu''s orphan, the child with the brain ailment, and took him along," Eunuch Duan skillfully moves past this topic and continues:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "On the second day, Lord Jiang received many guests at home. When he went to the government office to inquire about his official duties, he met many colleagues who were also waiting for assignments. He left his address for everyone, and many people came that day. Lord Jiang received them all and gave quite a bit of money to those in need. As is widely known, when Lord Jiang was in Jingzhou, he was repeatedly used of embezzlement. Perhaps feeling the pain of giving away money, he dug three feet deep in his own courtyard and actually unearthed two boxes of silver, a box of ceramics, a box of ancient books, and even a skeleton. The previous resident of this house was once a royal merchant."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    The Emperor''s interest is piqued.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This ability to dig up treasures shows that Lord Jiang has some luck on his side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And he even dug up a skeleton.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Is there any unsolved case rted to this?" he asks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "It''s unclear. The skeleton is quite old, probably an ident. Lord Jiang carefully cleaned the bones, rearranged them into human form, and gave them a proper burial," Eunuch Duan says.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this point, the other eunuchs and maids suddenly shift from treating it like a joke to feeling a strange sense of emotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Earlier, when it was mentioned that he adopted the brain-impaired orphan of a fellow rebel, people didn''t dare to praise him much, only thinking he was quite loyal. After all, Zi Lu''s identity was sensitive, and The Emperor despised him, having cursed him several times in the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Here, when it''s said that he dug up a skeleton and carefully arranged the bones back into human form before reburying it, it inexplicably makes people feel that this man is a good person. To treat an unknown deceased person with such respect, he must be a true gentleman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Moreover, Lord Jiang had just arrived in the capital and surely didn''t know that The Emperor had people nted in various households. This behavior shows ites from his heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This was arranged by The Emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He may seem muddle-headed, but he actually has eyes and ears in every household.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Therefore, the pce servants also wield great power, as they control such a group of people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although some are just maids doing menial tasks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "What about the third day? Did he go to give gifts to Minister Lu? It''s be an unspoken rule for officials these years. Minister Lu''s storehouse is probably even richer than my Imperial Household Department," The Emperor casually remarks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuch Liu, standing to the side, lowers his head with slightly furrowed brows.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Minister Lu must have done something recently to displease The Emperor, as this casual remark doesn''t seem unintentional.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuch Liu has received many treasures from Minister Lu in the past and feels a bit uneasy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He has often spoken up for Minister Lu in the past.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Not at all. Although Lord Jiang has the Meng Family as inws, Official Meng, as Your Majesty knows, when he heard that Lord Jiang got the position of Imperial Secretary, his first words were actually gloating, saying that Lord Jiang won''t be able to ck off now, as he has to see you every day."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Hahaha," The Emperorughs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It''s really hard not to trust Old General Meng when he has such a blunt son.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If he had any ulterior motives, he wouldn''t dare to let his son stay in the capital like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Lord Jiang probably doesn''t understand the rules of the capital, and no one has enlightened him. Official Meng probably wouldn''t remember this either. Anyway, on the third day, Lord Jiang stayed home to nt vegetables with his daughter. He took his wife and daughter, personally dug the ground, nted vegetables, watered them, and busied himself all day. He ended up covered in mud. The servants at home wanted to say something but didn''t dare. nting vegetables in winter, they probably won''t survive."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4

    The Emperor imagines Lord Jiang''s handsome face covered in mud and can''t help butugh again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this moment, Eunuch Yan hands him a cup of tea, which he takes and drinks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It''s neither hot nor cold, just right for drinking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "My sister grew up in a vige, cherishing food. She probably saw such arge piece ofnd and felt it would be a waste not to nt some crops," Eunuch Yan says casually in his pleasant voice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "So what about Lord Jiang today?" The Emperor asks, his interest piqued.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "He must be at the government office copying rules and regtions. He didn''t give gifts to Minister Lu and doesn''t understand the rules, so he probably needs to copy the regtions for several days before he can enter the pce to see Your Majesty," Eunuch Duan adds from the side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor''s lips curl slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He puts down his teacup.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He''s somewhat displeased.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even the person he wants to see has to go through Minister Lu''s interference. Old Lu''s reach is getting longer and longer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3

    Eunuch Liu quickly says from the side, "It''s almost lunchtime. Why don''t we summon Lord Jiang and ask him about the skeleton matter, to see if there''s any injustice involved?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor nods.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuch Liu lowers his head, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He''s lost this round.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 268

    Today.<span>0

    Mianmian made a schedule for herself.<span>0

    She decided to start working hard from today.<span>0

    First period, physical education.<span>0

    Usually PE isn''t scheduled first thing.<span>0

    It is in kindergarten.<span>0

    After first grade, PE is usually third or fourth period.<span>0

    Or in the afternoon.<span>0

    Used by other teachers to upy time.<span>0

    But when you make your own schedule, you naturally decide what sses to take.<span>0

    Early in the morning, Mianmian dragged Brother Chong to runps in the courtyard.<span>0

    With three courtyards connected, running onep was quite tiring.<span>0

    Zi Congheng: ...<span>0

    He felt that since moving into the Jiang family home, he had used up all his social and physical energy from the past dozen years.<span>0

    How could someone be so lively, so energetic, with so many ideas, constantly emerging.<span>0

    Today he forgot about his headache again.<span>0

    He was running with her in the courtyard.<span>0

    She said the wind would run backwards, and the scenery would retreat.<span>0

    "Brother, when you run, breathe in, breathe out, expel all the stagnant air from your lungs, breathe in fresh air, this way you''ll have a healthy body."<span>0

    Her face was flushed from running.<span>0

    Her forehead hair was disheveled.<span>0

    She was dressed oddly, like clothes for digging in the ground, with legs and sleeves tied up. If one had to describe it, she looked like a frog spirit wearing clothes while lying down.<span>3

    But she was much prettier than a frog.<span>0

    Zi Congheng ran with her, running slowly, not fast.<span>0

    But the trees on both sides retreated, theke retreated, the grass retreated.<span>0

    ...<span>0

    There seemed to be a page in the "Pce Rules" that didn''t quite fit.<span>0

    Jiang Changtian flipped back through it again.<span>0

    Back, back, back.<span>0

    He found it.<span>0

    Jiang Changtian opened it, read through it carefully again.<span>0

    Made notes.<span>0

    Closed it again.<span>0

    Moved on to the next book.<span>0

    To be honest, he was very grateful for Minister Lu''s arrangement.<span>0

    He was also worried about being rash in the capital.<span>0

    Not understanding anything.<span>0

    Being able to read through the rules once was excellent.<span>0

    As long as you remember every rule, then use the rules wisely, and act within the scope of the rules, it''s ideal.<span>0

    Right or wrong, it''s clear at a nce.<span>0

    The first thing every official should do is thoroughly read various rules andws.<span>0

    Just like in Ming County, they had constantly studied the "Penal Code" gifted by little He, until they could recite it backwards.<span>3

    After that, whatever they did, they had a basis.<span>0

    Even before killing someone, they would find proper evidence.<span>0

    Having just cause.<span>0

    This is the importance of studying.<span>0

    Even if they were rebels, they still operated ording to thew.<span>0

    Now there were few ways to obtain books.<span>0

    So many pce rules, official rules, daily rules, all books that couldn''t be found elsewhere.<span>0

    And now they were all given to him at once.<span>0

    Minister Lu was really looking after him as a neer.<span>0

    Jiang Changtian first read through everything once.<span>0

    Then he nned to read carefully again.<span>0

    He memorized while reading through.<span>0

    Then he found ces that seemed somewhat inappropriate and made notes.<span>0

    When reading carefully, he thought about whether there were loopholes, no, ways to improve.<span>0

    Of course, he only kept the "ways to improve" in his mind, not writing them down.<span>0

    All in all, Jiang Changtian was a meticulous person.<span>0

    He especially liked rules, regtions andws.<span>0

    Study thoroughly.<span>0

    Must study thoroughly.<span>0

    While he was immersed in the heaven ofws and regtions.<span>0

    He was interrupted.<span>0

    Official Chi, who had brought him manyws and regtions in the morning, said with a serious expression: "Lord Jiang, the Emperor summons you. As subjects, I''m sure you understand what can and cannot be said."<span>0

    Jiang Changtian nodded solemnly.<span>0

    Understood, after reading the rules all morning, he certainly wouldn''t casually say anything treasonous.<span>0

    But you''re a rank below me, ording to Official Rule 29, Example 3, you should address me respectfully, bow, then speak of official business.<span>0

    But seeing the eunuch not far away, never mind.<span>0

    I''ll teach you how to conduct yourself next time.<span>0

    Today we''re busy.<span>0

    After seeing off Lord Jiang, Official Chi felt that the Imperial Secretary''s gaze just now was a bit off.<span>0

    He was actually a bit depressed.<span>0

    He had strived for the position of Imperial Secretary for a long time.<span>0

    He had worked diligently for Minister Lu, running errands back and forth. He even rushed to help when Minister Lu''s dog gave birth. Minister Lu had also hinted that he would help him fight for this position.<span>3

    As a result, it was suddenly upied by some ignorant person from the countryside.<span>0

    Of course he didn''t me Minister Lu, he wouldn''t dare.<span>0

    Naturally he could only me this neer.<span>0

    Isn''t it just because he has a handsome face.<span>0

    The handsome-faced Jiang Changtian followed the eunuch into the pce.<span>0

    He didn''t speak to the eunuch, nor did he inquire about anything.<span>0

    Instead, he was silently reciting the pce rules.<span>0

    The eunuch actually wanted to talk.<span>0

    He was sent by Eunuch Liu.<span>0

    He wanted to curry favor.<span>0

    But since the Imperial Secretary didn''t speak, he couldn''t initiate conversation either.<span>0

    All the way to the pce.<span>0

    Imperial Secretary Jiang just walked carefully.<span>0

    He was memorizing the route.<span>0

    Looking at how many gates along the way.<span>0

    How many guards.<span>0

    He was looking for any loopholes.<span>0

    Then walked all the way to the pce, not encountering any pce maids or concubines on the way.<span>0

    The outer court and inner pce were separated.<span>0

    The inner pce was the Emperor''s family quarters, they wouldn''t wander out here.<span>0

    Imperial Secretary Jiang in his dark blue official robes walked slowly.<span>0

    The pce road was spacious.<span>0

    Passing through one yellow gate after another.<span>0

    Coming before the current Emperor.<span>0

    Inside seemed quite lively.<span>0

    Laughter could be heard.<span>0

    Unlike the tense and serious government offices.<span>0

    The pce was full ofughter, flowers, insects, fish and birds, with beautiful scenery.<span>0

    Jiang Changtian stood outside for a while.<span>0

    Then he was allowed to enter.<span>0

    After entering.<span>0

    He knelt and bowed.<span>0

    The Emperor said to rise, then he stood up.<span>0

    Actually, kneeling wasn''t required in the earliest times.<span>0

    But the officials became toopetitive.<span>0

    One batch of officials couldn''tpete anymore, so they startedpeting in bodily etiquette.<span>0

    Kneeling and bowing, frequent kneeling and bowing, increases submissiveness.<span>4

    When someone is someone you have to kneel and bow to, you won''t think of resisting, only of how to kneel and bow better.<span>0

    Not having seen Jiang the Second for several days, he still had that clear and kind face.<span>0

    The Emperor granted him a seat.<span>0

    Watching him sit upright, back straight, long hair over his shoulders, pleasing to the eye, indeed.<span>0

    His move to make him Imperial Secretary was excellent, disrupting Minister Lu and the others'' ns, while also pleasing himself.<span>0

    Without saying anything, just looking at him feltfortable.<span>0

    "What did Imperial Secretary Jiang do this morning?"<span>0

    Facing the Emperor, Jiang Changtian''s gaze was clear as he earnestly replied: "This morning I was studying various rules, regtions, andws."<span>0

    "How did your studies go?" the Emperor asked casually.<span>0

    "It was extremely beneficial. This subject believes everyone should thoroughly study these rules, regtions andws. Without rules, there is no standard. For example, in interactions between officials, subordinates should be respectful to superiors, but not excessively fawning. Gifts between colleagues should not be overlyvish. When meeting the Emperor, one should be neatly dressed, neither servile nor arrogant. Guards on duty should be fully focused and not chat privately... and so on. If everyone could strictly abide by these, fulfill their duties, it would certainly reduce many unnecessary expenses and social obligations, improving work efficiency."<span>0

    In Jingzhou, Jiang Changtian had ced great emphasis on efficiency.<span>0

    Everyone wouldplete work ahead of schedule and over quota, still having at least eight days off each month.<span>0

    While working in the office, there would be no extra expenses, and even lunch and snack benefits.<span>0

    With more days off, people would go out and spend money. With more spending, money would circte, and Jingzhou became very prosperous.<span>0

    The Emperor nodded unconsciously as he listened.<span>0

    He had originally thought this Jiang the Second would quietly badmouth Minister Lu to curry favor.<span>0

    After all, that was the advantage of being Imperial Secretary.<span>0

    A close minister to the Emperor, able to speak directly with him.<span>0

    Although he was slightly dissatisfied with old Lu, overall he was still pleased with him, otherwise he wouldn''t have let him be Prime Minister for so many years.<span>0

    If you, as a neer, started badmouthing Minister Lu right away, it would show your character.<span>0

    Although the Emperor loved pleasure, he was notpletely muddle-headed.<span>0

    But the expected badmouthing didn''te.<span>0

    This Jiang the Second was actually earnestly studying rules, regtions andws, and even thought everyone should study them.<span>0

    How honest.<span>0

    Good, good, good.<span>0

    This suggestion wasn''t bad.<span>0

    "Then you shall organize everyone to study thews and regtions," the Emperor said.<span>0

    Jiang Changtian was very pleased.<span>0

    He stood up excitedly to express thanks.<span>0

    "Your subject epts the decree!"<span>0

    He would make everyone in the court memorize all thews, regtions and rules, with random checks at any time!!!<span>3

 Chapter 269

    At noon, the sun came out.

    The climate in the Capital City was warm, suitable for growing bamboo.

    There was an extremely beautiful bamboo grove in the imperial pce.

    When the wind blew, the bamboo branches swayed.

    At midday, The Emperor dined in a crystal pavilion in the middle of the bamboo grove.

    A long table was set out.

    The food was mostly meat dishes.

    The Emperor was not a vegetarian enthusiast.

    Vice Minister Jiang, being pleasing to the eye and pleasant to listen to, was granted the special honor of dining with The Emperor.

    Otherwise, he would typically eat a work meal alone.

    The Emperor always felt that Jiang Er was very amiable.

    He thought it was because of his father, Grand Preceptor Jiang.

    Grand Preceptor Jiang was also a modest gentleman, but unfortunately he was too clever and too blunt. The ruler and minister could have be a beautiful story, but in the end, he preferred exile to admitting his mistake.

    It had been a long time since he had recalled this person.

    He thought the memory had faded.

    But unexpectedly, when he recalled it, the impression was very vivid.

    The Emperor didn''t like to reminisce about the past.

    Especially about deceased people, as it made him feel lonely and old.

    Some people lived in his memory, forever young.

    In recent years, there were fewer and fewer old friends from the past.

    Looking at the person before him, in the prime of his life, Jiang Bai must have been about this age back then.

    "You have an older brother, don''t you? I remember."

    The Emperor recalled that Jiang Bai should have had three children, the second one was a girl. Hui Yun liked that girl, who often yed in the pce, andter married Old Seventh.

    Dining with The Emperor was actually much more tiring than eating alone.

    It was like dining with a superior. Most people barely ate a few bites, having to answer questions in between.

    They had to think.

    It wasn''t convenient to eat foods with bones, especially chicken feet. Otherwise, when the leader asked you a question, you''d open your mouth to spit out bones, one, two, three, four pieces, never-ending...

    The leader might even be holding his chopsticks waiting for you to finish spitting out bones, which was also very awkward.

    Fortunately, Jiang Changtian didn''t like meat dishes, so he just picked at the vegetables in front of him, taking small bites.

    He couldn''t eat too fast either. If he ate too quickly and put down his chopsticks, it would make the other diners ufortable.

    Jiang Changtian spoke slowly and methodically: "My elder brother is a devout believer in Buddhism, he has converted to Buddhism."

    "Oh?"

    The Emperor was surprised by this answer, not expecting that a man would be so determined.

    Many people believe in Buddhism, either by inviting Buddha into their homes to worship, but it was rtively rare for men to actually be monks.

    "When I came to the capital, I went to see my elder brother. He was in the process of having his head shaved. He has wholeheartedly converted to Buddhism. He said that from now on, there is no Jiang Huaisheng in this world. He even wrote a divorce letter for my sister-inw and asked me to bring it to the capital."

    The Emperor suddenly remembered that his nephew had made a muddle of things by marrying someone else''s sister-inw.

    He silently changed the subject.

    "You and Wenxin are old acquaintances, aren''t you?"

    To be honest, looking at the two people before him, each had their own charm.

    Wenxin was neat and handsome. Although he was a eunuch, he had a schrly air about him, sitting there like an unfurling green leaf.

    Jiang Changtian was stunningly beautiful. Although he was an official, he had no schrly air, sitting there like a blooming flower.

    The twoplemented each other well.

    "Yes. We were so poor back then, we couldn''t even eat our fill. Third often came to my house to mooch meals. The vigers called me Old Second Jiang and him Old Third Yan. Third liked to sing, and the vigers always mocked him. In the vige, singing was the most useless skill, not even as good as being able to carry a bucket of manure. Of course, the vigers also mocked me because I couldn''t carry heavy loads either."

    Speaking of this, Jiang Er''s eyes naturally moistened.

    "My wife Luoxia was strong, she did all the heavy work at home. I only earned a meager amount of money, not even enough for food. We actually relied on her to support us. Now things are better. I''vee to the capital and have an official position. Our days will get better and better, and Xia-mei will be able to enjoy a good life."

    The Emperor held his chopsticks, trying to pick up the meat in front of him, but after several attempts, he couldn''t grasp it.

    His hand was shaking.

    It usually shook, but more so when he was emotional.

    Hearing the man before him speak of his wife, who must be the sister Wenxin had mentioned, she was indeed a good woman.

    The end of hardship and a happy reunion was a story that all humans loved.

    The Emperor was no exception.

    He felt that he too was a passionate person.

    Unfortunately, his first wife had died early.

    Men can be particrly fickle in certain aspects.

    For example, he deeply loved the Empress, but after her death, he never appointed another Empress.

    For example, he deeply loved the Crown Prince, but after the Crown Prince''s confinement and death, he never appointed another Crown Prince.

    Perhaps he felt that reserving the most important ce in his heart for them was proof of his love.

    So don''t be loved by a scumbag.

    He thinks that reserving a ce for you in his heart is loving you.

    Regardless of your actual life or death.

    Upon hearing about this ordinary family''s perfect life, The Emperor rarely became emotional.

    He even started singing while keeping the beat: "In life and death, in joy and sorrow, I made a promise with you..."

    Eunuch Yan casually picked up his chopsticks and tapped on the bowls and tes: "Hold your hand, grow old with you..."

    The eunuchs and pce maids apuded.

    Jiang Changtian listened very attentively.

    This poem about life and death promises on the battlefield was used by The Emperor to praise marital love, very well indeed.

    After spending the afternoon in the pce,

    He left for home just before the pce gates were locked.

    At the moment of leaving the pce, he looked back.

    The massive pce gates were bathed in yellow sunlight, glowing golden.

    The title of Imperial Secretary probably came from this.

    Home.

    Hug wife.

    The next day.

    The newly appointed Vice Minister Jiang went to see Minister Lu early in the morning.

    Because he had seen The Emperor yesterday.

    Apart from the eunuchs, not even Minister Lu had the honor of spending an entire day by The Emperor''s side.

    Minister Lu had thought that Jiang Er woulde to report to him after leaving the pce.

    He waited for a long time at the office, until it was dark, when someone told him that Jiang Er had already gone home.

    Minister Lu: ...

    Early in the morning.

    Vice Minister Jiang came to see him.

    Normally, he would definitely make this ignorant dog wait for a while.

    But when it came to matters concerning The Emperor, nothing was trivial.

    Minister Lu still let him in.

    When Jiang Changtian arrived before Minister Lu, he saw the plump,ndlord-like Prime Minister. Perhaps from frowning too much at people, there was a deep furrow between his eyebrows.

    He didn''t actually look like a kind person.

    Especially in this big room.

    He looked like a fierce judge of the underworld.

    With a wave of his hand, he could decide life and death.

    Jiang Changtian reminded himself not to frown casually. It''s not a big deal, things outside are all small matters. If he frowned every day, wrinkles would form between his eyebrows, which would be very ugly. Xia-mei would dislike it.

    Minister Lu opened his mouth and asked, "Vice Minister Jiang, did The Emperor give any instructions?"

    Jiang Changtian respectfully said, "The Emperor instructed this official to thoroughly study the rules, regtions, andws."

    The corners of Minister Lu''s mouth turned up slightly.

    He knew it. After so many years with The Emperor and the court officials, they had this much tacit understanding.

    The Emperor wouldn''t disregard his face.

    After all, he worked very hard and understood The Emperor''s thoughts well.

    People outside cursed him as a treacherous official, but in reality, he bore more than half of the me for The Emperor.

    "So how is your study going?"

    "This official has finished reading. The Emperor thinks Minister Lu''s method of having people studyws, regtions, and rules is very good. He praised it and instructed this official to organize all officials to study thews, regtions, and rules together, preferably memorizing them in full. After leaving the office yesterday, this official dared not sleep, diligently worked through the night, andpiled all thews, regtions, and rules. Starting from today, we can have everyone begin memorizing, a total of eighteen chapters."

    Jiang Changtian held out a thick stack of books to Minister Lu.

    Minister Lu''s face turned green.

    Looking at the lunatic in front of him.

    He wanted to curse out loud.

    But he heard him say seriously, "Everyone in the court must memorize all thews, regtions, and rules. The Emperor will conduct random checks at any time!"

    ...

 Chapter 270

    Early morning.

    Minister Lu was thoroughly disgusted.

    He thought the Emperor would at most make a casual remark about studying well.

    He never imagined someone would expand a single sentence into something like this.

    Moreover, he couldn''t go to the Emperor to confront him about it.

    The matter was too trivial.

    If he went to the Emperor for such a small thing, next time when there was a big issue, he wouldn''t be able to see the Emperor.

    Minister Lu generally didn''t seek private audiences with the Emperor lightly.

    Whenever he did, it was always for something important, a matter that genuinely concerned the Emperor.

    If he went to the Emperor about learning rules and regtions, such a minor issue, it would make him look ipetent.

    But having officials study rules and regtions was just a tactic to give new people a hard time in private.

    Everyone did it this way.

    When neers arrived, they weren''t taught anything, just left to cool their heels, assigned these things to study, and by the time they figured out what to do, their training period would naturally be over.

    But someone had actually taken it seriously, studied earnestly, summarized it, and now wanted everyone to study together.

    Should he study too?

    He was the dignified Prime Minister, did he still need to memorize rules and regtions?

    Laughable.

    Seeing the man before him, with his handsome face beaming, was he actually waiting for praise?

    Minister Lu had endless big and small matters to attend to every day, simply too much to handle, not even enough time to sleep, where would he find time to memorize this?

    He had never been given such a hard time even when he first entered officialdom.

    After all, everyone hade through nine years of imperial examinations.

    Who couldn''t study?

    You, with your background as a former rebel, want everyone to studyws and rules together?

    "Thanks to Minister Lu''s rmendation, this humble official will certainly work diligently to do a good job, and definitely satisfy both Minister Lu and the Emperor."

    Jiang Changtian made his earnest statement before taking his leave.

    Hmm. He did understand official etiquette.

    Returning to the room where he had studied regtions yesterday.

    He had naturally not done any work after returning home from the pce yesterday.

    With the meager sry the court provided, it was absolutely impossible to expect him to take work home.

    But creating something from nothing was an essential skill in officialdom.

    Proiming one''s hard work and diligence was a fundamental skill in officialdom, far more important than actually being hardworking and diligent.

    He knew that the pile of books he had sent up, Minister Lu would definitely not read.

    He didn''t mind, it was just a matter of passing them on.

    Arriving at his temporary work area.

    This ce was originally meant for Minister Lu to give new people a hard time.

    Now it had be the temporary office of the neer Jiang Er.

    With nothing to do, Jiang Changtian found his first task.

    Organizing all officials to study rules,ws, and regtions.

    These three had distinctions.

    Rules were the general principles,ws were the outline, and regtions were the specific provisions.

    Organizing everyone to study this kind of thing was neither big nor small.

    It depended on how you wanted to do it.

    If it was just for show, you could simply send someone to tell each department:

    "Minister Lu requires all officials to learn the rules,ws, and regtions of the court, everyone must set an example."

    Each department would perfunctorily organize some study, cursing Minister Lu for meddling along the way, and that would be it.

    But if you really wanted to implement it, that was different.

    To truly implement something, there must be a system of rewards and punishments for it to be carried out.

    Jiang Changtian might not have other merits.

    But his ability to execute was superb.

    Except for being unable to teach his own daughter to memorize books at home, he could teach anyone else.

    Because he couldn''t bear to punish his own daughter, but he had no qualms about others.

    It was like taking the imperial examinations, why did so many people strive to study hard?

    Because if you studied hard for the imperial exams and passed, you would bring glory to your ancestors, and your whole family would rise in social status.

    Everyone who could would study hard, without needing supervision.

    To make people do something voluntarily, there are only two reasons.

    Doing it brings rewards, not doing it brings punishment.

    His daughter didn''t study well because even if she studied hard, the rewards weren''t attractive enough, as she would get those rewards anyway even if she didn''t study. And if she didn''t study well, there was no punishment, as they simply couldn''t bring themselves to punish her.

    He couldn''t bring himself to be harsh with his own daughter, but he had no problem with others.

    In the temporary office, Jiang Changtian quickly drew up a n to organize the study ofws and regtions.

    First, the Prime Minister would take the lead in studying, followed by the heads of various departments, the ministers, leading by example.

    Organize collective study sessions, with the Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Rites... alling together to study thews.

    The study organization could have variety, such as setting up special topic discussions, like "Why can''t we beat up officials?" and so on...

    Comparative study of rtedws, for example,paring the punishments for not being allowed to beat superiors versus not being allowed to insult superiors, their respective punishments,paring the severity...

    Discussing and studying inbination with practical work, such as whether officials should give gifts, what''s the maximum amount of gifts they can receive...

    Jiang Changtian carefully wrote down all the work content he was going to carry out next.

    And with this content, he eagerly went back to the pce to report his work to the highest leader, the Emperor.

    As the Imperial Secretary, he had this authority.

    The Emperor was generally impatient with listening to work reports and court affairs, after decades, he was tired of it all.

    As long as it didn''t shake the foundations, he let the Prime Minister handle everything.

    But this Jiang Er was too earnest.

    Looking at the detailed study n he presented,

    The Emperor was at a loss for words.

    The handwriting was quite good.

    He felt that those old hands among his ministers would surely curse loudly when they saw this study n.

    However, the rules,ws, and regtions Jiang Er hadpiled emphasized imperial power, establishing the authority of imperial power rather than the authority of the Prime Minister.

    The Emperor also felt that although it would trouble everyone, studying a bit was good.

    It would prevent those officials from being bored and fighting amongst themselves all day.

    They should indeed put their minds to studying the court''sws and regtions.

    Seeing that all he needed to do was asionally conduct random checks, with no other matters, it seemed fine.

    "Approved."

    Jiang Changtian handled affairs strictly ording to rules and regtions. The Emperor had approved, so he took it to get Minister Lu''s approval.

    If the Emperor had approved, how could Minister Lu oppose?

    If Minister Lu had approved, how could the finance department object?

    In short, Jiang Changtian first set up an office, got a budget approved, organized thews, rules, and regtions, and then began to issue study notices to various departments.

    When the Minister of Revenue received this notice, his face turned green.

    He felt this was Minister Lu giving him a hard time again in a roundabout way, surely because he hadn''t been quick enough to provide money when Minister Lu wanted to build a residence for the Emperor earlier, and now Minister Lu was taking the opportunity to show him who''s boss.

    He, the dignified Minister of Revenue, at his advanced age, having been an official for decades, now had to start studying official regtions, even memorize the full text, and the Emperor would conduct random checks?

    "Lu, you old viin, I''ll never forgive you!"

    The Minister of War was even more angry when he saw this document.

    He really couldn''t memorize it all!

    At his age.

    If he could memorize it, he would have gone to war himself.

    Well, he''d better send a copy of these regtions to Old General Meng at the border first, spread the joy around.

    And also summon Meng Qingshe.

    When Meng Qingshe saw this pile ofws, rules, and regtions that had to be fully memorized and would be randomly checked, he also cursed Minister Lu vehemently.

    "Old Lu is inhuman, taking advantage of my father not being around to torment our War Ministry."

    "What? Other departments have to study too? Well then, surely there will be others like me who can''t memorize it all."

    When Inspector He received so manyws, rules, and regtions, his expression was very pleasant and cheerful.

    He immediately thought, this must have been issued by Jiang Er.

    He had memorized all of these before.

    Thinking back to when he was a young neer, the first thing his mentor had him do when he arrived at the office was to memorize these, memorize the full text, knowing the rules was the key to utilizing the rules, to knowing where opponents had vited regtions, to better catch their weaknesses and report them.

    Jiang Er had good intentions.

    Nowadays, with declining social mores, this excellent tradition had been lost for a long time.

    It was time to pick it up again!

    When the Minister of Rites saw this study notice, he angrily cursed Minister Lu.

    "Showing off his power, taking a chicken feather for an imperial edict, endlessly tormenting people, and even pushing out a neer to do this, taking the benefits for himself while letting the neer take the me if anything goes wrong, that cunning old fox Lu, he''s overreaching, even if we needed to organize study sessions, it should be our Ministry of Rites doing it!"

    On this day, as Minister Lu was working in his office, he felt a bit of pressure in his ears and an inexplicable headache, not knowing why, perhaps the weather was about to turn cold.

    Feeling a bit chilly, his back ached.

    He stood up and opened the door, standing in the doorway to stretch his back a bit.

    This side of the door faced a garden with an excellent view.

    It was already dark.

    He could see the imperial pce not far away, its towering and magnificent roofs like a painting of power.

    There was a day''s work that could never be finished, simply impossible toplete.

    Although his authority was great, there were too many big and small matters in the court.

    He only slept for three hours a day. Sometimes even these three hours couldn''t be guaranteed.

    There would also be various emergencies requiring him to get up.

    Standing there, he rested for a moment, breathing in the cold air, feeling a bit more clearheaded.

    At this moment, a servant approached and kindly reminded, "Sir, you asked me to remind you about reading the official rules, regtions, and detailed bws. You''re already two hourste. If you start reading now, I''m afraid it will take until the early hours of the morning to finish."

    Minister Lu: ...

    ...

 Chapter 271

    Night fell.

    Jiang Wan had genuinely caught a cold these past few days and was pitifully ill.

    When ordinary people fall ill, theirplexion worsens or their faces be swollen, looking quite unattractive.

    However, when Jiang Wan fell ill, apart from her own difort, her appearance became even more delicate and pitiful, more fragile and beautiful.

    Jiang Wan, known as Immortal Liu, attended various banquets and attracted many suitors.

    Because of her illness, many young gentlemen came to visit her.

    Jiang Wan didn''t refuse them, because she knew that Chu Xi needed various pieces of information, and these sons of noble families would know many details that others didn''t.

    Although Liu Tong had be her sworn brother, he still felt that Minister Lu''s son wasn''t a good match.

    Normally, Jiang Wan wouldn''t allow such jealous fights to break out, but she was truly ill, her mind foggy, and she didn''t manage to stop it in time.

    Unexpectedly, because of this catalyst, Chu Xi actually confessed his feelings to her.

    The ill Jiang Wan was stunningly beautiful, without her usual strength, fragile and pitiful.

    Her illness made Chu Xi, who had been wavering before, face his true feelings for her.

    Chu Xi felt that as a real man, it was normal to admire and like a woman, and there was no need to hide it.

    If he couldn''t even express his liking for a woman, that would be too cowardly.

    With others fighting over her, coupled with her illness, it became a catalyst for their rtionship.

    They finally took a clear step forward.

    Jiang Wan felt that heaven still favored her, always turning misfortune into blessing.

    In her previous life, she became Chu Xi''s concubine and entered the Crown Prince''s Mansion, but never received a word of affection from him.

    Instead, because of her aunt, the two were like an unhappy couple, though they liked each other, they were always separated byyers of misunderstandings, suspicions, and obstacles.

    Today, Chu Xi had confessed to her.

    Jiang Wan felt her illness improving, her whole being bing much lighter.

    As night fell, Old Lady Jiang had also been a bit anxious these past few days.

    Now she lived with her only granddaughter.

    For better or worse, she depended on her granddaughter.

    Although she was puzzled about how Wan''er suddenly became able to perform tricks and know so much,

    She wasn''t blind despite her old age, and thought this might be the Seventh Prince''s n.

    Wan''er was just a pawn.

    Today, Wan''er seemed very happy, saying her cousin had confessed and made promises to her.

    Old Lady Jiang thought Chu Xi wasn''t bad. If they could add kinship to their rtionship, it would naturally be good.

    Looking at her grandmother, Jiang Wan said with some bitterness: "But now I have no father or mother, only you, grandmother. Even if Cousin Chu Xi likes me, I''m afraid the Seventh Prince won''t agree to our marriage, and I fear my aunt will also object."

    Old Lady Jiang''s heart sank.

    Indeed, if her family''s child were to marry, a girl without parents would definitely be excluded, considered to have too hard a fate, too strange. But this was her own granddaughter, naturally everything about her was good.

    "She wouldn''t dare! Don''t worry, my health is almost recovered. I''ll send out invitations in my name, ask your aunt toe and preside, I''ll host a banquet, let your aunt speak up. Yu Luan has always been obedient, she''ll definitely agree to this marriage."

    Jiang Wan nodded obediently, thinking about how in her previous life, her grandmother had also been on her side, feeling much more at ease.

    As the grandmother and granddaughter were happily dining,

    A servant came to report that there was a visitor, wearing a dark blue robe and an official hat, a fourth-rank official.

    An official with rank naturally couldn''t be refused.

    Jiang Wan and her grandmother went together to receive the guest.

    ...

    Night had fallen.

    Jiang Changtian got off work on time.

    Wei Biao drove the carriage to pick up his master.

    Passing by a pastry shop, they stopped to buy some pastries before heading to the mansion.

    Arriving at the Jiang mansion, it was very quiet on both sides.

    Because both sides had been bought by Gong Qichi, only the neighbor''s neighbor''s neighbor was the Seventh Prince''s property, which couldn''t be bought, and now housed Immortal Liu.

    Jiang Changtian would pass by Immortal Liu''s gate on his way home.

    There was a slight stench.

    Fortunately, it wasn''t sticking together.

    But it was really quite a coincidence.

    Thinking that Old Lady Jiang also lived inside.

    Having been in the capital for so long, he should pay a visit. Old Lady Jiang would surely be very happy to see him. After thousands of miles, meeting again in the capital, life couldn''t be more satisfying than this. Thousands of miles of longing, finally able to reunite!!

    Old Lady Jiang would definitely be happy.

    Neighborly rtions should be handled well.

    Jiang Changtian felt that as a junior, he should take the initiative to go and greet them.

    Jiang "strong execution + no useless socializing" Changtian told Wei Biao to knock on the door.

    Then, under the servants'' reception, they entered the mansion.

    Theyout inside was even better than his residence.

    The pavilions and terraces were more exquisite and elegant, looking like a lot of money had been spent on theyout.

    Upon entering, there was a stream and a rockery. The rocks in the rockery were clearly brought from Lake Tai, very valuable.

    The overall courtyard was also very pleasant.

    Very suitable for young men and women to stroll.

    At night, thenterns along the path were lit one by one, winding and interesting.

    Everywhere was beautiful, with a sense of ethereal immortality.

    It had something special.

    When Jiang Changtian appeared before Jiang Wan and Old Lady Jiang,

    The smiles on both their faces froze.

    Jiang Wan had just fainted and developed a high fever because she knew Jiang Changtian hade to the capital. She had barely recovered, and now she saw him again, and he had directly entered their home.

    Old Lady Jiang, seeing such a face, also swayed, about to fall.

    Looking at him this way, he didn''t resemble Princess Huiyun, he should look more like that scoundrel.

    Jiang Changtian looked at Jiang Wan, she seemed to be doing quite well. Although her face was a bit paler and her steps a bit unsteady, looking at her clothes, they were even more luxurious. Even in her sickly state, the essories on her body were very valuable.

    The bracelet on her hand was top-grade warm jade, white with a soft glow.

    "I''vee to visit Old Lady Jiang," Jiang Changtian said.

    He presented a bag of pastries.

    Just bought on the street.

    Jiang Changtian looked at Old Lady Jiang''s appearance, not at all the rich and elegant look from before.

    Full of depression, though dressed luxuriously, she looked dispirited.

    As if just wearing a skin.

    Old Lady Jiang didn''t want to be visited.

    At this moment, looking at her spirited young son, it was like seeing a ghost, a lingering spirit.

    He was born bad, evil.

    "There''s no need for you to visit. It''s best if we don''t interfere with each other," Old Lady Jiang was afraid he would go crazy, learning from past lessons, she didn''t dare to speak harshly.

    Before, she would curse loudly every time she saw him, now she restrained herself.

    Jiang Changtian sighed:

    "Mother, I never expected that after not seeing you for so long, you would have aged so much. It seems you haven''t been living well. I''m really worried that in this state, you might have more misfortunes waiting for you. This isn''t your most bitter time yet, in the future you''ll be more and more miserable, more and more difficult."

    Old Lady Jiang: ... You! You! You!

    She had just recovered from her illness and was preparing to host a banquet for Wan''er, to properly introduce her granddaughter, and to invite Yu Luan to preside.

    As a result of this shock, Old Lady Jiang''s mouth twisted to one side, and she had a stroke right there.

    This startled Jiang Changtian, who stepped back several paces.

    He had Wei Biao take the pastries away as well, afraid of being used.

    Watching Jiang Wan frantically dealing with Old Lady Jiang, Jiang Changtian silently left with Wei Biao, not wanting to add to the chaos.

    On the way back, no one saw them off.

    Jiang Changtian had Wei Biao remove the rope from the middle of the small bridge they passed.

    Don''t neglect evil just because it''s small.

    In case Jiang Wan came over and fell, although she wouldn''t die from the fall, small actions add up.

    He had already figured out the rules of this world. If Jiang Wan was the child of heaven''s will, he was only fit to be the viin blocking the way. His actions must match his role, otherwise he would face heaven''s punishment.

    In the previous life, his family was too well-behaved and rule-abiding, resulting in early deaths.

    To do evil, one must umte small actions to live on.

    Who isn''t forced by circumstances?

    Jiang "diligent viin" Changtian instructed Wei Biao: "The beam on that corridor can also be loosened a bit."

    ...

 Chapter 272

    The night was pitch ck.

    Jiang Changtian had just returned home.

    Home was still the best.

    Stepping through the door gave a sense of stability.

    It felt very reassuring.

    There were no long corridors or pavilions, no need to worry about beams falling or stepping into a river.

    When he arrived home, Xia Mei was teaching the two children how to build strength and health.

    Since Qin Luoxia had promised Brother Zi Lu she would take care of his children, she was determined to do so.

    People respect ghosts and gods, and keep their word, otherwise they would feel guilty.

    She felt Little Chong was undoubtedly clever, but physically weak.

    His light, airy walk didn''t resemble the children of the Jiang family.

    Jiang family children were all very sturdy.

    Mianmian was skinny as a cicada when young, dark and thin with sparse hair, but now she had grown robust.

    Though slim, she was strong as a small club.

    Little Chong wasn''t like that at all.

    Thin and pale, he walked so lightly it seemed a breeze could blow him away.

    Anyway, having just arrived in the Capital City, apart from the inws, they didn''t know anyone else, so there was no need for social activities yet. It was good to stay at home and look after the children.

    In fact, Qin Luoxia was also a bit ufortable with the Capital City.

    She liked ces with mountains.

    But the surroundings here were too t.

    The tness made her feel insecure.

    Fortunately, Brother Ji had bought and connected all the courtyards to the left and right, making the propertyrger, barely enough to hide some things.

    With nothing to do at home during the day, Qin Luoxia took the two children to carefully survey the courtyard.

    It also served to exercise their bodies.

    The most muscr animals in the forest are leopards, which can run fast.

    So running is also a very good exercise.

    Qin Luoxia drilled the two children to run slowly.

    Actually, it was mainly to train Little Chong, but to avoid favoritism, Mianmian ran too.

    Jiang Mianmian didn''t want to run.

    But Mother promised that after running well, she could teach them horseback riding and polo, which was said to be a popr sport in the Capital City.

    It was very trendy.

    Every year the royal family would hold a polo tournament, and the emperor himself would award prizes to the best yers.

    It was a sport loved by all, though of course only those in good circumstances could actually y. Ordinary people didn''t even have horses, so how could they y polo?

    It was like ying ball with racing cars.

    When Father returned, he saw his rosy-cheeked daughter and nephew, and Xia Mei looking spirited too.

    It made him feel at ease.

    Indeed, nowhere was better than home.

    For dinner, noodles were arranged.

    Jiang Changtian hadn''t been particrly attached to noodles before, but aftering to the Capital City, he began to miss their fragrance.

    Noodle soup.

    Made simply, now using well-simmered bone broth, it was very fragrant.

    It was also convenient to eat.

    And easy to digest at night.

    Sinceing to the Jiang family, Zi Congheng''s appetite had increased.

    There was no help for it, his daily exercise was more than before.

    When people start moving, their food intake increases.

    Eating noodles and drinking soup, slurping sounds could be heard, even from the elegant Mr. Jiang.

    But it felt rare and intimate.

    They would also chat while eating.

    The atmosphere was very rxed.

    After dinner, Jiang Changtian habitually drank some tea.

    He would also take the opportunity to chat with the children.

    Previously it was Brother Feng, Sister Yu, and Mianmian.

    Later Sister Yu got married, and now Brother Feng had gone to Jiangzhou. The children had grown up, like birds flying from the nest, but thankfully Mianmian and Cousin Cong were still before his eyes.

    Sometimes Jiang Changtian felt it wasn''t the children who needed him, but he who needed the children.

    When he thought about having children, he would feel very strong and brave, as if he could do anything.

    ...

    It waste, yet there was still a visitor at the door.

    Inw Meng Qingshe hade overte at night.

    He brought arge food box.

    Inside were several roasted squabs.

    "Inw, I just got a batch of plump pigeons passing through. Little Yu''er roasted them, they''re especially fragrant. I brought a few over for you as a midnight snack."

    Meng Qingshe had a somewhat rash personality, but was very sincere, and also very dedicated to martial arts practice, with considerable skill.

    He had a small hobby, not fishing - he couldn''t sit still for that - he liked to catch birds.

    He noticed there were quite a few birds in the skies over the Capital City recently.

    He would catch them to eat when he saw them.

    Today''s harvest was the best, catching over twenty plump pigeons at once, roasted to fragrant perfection.

    Meng Shaoxia brought a bunch of things together, giving them to his mother-inw.

    Although they didn''t live far away,

    Little Yu''er certainly couldn''te every day.

    She would definitely miss them.

    Meng Shaoxia brought many things, to help Little Yu''er miss them less.

    Meanwhile, Meng Qingshe mysteriously brought over the roasted squabs, and then carefully opened the bottompartment of the food box, which actually had a hiddenyer.

    "Have you heard?" Meng Qingshe asked mysteriously.

    Jiang Changtian shook his head. He was new to officialdom, so others wouldn''t share secrets with him; his connections weren''t good enough yet.

    Then Meng Qingshe took out a thick stack of books from the bottomyer of the food box, with somewhat familiar covers...

    "Isn''t your Prime Minister Lu suddenly afflicted with brain disease, making everyone memorize official rules and regtions? I have a set of key notes here, specially marked out by someone. In official circles they''re selling for a thousand taels of silver. You only need to memorize the marked parts to pass."

    Meng Qingshe mysteriously took out the book and handed it to Jiang Changtian.

    "We''re old inws, sharing glory and shame. Let''s memorize it together. I brought you my cheating book, you can mark it too. Next time at morning court, if the emperor happens to pick you, you won''t have to worry."

    Meng Qingshe said with a sincere face.

    Jiang Changtian''s cheek twitched slightly as he reached out to take the book, looking at the circled contents.

    "Inw, how much money did you spend?"

    "I''m certainly not stupid enough to spend a thousand taels of silver. The Ninth Prince spent a thousand taels, and since I go bird hunting with him, he let me copy it for three hundred taels. We can share this copy between us, so it''s only 150 taels each, which is a great deal. Of course, I don''t need you to pay."

    Jiang Changtian silently calcted that his annual sry was 600 shi of grain, which if converted to silver would be about 200 taels.

    His inw had spent 300 taels of silver just to buy answers, and fake answers at that, though it was a friendship price.

    Impressive, truly impressive.

    This inw was a good one to have.

    Looking at his inw who seemed to think he''d struck it rich, Jiang Changtian silently epted the stack of official rules and regtions, and said: "Inw, I''m an Imperial Secretary, I''ve been by the emperor''s side these past two days. I know the exam questions. These past days, apart from me, no one has been before the emperor. I have a copy of the exam questions here, 100% urate, just this many."

    Jiang Changtian turned his palm over.

    "How much?" Meng Qingshe''s breathing grew heavy.

    "Two hundred taels. Inw, mine are definitely the exam questions, 100% urate. Yours might be a scam. You just need to quietly tell people you got them from Secretary Jiang, and someone will definitely buy them. When the timees, you keep 100 taels and give me 100 taels. Wouldn''t it be nice for us to earn some pocket money?"

    Meng Qingshe''s small eyes widened, as if a new world had opened before him.

    He had always been the one scammed; he had never scammed others before.

    "Can we really do that?"

    "Of course, give it a try. Just say you got them from me. If people want to buy, they''ll pay up. If they don''t buy, you don''t lose anything. Just treat it as having a meal with them, right?" Jiang Changtian persuaded patiently.

    Meng Qingshe nodded, feeling his inw''s words made sense.

    He didn''t want to split the money; he actually wanted to give money to his inw, but there was no proper reason or way to do so. His daughter-inw was very rule-abiding too, only bringing food when visiting her parents, never money. He wanted to help his inw but had no way to do so.

    This house was too small to amodate much.

    It was also far away, making it inconvenient to look after each other.

    Meng Qingshe was also a man of action, otherwise he wouldn''t have gotten hold of cheating answers the very day they were announced.

    He urged his inw to circle the exam questions right away.

    Jiang Changtian seriously circled a copy and handed it to Meng Qingshe.

    Meng Qingshe felt he had be smarter just by being around smart people.

    His mind seemed to have been enlightened, and he said: "Inw, I''m leaving now. In matters like this, the early bird catches the worm. By the time fake answers are flying all over the ce, we''ll have lost our advantage. The sooner the better. Wait for my good news."

    Meng Qingshe left the roasted squabs and fake answers, taking the real answers with him as he rushed back home.

    He even left his son behind at his inw''s house.

    Jiang Changtian waved his hand and said kindly to the forgotten Meng Shaoxia: "Come here, let Father teach you how to memorize. Their answers are all fake. Father is in charge of the rules and regtions section. Father has another copy here, which are the real exam questions. You''re the only one who knows."

    Meng Shaoxia: ...

    Mianmian had already left with her brother when Uncle Meng mentioned the need for recitation and exams. It was too intense, far too intense. Even being an official wasn''t easy - even after bing an official, one still had to take exams.

    ...

 Chapter 273

    There is a type of devil.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He creates his own exam papers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He marks his own key points.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He can mark several versions of key points.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With great seriousness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some versions of key points have absolutely nothing to do with his exam papers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some versions of key points are as broad and vast as the ocean.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This devil''s surname is Jiang, given name Changtian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this moment, Jiang "Old Devil" Changtian is teaching his son-inw to memorize books.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Ordinary people obey rules, clever people exploit loopholes in rules, powerful people make rules. Of course, to make rules, you must first understand them. Take these books and study them well, it won''t hurt."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After being instructed for a long time, Meng Shaoxia finally left the Jiang household with books in his arms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His forehead was covered in sweat, even in the dead of winter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When his father-inw gets enthusiastic, no one can withstand it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The next day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian went to the government office on time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Neither early norte.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After checking in, he went straight to the pce to seek an audience.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Minister Lu, who had been upte readingws and regtions until the wee hours, arrived at the office early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Learning that Jiang Changtian had gone to the pce again, he sneered but paid no mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He really thought that as a newly appointed official, he could make a ssh by running to the pce every day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He knew the Emperor''s personality well after decades as his minister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor was most impatient with these trivial court matters. Your diligence meant nothing to him; rather, he found it annoying.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Don''t think that showing your face before the Emperor every day will help you advance and gain favor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Show your face too much, annoy people, and it will backfire.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was waiting for the moment when Jiang the Second would stumble.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Jiang Changtian entered the pce today, he indeed did not see the Emperor early on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was not anxious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because of his good rtions with Eunuch Yan and Eunuch Liu, he had a good office position in the pce, even a private office.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The environment was better than the government offices outside the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Inside, the furniture wasfortable, the window views beautiful, fruits and snacks were always provided, and charcoal was burned, so feet didn''t get cold in winter. Sitting in the room to read or do anything else was veryfortable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian really did sit inside, drinking tea, reading books, taking his time, not in a hurry at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He even had lunch in the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was very sumptuous - for him alone, there were six dishes, two soups, and a choice of main courses, a full table, extremely good treatment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The ingredients were fresh and the taste was good. He didn''t like meat dishes, but the pce vegetables were well-prepared. There was a very sweet melon dish that he wanted to take home for his wife to taste. He was the type to ask if he had an idea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The pce eunuch was very polite and packed a food box for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There are no secrets under heaven.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some of what Vice Minister Jiang said in Jiangzhou had leaked out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "...It''s all you scoundrels who ruin the reputation of the eunuch faction. They work hard in the pce, unable to leave even once a year. What wrong have they done? They are only wholeheartedly serving the Emperor, yet they are smeared by bedbugs like you. You still have the nerve to call yourself an imperial official? Bah!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Listen to how well he spoke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    These eunuchs work hard in the pce, doing their duty, just doing their jobs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They never even leave the pce gates, yet they are smeared by those people, called treasonous eunuch factions. It''s more unjust than Dou E.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So even Eunuch Liu, who was actually Minister Lu''s man, had a good impression of Vice Minister Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, that dog official using the eunuchs'' reputation was tarnishing the name of Eunuch Liu himself. Liu should thank Vice Minister Jiang for eliminating this harm that almost implicated him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was also the fact that Vice Minister Jiang was good-looking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    People tend to be more tolerant of good-looking people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Before entering the pce, Vice Minister Jiang had already won over these eunuchs, gaining their goodwill.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuchs naturally have an antagonistic feeling towards imperial officials, driven by self-interest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But they felt that Vice Minister Jiang was on their side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So today, when Eunuch Yan was not apanying the Emperor, after the Emperor''s midday rest, there were eunuchs who subtly reminded the Emperor that the Imperial Secretary was in the pce, asking if he wanted to summon him - (for some diversion).<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Vice Minister Jiang appeared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor was feeling a bit gloomy today, a mood that needed no reason.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sometimes it came suddenly, like a tide surging up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At such times, he didn''t even want to see Wenxin, just sulking with himself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When he saw Jiang the Second, the Emperorzily reclined on the heated couch.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As if overnight, he had aged a bit more, looking somewhat listless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang said he was skilled at brewing tea, so he would make some.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor didn''t care either way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In his eyes, whether courtiers or eunuchs or pce maids, they were all the same - people who served him. It was only the servants themselves who made distinctions among themselves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian sat upright at the tea table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    First, he lit a stick of incense.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Watching the smoke curl up in wisps.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then he boiled water and steeped the tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The charcoal fire slowly brought the cold water to a boil, also emitting white steam.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some fruits and snacks were ced beside the stove.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The fragrance slowly wafted up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The first infusion of scalding tea was poured out, flowing away along the tea tray.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The second infusion of tea was golden with a reddish tinge, gently rippling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Very clean, in a very small cup.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian poured a cup for the Emperor and one for himself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor saw his movements flow like water, even his upright sitting posture seemed familiar somehow. He had a sense of familiarity in his mind but really couldn''t remember why.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It just felt intimate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Watching someone brew tea, his heart calmed down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    For the moment, all worries were cast aside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He regained his usualposure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The tea Jiang the Second brewed was mild and smooth, easier to drink. It tasted sweeter than before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The fragrance was very full.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Probably because it was brewed by a beauty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor drank the tea, returning to his normal state.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He suddenly spoke up: "I hear you''ve always had a bad rtionship with Old Lady Jiang?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "After my father passed, my mother suddenly changed dramatically in temperament, torturing me in every way. When I was able to take the imperial exams through my studies, she used me of being unfilial and disrespectful, cutting off my path to advancement. I was young then and couldn''t see a way out, so I tried to drown myself in the river, but was saved by my current wife. Later she expelled me from the family. Mother was probably a bit confused, always saying I wasn''t her child. She carried me for ten months - if I''m not her child, then whose am I?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor''s expression was solemn as he recalled his own mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Empress Dowager had passed away many years ago. In the Emperor''s memory, he only remembered her favoritism. He once had a younger brother who was much beloved by the Empress Dowager, butter died in an ident. The Empress Dowager had once said, "Why couldn''t it have been you who died?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That chilled his heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t mind the Empress Dowager''s usual favoritism.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But for her to wish it was him who had died...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sometimes he also doubted whether he was really born of the Empress Dowager.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But that was impossible; the Empress Dowager was merely ying favorites.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor''s fingers tapped the table as he said, "The human heart is unfathomable. No need to dwell on it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I don''t expect Mother to love me, just hope she could be a bit fairer, give me a tiny bit of the love she gives others. But emotions can''t be forced. Mother detests the very sight of me. Fortunately, I still have my wife and children. What I''ve lost by fate, I''ve gained by fortune." Jiang Changtian continued brewing tea, his movements flowing like water. One pot of tea, like a lifetime.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Scalding hot, fragrant, then slowly fading.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At this moment, the Emperor truly saw Jiang the Second, feeling he was very simr to himself, like one of his own people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He understood him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "What matter did youe to report today?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian revealed a somewhat shy smile, then recounted how his inw hade to himst night with a thousand taels of silver to buy the answers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "My annual sry is only just over two hundred taels. I never imagined that simply circling some content could fetch a thousand taels of silver. It shows how wealthy these people in the capital are."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor strongly agreed. Indeed, every time he wanted to build a pavilion or theater, those officials would submit memorials criticizing him, saying it was absolutely uneptable and would shake the foundations of the state. Yet each of them lived extremelyvishly at home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Rather than let them profit from this money, it''s better for me to earn it. I agreed with my inw that we''d sell each copy for two hundred taels of silver, split evenly between us. But my inw is too righteous and ufortable taking the money. So I thought, since they''re giving it away anyway, if we sell it for silverter, I''ll keep fifty taels per copy, my inw can keep fifty taels for hosting dinners, and the remaining hundred taels will go to the Imperial Household Department. This way we kill two birds with one stone - they were going to memorize thews and regtions anyway, paying money to do so will probably make them more serious about it, while also generating ie."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian slowly exined his n, just as he had brewed the tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The eunuch standing to the side listened with his neck craned up, head tilted to the sky.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At first, the Emperor''s expression was somewhat displeased, but as he listened, he wanted tough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This Jiang the Second was really something else.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Indeed, the memorial he had received using him of loving to amass wealth was not wrong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Given responsibility for such a trivial matter, he could stille up with a way to make money from it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although it was someone else who did this first, the thousand taels of silver were clearly meant to trick that fierce green snake, as everyone knows he''s easy to fool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But this Jiang Er is truly trying to fleece everyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He even dares to draw the Emperor into his scheme, promising to split the profits half and half.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Very well, very well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hahaha.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He''s already looking forward to seeing the colorful expressions on the officials'' faces at the next court session.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Outside the pce, in the Prime Minister''s office, someone came toin to the Prime Minister, while others were selling answers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were even supposed internal answers circled by Vice Minister Jiang - one only needed to memorize the parts he circled to pass the test. Each copy sold for two hundred taels of silver.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Minister Lu, who had spent the night reading rules and regtions: ...Why didn''t you say so earlier?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then he couldn''t help butugh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Very well, very well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The money-making scheme has reached the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They really think these officials are pushovers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now they give you two hundred taels, butter you''ll have to pay back two thousand taels, and even that won''t be enough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He closed his eyes and let it be, allowing Jiang Er to continue selling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What a clown.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just seeking attention.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He thought this person was formidable, but now he sees how short-sighted he is, ruining his entire career for a mere two hundred taels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Minister Lu yawned and waved for theining official to leave.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His assistant quietly asked, "Sir, should we go buy a copy?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Get out."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Come back."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Buy it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 274

    Today is slightly chilly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But there''s no frost.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This year will definitely be a mild winter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian wore a white dress early in the morning, with thermal underwear underneath.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    On top, she had a padded dress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She dressed up a bit today because she''s going out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She misses her great-aunt, who should return after her elder sister''s hundred-day celebration.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today, Qin Luoxia also tidied herself up a little.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She doesn''t like wearing white because it''s hard to keep clean, but today she''s also wearing all white.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Today, Mother is taking Cong Brother and her to the temple for a ritual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian guesses that Father hasn''t told Mother about Cong Brother''s true identity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because today''s temple visit is to perform a ritual for Cong Brother''s father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ording to vige customs, after death, especially sudden or unnatural deaths rather than passing peacefully of old age, it''s best to go to the temple and perform a ritual to help the deceased''s soul find peace.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia felt that when they visited the grave before, the incense suddenly fell over, giving her the impression that her elder brother had some unfulfilled wishes, so she felt they should go to the temple for a ritual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Changtian would agree to whatever she wanted to do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, household matters were under Xia-mei''s authority.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So early in the morning, the whole family got ready and went to the temple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They chose a famous temple, Tai''a Temple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Tai''a Temple is quite renowned in the Capital City, known for its beautiful scenery, efficacy, and good reputation. It''s popr among officials'' families and not too far away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian knew that Father had been promoted to the fourth rank, which she originally thought wasn''t that high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But then she recalled:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In modern times, a department-level official is already quite impressive. There''s a saying that reaching department level requires not just hard work but also family background. A department head is already a big boss in a work unit. But converted to ancient times, a department-level official would only be seventh rank, a minor official.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Section-level here is ninth rank, so thinking about it this way, fourth rank is already super impressive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They can be a little bit arrogant now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They took a carriage all the way there, with Mianmian sitting in the carriage, enjoying the scenery and snacks leisurely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sometimes she looked out the window; it was generally clean, and the Capital City overall seemed quite nice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was grateful to have transmigrated here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If she had transmigrated to medieval Europe, she''d have to learn to wear high heels now, worried about stepping in excrement, and wear big Rococo-style dresses with wide skirts. When needing to urinate, she could just put a basin under her skirt and solve the problem on the spot, while still chatting andughing on the surface.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She''d also have to wear a wig, because people living in the upper floors of buildings would randomly dump their waste from above.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And she''d have to apply lead powder to her face to appear whiter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This... seems popr here too, people still use it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Last time she saw someone give Mother some whitening lead powder, she was shocked. The high rate of difficult childbirths among nobles here probably has something to do with using these things, as they''re quite harmful to the body.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Along the way, she earnestly observed the red-tiled, yellow-walled houses, bluestone-paved roads, and advertising banners fluttering in the wind, which naturally formed a picturesque scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Zi Congheng looked outside, watching the houses recede as if he were running.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking across, Jiang Xiaogui seemed lost in thought, unusually quiet for a moment, looking quite handsome.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Suddenly, Mianmian made a face at him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He was startled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He watched as she put her hand in her mouth, stretching it open, sticking out her tongue, and rolling her eyes...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Zi Congheng''s cheek twitched: "Don''te near me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He took out a handkerchief and handed it to her to wipe her hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmianughed out loud, hurting the enemy a thousand but injuring herself a thousand too, her mouth corners aching a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then there was another long period of silence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian pulled out a book that was ced in the carriage, which was very popr recently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She flipped through it casually and saw a rule: Officials cannot beat other officials'' faces without reason...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The regtions were very specific.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So is it okay to hit the stomach, or the head?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Officials cannot relieve themselves in bed...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    These detailed rules were so specific, she handed the rules to Bug Brother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Zi Congheng looked at it expressionlessly for a moment, then handed it back to her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Why could Jiang Xiaogui discover so many bizarre things in a day...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    His cheek twitched slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Watching her read such dry material and still giggle stupidly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was originally supposed to be a difficult journey.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Probably one that would be sad to think about.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But somehow it didn''t seem so sad anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The whole way was filled with mixed emotions, sorrow broken into fragments and crushed under the carriage wheels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They arrived at the temple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia took the two children to find a monk to arrange the ritual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian discovered that Tai''a Temple was very advanced, simr to modern temples she had seen, with a special reception room and dedicated reception monks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Very professional.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They provided free incense, didn''t force people to pay, and you could donate as you wished.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Generally, those who came to burn incense at the temple would give something.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were several main halls.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Each main hall had different Bodhisattvas.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Golden and resplendent, you could see them from outside without entering.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It felt like a world surrounded by gods and Buddhas.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Deities were everywhere, looking down upon you.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It made you unconsciously be solemn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian believed in socialism and had received nine years ofpulsory education, so she wasn''t afraid of ghosts and spirits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Whatever ce you''re in, do what''s done there.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mother was seriously discussing the ritual details with the monk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Bug Brother was also listening attentively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian took Pangya and stepped out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They strolled around the temple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Temples always seem to have many towering old trees, creating a very tranquil environment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As Mianmian walked, following thew of narrative convenience, she was bound to encounter someone around a corner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    (Because the author really couldn''te up with a plot, so they had to forcefully introduce a character.)<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The weather was quite nice today, though cold, but with sunshine, so it wasn''t that cold.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At the corner of the ancient temple''s corridor, there was a pavilion where an Old Lady with white hair sat, head lowered, surprisingly stringing beads.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Old Lady wore a gray robe with white underneath, a mix of gray and white.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her hair wasn''tpletely white, still with some ck mixed in, overall appearing grayish.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With her head lowered, stringing beads, her demeanor was extremely beautiful, giving a very gentle impression.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her face and head were wrapped in cloth, covering half her head, so the white hair was visible, indicating her age.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The head wrapping was like that of a farm woman; in winter, farm women in Jingzhou would wrap up their hair, neck, and face, leaving only their eyes exposed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Old Lady in front of her was simr.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But she looked beautiful even just sitting there casually.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even though she was an Old Lady, she was clearly once a pampered Old Lady.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian saw no signs prohibiting entry, so she went in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Old Lady stringing beads heard the movement and looked up, seeing the neer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was stunned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The girl in white clothes walked towards her without making a sound.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Sunlight shone on her face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She looked like a younger version of herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So beautiful, so arrogant, so unrestrained, so carefree.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 275

    In the depths of the temple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was no Buddha.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There was an old woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Time had carved many traces on her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yet in her every movement, one could still sense an indescribable beauty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps this was the meaning of "beauty in the bones, not in the skin."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some beauties radiate loveliness from their bones; with beautiful bone structure, the skin hardly matters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian rarely saw people stringing beads.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Embroidery wasmon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But stringing beads was also normal; prayer beads don''t grow on trees in strings. They must be polished from seeds or fruits, then strung together with thread. It looks simple, but if someone is good at matching, choosing different beads can make a beautifulbination.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian walked up to the old woman and saw her stringing a prayer bead bracelet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After their family''s circumstances improved, Grandma taught her daily, honing her eye for quality.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The beads the old woman was stringing seemed very expensive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The prayer beads were made of soapberry, probably chosen for its auspicious name meaning "no worries, peace, and well-being" in Chinese.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In fact, soapberry itself is excellent, rich in saponins. Rubbing soapberry shells produces bubbles, cleaning hands thoroughly. So wearing soapberry beads is like wearing a string of soap??<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This string of soapberries was uniform in size, dense, and beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The matching beads were even more stunning. There was a golden top bead with intertwining dragons, two dragons on one gold bead, their ws lifelike, their faces very expressive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In this era, dragons were not decorations ordinary people could use.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So this old woman must have royal connections.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She might be a royal nanny.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Just like Grandma.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Besides the golden dragon top bead, there wererge pearls, a flowing green jade safety sp, a piece of red coral carved into a bat, arge oriental pearl carved with double happiness, and a teardrop-shaped green jade pendant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Mianmian arrived, the old woman was already halfway through stringing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She watched as the old woman picked up beads and threaded them deftly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then she tied knots, very skillfully ¨C one couldn''t tie such knots without stringing hundreds of sets.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even without beads, the string in her hands twisted into beautifully intricate knots.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian always paid extra attention to people with nimble fingers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Like Grandma''s small hands, skilled in delivering babies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This old woman''s hands were no less dexterous than Grandma''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Indeed, the elderly in ancient times were treasures, rich in life experience. Just living to such an age was remarkable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian sat down quietly to watch the old woman finish stringing the bracelet and tying the knots. Only then did the old woman look up at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Whose child are you?" the old woman asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her voice was hoarse, not pleasant to hear, as if her vocal cords had been injured, but her expression was gentle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I''m my parents'' child," Jiang Mianmian replied.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old woman: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "You look very much like an old acquaintance of mine."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian nodded: "Then your acquaintance must be very good-looking."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old woman smiled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yes, her acquaintance was very beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She saw the girl watching her string beads for a long time, and asked, "Do you like this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian nodded: "Granny, you string them very beautifully. You have good taste and match them well."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old woman was stunned for a while at being called "Granny."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her smile faded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "At first it was just a string of soapberries. I thought it was too in, so I added a gold bead. Still thinking it was in, I added a jade ring, coral, pearls. Every time I add a new bead, I have to restring the whole thing."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Jiang Mianmian nodded seriously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Seeing her serious nod, the old woman couldn''t help asking, "What did you hear from that?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Granny, you''re very rich, very leisurely, and very bored."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old woman: ... Her defenses were broken.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Where did this little brate from?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian wanted to chat more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But at this moment, her mother came and pulled her away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Madam, I''m sorry, we have something to do, we''ll be going now," Qin Luoxia said, pulling the child away without further ado.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She had just been discussing arrangements for a religious ceremony with the temple monks. They had settled on performing a ceremony, with options for one day, three days, nine days, or even forty-nine days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although they were now wealthy, money didn''t grow on trees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She felt a bit cheated giving money to these bald monks, and wasn''t sure if the ceremony would be effective.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But to put Cong Brother at ease, she boldly chose the nine-day option.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She made a mental note to tell her children before she died to just do a one-day ceremony, no, make it three days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Don''t spend too much money, it''s wasteful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After choosing the nine-day ceremony, she also selected some eternalmps.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    An eternalmp is amp that''s kept lit continuously, with the monks adding oil daily. She chose this for one year, nning to renew it year by year.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia thought that as long as they were doing well, themp could stay lit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If they weren''t doing well, surely no one woulde to renew themp.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    That should do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The wall of eternalmps was beautiful though, a whole wall of flickering lights, like trembling souls.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After settling the arrangements, she turned around and her little one was gone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia asked Cong Brother to follow the monk to check the ceremony preparations, worried they might cut corners or use unsuitable items. Whether he understood or not, just watching would help a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was originally a sad affair, but being given a task made Cong Heng feel the warmth of everyday life again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Aunt Qin always managed to make life vibrant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Perhaps Mianmian took after her aunt more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia went out to look for her daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She circled therge temple once but didn''t see Mianmian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Mianmian was yful, she shouldn''t run off without saying anything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia started to panic and looked more carefully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Suddenly she felt something was off about one area.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At first nce, it seemed like a dead end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Theyout seemed different, like a hiding ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It also looked like an ordinary corner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There seemed to be more than meets the eye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It felt like a ce full of experts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It gave her the excited feeling of hunting in a forest full of prey.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As if a tiger was hiding here, a bear there, and a python hanging from a tree.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia stepped in and looked around.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She assessed the fighting strength.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She could probably handle them all alone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But it would be difficult with Mianmian and Cong Brother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Besides, it probably wouldn''te to fighting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Avoid fighting if possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, this was a temple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It didn''t feel like they were specifically lying in wait for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The aura was different.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even so, faced with an unknown situation where she couldn''t be 100% sure of defeating everyone and escaping unscathed, Qin Luoxia felt she should be cautious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As expected, she saw her little one when she turned the corner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She was talking to an old woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The old woman''s expression wasn''t good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Qin Luoxia noticed that the encirclement was centered around the old woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She walked into the encirclement, pretending to be unconcerned, then grabbed her child''s arm, smiling openly as she greeted, "Madam, my daughter doesn''t know better, if she''s bothered you, I''ll take her away now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In reality, her hand was already applying force.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian sensed her mother''s slight tension, like when she was about to be scolded, and obediently became docile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She waved goodbye to the old woman: "Bye-bye, Granny."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Madam, we''re leaving now, we''lle again another time," Qin Luoxia said with a smile as she pulled her child away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Left behind was Princess Huiyun, called "Granny" on one side and "Madam" on the other, her face almost smoking with anger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Normally, although this was part of Tai''e Temple, outsiders couldn''t enter here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    A high-level expert had set up an illusion here, a very profound illusion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Children, pure and innocent, might identally stumble in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Because here, even confused rabbits might wander in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some children who were particrly focused and pure might be able to enter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But then a middle-aged woman also walked in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She took her child away as if they were just having a casual conversation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Had the illusion outside disappeared?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What shocked Princess Huiyun most was being called "Granny" and "Madam."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Ah...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The bracelet she had spent all morning stringing was gone too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She just remembered that person calling her "Madam," she was so surprised that the bracelet fell into the child''s hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The child held the bracelet, looking embarrassed as she said, "Thank you, Granny."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Then she took a piece of wood from her pocket and handed it to her, saying, "You can smell this if you can''t sleep, it helps with insomnia."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If it weren''t for the jade, pearl, and coral bracelet in her hand turning into a piece of wood, Princess Huiyun would have thought it was all an illusion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now her mind was full of "Granny," "Madam," "Madam," "Granny"... She wanted to kill someone!!!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 276

    The funeral ceremony was lively.

    A circle of masters surrounded the area, chanting sutras while striking wooden fish.

    It was a service to guide the soul.

    They walked around, hearing the mother murmuring softly below: "Eight taels... eight taels... eight taels..."

    Mianmian carefully counted.

    One ceremony involved ten rounds.

    Eighty taels of silver.

    Nine days.

    Eight times nine is seventy-two, seven hundred and twenty taels of silver.

    This spending was truly like flowing water.

    Over seven hundred taels of silver converted to father''s sry would take more than three years of not eating or drinking.

    Their filial piety was admirable.

    Living in the capital was not easy.

    These ceremonial affairs were much more expensive than in Jingzhou.

    There, holding a funeral service for a hundred taels would be quite grand, with many monks chanting sutras.

    The monks in the capital had higher wages.

    Add to that a year of eternalmps and various misceneous items.

    It came to about a thousand taels of silver.

    This was just a memorial for the deceased, with no practical use for the living, only providing some spiritualfort.

    Of course, if the organizer approached it with a painful mindset, there would be basically nofort, as the pain of losing money would overshadow any constion.

    But despite the pain, Qin Luoxia put on a very generous face.

    She was very quick and didn''t haggle.

    She was afraid that if she bargained, she might change her mind.

    Zi Congheng watched the monks chanting in circles, feeling somewhat amused inside.

    Father didn''t like people mumbling near his ears.

    He wondered if so many monks chanting together would anger father enough to crawl out of the underworld.

    He could also understand Aunt Qin''s pain regarding the money.

    Aunt Qin was actually a very frugal person in daily life.

    There were rarely scenes of waste in the household.

    Aunt Qin worked hard to manage the household, and it seemed arge part of the reason was to eliminate waste, rather than truly grasping the big picture from a high vantage point.

    He only discovered this after living there for a few days.

    Obviously, it wasn''t as Mr. Ji had said; Mr. Ji imed that Madam Qin had great wisdom, but sometimes great wisdom is just a misunderstanding arising from life''s little techniques.

    But Zi Congheng liked Aunt Qin this way.

    There was no great wisdom or innate nobility, just a vivid and interesting person, and being around Aunt Qin gave a sense ofplete security.

    Afterpleting the first day of the ceremony, they could stay overnight ore back the next day.

    Since the distance wasn''t far, they chose to return.

    ...

    The master who had earned eighty taels from performing one ceremony was called for questioning.

    Mount Tai Temple was famous for its beautiful scenery.

    In fact, most people could only see half of Mount Tai Temple''sndscape.

    So there were always people who came with high expectations but left disappointed, feeling it was overrated.

    Actually, it wasn''t.

    The most beautiful part of Mount Tai Temple had been cordoned off by a mysterious noble.

    Even though it was clearly within the temple, they couldn''t enter.

    It was like hitting a wall with Buddha, going in circles.

    But asionally, people from inside woulde out.

    Just like now, Jinghui was called for questioning.

    "A madam with two children, one boy and one girl. The madam''s face is unfamiliar, hasn''t been here before. The ceremony is for a man, with his birth date and death date provided."

    The paper with the birth and death dates was passed in.

    Hui Yun''s pupils constricted slightly as she looked at the birth date.

    It was the same as the Crown Prince''s birthday. When her royal brother the Crown Prince was born that day, he was extremely happy, held a three-day feast, and also gifted her an observatory tower.

    That woman didn''t look like a noble family''s madam, but the child resembled her somewhat. Could it be the Crown Prince''s child from a concubine?

    The death date was also the day the Crown Prince passed away.

    Too many coincidences.

    Hui Yun yed with the wooden beads in her hand.

    At first nce, it was just a piece of wood, light as a feather.

    But after rubbing it in her hand for a while, there was a faint fragrance, very subtle but quite pleasant.

    Hui Yun had been detached from worldly affairs for a long time, living ording to her own preferences. It wasn''t as outsiders imagined - not just living with an oilmp and Buddha, settling for the rest of her life. She had many hobbies, from big ones like rock climbing and bungee jumping (death-defying Master Ancestor) to small ones like beading...

    If it was her nephew''s child, then the beads being taken away was fine. Otherwise, she quite liked them.

    They had scheduled nine days of ceremonies, so they should meet again.

    Hui Yun waved her hand, letting Jinghui leave.

    Just as he didn''t know how he had entered, he suddenly found himself outside.

    Jinghui stood in front of the main hall, rubbing his bald head. Well, he might as well go add oil to the eternalmps. The affairs of the noble were the noble''s business; his affairs were his own.

    ...

    In the carriage on the way back.

    Mianmian was thinking of writing to her brother, asking him to help bring her dance troupe to the capital. The business scope in the capital was broader. The capital was so big, surely more people died, and there would be more clients needing soul-guiding services.

    This market couldn''t be missed.

    While thinking, she yed with her newly acquired bracelet. The colorbination was really nice, looking better the more she looked at it.

    This grandma seemed to have a bad temper at first, but was actually quite warm-hearted.

    She felt like a Capricorn, a bit of a dark horse. (The author is a Capricorn.)

    Zi Congheng looked at the beaded bracelet in her hand, especially the lifelike dragon coiled on the gold bead. It must be extremely rare.

    For a craftsman to carve two dragons on such a small gold bead was truly a work of exquisite skill.

    Mianmian seemed to have no concept of such intricate work.

    But these beads were definitely not ordinary.

    Even his father probably rarely had such items.

    "Where did you get this from?" he asked.

    "There was a backyard in the temple with an old grandma stringing beads. Iplimented her work, so she gave it to me," Mianmian replied.

    "What old grandma?" Zi Congheng suddenly remembered something his father had warned about before, not to go to Mount Tai Temple as it was very strange.

    After his father''s death, those words had be background noise, and he had forgotten.

    He had even arranged his father''s funeral ceremony at Mount Tai Temple. Well, well, well, his father must be very excited.

    He also recalled a rumor in the capital that Princess Hui Yun might be living in Mount Tai Temple, but Princess Hui Yun had a bad temper. Those who offended Princess Hui Yun never had a good oue, either death or injury.

    Watching Mianmian holding the bracelet, calling "old grandma" this and "old grandma" that.

    Zi Congheng could only think that her ancestors must be banging their heads in the underworld to have sent her back.

    While others were being wise and discreet, Mianmian was already a hero.

    "What did that person look like?" he asked.

    "Couldn''t see her face, it was all covered up. But she should be a very beautiful grandma, right? Her aura was great, don''t you think, Mother?" Mianmian cued her mother.

    Mother was lost in thought, not knowing what she was thinking about.

    Qin Luoxia was still pondering the moment when she turned around and felt someone lock onto her silhouette, with a hint of killing intent. They still had eight more days of ceremonies at Mount Tai Temple, should she make some preparations?

    "Ah, that olddy? She should be quite beautiful," she responded.

    Zi Congheng: ...

    Well, he wondered if his father was among those banging their heads in the underworld.

    ...

    As the carriage headed back, the sunset appeared.

    Bathed in the sunset, it created a unique scenery.

    Extremely brilliant.

    The whole city was vibrant and lively.

    There was a tavern by the roadside.

    Meng Qingshe was being treated by the Ninth Prince.

    The Ninth Prince asked him what was going on, and Meng Qingshe, being quite sincere with his bird-catching buddy, exined that this was arranged by his old inw, it might not be true, and told him not to buy it, asking if he didn''t already have the answers.

    The Ninth Prince nced at Meng Qingshe, not sure if he was truly foolish or pretending to be.

    His answers were just to fool Meng Qingshe.

    But wasn''t Meng Qingshe''s inw the new favorite of Prime Minister Lu, Chambein Ji?

    It was said that Prime Minister Lu valued him exceptionally and would promote him sooner orter.

    On the first day Chambein Ji finished his shift, Prime Minister Lu waited half the night for him.

    This important position of Chambein was personally appointed by Prime Minister Lu.

    This time, it was said that Chambein Ji organized everyone to studyws and regtions in detail, which was probably Prime Minister Lu''s idea, just put under the new person''s name.

    This collection of money was likely rted to Prime Minister Lu as well.

    Prime Minister Lu had a falling out with the Ministry of Revenuest month.

    Although one person could buy the key answers for two hundred taels and then share them with others,

    everyone in the circle knew better than to be so shortsighted and stingy. If you bought it, Prime Minister Lu might not remember you, but if you didn''t buy it, Prime Minister Lu would definitely remember.

    Prime Minister Lu was the most petty and narrow-minded person.

    So at the banquet, led by the Ninth Prince, a group of people rushed to buy answers from Meng Qingshe.

    They also asked Meng Qingshe to record it, with everyone just giving money and not even asking Meng Qingshe to prepare the answers, saying they would share and view them themselves.

    Meng Qingshe was dumbfounded at the amount of money he collected. As expected of civil officials, their style was indeed excellent.

    Spending their own money, copying the answers themselves, and even registering themselves.

    Without anyone urging them, they went upstairs and got to work on their own!!!

    ...

 Chapter 277

    ...

    "Minister Lu seems to be putting on a show. He even had his attendants buy the answers."

    "Indeed, he''s giving us a hint."

    "Otherwise, Minister Lu could have just asked for the answers directly, why spend money?"

    "Fortunately, we''re not fools either."

    The officials spent money and then carefully read the circled content. Though it was extensive, it was manageable.

    They were all talents who had gone through over a decade of nonpulsory education. Memorizing texts was a basic skill for them. Although it was a lot, it wasn''t beyond their abilities.

    Having spent money to highlight the key points, they all went back to diligently memorize them.

    Some outstanding performers even memorized content beyond the key points, just in case they might need it.

    ...

    At the Seventh Prince''s Mansion.

    A servant brought in a set of key points from the rules and regtions.

    It was also bought with money.

    After the Crown Prince left, several princes remained in the Capital City, not returning to their respective fiefs.

    Now the Crown Prince was out of the running, having been rebuked by the Emperor for his treacherous intentions, and was confined to reflect on his actions.

    He probably had no hope left.

    The Second Prince died young, leaving a vacancy.

    The Third Prince was the Crown Prince, now deceased.

    The Fourth Prince died young, leaving another vacancy.

    The Fifth Prince enjoyed reciting Buddhist scriptures and had been ay Buddhist disciple since childhood. He appeared to be aloof from worldly affairs. His mother held the rank of Imperial Consort, giving him an advantage.

    The Sixth Prince excelled in both civil and military affairs. His mother was a Noble Lady.

    The Seventh Prince had no notable reputation. His mother was of low birth, and the Emperor disliked him. He also seemed to be excluded from consideration.

    The Eighth Prince died young, another vacancy.

    The Ninth Prince was of a wild nature, indulging in cockfighting and dog racing, causing chaos in the Capital City. His mother was a Primary Consort.

    The Tenth Prince was frail. He had several consorts including a Primary Consort, Secondary Consort, and concubines, but no children.

    The Eleventh Prince died young.

    The Twelfth Prince died young.

    ...

    The Seventeenth Prince was still young. He was currently the only prince still living in the pce.

    He was also born in the Emperor''ster years.

    He was thirteen years old.

    He still appeared to be mentally underdeveloped.

    ...

    Although there were many princes.

    All things considered, only the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth Princes remained. The Seventh Prince was also implicitly excluded by everyone, firstly because his maternal n was practically non-existent, secondly because the Emperor disliked him, and thirdly because he had no legitimate son.

    The Tenth Prince was also excluded due to his frailty andck of heir.

    This left only the Fifth, Sixth, and Ninth Princespeting for the position of Crown Prince.

    The Sixth Prince currently seemed to have the best chance, given his excellence in both civil and military affairs, his good reputation, and his mother''s n not being weak.

    At this moment, the Seventh Prince was holding the rules and regtions, pondering over the parts circled in red.

    Although the Emperor was elderly, he was not senile. Every move he made had a purpose. Could it be that he was using this to test them?

    It was said that Old Ninth was causing a ruckus with them.

    Old Sixth had probably already memorized everything.

    Old Fifth, despite appearing detached, had surely memorized it secretly as well.

    Although he pretended to be indifferent, he would definitely have to memorize it too.

    Perhaps this was the Emperor''s way of testing everyone.

    As the Seventh Prince was flipping through the regtions, Heir Apparent Chu Xi entered.

    The Seventh Prince casually asked a question, and Chu Xi answered fluently.

    The Seventh Prince was very satisfied. His eldest son could always stay ahead of things and was extremely outstanding.

    One of the reasons for his ambition was because of his son. His son was so excellent that he deserved that position.

    Seeing his father in a good mood, Chu Xi took the initiative to speak, "Father, I wish to marry my cousin Jiang Wan. She''s mother''s niece, so if she enters our family, she''ll surely get along well with mother."

    The Seventh Prince''s expression cooled slightly, feeling somewhat disappointed. Romantic entanglements were destined to not go far.

    However, the Seventh Prince didn''t directly refuse, instead saying, "I have no objections. If you like her, that''s fine. Ask your mother about it. For such matters, her approval is necessary."

    Chu Xi, hearing his father''s words, couldn''t tell if he was happy or not.

    He obediently went to ask the Seventh Prince''s Consort Jiang Yuluan.

    When Jiang Yuluan learned that Chu Xi actually wanted to marry Wan''er, her expression immediately changed, "I don''t agree."

    She herself had married into the royal family, marrying the Seventh Prince. To outsiders, it seemed she lived extremely well, but only she knew the true cold and warmth of her situation.

    Wan''er was her only niece, whom she regarded as her own daughter. She had provided her with all the support she wanted in the Capital City, but now she was also to be married into this family. She knew this father and son pair too well - they had no hearts and weren''t worth it.

    Chu Xi had no choice but to take his leave.

    He couldn''t understand why his mother would refuse. He was marrying her niece. His mother had no children of her own, so wouldn''t this make their rtionship more stable in the future? Wasn''t it beneficial in multiple ways?

    ...

    As Chu Xi was thinking about how to persuade his mother, bad news came one after another from Immortal Liu''s family.

    First, Minister Lu''s youngest son was injured by a falling beam.

    Then, Young Master Liu fell into the river.

    It was said that Immortal Liu''s grandmother had also suffered a stroke.

    Even the Seventh Prince couldn''t help but advise his son, "Isn''t this fate a bit too strange? Is there anyone left unharmed around her? If you marry her, wouldn''t you be next?"

    Chu Xi might not have listened to other words, but when it came to matters of fate, he indeed took notice and was startled.

    He no longer mentioned marrying his cousin.

    However, on the other side, Liu Tong had caught a chill after falling into the water and was constantly talking nonsense, calling out for Immortal Liu. Left with no choice, Liu''s parents had to go to Immortal Liu to plead.

    With the Liu family being sworn siblings like this, the most awkward position fell to Miss Dong. She, an unmarried youngdy, was now theughingstock of the entire Capital City.

    It was said that Miss Dong had been hurriedly sent out of the Capital City by her parents to clear her mind.

    ...

    The neighbor, Jiang Changtian, who did good deeds anonymously, felt very strange about this.

    This Jiang Wan really had something about her.

    She herself never encountered any problems, but those around her always did.

    The people around her could always ward off disasters for her.

    Thinking about it this way, it was fortunate that he stood in opposition to her.

    If he were on her side, who knows when he might end up warding off a disaster for her without even realizing it.

    At night.

    The family was eating dinner together.

    When father returned, Mianmian was very excited, chattering to her father about everything she had seen and heard today.

    Jiang Changtian listened with a smile on his face.

    He asionally took the opportunity to add some food to her bowl.

    "On the ninth day, I''ll go to the temple with you all. That day should be my rest day. This is one downside of the Capital City, there are few rest days, and we have to report to the office every day. What do you think, Congheng?"

    Zi Congheng had already progressed from eating silently to eagerly answering questions.

    He spoke up, "That''s great, my father enjoys lively atmospheres."

    ...

 Chapter 278

    The next day.

    Qin Luoxia made many preparations.

    She tied a band around her leg, inside which were many needles - fine needles forged from meteorite iron, excellent for use as hidden weapons.

    She generally disliked underhanded methods.

    She preferredrge swords.

    However, society still ced some restrictions on women.

    It was generally felt that it wasn''t appropriate for women to kill withrge swords.

    So she had to resort to using smaller tools.

    Women in the inner courts tended towards more refined methods of killing.

    For example, killing with words, angering someone to death, causing blocked milk ducts, thyroid hormone imbnces, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, uterine fibroids - long-term, gradual efforts that would eventually achieve the goal.

    The advantage was low cost and difficulty in prosecution.

    The disadvantage was the long timeframe, and side effects that might identally backfire on oneself. There was also the risk of failing to anger the target and instead bing angry oneself.

    Poison was another method, which required some initiative and a foundation of medical knowledge.

    The downside was that poisoning was illegal, and if discovered would result in legal punishment.

    The advantage was that it worked quickly and effectively.

    Another method was pillow talk, persuading others to do the killing.

    The advantage was avoiding direct criminal charges, at most being an essory.

    The disadvantage was needing sufficient ability to influence through pillow talk, otherwise one would bebeled a poisonous woman. If a bed partner was willing to kill based on a few words from you, it could one daye back on you as well, easily backfiring.

    Besides these stereotypical methods.

    There was also direct use of weapons.

    Killing with swords, knives, axes, hammers, hoes, mallets, clubs, darts... and so on.

    The advantage was that it could be quick, though not necessarily - it depended on one''s skill level.

    The disadvantage was that it was illegal and would result in criminal charges.

    In short, murder was against thew and one shouldn''t test thew.

    In recent days, the court officials had been reciting legal regtions that clearly included this point.

    It stipted that one could not kill court-appointed officials.

    It stipted that one could not kill with knives, poison, assassination... but there were still loopholes, such as angering someone to death, or whispering in the emperor''s ear to persuade him to kill...

    In any case, Qin Luoxia added some equipment for herself - throwing knives, soft whips, mushroom powder, hidden needles, hairpins that could pierce the skull... before heading to Tai''e Temple.

    On the second day, she decided not to bring Mian Mian and Xiao Cong.

    She let them stay home and y for the day.

    Early in the morning.

    Qin Luoxia set out.

    The air was slightly chilly, but the sunlight was good. She rode out on horseback.

    Gant and heroic.

    ...

    The air was slightly chilly, but the sunlight was good. Gong Qichi and Jiang Feng rode out together on horseback.

    The two arrived at the riverside.

    Jiangzhou was named for its location along the great river.

    Part of the Jiang family''s old residence was situated by the river.

    Recently, mobile personnel from Jingzhou had been gradually relocating to Jiangzhou.

    Gong Qichi had settled in Jiangzhou as Zi Lu''s adopted son. Because Zi Lu had died suddenly without leaving instructions, only three adopted sons - Zi Ganjiang, Zi Wenxin, and Zi Yuanqian - were willing to stay. The others had sought opportunities elsewhere.

    In fact, the Seventh Prince''s people had also approached Zi Ganjiang.

    But he had a good rtionship with Jiang Feng, and Old Gong asked him to stay. He felt that Old Gong, despite his usual sly appearance, had not left after his adoptive father''s sudden death, but stayed to handle the aftermath and take care of Cong Heng.

    Gong Qichi had said at the time that he would stay to look after the young master.

    Zi Wenxin and Zi Yuanqian also stayed.

    For Gong Qichi, this was not the worst oue. Even if no one had stayed, it was better than facing betrayalter during an uprising.

    Leaving was fine, staying was even better.

    Now they knew that Gong Qichi had chosen Jiang Er as his adoptive father''s sessor, rather than himself.

    The others didn''t understand why Gong Qichi thought so highly of this person.

    But since they were now eating from the same pot, they weren''t in a hurry to judge.

    Everyone settled together in Jiangzhou.

    They unexpectedly found themselves living a life that seemed free of worldly strife.

    It was truly like a paradise.

    In this seemingly ordinary vige.

    They practiced martial arts, worked, ate, studied, day after day.

    Zi Wenxin and the others didn''t feel slighted, because Jiang Er''s eldest son Jiang Feng also worked, ate, practiced martial arts, and studied alongside them.

    They were all young men, learning and improving together,peting with each other, with a spirit of striving to excel and mutual appreciation.

    Originally, Zi Ganjiang loved to boast that he was the best in the world.

    The adopted sons taken in by Zi Lu all had exceptional qualities. Zi Ganjiang''s was his powerful physique, giving a sense of innate invincibility.

    But Jiang Feng actually managed to fight him to a draw, earning his genuine respect.

    Zi Wenxin also imed to be a literary genius, his name chosenter, with "wen" meaning "literature" and carrying the weight of three gold. He had an excellent memory and was extremely intelligent.

    Jiang Feng''s literary attainments were surprisingly good as well, and he got along well with Zi Wenxin.

    Moreover, Jiang Feng wasn''t the serious bookworm type.

    He had an open personality and could talk to anyone. His appearance was the kind of handsome that seemed honest and non-threatening, making it easy for him to build good rtionships with Zi Lu''s three adopted sons.

    However, unexpectedly, the one who developed the best rtionship with Jiang Feng was thest to arrive, Zi Yuanqian.

    Zi Yuanqian appeared quite silent, thin and small, the type of person with explosive power.

    Once he bit down, he wouldn''t let go, as fierce as a wild dog.

    Usually, he was very unassuming.

    Gloomy.

    He and Jiang Feng seemed to quickly be close, probably because they saw eye to eye.

    Young men of the same age, training, growing, learning, and dreaming of the future together, asionally reminiscing about the past. After hearing about each other''s tragic pasts, their rtionships seemed to be closer.

    There was no talk of social anxiety or the like.

    Because in this era, it wasn''t easy for people to meet and get to know each other, so once they did meet and interact, they were willing to entrust everything to each other.

    This was a beautiful thing.

    It was like attending university.

    Slowly developing and maturing in this specific environment.

    It gave a sense of peaceful, carefree days.

    Early in the morning, Gong Qichi took Jiang Feng to see the port.

    They had built a port, from which the direct route to the capital was the fastest, much quicker thannd transport.

    However, there were many checkpoints along the way, which actually slowed down the journey.

    Gong Qichi suggested developing river transport, building ships, and training sailors.

    This required a veryrge initial investment, and the two were still discussing it.

    Gong Qichi very much enjoyed working with Brother Jiang, as he had a great deal of autonomy.

    It was the same with Jiang Feng. Although young, Jiang Feng was very steady, sometimes frighteningly so. It was hard to imagine how a young man could be so stable, almost like an old monk in meditation, as if he had been sitting in one ce for decades.

    The affairs of Jiang Vige were trivial andplex, but he neither despised nor became angry about them, dealing with everything very patiently.

    He handled each matter carefully, never finding it bothersome.

    Gong Qichi had never met someone with such stable emotions before. He was sure to achieve great things.

    The two arrived together at the port''s shore.

    Gazing out across the river.

    Suddenly, they saw something floating towards them in the water, looking like a water ghost with long hair and arge skirt.

    Gong Qichi stepped back two or three paces in fright.

    It was a bit scary.

    Early in the morning.

    Jiang Feng, however, jumped in to retrieve it.

    What he brought up was a young woman, quite a beautiful one at that. She looked dead, but wasn''t stiff.

    Seeing the young man unhesitatingly jump into the cold winter water to save someone, Gong Qichi couldn''t help but say, "You''re too kind-hearted. Good people are easily taken advantage of."

    Jiang Feng didn''t even look up, remembering his sister had told him that drowning victims could be resuscitated. She had demonstrated on a drowning rabbit, which waster braised.

    "Father once drowned and was saved by Mother. Mother''s kind act resulted in us, so I feel that whenever I see a drowning person, I should save them."

    He spoke while performing the rescue.

    Of course, this wasn''t the real reason.

    Jiang Feng simply felt that this stretch of river should all belong to the Jiang family, so anything floating by should be picked up.

    Frugality and good household management - in this, he took after his mother.

    A series of resuscitation efforts followed.

    Gong Qichi stood to the side with his eyes closed, watching as Feng''er pped and pushed the dead girl, trying to revive her.

    He felt even more moved inside.

    The Jiang family always said they wanted to be bad people, but in reality, they were all pure-hearted.

    Indeed, like father, like son.

    Perhaps it wasn''t yet time for heaven to take this girl.

    After a round of pping, she coughed up a mouthful of water, and the girl actually came back to life.

    Miss Dong looked at the man before her, with sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes.

    There was even a spider lily flower above his eyebrow.

    Had she seen a ghost messenger?

    Do ghost messengers hit people?

    "Am I dead?" she asked.

    "No, you''ve been saved."

    Miss Dong was dazed.

    Looking at the man before her, she saw that his hair was also wet, dripping with water.

    The weather was cold, and her body shivered and trembled.

    It was too cold; she had woken for a moment but was about to faint again.

    She felt herself being lifted up. She had just thought the other person was rough, but with a shake, water came out of her mouth.

    I feel like a pufferfish, shaking and leaking water, even leaking air.

    Miss Dong E was taken back, and the water in her stomach should have been jolted out during the bumpy journey.

    After changing into fresh clothes, feeling warm all over, and drinking hot ginger tea, she finally saw her lifesaver again.

    He had also changed his clothes. His ck hair was like silk, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. However, the spider lily mark on his forehead was now covered, making him look less bewitching and somewhat simple-minded.

    She had just woken up and looked around. This ce seemed to be a farmstead.

    It was both elegant and rustic.

    "Thank you for saving my life, young master. May I ask if you are married? Do you have someone you fancy?"

    Jiang Feng shook his head.

    "Not yet, and no one."

    Dong E gazed at the young man, noticing his clear eyes that didn''t shy away. She spoke, "I have no way to repay you for saving my life, so I''m willing to offer myself in marriage. My father is the Minister of Works, and my dowry is substantial. I have no bad habits and have been healthy since childhood. The only issue is that I was once engaged, but the man broke it off, so I''m no longer betrothed. Would you be willing to marry me?"

    Jiang Feng was stunned for a moment.

    He looked her over again.

    Her hair was thick, ck, and straight. Her face was round, her lips a bit pale, but she seemed like a girl who loved to smile. When she spoke, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing dimples on both cheeks.

    She wasn''t the type of girl with devastating beauty, but she had an extremely likable appearance that brought joy just by looking at her. She was definitely the type his mother would like.

    Jiang Feng nodded, "If you don''t mind that I hold no official position, am poor, and of low status, I''lle to propose."

    Dong E carefully examined the young man again.

    He was handsome.

    The most handsome man she had ever seen.

    Moreover, his eyes were clear, and he had saved her life. With such a connection and fate, why not?

    Dong E nodded, "Please help me find my servants and maids. They think I tried to end my life, but I actually just fell into the water by ident. I''ll reunite with them and return to the capital. I''ll wait for you at home."

    Dong E thought for a moment, then took out the jade pendant she always wore. It was a chubby fish, very cute and smooth.

    She handed the jade pendant to Jiang Feng.

    "If you don''t change your mind, bring this jade pendant when youe. If you do change your mind, you can sell it for a good price, which can also repay the debt of saving my life."

    After saying this, Dong E politely took her leave.

    Her walking posture was proud and dignified, befitting her status as the daughter of a minister.

    Back in her room, Dong E clenched her fists, forming the shape of the character for "fire" with her body, swaying left and right in the room. She opened her mouth wide, wanting to shout but not daring to make a sound. Like a lively wildcat, she circled the room several times, then rolled on the bed a few times.

    ...

 Chapter 279

    Early in the morning.

    Qin Luoxia arrived at Tai''a Temple.

    Today, Qin Luoxia was dressed very neatly.

    She wasn''t wearing all white.

    She liked to wear red for everyday wear.

    Not the red of a primary wife, but a red that wouldn''t show blood stains too obviously.

    She wasn''t afraid of blood stains.

    Besides, red was lively.

    Bright and prosperous.

    Brother Cong said Elder Brother Zi liked lively things, so on the second day of the memorial service, Qin Luoxia wore red.

    Lively.

    She was tall, with a fit body from consistent exercise, big eyes and a high nose bridge, with well-defined lips. Her appearance was bright and bold.

    Her eyebrows were thick, and her hair was neat and tidy.

    When she arrived at the temple, she found that there were even more monks performing the service today, and they seemed to be striking the wooden fish with more sincerity.

    Yesterday, she had noticed one or two monks just mouthing the words, not truly chanting sutras.

    Today, everyone looked spirited and was chanting earnestly. The number of people had doubled, making it seem much more grand.

    Qin Luoxia thought to herself, no wonder the monks in the Capital City make money.

    Their attitude was impable.

    In other ces, people ck off after getting paid, or they work hard on the first day and then be perfunctory.

    The temples in the Capital City had a higher level of consciousness, they were truly different.

    On the second day, there were even more monks.

    Each one wore a brand new kasaya, solemn and dignified, constantly circling. It made her dizzy to watch, but she felt it was worth the money now.

    Big brother likes lively scenes, seeing so many bald heads would surely make him happy.

    As far as the eye could see, there was a sea of heads, incredibly bright, dazzling to look at.

    Seeing that they hadn''t skimped on monks, Qin Luoxia left the hall.

    After some thought, she walked towards the same ce as yesterday.

    Qin Luoxia was actually quite adventurous at heart.

    On the surface, she was an unremarkable housewife, but in reality, she was a housewife with a spirit of adventure.

    Like when a doctor once said that python galldder could cure illness, others heard it, thought it impossible, and forgot about it, but she kept it firmly in mind.

    One day, she finally got her hands on a python galldder.

    In some ways, Madam Qin was also a person of strong execution.

    She was actually a very confident person. She felt that her husband was so handsome and talented that she felt somewhat inferior inside, but outwardly she showed nothing but confidence. She worked hard, feeling that she deserved such a good husband, that she was worthy, capable, a good match.

    She relentlessly pursued strength, going hunting in the mountains every day right after giving birth, honing her skills without cking. While other women gossiped at the vige entrance, she was hunting bears in the mountains.

    She believed that she might be poor now, but wouldn''t be poor forever. For her children and husband, she kept getting stronger.

    She was very purposeful in her actions, never doing useless things or trying to prove herself. Back when she was in Kan''er Vige, despite the rumors, she never exined herself to anyone. She just steadily did her own thing until the day came when she could beat the rumor-mongers to death with one stick.

    When it mattered, she could act. She could be tough when needed, smile when appropriate, and kill when necessary.

    This Madam Qin, sensing something was off and there was a killing intent in the temple, decided to investigate.

    It seemed a bit different from yesterday, that corner had changed, but it didn''t matter. Madam Qin carefully circled around, her memory was excellent, slowly recalling the scenes in her mind. Finally, after passing the third main hall, she took a step forward from the side, as if stepping into thin air.

    Indeed, she didn''t step into thin air.

    She walked in.

    This time, instead of a pavilion, she saw a smallke.

    As soon as she entered, she didn''t feel the presence of a group of strong beasts like yesterday, but saw an old woman dressed oddly, plunging headfirst into the water.

    "Whoa!"

    How despondent must one be?

    Wanting to jump into water to end it all in the dead of winter?

    That''s a very cold way to die.

    Without thinking, Qin Luoxia jumped into the water (of course not), she threw out her long whip, instantly coiling around the old woman who had jumped in and pulling her back.

    In a situation with unknown dangers, Qin Luoxia wouldn''t jump into the water, putting herself in harm''s way.

    She pulled the old woman back and ced her on the grass.

    She immediately started scolding: "Madam, you''ve lived to such an age, and you''re still trying to end your life? You''ve wasted all these years!"

    Princess Huiyun: ... Trembling with anger.

    She just wanted to go winter swimming. Winter swimming, swimming in winter is very good for the body, maintains figure and curves.

    What did she mean by ''lived to such an age''.

    But because she was going into the water, all the guards had been sent elsewhere.

    Qin Luoxia saw her shivering all over, thinking she was frozen, and took off her own red cape to wrap around the other.

    Princess Huiyun, lifted up and wrapped into a roll: ...

    Although she calls me madam, she''s really more like a mother than my own mother o(¨i©n¨i)o.

 Chapter 280

    The grass on thewn was still green.

    The sunlight was also bright and cheerful.

    There was a breeze, a bit chilly.

    Princess Huiyun recognized this person.

    She had just seen her yesterday, leaving a deeply memorable impression.

    After all, there weren''t many people in this world who would address her as "auntie" so casually.

    "Let me help you inside. This wind will make you catch a cold. Dying from a cold is very unpleasant - you''ll keep coughing and coughing until finally your internal organse out with blood. It''s an ugly way to die."

    Qin Luoxia nced at this "auntie". Despite her gray-white hair, her features were strikingly beautiful, save for a scar on her right cheek. Though the scar was ratherrge, about a finger''s width, it didn''t detract from her beauty.

    While others might find the scar frightening, Qin Luoxia felt a sense of familiarity.

    Her dear Feng also had a scar on his face.

    Following the auntie''s directions, Qin Luoxia carried her into a room.

    It was clean, spacious, and very warm.

    The floor was even covered with thick grass mats that were pleasantly warm.

    How strange for the floor to be heated.

    As per the auntie''s request, they took off their shoes before entering.

    Qin Luoxia hadrge feet, and surprisingly, so did this auntie.

    The floor felt warm beneath their feet.

    Bedding and such wereid out on the floor.

    There was also a tea table.

    The setup was veryfortable. Qin Luoxia thought about creating a simr space in her husband''s study so he could be warmer while reading.

    Although the Capital City was warmer than Jingzhou, people here didn''t use heated kang beds, so indoor temperatures were often colder than outside.

    While her husband hadn''t had prolonged winter coughs for several years now, they still needed to be cautious.

    There were quite a few people coughing in the Capital City.

    After entering the room, the old woman went to wash up and changed out of her close-fitting ck clothes. Seeing those clothes, Qin Luoxia realized they resembled a giant python, and understood she had likely misunderstood the situation.

    This old woman must have been nning to float in the water when Qin Luoxia had pulled her out.

    The old woman finished washing up and changed into a white robe. Her long hair fell over her shoulders as she reclined gracefully by the tea table.

    Qin Luoxia felt a bit ufortable and looked up at the ceiling.

    This woman was terrifying. Though elderly, the way she sat before Qin Luoxia exuded an iparable charm and radiance that was hard to look at directly, despite the scar on her face.

    Princess Huiyun smiled at the woman sitting formally in front of her.

    "Why aren''t you looking at me?"

    Qin Luoxia replied, "Auntie, your clothes are not properly arranged. It''s not right to look."

    Princess Huiyun: ...

    "Why didn''t that little girle today?"

    "She likes to sleep in, so I didn''t wake her early."

    "Look at me. Don''t I seem familiar?"

    Qin Luoxia lowered her head to look at the auntie across from her, examining her carefully for a moment before her eyes suddenly widened.

    This auntie''szy demeanor was exactly like her little daughter''s. Not only did they look alike, but their mannerisms were identical.

    If she hadn''t given birth to the child herself, she would have doubted whether Mianmian was really her own, thinking this auntie might be Mianmian''s true mother instead.

    It was terrifying.

    "You?"

    Princess Huiyun twirled her hair around her finger and said, "I should be your husband''s aunt. Doesn''t that little girl look like her great-aunt?"

    Hearing these words, Qin Luoxia became excited.

    "Really?" Theck of caring elders had always been a painful point for her husband. Qin Luoxia could sense that although her husband often went to provoke that old nun, it was actually because of love in his heart that there was hatred.

    If there was no love or hate, he wouldn''t have bothered with her at all.

    "Are you really my husband''s aunt?"

    Princess Huiyun nodded. Why would she lie? If she wasn''t his aunt, with this woman calling her "auntie" over and over, she would have thrown her down the mountain by now.

    In an instant, the strong and robust Qin Luoxia hugged the old woman and burst into tears: "Aunt, we''ve finally found you. We''ve suffered so much, my husband has suffered so much. Aunt, oh, Aunt, why have you onlye now?"

    Princess Huiyun waspletely trapped in the strong woman''s embrace, unable to break free. But seeing this woman cry so hard, she wondered what great grievances she must have endured. Thinking about it, it made sense - her nephew had suffered a tragic fate and died young, and this woman had raised several children on her own, raising them well. She must have endured many hardships.

    The woman hugged her, sobbing loudly, but Princess Huiyun felt prickly sensations all over the woman''s body and had trouble breathing.

    She pushed the woman away forcefully, only to see her sheepishly remove hidden weapons and poison needles from her chest, body, and legs, along with several flying daggers, knives, razor des, long needles, and a long whip...

    Watching this woman remove various weapons from her body one by one, Princess Huiyun, who had always lived a carefree life, suddenly felt tears in her eyes. How difficult and frightening must life have been for this woman to carry so many lethal weapons on her person?

    She was never one for kind words or praise, but at this moment, she couldn''t help but pat the head of this tall, strong woman who had copsed before her and say, "It''s alright now, it''s alright. From now on, Auntie will protect you all. With Auntie here, nothing bad will happen to you."

 Chapter 281

    ......

    "Aunt, my husband would be so happy to know I''ve found his biological aunt," Qin Luoxia said excitedly.

    Princess Huiyun thought: ... If he knows in the afterlife, he probably would be.

    "Aunt, in a few days, I''ll bring my husband to see you."

    Princess Huiyun thought: ... No need, no need to dig him up, that''s too scary. Let him rest in peace. This niece-inw is too enthusiastic.

    Without any official status, she''s even bringing a child to perform rituals.

    If I hadn''t been caught by her...

    I probably would have spent my whole life hiding and living in secrecy.

    Princess Huiyun originally didn''t want to get involved in the affairs of the crown prince and princes.

    After all, that was her brother''s family business.

    She was able to survive because she didn''t meddle in others'' affairs.

    But now, she couldn''t help it.

    After all, seeing that little girl who looked so simr to herself, she couldn''t help but feelpassion.

    Her royal brother''s temperament had be particrly frightening in recent years.

    Or rather, in Huiyun''s eyes, her royal brother had always been particrly absurd and frightening.

    Huiyun was born beautiful, with unparalleled looks, a willful personality, and was the most favored princess at court.

    But she never expected that after her brother became the Emperor, he would be even more willful than her.

    Moreover, she found that the way her brother looked at her was a bit scary.

    She was born as the most noble woman in the world, her father the Emperor gave her everything she wanted.

    She also deserved the best.

    Once, her every move was the forefront of fashion for the entire country.

    Everyone imitated her, everyone took pride in resembling her.

    The things she did were also quite outrageous.

    But outrageous was one thing, it didn''t include having an incestuous rtionship with her own brother. Even falling in love with a monk would be better than with her brother.

    Then Princess Huiyun fell for the young monk Jingjue.

    Jingjue was true to his name, quiet and exceptionally beautiful, with red lips and white teeth, captivating all who saw him.

    Even the widely pursued Princess Huiyun fell for him.

    Perhaps because Princess Huiyun had been put on such a high pedestal, with all men within her reach, she wanted the one she couldn''t have.

    Jingjue was raised in the temple as a Buddha''s son, growing up in the temple from a young age, proficient in Buddhist teachings and various scriptures.

    Huiyun was the princess darling of the royal family, while Jingjue was like the princess darling of the Buddhist world.

    Who could resist an innocent and stunningly beautiful little princess?

    Even Jingjue, who grew up reciting Buddhist scriptures and eating vegetarian food, couldn''t resist.

    The result of their love affair was naturally uneptable to the world.

    Her brother, who had be the Emperor, wouldn''t allow it, and neither would the Buddhistmunity.

    Both sides came down hard on them.

    Jingjue returned to Buddhism, and after cruel suppression, was taken abroad by his master to seek Buddhist scriptures.

    The Emperor directly arranged a husband for the princess, forcing her to marry.

    The Imperial Son-inw was also a handsome young man, looking gentle and obedient, speaking pleasantly, and attentive in his actions. After marrying the princess, although he knew she was unwilling, he endured her beatings and scolding, showing a very good temperament.

    He quickly healed the heartbroken princess.

    The princess was just willful and unrestrained, but not essentially bad.

    When she slowly began to ept the Imperial Son-inw, she discovered that he was actually impotent, not aplete man at all.

    The Emperor''s intentions hadn''t changed over the years, he still wanted to keep her as his forbidden love.

    It was simply insane.

    The Imperial Son-inw personally chosen by her royal brother.

    It turned out to be a deception as well.

    The princess, once the darling of heaven, became depressed and was driven to mental illness. Then she discovered she was pregnant... had a difficultbor... the child died right after birth... her mental illness worsened again...

    She repeatedly self-harmed, disfigured herself, and then became what she is now, the pioneer of extreme sports, trying all kinds of dangerous activities, unafraid of death. If she died, so be it; if she lived, it didn''t matter, as there was no one in this world she cared about anymore.

    As for the current Imperial Son-inw and Young Master in the princess''s mansion, she didn''t want to bother with them.

    Of course, the Emperor still cared very much about Princess Huiyun.

    If anyone''s whispers in the Emperor''s ear were effective now, Princess Huiyun would definitely be among them.

    Huiyun looked at this woman, with her goose-egg shaped face, big eyes, high nose bridge, thick ck eyebrows, and tall sturdy figure, and was very satisfied with her dead nephew''s taste.

    This is the kind of woman one should choose, good for childbearing is secondary, the key is that she looks cheerful and generous. Living with such a person, one could live several years longer.

    It wouldn''t work with her. She was delicate, she was difficult, she couldn''t even bear children. In fact, she knew that even if her brother hadn''t separated her and Jingjue, they wouldn''t have lived well together.

    It was only because they were separated that it seemed so precious, and all the memories seemed beautiful when recalled.

    Moreover, she wasn''t steadfast either. When she left Jingjue, when Jingjue was locked in the tower in darkness, she actually quickly fell for the Imperial Son-inw.

    She couldn''t even be sure if she truly loved Jingjue or not.

    It was just that thest time Jingjue saw her, she was lying on the Imperial Son-inw''sp, looking at the stars and moon.

    In that darkness.

    That monk named Jingjue, quietly and resolutely watched.

    The Buddha''s son, for the sake of his beloved woman, had faced death nine times, passed through the world''s most harsh trials, walked out of that Buddhist tower, and returned bathed in blood.

    His monk''s robe had turned ck, all covered in blood.

    And the woman he cherished and loved, with a slightly swollen belly, was lying on her husband''sp, her voice still innocent and unrestrained.

    She said, "Husband, look at that cloud, doesn''t it look like a rabbit, a big white rabbit?"

    ......

    When they first met, she had said, "Hey, that monk, you look like the rabbit I raise, a big white rabbit."

    ......

    What is love in this world, that it can make one''s heart and intestines break into pieces, ending all affection and loyalty.

    ......

    Huiyun looked at the woman who was putting her weapons back on her body one by one, her gaze unusually gentle.

    "Little Qin, why don''t you bring the child and move in with me?"

    Qin Luoxia shook her head.

    "No, Aunt, I want to live with my husband. Why don''t you move in with us instead?"

    Hearing these words, Huiyun could no longer hold back her tears.

    "You fool, you big fool, you enormous fool."

    She hugged this vibrant and sturdy woman tightly.

    Fool.

    Fool.

    The person is already dead.

    What are you guarding?

    It''s not worth it.

    This world, it''s not worth it.

    ......

 Chapter 282

    Early morning.

    Mianmian wakes up.

    She opens her eyes, doesn''t see the sun, feels it''s still early, and closes her eyes to continue sleeping.

    After two rounds of snoozing,

    Sunlight filters through the carved doors and windows, slowly creeping onto the bed, and she finally gets up.

    She likes whoever invented the word zy."

    Because then she can say she''s not sessful just because she''s toozy.

    Otherwise, if she worked hard and still wasn''t sessful, she''d be exposed.

    After eating brunch, she very seriously goes to water her little vegetable garden.

    Her clothes get all wet, and her feet are muddy, so she changes into another outfit.

    Today, her parents aren''t home.

    Her older brother and sister aren''t home either.

    Her great-aunt isn''t home either.

    Suddenly, she feels like she''s in charge of the household.

    Of course, this is just her imagination.

    There''s still Brother Bug at home.

    Brother Bug keeps an eye on her.

    Zi Congheng received an order early in the morning to take care of his little sister.

    Aunt Qin instructed him once.

    Uncle-inw Jiang instructed him once.

    Actually, he feels Mianmian is very well-behaved, and there''s no need for repeated instructions.

    But the elders all gave serious instructions.

    And it''s the first time he''s been asked to take care of someone else.

    Before, he always heard his father instructing others to take care of him.

    He never imagined there woulde a day when he would be the one taking care of others.

    He finally feels like he''s grown up a little bit.

    Zi Congheng has no friends in the capital because he doesn''t go out to socialize.

    Firstly, because of his special status, and secondly, because of his special physical condition.

    His uniqueness is like shackles, binding him.

    But in the Jiang family, it seems no one cares about his status.

    Aunt Qin cares about whether he eats well and dresses well.

    Uncle-inw Jiang cares about what books he reads and how his mood is.

    Mianmian cares about whether his health is good and if he''s happy.

    Early in the morning, he watches Mianmian, who has already changed clothes three times - once because she was so happy eating that soup sshed on her clothes, and again because she insisted on watering the vegetables herself and got mud and water on her clothes.

    She wanders over to Brother Bug.

    Mianmian ns to take Brother Bug with her to deliver a letter to the Stargazing Tower in the capital.

    They''ve been in the capital for a few days now.

    It''s time to finish what needs to be done.

    When Zi Congheng hears Mianmian say she wants to go deliver a letter, he feels it''s a proper task, and indeed, promises should be kept.

    However, when he sees the entire box of letters, it''s more like books than letters.

    They ask for directions to the Stargazing Tower along the way, heading towards the east of the city.

    They even pass by her brother-inw''s house.

    Mianmian almost wants to sneak in to see her two older nephews.

    But it seems this isn''t allowed in the capital; you can''t just run into someone''s house.

    It feels strange.

    When they reach the Stargazing Tower, they discover it''s very close to the imperial pce.

    It''s on the other side of the pce.

    There''s probably a door connecting it to the pce.

    The Stargazing Tower in the capital is very imposing.

    You can''t just enter casually.

    Even though they show their token and say they''re here to deliver letters, they still have to wait for a while.

    Later, someonees to lead them in.

    It''s a young man who arrives.

    He has ordinary features and is very serious.

    But Pangya, Wei Biao, and Hei Ta are stopped outside.

    They''re not allowed to enter.

    The people inside are dressed in white, looking like immortals.

    They seem worried that people from outside might contaminate the interior.

    If the stargazers in Jingzhou are like miserable programmers, then the stargazers in the capital are like high-level scientists in white coats.

    Mysteriously, this ce is full of a kind of high-tech feeling, with the decor looking very clean and efficient.

    Because they''re not allowed to bring attendants, Zi Congheng carries the box of letters, and Mianmian follows along.

    The two of them follow the path, seeing all kinds of instruments that feel both ancient and advanced.

    Mianmian is an outsider and doesn''t understand.

    Brother Bug, however, looks very carefully at each item.

    They walk quite slowly.

    The journey is quiet and mysterious.

    It''s like walking into another dimensional realm.

    After walking for a long time, they finally hear voices.

    People talking.

    One wonders if they''ll see a bunch of people with neck problems from looking up too much, dressed all in white, all tilting their heads back. It might feel like seeing a group of hanged ghosts floating in front of you.

    It seems there''s also a smell of smoke.

    Hmm?

    The smoke smells kind of fragrant?

    Mianmian follows the young guide, whose pace quickens a bit as they reach this area.

    When they finally arrive inside.

    They discover that a solemn scientific activity is taking ce.

    Using mirrors to reflect light to obtain a fire source, using inorganic matter to cut organic matter, then arranging andbining in a specific order, using fire to change the nature of substances, and then using it to solve the problem of energy deficiency.

    In simple terms, they are actually roasting meat.

    They''re roastingmb.

    It smells incredibly delicious.

    There are even seasonings.

    A group of ancient stargazers dressed in white robes are holding arge, ceremonial activity, roasting meat together.

    No wonder they didn''t let them bring their maids and bodyguards.

    They were probably worried that if they brought too many people, there wouldn''t be enough to eat...

 Chapter 283

    Another day.

    Early morning.

    Minister Dong got up and took a stroll in the courtyard with his Old Wife.

    As the Minister of Works, unlike leaders of other departments, he sometimes still had to be involved in various engineering operations. Although in recent years, the main projects had be building houses, courtyards, theaters, waterside pavilions, hot spring baths, bathhouses, and more for the Emperor...

    He still liked to take a walk every day.

    To exercise a bit.

    A good physique was the foundation of being an official.

    If one''s body wasn''t in good shape, they could only retire early,cking the vigor even to argue with others.

    This morning.

    There was a rosy dawn, the sky red at the horizon.

    It didn''t seem suitable for a long journey; with the morning glow now, the sky might be overcastter.

    Minister Dong was dressed quite thickly, with a white fur scarf wrapped around his short neck.

    Madam Dong had a long neck and fair skin, looking like a gentledy, her whole demeanor as soft and mild as a white dough.

    However, at this moment, she also wore a sorrowful expression.

    Minister Dong also had a worried look.

    They had always been concerned about E''e''s nature, having raised her to be naive and carefree.

    But when their daughter was wronged, neither of them had thought about marrying her into a high-ranking family.

    They chose to betroth her to Young Master Tong, the son of Vice Minister Liu, Minister Dong''s subordinate.

    The two families had a good rtionship.

    Young Master Tong had grown up with E''e, childhood sweethearts with an innocent friendship.

    Although Young Master Tong didn''t seem to be a genius in studies, he had a gentle personality, little ambition, and was very good to E''e. While not the best match, he should at least be a good one.

    Minister Dong felt that with his own status to back her, his daughter wouldn''t suffer after marriage.

    Who could have imagined that she would endure endless grievances even before getting married?

    They had always treated Young Master Tong like their own child. When he said he wanted to travel and study, Minister Dong thought it was a good idea - to see the world, broaden his horizons, gain experience - very good indeed, and even sponsored him generously for the trip.

    But this journey resulted in him bringing back an Adopted Sister.

    Minister Dong had met that Adopted Sister; his wife and daughterbined were no match for her.

    That Adopted Sister looked like a young girl, but her every move was like that of a concubine in the imperial harem, as if she had years of experience in pce intrigue.

    Minister Dong decisively took on the me and broke off the engagement.

    In these times, it was usually the woman''s side that was criticized for breaking off an engagement.

    Even if there was something unclear with the Adopted Sister, it shouldn''t lead to breaking off the engagement, right? Wasn''t it normal for men to have three wives and four concubines? People gossiped behind their backs that Minister Dong was bullying others.

    Minister Dong felt that being criticized was better than losing one''s life.

    In the past, he had thought the Liu family was honest and unpretentious.

    But now looking at them, not quickly driving away such a bewitching woman, but recognizing her as an adopted daughter - they must have lost their minds.

    Who knew that because of this fairy-like Adopted Sister, Vice Minister Liu had be arrogant.

    Previously always obedient to Minister Dong, recently he had begun to pay lip service while disobeying in secret.

    Perhaps he had always been two-faced, but it just hadn''t been noticed before.

    It was good not to be inws with such people.

    Minister Dong felt the broken engagement was for the best.

    Fearing his daughter might feel ufortable in the capital with all the rumors, Minister Dong let her go out for a trip.

    His daughter said she wanted to see the surging rivers and watch the sunrise over the river.

    Minister Dong remembered his daughter had previously said she wanted Young Master Liu to apany her to watch the sunrise over the river.

    Hearing his daughter''s request, the old father''s tears nearly fell.

    Alright.

    Go and see.

    He sent many people to apany her on the trip.

    But then...

    A servant ran back saying the young miss had fallen into the water.

    They thought E''e might have be despondent and attempted suicide.

    Heartbroken and devastated.

    At this point, Minister Dong wanted to go to the Liu family and ughter that fickle little beast Young Master Tong.

    But that very day, his daughter was found and brought back.

    After returning, his daughter seemed extremely happy.

    She said that in a while, a handsome young man woulde riding a tall horse to marry her.

    She had given her fish pendant to him as a token.

    Minister Dong and Madam Dong nodded and said okay.

    They told her to rest easy at home.

    In reality, Minister Dong was extremely worried.

    He thought his daughter might be possessed, or that the fall into the water had damaged her brain.

    She said someone had saved her, a very handsome young man, and she had given the fish pendant to him.

    But Minister Dong thought the fish pendant might have just fallen into the water.

    His daughter described the ce where she woke up.

    Houses, grasnd, and a great river - Minister Dong sent people to search, but they couldn''t find anything.

    Fortunately, his daughter didn''t seem to have been vited or traumatized.

    It might be a case of hysteria.

    Hysteria after falling into the water.

    Some people im to have seen the underworld after falling into water.

    Minister Dong and his wife were extremely anxious.

    Seeing their daughter happy every day, waiting for someone toe and propose marriage.

    They didn''t dare to burst her bubble.

    Worried that if they did, the girl might be shocked.

    The servants said that when they brought her back, there was no handsome young man as the young miss described, just an honest and simple fishing family.

    But now the young miss was happily at home, already starting to prepare her wedding clothes, and counting her dowry every day.

    Seeing this broke Minister Dong and Madam Dong''s hearts.

    In their minds, they cursed Young Master Tong thousands of times.

    Yet they had to cooperate with their daughter in preparing the dowry and wedding clothes.

    What if no one came to propose marriage?

    It worried Minister Dong to death.

    ...

    After breakfast at home.

    Minister Dong went to his office to work.

    On his desk was also a copy of the detailed rules and regtions.

    It wasn''t circled in red.

    Not because he didn''t have two hundred taels.

    But because he didn''t want to.

    He had quarreled with Minister Lu eight hundred times already.

    Minister Lu was petty; if he was going to hold a grudge, he would have done so long ago.

    But Minister Lu was also very clever; he knew someone had to do the work.

    The position of Minister of Works was thankless, and it wasn''t easy to rece.

    After all, although Minister Dong grumbled every day, both the aesthetics and craftsmanship of the buildings he constructed satisfied the Emperor.

    Minister Lu wouldn''t easily move someone who could help the Emperor get things done.

    So Minister Dong wasn''t afraid of old Lu; he just wouldn''t spend money to buy it, he''d memorize it himself, so what?

    But he wasn''t in the mood to memorize either.

    Now when he looked at any colleague, he thought, could this one be a potential inw? Could that one be a potential inw?

    He evaluated everyone first to see if they were suitable to be inws.

    These days.

    Meng Qingshe, who had be inted with all the money people were stuffing him with, was truly inted.

    He usually didn''t like to wander around various government offices.

    He always felt that civil officials were gloomy and unpleasant to deal with.

    Now he was actively wandering around various government offices.

    He might have misunderstood civil officials before.

    The civil officials were actually very nice.

    Proactive and enthusiastic, they didn''t even need him to open his mouth.

    He had originally thought he would need to carry a package under his arm, go up to the civil officials, and whisper, "Want the key points?"

    If they nodded yes, he would then secretly open the key points in a corner, let them verify the goods, see if they were genuine key points.

    After verification, then it would be a hand-to-hand exchange of money for key points.

    But it wasn''t necessary.

    He just had to wander around their offices, and they would enthusiastically and generously give him money, not at all shy or hiding the private matter of looking at key points.

    So Meng Qingshe became inted.

    He even dared to set foot in the Ministry of Works, which he usually didn''t like to visit.

    Minister Dong of the Ministry of Works had a very bad temper.

    Loud voice.

    His way of speaking sounded like scolding, always grumbling.

    Even when wandering, Meng Qingshe didn''t like to wander to the Ministry of Works.

    But sometimes he was willing toe over.

    Because the weapons made by the craftsmen here were very useful.

    His Green Dragon de had been improved with the help of the craftsmen here.

    Big and sharp, with good sound effects, when shaken it made a piercing noise, causing enemies to surrender without a fight.

    For this, he had specially thanked old Dong, sending him two roast ducks.

    Old Dong was happy to ept, saying his daughter liked to eat them.

    Meng Qingshe swaggered up to old Dong.

    Seeing the detailed rules and regtions on his desk, his stern expression, sighing from time to time, he instantly understood.

    Business hade to him.

    "Old Dong, don''t sigh, my inw has highlighted the key points, do you want to buy them? Never mind, you''re a good person, I''ll highlight them for you directly, no need for you to pay, just don''t tell others."

    Minister Dong came to his senses and looked at Meng Qingshe.

    "Inw? What inw?"

    He now had a conditioned response to the word "inw".

    He had previously pulled strings for Meng Qingshe, having craftsmen make weapons for him, because old Dong thought Meng Qingshe''s son was not bad, well-educated, and without bad habits.

    Unfortunately, his daughter was already engaged, and he couldn''t have his cake and eat it too, but surely it was allowed for him as a father to look at other families'' talented young men?

    Now hearing Meng Qingshe say "inw".

    Aliali: 67219b6e3a4784313d7c91e6

    He remembered that Meng Qingshe''s good son was already married, and had reportedly fathered twins at once. Meng Qingshe had broadcast this all over the court, even the birds on the roof of the court knew about it.

    Other people''s good sons were already fathers.

    To think that his own daughter had developed hysteria, wanting her lifesaving benefactor toe and marry her.

    Oh, the sorrow that filled Minister Dong''s heart when he thought about it.

    "My inw Vice Minister Jiang, ah, he''s such a good person. Most importantly, he''s handsome and talented, honest, simple-minded, and hardworking. My mother-inw is also wonderful, knows how to manage a household. That''s why their daughter, who is now my daughter-inw, is so well-raised. Her culinary skills are unbeatable. In the few days she''s been with us, our whole family has gained several pounds because her food is so delicious. And my two grandsons, they''re growing up chubby and fair-skinned..."

    As Meng Qingshe chatted with others, his old habit kicked in, and he veered off to talk about his two grandsons.

    Seeing the nk stare in old Dong''s eyes, he felt a bit embarrassed and steered the conversation back on track.

    "My inw, that man is really good, easy to get along with. He even knows how to highlight key points..."

    Minister Dong suddenly grasped Meng Qingshe''s hand and asked enthusiastically, "Does our inw have any sons? How old are they? Are they married yet?"

    ...

 Chapter 284

    The Ministry of Works office was not luxurious; in fact, it had quite a bit of garbage.

    Piles here, piles there, and piles over there too.

    All construction materials.

    They couldn''t bear to throw them away.

    So it looked rather messy.

    Of course, the main entrance was very imposing.

    The face of the imperial court couldn''t be lost.

    Minister Dong''s office was veryrge.

    He enthusiastically engaged General Meng in detailed conversation.

    Having risen to the position of minister, he considered his judgment to be quite good.

    Although he had just misjudged someone.

    But that was an ident. Vice Minister Liu was his subordinate, they had been colleagues for many years, and he had watched Liu grow up. Liu wasn''t very smart but didn''t have major ws. Who could have imagined he would change so much as an adult?

    Apart from that, Minister Dong felt his judgment of people was still urate.

    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have gotten the position of minister.

    This Meng Qingshe must be a good person.

    Straightforward, generous, simple yet wise.

    But Old General Meng might not be.

    If Meng Qingshe was a shy ck-banded krait - quick to act, agile in response, good at escaping, gentle in nature, scary-looking but actually doesn''t bite, only biting when extremely frightened or forced to -

    Old General Meng was a "Ba", also called a five-step snake, seven-step snake, hundred-step snake, or sharp-nosed pit viper. The names speak for themselves. It bites people, is very fierce, and can kill with its bite.

    Old General Meng was not a benevolent snake.

    Being able to satisfy Meng Qingshe meant one was at least a kind person.

    Being able to satisfy Old General Meng meant one was a clever person.

    Who else could be both kind and clever if not his own inw?

    Minister Dong inquired very carefully.

    "My inw, does he have a son? Yes indeed. Young Feng, honest and loyal, skilled in martial arts. He practices with my son every day at dawn, never stopping for heat or cold, very hardworking. I hear from my son that young Feng is very knowledgeable. If it weren''t for... he would certainly pass the imperial exams. Just look at my inw and you''ll see how clever he is."

    Minister Dong pulled Old Meng to sit down and poured him tea.

    Let''s discuss in detail, he said.

    He also took out a package of dried meat from his drawer.

    He passed a piece to Old Meng.

    Old Meng was an honest man who surely wouldn''t lie.

    It''s just that he was too straightforward and wouldn''t beat around the bush, so one had to carefully analyze the specifics from his words.

    Work was set aside.

    Minister Dong chatted with Meng Qingshe for a whole morning.

    It left Meng Qingshe feeling a bit dizzy.

    How could this old Dong talk so much?

    He was just like the old men and women in the park trying to arrange marriages for their children.

    They talked about everything under the sun.

    After chatting, realizing it was noon, he originally wanted to invite Old Meng for a meal.

    But Old Meng insisted on going home to eat.

    The food at home was delicious, he boasted again.

    Minister Dong decided not to spend the money then.

    He let the man go.

    He carefully analyzed the content of what Old Meng had said, discarding the misceneous parts and keeping the main points:

    The Jiang family''s circumstances should be quite good. Meng Qingshe''s daughter-inw''s dowry was very generous, just not ostentatious. The Jiang family was very low-key. (Wealthy, won''t be poor after marriage, low-key, not easily killed off, unlikely to get into trouble.)

    The Jiang family matriarch had a very good temperament, because his daughter-inw was a bit naive and careless - if not truly loving children, she couldn''t have taught such a personality. (Mother-inw has a good temperament, easy to get along with.)

    Jiang Feng was aplished in both civil and military arts, but had a scar on his forehead. His appearance should be very good; Meng Qingshe mentioned several times that he was handsome. (Having been injured isn''t necessarily bad. If he were perfect in every way, he would have been someone else''s husband long ago. Having a slight w might be why he''s still avable now.)

    Jiang Feng had a good personality, protective of his sister, extremely patient with people, very lively, loved tough, just a bit simple and guileless. (Looking at Vice Minister Jiang, saying he has no guile needs further investigation. However, with Vice Minister Jiang being so full of schemes, the child doesn''t need too much cunning.)

    Jiang Feng had no bad habits, spent all his time studying, and had strict family discipline. The Jiang family had no concubines or messy rtionships. (This point is very good - proper family values, my daughter won''t suffer grievances in the future.)

    They chatted for a very long time.

    Minister Dong was now extremely anxious.

    His daughter''s wedding clothes were already embroidered.

    It wouldn''t do without a groom.

    He was also a decisive person and prepared to make contact with Vice Minister Jiang again.

    After all, Old Meng''s intelligence fluctuated unpredictably, hard to gauge.

    Minister Dong went over to the main government office after eating.

    The Imperial Secretary usually had to enter the pce, or wait outside if not entering.

    When Minister Dong came over, Vice Minister Jiang happened to not have entered the pce.

    Vice Minister Jiang had been ostracized at Minister Lu''s hint.

    He was alone in his office.

    There was no work for him to do.

    He didn''t mind.

    Being ostracized wasn''t scary.

    Did they really expect him to work his fingers to the bone for that little sry? Wasn''t it better to rest?

    Vice Minister Jiang was very open-minded about it.

    These days, seeing the spoils of war that his old inw kept sending over,

    He had even hired an external ountant (bookkeeper) to help tally it.

    Of course, outsiders couldn''t easilye in.

    So Jiang Changtian chose a former colleague who had waited for official appointments with him.

    That colleague was so poor he couldn''t even afford to rent a room. He visited Jiang Changtian, who sponsored him with a sum of money.

    But he generally didn''t easily y the role of a benefactor.

    Money given out also needed to have equivalent benefits in return; giving for free wouldn''t do.

    If you give for free once, will you give for free a second time? If you give the second time, will you give a third time?

    Whichever time you don''t give, you''re no longer a good person.

    So Jiang Changtian invited that colleague to help with the ounting, and also paid him wages. (When paying, he deducted the money he had given earlier, emphasizing that even if not blood brothers, ounts must be kept clear.)

    The colleague was also very grateful.

    This job was respectable, working for the Emperor. Although Brother Jiang could have done it himself - Brother Jiang had been leisurely sunbathing all morning - he insisted on letting him do it to solve his urgent need. Not only did he pay, but he also gave him a chance to gain recognition.

    This was working for the Emperor and Minister Lu. If done well, in case praise was earned, there would always be opportunities.

    So the colleague Chen Jiuju was very grateful and calcted very carefully and diligently, not even stopping to rest for lunch.

    He hastily ate a few bites and continued calcting.

    There was too much money.

    It kepting endlessly.

    Divided into three portions.

    Each transaction had to be recorded, the ounts had to be clear.

    So when Minister Dong came over, Vice Minister Jiang was seriously reading a book.

    The afternoon sun had already nted.

    It entered the room through the window.

    Vice Minister Jiang wore a dark blue official robe, his long hair falling over his shoulders, leaning back in his chair reading a book, not sitting very properly, looking a bitzy.

    There was tea and snacks on the table.

    The tea set didn''t seem to be from the government office, probably his own.

    Arge teacup, with a special design for straining tea leaves.

    He also had a hot water bag in his arms, and a fire bucket under the table.

    Other rooms were freezing cold, ufortable.

    But entering Vice Minister Jiang''s room feltfortable.

    Seeing the visitor, Vice Minister Jiang stood up and politely greeted him.

    Standing face to face.

    Old Dong couldn''t help but secretly praise, how handsome!

    This inw truly had outstanding looks!

    Even if the son didn''t take after his father, with these looks, even halved would still be good-looking enough.

    Minister Dong did understand his own daughter somewhat.

    His daughter liked beautiful things.

    That Liu boy looked passable, but had a heap of other ws, yet his daughter had tolerated it all.

    Butpared to this inw before him, he wasn''t fit to tie his shoes.

    Minister Dong''s face was full of enthusiasm, his voice booming, smiling almost fawningly.

    Jiang Changtian was a bit confused.

    He remembered this person, someone from the imperial court. He nced at him, and with the detailed information Brother Yehang had given him, he had memorized it all.

    The man before him was Minister Dong of the Ministry of Works, said to be upright and impartial, capable of getting things done, a useful talent.

    Vice Minister Jiang greeted him warmly.

    Not knowing why Minister Dong had graced him with his presence, he asked if there was any instruction.

    A leader of this rank surely wouldn''te to ask for answers.

    Jiang Changtian was quite self-aware; everyone was just giving face to Minister Lu, it had nothing to do with him.

    Minister Dong sat down happily to chat.

    Leaving everything else aside, just seeing Vice Minister Jiang''s appearance made one feel pleased.

    It was a feast for the eyes.

    The rumor that Meng Qingshe''s daughter-inw was as beautiful as Daji seemed to have some truth to it.

    With a father this handsome, how could the daughter not be beautiful?

    Meng Qingshe really lucked out; his two grandsons must be good-looking too.

    Minister Dong didn''t beat around the bush.

    He sat down in front of Vice Minister Jiang and said, "I heard from General Meng that your eldest son is not yet married. I wonder if he has anyone he fancies? If not, this old man is willing to act as a matchmaker, to make a connection."

    Jiang Changtian understood immediately.

    Unlike chatting with Meng Qingshe for a whole morning until his mouth was dry, yet Meng Qingshe still hadn''t understood why old Dong was so enthusiastic today.

    "Not yet. My son has not had anyone in mind. If Minister Dong could arrange an introduction, that would be wonderful. May I ask which family''s daughter it is? I''ll have my wife pay a visit tomorrow."

    Minister Dong was even more pleased with Vice Minister Jiang. Not only was he handsome, but every detail about Vice Minister Jiang''s appearance and surroundings showed that he lived well. His hair was clean and tidy, his sleeves were pristine, his cor was crisp. The room was well-appointed, the food and drink werefortable, his shoes were clean, and there was even a hot water bottle for warming hands. All these details indicated that his household was well-managed, with a capable wife.

    Just for this reason alone, his own daughter would surely live well if she married into this family.

    Minister Dong pped the table and said without blushing, "I have a fine daughter at home."

 Chapter 285

    The barbecue at the Star-Gazing Pavilion was excellent.

    Perhaps because it was filled with the high technology of this era.

    Senior Brother Zheng''s messenger.

    They already knew Mianmian wasing.

    In this era, distances were far and travel was inconvenient.

    If there was truly important content to be delivered,

    There would usually be several messengers, sending it in turns.

    Mianmian brought letters written by the star-gazers of Jingzhou over many years. Mianmian thought that after not being sent for so long, they might no longer be just letters, but could be insights, theories, or ideas - in any case, something rather important.

    He had also arranged for someone heading to the Capital City to send a letter, saying someone would deliver a letter.

    A messenger for the messenger.

    So when Mianmian arrived, the people at the Star-Gazing Pavilion were not surprised.

    They ate barbecue, then everyone read the letters together.

    Mianmian and Cong Brother were also granted the right to read the letters.

    There really were a lot.

    Some letters had very short contents.

    "Today my body aches unbearably. The weather is cold. There are rebels, and themon people are fleeing."

    "Today my body feels slightly better, inside and outside the city is quiet."

    "Headache. This evening a bird stopped at my window for a long while."

    "The stars look very different today, I must record it. After finishing the diagram, it was already noon, I fell asleep immediately, and when I woke up it was dark. I rushed in a panic to observe the stars."

    ...

    Dates, day after day.

    The people of the Star-Gazing Pavilion sorted them together.

    In chronological order.

    Only after helping to sort them did Mianmian learn that all star-gazers had this tradition.

    Star-gazers from various ces would record their daily lives, meaning they felt their time wasing to an end and needed the people of the Star-Gazing Pavilion in the Capital City to send them new recement star-gazers, or they had found suitable sessors themselves.

    These records were for the people of the Star-Gazing Pavilion to see, also to inform them what issues there might be in their area, and what kind of person would be best to choose.

    Trivial, touching, and also valuable.

    Like a very, very good book.

    Mianmian felt it could definitely bepiled and published.

    It felt like she had found a little something to do.

    She still had a shop, but hadn''t decided what to do with it.

    If used to publish books, Grandma''s tea said, beauty manuals, postpartum care, various practical content like this could all be published. People''s sources of knowledge were too limited at this time, and they kept their knowledge to themselves. If there were books, useful books, everyone would cherish them very much.

    They read letters at the Star-Gazing Pavilion until evening, then strolled home leisurely.

    It felt like a day with some gains.

    ...

    ...

    Jiang Changtian returned home from his shift.

    He said to his wife: "I''ve already written to Feng, telling him to return quickly. I''ve found a good marriage prospect for him. You should bring gifts and pay a visit tomorrow."

    Qin Luoxia hadn''t yet told her husband about meeting her aunt.

    She thought she''d wait for her husband to see her, it should be a nice surprise.

    She didn''t expect her husband to give her a surprise first.

    She had been worrying about Feng''s marriage for a long time.

    Elder Sister Yu was already married with children, while Feng as the elder brother was still single.

    But she wasn''t the nagging type. Though she worried, she didn''t constantly bring it up.

    She believed her husband must have a n.

    And indeed, her husband had found a good family.

    A family her husband approved of must be very good, after all her husband was quite clever.

    Having received instructions, Qin Luoxia quickly sent someone to invite Aunt Yin back.

    For such an important matter, it was still best to have Aunt Yin in charge.

    It wouldn''t do to ruin Feng''s good marriage prospect because she performed poorly during the visit.

    And as for what gifts to prepare, there should be a n. After all, they weren''t familiar with the customs of the Capital City.

    "Miss Dong, who broke off her engagement with the Liu family? Oh, I''ve heard of her," Qin Luoxia nodded.

    "It''s a good thing. If she hadn''t broken off the engagement, it wouldn''t have been our son''s turn. What a good family background, what a good girl."

    So, the next day.

    Minister Jiang went to work.

    Qin Luoxia brought Aunt Yin and a string of gifts to visit the Dong family.

    Meanwhile, Mianmian and Bug Brother went to the temple to watch the Buddhist ceremony.

    ...

    Zi Congheng felt that his daily life now was extremely fulfilling and busy.

    There was a reason to go out every day.

    Today they were going to the temple to apany his father''s soul (assuming it existed).

    Both were wearing white robes.

    Perhaps from eating too many meals at Mianmian''s house, their movements had be somewhat synchronized.

    There was a kind of carefree,zy feeling.

    The two took a carriage together to Tai''a Temple.

    Early in the morning.

    The temple bells rang melodiously.

    Arriving at the temple, the incense smoke was thick.

    The smell was actually quite pleasant.

    Watching the monks in their robes, busy, going in circles, striking wooden fish, it was indeed very lively.

    Zi Congheng looked around and was somewhat surprised. The number of senior monks had increased a lotpared to the first day. Had Aunt Qin added more money?

    Probably not. Based on his understanding of Aunt Qin, she wouldn''t spend extra on this.

    He was actually quite wealthy too, but living together, it didn''t seem appropriate to keep clear ounts. Calcting everything clearly like that would feel very distant.

    Aunt Qin always said to save where you should save and spend where you should spend.

    Aunt Qin was very frugal in some aspects, but quite generous in others.

    She didn''t care much about outward appearances, but cared a lot about thefort of her family members.

    Although it didn''t look luxurious on the outside, everyone wore extremely good clothes inside and used first-rate things.

    All kinds of difficult things Mianmian requested, Aunt Qin would have people do, and do well withoutint.

    So after living there for just a few days, it felt suitable andfortable everywhere, putting one''s mind at ease.

    After watching the Buddhist ceremony with Mianmian for a while, and finding that they hadn''t skimped on monks but had actually added many more, and that they were chanting very earnestly, Zi Congheng led Mianmian out.

    The two went together to see the eternalmps, seeing the mes covering the entire wall. They carefully searched through the characters on the entire wall, found the two characters for Zi Lu, and felt it was quite good.

    Ghosts remembered by someone are still ghosts.

    Ghosts remembered by no one will disappear.

    After seeing the eternalmps, the two continued to stroll.

    This time, they very naturally walked into that back courtyard.

    Mianmian and Bug Brother walked for quite a while without encountering the olddy fromst time, proceeding unhindered all the way.

    Zi Congheng was somewhat surprised.

    The scenery inside was too beautiful.

    All kinds of trees, colors in distinctyers, red, yellow, green.

    Every path they walked seemed to have exquisite scenery, every angle looked like a painting.

    As they walked, they came to the shore of a hugeke.

    Looking at the emerald surface of theke, it felt like a jade mirror.

    Then Mianmian saw a very tall swing by theke.

    There was someone on the swing.

    It seemed to be the olddy fromst time.

    The olddy was in a very elegant mood, actually swinging.

    But before she could finish marveling, she saw the olddy''s body fly off the swing, flying very high, at least higher than the swing frame, then flip 360 degrees, and finally dive headfirst into the water, with a thin column of water bubbling up on the surface.

    ...

    Mianmian''s mouth fell open. Could someone tell her why she was seeing fancy diving in ancient times? My goodness.

    What on earth was this?

    Zi Congheng was already starting to feel a headache.

    This was "water swinging" - flying off the swing tond in the water.

    After a while, the olddy swam to shore.

    She was wearing very professional swimwear.

    But it wasn''t strange. In this era there were professional pearl divers. These people not only knew how to swim, but could dive deep, going to the depths to collect pearls.

    But the risks were very high, and many people died.

    Pearl divers wore professional swimwear.

    It''s just that ordinary nobledies wouldn''t dress like this.

    At the shore, maids came over to wrap Princess Huiyun in a cloak.

    Her hair was wet, but she had a smile on her face, clearly enjoying the process very much.

    Buting out of the water was actually very cold. When the wind blew, it made one shiver involuntarily.

    Princess Huiyun was a bit embarrassed. It was rare for her to y on the water swing and she happened to be seen by juniors.

    She would probably be nagged again.

    How did the formation fail again today?

    Could it be that it didn''t work on rtives? That didn''t make sense. Even her royal brother couldn''t enter without her permission.

    This mother and son were too bizarre.

    Princess Huiyun looked at the two people in white clothes, one big and one small.

    Looking closely, the boy somewhat resembled her nephew the crown prince. The girl looked more like her, and seemed even prettier.

    Mianmian excitedly came over and said: "Grandma, you''re so amazing! You actually flew up several circles before jumping into the water. You jumped so well, you controlled the ssh so beautifully, there was hardly any water sshing up. Champion! Grandma, next time you jump, can Ie keep youpany?"

    Princess Huiyun found it a bit strange. This little girl really did look a lot like her. Others who saw this would be shocked and afraid, but she had a face full of admiration, eager to try it herself, looking excited.

    Zi Congheng stood to the side with an expressionless face and said: "You cannot learn this. Mother will beat you."

    Mianmian exined: "No, no, no, I''m not learning. Diving is very difficult, and I''m scared too. I''m apanying you because this is a high-difficulty move. When diving, the head touches the water surface first, and the eyes often rub against the water surface, which can easily cause retinal detachment."

    She made a gesture of an eyeball falling out and continued: "Diving can easily injure the waist, break legs, or twist the neck. If you''re not careful and your stomach hits the water surface first, your internal organs might even shatter. If I''m here, I can provide immediate medical treatment."

    "Grandma, trust me, my medical skills are excellent. Even if your internal organs are shattered, I have a way. I can cut open your belly to examine, ensuring you won''t die immediately."

    Princess Huiyun: ... Someonee and fork this little brat out of here...

    ...

 Chapter 286

    ......

    A warm tatami mat.

    Sweet tea.

    Many out-of-season fruits.

    Mianmian and Brother Chong were settled in this room, drinking tea and eating snacks and fruit.

    The room was also piled with some books.

    Mianmian felt that the room''s furnishings seemed somewhat familiar.

    For some reason, it felt like the hotel guesthouse she had run in Jingzhou.

    At first, she thought the grandmother with the beaded ne was some kind of nanny, but now it seemed she was the mistress.

    It was rare to see a woman of this age with such a good figure in this era.

    Formoners of this age, they would already be worn out beyond recognition from hard work. Forget about figure, even standing up straight and walking would be difficult.

    If it were a nobledy, due to multiple childbirths, prolonged sitting, andck of exercise, they would easily be pot-bellied, their figurespletely distorted.

    In any case, this was a cruel era for women. Even if you were a nobledy, after giving birth to so many children and losing your figure, losing yourself, you still had to smile and allow your husband to take concubines, sending him fresh and beautiful young women.

    There were also rebellious women who didn''t bear children and maintained their figures, but they would always be criticized.

    In short, to live to this age and still be so carefree and daring, she was no ordinary person.

    Mianmian even wondered if she might be a fellow time-traveler.

    However, in their conversation, it seemed she wasn''t, as she didn''t get Mianmian''s references.

    When the grandmother finished tidying up and came out.

    Oh wow!

    A great beauty.

    And a great beauty with facial tattoos at that!

    With tattoos, you definitely can''t get fat or thin, because if you do, the tattoos will stretch or shrink, changing the pattern, making it look like a mess, very ugly.

    Getting a patch of tattoos on your face probably shouldn''t be called a tattoo, face painting?

    Looking closely, it should be from an injury, like her brother.

    The tattoo was der over the wound to cover it up.

    Given this grandmother''s level of recklessness, it''s not surprising she got injured.

    "Grandmother, this tatami mat is sofortable, and there''s even floor heating, it''s so warm," Mianmian sighed contentedly as she ate and drank.

    Princess Huiyun knew nothing of tatami mats or floor heating. It was just because she was very willful and liked to float on water, and worried about catching cold, so her royal brother had sent people from the Ministry of Works to install it in her residence. It must have been quite expensive, as only her room had it, and it was said that someone had to constantly boil hot water for it.

    "If you like it, you can move in and live with me. And don''t call me grandmother, you can call me Princess."

    "Pffft!" Mianmian, who was drinking water, spat it out.

    Because her mind suddenly jumped to modern times.

    She wiped her mouth and saw the grandmother sitting opposite her, who had just been sprayed in the face, and quickly took out a handkerchief.

    "Princess, please wipe your head."

    Princess Huiyun: ......

    For some reason, hearing "Princess" from this brat''s mouth seemed to have a special meaning.

    She still wanted to hit her, what should she do?

    Then she saw this little brat, with a face very simr to her own, jumping around.

    "Princess, please have some tea."

    "Princess, please have some fruit."

    "Princess, please......"

    "Enough." Princess Huiyun gritted her teeth. "Just call me grandmother."

    "Uh." This grandmother''s temperament was really fickle, very princess-like.

    Thinking about it, there really were princesses in this era.

    Mianmian behaved a bit more honestly.

    This grandmother looked very kind, seemed to have a good temper, and gave her a beautiful string of beads the first time they met. She quite liked her.

    For some reason, she felt an inexplicable urge to act up in front of this grandmother.

    Zi Congheng sat to the side, already in a state of deep meditation when he heard the person in front of him im to be a princess.

    Watching Mianmian continuously act up.

    Wondering if revealing his identity would save them from death at the hands of the Princess Royal.

    Had his father finished kowtowing in the underworld? Did his head hurt?

    "Grandmother, are you really a princess? Grandmother, you''re so nice. My father told me to go out as little as possible in the Capital City. There are too many important people, and you have to kneel and bow all the time, it''s not good."

    Princess Huiyun had been thinking of kicking this child out, she was really getting a headache.

    She remembered the Crown Prince''s son was a very well-behaved child.

    She didn''t expect his daughter to have such a lively personality.

    But hearing these words, her heart softened again.

    Was this what the Crown Prince instructed before he died?

    You are the Crown Prince''s daughter, you don''t need to kneel or bow to anyone when you go out.

    She couldn''t help but reach out to pat her head.

    Then she saw her smoothly twist her body, escaping her hand.

    "Grandmother, don''t pat my head. Father and Brother all like to pat my head, they''ve made my hair thin."

    Princess Huiyun raised an eyebrow and looked at her hair, which did seem a bit sparse.

    She felt likeughing.

    Then she heard the little brat say: "If you keep patting, it''ll be as thin as grandmother''s hair."

    Princess Huiyun''s face froze again.

    ...... Kick her out, kick her out......

    Princess Huiyun felt this little brat was born to torment her o(¨i©n¨i)o.

    How could there be a child whose every word was so unpleasant to hear?

    Every sentence was a stab to the heart.

    What had she done wrong?

    "Stay for lunch." After saying this, Princess Huiyun fled in panic. If she didn''t leave, she was afraid she would grab this little brat, lift her up, m her on the ground, lift her up again, m her down again......

    ......

 Chapter 287

    "Please stay for lunch," said a round-faced woman with snow-white skin, holding Qin Luoxia''s hand sincerely.

    Madam Dong had a naive and carefree personality.

    At her age, she still loved reading illustrated novels.

    She especially enjoyed stories about female knights roaming the martial world, upholding justice.

    When she firstid eyes on Qin Luoxia who came to visit, she was stunned by her beauty.

    Isn''t this the very embodiment of a female knight?

    Her eyes were filled with stars as she looked at her.

    Moreover, every move Mrs. Jiang made was exactly like the female knights in her mind.

    The hairstyle, clothes, shoes - everything was the same.

    If not for the inappropriate setting, she would have knelt down with her daughter right then and there.

    Last night, she had already heard from her husband.

    He said he had found a good match for their daughter, and this time it was guaranteed to be stable.

    Minister Dong believed that Meng Qingshe wouldn''t lie. Meng Qingshe was known for his honesty, and if something wasn''t good, he would criticize it directly. There was no need for excessive praise.

    Moreover, Meng Qingshe''s son, Meng Shaoxia, had lived with his father-inw for so many years without a singleint, only good words. This spoke volumes about their character.

    Either they were of impable character, or they were extremely good at dealing with people and being diplomatic, to the point where no one felt ufortable around them.

    Whichever it was, it was good enough for his daughter.

    Meng Shaoxia was intelligent, considered one of the outstanding young talents among his generation. If he didn''t feel ufortable, then given his daughter''s easygoing personality, she would certainly live well.

    Considering all aspects, Minister Dong thought it was an excellent match. He wanted to make a quick decision, otherwise, once the old foxes in the capital caught wind of it, his daughter might miss out on the opportunity.

    The next day, Minister Dong had to go to work.

    Madam Dong stayed home to receive the guests.

    Her husband said if the other party was interested, they would likelye to visit.

    Madam Dong had the servants tidy up the house, though it was always kept clean and didn''t need much special preparation.

    Minister Dong''s family lived in the east of the city. Despite his high position as a minister, he was very frugal, and their house was small, with nothing much... That''s impossible.

    It''s not possible to be an official just to live in poverty.

    Minister Dong''s house was equipped as befitting a Minister''s Mansion.

    Although the official sry wasn''t high, there were various additional rewards and ies. The emperor was very generous to the ministers he favored, rewarding them with money,nd, houses, jewels, titles...

    Madam Dong had a son and a daughter. The son worked in the Ministry of Works, just like his father.

    The son had been educated with a focus on science and liked to immerse himself in the Technical Department of the Ministry of Works.

    He wasn''t cut out for officialdom, but he was good at technology.

    The daughter was at home, waiting to be married.

    Preparing to receive guests, Madam Dong was a bit nervous, but she had an old nanny by her side. In meetings between noble families, there usually weren''t any intense interactions, so following the nanny''s instructions would suffice.

    After so many years, she had also gained some experience.

    However, all of this went out the window when she saw Mrs. Jiang Qin in person. "Bang!" It exploded.

    Madam Dong couldn''t understand how someone could naturally exude such a strong aura of a female knight. She was so, so beautiful, every aspect of her hitting Madam Dong''s soft spot.

    The two nannies exchanged a nce, then quickly looked away.

    Madam Dong admired the female knight for quite a while before remembering, after the nanny''s reminder, to call her daughter out to meet the guests.

    Let''s kneel together!

    Worried about her daughter''s rebellious nature, she didn''t mention who the guests were.

    However, when her daughter saw Mrs. Jiang, she became very enthusiastic.

    As expected of her own daughter, they probably read the same kind of illustrated novels.

    Dong E had big bright eyes and two dimples, always seeming to contain a smile, looking extremely cheerful.

    As soon as Qin Luoxia saw this girl, her heart settled, and she immediately took a liking to her.

    These days, when discussing marriage, although it''s a union between two families, it''s best to have a chance to see the children in person.

    Although one shouldn''t believe or spread rumors, there were talks outside about Miss Dong being spoiled, having a bad temper, being jealous, and so on. When it came to broken engagements, all the me was usually put on the girl''s side.

    Her husband had asked her to visit, and Qin Luoxia knew it wasn''t for the sake of social climbing, but to see what the girl was really like, to check her out for their son. They couldn''t let their son marry a strange girl.

    They didn''t care about family background, they just wanted someone who could manage daily life.

    That''s what they had told Yin miss as well.

    The gifts they brought were neither too heavy nor too light. If they were satisfied, they could settle the engagement. If not, it could just be considered a friendly visit to build rtionships, no big deal.

    After all, they hadn''t made a big fuss about it.

    Qin Luoxia wanted to stay longer to observe more, so she thick-skinedly agreed to stay for lunch.

    Eating together can really reveal a person''s upbringing.

    During the meal, Dong E wasn''t very good at serving others, clearly a child raised with indulgence, but her table manners were proper. When Madam Dong put food on her te that she didn''t like, she frowned but still ate it, not wasting anything.

    Then she put several pieces of her favorite ribs on Qin Luoxia''s te.

    "Auntie, this is delicious, and this, and this too."

    She loved to share.

    She loved to smile.

    When she ate something delicious, her smile was sweet.

    When she ate something not to her taste, she would frown slightly, but soon, when she ate something good again, she couldn''t help but smile.

    Over the course of the meal, Qin Luoxia grew to like this girl even more.

    She was a bit like Elder Sister Yu, both loving food, but to be fair, she was much more likable than Elder Sister Yu. Elder Sister Yu''s words could be a bit harsh, always direct and sharp. If it weren''t for her inws being good people, she would have been worried about Elder Sister Yu getting married.

    Dong E didn''t have much guile, unlike Elder Sister Yu, her words were as if coated with honey, extremely sweet.

    She was very lively, chattering non-stop.

    And not at all reserved.

    Qin Luoxia was very satisfied.

    When leaving, she took off the jade bracelet from her wrist and put it on the young girl''s hand.

    It was originally prepared for the young girl anyway. Qin Luoxia herself didn''t like wearing such things, thinking it would be a waste to use a jade bracelet to hit someone in a critical moment.

    If satisfied, she would give it to the other party; if not, she would just keep wearing it herself.

    The young girl didn''t refuse and happily epted it.

    Madam Dong, after all, was the wife of a minister. Seeing that bracelet, judging its quality, she knew it was extremely valuable, one in ten thousand, like sheep fat jade, oily and lustrous. It was a bracelet that even their family would consider precious. This single bracelet could probably buy a house in the capital.

    Her husband had said the other party had substantial wealth, but she hadn''t quite believed it. She had thought that at most, they would need to provide more dowry. But seeing this bracelet, she felt her husband was right.

    After seeing Mrs. Jiang off.

    She saw her daughter holding up her hand to the sunlight, looking at the bracelet, happy and carefree.

    Madam Dong carefully asked, "Do you know why Mrs. Jiang gave you the bracelet?"

    "Of course, Auntie likes me. Mother, I''m going to check if my wedding dress is embroidered yet, otherwise it won''t be ready in time."

    Her daughter bounced away, swinging her arms, to embroider her wedding dress.

    Madam Dong waspletely bewildered. Did her daughter understand or not??

    She turned to ask the nanny, "Nanny, do you think I could wear clothes like Mrs. Jiang''s? And those boots?"

    The nanny shook her head diplomatically, "Mrs. Jiang''s outfit requires a certain height to pull off. You need to be tall to make it work."

    Madam Dong gave the nanny a look, thinking, you''re saying I''m short.

    Soon, Madam Dong got excited again, "Mrs. Jiang is so tall, if E''er''s future daughter grows that tall, she could dress like that too, the number one female knight in the martial world! Ho ho ho!"

    The nanny looked up to the sky: ...

 Chapter 288

    The Emperor hadn''t seen Vice Minister Jiang for two days.

    Suddenly, he felt a bit dull.

    Mainly because the eunuchs around him would asionally chat about it.

    The officials werepeting to spend money to buy the key points.

    This time, it felt like the Emperor had yed a trick on those officials.

    The Emperor found it very amusing.

    Wasn''t this more fun than the scheming and plotting in the court?

    Observing the spectacle of humanity, the Emperor felt a thrill as if he were standing at a height of 999 floors.

    So he had someone summon Vice Minister Jiang to the pce again.

    Indeed, the newly appointed Imperial Secretary was truly favored by the Emperor.

    The Emperor had called for him again.

    There were also other Imperial Secretaries who could only enter the pce for specific matters, perhaps not even once or twice a year.

    But this one was entering the pce every other day, even Minister Lu was somewhat jealous.

    Isn''t it just because he has a handsome face?

    Sycophants nevere to a good end.

    Jiang Changtian had nothing to do in his office, just watching his colleague Chen Jiuju doing the ounting.

    When the Emperor summoned him, Jiuju was even more excited than him.

    He organized the ount books, and was originally going to help by exchanging money, saving bit by bit, but Brother Jiang said it wasn''t necessary and even asked him to exchange it for small change.

    Jiang Changtian calcted that this was just for the past few days. Those who had gotten the hint and were willing to pay had already done so. In the following days, there probably wouldn''t be any more.

    Because those who didn''t pay at the beginning wouldn''t payter either.

    Just like Minister Dong, who hadn''t bought the answers.

    Today was about enough.

    It was just right to go and submit the ounts.

    The Emperor summoned him.

    Jiang Changtian was in no hurry to go, but instead called for the royal pce guard to help with something.

    He had his son-inw Meng Shaoxia called over.

    The pce guard wasn''t just a simple guard, it was actually an official position, a rather prestigious one, suitable for the second and third generations of various families.

    The Emperor had been waiting in the pce for quite a while and was getting impatient.

    Someone actually dared to make him wait.

    Didn''t everyone usuallye flying as soon as he summoned them?

    This Jiang the Second seemed a bit unreliable.

    Just as the Emperor''s patience was about to run out, Jiang the Second arrived.

    He didn''te alone, but brought several guards with him.

    The guards were carryingrge boxes.

    When they opened them in front of the Emperor, wow.

    It was all money.

    Jiang Changtian supported small change payments, all kinds.

    For the sake of appearance, he had even exchanged some of the whole bills for small change.

    Although the Emperor spent money like water, it was just a matter of him saying the word, even more extreme than us swiping our phones to pay. He didn''t even need to see what money looked like.

    The Emperor had rarely seen so much money piled up together, piled up in front of him.

    No conspicuous person would deliberately exchange whole bills for small change to give to the Emperor.

    But Jiang "Conspicuous" "Hardworking" "Ambitious" Changtian did just that.

    He even made a big show of calling the pce guards to carry the money.

    If someone else had called, the guards wouldn''t havee.

    Although they were called guards, they didn''t necessarily do this kind of work. There were so many subordinates that it wouldn''t be their turn to do the work.

    It''s likeputer science students in university aren''t necessarily there to moveputers.

    But when Meng Shaoxia called, and it was to show face in front of the Emperor, everyone came enthusiastically.

    Along the way, they chatted with Meng Shaoxia''s father-inw, Vice Minister Jiang, and found that Meng Shaoxia''s father-inw was very interesting. There was no sense of distance at all, he was very friendly.

    No wonder Meng Shaoxia had been living at his father-inw''s house for so long and was reluctant to leave. With such a father-inw, life must be very carefree andfortable.

    And Meng Shaoxia''s father-inw looked like this.

    It seems that the saying that Meng Shaoxia''s wife was more beautiful than Daji must be true. Brother Shaoxia was truly blessed.

    Several strong young men were panting as they carried box after box.

    All money.

    The Emperor was so surprised his eyes widened.

    Actually, it wasn''t that much when you think about it.

    When he got the ount book in his hands and looked at the total, it was probably equivalent to the cost of building a courtyard that he might request.

    But if he wanted to build a courtyard, he would be nagged by his ministers and receive several memorials criticizing him.

    This Vice Minister Jiang, with just a casual mention, had brought him enough money to build a courtyard.

    So much, so much.

    This ount book was not only clear but also detailed. Who gave money, every name was recorded. Goodness, half of the officials were in it.

    The Emperor was greatly pleased.

    His way of showing happiness was to bestow rewards.

    He rewarded each young man who carried the money with a small gold medal. He didn''t directly reward Vice Minister Jiang, but instead pulled him aside to talk.

    The guards were all very happy.

    Showing face in front of the Emperor and receiving a reward, their resumes would be different when they left. When they go on blind dates, they can say they received a reward from the Emperor, that they are pce guards favored by the Emperor, with unlimited prospects. They can add another line to their resumes. Otherwise, with so many second and third generations in the capital, they might not be able topete in terms of family background.

    The Emperor praised Vice Minister Jiang for the detailed ount book.

    Jiang Changtian didn''t take credit, saying: "I''m ashamed, this ount book wasn''t done by me. Because earlier when I was waiting to take office, I saw a colleague who had been waiting for over a year, saying he didn''t even have money to rent a house in the capital. He came to visit me, and I gave him some silver. But he took it with such humility. We''re fellow officials, and I couldn''t bear to see someone like that. So I took this opportunity to have him help record together, and gave him money at the same time. Although it wasn''t much, he epted it with his head held high, earning money fair and square."

    Hearing this, the Emperor felt somewhat moved.

    Firstly, he felt that this Jiang the Second was different from others. When others hear praise, they can''t wait to take all the credit for themselves, but Jiang the Second said it wasn''t his achievement.

    Secondly, he felt that this Jiang the Second was very humane, not only giving silver but also considering the other person''s dignity, helping others through such an opportunity.

    Thirdly, he felt that this Jiang the Second was very honest, telling things as they were without the slightest concealment. That old Lu was also something, doing things like selecting officials, dragging it out for over a year, it''s really not right. It must be that the subordinate didn''t give enough money, greed knows no bounds.

    Jiang the Second''s ordinary speech resulted in:

    Vice Minister Jiang''s favorability +10.

    Minister Lu''s favorability -10.

    "I was shocked when I collected the moneyter on. It was originally a small matter, and my inw is a bit of a joker, it was somewhat of a prank, but I didn''t expect to collect so much. My inw said everyone thought Minister Lu wanted the money, so they rushed to buy. I am at fault, I exined on behalf of Minister Lu. I told everyone who bought the key points that it had nothing to do with Minister Lu, that I had drawn the key points, but it seems no one believed me." Vice Minister Jiang sincerely admitted his fault and apologized.

    The Emperor listened, and in his mind: good, good, good, Minister Lu''s favorability -20.

 Chapter 289

    Afternoon.

    Warm sun, gentle breeze.

    The Liu Family somehow learned that Miss Dong was at home, embroidering her own wedding dress.

    She had even prepared many, many dowry items.

    They were bewitched.

    The Liu Family thought it over and still felt Miss Dong was suitable for their son.

    They had watched Dong E grow up since she was little - pure, always smiling, with a good nature.

    She was even better than their adopted sister, Immortal Liu.

    Even though they knew Immortal Liu''s aunt was the Seventh Prince Consort, the Seventh Prince wasn''t well-known now and wasn''t a strong candidate for Crown Prince. He didn''t seem to have much of a chance.

    He was just an ordinary royal rtive.

    The Capital City was full of imperial n members.

    So they brought Liu Tong to apologize and propose marriage again.

    This infuriated Madam Dong.

    The key was that they came to apologize.

    But Liu Tong said: "I''m sorry, Sister Dong, but my heart belongs only to Qingqing. No woman in the world canpare to her. Even if I married you, she would be the only one in my heart."

    Madam Dong was so angry she grabbed a stick and started beating Liu Tong wildly.

    Was this an apology?

    This was just rubbing salt in the wound.

    Was her daughter unmarriageable?

    They insisted he marry her, but his heart would belong to someone else?

    How thick-skinned could he be?

    Madam Dong was so furious, she cursed them out on the spot.

    "My daughter has suitors who are a hundred times more handsome and outstanding than you. They''lle to marry her on tall horses. You''re not even fit to polish their shoes!"

    "You''re just amoner with no status. What right do you have? My daughter''s husband will definitely have an official rank. Get out!"

    She drove them away with blows and curses.

    Madam Dong''s hands were shaking with anger.

    Seeing her mother like this, Dong E said a bit sheepishly: "Mother, I think my lifesaver is actually amoner without an official rank."

    Madam Dong raged: "We''ll have your father pull some strings. Your father has been an official his whole life. We''ll make him swallow his pride and beg. I refuse to believe he can''t get an official rank."

    The old nanny thought: ...The master probably can''t do that. Oh well, let the master tell her himself.

    Dong E happily went back to embroidering her wedding dress.

    Afternoon.

    Warm sun, gentle breeze.

    Perfect weather for drinking tea and chatting.

    Laughter asionally rang out from the pce hall.

    Vice Minister Jiang, expert at sowing discord, knew there was a limit to stirring up trouble.

    After those two sentences, he didn''t mention Minister Lu again.

    He started chatting casually with the Emperor.

    The Emperor asked what Minister Jiang had been up to these past two days.

    Someone not skilled at conversation might simply answer "working."

    Although you want to show you work hard, just demonstrating results is enough.

    When a leader asks you this, they want to chat about something different.

    Answering "working" kills the conversation.

    Before Jiang Changtian could reply, a smile spread across his face.

    Suddenly the whole room felt as if bathed in spring sunshine.

    Some people''s smiles are truly dazzling.

    The Emperor was momentarily stunned.

    He suddenly felt Vice Minister Jiang looked familiar.

    His heart even skipped a few beats.

    He wasn''t sure if it was because he had just taken some medicine.

    Lately after taking medicine, his heart would beat powerfully.

    It would thump so hard he could feel it himself.

    If Cotton were here, she would tell him this was palpitations, an irregr heartbeat, a sign of big trouble - not that he was cultivating immortality, but that he risked bing an immortal prematurely.

    "These past few days, there may be a joyous asion in my family. My eldest son is not yet married. As it happens, Minister Dong is good friends with my inw. He learned about my eldest son''s situation from my inw General Meng, and wants to join our two families. I heard from my inw that Minister Dong is an extremely good person. My inw says Minister Dong is very capable - although he curses and swears when he speaks, he always gets things done well. A daughter from such a family sounds very practical. If we could sessfully propose marriage, it would be my son''s good fortune."

    The Emperor didn''t care much about his officials'' affairs.

    But he did listen to gossip.

    Speaking of Minister Dong, the Minister of Works, he had dealt with him quite a bit.

    Then he remembered.

    He had a daughter who was at the center of gossip recently.

    Reportedly, her fianc¨¦ had adopted a sworn sister, that Immortal Liu, so Minister Dong angrily broke off his daughter''s engagement.

    The Emperor also disliked that Liu official. He believed in ghosts and spirits himself, but didn''t like others believing in them.

    Seeing others do it made them seem like idiots.

    He felt a bit insulted and displeased.

    Miss Dong, whose engagement was broken, naturally didn''t have a good reputation.

    The Emperor was a bit puzzled why Vice Minister Jiang was so happy about this.

    "Doesn''t that youngdy have a bad reputation?"

    "This humble official is just a minor Vice Minister of ordinary background. My reputation is even worse. People outside say far more bad things about me. The innocent will prove their own innocence. The fact that Minister Dong can be good friends with my inw shows he''s a rare, honest person. He doesn''t look down on my son for having no official position, for being amoner. How could I be picky about his daughter? I''m grateful beyond words."

    At this point, Eunuch Yan, who was sitting beside the Emperor pouring tea, suddenly spoke up: "Your Majesty, that Feng boy has epted me as his godfather. He''s getting married, but I have nothing good to give him. All my possessions were given by Your Majesty, and I''m reluctant to give them away. Why don''t you bestow on him the rank of imperial guard? Minister Dong works diligently and responsibly. It wouldn''t be inappropriate for his son-inw to receive a reward. It would stop people outside from gossiping that my godson is inferior to that Liu boy. At least this godfather is more useful than a certain birth father."

    After speaking, Yan Wenxin red at Vice Minister Jiang.

    The Emperor usually disliked people around him asking for official positions.

    But Wenxin had never asked before. This was the first time he spoke up.

    Besides, he was already nning to reward Vice Minister Jiang.

    But Jiang had just arrived and was already an Imperial Secretary. It wouldn''t be good to promote him again so soon.

    As for giving silver, the silver would just be what Jiang had sent, which seemed pointless.

    Hearing Wenxin''s suggestion was perfect.

    He could fulfill Wenxin''s wish.

    Wenxin never wanted to put him in a difficult position.

    It was just a minor imperial guard position.

    Imperial guards ranged from sixth to third rank.

    Bestowing a sixth-rank armed imperial guard position wouldn''t cause the ministers toin.

 Chapter 290

    ......

    Chatter chatter chatter.

    "So annoying."

    Princess Huiyun watched as the meal wasid out piece by piece.

    This little one ate more like a princess than herself.

    She always felt that sooner orter, she''d find a chance to give her a beating.

    But then she remembered the girl''s father was gone, and told herself to be patient. Bullying orphans and widows wasn''t right.

    However, hearing the little one chatter on about still having a brother and sister, with the sister already married off, the princess felt confused again.

    Could her poor imprisoned princely nephew really have had so many children?

    Wasn''t it said that the crown princess died in childbirth, and the prince never took another crown princess, with even that child not surviving?

    How could he have a string of children out here?

    This little brat didn''t seem like someone who had lived a confined life either.

    She was lively beyond measure.

    The princess indeed didn''t like children.

    Other people''s children all seemed very annoying to her.

    Even rtives'' children were no good.

    After interacting with the little one for a day, Princess Huiyun had a headache.

    Her brain was throbbing.

    Princess Huiyun decided that after receiving the two children today, she would have the formation mastere reinforce the barrier.

    If that didn''t work, they''d build a wall.

    Surely they couldn''t climb over a wall to get in again.

    ......

    When Jiang Feng received the letter, he was working together with everyone, building a wall.

    They were all strong young men, working very quickly.

    Their hands and feet were very nimble.

    Gong Qichi was on the side, asionally lending a hand.

    He mainly wanted to persuade Jiang Feng.

    Just marry her, that girl is quite good.

    Zi Wenxin, Zi Ganjiang, and Zi Yuanqian all had no wives.

    Zi Wenxin did have several beautifulpanions in his household. With his handsome looks, talent for poetry, and wealth, the courtesans would eagerly offer themselves when infatuated, but he hadn''t agreed.

    Zi Ganjiang had wanted to marry Jiang Feng''s sister before, but when that didn''t work out, he didn''t seem to care much either way and wasn''t in a hurry.

    Zi Yuanqian was a bit of a loner and hadn''t looked for anyone.

    Gong Qichi had been married before, but when he was exiled he divorced his wife, who then remarried and now had three children. He was now alone.

    Come to think of it, rebellion really wasn''t easy. With such an unstable work environment, it was hard to settle down.

    Because once you settled down and had a family, you usually didn''t have such a strong desire to rebel anymore. It was better to live on than die well.

    There was a lot more to consider.

    Jiang Feng knew his parents had been worrying about his marriage for a long time. In Jingzhou, they had screened all the families, but probably didn''t find anyone satisfactory, so they hadn''t said anything.

    He actually didn''t care either way. He felt that whether he got married or not wasn''t that important. He felt like he had lost the ability to like others.

    It was hard for him to feelpassion for others.

    But during this time in Jiangzhou, training, studying, and working together with Zi and the others, he felt life was very good, vivid, and real.

    He loved lively atmospheres.

    And was afraid of the dark.

    That day when he picked up the girl from the river who imed her father was the Minister of Works and had arge dowry.

    Jiang Feng felt a slight stirring in his heart.

    Especially seeing how much she loved to smile and how lively she was.

    At first nce, Jiang Feng thought his mother would definitely like this girl.

    Even if buried together, such a girl probably wouldn''t be lonely.

    But he also hesitated, and discussed it at length with Mr. Gong.

    He was amoner, a nobody. His father was only a vice minister, and one who had surrendered as a rebel. Would the other side ept him?

    The girl''s father was still a minister.

    The youngdy may have been acting on a one-sided infatuation.

    He certainly couldn''t use the debt of saving her life to ask for her hand. How would that be any different from a scoundrel?

    So when they sent the girl away, Jiang Feng and the others didn''t show their faces, worried it would damage her reputation.

    Gong Qichi was the most enthusiastic about the great cause of rebellion.

    Even if they couldn''t use the people from the Ministry of Works to build ships for them, it would be good to establish a good rtionship first. He dug up a pile of treasures overnight to give to Jiang Feng, telling him to go propose marriage.

    But Jiang Feng didn''t want to go anymore.

    If it was like this, it wouldn''t be fair to that girl. She was a perfectly good youngdy, and for him to propose marriage in this way, with impure motives, was unworthy.

    He could remain unmarried, it didn''t matter.

    Because of this, he had a disagreement with Mr. Gong.

    Gong Qichi felt it really didn''t matter. You could still treat that girl well, why are you being so honest?

    Jiang Feng wasn''t being honest. He didn''t consider himself a good person, but he had principles in certain areas. He just had to imagine if it was his own sister in that girl''s position, and he wouldn''t want to do it.

    While they were still arguing about this, a letter came from home asking Jiang Feng to return quickly, as they had arranged a good marriage for him.

    Gong Qichi could onlyment the missed opportunity and give up his persuasion. After all, he was now an advisor, and he had absolute faith in his lord.

    Jiang Feng stopped agonizing over it too. If his parents approved, it was theirmand and the matchmaker''s words. This was proper and upright.

    He put down the bricks, dusted off his hands.

    Riding day and night, he returned to the capital.

    Just in time for dinner.

    Mianmian and Brother Chong had yed in the temple all day. Mianmian yed while Brother Chong was responsible for internally urging his father to kowtow.

    They didn''t expect their brother to return, and that he was going to get married.

    Father and Mother were so efficient, they had settled Big Brother''s lifelong matter shortly after arriving in the capital.

    Not only that, they had also secured an official position for Big Brother.

    A eunuch came to announce the imperial edict, along with rewards - a sixth-rank armed guard.

    Jiang Mianmian had just been ying around these past few days, not knowing what had happened. Her father was really amazing. This government job didn''t even require an exam, he just got in directly. She suddenly felt that arrogant pride of being a second-generation official.

    Too bad she wasn''t a boy, otherwise she might have been able to get a government job too.

    Jiang Feng brought back many gifts for Cong Heng and Mianmian when he returned.

    Seeing that Young Master Cong was living quitefortably at home and could already roll his eyes, it seemed they were getting along well.

    Seeing Mianmian still bouncing around happily, the image of that girl floated through his mind. If she came, she would probably bounce around too. The house would likely be extremely lively then.

    He hesitated for a moment.

    After dinner, Jiang Feng still told his parents honestly about saving the girl.

    Qin Luoxiaughed heartily: "I was wondering why that youngdy looked at me so warmly, so it turns out she had already met you."

    Once they talked, they realized that the match his parents had arranged and the girl he had saved were the same person.

    It was perfect.

    They agreed to go propose marriage on the next day off.

    Jiang Feng let out a sigh of relief.

    He felt it was too lucky to believe, that his fate could be this good.

    He went out once, and came back with a wife and an official position.

    As night fell, Jiang Fengy in his bed at home, feeling very secure and grounded.

    ......

    Night fell, and Minister Lu finished his shift, but still couldn''t go to bed and rest properly.

    These past few days, he kept feeling his shoulders were very sore and stiff.

    In the past, when they hurt, having a servant massage them would make it better.

    But now the pain felt like several pots and stoves were sitting on top of his head.

    Heavy and unbearable.

    He returned to the Prime Minister''s mansion.

    There were still guests visiting.

    One of the reception rooms in the Prime Minister''s mansion was known as the "small imperial court."

    Many matters of state were actually decided in this reception room.

    Minister Lu''s shoulders hurt terribly, so even while receiving guests, he had servants constantly massaging him.

    One of the vice ministers, Xia Hexin, was a thin middle-aged man.

    He was Minister Lu''sckey, a loyal dog.

    Seeing Minister Lu''s behavior, he felt in his heart that the minister was bing more and more arrogant. In the past, he would still be polite and courteous when receiving guests, but now he didn''t even bother to put on an act.

    The urgent meeting of several people naturally wasn''t about memorizingws, regtions and rules. They were discussing the next major moves in the imperial court.

    Vice Minister Xia chose his words carefully: "The Crown Prince''s influence is waning, and the Sixth Prince''s great momentum is already established. If he takes the throne, I''m afraid we''ll be the first ones he makes an example of. Perhaps we should consider the Seventh Prince. The Emperor doesn''t like the Seventh Prince, and he has no other support, so he can only rely on us. The Seventh Prince is a romantic with no ambition, easy to control. His son also spends all day circling around that Immortal Liu, and won''t amount to much."

    "Ouch!" Minister Lu cried out.

    A servant pressed too hard on one spot, causing pain.

    Minister Lu remembered that his own youngest son also circled around that Immortal Liu, getting injured every other day, and felt displeased.

    The servant fearfully knelt and retreated.

    Soon after, the muffled sounds of a beating could be heard.

    The servant who had been massaging Minister Lu''s shoulders was beaten to death.

    The people in the reception room all fell silent for a moment, then continued their discussion as if nothing had happened.

    Outside the reception room, the sky was dark.

    In a corner stood a tree, its branches full of red leaves, very beautiful.

    Blood slowly flowed to the roots of the tree.

    ......

 Chapter 291

    Day off.

    Finally, a day of rest.

    Work had just started from thetter part of the month.

    After experiencing one session of the Emperor holding court, it was now a day off.

    Still, it felt quite tiring.

    Mainly because there was less time to spend with family.

    Jiang Changtian felt a bit unhappy.

    He worked hard to advance, hoping his family could live better and he could spend more time with them.

    If he couldn''t be with his family and just spent every day wasting time at the government office, it seemed to be putting the cart before the horse.

    Moreover, there was only one day off.

    So today''s schedule was quite busy.

    In the morning, the whole family was to go to the temple to hold a memorial service for Zi Lu.

    Because it had been mentioned earlier.

    Jiang Yu would also go there, bringing her two little ones along.

    This meant more people.

    Two big families.

    Then aftering down from the mountain, in the afternoon, Meng Qingshe would apany them to the Dong Mansion to propose marriage.

    The dead take precedence.

    The visiting time had been agreed upon in advance, and Minister Dong would understand.

    Not only did he understand, but he also felt that the Jiang family was showing their loyalty this way.

    Although Zi Lu''s identity was sensitive, Jiang Changtian had after all risen to prominence following Zi Lu. Now that he was gone, holding a memorial service for him and adopting his child was the right thing to do, even though many people would try to distance themselves from their past after entering officialdom, to show their loyalty.

    That kind of loyaltycked sincerity.

    On this day off, early in the morning, it surprisingly started to snow.

    Opening the door revealed a thickyer of snow.

    The weather was not cooperating - clear skies during work days, but wind or snow on rest days.

    The wind and snow were quite heavy.

    Large snowkes fell in flurries.

    The ground looked like it was covered with a thickyer of frosting.

    Mianmian was very excited.

    She was a southerner at heart and loved snow.

    Seeing snow made her want to dress up warmly and fall face-first into the snow.

    She had thought it wouldn''t snow in the Capital City, as it had been quite warm these past few days, but unexpectedly, it started snowing suddenly.

    This snow came as a sudden and pleasant surprise.

    Sudden heavy snowfall.

    Probably many people who had nned to go on outings would cancel their ns.

    Qin Luoxia sent a message to the Meng Mansion, telling Sister Yu not to bring the children out as the roads would be difficult to travel.

    However, the Meng family had already left.

    In Old Madam Meng''s words, as children from a military family, what was there to fear from a bit of snow? Children should experience wind and snow; it helps them grow faster.

    Although the entire Meng Mansion usually doted on the two children with endless love and care, and the old master guarding the border sent letters almost every few days, having people deliver all sorts of gifts,

    the Meng family had a rule not to spoil children.

    Meng Shaoxia was an only child, but he was thrown into military training from a young age, without any special treatment.

    So even in this heavy wind and snow, early in the morning, the Meng family brought their two precious grandsons, Jiang Yu, and the whole family out.

    The cause and effect of this situation was a bit funny when you think about it.

    Those who suppressed bandits were now holding a memorial service for a bandit.

    Anyway, that''s how things were.

    The Meng family''s image was one of loyalty and righteousness, and this didn''t contradict that image.

    The Jiang family had already made ns.

    Because there were two events today, they got up very early.

    Before dawn.

    Mianmian was pulled out of bed.

    No wonder her little tree had beenzy and unwilling to move these past two days; it had foreseen the weather and knew snow wasing.

    Mianmian had made a special beast pouch for the little tree, which sometimes also held the little tree''s "wives" or subordinates.

    Usually, she would let the little tree out to y, but with the snow, Mianmian put the little tree in the pouch and carried it with her.

    ording to ant years, who knows if it was middle-aged or elderly now.

    Probably middle-aged, anyway it had grown quite sturdy now.

    It had quite some weight to it.

    They set out in the dark, braving the snow.

    But they had carriages.

    The coachmen would be cold.

    Sitting inside the carriage was fine.

    They could even put braziers in the carriages, and with thick curtains covering them, it was like a big private room, not cold at all.

    If you weren''t afraid of bumps, you could even have hot pot.

    Early in the morning, Zi Congheng was also dressed like a ball, very thick.

    He wore a fur cloak over his cotton robe that reached his ankles.

    Inside the carriage, the pile of cloaks they took off was huge.

    Jiang Feng rode in a carriage with his younger brother and sister.

    Mianmian was very excited that her elder brother was about to have a partner too, and she chattered on and on, even attempting to give her elder brother advice on dating.

    "Gifts. You must give gifts, separately for Miss Dong, to show that you''re thoughtful. And for Madam Dong too, you need to win over your mother-inw. If you win over the mother-inw, you''ve seeded halfway. Just be obedient in front of your father-inw. Learn from brother-inw, he does very well in our family."

    It was rare to have no training, with the whole family together, listening to their sister''s mature nagging.

    Jiang Feng didn''t know whether tough or cry.

    He had been slightly nervous before, but now he wasn''t so nervous anymore.

    "I know, I know, stop nagging," Jiang Feng''s ears were growing calluses from his sister''s words.

    It had been a long time since he had seen his sister, and when he saw her face again, Jiang Feng was a bit stunned.

    Her beauty was truly captivating, she was getting more and more beautiful as she grew up.

    But as soon as she opened her mouth to speak, chattering away, chirping like a bird, Jiang Feng found that familiar feeling again.

    She was still the little sister whose head he wanted to pat.

    He patted Xiao Cong''s shoulder, "It must have been tough for you. With me and Sister Yu not around, you were the only one to keep herpany. She''s someone who never stops all day long."

    Zi Congheng received Feng''s meaning and revealed a helpless smile.

    He actually knew, had known since he was very young.

    He was an extremely quiet person, could spend a whole day in a daze.

    But she was an extremely lively person, could talk for a whole day.

    Being with her, he easily forgot all kinds of unpleasant things.

    The times when his head hurt became shorter and shorter, it seemed like he was bing more and more normal.

    He felt that the world still showed some favor towards him.

    He liked Mianmian being this lively.

    Getting up in the cold wind, with snow blowing on his face, he didn''t feel cold at all.

    Because there would be a person, bouncing over, waving her arms and shouting loudly: "Brother, brother, good morning."

    Shouting until he responded.

    The carriage wheels pressed into the snow, moving step by step towards Tai''a Temple.

    With snow, they had to go slower.

    Slowly, day broke.

    Despite the snow, there was actually sunlight, and the whole world changed in an instant.

    Yesterday, the trees were full of red leaves, today the trees were bare, the red leaves had fallen to the ground and were covered by snow, with only their tips peeking out.

    The wheel tracks left long marks.

    ...

    In Tai''a Temple.

    Knowing that today was thest day of the memorial service for the Crown Prince''s nephew,

    Princess Huiyun felt like she was about to be liberated.

    Escape from danger.

    These past few days, that child hade to report every day.

    The boy was fine, sitting quietly reading books and writing, just like her impression of the Crown Prince''s nephew when he was young.

    The girl was not okay, she was all over the ce.

    Even building walls was useless.

    She could climb to the top of the wall and greet her.

    She even dug out her clothes, curious to try them on.

    She naturally stuck to her like glue.

    Although Princess Huiyun seemed not to reject her as much,

    thinking about not being disturbed anymore and returning to peace, she felt quite good.

    If it continued like this, she might live ten years less.

    Every day spent with that little girl, her heart would race too fast, and she would want to hit someone.

    It was thest day.

    Just thinking about it made her happy.

    Despite the snow.

    After that little one left, tomorrow she could go skiing.

    Princess Huiyun was eager to try.

    Today she had people prepare her snow y equipment.

    But after thinking for a while, she also had them prepare two small sets.

    Just in case the little ones wanted to y too.

    ...

 Chapter 292

    Heavy snow.

    Minister Lu''s small court.

    It was especially bustling on the rest day.

    Some people truly took time off on their day off.

    But the truly ambitious were even more active in their affairs on rest days.

    More people reported to Minister Lu''s small court on rest days.

    It basically reflected the core group of Minister Lu''s small court.

    Some officials had never been to the imperial pce alone.

    But they had certainly been to Minister Lu''s small court.

    Minister Lu generally wouldn''t personally receive so many people.

    Unless there was urgent business.

    On this rest day, Minister Lu truly didn''t rest, personally presiding over his small court.

    He had felt something was off these past few days.

    It wasn''t about supporting which prince - that kind of major issue could only be discussed in secret.

    To aplish great things, one must keep secrets.

    Those who knew and weren''t reliable had to die, like that servant who massaged his shoulders.

    What displeased him was the newly appointed Imperial Secretary.

    The Emperor held court once every ten days.

    For any important matters, it meant they could only have an audience once every ten days.

    Even Minister Lu himself only had one or two extra opportunities in between.

    The Emperor would summon him to the pce, or he would request an audience.

    But Vice Minister Jiang had gone to the pce five or six, even seven or eight days out of ten.

    It was said the Emperor''s mood and state had been quite goodtely.

    Minister Lu could tolerate the eunuchs currying favor with the Emperor - Eunuch Yan, Eunuch Duan, Eunuch Liu, it didn''t matter. After all, those castrated men couldn''t do anything besides pleasing the Emperor.

    It''s not like they could rebel - who would inherit if they did?

    But Jiang Er was different.

    Jiang Er was an external official.

    For an external official to be so favored by the Emperor.

    It greatly displeased him.

    Because upon closer examination, Minister Lu had also started as a low-ranking official, and had also used some unorthodox methods to please the Emperor, which led to his current position.

    Though Minister Lu was corpulent, when he pleased the Emperor, he would sing and dance before him, even doing splits and high kicks, acting the fool in various ways, showing great flexibility.

    The more lowly and humble he was before the Emperor, the more ruthless he was towards other officials. He felt this was what he deserved, what he was worthy of!

    But now he discovered a minor official was apparently copying his path to sess.

    He could imagine that no matter how noble and righteous Vice Minister Jiang appeared on the outside, he must be putting on all sorts of performances in the pce, like a little maid, to please the Emperor.

    This path had worked for him, so he was especially worried about others seeding the same way.

    He had eliminated anyone who showed such signs.

    This Jiang Er hade from Jingzhou.

    He even had the status of a pardoned rebel.

    Not knowing what was good for him, not content to lie low, he actually wanted to make waves.

    He had let him stir things up for a while.

    Minister Lu felt it was time to arrange his death.

    He knew everyone had paid money to buy the key points.

    Including himself - he had paid real silver.

    Jiang Er even dared to take Minister Lu''s money.

    Tired of living.

    Minister Lu had even added fuel to the fire, and the show had gone on for a while.

    It was time for the curtain to fall.

    On this day, the small court was fabricating crimes to pin on the newly appointed Imperial Secretary Jiang.

    When you want to condemn someone, you can always find a pretext.

    They also wanted the officials of the capital to teach that country bumpkin Jiang Er a lesson about how to be an official.

    First crime, corruption. Their ounts were even more detailed than Jiang Er''s, iming he had embezzled funds while carrying out the imperial order to organize and inspectws and regtions.

    He had embezzled tens of thousands of taels of silver, an amount sufficient for the death penalty.

    They also dug up old memorials using Jiang Er.

    Saying he had epted gifts for his family members'' birthdays.

    Adding it all up together.

    Second crime, rebellion. Jiang Er harbored treasonous intentions. He had set up a longevity tablet for the rebel leader Zi Lu and even invited high monks to perform rituals, showing he still remembered the rebel leader. His rebellious heart had not died. A capital offense.

    Third crime, allowing his child to bully others. Jiang Er''s daughter had extorted money from Minister Liu''s son on the street, with multiple witnesses.

    Fourth crime,ck of filial piety. Immortal Liu''s grandmother was actually Jiang Er''s birth mother. Jiang Er lived next door but didn''t support his elderly mother, allowing her to suffer a severe stroke. He was unworthy of being called a son...

    Fifth crime, colluding with court officials. Jiang Er had married his daughter to Meng Shaoxia, and even attempted to connect with Minister Dong of the Ministry of Works, and had sent gifts to Inspector He...

    Sixth crime, disrespecting the imperial n. Jiang Er had once beaten Heir Apparent Han...

    Seventh crime...

    And so on and so forth, one charge after another. Jiang Er himself probably didn''t remember doing so many things, or that they could be interpreted this way.

    In short.

    Minister Lu had mobilized the court officials, like activating a huge database, digging up all of a person''s life details.

    They pinned on him every crime they could.

    If this didn''t kill him, even if the Emperor was momentarily fond of him, he wouldn''t go against all the court officials.

    But if more time passed, it was hard to say.

    While the Emperor only found him novel and amusing at first, they had to swiftly cut down Jiang Er.

    They couldn''t let him have another day in the spotlight.

    On the rest day, Minister Lu''s small court was busy, very busy indeed.

    The snow on the ground had been trampled until there was no snow left, just wet, ck mud everywhere.

 Chapter 293

    A snowy day.

    The scenery in the temple was especially beautiful.

    White snow covered the red tiles of the temple buildings, creating an exquisitendscape.

    The bells hanging in the corners of the temple were frozen.

    They were also covered in snow.

    Everything was snow-white.

    The monks in the temple had also put on hats.

    For a moment, only by their robes could one tell if they were monks or not.

    With hats on, some monks looked like handsome young men, while others resembled plump officials.

    The monks in the temple probably walked more slowly, so the snow hadn''t been trampled dirty.

    There were only faint footprints crisscrossing each other.

    On a snowy day, there weren''t as many worshippersing to burn incense and pray to Buddha.

    Because praying to Buddha isn''t usually an urgent matter.

    The Buddhist temple doesn''t take emergency cases.

    With few worshippers around, the arrival of the Jiang family made things lively.

    Havinge for a ten-day ritual, the monks were already familiar with Qin Madam, as well as the Miss and Young Master.

    They must be rted to the mysterious VIP in their temple.

    No one else was allowed to enter.

    Even the Abbot needed permission to go in.

    Yet this family came in every day.

    They ate and drank, and even took things back with them.

    Although they had only paid a thousand taels, the scale of the ritual was worth over twenty thousand taels.

    Every day, senior monks chanted sutras, and the old Abbot himself had evene to sing.

    Qin Luoxia thought that the monks in the Capital City deserved to make money, as even the elderly monks had toe and chant sutras, which wasn''t easy.

    In the vige, people of that age would be vige elders who needed to be taken care of.

    The Capital City was indeed different.

    Yes, it was just as her daughter said, toopetitive.

    Even the elderly monks had toe out and work.

    Qin Luoxia felt that this temple was quite good and reliable.

    She decided to hold all future events, big or small, at this temple.

    Oh right, there would soon be one - she could ask the people at the temple to calcte which day would be an auspicious date suitable for a wedding.

    Jiang Changtian didn''t have a good impression of temples.

    He didn''t know why.

    Perhaps he naturally disliked bald heads.

    He had an inner aversion.

    In one aspect, he was simr to his son Jiang Feng - he extremely craved liveliness and needed to be surrounded by people, afraid of being alone.

    Monks were too solitary, spending all day tapping wooden fish in front of wooden statues, such a life seemed endlessly long.

    However, the scenery of this Tai''a Temple was indeed nice.

    And it was conveniently located.

    Even carriages could reach it.

    The parking area was also very spacious.

    There were several stone blocks at the temple entrance.

    These were mounting blocks, quite advanced. They were for horses to stop by, for people to dismount. The high stone blocks were just right for getting down.

    It wasn''t possible for everyone to have someone bend over for them to step on, like in TV dramas.

    These stone blocks were very convenient.

    Arriving at the entrance, they found that the Meng Family had just arrived too, getting off their carriage.

    The two families merged into one, walking in boisterously.

    The two chubby babies were indeed not afraid of strangers or the cold weather.

    They seemed very excited outside, making "yi ya yi ya" sounds.

    Meng Shaoxia even deliberately extended his little one out to catch some snow, then got his hand pped by his mother.

    "p!"

    "Dong!"

    The temple bell rang.

    Some snow fell from the pine trees at the entrance.

    Snow-covered pine trees were at their most perfect state.

    Very upright and proud, yet pure white.

    Everyone entered the temple gate together.

    They first saw the outermost Buddha statue.

    The Hall of Longevity.

    For protecting long life.

    People with children in the family couldn''t help but worship it.

    Or those with illnesses.

    When young, people pray for wealth, love, official positions, and many other things. When older, those things may have been obtained, or maybe not yet, but more urgently they begin to pray for peace, health, and longevity.

    After a slight bow, they arrived at the ritual hall.

    The monks didn''t recognize Jiang Er''s family, but they knew the Meng Family.

    The Meng Family were regrs in praying for children.

    Meng Madam and Old Madam Meng were also big clients of the temple.

    They had given so much money for incense that the monks felt embarrassed to ept more.

    It wouldn''t be right to just take money without doing anything.

    Now it was good, they had brought two chubby grandsons to fulfill their vows.

    Whether the monks had helped or not, anyway, you made a wish, you got grandsons, so you had to fulfill the vow.

    The madam who came for the ritual had an extraordinary and dignified appearance, and both children were exceptionally good-looking.

    They originally thought she was doing the ritual for her husband.

    But unexpectedly, a handsome man got out of the carriage today.

    It turned out to be her husband.

    Qin Luoxia was quite good at keeping secrets.

    She liked to hide things.

    Today she had specially dressed up her husband.

    He looked even more handsome than when he wore his official robes.

    She had started washing his hair and bathing him yesterday.

    Jiang Changtian just thought it was because they were going to the temple.

    If one needed to be more devout, they would bathe and burn incense before going to the temple.

    Today was cold, so she prepared a fur cape for her husband, and a robe with a fur cor.

    Qin Luoxia felt that her husband was most suited to dressing like a rich young master, the more luxurious the better.

    Although they were here for a ritual, where it''s best to wear white, there are also luxurious whites.

    The white satin could have intricate embroidery, and fur could be added to the cuffs and cor.

    In terms of luxury, the Capital City was indeed advanced.

    Qin Luoxia would also observe others'' attire when she went out.

    She wasn''t idle at home either, arranging for clothes and shoes to be made for her family, at least so they wouldn''t be mocked for their attire.

    Even when she was poor, she dressed neatly and cleanly.

    Now that conditions were better, she naturally didn''t skimp.

    Today, Jiang Changtian was still the most beautiful Attendant Jiang in the court.

    Wearing casual clothes, he looked even more noble and gorgeous.

    A face of a beautiful middle-aged youth, with slight traces of time, yet more charming and vorful.

    Not the kind of youthful feeling, after all, he was the father of several children and had even been promoted to grandfather, so he couldn''t always be youthful.

    But rather the beauty of a middle-aged man with experience, grace, knowledge, and cultivation.

    Graceful and refined, forgetting worldly matters upon seeing him.

    Like a beautiful jade, finally polished to perfection.

    Mountains and rivers couldn''t hide his elegance.

    Wind and snow couldn''t conceal his countenance.

    Jiang Changtian''s handsomeness, under his wife Qin Luoxia''s careful grooming, was disyed more thoroughly.

    For some reason, walking into the temple, the thousand-year-old ancient monastery, Qin Luoxia felt this scenery suited her husband perfectly.

    Jiang Mianmian also felt that her father''s attire today matched the temple very well, it would make for great photos, pity there was no camera, and she couldn''t paint suchndscape portraits herself.

    Today was thest day of the ritual.

    The temple still arranged many monks solemnly.

    The ritual was veryplex, with lots of knocking and beating.

    Jiang Changtian felt that this standard didn''t seem like it was worth just a thousand taels.

    He was quite familiar with the prices of high-ranking monks.

    For a thousand-tael ritual, having five or six monks knocking and beating for you would be considered fulfilling their duty.

    The Meng Family, Old Madam Meng and Meng Madam had alsoe.

    Although they agreed to let their two precious grandsons go out, the two were still worried, anyway it was to the temple, so they came along, the more respect shown to Buddha the better.

    Large temples all have ces for female guests to rest.

    It was quite troublesome for women to go out at this time, they needed special ces to rest and use the toilet, it wasn''t possible to go out to public toilets, and their clothes were veryplex, it was easy to get feces on them in outsidetrines.

    Going to the toilet was all done with people serving, with maids lifting your clothes to avoid getting them dirty.

    The Meng Family had arge side room, they took their grandsons there first to tidy up and rest.

    They left Jiang Yu and Meng Shaoxia behind to help out.

    Actually, there wasn''t much for the hosts to do during the ritual.

    It was just about having everyone present, burning incense together and bowing.

    Zi Congheng felt at ease.

    When his father was alive, he seemed to like lively atmospheres too.

    After death, he had gained a bunch of family members, including himself, this way, he should truly be able to rest in peace.

    Today when burning incense, there was no situation of the incense falling over.

    Perhaps even if there really were spirits, they were blocked outside the temple, after all, ghosts find it difficult to enter, there are too many local deities in the temple.

    After burning incense, everyone added a little oil to the eternalmps.

    With this, the ceremony was consideredplete.

    Qin Luoxia finally said, "There''s one more important matter today. I''ve found an important rtive, and since the whole family is here, let''s meet them together."

    Today when the family met, Qin Luoxia didn''t rashly go in.

    Instead, she let Mianmian go and say a word.

    The ce where the aunt lived was also strange, it seemed others couldn''t enter.

    Mianmian trotted over and quickly found Granny.

    She saw that Granny was in good spirits, brewing tea on a snowy day, with baked sweet potatoes and some frozen persimmons and tangerines on the stove, anyway it looked very suitable for posting on social media.

    Mianmian ran up and pounced in front of Granny, originally wanting to jump into her arms, but Granny stepped back several steps.

    She panted and said, "Granny, my mother asked me to tell you, she''s brought father for you to see."

    Princess Huiyun widened her eyes. In this icy, snowy weather? Did they really dig someone up? Or was it that Xiao Qin was even more unwell than her?

    Princess Huiyun was also dressed all in white today, like a snow fox, wearing a veil that only revealed her eyes.

    She steeled herself and said, "Your mother is truly enthusiastic. Since we''re already here, it would be good to meet."

    Qin Luoxia apanied her husband.

    A string of people followed behind them.

    Heavy snow, a thousand-year-old temple, winding paths.

    Princess Huiyun saw a group of people before her, and when she saw the man at the front, her heart suddenly stopped beating.

    She had a dream where her child hadn''t died, but had grown up, married, had a wife and children, and the whole family lived in harmony. Her child looked like her, but even more like his father.

    He was a jade-like gentleman of the mortal world.

    His smile was gentler than Jingjue''s.

    He was her child.

    Her eternal pain.

    The cause of her illness.

    The reason for her countless attempts at self-destruction.

    She always thought that if she died, she would be able to see her child again.

    But now he was standing alive before her.

    Princess Huiyun felt her heartbeat and breath stop, but her tears couldn''t be halted. An overwhelming sense of bitterness surged through her, leaving her in disbelief.

    She worried that she was having another episode. During her episodes, she couldn''t even recognize those around her, often mistaking others for Jingjue...

 Chapter 294

    Snow sealed off the mountains and waters.

    It repainted the world anew.

    The weather turned much colder.

    The firece burned.

    The princess thought she had gone mad again.

    Unable to distinguish between life and death.

    Not only did she see her dead child,

    But she had even imagined what he would look like grown up.

    She found herself utterly ridiculous.

    Always so skilled at deceiving herself.

    And the deceptions grew more and more real.

    She could even imagine such detailed scenes as the persimmons on the stove cracking open from the heat.

    She even smelled the fragrance of dates.

    Saw the dates start to smoke.

    They caught fire.

    She saw a little figure, using tongs to throw the burning dates into the tea.

    The fire went out.

    Princess Huiyun was stunned.

    It wasn''t a dream.

    The little one, having finished with the dates, saw her face streaming with tears.

    Mianmian cautiously asked, "Grandma, are you crying because you''re envious of my mother''s big family? If you''d like, I can be your mealtimepanion from now on. You can call for me when you eat."

    Princess Huiyun was called back to reality by the child''s words.

    She thought she was hallucinating.

    But to her surprise,

    When she looked up, the person was still there.

    And was even walking towards her.

    The little one ran up to the man.

    Throwing herself into his arms, sweetly calling him "Papa."

    Her damp, slightly cool hand was grasped by the man.

    He gently rubbed it a few times.

    They were right in front of her now.

    The princess''s eyes were red.

    But she wore a mask.

    Qin Luoxia pulled her husband over.

    Smiling, she said, "Aunt, I''ve brought my husband."

    Jiang Changtian was a bit confused, wondering where this aunt came from. His father Jiang Bai''s sisters shouldn''t be here, they had all passed away.

    So was this Xia-mei''s aunt?

    Xia-mei said her father was gone by the time she could remember things.

    Could this person iming to be Xia-mei''s rtive have some ulterior motive?

    Jiang Changtian''s mind raced through these thoughts, but outwardly he bowed gracefully, also calling her "Aunt."

    Zi Congheng silently observed the scene.

    He actually knew that Princess Huiyun had certainly guessed his father''s identity, but had mistaken the person.

    He didn''t exin.

    The truth woulde out eventually anyway.

    Princess Huiyun finally understood why things hadn''t seemed to add up before.

    The one performing the Buddhist rites was her nephew, the Crown Prince.

    And the Qin woman wasn''t the Crown Prince''s concubine, but the wife of the man before her.

    The annoying little brat who looked just like her called this man before her "Papa."

    Princess Huiyun worried she was in the midst of an episode. She didn''t even dare to speak.

    Fearing that if she did, everything before her would vanish with a "poof!", leaving nothing behind, not a trace.

    Qin Luoxia confidently introduced her children.

    "This is our eldest, Feng."

    Princess Huiyun saw the youth with a scar on his forehead, carved into the shape of a flower, and her tears flowed even more freely.

    She must be having a delusion.

    She even had a grandson, and he was already so grown up. She had even imagined a scar on his face. How awful of her. There shouldn''t be any scars, they would hurt.

    "This is Elder Sister Yu. She''s already married. Her husband is Old General Meng''s grandson. He treats Yu very well, and they''ve already given us two great-grandsons. We''ll bring them for you to see in a bit, Aunt. You can be their great-great-aunt."

    Qin Luoxia understood the feeling of joyful tears upon seeing long-lost rtives.

    Aunt looked proud, but see, she was just an ordinary person too, so happy she was crying.

    Meng Shaoxia also called her "Great-aunt."

    His scalp tingled a bit, feeling something wasn''t quite right.

    How could little Yu have such a great-aunt?

    Tai''an Temple? A mysterious great-aunt???

    Princess Huiyun didn''t dare make a sound, thinking she was having an episode, but her tears kept flowing uncontrobly.

    Then Qin embraced her.

    Qin usually saw her aunt as quite energetic, but hadn''t expected her to be so light and airy.

    Very thin.

    Hugging her felt like there was hardly any flesh.

    Aunt Yin was much more robust.

    This aunt was indeed rted to her husband''s family, all too thin.

    Princess Huiyun fell into a solid embrace, warm andforting.

    "Auntie, don''t cry anymore. From now on we''re all one family. This ce is nice, but a bit too lonely. Why don''t you move in with us? Mianmian likes you, you two can y together."

    Princess Huiyun cried even harder.

    Mianmian: ...

    "Feng is about to get married. If youe, the wedding will surely be moreplete and grand. You missed Yu''s wedding, but you''re just in time for Feng''s. Later you can see Cong Brother get married, and Mianmian get married off. Your best days are still ahead, let''s not cry anymore, Auntie."

    Qin Luoxia spoke while patting her aunt''s back, very gently.

    But it still nearly sent Princess Huiyun to her grave.

    Princess Huiyun coughed several times.

    Then her mask fell off.

    Everyone saw an olddy who looked very much like Mianmian?

    Not exactly an olddy, very beautiful, but aged. She had a patch of scars on her face, looking somewhat disheveled, but still strikingly attractive.

    Seeing such a face, Jiang Changtian was stunned.

    He stood before the woman, shocked into taking a few steps back.

    The sky began to snow heavily,rge kes drifting down,nding on his head, face, and body.

    He suddenly cried out: "Mother?"

    Somewhat hesitant, somewhat unfamiliar, somewhat...

    After calling out once, he couldn''t manage a second time, his mouth opening, slightly trembling.

    Tears also rolled from his eyes.

    He had called Old Lady Jiang "Mother" thousands of times, and each time she had responded with undisguised disgust.

    Looking at the person before him, he fell to his knees in the snow.

    Not feeling the cold.

    He also feared it was a dream.

    The icy snow would remind him this wasn''t a dream.

    But Princess Huiyun felt the pain.

    She could kneel herself, but her child could not.

    Even if this was just a delusion during an episode, she wouldn''t allow her child to kneel in the snow. How cold it must be.

    "The snow is cold. You mustn''t kneel. Get up."

    He still didn''t rise, continuing to look up at her, calling out once more: "Mother."

    She didn''t dare respond, her lips quivering.

    She feared that if she answered, everything would disappear.

    "Mother, how could you be so cruel? Do you know how I''ve lived all these years? When I was little, I was often locked in a pitch-ck room. She always said I was evil spawn, that evil lurked in my eyes. She wouldn''t let me eat, she made me kneel in the snow, she let dogs eat meat in front of me, making me - starved for days - fight dogs for food, then said I was worse than a dog. She said I was unfilial and unbrotherly, unfit to be human. She said I seduced my sister-inw and had designs on her. She said I poisoned my own father. She said I was born evil... I just wanted to survive, Mother. Do you know how hard it''s been for me to live?"

    "I''m sorry, I didn''t know. I didn''t know you were alive. I''m sorry, I don''t deserve to be a mother. I didn''t know..."

    Princess Huiyun trembled all over.

    Each sentence the man before her spoke felt like another cut to her heart.

    She didn''t know. She didn''t know her child was still alive, living such a difficult life.

    No wonder Qin carried so many weapons when she went out.

    Who was it? Who had harmed her and her son?

    She wanted them all dead.

    Cut into a thousand pieces.

    "Mother is here. Mother is alive. As long as Mother lives, she won''t let anyone bully you again. Whoever bullies you, Mother will help you get revenge. Mother promises. Will you please get up now?"

 Chapter 295

    The snow continued to fall.

    Meng Shaoxia pondered over the situation.

    So, his father-inw was the biological son of Eldest Princess Huiyun.

    He had married Eldest Princess Huiyun''s granddaughter.

    His two children now had a great-grandmother who was an Eldest Princess.

    For some reason, as Meng Shaoxia looked at the innocent Little Yu''er, he felt a pang in his heart.

    He thought back to when he first met her, how she had nearly been kidnapped and sold.

    Her clothes were so tattered, even more worn than those of his household servants.

    She was actually a princess''s granddaughter, yet because the kidnappers wanted to sell her without paying her parents, she had wailed and kicked, not even crying because she was being sold.

    He remembered when he first saw Feng.

    He had neither sword nor brush.

    He used firewood as a sword, firewood as a brush.

    Zi Congheng had been silently observing the drama unfold.

    Now he grew even quieter.

    He sorted out the rtionships in his mind.

    Suddenly he realized that the Eldest Princess was his great-aunt, and Mianmian''s grandmother.

    His father and Uncle Jiang were perhaps actually cousins.

    And now he and Mianmian had truly be rtives.

    In simple terms, his grandfather and Mianmian''s grandmother were siblings.

    Those two were probably also cousins.

    Zi Congheng felt a bit of regret that his father had passed away early.

    If not, he could have stayed to witness this family reunion, which would have been wonderful.

    At this moment, he greatly envied Uncle Jiang.

    Although he was wailing,

    At least he had someone to wail for.

    He didn''t.

    Jiang Changtian was truly weeping bitterly.

    Crying uncontrobly.

    He wasn''t crying for the present.

    He was crying for the world Jiang Wan had described.

    In his previous life, he might have never found his birth mother until his death.

    They had lived such miserable lives, dying so early, so unjustly.

    Why, why was it so?

    He had a mother, his mother was a princess.

    He had a princess for a mother, yet his son, daughter, and young daughter all died in various tragic ways.

    They had never lived good lives.

    Had never enjoyed life.

    Why?

    His wife had suffered with him until her death.

    Never enjoying a single day of good fortune.

    She should have been a princess''s daughter-inw, able to unt her status, topete with the nobledies of the Capital City in wealth, topare whose pearl hairpins wererger and rounder, rather thanpeting over who could dig up more wild vegetables or carry heavier loads...

    Jiang Changtian wailed like a wounded, dying beast.

    He cried, cursing the heavens for being blind.

    He cried.

    In his previous life, all the pleasant surprises and good fortune in this world had nothing to do with him.

    There was only endless suffering.

    Endless torment.

    Letting him have a wife and children, learning to love, at the most difficult times.

    Then taking them away one by one.

    Finally leaving him alone to live in this world.

    He cried.

    He cried like a child.

    Because he had found his mother.

    "She said you wanted me dead, she said she adopted me so I could live, Mother, is that true?"

    Every sentence

    Was like a thousand cuts to Hui Yun''s heart.

    Making her feel as if she was repeatedly falling ill and regaining consciousness, the pain was so real.

    "No, that''s not true. They told me you had died. When I gave birth to you, they told me you were gone. I was ill, terribly ill. I shouldn''t have let them take you away. It was all Mother''s fault." Princess Huiyun still didn''t dare to touch the child before her, fearing it was just her hallucination.

    When her hand finally touched the child''s head, she suddenly fainted.

    Then Qin Luoxia, familiar with the situation, carried her aunt-no, mother-inw to her room.

    It was a veryrge room.

    Last time Qin Luoxia came, she thought it was too spacious.

    Now it felt just right, filled with a crowd of people, not cramped at all.

    Jiang Changtian knew how to take a pulse.

    Eldest Princess Huiyun''s hand was slender, her pulse normal.

    She had just fainted from the shock and emotional turmoil.

    Mianmian wasn''t very skilled at taking pulses, but she lifted her mother-inw''s eyelids to check and measured her heartbeat. It seemed to be fainting caused by palpitations and emotional distress, though there might be some other issues as well.

    Meng Shaoxia huddled in the corner, watching his father-inw who had just been wailing as if on the brink of death, now calmly taking Eldest Princess Huiyun''s pulse. He trembled slightly, feeling he had seen too much.

    As Jiang Changtian checked the pulse of the olddy who had fainted, there was a hint of tenderness when he touched her hand, but not much.

    He cried for his mother''s absence, for his own tragic life, for the injustice of the heavens.

    But not for the woman before him.

    His mother had be real to him; he would no longer feel an infinite longing for maternal love at the sight of any woman, because such intense emotions had disappeared many years ago.

    So at this moment, he appeared almost too calm.

    Tear stains were still on his face, yet he was utterlyposed.

    Everyone in the Jiang family present felt that Father had been through too much.

    Meng Shaoxia trembled.

    Zi Congheng felt that Uncle Jiang''s condition seemed to have worsened a bit.

    His previous illness was probably in his digestive system, but now it seemed to have entered his blood and bone marrow.

    The illness wouldn''t disappear, it had just transferred.

    Jiang Changtian sat silently in front of the woman.

    As if in a daze.

    In reality, he was contemting the current situation.

    He was the son of Eldest Princess Huiyun, so who was Heir Apparent Han? Old Lady Jiang''s biological son, why the switch?

    What Old Lady Jiang said and what Eldest Princess Huiyun said had discrepancies.

    The Prince Consort was aware of the truth, his father probably wasn''t the Prince Consort, so who was he?

    Whose child was so unwee in this world?

    He felt no filial affection.

    He wasn''t kind.

    Kindness is what we unkind people bestow upon you.

    If we don''t bestow it, you can''t be kind at all.

    He had no right to be kind.

    He looked at this old woman.

    An ancient temple, a lost path home, half her face scarred, half mad.

    If half her life had been lived in deception.

    Half her life spent trying to die.

    He wondered if such a person could be happy.

    It''s fine.

    Before he found his mother, he had imagined thousands of scenarios.

    He had even wondered if his mother might be a brothel courtesan.

    Or a servant in some household.

    He had imagined many unsavory possibilities.

    So he didn''t dare to search.

    He thought things were fine as they were.

    If he was fine, his children would be fine.

    He didn''t dare to hope for better.

    He feared that if he had hope, only to have it taken away, the disappointment would be doubled.

    He had suffered enough in the first half of his life, he didn''t need any more suffering, he had had enough.

    From now on, he just wanted sweetness, sickeningly sweet, he didn''t want to taste any bitterness, nor did he want his children to suffer.

    But his mother was an Eldest Princess.

    The most noble woman in the world.

    The dream in others'' mouths.

    It was her.

    He only felt doubled pain, doubled suffering.

    It was as if I had originally thought I was just a dog, and you made me eat feces, I would think it was only natural.

    But one day you tell me that I''m actually human, a noble human being, that I didn''t have to eat feces at all, it''s just that my parents lost me, identally dropped me among a pack of dogs, making me think I was a dog, and my children were puppies, only fit to eat feces.

    That intense emotion wasn''t excitement, wasn''t gratitude, but a desire to kill.

    To kill many people.

    He wasn''t grateful, at this moment.

    All the pleasant surprises and good fortune in this world didn''t exist, they could all go to hell.

    This year was Jiang Changtian''s zodiac year.

    He had found his mother.

    Eldest Princess Huiyun opened her eyes to see a man in white robes kneeling before her, his eyes red, hands and feet unsure what to do, his body frail, coughing several times in excitement, his face flushed.

    Seeing her open her eyes, he eximed joyfully: "Mother, you''re awake, that''s wonderful, I was so afraid, so afraid that just as I found you, you would leave me again, Mother."

    Eldest Princess Huiyun reached out and grasped his hand tightly, choking out: "Never, never again, Mother promises, I will never lose you again."

    Her son looked so frail, his hands so cold, his constitution clearly ruined. She wanted to go and y that poisonous woman alive.

    On the ground, a chunk of snow that Jiang Changtian had just held slowly melted, soon disappearing without a trace.

 Chapter 296

    Eldest Princess Huiyun looked at the man before her, who started coughing again after saying just a few words.

    She felt his cold palms.

    She observed his flushed face.

    Her heart ached with concern.

    She had never raised him for a single day. He had endured so much suffering, growing up like a weed. How could his health be good?

    Listening to the events he recounted, one by one,

    She was a princess.

    Though she disdained such actions,

    The pce was full of bloodless ways to kill.

    Even her royal brother had lost many children.

    She suddenly worried - with her son''s frail constitution, could he even have children?

    But then she looked again.

    Behind her son seemed to be many people.

    Eldest Princess Huiyun''s gaze turned to Qin.

    Looking at the tall and strong Qin, her eyes filled with motherly love.

    It must be thanks to such a robust daughter-inw that her son could father children.

    Without this daughter-inw, her son didn''t seem the type to have many offspring.

    He had the crisis of being too beautiful.

    Eldest Princess Huiyun now looked at Qin with growing fondness.

    She deserved a reward.

    Then she looked at her grandchildren.

    The eldest grandson had scars on his face, but his features were handsome, resembling his mother more, honest-looking.

    The second granddaughter was plump and endearing. She had reportedly already given birth to two great-grandchildren. Good, good, good. At this moment, she didn''t feel old at all. Just thinking that her son''s descendants had descendants made her feel wonderful.

    The bloodline would continue.

    Then she looked at Cong Brother. So he was actually the son of the Crown Prince''s son, but had been adopted by her son.

    Her son was truly kind-hearted and good-natured. Even knowing the Crown Prince had fallen out of the Emperor''s favor, with his associates either dead or exiled, he still adopted his only son. He was too kind - the kind are easily bullied. No wonder he had been mistreated so.

    And the youngest, Mianmian.

    A few days ago she had only found her noisy and talkative.

    Now, looking at her, she seemed perfect in every way, just like herself when she was young, looking exactly the same. Truly worthy of being her own granddaughter.

    "Qin, thank you for taking such good care of my son."

    Qin Luoxia was also a bit dazed by the sudden family reunion drama unfolding before her.

    She hadn''t expected that her handsome husband, whom she already considered out of her league, would suddenly transform into a princess''s son. Whew~

    Wouldn''t that make him even more unattainable?

    But no matter how things changed, he was already her husband, the father of their three children.

    She recalled giving a bowl of water to a passing fortune teller once.

    The old man had told her: "Endure hardships, and blessings will follow. Sess or failure depends on perseverance."

    She hadn''t taken it to heart then, but now she felt the old man must have been some kind of sage.

    She had fished a man out of the water, gaining not just a husband for free, but one with such an impressive background.

    Qin Luoxia felt like she had gained so many undeserved benefits, she could only redouble her efforts to be good to her husband.

    "It''s what I should do, it''s what I should do," Qin Luoxia said with a smile.

    "Mother, Xia-mei also saved my life," Jiang Changtian said. "I wanted to end my life by jumping in the river, but Xia-mei jumped in to save me, heedless of the winter cold. I was weak, and it was only thanks to Xia-mei working to earn money to buy food and nourish me that I''m alive today. Mother, although you''ve been the one I''ve longed for, Xia-mei is my lifesaver. No matter what, shees first for me, and you can onlye after her."

    In his heart, Jiang Changtian added that after Xia-mei came Mianmian, Feng, Elder Sister Yu... his mother would have to rank even further back.

    "Of course, of course," Eldest Princess Huiyun felt that her son not only looked like his father but was also just like him in personality - valuing rtionships above all, too naive, even needing to say such things out loud.

    Jiang Yu watched her father coaxing the olddy, who seemed dazed by his words.

    She quietly pulled her husband aside and asked, "Husband, is this beautiful olddy really a princess? Doesn''t that make me a princess''s granddaughter? Husband, you''ve hit the jackpot! Go bring Little Goose and Big Goose here, let their great-grandmother give them red envelopes. Isn''t this more auspicious thaning to worship Buddha?"

    Jiang Yu''s voice was naturally very loud.

    Even her whispers weren''t quiet.

    Except for Meng Shaoxia who heard,

    Everyone else heard too.

    Father pretended not to hear.

    His eldest daughter was married off anyway, let her husband worry about her, otherwise he''d age several years for nothing.

    As for Eldest Princess Huiyun, she usually feared being called old.

    But now she had suddenly be a great-grandmother, when she had just started stumbling through being called "Mother" for the first time.

    "There will be red envelopes for everyone," Eldest Princess Huiyun instructed her servants to prepare gifts.

    She suddenly became as lively as a dragon, starting to gather her treasures.

    She had many, many valuable things.

    Almost all of the world''s most precious treasures were in her possession.

    She had always been the most noble princess in thend.

    Even after her brother became Emperor, she remained the most noble princess.

    She had all the rare ythings in the world.

    So when they came to perform the Buddhist rites,

    She took away two more carts of treasures.

    Because Jiang Feng still had to go propose marriage in the afternoon,

    They still had to return on time.

    Meanwhile, Madam Meng, Old Madam Meng, and Meng Qingshe werepletely bewildered.

    Coming to the temple to offer incense,

    Their inws had turned into the son of a princess?

    Their daughter-inw had be the eldest granddaughter of a princess.

    Their two grandsons had be the princess''s great-grandsons.

    Their Shaoxia really had good taste.

    He had managed to spot and properly marry the granddaughter of the eldest princess from a remote vige in Jingzhou, thousands of miles away.

    The whole family''s feelings were now a bit indescribable.

    Although they didn''t care much about such things.

    If they had cared, they wouldn''t have agreed to Shaoxia''s marriage in the first ce.

    But their initial agreement was mainly because Old Master Meng had made the decision.

    Old General Meng felt that the situation in the capital was unpredictable, his own son wasn''t reliable, but there was still hope for his grandson. Letting his grandson leave for a few years might not be a bad thing - a blessing in disguise.

    Even now, there were many rumors in the capital, saying Shaoxia''s wife was like Daji, able to bewitch people, and other nonsense.

    If she was the princess''s granddaughter, who would dare spread such rumors?

    Hmm...

    They might spread even more wildly, because Eldest Princess Huiyun was said to have been the number one beauty in thend back in her day.

    Old Madam Meng remembered the era of Eldest Princess Huiyun. In that era, all youngdies lived under the shadow of Eldest Princess Huiyun.

    Now, those who knew some inside information would use Eldest Princess Huiyun as a negative example, sighing that being too beautiful leads to no good end, that women should be virtuous, even princesses.

    Those who didn''t know the inside story would probablyment how pitiful it was that a generation''s iparable beauty ended up disfigured, spending her remaining years with only the cold light ofmps and ancient Buddha statues forpany.

    The Meng family, except for Meng Shaoxia, hadn''t seen the Eldest Princess. If it weren''t for the extra carriage full of extremely luxurious and valuable treasures, they would have thought they had been fooled.

    Aunt Yin had just been helping the eldest daughter take care of the two children. As an old servant of the Jiang family, she didn''t need to show her face up front. With everyone going to pay respects, she naturally stayed behind to look after the two young masters. After all, helping to watch them was good too.

    As a result, after this roundabout journey,

    Finally,

    The other shoe from many years ago had dropped.

    Aunt Yin was an old pce servant, and as someone who served others, she excelled at reading people''s expressions and moods. Her ability to survive was due to her keen observations; at the slightest sign of trouble, she knew to run. That''s why she felt something was off the moment she saw Jiang Changtian, when normal people wouldn''t have thought in that direction.

    Now it had finallye to light.

    Although it was exaggerated, unbelievable, impossible.

    Elder Sister Yu was the granddaughter of the Eldest Princess. Surely she wouldn''t need an old nanny like her following her in the Meng household to live well.

    In the future, even if people outside said all sorts of nonsense, she wouldn''t have to worry every day anymore.

    After all, when you stand high enough, even if you say something nonsensical, others will think it''s unique, a ssic quote worth savoring, or they''ll say you''re innocent and straightforward.

    When you''re of low status, if you say anything inappropriate, you''ll definitely be mocked.

    Aunt Yin felt she should be able to return to the Jiang family soon.

    The group returned in grand fashion, still needing to go propose marriage for Feng.

    Mianmian was left behind to keep Princess Grandmotherpany.

    Because Princess Grandmother seemed emotionally unstable.

    Jiang Mianmian saw that the snow had stopped, and it was quite thick.

    She said happily, "Princess, shall we go skiing? Didn''t you sayst time that if it snowed, we could go skiing?"

    Eldest Princess Huiyun: ...

    "Call me Grandmother or Granny. Skiing is too dangerous, it''s not allowed."

    Jiang Mianmian nced at the two wooden boards hanging on the wall. Don''t think she didn''t know, those were skis. You ancients y so sneakily, even the skis are made of agarwood...

    "Grandmother, let''s go y on the water swing. On a snowy day, swinging high and leaping off, we could see the snow-covered view of the entire temple. It must be a beautiful sight. But you''ll need to teach me how tond in the water without hurting myself."

    Princess Huiyun: ...(¨i©n¨i)... I''m sorry, I was wrong.

    ...

 Chapter 297

    Heavy snow fell today.

    The thick snow made it difficult for people to leave their homes.

    If it were a regr day off, the streets would be bustling.

    It would probably be simr to modern holidays.

    There would be more small vendors and peddlers on the streets.

    Some jewelry shops and clothing stores would put out advertising signs, offering things like "Buy jewelry today and get a free hairpin."

    Themercial atmosphere in the Capital City was quite strong and advanced.

    People coulde up with all sorts of ways to make money.

    There would also be various street performers showing off their skills.

    And beautiful young women seeking fathers on the streets.

    On this day, at Minister Dong''s house in the East City, preparations began early.

    Everything had already been tidied up, but the weather was uncooperative with the snowfall. The ground was slippery, so the walkways needed to be cleared. Early in the morning, servants were busy sweeping and shoveling snow.

    Madam Dong was feeling a bit irritated.

    Whatever she had eaten yesterday had caused arge pimple to appear on her chin.

    She was also somewhat anxious.

    After all, it concerned her daughter''s lifelong happiness.

    Seeing her daughter not worried at all made her even more anxious.

    That personality of hers - she wasn''t worried, but it was worrying the whole family to death.

    Minister Dong didn''t have a pimple on his chin, but his mouth was full of canker sores.

    Even drinking a sip of warm tea made him wince in pain.

    Minister Dong''s son, Dong Chichi, could easily trigger his parents'' bad mood seeing them like this.

    He quietly ran to his sister''s room.

    Seeing various bottles and jars arranged in his sister''s room, all incredibly luxurious, gave him a bit of a headache.

    It was a good thing they had the same parents, otherwise he would have suspected he was born to a maid.

    His room was empty, not much different from a snow cave.

    He had never seen such biased parents.

    When asked, they would say, "Your sister will be married off soon, so she can only enjoy a few years offort as a youngdy. After that, she''ll spend the rest of her life living in someone else''s home, so of course she should live well now. You''ll live in our home your whole life, and all the family property will be yours in the future, so what''s wrong with letting your sister have this for now..."

    Entering the room, he saw his sister embroidering.

    Watching his sister''s mediocre embroidery skills, with no special characteristics, stitching what looked like a flower with great concentration.

    He admired this about his sister - she was average at various skills, but could always patiently persist in doing them.

    "Sister, aren''t you nervous? You''ll be meeting your suitor this afternoon."

    Dong E sighed and put down her embroidery.

    "Of course I''m nervous. Look at these stitches, sorge and clumsy. The embroidery teacher would sigh if she saw them. But being nervous won''t help, will it? Everything''s already been decided, right? Don''t worry, he''ll definitely be better than Liu Tong."

    "Sister, are you still not over Liu Tong?" Dong''s little brother asked uneasily.

    "How could that be? Weren''t you the one who liked Liu Tong? I saw that every time he came, you two yed well together."

    "No, sister, I actually don''t like Liu Tong. He''s a bit stupid, he doesn''t understand a lot of what I say. But I thought if I got along well with him, he would treat you better after you got married." The little brother said dejectedly.

    He didn''t like socializing, and the rare connection he had built would now be useless.

    "^_^" Dong E smiled.

    "I think he''s a bit stupid too, I just didn''t want to say it. But mother said it''s good if he''s a bit dumb, he won''t have bad intentions. But you see, being too stupid isn''t good either. He''s easily deceived - that Immortal Liu he likes doesn''t actually like him at all."

    The siblings chattered away.

    Perhaps because the snow came suddenly, a little bird hid under the eaves, looking nkly at the snow outside, listening to the siblings'' conversation inside.

    Everything was ready.

    Even the corners of the door curtains that were curled up had been smoothed out.

    They were just waiting for the guests to arrive.

    "They''re here, they''re here!" A servant came running in.

    Minister Dong and Madam Dong could barely contain their excitement as they stood up to personally wee the guests.

    Unexpectedly, it was Vice Minister Liu, bringing his son and a group of servants carrying poles with bundles tied with red cloth.

    A few days ago, Vice Minister Liu learned that his wife had taken their son to visit and had been scolded and sent away.

    He was quite angry about it.

    Although Minister Dong was his direct superior, he was always inflexible and had a poor rtionship with Minister Lu. Minister Lu was petty and vindictive; Minister Dong would surely be retaliated against sooner orter.

    Vice Minister Liu had already quietly paved his way with Minister Lu and had even visited Minister Lu''s private court.

    However, his unfortunate son was stillpeting for a girl''s affections with Minister Lu''s young son, and among them was also a royal rtive, the son of the Seventh Prince.

    Even though the Seventh Prince was not favored, the Chu Heir was still a legitimate royal grandson, and his son was deeply involved.

    No matter how he tried to manage the situation, his son insisted on plunging headfirst into it.

    The only solution now was to force him into marriage.

    Minister Dong''s family loved their daughter and would provide a generous dowry. If anything were to happen in the future, it wouldn''t affect a married daughter.

    Moreover, fathers-inw and sons-inw were natural allies. Vice Minister Liu was caught in a contradiction of wanting to rece Minister Dong while also worrying about Minister Dong being reced by another minister.

    All things considered, Minister Dong''s daughter still seemed the best choice.

    Minister Dong cared about his reputation. Today was a day off, so Vice Minister Liu decided to personally visit to apologize.

    He was giving them a graceful way out, so they shouldn''t be stubborn about it. They had already be theughingstock of the Capital City.

    Vice Minister Liu brought generous gifts, making a noisy entrance as they were delivered to the door.

    He was making a grand gesture, showing great respect.

    When Minister Dong and his wife, who hade out to personally wee the guests, saw who had arrived, their faces fell.

    Minister Dong felt the canker sores in his mouth hurt even more.

    Madam Dong felt like another pimple was about to appear on her chin, out of anger. They had made things clear a few days ago and had even fallen out, yet here they were at the door, and on this day of all days. Who shows up without sending a visiting card first? It waspletely unexpected.

    If the Jiang family arrived soon, there would be a misunderstanding, which would be terrible.

    But since the visitor was Vice Minister Liu, Madam Dong couldn''t step forward. She could only curse in her heart, thinking how she used to think the Liu family were all good people, educated and warm, knowing proper etiquette. But as soon as something went wrong, they showed their true colors. So breaking off the engagement wasn''t such a bad thing after all. If they had really be inws with such people, if E had any grievances in the future, she would have nowhere to turn. Such families looked good in every way, so if you spoke of any grievances, no one would believe you.

    Minister Dong''s face also darkened.

    "Vice Minister Liu, what brings you here so suddenly? Have you brought your son to apologize? Although you offended my wife a few days ago, there''s no need to be so formal. We''re colleagues after all, a word would have been enough to let it pass."

    Vice Minister Liu''s face showed a gentle smile, disying great tolerance for the insult.

    Not angry at all, hearing Minister Dong speak loudly, he smiled gently and said, "Minister Dong, I have worked diligently under you for many years. You know how I handle matters. My wife speaks bluntly and may have offended Madam Dong somehow. When she returned home, she was so shocked and frightened that she fell ill. Today, I''ve specially brought my son to apologize."

    In front of his father and Minister Dong, Liu Tong, who had probably been lectured many times at home, finally managed to speak properly.

    "Uncle Dong, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me this once. I promise I will treat E well in the future."

    As he said this, Liu Tong suddenly caught sight of Miss Dong running out, as if to wee him. It had been a long time since he had seen her, and Miss Dong was still as youthful and vibrant as ever, like a little deer, with her round face looking very cute.

    Liu Tong continued, "Today, I, Liu Tong, swear to heaven that from now on I will only be good to Dong E. My rtionship with Miss Liu is pure and proper, with no inappropriate behavior. I only took care of her on the way to the capital because I pitied her. If Miss Dong doesn''t like it, I won''t see her again in the future."

    Liu Tong''s eyes were determined as he spoke painfully.

    Dong E thought her lifesaver had arrived and ran out, but she didn''t expect to see Liu Tong again...

    He really was like a lingering ghost.

    Liu Tong really... Dong E could cry to death. Even while making a vow, he still had to mention that Immortal Liu everywhere.

    She truly felt nauseated inside...

    She wanted to vomit, and she actually did vomit.

    Right in front of Vice Minister Liu and his son.

    Liu Tong, watching Dong E vomit, suddenly looked ufortable.

    He suddenly remembered telling Qingqing that Miss Dong was embroidering her wedding clothes at home, which caused his mother to force him to propose marriage. Qingqing had curiously asked why such a pure and innocent youngdy was in such a hurry to get married, was there some reason?

    Liu Tong, his face turning pale, asked, "Miss Dong, I heard you fell into the water and were rescued recently. You''re not pregnant, are you?"

    Vice Minister Liu wanted to gouge out his own eyes. What was this stupid son of his thinking? Even if she were pregnant, it wouldn''t be possible for her to start vomiting in just these few days.

    When Minister Dong heard Liu Tong''s words, his fists clenched. This boy didn''t want to marry his daughter, that was one thing, but to nder her like this? An unmarried woman getting pregnant - wasn''t this forcing his daughter to her death?

    "Vice Minister Liu, you''d better take your son and your things and leave quickly. I''m sorry, but I can''t entertain you. We have guestsing today."

    Dong E felt nauseated to the point of vomiting. Unable to fathom Liu Tong''s train of thought, she couldn''t help but retort, "Brother Liu, I heard you fell into the water at Lady Liu''s ce. Does that mean you''re pregnant too?"

    Liu Tong''s face immediately turned red with embarrassment. "How dare you sully one''s reputation? Qingqing would never do such a thing."

    Dong E really... If it weren''t for her father''s presence, she would have wanted to take the thickest embroidery needle and pierce that Liu fellow through. He was so infuriating.

    Vice Minister Liu was angry that his son hadn''t been beaten enough, and also upset that Minister Dong wasn''t giving him face.

    He left these words: "Minister Dong, if you intend to form a marriage alliance with Vice Minister Jiang, I advise you to be cautious. Vice Minister Jiang can barely protect himself. After tomorrow, he might very well end up as a prisoner."

 Chapter 298

    The snow had stopped.

    The ground was covered in thick snow.

    The Jiang family returned home to freshen up and rest briefly before heading to the Dong family''s house.

    This was a big event.

    Jiang Feng was the eldest son of the Jiang family.

    Normally, he should have been the first to get married.

    Unexpectedly, Yu''er had married first.

    But this was also good, as they could now bring along their inw Meng Qingshe to help with the proposal.

    Jiang Changtian had also invited Inspector He. Inspector He was known for his upright character and was considered quite a unique figure in the capital.

    He was one of the few who could criticize the emperor and still remain unscathed.

    This showed his extreme intelligence - even when he criticized, he likely hit the emperor''s sore spots.

    On this rare day off, Inspector He had originally nned to stay home with his wife.

    He didn''t enjoy socializing, especially since learning that the He family might face execution of nine generations. He disliked interacting with others.

    Every day he pondered how to change his family''s fate, while also summoning his nephew daily for lectures.

    This morning, he had again been scolding his nephew at home: "Jiang Feng is about to get married, what about you? Why are you hiding at home? Do you have any prospects?"

    After ranting all morning, he felt refreshed.

    In the afternoon, he came to help with the proposal.

    The formal proposal process required bringing a pair of wild geese and thirty auspicious gifts for the bride''s family, which could include rice, millet, red dates, peanuts, and so on.

    For officials, there were strict regtions based on rank.

    Those of the fourth rank and above could have eighteen trays of betrothal gifts.

    Fifth rank and below could only have sixteen trays.

    Eighth rank and below were limited to fourteen trays.

    Those without official positions were restricted to twelve trays.

    So some wealthy individuals would make each tray of gifts asrge as a carriage, due to the quantity limitations.

    Commoners watching the spectacle could count the number of trays to roughly gauge the rank of the official getting married.

    Of course, the imperial family was a different matter. They could have eighteen trays, eighty trays, or even one hundred and twenty trays.

    As many as they liked, though generally it wouldn''t be that extravagant. There was still a sense of propriety - for example, people would remember how many trays the emperor had when marrying the empress, and those below wouldn''t exceed that.

    If someone insisted on being ostentatious, that was their choice.

    But most people wouldn''t make such a mistake.

    Although they were proposing to the family of a minister, Vice Minister Liu had only prepared twelve trays of betrothal gifts.

    Twelve trays seemed like a lot, but in reality, there wasn''t much of value.

    Liu Tong was the youngest son and not the family heir, so the Liu family hadn''t given him many resources, hoping he would marry someone with arge dowry.

    Since his son held no official rank, they had to follow the regtions formoners.

    The Jiang family, on the other hand - although Qin Luoxia loved money, she wasn''t stingy when it came to spending it.

    When it was time to spend, she was always generous.

    They had originally prepared sixteen trays of betrothal gifts, each tray filled with solid, valuable items.

    After all, the bride''s father was a high-ranking official who had raised his daughter well. She appeared to be exceptionally well-educated. Raising a child to adulthood incurs countless expenses. It was like their own daughter Yu''er - when they were poor, they had no choice, but once their circumstances improved, Qin Luoxia did everything possible to give her daughter a good life, broaden her horizons, and spare no expense to avoid any hardship.

    If a girl starts to suffer hardships in her parents'' home, won''t she face a lifetime of hardship after marriage?

    Putting themselves in the other family''s shoes, they had raised their daughter so well, and now she was marrying into their family. Money was just an external thing - if preparing more could put the bride''s parents at ease, why not do so?

    Most parents who cherish their daughters would take the betrothal gifts and include them in their daughter''s dowry, adding even more items.

    It was like transferring the gifts, circting them to showcase the groom''s determination to marry. If one wasn''t enthusiastic about this, how could they be expected to treat the daughter well in the future?

    Qin Luoxia was very generous in preparing the betrothal gifts for her eldest son.

    When a family is harmonious, all goes well. As long as the couple gets along, money isn''t important.

    Besides, you can''t take it with you when you''re born or when you die, so there''s no use hoarding it. Better to spend it generously.

    Shops, estates, jewelry, silk fabrics, along with many corals, agarwood, gemstones, and jade sent by Princess Huiyun.

    Sixteen trays were far from enough, so they added four more, making it twenty trays in total.

    Then they invited General Meng Qingshe and Inspector He to act as matchmakers, specially obtained a marriagepatibility certificate from Tai''a Temple, along with a betrothal letter. Jiang Changtian personally apanied his son.

    Jiang Changtian, Meng Qingshe, and Inspector He all rode in the carriage.

    Meng Qingshe felt extremely uneasy facing Inspector He. He had been quite active recently, but seeing Inspector He now made him anxious.

    He sighed inwardly again, thinking that his inws were truly honest people without ulterior motives, actually befriending Inspector He, whose nickname was "He Nine ns."

    Aunt Yin, always ready to help, came along as well.

    Aunt Yin had no choice; she felt that continuing like this, she couldn''t predict what situations she might encounter in the future.

    She was nowpletely unppable, fearing nothing even if a mountain fell on her. She figured that even if she returned to live in the pce someday, she''d probably maintain herposure.

    The groom-to-be, since he needed to make an appearance, rode on horseback.

    They had specially chosen a majestic white horse, and Jiang Feng had also dressed up carefully.

    His clothes were naturally luxurious, though unfortunately, the uniform for the imperial guards hadn''t arrived yet. Qin Luoxia thought he would look even more handsome in official attire.

    Wearing official clothes indicated one''s status.

    However, on a day off, it wasn''t appropriate to wear official attire.

    Of course, even without wearing it directly, people had many ways to express their rank.

    Hats, sedan chairs, shoes, essories, or the number of servants - all had subtle distinctions and implications.

    Today, Jiang Feng wore a light brown robe, which looked steady but not too somber.

    The cor and cuffs were dark brown. His features were quite advantageous, with his father''s foundation and his mother''s facial features. Resembling his mother''s face, though not quite as stunningly beautiful, he gave people a sense of reliability and honesty at first nce.

    He was a young man with a pleasant smile, without an overly aggressive aura.

    Jiang Changtian''s face was always carefully controlled. If he let loose, no one could withstand it - he''d be devastatingly charming.

    Today was a proposal, one of life''s great joys.

    A fine horse, new clothes, new shoes, a new appearance.

    The snow was also nice, pristine, symbolizing the start of a new chapter in life.

    Just as Minister Dong and Vice Minister Liu''s families were awkwardly facing each other at the entrance,

    An even more magnificent proposal procession arrived.

    Judging by the carriage''s markings and standards, it was an Imperial Secretary of the fourth rank.

    An Imperial Secretary was considered half a rank higher than an ordinary vice minister.

    After all, they were close attendants to the emperor.

    Looking at the opposing side''s impressive disy, not only did they have more betrothal gifts - daring to bring out twenty trays - but each tray also looked heavy and substantial,rger and more bountiful. They even had over twenty musicians ying various instruments.

    This was also regted.

    Officials with rank were allowed a maximum of sixntern bearers and twelve musicians when proposing marriage and presenting gifts.

    Those without rank ormoners were limited to fourntern bearers and eight musicians.

    There were no restrictions for the imperial family and nobility.

    Officials were the privileged ss, while the imperial family and nobility were the privileged among the privileged.

    Seeing this grand proposal procession made Vice Minister Liu''s group look shabby inparison.

    Especially Jiang Feng on horseback, who was the center of attention. He wore a formal hat, had a sword at his waist, and sat astride a white horse. With his tall, straight posture and handsome face, people couldn''t help but praise him as a fine young man at first sight.

    This instantly reduced the timid Liu Tong to insignificance byparison.

    Liu Tong had met Jiang Feng years ago in Jingzhou. He felt somewhat embarrassed, recalling how he had once vowed to marry Qingqing at the Jiang family home. It was also in search of Qingqing that he had found the Jiang family.

    Then, for some unknown reason, they suddenly experienced an earthquake, and his group fled in a hurry without saying goodbye.

    The carriage stopped, and Vice Minister Jiang alighted, followed by General Meng Qingshe, and then Inspector He.

    Vice Minister Liu was a bit dumbfounded. This Jiang fellow bringing along Meng Qingshe was understandable as they were inws, but how on earth had he managed to invite Inspector He? Inspector He wouldn''t even give face to Prime Minister Lu.

    But then his heart leapt with joy. The scale of these betrothal gifts and the number of people in the proposal party clearly didn''t match their rank. This was another point he could use against them, even dragging Inspector He into it.

    The court had very clear punishments for viting rank protocols, as it was considered insubordination. Public flogging was very humiliating.

    Most people wouldn''t dare to vite these rules lightly. This Vice Minister Jiang truly didn''t understand the rules - he was full of vulnerabilities from head to toe.

    Minister Dong was originally very angry.

    He felt that Vice Minister Liu was bing increasingly unreasonable, unable to control his own son properly while ndering others.

    But he also had some doubts. This Liu had been very active recently, clearly having allied himself with Lu Three Corpses. To be so confident, who knew what tricks he was nning.

    It was truly worrying. If that were the case, his daughter would be in a terrible situation.

    There was still concern that the Jiang family woulde to propose marriage and turn away upon seeing this scene.

    Although it''s said that a good woman is sought after by a hundred families, it''s truly rare to encounter two marriage proposals at once.

    On a snowy day, there usually weren''t many onlookers, but because today''s proposal procession was so grand and the young man proposing was so handsome, a crowd gathered to watch, following all the way to the Dong residence.

    Wow, it was truly lively, as there was already one proposal procession present.

    Jiang Feng had been anxious on the way, but upon arriving, he calmed down.

    Come on, charge forward!

    He dismounted and walked up to Minister Dong, confidently paying his respects.

    "Jiang Feng pays his respects to Uncle Dong."

    It was Minister Dong''s first time meeting Jiang Feng. Although he was satisfied with Imperial Secretary Jiang and believed the child couldn''t be bad, seeing him in person, especially inparison to the timid Liu Tong beside him, he was immediately more than pleased. He liked him ¨C not only was he handsome, but his eyes showed righteousness and determination. He looked both intelligent and kind.

    Meanwhile, Dong E stood behind her father. Seeing her lifesaver arrive, she went from wanting to stab Liu Tong out of anger to feeling so happy she could cry.

    She stepped forward gracefully to pay her respects.

    "E pays her respects to Brother Jiang. Thank you for saving my life, and for keeping your promise."

    Jiang Feng took the fat-headed fish jade pendant from his person and returned it to Miss Dong.

    "Miss Dong, please guide me for the rest of our lives."

    ...

 Chapter 299

    When is something or someone most precious?

    At the moment you realize you''ve lost it, that''s when it''s most precious.

    Did Liu Tong like Sister Dong?

    Yes, he did.

    The daughter of his father''s superior, a well-bred youngdy, cultured and sensible, obedient and understanding, good-looking too, with hardly any ws. How could he not like such a girl who had grown up with him as childhood sweethearts?

    However, knowing that she would be his future wife was like knowing about something already in his possession. He thought she was nice, but didn''t bother to appreciate her properly, because she was already his. There was no need to praise what was already his every day.

    Even when he broke off the engagement, and had several heart-wrenching talks with Qing Qing, he didn''t really feel that Sister Dong had left.

    Because the world was far more unfair to women, who else would marry Sister Dong after she had been engaged to him and known him since childhood?

    He probably wasn''t that bad; deep down he was conflicted and hesitant. So when his father scolded him, he was still willing toe and propose, feeling it was his responsibility.

    But at this moment...

    Watching that tall man jump off his horse and bow to Minister Dong, seeing Sister Dong step forward to curtsy.

    Watching him return the courtesy.

    Liu Tong had never seen Sister Dong talk to other men before. At this moment, he discovered how beautiful she was, realizing for the first time that when she smiled, she had two dimples, one on each cheek. He noticed how beautifully her eyebrows and eyes curved, like crescent moons. Her eyes were spirited, her face round, her skin snow-white, her lips rosy. What he had previously thought of as a somewhat ordinary girl next door, not stunning enough, in this moment, Liu Tong suddenly discovered that she was not ordinary at all.

    She was actually very beautiful.

    She was actually so vibrant and pretty.

    So this was how she really looked.

    If there were stars, she would be like this ¨C she was the brightest star.

    Qing Qing was a cold moon, distant and unapproachable.

    But Sister Dong was the brightest star.

    In this moment, Liu Tong suddenly understood that he and Qing Qing could never be together, and that he couldn''t miss out on Sister Dong. He would regret it for the rest of his life.

    He also wanted to be manly for once. He stepped forward to intervene.

    "Sister Dong, he''s not a good match. You can''t judge a book by its cover. He once killed a weak woman in the street without distinguishing right from wrong. Don''t be fooled by him."

    Dong E: ...

    Looking at Liu Tong who had stepped forward to stand beside Brother Jiang, Dong E realized that Liu Tong was half a head shorter than Brother Jiang. Brother Jiang had a higher nose bridge, longer legs ¨C such long legs! His lips were so beautiful, his eyebrows so handsome, the flower above his eyebrows so pretty, his eyes so captivating.

    Dong E couldn''t help but wipe the corner of her mouth, worried she might be drooling.

    As for what Liu Tong said?

    What did he say?

    Something about not judging a book by its cover?

    No need, no need. This appearance is enough. No need to rush, we can get to know the heart slowly.

    Killing a woman?

    Yes, Brother Jiang''s looks had indeed "killed" this weak woman, killing her a thousand times over at first sight. Oh my!

    One of today''s matchmakers, Inspector He, stepped forward. He cleared his throat and said, "As it happens, I investigated this matter in Jingzhou. I know about the ''weak woman'' you mentioned, Xiao Feng Xian. She had more than a dozen lives on her hands. She particrly enjoyed watching men torture and kill their original wives in front of her. Such a ''weak woman'' should be executed ording to thew. Young Master Liu, you habitually fail to distinguish right from wrong because of a woman''s beauty, unable to resist pitying them. This is not good; sooner orter it will implicate your father and your entire family."

    Liu Tong dared to speak freely in front of Sister Dong because he was used to being arrogant, but facing Inspector He, his legs went weak with fear.

    He hurriedly said he had remembered wrong and fled in panic.

    Vice Minister Liu also felt a bit uneasy facing Inspector He. Although he was usually very careful, he felt somewhatcking in confidence in front of Inspector He. He decided to leave first today. As for today''s humiliation, he would surely repay it in the future.

    He resented Minister Dong for being fickle, thinking he could find a better match for his daughter. Tomorrow, they would be prisoners. By then, even if old Dong begged his son to marry her, he wouldn''t agree. At most, he might take her as a concubine.

    Vice Minister Liu left in a hurry with his subordinates and the betrothal gifts they had brought. Because there were many onlookers and the snow made the ground slippery, one of his servants identally slipped and overturned one of the gift trays.

    A stack of cloth fell out.

    What appeared to be very luxurious silk on the surface turned out to have a pile of dark-colored fabric underneath, which looked quite old. People hadn''t expected the Vice Minister''s family''s betrothal gifts to be like this, all for show.

    The onlookers couldn''t help but whisper and point.

    The Liu family fled in disgrace.

    ...

    Minister Dong had been a bit worried because of Vice Minister Liu''s words.

    But when he saw Meng Qingshe and Inspector He appear together as matchmakers, he immediately felt relieved.

    Old Meng might be a bit muddle-headed, but old He was shrewd.

    He enthusiastically invited them into the house.

    Looking at the heavy trays of betrothal gifts, one after another, they swayed as they crossed the threshold. The carrying poles of the servants bearing the gifts were bent under the weight, but their steps were steady, with no instances of slipping.

    Isn''t this quantity a bit too much? Minister Dong felt a bit uneasy.

    When Meng Qingshe saw Minister Dong, he became much more friendly. He quickly avoided Inspector He and pped Minister Dong''s arm with his big hand, making a series of pat-pat-pat sounds. While patting, he winked and said, "Old Dong, your judgment is still good. No, I mean your judgment is almost as good as mine now."

    Minister Dong didn''t know what Meng Qingshe was talking about. He just looked at all these betrothal gifts and people, feeling touched but also a bit nervous. He asked, "Mr. Jiang, isn''t this a bit too much, a bit excessive?"

    Madam Dong saw the trays of betrothal gifts, each weighing more than two or three trays from others,ing in endlessly.

    This... the inws really liked her daughter, didn''t they?

    When Minister Dong received the marriage certificate from Tai''a Temple and the betrothal letter, he was very satisfied. The Jiang family understood etiquette.

    Meanwhile, Madam Dong was arranging the cement of the betrothal gifts.

    To her surprise, her daughter''s rooms couldn''t hold them all.

    It wasn''t good to put them outside in the snow, so some were moved to their own rooms.

    Each tray weighed more than two or three from othersbined, but the quantity was a bit excessive.

    They were being so courteous that Madam Dong didn''t count in detail. She just felt there were many. She thought to herself that even if she saw some cheap bulk items among the giftster, she would ept them. She appreciated the sentiment.

    She had been afraid that others might look down on her daughter for having broken off an engagement before and not value her.

    At least they had shown full respect, unlike the Liu family. They hade with a procession of musicians, but with just a few light trays of things. How could there be anything good? They weren''t even willing to put on a good face, how could they expect substance?

    Madam Dong saw her daughter was happy. Seeing her daughter ying with her jade pendant, she finally believed that her daughter had really been saved, and coincidentally by Vice Minister Jiang''s son. This was truly... a perfect coincidence.

    Minister Dong also realized when he saw the fish pendant that they had stumbled upon a stroke of luck.

    Seeing his daughter so silly, just focused on being happy, almost losing her husband without even knowing it.

    Minister Dong was both happy and worried.

    Dong Chichi didn''t like Liu Tong, but had always been polite to him because Liu Tong might be his future brother-inw.

    Now meeting Jiang Feng, he naturally wouldn''t let the opportunity pass. He engaged in serious conversation.

    Unexpectedly, Jiang Feng, who came from remote Jingzhou, spoke knowledgeably about construction. The two shared many simr viewpoints. Dong Chichi felt as if he had met a kindred spirit, wishing he could talk with Jiang Fengte into the night. Moreover, hearing that Jiang Feng had never attended school or taken the imperial examinations, he felt regretful.

    However, Brother Feng was now already a sword-bearing guard, with an official position.

    Dong Chichi was also concerned about this future brother-inw''s physical abilities, so he took Jiang Feng topare archery skills.

    He thought that as long as he could hit the target, it would be fine. He would praise him vigorously if he seeded.

    He also called his sister to watch.

    Archery was too easy for Jiang Feng, especially with stationary targets. He shot six arrows in quick session, each one hitting the bullseye.

    Dong E pped and cheered enthusiastically on the side.

    Jiang Feng turned to Dong E and said, "There''s one arrow left. Do you want to try? I can teach you."

    Dong E nodded like a pecking chick, saying yes, yes.

    However, when Brother Jiang helped her adjust her posture, one hand pressing hers, even embracing her entirely, Dong E''s face turned from white to red, burning hot.

    She didn''t know how the arrow was shot; it seemed to have hit the target, but because of the force of drawing the bow, her body leaned back, resting against Brother Jiang''s firm body.

    Dong E''s face and ears were red. She was so embarrassed that she lifted her skirt and ran away.

    She hadn''t imagined that being with someone you like would be like this. She had known Liu Tong for over ten years and had never blushed...

    Meanwhile, Meng Qingshe and Minister Dong had sessfully yed the role of matchmakers.

    The conversation was delightful.

    The first meeting ended perfectly.

    Minister Dong was quite pleased.

    Vice Minister Jiang was very courteous.

    Moreover, he was very capable. When hest expressed interest in forming a marriage alliance, Jiang Feng was still amoner.

    By the time he came to propose, he had already be a sixth-rank armed guard.

    It was good that they had acted quickly.

    The first meeting concluded wlessly.

    Minister Dong was satisfied.

    Madam Dong was very satisfied.

    Dong E was extremely satisfied.

    Dong Chichi was a bit unsatisfied, wanting to keep the guest longer to chat more, feeling the conversation wasn''t enough.

    After the guests left,

    Minister Dong''s heart finally settled. He could now rx on the soft couch, holding a cup of tea, ready to look at the list of betrothal gifts sent by the Jiang family.

    Although the number of items seemed a bit excessive, it wouldn''t matter if they werebined. If the people don''t report it, the officials won''t investigate. Vice Minister Jiang might havee from Jingzhou and wasn''t aware of local customs.

    Minister Dong looked at the betrothal gift list, thinking about how to prepare the dowry, which should at least exceed the betrothal gifts.

    He took a sip of tea, then opened the box containing the list of betrothal gifts.

    It was arge and rather exquisite box.

    When he took out the list, it seemed very long, endless as he unfolded it. He nced at it first.

    Twenty pearls from the East Sea, six pairs of ancient coral from Bizhou, four pairs of jade ruyi scepters, ten strings of five-blessing peridots, a pair of He Shi jade discs, a pair of ivory tusks...

    Minister Dong started reading seriously at first, but as he continued, he was startled. His hand trembled, nearly dropping the list.

    Minister Dong held the list of betrothal gifts with uncontroble shaking hands.

    Dong E ran to the hall, seeing her father looking at the betrothal gifts, holding the list with a serious expression and shaking hands.

    She approached him coquettishly and said, "Father, even if they gave too little, you don''t need to be so upset. I''ve already agreed with Brother Feng that I have plenty of dowry, enough for us to livefortably. You don''t need to worry. Brother Feng''s family just moved to the capital from Jingzhou and settled down, it''s normal if they don''t have much money. He saved my life, isn''t my life worth more than those things?"

    At this moment, Minister Dong could no longer imagine.

    How could these things appear on his daughter''s betrothal gift list?

    He had heard that Vice Minister Jiang came from a rebel background. Had they sessfully overthrown the government and looted the national treasury?

    He felt so anxious...

    ...

 Chapter 300

    Minister Dong nced at the betrothal gift list and suddenly felt like winter had arrived, inexplicably feeling a chill.

    With the next snowfall, everyone in the Capital City suddenly felt like winter had arrived.

    The snow scene at Tai''a Temple was breathtakingly beautiful.

    The temple roofs were colorful, and the thousand-year-old monastery had a solemn historical weight.

    Covered in snow, it became even more sacred.

    As if it truly possessed Buddha nature.

    No skiing, no diving, no water floating, no rock climbing, no...

    Princess Huiyun looked at the little munchkin in front of her. They had agreed to stay behind tofort and apany her, but now she felt nothing but worry and frustration.

    A few days ago, she still thought the little one was quite fun despite being mischievous, and sometimes even quite agreeable.

    Now she felt her scalp tingling.

    She wished she could turn back time.

    "Want to make tea?"

    "Boring."

    "Burn some incense?"

    "Don''t want to."

    "Then let''s build a snowman, we must!" Princess Huiyun said loudly.

    "Okay."

    Princess Huiyun almost lost her breath.

    She dragged the little one to the courtyard, where servants had already prepared the snow.

    Mianmian was about to grab the snow with her bare hands when Princess Huiyun caught her hand and put gloves on her.

    They were quite special - Princess Huiyun''s water-floating gloves, slippery and ck.

    They kept out the cold when worn.

    Princess Huiyun thought she had only yed with this at three years old, and never after that.

    She never imagined that decadester, she would be here building snowmen to entertain someone.

    Mianmian loved snow and loved building snowmen.

    Apart from not liking to recite long ssical texts, she was quite excellent in her studies and physical education sses.

    She was very serious about building snowmen.

    Princess Huiyun wanted to interact and y with her newly found great-granddaughter, while reminiscing about her childhood.

    She kept helping.

    When the little one directed her, she spared no effort.

    "Grandma, help me make sticks, yes, curved sticks, make them with snow, press them firmly."

    At first, Princess Huiyun was quite happy.

    The little one was close to her, without any barriers.

    Commanding a princess to work didn''t seem to pressure her at all.

    But as she enthusiastically participated and helped, seeing the sticks being pieced together one by one, it looked like... a skeleton frame?

    Then she saw the little one sitting to the side, very seriously carving ice with a knife.

    Watching her hand grip a knife, first shaping the ice into a roughly round shape, then carving out two holes, then carving out a row of teeth?

    Watching arge chunk of ice quickly turn into a translucent skull in her hands?

    Finally cing it on the skeleton frame.

    So, her dear great-granddaughter had built a skeleton snowman?

    A human corpse?

    The kind with skin and flesh removed?

    Pure bones?

    Princess Huiyun was shaken.

    Not only shaken, but also very nervous. Looking at this pure white skeleton, she nervously fidgeted with her hands.

    "What is this? Where did you see this?" Princess Huiyun asked as gently as possible.

    At the same time, she had a thousand apologies she wanted to say in her heart.

    Her imagination was running wild, making it hard to breathe.

    What terrible scene would make a seven or eight-year-old girl build a skeleton when making a snowman?

    How would a normal person even see such a thing?

    How did she know that skeletons were hollow inside? And had curves?

    And leg bones? Joint by joint.

    To be honest, this snowman was stunningly beautiful.

    Especially the skull carved from ice, like it was carved from a huge transparent jade stone, very beautiful.

    It even felt like a smiling skeleton. Although it had no skin or flesh, the bones seemed to be smiling.

    Heaven knows what a pure ancient person would feel seeing such a snowman.

    Even Princess Huiyun, with her unusuallyrge heart that asionally acted up, a mental patient who often sought extreme sports to stimte hormone secretion and find motivation to live on, found it a bit hard to take.

    She looked at the snowman, then at her great-granddaughter.

    Princess Huiyun wanted to hug her granddaughter and turn away.

    Seeing her seriously making toe bones, she felt like crying.

    The hidden guards who had been protecting them nearby, at first just thought that their mistress seemed quite good today, actually not engaging in extreme sports, but starting to build a snowman instead.

    After recognizing her rtive, the activities she yed became much simpler.

    On a snowy day, one old and one young - no, Princess Huiyun truly didn''t look old - a not-old goddess and a not-young little girl building a snowman together, this scene was quite beautiful.

    But when they saw the final result, the guards in the trees almost fell off.

    What on earth was this?

    How could such white snow be used to build something so terrifying?

    Humans naturally feel fear towards bodies of their own kind and simr things.

    Like bird-faced humans, fish-faced humans...

    It''s set in human gic sequences to fear things with simr genes even more.

    Throw a monster at us and we can all work together to kill it, maybe even try to barbecue it.

    But throw a monster with a human face at us, and we can''t do that, there would be a psychological barrier.

    The princess looked at this snow-white, crystal-clear skeleton, watching her granddaughter adding toe bones, and couldn''t help but ask: "Mianmian, where have you seen these things?"

    Jiang Mianmian answered promptly: "In a dream."

    Princess Huiyun carefully continued to ask: "What kind of dream?"

    Mianmian sighed.

    Seeing this little one speak halfway and sigh like an old man, Princess Huiyun inexplicably felt her hands itch.

    Mianmian said: "Wait, Grandma, let me finish these toe bones, then I''ll tell you slowly, the dream was long."

    Princess Huiyun looked up at the sky, still wanting to pick up this little one, knead her, roll her into a ball, and kick her out.

    After finishing the snowman.

    Perfect.

    Mianmian looked at her own work, it was so beautiful, if she had a phone, she would definitely post it on social media.

    She turned to look at Princess Grandma, who seemed to be grinding her teeth, such a strange little action.

    Princess Grandma should still have her real teeth at this age, right? If she asked her... Mianmian silently thought, better not ask, feeling like she might get beaten if she did.

    Princess Huiyun looked at the little one''s expression, not knowing what she was thinking, inexplicably feeling like it''s better not to ask, probably would not be able to resist hitting her if she did, feeling like she was thinking about some dangerous things.

    After building the snowman, they went back inside. The princess felt the little one''s hands, indeed they were ice-cold and red. She first let her soak them in warm water before handing her a hot water bottle.

    Because when people are too cold, suddenly touching something very hot can cause burns without them realizing.

    It needs to be gradual.

    As the princess did these things, she suddenly realized that she could also be so attentive in taking care of someone.

    After ying in the snow, they went inside to change into warm, soft clothes, sat on tatami-like mats with floor heating, drank tea and ate snacks. Mianmian began to tell Princess Grandma about that dream.

    "This was actually a dream my brother had. Brother told Father, and I overheard it, then I dreamed about it too. But this dream is very scary, Grandma, are you ready to hear it?"

    Mianmian sat up straight, looking seriously at Princess Huiyun in front of her.

    As an ancient princess who loved those suicidal extreme sports like rock climbing, bungee jumping, and diving, the princess must have some mental issues to some extent.

    To put it bluntly, it''s mental illness; to put it nicely, it''s princess syndrome.

    s, she really is a princess, really has an illness.

    Illnesses need medicine.

    Some medicines are taken orally, some through the ears, some through the heart.

 Chapter 301

    Mianmian slowly rummaged through her pockets.

    Princess Huiyun patiently watched her search.

    She was a bit curious about what Mianmian was looking for.

    After watching her search and search, Mianmian finally pulled out an ant.

    She ced it near the roasting dates.

    Princess Huiyun''s eyebrows twitched.

    When she was a youngdy, she had kept a small green snake as a pet.

    It even started a snake-keeping craze in the capital.

    Later, when a young noblewoman was killed by the snake she raised,

    people gradually stopped keeping them as pets.

    She had released her small green snake back into the wild.

    It seems she had released it together with Jingjue. By then, it was no longer a small green snake, but a very thickrge snake weighing over 10 pounds.

    Looking back, it was quite extraordinary.

    That she would keep such a strange pet back then.

    Now, seeing this little girl pull out an unusuallyrge ant, as big as an iron ox,

    Princess Huiyun strangely received the message that this was a pet, not food.

    "What''s its name?"

    "Jiang Xiaoshu. My dream... well, let''s start with the little tree."

    The Princess thought: ...truly her own granddaughter, even naming an ant.

    Back then, she had named her small green snake Chu Miaomiao.

    Just like her.

    Princess Huiyun suddenly realized she was recalling many things from the past.

    "In that dream, there was no Jiang Xiaoshu. There was a young man who idled away his days, wandering the streets, soliciting customers for the brothel girls, hanging out with other wastrels, scrounging for food, and asionally bringing some things home."

    Outside the window, the snow had stopped, and so had the wind.

    The dates were gradually giving off a fragrant aroma.

    "The wastrel offended a young master, who disliked him and had his servants beat him. His forehead was split open. He ran home and died from his injuries a few dayster."

    The roasted dates were starting to smoke.

    Mianmian turned them over.

    "The young man was the eldest son of the family, not yet of age when he died. His father''s hair turned white overnight, and he fell gravely ill."

    "The man whose hair turned white overnight discovered that the person who beat his son to death was his elder brother''s son. But he had already been expelled from the family and couldn''t even enter the gates to seek revenge."

    "To help her father recover quickly and pay for his treatment, the dead youth''s sister sold herself as a maid to a young master in the Provincial Capital. When her parents went to find her, she had disappeared without a trace, neither alive nor dead."

    "Later, the young man''s younger sister was lying at home when she was bitten by a venomous snake that came from who knows where. Their mother suspected it was the family who had beaten her son to death. She went to seek revenge but was also beaten to death."

    The dates werepletely burnt now.

    Emitting ck smoke.

    "The man first buried his eldest son, then his youngest daughter, then his wife.

    But that family had long since left for the capital, rising through the ranks, enjoying boundless wealth and glory.

    The man''s health was extremely poor, terminally ill, every moment of life was torment.

    Yet he dared not die, he had to find his second daughter, who was missing and whose whereabouts were unknown.

    He searched all the way, finally reaching the capital.

    But he learned that his second daughter had be a concubine in a wealthy household.

    That wealthy family was about to marry the sister of the man who had beaten his eldest son to death.

    His second daughter hanged herself.

    His eldest son was dead, his second daughter was dead, his youngest daughter was dead, his wife was dead.

    He was all alone.

    Later, he probably died too.

    Until his death, he never knew that his mother was not his real mother, his elder brother was not his real brother.

    In the end, he wanted to be buried with his wife and children, but he couldn''t find anyone to bury him.

    His wife and children waited for him underground, waited and waited, from corpses to white bones, to mud, waited a lifetime, an entire era.

    Waited for a new life."

    The dates caught fire and began to burn.

    Princess Huiyun was already crying uncontrobly.

    Her whole body trembled.

    She dared not imagine how there could be such a vicious story in this world.

    She had thought that not being able to be with the one she loved was the saddest thing in the world.

    But this story was a hundred, a thousand times more vicious than not being able to love.

    More painful than death by a thousand cuts.

    She dared not imagine how much pain her son had endured.

    "Grandmother, if Father did something wrong, please forgive him. He didn''t mean to. For you, this is a story, a dream, but for Father, this might be his experience. For each of us, this is our destiny. We don''t seek wealth and glory, we just want to change this terrible fate and survive."

    "You asked me where I saw such bones. Underground, of course. I saw corpses, corpses without skin, corpses without flesh, corpses without organs, corpses with only bones. Every time I looked at him, he smiled at me, because he was my elder brother."

    The fire on the dates went out, burnt out, leaving only ashes.

    Princess Huiyun''s whole body shook as she held the child tightly in her arms.

    "Don''t say anymore, don''t say anymore. I''m sorry, I''m sorry."

    Princess Huiyun hugged the child tightly, her body still trembling.

    Jiang Mianmian was also shaking.

    What she said might have been just a story.

    Or perhaps that was the truth, and now was the story.

    ...

    "It''s a dream, just a dream, child. It''s a dream, don''t be afraid. Mother is here, I''m here."

    The room was very warm.

    But at this moment, Princess Huiyun felt as if she was in the depths of a ten thousand-foot abyss, surrounded by ice and snow and endless darkness.

    Only the faint, warm, soft breath of the child in her arms provided anyfort.

    She held this child, as if time had stopped.

    Until she saw thatrge ant, because it was too hot, moving its body away from the stove, a little farther from that stove.

    Watching the ant slowly move away, then stop, remaining motionless again, like a sculpture.

    Princess Huiyun didn''t dare to look at the child in her arms, fearing that what she was holding was not real.

    Fearing that everything was just another dream.

    She held her for a long time, until she heard even breathing, before daring to look down.

    Asleep.

    The little one had actually fallen asleep.

    Mianmian had been pulled out of bed early in the morning.

    She usually had a habit of taking afternoon naps anyway.

    Apanying Father to meet rtives, ying with Grandmother Princess, telling stories to Grandmother Princess.

    Even an iron child needs an afternoon rest.

    Grandmother Princess''s embrace was still very warm.

    She struggled a few times, found it futile to struggle, and simplyy down to enjoy it.

    Slowly, she fell asleep in Grandmother Princess''s arms.

    A short nap.

    With Xiaoshu around, it should be fine.

    Jiang Mianmian fell asleep very peacefully.

    Princess Huiyun held her, not expecting her to fall asleep.

    Asleep in her arms.

    Her body was soft, her breathing even, her face familiar yet strange.

    She couldn''t recall what she looked like as a child.

    A moment of familiarity, endless strangeness.

    She reluctantly ced the child on the couch.

    She covered her with a thin satin quilt, watched her turn over and curl up with the quilt, her face also turned to the side as she slept, her face a bit chubby, slightly ttened.

    Incredibly adorable.

    Her sleeping form.

    Like the world''s most precious treasure.

    Princess Huiyun sat beside her.

    She opened a cab under the tea table and took out a notebook.

    The servants, appearing out of nowhere, had prepared ink and brush.

    She opened the notebook.

    Page by page, she recorded her daily life.

    "Today I met a strange mother and daughter pair..."

    "While floating in the water today, my mind recalled some things, it seemed like I saw him..."

    Princess Huiyun had a habit of keeping a diary.

    Because sometimes she would fall ill, she would have ckouts,pletely losing a segment of memory, even unable to remember what she had experienced.

    So she would write in her diary.

    She would write down things she considered meaningful and important.

    But she never looked back at it, she only recorded, not daring to look, not daring to open it.

    Some memories were too painful, she didn''t want to remember them herself, she transferred the memories to ink and paper.

    She wrote down today''s events.

    She recorded stroke by stroke, shedding many tears as she wrote, a paper full of absurd words, even struggling to breathe, but she still recorded it stroke by stroke.

    As she wrote, she suddenly began to slowly recall the past.

    Every past event, every year, every month, every day of the past.

    One by one, piece by piece, as if slowly reviving in her memory.

    She even remembered the time when she gave birth.

    The scene of near-death.

    She saw a child with a bluish face, suddenly she remembered, no, the child with the bluish face was not the child she gave birth to, the child she gave birth to had a mole on its chest, that bluish child did not.

    She wailed, and just like that, she had forgotten.

    She remembered her consort, remembered Jingjue, remembered her Imperial Brother, remembered Mrs. Jiang, remembered how she had spent every day in the past, all the fragmented days strung together like a confused grand dream.

    She stopped crying.

    She asked her servants to help her wash up. Perhaps because she often lost some memories, she subconsciously felt that she was still young, and so heaven truly gave her a face that still looked youthful.

    She put on a half golden mask, a gift from her Imperial Brother when she was injured years ago. She reapplied her makeup and dressed in formal attire, putting on each piece one by one.

    In the heavy snow, a woman adorns herself with grand makeup.

    A monk taps his wooden fish drum.

    asionally distracted, he looks up towards the window and suddenly sees a woman, as graceful as a celestial being, walking through the snowyndscape.

    The monk quickly returns to tapping his wooden fish drum. Thump, thump, thump. The six senses are impure. How could there be a divine woman in this ancient temple...

    Indeed, when he looks up again,

    The ancient temple is still just an ancient temple.

    The snowy ground is still just snowy ground.

    It was all just an illusion.

    ...

    Mianmian felt her body swaying. She half-opened one eye, nced around to see Princess Grandmother nearby and Xiaoshu at hand, then closed her eyes to continue sleeping.

    This must be the journey back home.

    It''s best to sleep on the bus, and the same goes for horse carriages. The gentle rocking makes for a good sleep.

    ...

 Chapter 302

    The carriage stopped.

    With a gentle halt.

    Mianmian woke up.

    Just like in the past when she was in school, she would wake up when the bus stopped, hurriedly jumping off.

    She had arrived at her stop just in time, quickly running into the crowd. Thank goodness, she wasn''tte.

    She was always so sleepy during school days, even falling asleep standing on the bus.

    Her mind wasn''t that smart, but she had to study hard, striving to be as good as others, even surpassing her ssmates. So she would studyte into the night, never getting enough sleep, and having to wake up very early.

    As she started running, blending into the crowd of students, she would gradually wake up and be cheerful.

    Even though everyone wore school uniforms, she could still recognize her ssmates. Sometimes her shoulder would get a pat.

    "Jiang Mianmian, have you finished memorizing that passage?"

    "Ah, which one?"

    "The Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River."

    "Oh, we have to memorize that too? This one as well?"

    Mianmian opened her eyes.

    "Graceful as a startled swan, supple as a swimming dragon... Dim and indistinct, like a wisp of cloud veiling the moon; swaying and swirling, like whirling snow caught by the wind... Radiant as the morning sun rising over the dawn clouds, dazzling as a lotus blossom emerging from clear waves... Shoulders as if carved from jade, waist as slender as a roll of silk... Extraordinary in grace and charm, serene in demeanor and carriage... Wearing a gossamer dress of dazzling beauty, adorned with jade pendants of exquisite craftsmanship. Crowned with gold and kingfisher feathers, bedecked with gleaming pearls to illuminate her form..."

    Before her appeared a living goddess of the Luo River.

    Majestic and beautiful in one.

    At that moment, Mianmian felt that she was truly a princess.

    Breathtakingly beautiful, full of an unapproachable aura.

    As if she were an unreal existence.

    She realized then that beauty wasn''t just skin deep, but radiated from within, from the very bones. She was truly beautiful, making you willing to ept all her faults.

    As if everything she did was justified.

    She was too beautiful.

    Making one want to preserve this beauty, to make it eternal.

    Not wanting her to age.

    "Hui Yun, you''re so beautiful."

    Princess Hui Yun exuded her full regal aura. She had thought about many things during this journey.

    She felt she had recovered, seeming to recall everything from the past.

    Yet she also felt she might be even more ill, as she wanted to kill.

    In the past, even when things didn''t go her way, she only tormented herself, or at most yed tricks on others. She had neverid a hand on anyone.

    She couldn''t even bear to harm a snake she had raised, releasing it into the deep mountains instead.

    But she seemed to remember, worried about the snake, she went back to look for it. However, she had raised it too well. Once in the deep mountains, it was quickly snatched by a bird of prey, carried high into the sky, then dropped to its death. It was then torn apart by several predatory birds, followed by insects and small beasts, all feasting on it until it quickly disappeared.

    The survival of the fittest.

    She cried for a long time.

    It was the first time Jingjue had held her,forting her.

    Jingjue said, "Princess, all things are equal. You and I will also dissipate one day."

    She said, "If we''re going to dissipate anyway, can you try to love me? Before we dissipate, try loving someone. Monks say all is emptiness, but without having possessed anything, how can one know what emptiness is?"

    The more memories she recalled, the more painful and vivid she became, and the more beautiful.

    "Call me grandmother or great-grandmother, don''t use my name. It''s disrespectful." Hui Yun''s thoughts were brought back by the little one''s call.

    "Grandmother and great-grandmother worry about making you sound old. You''re too beautiful," Jiang Mianmian sincerely eximed at that moment.

    She wasn''t just charming for her age; she was charm itself.

    "Grandmother, are we home?"

    Mianmian felt she had slept for quite a while.

    "We are."

    The gates of the Princess''s Manor opened one after another.

    Princess Hui Yun didn''t get off the carriage, riding all the way to the front of her living quarters before stopping.

    The Princess''s Manor was also veryrge.

    Almost like a small imperial pce.

    And it was connected to the imperial pce.

    The princess''s return would probably be known to the emperor immediately.

    However, the Imperial Son-inw''s Manor was not next door.

    Back then, the imperial son-inw had requested to build his manor and voluntarily chose a ce far away, which the emperor approved.

    Mianmian thought they had arrived at her home.

    But when she got off the carriage, she found a magnificent pce in front of her.

    They had arrived at the princess''s pce.

    In the snow, the pce looked like a fairnd, not of this world.

    As they entered the pce, groups of pce maids lined both sides. It turned out there really were people wearing so little even in the heavy snow, each with bare shoulders and dressed in gauze.

    The serving maids were all very beautiful.

    The princess liked lively atmospheres, so there were many servants in the Princess''s Manor.

    The entire Princess''s Manor was like Sleeping Beauty''s world,ing back to life as the princess returned.

    Mianmian looked at the golden splendor everywhere, seeing that even the handrails were golden. She really wanted to scratch them with a knife to see if any gold powder would fall off.

    Speaking of which, was the "Golden Powder Family" called that because there was gold powder everywhere?

    Princess Hui Yun saw the little one''s expression and couldn''t help but think that this child had a fearless look, with expressions and mannerisms very simr to her own, very princess-like. But how to put it, she didn''t have any sense of nobility at all... She looked like someone who was rich but had never seen the world.

    She wanted to cry, feeling it was her own fault. If she had raised and educated her from childhood, she wouldn''t be like this.

    Mianmian nced at her grandmother princess, not knowing what she was thinking. If she knew her thoughts, she wouldugh to death. As an heir to the core values of socialism, she looked at everything with a strong sense of ownership. As for not having nobility, it was normal, after all, she was just an ordinary citizen inside.

    She apanied her grandmother princess touring her great hall and her bedroom.

    The ceiling height was really too high, with carved balustrades and jade structures above. Wasn''t she afraid they might fall?

    Hmm, after turning left and right until dizzy, she found there seemed to be a door connecting to an astronomical tower.

    The Princess''s Manor was too big to tour in a day.

    Mianmian asked the princess, "Grandmother, can I bring my elder sister to tour next time? She would definitely be very happy."

    "Alright, I''ll have people arrange fixed rooms for you sisters, so you cane for long stays anytime."

    "Grandmother, I should go home tonight, otherwise my parents will worry."

    "I''ve sent a message to your parents. I''ll send you back tomorrow."

    Mianmian thought that was fine.

    "Grandmother, can you climb trees? I see there are many big trees here. It seems like you could see the imperial pce directly if you climbed up."

    Princess Hui Yun scratched her head.

    "No climbing trees. Why do you want to see the imperial pce?"

    "I have a godfather in the pce."

    "What?" Princess Hui Yun asked strangely.

    "When I was little, an uncle who was close to my father, because there was no food to eat - we were very poor then, we all couldn''t eat our fill - that uncle castrated himself, then said he was going to the pce to make a living. Before he left, he recognized me, my elder sister, and elder brother as his godchildren. He said if he died, we should remember to burn paper money for him. They say my godfather survived and is living very well, but I want to see for myself if my godfather is really doing well."

    Princess Hui Yun: ...This little brat is killing me without a knife.

    Every sentence stabs me a thousand times.

    My heart, riddled with wounds, bleeds everywhere. Bleeding and bleeding until I get used to it.

    "I''ll take you into the pce tomorrow. You can go find your godfather."

    "No, I have to go home tomorrow. If I don''t return home for a day, my whole family will probably worry. I''ve never been away from my parents before. I''ll go with you the day after tomorrow." Jiang Mianmian said.

    Princess Hui Yun: ...Thank you, I''m touched, but also want to hit her.

    Night fell.

    Mianmian had an exceptionally sumptuous dinner with her grandmother princess at the Princess''s Manor.

    Over twenty dishes... each dish was filling after just one bite.

    Very luxurious, some dishes were surprisingly delicious.

    But, it was like eating at a high-end restaurant. After finishing, thinking back, it didn''t seem as satisfying as eating at a roadside stall.

    The sense of ceremony was strong, but the sense of participation wascking.

    Mianmian was worried that her grandmother princess''s mental illness might worsen from her stimtion.

    At present, her grandmother princess seemed a bit overexcited.

    She even ate a bit too much.

    Judging from the princess grandmother''s physical condition, it should still be quite good.

    However, she must have many hidden injuries and ailments.

    Some people are like that, living on hormone secretions, able to ignore various pains.

    A way of living through mental victory.

    Mianmian thought about feeding her grandmother princess some spirit spring water, then going home.

    So she decided to stay for the night.

    The princess usually ate very little, but today she ate unusually much.

    She seemed to have a good appetite.

    She mainly didn''t want to be picky with food in front of the little brat, setting a bad example.

    This way, if she saw the little brat being picky, she could criticize her righteously.

    To be a role model, the princess really had to go to great lengths.

    She ate many dishes that looked healthy but didn''t taste good.

    She felt a bit nauseous.

    Yet she still had to eat gracefully and nobly in front of the little brat.

    Princess Hui Yun nned to throw up after finishing if she really couldn''t bear it.

    She had done this kind of thing before anyway.

    Mianmian passed water to her grandmother princess, who gratefully drank it.

    This child might be mischievous, but she was still very filial.

    That night.

    After telling many stories to the little brat, she finally managed to lull her to sleep.

    Princess Hui Yun felt that taking care of children was exhausting.

    She increasingly realized how difficult it must be for Qin. Not only had Qin raised three children so well, but she had also adopted Little Cong. She thought she should reward Qin with more gifts, noticing how inly she dressed.

    Having been constantly pestered by the little brat, she hadn''t had a chance to induce vomiting, and now she felt everything had been digested and she couldn''t bring it up anymore.

    Just as she was thinking this, she suddenly felt a tumultuous churning in her stomach.

    It seemed she had eaten something that disagreed with her.

    She had to admit that age was catching up with her; eating such things now upset her stomach.

    Princess Hui Yun dashed to the bathroom.

    She feltpletely drained from diarrhea, which seemed endless. Sitting on the toilet, she could smell the stench emanating from her entire body.

    She was thankful that the little brat was asleep; otherwise, she might have popped up to say, "Princess, please poop."

    She wasn''t sure if she would have actually raised a hand to the child if that had happened.

    Princess Hui Yun struggled for most of the night. Fortunately, she always had attendants to serve her. After being cleaned up, Princess Hui Yuny down next to the little brat and fell asleep.

    At daybreak, Mianmian opened her eyes to see the beautiful woman lying beside her. Her long hair was spread out, her skin like jade, her figure curvaceous. She was lying on her side, close to Mianmian, who found her breath catching for a moment.

    She was startled, feeling for an instant as if she were being embraced by an stunningly beautiful female ghost.

    Princess Hui Yun opened her eyes, looking a bit confused, then came to her senses as she saw the little one in her arms.

    Mianmian felt her heart racing. There really were ageless goddesses in this world. She herself had grown up drinking spiritual spring water, and this was as good as it got for her.

    But this grandmother princess, in every move she made, was naturally unrivaled. It was as if drinking the spiritual spring water had merely wiped away the dust from her, making her even more beautiful and alluring. Even as a girl herself, Mianmian felt shy about looking at her too much.

    "Grandma, when will you send me home?"

    "What''s the rush? Your father has court today. We''ll go back together after he''s done," Princess Hui Yun said with a yawn, speakingzily.

    Mianmian took the opportunity to roll away a bit.

    Princess Hui Yun: "Why are you running away? We''ve already slept together all night."

    "Princess, you''re too beautiful. I''m afraid I might fall in love with you."

    Princess Hui Yun gritted her teeth, wanting to smack someone first thing in the morning. The little brat had been so well-behaved while asleep, but as soon as she woke up, she started talking nonsense.

    ...

 Chapter 303

    It snowed yesterday.

    Today is even colder.

    The temperature has plummeted.

    It feels like it dropped about twenty degrees in just one day.

    But today is the day of the morning court session.

    Even the old Emperor has to get out of bed.

    With morning court held once every ten days, the Emperor can''t really cancel it on a whim.

    It''s already quite absurd as it is.

    The Emperor didn''t sleep wellst night.

    Hui Yun had actually returned to the Princess''s Pce.

    He didn''t know why.

    In his old age, he no longer had those strange feelings towards Hui Yun.

    In fact, he had be quite indifferent to female charms now.

    Even the most beautiful concubines in the harem were just so-so in his eyes.

    Of course, the young neers would look better than the older ones.

    With the most beautiful women in the world at his disposal, he had actually grown tired of it all.

    His heart didn''t stir, let alone anything else.

    Now, cultivating the Dao and engaging in intellectual discussions were more interesting than bedding concubines.

    It was partly a case of the spirit being willing but the flesh being weak, or rather, he no longer had those kinds of emotions - they had faded.

    He had his moments of absurdity in the past. Even at the height of his desires, he hadn''t spared the wives of his officials.

    Some officials had offered their wives, and they were still in his harem now.

    Though outrageous, it was consensual.

    He never forced anyone, priding himself on being a gentleman even in his absurdity.

    But no one in the world was like Princess Hui Yun.

    She was different.

    She was the only princess.

    He hadn''t seen her for many years.

    He was afraid to see her, such a beautiful woman who loved beauty - he couldn''t bear to see her disfigured.

    But if the Emperor knew the term "moonlight," he would understand what Hui Yun was to him.

    In this world, she was the unique, unattainable woman.

    The so-called moonlight.

    Thinking of her still kept him awake at night, hearing her name still made his heart beat differently.

    The old Emperor couldn''t sleep.

    Who could understand?

    The Princess''s Pce was right next to the Imperial Pce.

    Because of his favoritism towards Princess Hui Yun, there was even a direct gate.

    Princess Hui Yun could enter and leave the pce at will.

    But the Emperor felt awkward about going to the Princess''s Pce.

    He was very generous to Princess Hui Yun, giving her whatever she wanted, and even what she didn''t want.

    It had be a habit.

    But Hui Yun''s sudden return had left him tossing and turning.

    He was old. He could clearly feel that he had aged.

    He enjoyed watching others perform in ys. In recent years, he would even take the stage himself asionally, and when in high spirits, he might even dance a few steps with props.

    But ever since he suddenly threw out his back half a year ago, he had be very cautious and hadn''t danced casually since.

    A fear of aging and illness from the depths of his heart assailed him.

    Making him take his medicinal pills more regrly each day.

    But even the pills couldn''t solve his insomnia problem.

    The Emperor didn''t know why Hui Yun had returned. Was she ill? Or something else?

    He could easily find out news about Hui Yun, but since thest time she got angry and told him not to pry, he hadplied.

    Perhaps he was no longer absurd now, and wouldn''t have those strange emotions anymore, but the woman he cared about most in this life was still Hui Yun. Her name was the first toe to his lips.

    Well, the Emperor thought, if Hui Yun needed anything, she woulde to him tomorrow.

    Despite this reasoning, he still couldn''t sleep well.

    Dawn would bring the morning court session.

    He looked even older than ten days ago.

    But the attending eunuchs were well-trained, not showing a hint of unusual expression, maintaining gentle smiles as they meticulously dressed the Emperor and washed his face.

    The Emperor wanted the morning court to end quickly so he could go see Hui Yun.

    Hui Yun''s sudden departure from the temple must mean something was up.

    It was too cold.

    This morning.

    The moment the grand doors opened, even though he immediately entered his pnquin, he still felt the bone-chilling wind, making his knees ache with a sour pain.

    The imperial crown was too heavy, giving him a slight headache.

    ...

    It was a cold day.

    Qin Luoxia got up early to help her husband dress.

    She had him wear an undershirt made of soft wool from sheep''s armpits that Mianmian had mentioned, then cotton clothes, and finally his official robes.

    Over the official robes, she draped arge fur-cored cloak, ensuring he was warm from head to toe.

    Today, Jiang Feng would also attend the morning court.

    The young man, when dressed up, looked even more youthful and handsome.

    The guard''s uniform was more casual, allowing for ease of movement, quite dashing.

    Seeing father and son standing together, Qin Luoxia suddenly realized that Feng had grown taller than his father.

    For a moment, she felt both moved and wistful, her eyes reddening slightly.

    She was proud.

    There was no snow today, but the wind was strong.

    "Sister Xia, quickly go inside. Feng and I will return right after the morning court. We''ll pick up Mianmian, don''t worry."

    Before dawn, father and son left together in a carriage for work.

    Everyone had gotten up earlier than usual because the snow made it difficult for carriages to travel.

    Beingte for morning court was not an option; beingte for work meant a sry deduction, beingte for morning court could mean losing one''s head.

    Other officials were also setting out from their homes one after another.

    Every morning court session had undercurrents, seemingly the same as usual, but actually different.

    ...

    On this day, it was too cold.

    Older people oftenck sleep.

    Old Lady Jiang had woken up early, directing servants to do various tasks.

    With peopleing and going, the room had be somewhat chilly.

    Jiang Wan had also risen early.

    For some reason, she felt uneasy today, as if something was about to happen, but she couldn''t put her finger on it. She just didn''t feel quite right.

    Thest time her cousin had suddenly said he wanted to marry her, but recently he hadn''t mentioned it again, as if he had forgotten his promise.

    This left Jiang Wan feeling uncertain and anxious.

    She had told herself from the beginning not to fall in love with Chu Xi, that Chu Xi was heartless, that Chu Xi cared far more about power than he did about her.

    But in this second life, she knew her own capabilities.

    As long as she cared deeply about someone and valued them, she could get a corresponding return.

    At first, she was just pretending to admire her cousin.

    As she acted the part, she began to believe it, thinking she truly admired her cousin. After a long time of pretending to be in love, she gradually forgot that she was acting.

    ...

    Early in the morning.

    The Princess dragged the little one out of bed, intending to broaden her horizons by teaching her to recognize and categorize various jewels and jade, at least so she wouldn''t be fooled by vulgar items.

    Mianmian was overwhelmed by the lesson, as everything looked more or less the same to her.

    "Grandma, you''re already a princess, and I''m already the beloved granddaughter of a princess, so why do I have to work so hard?" Mianmian looked at Princess Hui Yun, exasperated.

    "Why work hard? I suppose it''s so people don''t call you a fool."

    "Grandma, look at it this way: when we call someone a fool, we''re actually having a positive impact on the world."

    Princess Hui Yun: You foolish child...

    Whew, I felt that positive impact!!

    ...

 Chapter 304

    Day 23, Sunny.

    Auspicious for: Sacrifices, recognizing rtives, building stoves, raising beams.

    Inauspicious for: False usations, setting up beds, secret plots, travel.

    Today is thest court session of the year.

    The next court session will be in the new year.

    The weather is bitterly cold.

    Minister Lu''s residence is considered close to the imperial pce.

    As the First Minister, he enjoys many privileges.

    For example, while others must dismount from their carriages at the gate and walk in,

    Minister Lu can ride in a sedan chair all the way to the inner pce.

    His treatment is only slightly inferior to the Emperor''s.

    The Emperores out from the pce in a sedan chair.

    Minister Lu can also ride in a sedan chair from outside.

    He switches from carriage to sedan chair at the gate.

    On normal days, Minister Lu usually doesn''t enjoy such honors.

    He prefers to walk, with people bowing respectfully along the way.

    Bending at the waist, nodding heads, smiling...

    He enjoys the feeling of everyone lowering their heads before him.

    At the same time, there is much to be gleaned from these eye contacts.

    Subtle differences can be judged from people''s gazes.

    Minister Lu has even detected a traitor''s impending betrayal from such subtle cues, allowing him to take preemptive action.

    But today is too cold.

    He also workedte on official businessst night.

    In some ways, he is a very dedicated minister, handling most of the empire''s memorials himself.

    He''s constantly busy, barely able to take a midday nap, and working until midnight.

    Today is especially cold.

    He''s not feeling well physically.

    There''s also a tough battle ahead, so he needs to conserve his energy.

    A mere Imperial Secretary isn''t really a tough opponent.

    But Minister Lu is habitually thorough - even a lion uses its full strength to catch a rabbit.

    In such a short time, he''s gathered enough crimes to charge him with.

    Actually, if he wants someone dead, it''s quite simple.

    But he has to consider the Emperor''s mood.

    He closes his eyes in the sedan chair, thinking.

    He usually doesn''t touch the Emperor''s close attendants, but this Imperial Secretary makes him ufortable.

    His years of experience tell him this man cannot be allowed to live.

    More importantly, there''s the secret plot with the Seventh Prince.

    Minister Lu has already been in contact with the Seventh Prince.

    To his surprise, he found the prince has quite a few cards up his sleeve.

    The Emperor''s health is declining these days.

    Today, officials will likely bring up naming a Crown Prince again.

    In the current situation, proposing any prince as Crown Prince is like sending him to his death, incurring the Emperor''s displeasure.

    Today should be the turn of the talented and virtuous Sixth Prince.

    This is the real important matter. Inparison, eliminating Imperial Secretary Jiang is just a minor issue.

    Just an annoying green fly.

    An appetizer.

    Power struggles are bound to be the dirtiest, ugliest, and most despicable. If you haven''t encountered that yet, it means you haven''t pushed your power to the limit.

    Minister Lu feels pleased imagining the look of despair on that stunningly beautiful man''s faceter.

    It will be an excellent appetizer.

    The sedan chair sways, rtively warm inside.

    Minister Lu is so tired he almost falls asleep.

    When the chair stops, he wipes his mouth, which is a bit wet.

    He adjusts his clothes before alighting.

    "Greetings, Minister Lu! Minister Lu!"

    Salutations ring out from all sides.

    With Minister Lu arrived, no court official dares to beter than him.

    Except the Emperor.

    Minister Lu stands at the very front, looking back at the long line of officials stretching out of sight.

    This position at the front allows him to feel the warmth from the main hall.

    Charcoal fires have been lit all around.

    The low-ranking officials near the hall entrance suffer the most.

    It''s windy outside, howling fiercely, yet they must stand stiffly without losing decorum, with nowhere to take shelter.

    Of course, the soldiers and servants standing outside have it even worse.

    They must stand guard regardless of wind, frost, rain or snow.

    Jiang Feng is one of the minor officials positioned near the entrance.

    A new face.

    He has a somewhat obedient and introverted demeanor.

    He responds politely when asked, otherwise stands quietly.

    He doesn''t look around aimlessly either.

    Minister Dong, standing near the front, passes by the young man.

    Seeing the tall, strapping youth, he secretly approves of his own judgment.

    Plus, he happened to save his daughter.

    A match made in heaven.

    If not for the rescue, Minister Dong might have hesitated about cancelling another engagement, finding the betrothal gifts in hand troublesome.

    But seeing his daughter so happy she could barely contain her smile, he relented.

    He''ll either find a way to conceal it, or have a good talk with the inws.

    The inws are clever people, they''ll surely understand the rules of life in the capital.

    To avoid suspicion, Minister Dong doesn''t approach, just nods slightly.

    Meng Qingshe, who usually likes to stand at the back, hesitates today but still stays in the rear.

    It''s not that he''s disloyal or unwilling to apany his inw.

    He''s been too conspicuoustely, selling so many key points, but seems unable to remember them himself.

    He really can''t recall.

    Better to stay in the back.

    In case the Emperor decides to quiz them.

    He edges back until he''s next to Jiang Feng.

    Shao Xia is on duty today, standing guard elsewhere.

    As a neer, Jiang Feng still needs to attend court to show his face.

    Meng Qingshe squeezes in beside Jiang Feng.

    He has a feeling of bringing his son this time, after bringing his father to get familiar with thingsst time.

    His inws'' family really is full of talent.

    When Meng Qingshe returned home, his mother gave him endless instructions.

    In the past, they didn''t look down on the inws for their humble origins. In the future, they shouldn''t unt their connection just because the inws have be prominent.

    Treat people sincerely, regardless of background.

    Although that''s what was said,st time he was still worried about his inws being bullied and thought about protecting them. Now it''s better, he probably doesn''t need to worry so much, since they''re the son of an Imperial Princess - at least they have backing now.

    Meng Qingshe whispers some tips on being an official to Jiang Feng.

    The surrounding officials overhear and think: ...??

    Lord Meng is actually passing on experience of being an official here?

    Does Lord Meng have some misunderstanding about himself?

    Lord Meng''s experience as an official could actually be summed up in one sentence: "My father is Meng Hai."

    Jiang Feng listens very attentively, looking obedient and eager to learn.

    The surrounding officials all shed a tear of sympathy for this young man.

    But when they learn he''s the son of Vice Minister Jiang, oh well, they probably won''t see him tomorrow anyway, no need for sympathy.

    All the officials line up in order.

    Jiang Changtian also stands in the middle of the queue.

    He feels quite tired.

    Early in the morning he rode in a carriage then walked, arrived at the ce with no chair to sit on, and still has to keep standing.

    After waiting for a while, the Emperor finally arrives.

    Wearing dragon robes and the imperial crown, he enters the great hall, looks at the sea of people, and can''t help but yawn.

    This is why the Emperor''s procession is so necessary at times like this.

    Various screens ensure the Emperor''s yawn isn''t seen, preserving the dignity of the imperial visage.

    Today is another day of not wanting to hold court.

    An especially unwilling day.

    He just wants to end quickly and go find Hui Yun.

    The Emperor sits on the dragon throne and kicks his legs a bit.

    Jiang Changtian stands in line, sensing the strange looks from those around him.

    How to describe it - their gaze is a bit like his daughter eyeing a piglet.

    Perhaps because he shortchanged his little daughter from the womb, Mian Mian actually likes to eat pork.

    Jiang Changtian ponders his situation, thinking he shouldn''t be in any danger.

    The Imperial Eunuch calls out in a loud voice to begin the court session.

    All officials perform a grand salute.

    Then officials begin presenting memorials.

    Jiang Changtian notices these people ncing at him before presenting their memorials.

    His heart sinks.

    But he''ll deal with whateveres, ying it by ear.

    Minister Lu understands the Emperor well. Seeing the Emperor''s impatient expression today, he feels assured.

    The matter is already half aplished.

    No matter how others scheme, if the Emperor has no interest in governing, everything will ultimately fall to him to handle. Then he can manipte things as he pleases.

    Censors from the Censorate step forward with memorials to present.

    Inspector He raises an eyebrow slightly.

    How capable they''ve be.

    There are traitors in his Censorate department now.

    They''re pulling stunts behind his back.

    He''s been a bitzytely, not keeping everyone in line. They seem to have forgotten about him.

    For the court officials, major events are unfolding today.

    For the Emperor, it''s just his employees stirring up trouble again. So annoying.

    He nces at the memorials. One, two, three... seven usations against Imperial Secretary Jiang.

    They used him of having sinister intentions, being greedy by nature, disloyal and unjust, unfilial and unbrotherly. They imed he was truly a petty man, unfit for office, and should be demoted to amoner, banished to the northern seas, and never employed again.

    There were several other memorials,rgely with the same content, debating how to punish him. Some called for exile, others for the death penalty to serve as a warning to others.

    ...

    The Emperor rubbed his forehead. He had a bit of a headache.

    Most of the usations listed, coincidentally, he was already aware of.

    Corruption? Jiang Er had given him all the money. Were they scolding Jiang Er? No, they were scolding him, the Emperor.

    As for receiving gifts on his birthday, it was a willing exchange. If you didn''t want to give gifts, you didn''t have to. To call this a crime was a bit of a stretch. At most, it could be said to show a w in character. If they were to investigate this, not a single court official would be innocent.

    The second usation was rebellion. The Emperor had noment on whether Jiang Er harbored treasonous thoughts. He knew Jiang Er had adopted the son of a lowly official.

    Third, allowing his children to bully others. That child must be referring to Jiang Er''s young daughter. There were several witnesses. The Emperor almostughed. He had just heard about this from Heir Apparent Han. It was clearly a case of failed flirtation, where the man had been tricked by a child, and yet he had the nerve toe andin.

    Fourth, being unfilial and unbrotherly. This was a family matter. He had heard that Jiang Er''s mother was extremely harsh. The eldest son had been driven to be a monk, and the younger son didn''t acknowledge her. These parents weren''t exactly exemry either.

    Fifth, colluding with court officials and arranging marriages for his children. Jiang Er had mentioned this and had even secured an official position for his son. Colluding with Inspector He? With He''s stubbornly upright personality, it would be quite a feat to collude with him.

    Sixth, disrespecting the royal family and beating Heir Apparent Han. The Emperor thought to himself, it was probably because Heir Apparent Han had stolen Jiang Er''s sister-inw. Was Jiang Er not allowed to stand up for himself?

    Seventh...

    He could actually refute each of these usations.

    But Jiang Er had only been in office for such a short time, and already so many people disliked him.

    The Emperor felt a bit impatient.

    He tossed the memorials in front of Jiang Er and said, "Take a look. What do you have to say?"

    Jiang Changtian picked up the memorials, scanned them quickly, and finished reading the contents.

    Minister Lu stood calmly.

    Judging by the Emperor''s mood, this round was in the bag. However, the matter concerning the Sixth Prince would have to be dropped for today. Next time, perhaps. Resolving one issue was good enough.

    The Emperor would most likely hand this matter over to him.

    No matter how Jiang Er tried to defend himself, he had ways to finish him off.

    Unexpectedly, after reading the memorials, Jiang Er didn''t try to defend himself. Instead, he wore an expression of disbelief, then one of dejection and heartbreak.

    "Your subject has nothing to say. I admit my guilt," he said.

    Jiang Er had surrendered without even putting up a fight.

    This left Minister Lu''s nned strategies unused. Was this it?

    This? He had thought Jiang Er was a loyal dog, but it turned out he was just a paper tiger.

    Seeing Jiang Er''s expression, the Emperor would normally have been inclined tofort him. However, he hadn''t slept well the night before and was impatient, wanting to go see Hui Yun soon. He said, "Minister Lu, you have full authority over this matter. Have Jiang Er detained in the Ministry of Justice for now. You will conduct the investigation. If there''s nothing else, court is dismissed."

    ...

 Chapter 305

    Early morning.

    Princess Grandma was dressed up in her finest.

    She looked even more beautiful than yesterday.

    If power is a man''s beauty buff, then love is a woman''s cosmetic surgery.

    Before yesterday, she had been listless, unkempt, and disheveled, believing there was no one left in the world who cared about her. She dressed like a ck fish or arge bird, carelessly throwing on whatever without concern.

    But today.

    Even though she had been on the toilet half the night, she still got up early to dress up.

    She wanted her own son to see his mother in her best state.

    She wanted to set an example of a princess for her dear granddaughter.

    Princess Huiyun looked at herself in the mirror and was momentarily dazed.

    Time seemed to have been kind to her.

    Even with the scars on her face, they didn''t detract from the beauty of the person in the mirror.

    In fact, they added a sense of allure and mystery.

    She thought it was because she had found her child again, rekindling her vitality and bringing her back to life.

    Now she really wanted to live.

    Full of fighting spirit.

    She had somewhat forgotten what she used to look like.

    She only knew that everyone praised her for being beautiful.

    Princess Huiyun once affectedly said: I don''t know what beauty is.

    Beautiful without knowing it, because she wasn''t sure if people praised her because she was truly beautiful or because she was a princess.

    The winter day was very cold.

    Mianmian looked at Princess Grandma and always felt that Grandma had a murderous aura about her, a bit like a female version of the Monkey King...

    She curiously asked, "Grandma, don''t you feel anything special?"

    Usually, drinking from the Spirit Spring would cause diarrhea and such. Seeing how vibrant Princess Grandma looked, it must have had an effect, but as for other side effects, they hadn''t been discovered yet.

    Mianmian felt that the Spirit Spring must have some side effects, more or less, different for each person.

    After Elder Sister drank from the Spirit Spring, she could eat anything. The side effect might be that her nerves became insensitive, and poisonous things couldn''t poison her anymore, losing the happiness of being intoxicated.

    For example, if others ate a certain nt, they could see fairies undressing and dancing, but Elder Sister couldn''t see it after eating it, losing out on a lot of joy.

    Elder Brother drank from the Spirit Spring and suspected he had been reborn, but while others who were reborn had various opportunities to change their fate, seeing many development trends and defying destiny, Elder Brother''s rebirth only showed him an endless long life of death, with the side effect of being afraid of the dark.

    Mom drank from the Spirit Spring, and the side effect was bing too sensitive. If Mianmian had even a slightly naughty thought, sensitive Mom would discover it and react with an overly aggressive urge to spank her.

    Father drank from the Spirit Spring, and the side effect was asionally feeling a bit effeminate, but that might be an illusion. He was her biological father after all, so she couldn''t say that.

    As for herself, after drinking from the Spirit Spring, the side effect was probably ADHD. All her senses were stronger than others'', so she couldn''t sit still, was hyperactive, couldn''t study properly, and just wanted to y...

    "Didn''t you say we were going to meet your father after court? Let''s go," Princess Huiyun said to the little one who seemed to be daydreaming again.

    She didn''t know if she looked good or not.

    But the little one was truly beautiful.

    Especially when she wasn''t talking.

    "Grandma, your carriage is a princess''s carriage, right? It must be very impressive. I fell asleep yesterday, so I want to ride in it properly today. Later, we''ll drive to the entrance of the court meeting and pick up Father there. Oh, and we''ll pick up Elder Brother too. This way, Father and Elder Brother''s colleagues will know that Father has connections, and they''ll be bullied less in the future."

    "Who dares!" Huiyun was always caught off guard by the little one''s words.

    The princess''s pnquin was second only to the Emperor''s, much more prestigious than Minister Lu''s.

    After all, no matter how high-ranking Minister Lu was, he was still just a high-level employee.

    While the princess was the boss''s younger sister.

    The court meeting was in session inside, but the princess''s pnquin entered leisurely.

    No one stopped it.

    The Emperor had given his word that the princess could go anywhere, and no one was to stop her.

    The princess didn''t want to deal with others, so she sat in the pnquin without getting out.

    She was just waiting for the court to end, to pick up her son and grandson.

    It was also to officially announce their identities.

    Seeing a guard enter the court, Jiang Mianmian curiously asked, "Grandma, when they''re having a court meeting, do the guards go in to arrest people?"

    Huiyun sent someone to check, while exining to the little one, "If someone has made a mistake, they will be arrested. It''s always those messy affairs."

    But the servant returned in an instant.

    Princess Huiyun''s face immediately turned red.

    She lifted the carriage curtain and jumped down from the carriage.

    Mianmian also jumped down after her.

    Huiyun wanted the little one to wait in the carriage, but thinking it impossible - who knows what this child would do if not watched - she simply let here along.

    So while the Emperor was still sitting on his dragon throne,

    Rubbing his brows, preparing to wait for the ministers to take their leave before leaving himself,

    Suddenly, a eunuch cried out in a thin, effeminate voice: "Princess Huiyun has arrived."

    The ears of all the court officials were pierced by this sharp voice.

    Minister Lu felt even more of a headache, and a bit dizzy.

    The older court officials all knew who Princess Huiyun was.

    There was an entire era dominated by Princess Huiyun.

    In that era, women constantly had Princess Huiyun''s name on their lips.

    The woman most frequently mentioned by sisters, mothers, and wives was Princess Huiyun.

    Even if they had never seen her, her name was familiar to all.

    The younger generation of officials knew less about her.

    Princess Huiyun was more like a legendary figure to them.

    But now in the great court.

    A princess just appeared like this.

    A legendary figure.

    Renowned.

    Legendary beyondpare.

    The Emperor sitting on the dragon throne was also stunned for a moment.

    Then came endless nervousness, even wanting to find a mirror to look at himself, to see what he looked like at this very moment.

    Why had Huiyune now?

    And to the court, no less.

    Had Huiyun suffered some grievance?

    Had shee to find him?

    For a moment, the Emperor even wanted to stand up.

    Fortunately, his slow body controlled his agitated heart.

    Preventing him from losingposure in front of his court officials.

    Mianmian was a bit nervous.

    Wasn''t it said they were going to meet Elder Brother and Father after work?

    How did they end uping directly to where people worked?

    But she was very curious.

    Might as well take a look since they were here.

    Basically everyone present was a top student, top scorers in the imperial exams over the years, or children of the nobility, rtives of the Emperor...

    It was quite an eye-opening experience.

    She''d have to tell Mom and Elder Sister all about it when she got back.

    Jiang Mianmian''s expression was serious, but her heart was as happy as could be.

    Meanwhile, Princess Huiyun was emanating a murderous aura, directly charging into the court with her sword in hand.

    Princess Huiyun was allowed to see the Emperor, and even enter the pce without giving up her weapons, as per the Emperor''s personal decree.

    In the great hall, the full court of civil and military officials were arrayed on the left and right.

    Princess Huiyun walked forward step by step.

    In the past, Princess Huiyun had been arrogant, but she had never burst into court like this.

    Today, Princess Huiyun appeared before all the court officials.

    Those who had seen her before, those who hadn''t, the curious, the very curious, all turned their gazes upon her.

    Princess Huiyun was a very self-centered person.

    She knew she couldn''t make everyone like her or be satisfied with her.

    Because if she wanted everyone to like her, it would mean giving power to the people who disliked her the most.

    It would mean she''d have to curry favor with that group of people who didn''t like her.

    She didn''t need that.

    She had always ignored that group.

    She only needed the people who liked her, who werepatible with her, who shared her ideals, to like her.

    She was imperious.

    She looked down on everything.

    She was born a princess.

    Her aura was unmatched.

    People thought they would see a disfigured, decrepit old woman.

    After all, Princess Huiyun''s era had passed long ago.

    So long ago that everyone had almost forgotten about it.

    What would a person who had lived with only a dimmp and Buddha forpany look like?

    All the great families seemed to have such people.

    White hair, wrinkles, aged, lonely...

    But now there was a me spreading through the court.

    Young and old alike felt that heat.

    There was such a woman, walking on the Golden Dragon Path of the court, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

    She wore a red robe embroidered with intertwining dragons and phoenixes, adorned with magnificent jewels, even her boots studded with gems. She was gorgeous, dazzling, luxurious.

    Yet all of this couldn''t overshadow her face.

    She wore a golden half-mask, like a goddess descending to earth.

    Time hadn''t left a single mark on her.

    It was as if the years hade to a standstill.

    She walked slowly.

    Not slow, rather quite fast.

    But to some of the officials, it was like time flowing backwards.

    As if they had returned to the era dominated by Princess Huiyun.

    The Emperor sat on his dragon throne, watching that figuree closer and closer.

    From hazy to clear, it was as if he had been transported back to his youth.

    Sunrise and sunset, the turning of the stars, yet Huiyun seemed utterly unchanged. No, she had changed - she had be more beautiful, more radiant, more uninhibited.

    Princess Huiyun walked to the front of the court.

    She saw everyone standing, except for a single man who was kneeling.

    He wore a shabby, dark blue robe of the fourth rank, kneeling there.

    Everyone else was standing, while my son was kneeling.

    Everyone else was standing, while my son was kneeling.

    Very well, very well!

    ...

 Chapter 306

    Following Princess Grandmother along the long red carpet.

    Although Mianmian had looks very simr to Princess Huiyun,

    Their temperaments were worlds apart.

    When Princess Huiyun''s aura was in full force, she could attract countless gazes.

    When she appeared, it was difficult for people to look away.

    So no one would notice the short child behind the princess.

    Of course, Jiang Feng noticed.

    But he was in the rows on both sides.

    It wasn''t convenient to greet her.

    Meng Qingshe also noticed, but his thoughts were unique.

    In the old master''s words, Grandmother-inw''s aura should be thrown onto the battlefield, stunning the enemy for three breaths, unable to react, and then sh sh sh! A great victory!

    Mianmian kept walking forward with Princess Grandmother.

    Because she wanted to see all the civil and military officials, she identally thought these were all the leaders of this country, an idea too sensitive that got censored for a whole night o(¨s¡õ¨t)o.

    As a result, when she reached the front, before she could curiously see the Emperor, she first saw her father.

    At this moment, Mianmian felt very distressed.

    She no longer had the mood for sightseeing.

    When everyone is kneeling, and I''m also kneeling, it doesn''t seem like much.

    If everyone is kneeling and I''m standing, I might be able to see whose hair is thinning.

    But when everyone is standing and I''m kneeling, this feeling is terrifying.

    I''m not afraid of falling, I''m afraid of being the only one who falls.

    Seeing her father kneeling, just one nce.

    Mianmian''s eyes immediately moistened.

    She tugged at Princess Grandmother''s clothes, looking up at her.

    Her tears fell in big drops.

    The princess only lowered her head to look at the little one.

    Seeing her face covered in tears.

    From the moment she met this little one, she had always been rushing about eagerly, never showing a moment''s hesitation.

    Seeing her so lively, like boiling water about to jump, always bubbling.

    Seeing her fearless attitude, even sleep-talking, always saying: "Princess, please give me acupuncture," even in dreams wanting to stick needles in the princess.

    But at this moment, seeing her face full of tears,

    A pair of eyes filled with terror and sorrow.

    Princess Huiyun felt her heart ache beyond measure.

    If it weren''t for her, if she hadn''t recognized her child back, how much suffering would they have endured.

    It was her fault, it was her mistake.

    The past sufferings, she couldn''t undo, even thinking about them was as painful as death by a thousand cuts.

    But now, whoever dared to touch her child, she would deal with their entire family.

    She was mad.

    Seeing the guardse forward to grab her son, she drew her sword in front of all the court officials and the Emperor.

    "Who dares to touch my child!"

    Mianmian saw that everyone seemed to be frozen by Princess Grandmother''s action.

    She took the opportunity to run to her father''s side, kneeling beside him.

    Jiang Changtian knew he wouldn''t die, at most he would suffer some torment, he was used to suffering and wasn''t worried, it was a small matter.

    Seeing the princesse, he didn''t feel much warmth in his heart.

    But seeing that the princess had actually brought Mianmian along.

    Seeing Mianmian kneeling in front of him.

    Jiang Changtian''s defenses crumbled.

    He cursed Princess Huiyun in his heart for being brainless.

    He could suffer, could be trampled on, could bow his head and beg.

    But he didn''t want his little girl to see this scene.

    He just wanted to see his little girl being unruly, as if she had a tail, every day grandly and happily.

    He didn''t want Mianmian to see this scene.

    Feng could, they were both males, men should bear reality.

    Feng''s experiences, he would understand, wouldprehend.

    But Mianmian wouldn''t understand.

    Jiang Changtian felt he was an ugly oyster shell, his greatest function was to nurture a round, shiny pearl, she was innocent and naive, curious about everything in the world, she was happy, she was clever.

    At this moment, the pearl rolled to his side, cautiously, with golden beans hanging in her eyes.

    Jiang Changtian''s inner defensespletely crumbled, he cursed the princess hundreds of times in his heart.

    Although he was kneeling, he still embraced Mianmian.

    "It''s okay, it''s okay, Father is fine, don''t be afraid, really it''s fine."

    Just now he knew he was going to be taken to the Ministry of Justice, his look of utter despair and loss of interest in life was ny percent acting.

    But at this moment, seeing his little girl, he was truly distressed.

    He couldn''t bear to see his child suffer even a bit of grievance, not even a tiny bit, his eyes reddened.

    "Dad." The childish voice was muffled, mixed with a hoarse tone.

    A sound that could bring tears to one''s eyes.

    Like life and death separation.

    Many court officials, seeing this scene, inexplicably felt their hearts tremble, and turned their faces away.

    Although they might also be perpetrators.

    But they could also empathize.

    If one day, they became prisoners.

    Perhaps, their children wouldn''t even be able to see them once.

    And the Emperor sitting on the dragon throne waspletely stunned.

    He saw Huiyune in full regalia.

    He had grown old.

    But Huiyun hadn''t aged at all, her appearance was still the same, even more beautiful.

    More dazzling than the image in his heart.

    What really broke his defenses was the little girl beside Huiyun.

    To be honest, the appearance of that little girl was truly the image of Huiyun that the Emperor remembered most deeply in his heart, the most profound image.

    Because at that time, life was difficult, in the deep pce, every step had to be taken cautiously.

    At that time, arge part of his courage to live on was given by that little girl.

    She was happy every day, she chased after him calling "Royal Brother, Royal Brother."

    She was innocent and naive.

    She was ignorant of worldly affairs.

    She was the softest part in his heart.

    She was the purest part in his heart.

    Even the strange, abnormal loveter on originated from this time, he wanted to protect his sister, felt that all men in the world were not good people, none were worthy.

    He wasn''t worthy either.

    However, that was the peak of his absurdity, Mother Empress had died, no one in the world could restrain him, there were no shackles, so he had such crazy thoughts.

    But now, there was Huiyun at her most beautiful time.

    And surprisingly, there was also Huiyun from her purest childhood time.

    The childhood Huiyun ran to Jiang Er''s side, knelt beside him, calling "Dad" in a soft voice, she cried.

    At this moment, the Emperor seemed to return to his youth.

    Huiyun cried, he was punished, kneeling in the imperial garden, Huiyun knelt beside him, cautiously calling "Royal Brother."

    At this moment, the Emperor felt as if a thousand arrows had pierced his heart, the arrow rain shot by Mother Empress years ago, shot into his heart again, making his heart riddled with wounds, but this time, the person drawing the bow was himself.

    The Emperor could be dazed, hurt, stunned, travelling through time and space.

    The court officials could empathize, trembling in fear.

    But Minister Lu couldn''t be dazed, wouldn''t empathize.

    He didn''t understand what was happening before him.

    How did Princess Huiyune out.

    What was she going to do with that sword.

    Who was her son?

    As the prime minister, as the person in charge of investigating Jiang Er''s case just ordered by the Emperor, Minister Lu of course had to act immediately.

    Where did this childe from.

    The princess actually brought Jiang Er''s child to the court.

    Minister Lu sensed a change.

    He decisively said: "Take him away."

    Princess Huiyun saw the old man in front of her, actually wanting to harm her child in her presence.

    She pointed her sword at the old man and thrust forward.

    Princess Huiyun - extreme sports enthusiast, intermittent neurotic, drinker of spirit spring water - her sword was so fast it caught peoplepletely off guard.

    One thrust and the sword pierced Minister Lu''s body, she spoke: "You dare to hurt my child?"

    Minister Lu looked down at the sword in his chest in disbelief, he never imagined that in front of all the court officials, under the Emperor''s nose, he would actually be stabbed by a sword??

    He was Minister Lu, the number one prime minister in the world, when he went out he was afraid of assassination, because in his power struggles, the families he had killed could circle the Capital City, so when he went out he was always surrounded by guards for protection, even at home he was surrounded by guards, assassinations and such could never get close to him.

    Minister Lu knew how to protect himself.

    Because there were indeed foolish people who wanted to assassinate him.

    They were all caught before they could get close to him, then cruelly punished by him with extreme penalties, publicly executed.

    But now, in full view of everyone, witnessed by all, he was actually stabbed by the princess with one thrust.

    How could weapons be brought into the great court?

    Where were the guards?

    Why kill him?

    Minister Lu looked down at the sword in his chest, his eyes wide with anger,st night there was still a stack of memorials he hadn''t finished reviewing...

 Chapter 307

    In that instant,

    Minister Lu felt as if a heavy snow had begun to fall outside the imperial court.

    He felt terribly wronged.

    Never in his wildest dreams,

    Did he imagine he would be stabbed with a sword in the middle of court.

    No one came to his rescue.

    And at this moment,

    As the long sword swung, its de shing,

    Right before the Emperor''s eyes.

    The Emperor''s old heart began to race.

    His blood pressure likely shot up to 190, though he knew nothing of hypertension.

    After all, there was no way to measure it back then.

    Humans often mistake symptoms of illness for signs of love.

    Like palpitations, high blood pressure, hormonal imbnces, mental confusion...

    It had been many years since the Emperor had seen someone draw a sword so close to him.

    The performances he watched used only props.

    If anyone dared use a real weapon and was discovered, their entire n would be executed.

    Even when watching executions, he was always far away, and the Emperor had no taste for such things anyway.

    Having someone dragged out and dealt with was a matter for his subordinates; he only needed to be informed of the results.

    Everyone in the world was ying a game,peting to guess the Emperor''s thoughts.

    At this moment, not a single person could guess what was on the Emperor''s mind.

    Seeing Princess Huiyun raise her sword and stab it directly into Minister Lu''s body.

    The sword''s de reflected the bright candlelight of the great hall as it swung.

    It was as if a beam of light had been injected into the Emperor.

    Just like the era dominated by Hui Yun.

    Everything Princess Huiyun did was full of grace and set trends.

    Watching hermit murder in court.

    At this moment, the Emperor''s thoughts were, surprisingly, also of killing.

    He wanted to take up a sword, to act with his own hands.

    The court officials all took a uniform step back, creating arge circle of space.

    Princess Huiyun showed no regard for martial etiquette.

    The civil and military officials would sometimes fight in court too.

    But it was always bare-handed - pulling hair, pping faces, kicking stomachs, tickling armpits. At most, the cunning ones might use a memorial to hit someone.

    But they wouldn''t dare use too much force. If the memorial was damaged, they''d be charged with the minor crime of destroying public property.

    They mainly used hands and feet, their bodies.

    When court sessions got heated, it wasn''t umon to see two officials twisting together like pretzels, rolling around on the ground.

    Different political views, each wielding their own "sword".

    But it couldn''t be a real sword - hands as swords, mouths as swords, buttocks as swords...

    If real swords were brought, the attrition in court would be too great. Within days, there''d hardly be any officials left.

    The court officials stepped back.

    The Emperor stared in shock.

    Vice Minister Jiang held his child in his arms, not wanting her to see the violent scene.

    Princess Huiyun''s sword pierced through Minister Lu.

    The Emperor, as a spectator, finally came to his senses.

    "No horsey allowed," the Emperor reprimanded.

    Minister Lu''s eyes widened as he stared at the sword in his chest. No, after all his years of diligent service, sleeping no more than three hours a night, often just two, he was stabbed right in front of the Emperor, felt like he was dying, and all the Emperor could say was "no horsey"???

    His heart turned cold.

    At this moment, Minister Lu felt a deep despair, a pain far worse than the sword.

    Of course, being stabbed was also extremely painful.

    He felt absurd, painful, unbelievable, and filled with enormous regret. Why had he served such an Emperor so faithfully? If he''d known, he should have rebelled long ago.

    Hui Yun pulled the sword from Minister Lu''s body and tossed it to the ground.

    As ismonly known, a sword in the body shouldn''t be carelessly removed. It''s safer to leave it in ce until reaching the hospital, where a doctor can remove it properly. The sword acts as a plug for the wound, preventing immediate death.

    If you pull it out directly,

    The wound bleeds uncontrobly, bing more dangerous.

    Princess Huiyun pulled out the sword and threw it down, trailing a streak of blood.

    However, no one paid attention to the blood.

    They only saw the princess stamp her foot.

    She said with grievance: "Brother, didn''t you say you''d take care of me for life? I''ve barely been gone, and you''re all ganging up to bully my son? Can''t you bear to see a widow and orphan do well? I''ve finally found my long-lost son, and you want him dead? Whoever dares bully my son, I''ll kill them."

    As Princess Huiyun said this,

    The circle of people around her,

    Good heavens.

    How could there be someone,

    Who, when speaking of killing, made others think only: Is my head enough? Do you need more? I''m avable too. My neck is thin, easy to cut.

    There''s a type of person, beautiful without knowing it, charming without trying.

    When she says "go die,"

    People want to line up andpete to die for her.

    Too terrifying.

    As for Minister Lu, with the sword pulled from his body, he could no longer stand and finally copsed.

    He didn''t want to die; he felt he truly might die.

    As luck would have it, he fell right in front of Vice Minister Jiang.

    In that instant,

    Vice Minister Jiang disyed a great spirit of humanitarian courage.

    He pushed his daughter behind him and reached out to catch the falling Minister Lu.

    His hand pressed firmly on the bleeding wound.

    Minister Lu''s eyes bulged in anger as hey there, looking up at Vice Minister Jiang from below his chin.

    Some people look good even from this angle...

    "It hurts, it hurts, it hurts..."

    It hurt even more than when he was first stabbed. Someone was pressing on his wound, but he couldn''t cry out because the same person who was pressing his wound also had a hand on his throat.

    At this moment, Jiang Er was pressing hard on his wound and throat. He couldn''t make a sound, just wheezing and convulsing.

    "Father knows a bit of medicine. Mianmian, don''t be afraid. It''ll be alright," Jiang Changtian quietly exined to his daughter.

    The court officials temporarily ignored Minister Lu.

    Before them seemed to unfold an enormous melon patch, with more melons than they could possibly eat.

    Everyone was too preupied to pay attention to Minister Lu.

    Princess Huiyun''s words contained too much information.

    Don''t talk about being a widow and orphan; the Imperial Son-inw is still alive.

    Heir Apparent Han is still around too. Just yesterday, Heir Apparent Han was seen listening to music at a brothel.

    If Jiang Er is your son, then who is Heir Apparent Han? Who cuckolded whom?

    With such a beautiful wife as the princess, could the Imperial Son-inw possibly have fathered an heir with someone else?

    If Jiang Er really is Princess Huiyun''s son, thinking about his experiences, it''s too tragic.

    Because today''s events were a plot targeting Jiang Er.

    From childhood, he was said to be unfilial and disloyal, barred from the imperial examinations, used of rebellion, then recruited, climbing step by step to the capital, each step fraught with danger, finally reaching the imperial court, only to be used. Minister Lu had prepared seven charges to push down the newly emerged Jiang Er, to crush himpletely. This was to be his fate.

    Autumn grass meets frost, fish on drynd, unable to escape misfortune. The long night deepens, beneath the abyss lies only more abyss.

    This was Jiang Changtian''s original destiny.

    A life full of obstacles, sorrow, and bitterness.

    At this moment, Mianmian, behind Jiang Changtian, covered her eyes with both hands, peeking through her fingers to see that her father''s way of pressing the wound was incorrect.

    The way her father was pressing wasn''t stopping the blood; it was making it flow more.

    But surely father was just too nervous and pressing wrong.

    Father truly was a kind-hearted person, not at all concerned about appearances.

    "Father, do you want me to help press? I''m strong," Mianmian spoke up.

    "No need. Although Minister Lu was determined to see me dead, fabricating so many charges against me, I can''t stand by and watch him die. It''s still a human life. If he dies, it would implicate the princess in wrongdoing. Mother acted impulsively for my sake. Mother has never harmed anyone in her life; I can''t let her carry this guilt," Jiang ''Bearer of Crimes'' ''Great Filial Son'' Changtian said in a voice just loud enough for those nearby to hear.

    As he spoke, he pressed harder on Minister Lu''s wound. Minister Lu''s eyes were about to roll back in his head. Originally, he probably wouldn''t have died from this sword wound, given its location.

    Now, he wasn''t so sure...

    He was filled with regret.

    If he could do it over again,

    He definitely wouldn''t have fallen in this direction.

    At the very least, he should have fallen farther away from Jiang Er, Minister Lu thought as his body convulsed.

    No, if he could do it over, he would never get involved with Jiang Er again, staying as far away as possible.

    If he could do it over,

    Minister Lu couldn''t cry out. He struggled to raise his hand, but no one noticed him. His hand finally fell limply...

 Chapter 308

    Minister Lu fainted and finally received the long-awaited Imperial Physician.

    He was covered in blood.

    It seemed that even if he could survive, he wouldn''t be able to keep his position.

    A group of officials who had built theirwork under Minister Lu were already thinking about alternative paths.

    If Minister Lu was no longer around,

    Then the n to target Vice Minister Jiang naturally couldn''t proceed.

    After all, Vice Minister Jiang was Princess Huiyun''s own son, the Emperor''s nephew.

    The Emperor had been so fond of Heir Apparent Han before that everyone suspected Han might be the Emperor''s own child. Heir Apparent Han lived much morefortably than the princes.

    Now, was it a case of true or false Heir Apparent Han?

    The Emperor loudly reprimanded Princess Huiyun in front of the court officials.

    A quick-witted official immediately used the contents of official rules and regtions to plead for Princess Huiyun.

    "The rules don''t explicitly state that a princess can''t strike the Prime Minister..."

    Other officials turned their faces away.

    How embarrassing, truly embarrassing.

    Today you defend the princess.

    Tomorrow when the princess''s sword pierces your body, no one will defend you.

    The Emperor eventually fined Princess Huiyun ten years'' worth of her allowance.

    He thought to himself that after court, he''d let his royal sister choose gifts from the treasury topensate her.

    As for Vice Minister Jiang''s case,

    Minister Lu had been carried away.

    Who was next in line after Minister Lu?

    The Emperor scratched his head.

    He felt that Minister Lu had been quite efficient in his work.

    With him suddenly being carried away, he didn''t know who to turn to for the job.

    He nced at Inspector He, then quickly looked away.

    Never mind, he worried that if he really called on Inspector He to investigate, He might actually find crimes worthy of executing Vice Minister Jiang''s entire n, which would include himself.

    Unexpectedly, Inspector He voluntarily stepped forward.

    The Emperor closed his eyes briefly, thinking, "Did you have to be so sensitive? It was just a nce."

    This was why during morning court, the Emperor usually stared nkly ahead.

    He feared that sudden eye contact might give some official strange ideas.

    "This humble servant is willing to thoroughly investigate this matter. I have been upright all my life, yet I''ve been ndered with baseless rumors of an improper rtionship with Vice Minister Jiang. Although I am the tutor of Vice Minister Jiang''s young daughter, I am willing to disregard any suspicion and investigate who is behind these false usations. Vice Minister Jiang worked diligently in Jingzhou. When he left Jingzhou, the people saw him off with great reluctance, following him for a thousand miles. How could such a good official be in the Capital City for just a few days and be falsely used of so many crimes? This must be an organized and premeditated scheme..."

    Princess Huiyun turned to look at Inspector He.

    She seemed to recall this person, a former top schr. She had seen him parading through the streets after the imperial exams. He had aged quickly; back then he had a square face, but now it had be more angr.

    He was quite eloquent; the more he spoke, the better.

    The other officials: ...

    So this old Inspector He was actually the little princess''s teacher??

    This connection seemed too advanced.

    Minister Dong looked up at the ceiling of the court, thinking the crossbeams looked quite nice.

    His fingers fidgeted inside hisrge sleeves.

    He had initially just wanted to find a suitable husband for his daughter.

    To avoid rumors and gossip.

    To stop the Liu family from asionally making snide remarks, as if his daughter couldn''t get married if she didn''t marry their son.

    He was clearly at a disadvantage, but couldn''t move against Vice Minister Liu, always worried it might affect his daughter''s reputation.

    He could only endure it.

    He never expected that just as he found a satisfactory match,

    As soon as he came to court, his inw was used.

    One of the usations even involved him, iming they were in cahoots. This was utterly ridiculous - who in the Capital City wasn''t rted by marriage to someone else?

    No wonder the Liu fellow had been so brazen yesterday.

    Minister Dong was quite nervous.

    In a ce like the imperial court, there was no such thing as the innocent being automatically cleared.

    It was all about power struggles.

    If you were weaker, you deserved to die.

    As an inw, Minister Dong hadn''t thought about recusing himself immediately.

    Firstly, he was a seasoned politician, and knew recusing himself at this point would be useless - if they wanted to implicate you, they would.

    Secondly, he was also a schr with integrity, and disdained the idea of recusing himself now.

    Even in the most corrupt court, there were still some people with principles and beliefs.

    But before he could think of a strategy,

    The situation took a turn.

    Several twists, in fact.

    Initially, the Jiang Feng they found was amoner.

    When he came to propose, he had be a sixth-rank armed guard.

    Just a dayter, he turned out to be Princess Huiyun''s grandson, a true member of the royal family.

    So that exined the extravagant betrothal gifts that exceeded the norm.

    It also showed that the Jiang family knew their own status but hadn''t backed out. Instead, they sincerely sought the marriage. Those treasures weren''t something even normal royal n members would have.

    The royal n didn''t have a good reputation in the Capital City. Represented by Heir Apparent Han, most of them were like that.

    This circle seemed to repel knowledge, full of absurdities.

    But the Jiang family was different. They had the noble status of the royal n, but were outsiders, newly recognized, so they didn''t have the messy habits of the royal n.

    His son-inw was also very knowledgeable.

    Minister Dong could only look up at the ceiling beams. He worried that if he didn''t look at the beams, he might burst outughing.

 Chapter 309

    If you want to talk about suffering,

    Don''t cry endlessly.

    Smile instead.

    ...

    "Court dismissed! Court dismissed! Court dismissed!"

    The shrill voice of the Ceremonial Eunuch ended today''s morning court session.

    It was like a school bell ringing.

    The officials poured out in an orderly fashion like a tide.

    Leaving early had no good oue.

    For example, Lord Wang from thest court session was dragged out by the Emperor''s men before others had even left.

    Like Minister Lu this time.

    Before others had left, he was taken away by the Imperial Doctor and guards.

    Each court session actually took quite a toll.

    The Emperor held court every ten days, and officials concentrated on handling major affairs.

    Something always happened at court.

    It''s a pity there were no newspapers.

    Otherwise, if they published a newspaper after each court session, it would surely sell well.

    Inspector He took on the task, Vice Minister Jiang was "released on bail pending trial", not needing to be detained, just cooperating with the investigation and awaiting results.

    But everyone already felt it was settled.

    One by one, they looked at Meng Qingshe and Minister Dong with different eyes.

    This Meng Qingshe really was blessed for life.

    Leeching off the old above and the young below, a lifetime of blessings he couldn''t use up.

    When others were bullied, it was beating the little one to get to the big one.

    When he was bullied, the old one came and then the young one came.

    Having a sessful father to rely on was one thing, but now his son casually went out of the city and married a girl who turned out to be Princess Huiyun''s own granddaughter - what incredible luck.

    No wonder it was said his wife was a Daji reborn, she was Princess Huiyun''s granddaughter after all, surpassing her predecessor.

    Tsk tsk.

    Even more fortunate was Minister Dong.

    Who would have thought that Minister Dong''s daughter, whose engagement had been called off, would be able to choose the most valuable golden bachelor in the capital right now.

    Usually, royal n members were betrothed early on.

    Although royal n members had noble status, they didn''t amount to much.

    But the royal n members were mostly taken internally, even if you wanted to climb the socialdder, you couldn''t reach it.

    Even Heir Apparent Han with such terrible character had people lining up to meet him for marriage, with many wanting to marry him.

    Yet Minister Dong actually managed to snag such a good match for his daughter whose engagement had been called off.

    Boo hoo, who said old Dong was upright and only knew how to do carpentry? This was extremely cunning.

    Who said the He n was incorruptible and couldn''t be won over? They had long ago epted the Jiang family''s young daughter as a closed-door disciple.

    Bah, shameless.

    A certain Minister Liu had a bitter expression. He was the one who had added the charge of conniving at his wife and children''s bullying against Vice Minister Jiang.

    The reason was that Vice Minister Jiang''s daughter used the He Family''s name to deceive and swindle money from his younger son.

    ©Ñ©Ò©n©Ñ©Ò, now it all made sense.

    Vice Minister Jiang''s young daughter was Inspector He''s closed-door disciple, so she could say she was from the He Family.

    More importantly, she was Princess Huiyun''s own granddaughter. Her asking for a few hundred taels in silver notes from you wasn''t fraud - it was her looking favorably upon you.

    How unfair, how unfair. Having a good-for-nothing son implicated the whole family.

    It seemed Vice Minister Liu had it worst.

    He had a bewildered look on his face now.

    Just yesterday he was leading his son to snatch someone''s bride.

    How brazen of him, trying to snatch the person Princess Huiyun''s grandson had his eye on.

    His son even looked down on that girl, but now that girl was going to marry Princess Huiyun''s eldest grandson.

    Because of his son, he had put in great effort to offend both the second son of Jiang family and Minister Dong.

    Running around making trouble, it was all over now,pletely over.

    Just as court was dismissed, Inspector He had given him a look, that look...

    He felt a chill run up his spine all the way to the top of his head.

    Some were happy, some were worried.

    Some were envious, some were shocked.

    ...

    After court was dismissed.

    Princess Huiyun led her own son, granddaughter and grandson back to the imperial pce in grand style.

    The Emperor felt somewhat uneasy.

    But thinking about it, he came to his senses.

    No wonder he always felt rather close when looking at the second son of Jiang family.

    Mother and son standing together did look quite alike.

    It''s just that his memories of Huiyun were somewhat evasive, he dared not easily recall them. Thinking about it would cause insomnia, leading him to not recognize the second son of Jiang family.

    However, even if he didn''t recognize the second son of Jiang family, looking at the little girl beside him, he could tell at a nce.

    Because that little girl looked exactly like Huiyun when she was young.

    Her expressions and mannerisms were extremely simr.

    There was no need for a blood test to prove kinship, anyone with eyes could see the family resemnce.

    As for Jiang Feng, although he had just been granted the sixth-rank position of imperial guard, a very minor official position, it wasn''t considered mistreatment.

    At least there was no mistreatment on the spot.

    The Emperor looked at Jiang Feng''s face, saw the scars on it, and felt a bit uneasy in his heart, inexplicably ufortable.

    But he preferred Jiang Feng''s appearance.

    For some reason, knowing the second son of Jiang family was Huiyun''s son, he inexplicably disliked him.

    Perhaps because the second son of Jiang family looked more like that person.

    The Emperor deeply despised Jingjue.

    Many years had passed amidst the tumult.

    The brilliantly talented Buddhist disciple of those years should have died on the road to seeking scriptures in foreignnds by now.

    Actually, back then he had asked Jingjue if he was willing to marry Huiyun.

    Jingjue didn''t respond, so he found an Imperial Son-inw for Huiyun.

    But the events of those years, a mistake was a mistake.

    The Emperor felt a bit guilty.

    This morning he was still going to punish the second son of Jiang family.

    And it seemed it didn''t actually have much to do with the second son of Jiang family, he just couldn''t be bothered to deal with it.

    Watching his officials fight amongst themselves was also one of the Emperor''s pleasures.

    Victory and defeat weremon in battle, and fighting it out was also for his service.

    Seeing his sister''s angry expression now, fortunately the sword on her body had already been picked up and put away by a quick-witted eunuch.

    The Emperor hesitated for a long while.

    His first words were: "It''s really cold today, huh."

    Princess Huiyun puffed up her cheeks and said: "Not as cold as my heart. The child I finally found was almost killed by you, his own uncle."

    The Emperor rubbed his nose, feeling a bit guilty.

    Today, Eunuch Liu and Eunuch Duan were apanying the Emperor.

    Eunuch Liu felt remorseful inside, he had almost offended Lord Jiang by trying to help Minister Lu.

    Carefully recalling his past actions, he shouldn''t have offended him too badly.

    He hadn''t done anything too obvious.

    It was over before he had a chance to do anything.

    Sending a big giftter might not be enough to make amends.

    He would have to painfully give up the benefits he had umted over the years.

    If he didn''t give them up now, he wouldn''t have the chance toter.

    Eunuch Duan was happy inside, thinking how lucky he was.

    He had finally gotten an assignment outside the pce, never expecting it would be to Lord Jiang''s home, establishing good rtions early on.

    Who would have thought Lord Jiang had such a background.

    He really did have the god of wealth on his left shoulder and Guan Gong on his right, blessed with good fortune.

    Mianmian followed into the pce.

    It was her first time entering the imperial pce.

    She was somewhat excited.

    No need to buy tickets.

    Direct entry.

    Grandpa Emperor looked very majestic in his borate clothes, quite tall, but a bit old. His figure was still good, very straight, not hunched or with raised shoulders.

    He had arge frame, but was rather thin.

    The imperial crown looked very heavy. If it was solid gold, it would easily cause headaches. Wearing something so heavy every day would put too much pressure on the head.

    Making it hollow would be better.

    Looking at the dragon robe, it was dazzlingly golden. She didn''t know if it was pure gold.

    If it was all pure gold, the clothes would certainly be very heavy.

    No wonder the Emperor didn''t like holding court, just putting on this uniform must be quite tiring.

    The Emperor walked in front.

    He kept feeling an itch on his back.

    Someone was staring at him.

    In this world, no one dared to stare at him.

    He couldn''t help turning his head.

    Then he saw a silly, innocent face staring at him nkly.

    He turned his head, but she didn''t hide.

    He tried to look stern.

    Usually just frowning or ring would make the concubines, eunuchs and pce maids in front of him kneel down.

    He felt ufortable being stared at and red a bit.

    He saw the little one curiously look back, saw nothing, then turn her face back.

    The little one sweetly called out: "Grand Uncle, what are you looking at?"

    The Emperor ufortably turned his neck back.

    She called me Grand Uncle?

    He felt a warm current spreading from his heart.

    The little one who looked exactly like Huiyun, appearing after several decades, calling him Grand Uncle.

    Time flowed backwards, flowing into the shape of a heart, finally falling onto the tip of his heart.

    The Emperor''s footsteps slowed down a bit.

    ...

 Chapter 310

    The melons in the pce are exceptionally sweet.

    Very fresh.

    Not wilted at all.

    Preserved very well.

    When cut open, they''re deliciously sweet.

    Jiang Mianmian ate a piece and found it quite nice.

    She gave a piece to Father, and a piece to Elder Brother.

    Seeing Princess Grandma looking on longingly, she handed her a piece too.

    Finally, seeing everyone had been given some,

    Only the Old Emperor was left.

    Mianmian then gave a piece to the Old Emperor as well.

    Fortunately, the melon was cut into small pieces, enough to share.

    Perhaps it was truly cold in winter.

    Princess Huiyun felt the melon handed over by her dear granddaughter was especially sweet.

    The Old Emperor found the melon given by his beloved niece particrly refreshing and tasty.

    The Old Emperor hadn''t actually experienced the feeling of being with close rtives for many years.

    He rarely summoned the consorts and concubines in the harem anymore.

    As for children, he had many, both living and deceased.

    If he had invested emotions in all of them, he would probably be depressed by now.

    The few princes who were still alive now only brought him troubles upon troubles.

    Each prince seemed like his biggestpetitor, as if waiting for his death.

    The head of the family, now old, fears being reced, fears his life changing.

    He can''t experience human warmth, only stark naked interests.

    Including those ministers as well.

    He uses the ministers to work for him, and the ministers want to gain power from him.

    They''re ying a grand game, somewhatplex, yet actually quite simple ¨Cing and going, all for profit.

    Thinking this way makes things much simpler, but also much less interesting.

    It had been a long time since he had the feeling of a family sitting together like this.

    The Emperor had always been very fond of Heir Apparent Han.

    Every time little Han came to see him, he acted like a normal junior, asking for this and that, unafraid of him, righteous and confident.

    But after returning from a trip to Jingzhou, it seemed little Han spent less time apanying him in the pce.

    And he felt somewhat restrained.

    Now thinking about it, little Han probably discovered something.

    It had been a long time since anyone sat beside the Emperor as an equal.

    Princess Huiyun never understood hierarchy, and there was no hierarchy with her around the Emperor.

    The Emperor, as a professional position, had lost his sense of self after doing it for so long.

    It''s like being a CEO, apart from work, one still needs to eat and defecate, and has emotional needs, including love, family affection, and friendship.

    The Emperor no longer sought love much, with too little hormone secretion.

    As for friendship, who dares to be good friends with the Emperor? Those who tried to be good friends with the Emperor were unknowingly killed off by him.

    Now only Eunuch Yan remained as the Emperor''s good friend, and perhaps the distant Old General Meng could be counted as one too.

    So the Emperor desperately craved family affection.

    But he was also very afraid of it.

    Always feeling that those little brats just wanted to take his position.

    But his sister had never changed.

    Always righteous and confident.

    "Brother, issue an imperial decree for me, I want to kill Zhou Rongrong, and that useless Imperial Son-inw, Han Wuyong."

    The Emperor had already changed out of his court robes, now wearing casual clothes, and hadn''t put on the grand imperial crown, but still wore a hat, probably to cover his baldness and white hair.

    Even his casual clothes were covered in dragons, but looked a bit softer.

    Come to think of it, the Emperor was quite pitiful, unable to choose more fashionable patterns for his clothes, always dragons and phoenixes, limiting his aesthetic choices.

    The casual clothes were rtivelyfortable and soft.

    He could choose afortable posture to lean on the warm couch.

    "Who is Zhou Rongrong? The Imperial Son-inw is called Han Yong, don''t give people such names arbitrarily. Even if I am the Emperor, I can''t kill people without reason or evidence."

    "You''ve forgotten Zhou Rongrong? Wasn''t she the studypanion you chose for me, almost became a member of your harem, you even praised her face-to-face for being learned and talented, then turned around and bestowed her to Jiang Bai. It must have been her who switched my child and tormented my son. I don''t care, you first have her arrested, and the Imperial Son-inw too. If there''s no evidence, we''ll interrogate slowly, we''ll eventually get the evidence out of them."

    The Emperor was embarrassed, he really couldn''t remember.

    Wasn''t Huiyun forgetful before? Howe she now remembers things from years ago?

    "The Imperial Son-inw is after all your son-inw, it''s not appropriate to arrest him like this. Let''s arrest and interrogate Zhou Rongrong first." The Emperor said guiltily.

    Princess Huiyun nodded reluctantly.

    Then she turned to Jiang Changtian and said, "Although your uncle can be muddle-headed sometimes, he treats me extremely well. In the future, if you want anything, you can ask him. Don''t be shy."

    Jiang Changtian hurriedly replied, "The Emperor has treated me extremely well. Although I didn''t know before that the Emperor was my uncle, he still made me an Imperial Secretary, allowing me to see the Emperor. The first time I met him, I felt the Emperor was very amiable. Every day when I go to the ministry, I''m very excited to be able to enter the pce and see the Emperor. Now I know he is my uncle."

    Jiang Feng also said, "Uncle Emperor knew I was getting married and even granted me the position of a sixth-rank armed guard, which is already extremely good. Minister Dong''s family has also agreed to my marriage with their daughter."

    Jiang Mianmian raised her hand, "Um, Uncle Emperor, can I make a request?"

    Her other hand was still holding a piece of melon, her cheeks wet, having touched her face while eating the melon.

    The sensibility of Jiang Changtian and Jiang Feng made the Emperor feel a bit better, at least saving face.

    Emotions need to be developed through interaction. Although he liked Princess Huiyun, it was impossible for him to suddenly be very fond of the newly appeared Jiang Changtian and Jiang Feng. At this moment, even Heir Apparent Han might weigh more in his heart.

    However, when facing Mianmian, it was uniquely different.

    Because she looked so much like Huiyun when she was young.

    He nodded slightly, looking at her encouragingly.

    "Uncle Emperor, could you bestow an honorary title on my mother?"

    The Emperor was slightly moved.

    This was a filial child, not only looking like Huiyun but also as kind-hearted as her.

    "Why?" the Emperor asked kindly.

    Jiang Mianmian answered seriously, "Because Father and Elder Brother both have official positions, Mother thinks the official robes look nice, andmoners can''t beat officials. If Elder Brother does something wrong, Mother wouldn''t be able to hit him properly, but if Mother has an honorary title, she can feel at ease to take action."

    The Emperor''s expression changed from kind to dumbfounded.

    Princess Huiyun looked up at the beams of the pce, noticing how straight they were.

    The Emperor then burst intoughter.

 Chapter 311

    One lies at home, while prison descends from the sky.

    Old Lady Jiang had originally suffered a stroke, but under her granddaughter''s attentive care, she miraculously recovered and could even stand up and walk again. She resumed bossing around the servants with vigor.

    Old Lady Jiang''s given name was Zhou Rongrong. Her name came from the Chu Ci, specifically from Liu Xiang''s work "Nine Laments - Distant Departure" during the Han Dynasty: "The road stretches endlessly without end, all around is chaos withoutndmarks."

    The meaning was ordinary, but it sounded pleasant.

    Zhou Rongrong had actually lived quite a good life.

    In her youth, everything went smoothly. Even when her family was exiled, she suffered very little as everyone protected her.

    She had a life that started high and gradually declined. By herter years, she felt increasingly lonely and had to rely on just one granddaughter to live.

    But she had never truly experienced hardship. The worst thing that happened to her was being stabbed by her own son, causing physical pain. This was her greatest suffering.

    Then she was arrested.

    She never imagined that at her age, she would end up in prison.

    The charge was harming the royal offspring.

    It was bitterly cold.

    Old Lady Jiang wasn''t even allowed to put on her thick fur coat before being taken away.

    Jiang Wan panicked.

    Indeed, she had felt uneasy since early that morning. She sensed something bad would happen, but never expected it to befall her grandmother.

    With such a major incident, Jiang Wan could only go to her aunt for help.

    The Seventh Prince Consort received the news even earlier than Jiang Wan.

    She was also dumbfounded.

    She never imagined her mother could do such a thing.

    If it was true, then Heir Apparent Han was likely her brother, and Jiang Changtian was Princess Huiyun''s son.

    Why did her mother go to such lengths? If she had switched the children, she should have either treated them well or gotten rid of them. Leaving such a big loose end was foolish.

    Jiang Wan didn''t expect that with her grandmother''s arrest, she would be kept by her aunt.

    Just like that, she moved into the Seventh Prince''s home.

    It seemed that after twists and turns, though everything had changed, it also felt like nothing had changed.

    There was still a straight path to walk.

    Though everything looked different, they had returned to the starting point.

    ...

    The Emperor wascking energy.

    He hadn''t slept well the previous night.

    At today''s morning court,

    He saw his royal sister.

    He saw his royal sister''s offspring.

    Though excited,

    He quickly became exhausted.

    Jiang Changtian naturally proposed to take his leave, wanting to personally tell his wife the good news.

    As Princess Huiyun left with her people, the Emperor copsed onto his soft couch.

    His heart was racing, but his body was too weary to allow excitement.

    He needed to take medicine.

    Mianmian felt a bit disappointed. She had finally entered the pce but still didn''t get to see her godfather.

    However, she felt that although her godfather''s job took a physical toll, at least he had rest days, which wasn''t too bad.

    As the family left the pce, they passed by Minister Lu''s gate.

    It was imposing and quiet.

    Unlike usual days, there was no long line of carriages parked outside.

    Jiang Changtian pondered.

    As soon as Minister Lu fell from power, a pack of officials would pounce on him like mad dogs.

    These people either had long-standing ambitions to rece him, felt guilty, or were ustomed to Minister Lu''s tactics.

    It''s just that Minister Lu''s usual tactics were now being used against him.

    The minister''s residence was veryrge; it took a while for carriages to pass by.

    After traveling for some time, they finally arrived at Mianmian''s home.

    Princess Huiyun had wanted them to go to her pce.

    But she realized that apart from Mianmian being close to her, there was actually some distance between her son and grandson.

    Especially after hearing Mianmian''s story,

    She felt too guilty to look at her son and grandson.

    She felt nothing but remorse.

    The princess''s carriage arrived at the Jiang residence.

    Princess Huiyun looked at the small entrance.

    It wasn''t even as grand as the nearby Immortal Liu''s entrance, which irritated her greatly.

    Although she didn''t go out much from the temple,

    Many women came to burn incense at the temple.

    She often heard some gossip.

    Some people actuallypared Immortal Liu to Princess Huiyun.

    She didn''t want topete for status with a younger generation.

    But the fact that this person was Zhou Rongrong''s granddaughter made Princess Huiyun very ufortable.

    Entering the Jiang residence.

    Princess Huiyun''s carriage felt cramped.

    The house had only three small courtyards, barely enough to turn around in.

    However, the house was well-managed, and the servants didn''t run about aimlessly.

    There just weren''t many people around.

    In winter there were no flowers or nts, but surprisingly there was a vegetable garden.

    Mianmian proudly said, "This is what Bug Brother and I nted. We can have vegetables to eat in winter without spending money to buy them."

    Princess Huiyun had never thought that one reason for growing vegetables would be to save money.

    It wasn''t for cultivating one''s temperament, nor for physical health, but for saving a few pieces of silver.

    And this life was already what they considered to be extremely good.

    Princess Huiyun felt suffocated just looking at it. She didn''t even stay for dinner and hurriedly left.

    Qin Luoxia inexplicably received the status of a titleddy.

    When she learned that Mianmian''s reason was so she could justifiably beat her brother, Qin Luoxia, dressed in her titleddy''s robes, wanted to take action and let the little one feel the strength of a titleddy''s hand.

    At night.

    The family was finally reunited.

    Now they had gained Zi Congheng. When she was young, Qin Luoxia had always talked about wanting another son, feeling that with only Jiang Feng as the sole boy, the family line was too thin, and it would be better to have another brother.

    Now her wish had been fulfilled.

    Conveniently,

    Tonight Jiang Changtian also didn''t break his rule by drinking.

    Having experienced hard times, to now settling in the capital,

    And suddenly discovering they had an impressive status, bing the Princess''s son,

    The whole family bing royal rtives.

    At first, there was some excitement.

    But after a day''s experience,

    Jiang Changtian felt they needed to have a good talk.

    "Yesterday Minister Lu was all-powerful, today his door is deserted. When he had supreme authority, countless people followed him. Now when he truly needs help, not even a bird visits. We must take this as a warning," Jiang Changtian began.

    Zi Congheng: ... Silently nced at Uncle Jiang.

    He was still used to calling him as Aunt Qin did.

    Uncle Jiang spoke as if Minister Lu''s downfall had nothing to do with him, when in fact he was the one who brought it about.

    Qin Luoxia agreed, "We understand. Life will go on as before. I''ll have Aunt Yin go over to Elder Sister Yu''s ce again to remind her to be even more cautious in her actions."

    Jiang Changtian nodded. Although he didn''t want to make things difficult for Elder Sister Yu, at this juncture, it would only cause more trouble. At least for now, they needed to be more restrained.

    He felt that Princess Huiyun was an extremely unstable person who acted without considering consequences, willful and arbitrary. Even if she was his birth mother, he didn''t approve of her.

    And deep down, he still harbored resentment.

    For a person to put themselves through such torment just for love, not knowing if their child was alive or dead, living a life neither human nor ghost, was truly foolish.

    Mianmian had stayed with Princess Huiyun yesterday, and Jiang Changtian was very nervous, worrying that Mianmian might learn from her grandmother and pick up her bad habits.

    So at tonight''s family meeting, Jiang Changtian focused on advising Mianmian.

    "You need to study hard in theing days. Tomorrow I''ll send you to your teacher. Don''t run around aimlessly. Congheng will go with you to help keep an eye on you," Jiang Changtian instructed.

    Mianmian: ...??

    What''s this? Suddenly reconnecting with birth family and deciding I''m no fun anymore, wanting to toss me aside?

    Zi Congheng nodded. Yesterday when Mianmian wasn''t home, it did feel too quiet, a bit unustomed.

    Mianmian tried to resist a little, saying, "But Elder Sister is holding a hundred-day celebration for her two nephews, I need to go help."

    "You''re not needed, I''ll go," Qin Luoxia rejected.

    "Grandmother also asked me to apany her tomorrow to choose fabric, saying she wants to give it to her future daughter-inw."

    "I can choose," said Jiang Feng.

    "Well, Uncle Emperor said he wanted to invite me to watch a y tomorrow."

    "I can go in your ce," said Jiang Changtian.

    Jiang Mianmian: ...??

 Chapter 312

    The sun shines brightly today.

    But it''s exceptionally cold.

    The snow is melting.

    The roads are wet and slushy, making it easy for socks to get soaked while walking.

    The socks these days aren''t stic, but open-topped, needing to be tied with strings.

    When taken off, they somewhat resemble Christmas stockings.

    Today is Little New Year.

    Even though it''s cold,

    The streets are crowded.

    For the New Year festival, people are out shopping, preparing for the celebrations.

    In every corner of the streets, people gather and gossip about thetest news.

    Recently, the biggest gossipes from the royal family.

    Princess Huiyun alone has contributed several juicy stories.

    First is the baby-swapping drama, second is her divorce.

    The imperial son-inw, Han Yong, firmly acknowledges only Heir Apparent Han and is willing to divorce.

    Meanwhile, Princess Huiyun has reimed her biological son, Vice Minister Jiang.

    Old Lady Jiang, who swapped the babies, has been sentenced to death.

    The Emperor has always disliked the Seventh Prince.

    Now, because the Seventh Prince Consort is Old Lady Jiang''s daughter, he despises them even more.

    They aren''t even allowed to attend family banquets in the pce.

    Themon people gossip that even royal children can be mixed up.

    This Old Lady Jiang must be quite capable.

    Some say Old Lady Jiang was foolish; if she were truly capable, she would have either kept the secret forever or treated the child well, or simply gotten rid of him.

    This half-measure ultimately led to her downfall.

    Amidst all thismotion, surprisingly, there''s no mention of Immortal Liu, at least not among themon people.

    However, soon enough, there''s no time left for gossip.

    Because there''s an emergency at the border.

    A great enemy has invaded, and Old General Meng is said to be wounded.

    Urgent reinforcements are needed.

    Meng Shaoxia, who was supposed to hold a hundred-day celebration for his child, has no choice but to request to join the battle.

    His grandfather is the pir of the Meng family; if he''s injured, they can''t be well either.

    The Meng family has served in the military for generations, considering it their duty to protect the country.

    At this time, both Meng Qingshe and Meng Shaoxia have requested to join the battle.

    After some consideration, the Emperor decided to send Meng Shaoxia to war, while keeping Meng Qingshe in the capital.

    While others in the court climb from the ninth rank to the seventh, fifth, third... gradually moving up,

    Meng Qingshe is someone, a particr individual, an extremely rare case... who has always been under close watch.

    This time, Jiang Feng applied to join the battle as well.

    Before departure,

    Jiang Feng visited the Dong family.

    Recently, Madam Dong''s status in the capital''s nobledies'' circle has risen sharply.

    Thedies of the capital have a very clear hierarchy of disdain.

    During this period, she received more invitations than in the past few yearsbined.

    However, the Dong family has always been low-key and not at all mboyant.

    They just interact more with the Jiang family now, everything else remains the same.

    Upon learning that Jiang Feng was also heading to the border, Madam Dong became very anxious.

    A son-inw is like half a son, and Jiang Feng is well-spoken and seems sincere. Even before the marriage, Madam Dong already treats him like her own child.

    Minister Dong is also a bit nervous.

    If the two families weren''t rted, he would praise the young man for his ambition, saying it''s a citizen''s duty when the country is in need.

    But when ites to his own family, it''s different.

    It''s so cold, going out would be such a hardship.

    And it''s dangerous too.

    If something were to happen, what would be of his daughter?

    One broken engagement was exinable, but two would ruin his daughter''s reputation. Who would dare to marry her then?

    But they can''t just enjoy the benefits and back out when there''s trouble, that wouldn''t be right either.

    So despite their anxiety, they can only face it positively.

    When Jiang Feng came to visit, the Dong family was considerate enough to leave time for Jiang Feng and Dong E to be together.

    Though the young unmarried couple was together, they weren''t alone; maids were present.

    The weather was very cold.

    Dong E was dressed in thick, furry clothes, looking round and plump.

    Jiang Feng couldn''t help but want tough when he saw her.

    Dong E''s hair was very ck and thick.

    Mianmian would surely envy her; Mianmian likes people with lots of hair.

    "Brother Feng, how long will you be gone? Will you be back in time for the wedding?" Dong E lowered her head, looking at the wet ground. There were stone bs in the courtyard, but they still felt damp underfoot.

    Despite the cold, the young couple walking in the courtyard didn''t feel it at all.

    Jiang Feng wanted to say "I''lle back to marry you," but then remembered Mianmian''s specific instructions before he left not to say things like that, saying it was called "setting up a g" and was unlucky.

    "It shouldn''t be too long. There are some local specialties there, I''ll buy you nice ones if I see any. I''ll write to you and send you letters. Don''t worry about me, just eat and drink well."

    Dong E nodded with puffed cheeks.

    "Don''t worry, Brother Feng, I''ll definitely eat and drink well. If I get fat by then, we can just let out the wedding dress by two sizes. But if you return in summer, I might need to make a thinner summer wedding dress."

    "It won''t be thatte." Jiang Feng found it a bit funny and touching at the same time.

    In the end, he didn''t say any grand vows or promises.

    He was wary of that too.

    He would try his best toe back alive.

    Dong E had been receiving all sorts of giftstely.

    There were various gifts from the Jiang family - tea, fabrics, horses, small toys.

    Food, pastries, and jewelry from the Meng family.

    Jewelry, jewelry, and more jewelry from Princess Huiyun...

    Even before getting married, Dong E was almost bing a super-rich youngdy.

    The envy of women in the capital.

    This time, Jiang Feng brought Dong E a potted nt.

    "When the flowers bloom, I''ll be back. It won''t be long."

    Dong E thought to herself that she would definitely keep this nt alive, and even if she couldn''t, she could always rece it with one in bloom.

    When it was time to say goodbye, Jiang Feng ruffled Dong E''s hair.

    Dong E''s face turned red, but she didn''t shy away.

    She had also prepared a gift for Brother Feng.

    She gave him a cord she had woven herself, made with colorful strings, containing her birth date and time.

    She had originally wanted to get an amulet from the temple.

    But then she thought, the Buddha is so busy, having to protect so many people, how could it be as effective as herself?

    She was surely the person who wanted to protect him the most.

    The protection of a loved one is boundless in its power.

    So she wrote down her own birth date and time.

    On his way back, Jiang Feng opened the little pouch in the cord and saw the delicate handwriting. He found it quite amusing, but as heughed, he felt his eyes grow moist. How silly.

    One''s birth date and time are very private, not easily shared, because in this era people believe in spirits and ghosts, thinking that if ill-intentioned people know your birth date and time, they can curse you.

    The birth date and time are like a part of oneself.

    Dong E had essentially given another part of herself to her fianc¨¦.

    Meng Shaoxia''s child was barely a hundred days old, who would have thought he''d have to go to war now.

    He wore a cloth pouch containing his wife and child''s hair.

    Jiang Yu felt inexplicably nervous.

    She felt very worried.

    She had visited her parents'' home several times.

    Mianmian hadn''t expected that the border war would end up being most closely rted to her family.

    Her brother-inw was going to the battlefield, and her elder brother was apanying him.

    Even traveling for pleasure was difficult in ancient times, let alone going to war, which was even more challenging.

    There was no time for eating, drinking, or having fun; she busily prepared various medicines, wishing she could go with them.

    But of course, that wasn''t possible.

    There wasn''t much time to prepare.

    They set off immediately after saying goodbye.

    It seemed they had reached a predetermined point again.

    In her previous life, when the border was in danger, Meng Shaoxia went to war and died.

    But at that time, Minister Lu was in charge of the court, secretly colluding with the Seventh Prince. While they were fighting at the border, no one sent supplies, and there were a bunch of spies sending information to the enemy.

    Attacked from both front and rear, caught between two fires, it was a battle doomed to fail.

    But now, the external situation has fundamentally changed. Although there are still concerns, things are in human hands.

    Jiang Changtian steeled his heart and let both his son-inw and son go.

    If they couldn''t repel foreign enemies, they would all be prisoners eventually.

    Moreover, any major battle is the best time to seize military power.

    If not now, then when? It''s perfectly justifiable.

    No matter if you''re a princess''s son, nothing is as effective as military power.

    The wind howls, the waters of Yi River are cold, the soldiers set out.

    Countless parents see them off.

    But no one dares to cry, it''s considered unlucky.

    When they return victorious one day, I''ll change into new clothes and wee my son, my grandson, at the city gate.

    He might ride a great horse carrying arge g, or lie in a coffin enjoying honors, with no regrets in life or death.

    We''ll cry then.

 Chapter 313

    There are KPIs even in prison.

    This year under Minister Lu''s rule, they had already exceeded their quota.

    As a result, Minister Lu himself became part of the KPI.

    There was one more prisoner.

    It was somewhat awkward.

    She was an olddy.

    The person she offended had powerful connections.

    The people who came to visit her were also influential.

    The Seventh Prince Consort Jiang Yuluan brought her niece Jiang Wan to visit the prison.

    Due to some arrangements, the conditions weren''t too bad.

    A single room.

    With a bed, a chamber pot, and a privacy screen.

    All the necessary amenities were provided, just without servants to attend to her.

    But theck of servants alone was enough to irritate her.

    Old Lady Jiang had neverpromised on food, clothing, or living conditions her entire life. She was used to having everything done for her, and without servants, she couldn''t even dress properly.

    When Jiang Yuluan saw her mother, tears instantly rolled down her face.

    Jiang Wan''s eyes also turned red.

    Despite her grandmother''s many faults, she had always treated her well, giving her the best of everything since she was little.

    Old Lady Jiang seemed a bit deranged, as if she didn''t recognize anyone.

    She didn''t even recognize her daughter.

    Jiang Yuluan knew her mother well enough to know she wouldn''t be so bold as to do such a thing on her own, even with her maid''s help.

    There must have been others behind it.

    After seeing her mother, Jiang Yuluan wanted to ask the Seventh Prince for help, at least to dy the execution until after the New Year, in case there was a turn of events.

    Any major victory could lead to a general amnesty.

    But Jiang Changtian didn''t want to wait.

    He was sweet-tongued, cold-hearted, and decisive in his actions.

    Minister Lu was seriously injured and retired, normally he might recover and return.

    But with Jiang Changtian''s pressure, he was forced into retirement.

    Then several deputy ministers came forward, listing Minister Lu''s crimes one by one, too numerous to count.

    Minister Lu and his entire family were sent to the Ministry of Justice Prison.

    Those families rted to Minister Lu by marriage each tried to save themselves.

    Minister Lu had many wives and concubines, and numerous children, including eight daughters, forming a vastwork of marriage alliances.

    Some directly divorced their wives, some sent their daughters-inw to nunneries, some found faults and had them killed, while some daughters who had established themselves in their husband''s families directly cut ties with Minister Lu. Only one daughter whom Minister Lu didn''t acknowledge, who had eloped with a poor schr and wanted to marry him, stood by him. The schr had managed to pass the imperial examinations on his own merits, though he only held a minor position. When Minister Lu got into trouble, her husband didn''t abandon her, but instead used his connections to allow her to visit her father.

    True feelings are revealed in times of adversity.

    Those who never received favoritism cherish rtionships more.

    If you show them even a little kindness, they''re willing to repay it many times over, remembering even the smallest act of goodness.

    It was this daughter who sold the jewelry she had saved for years to improve Minister Lu''s conditions in prison.

    Meanwhile, some of the favored daughters who had received countless dowries actively distanced themselves for fear of being implicated.

    Such is the coldness and warmth of human rtionships.

    Inparison, Old Lady Jiang''s social connections were much simpler.

    The Imperial Son-inw brought Heir Apparent Han to visit once.

    Heir Apparent Han was no longer the heir apparent, and the Imperial Son-inw was no longer the Imperial Son-inw.

    However, the Imperial Son-inw was originally from the imperial n, his father''s father was the previous emperor''s cousin, so he was still part of the royal family and held a title of his own.

    Princess Huiyun had known from the beginning that Heir Apparent Han wasn''t her biological son, she had always thought he was adopted by the Imperial Son-inw, and she hadn''t interfered.

    The Imperial Son-inw was a terrifying person. After spending time with him, one would realize he never showed unhappiness, always seeming to treat others gently. Even Huiyun was a bit afraid of him.

    This incident was suspicious, but the Imperial Son-inw had kept himselfpletely uninvolved, pure and innocent.

    Everything was portrayed as Old Lady Jiang''s careful plotting, and even the aplices from back then were all dead, leaving no witnesses.

    The princess wanted a divorce, and he readily agreed.

    When Old Lady Jiang saw Heir Apparent Han, she suddenly became lucid.

    With a gentle expression, she felt she had done no wrong and had no regrets.

    At least Heir Apparent Han had grown up in luxury, enjoying everything he should have.

    Her child had never suffered a day.

    She had won.

    Back then, all her natal family members had been executed, her husband''s family exiled, who knew what the future held? She hadn''t been wrong.

    A mother''s strengthes from love.

    Even now she didn''t regret it.

    She only resented that the little brat Jiang Changtian was too tough to kill, somehow managing to survive her repeated attempts.

    On the day of her execution.

    Old Lady Jiang was even calm.

    And very clear-headed.

    Even facing death, she maintained the dignity of a nobledy.

    Dressed appropriately.

    With a serene expression.

    She reflected on her life, feeling no lingering attachments.

    Even if she were to meet her husband in the underworld, she would have nothing to be ashamed of.

    She was righteous in her own mind.

    Old Lady Jiang calmly awaited her punishment.

    Before the execution, she saw Princess Huiyun.

    Princess Huiyun''s face was scarred, but she was still beautiful and charming. However, Old Lady Jiang still felt she had won.

    No matter how beautiful you are, no matter how high your status, you never raised your own child for even a day.

    The person you loved left you.

    Your biological child suffered daily torment.

    Old Lady Jiang smiled.

    Herugh lines had deepened in recent years, giving her smile a naturally mocking appearance that angered those who saw it.

    Old Lady Jiang saw her daughter Yuluan, and this time she was lucid.

    She grasped Yuluan''s hand and said, "Wan''er has deep feelings for your illegitimate son. My death doesn''t matter, I''m just worried about Wan''er. You''re her mother, you decide. Let Wan''er marry your illegitimate son, so you can look after each other as aunt and nephew in the future."

    Jiang Yuluan had no words to express her feelings, but seeing her mother''s final wishes, she eventually nodded in agreement.

    Jiang Wan hadn''t expected her grandmother to still be thinking of her affairs on her deathbed, and finally broke down in tears, wailing uncontrobly.

    Old Lady Jiang peacefully awaited death.

    Usually, for the sake of dignity, such olddies would be given poison.

    However, at thest moment.

    Jiang Changtian requested to see Old Lady Jiang alone.

    In the prison cell.

    Old Lady Jiang was as dignified as he remembered.

    Jiang Changtian knew Jiang Yuluan had made some arrangements.

    He didn''t stop it.

    He knew his mother Princess Huiyun was naive and innocent, even when filled with anger, she was easily fooled and wouldn''t care about such things.

    Although Old Lady Jiang was in prison, she still had dignified clothes, shoes, and headdress.

    She looked at Jiang Changtian.

    Previously, every time she saw him, she was filled with rage.

    Now, Old Lady Jiang was calm.

    She felt that even if she died, she had still won.

    Some people are just ungrateful pups, impossible to raise well. Looking at those cold eyes, they could never be warmed. He surely had no filial feelings for Huiyun either, just using her.

    Others said she was foolish, but she wasn''t. She discovered a child that couldn''t be raised well and wanted to kill him, he just had good fortune to survive.

    But after going through so much, even if this ungrateful pup survived, he must have mental and physical issues, probably insane, perhaps like Huiyun, with bouts of madness, old before his time, unable to recognize himself, sometimes lucid and sometimes not.

    Jiang Changtian stared at Old Lady Jiang.

    He studied her for a long time.

    So long that Old Lady Jiang became a bit impatient.

    She took a sip of the tea in front of her.

    "Why are you looking at me? If it''s poison or poisoned wine, hurry up. I don''t want to see you."

    Jiang Changtian smiled.

    "I look at you and see a fool. Did your biological son have a birthmark on his knee? I met my sister-inw a few days ago and gave her the divorce papers from my elder brother. By chance, we talked about Heir Apparent Han. My sister-inw is now the heir''s secondary wife. Guess what? She said the heir''s knees are as smooth as jade, with no birthmark. Mother, before your death, knowing this secret, are you excited? Happy? Proud?"

    "Impossible." Old Lady Jiang was stunned.

    "They say the Imperial Son-inw is impotent, and coincidentally, Heir Apparent Han also has a condition and no offspring. Isn''t it strange how Heir Apparent Han seems just like the Imperial Son-inw''s own child? How can an impotent man have children? Does the Imperial Son-inw have any siblings? Any children? Coincidentally about the same age as us? It seems he does. Isn''t that strange?"

    Old Lady Jiang''s pupils dted.

    She suddenly clutched at her own throat.

    "You thought your biological son was living in luxury in the Imperial Son-inw''s household, but perhaps when you handed him over, he was abandoned, or rotting in some mass grave, or if he was lucky enough to grow up, he might have met a mother as vicious as you, being abused, or castrated and sent into the pce, crawling on his knees daily, doing the most degrading tasks just to survive. Life is long, with infinite possibilities, don''t you think?"

    Old Lady Jiang''s breathing became rapid, she frantically rushed towards the door, mming her head against the prison bars.

    Before the poison could be delivered.

    She had bashed herself to death.

    ...

    On a snowy day.

    Eunuch Yan''s leg condition red up, so he couldn''t attend to the emperor.

    He leaned against the stove, with a thick nket covering his legs. There was an oval-shaped mark on his left knee. For some reason, it was particrly painful today.

    It was too cold.

    That year, when he traveled from Kan''er Vige to the capital, and then to the imperial pce, he endured far too many hardships.

    So many that he couldn''t remember them all, didn''t dare to think about them, didn''t want to think about them.

    It was only the pain in his body that helped him remember.

    ...

 Chapter 314

    The wind was strong today.

    Even wearing thick clothes didn''t feel warm enough.

    The wind was like hands, prying open gaps in clothing and blowing forcefully inside.

    Although many families'' children had gone off to the battlefield,

    The capital was still bustling.

    After all, the New Year was approaching.

    To show favor to the Meng family,

    The Emperor summoned the Meng family to the pce again.

    Those called for an audience today were Jiang Yu, Jiang Yu''s two children, Meng Qingshe, and Madam Meng.

    In fact, the Emperor was a bit curious.

    He wondered what Jiang Yu looked like.

    The rumors about the young Madam Meng in the capital were no less than those about Princess Huiyun.

    She was also Princess Huiyun''s granddaughter, but had married early.

    There was no morning court today.

    Eunuch Yan''s leg condition had improved somewhat, so he also came.

    The Emperor saw that Wenxin''s face looked a bit haggard, and reproached him: "I told you to take the elixir with me, but you had to mind the difference in status. Why do we need to make such clear distinctions between us?"

    Eunuch Yan smiled and said: "Those elixirs were carefully concocted for Your Majesty. If they knew they were to be given to this lowly servant as well, I fear those people might not put their heart into it. Besides, my condition is an old one - a few days of rest and I''ll be much better."

    "Today we''ll be receiving the young Madam Meng. You haven''t seen her in a long time, have you?"

    "Indeed. When this servant left, she was still a naive young girl. Now I can''t imagine she''s already a mother of two children. I wonder if she''s changed."

    The Emperor noticed Wenxin''s lips curled in a smile.

    He became even more curious about what his grand-niece was like,

    To make Wenxin look so happy just thinking about her.

    On this day,

    The Meng family was to enter the pce.

    Since Meng Shaoxia had gone off to war, Aunt Yin stayed behind to look after the eldest daughter.

    Aunt Yin had be very zentely.

    After being surprised so many times, she was no longer surprised.

    Today she was to apany the eldest daughter into the pce, knowing this trip would likely be uneventful.

    The Emperor wanted to show favor, so at this time it would certainly be to receive rewards.

    There wouldn''t be any ill-intentioned people causing trouble either.

    The Meng Qingshe couple was quite calm.

    Meng Qingshe often went to the pce and was used to it.

    Although Madam Meng didn''t go often, she was also from a prominent family. Her elders were all leaders in the Ministry of Justice - a proper second-generation official''s daughter, quite dashing and unafraid.

    Jiang Yu had now transformed, directly bing the Emperor''s third generation descendant.

    However, she grew up in the countryside. By the time her family''s circumstances improved, it was already muchter.

    A person''s personality, shaped by their early growth environment, is almost impossible to change.

    If you''re dating and your partner asks you to change your personality, know that it can''t be changed. You can only pretend temporarily out of love for them. If the love isn''t enduring enough, the pretense bes very tiring.

    Or if you want the other person to change their personality, it can''t be done either... Forcing a square peg into a round hole will make your foot bleed and hurt. At that point, it''s better to consider that you may not be suitable for each other.

    Jiang Yu had simply married into the Meng family. The Mengs were of military style - although well-off, they weren''t picky.

    If she had married into a family of civil officials, like the Liu family, with all their pomp and circumstance and various rules, it would have tortured Jiang Yu to death, driving her directly into depression. In ancient times, women were often sent to nunneries, with depression and madness being a major reason.

    When Aunt Yin taught the eldest daughter, she wasn''t teaching her to change her personality. Changing a person''s personality is likendscaping a potted nt - twisting and fixing changes, grinding out scars one by one to form a fixedndscape. It''s a cruel aesthetics.

    Aunt Yin taught the eldest daughter to broaden her knowledge, still letting her live ording to her preferences. She simply increased her knowledge, cultivated her strengths, let her be confidently radiant, ying to her strengths and avoiding her weaknesses.

    If we''re unfamiliar with etiquette and can''t be elegant, we do what we''re good at. If I''m good at cooking, good at tasting food, good at livening up the atmosphere - all of these are fine. If I have a childlike heart, if I''m naive and unaffected, I won''t put on airs.

    In short, Jiang Yu lived very smoothly in the Meng family.

    In the capital, she hadn''t yet unfolded the map of the capital.

    But that was unavoidable in the future.

    At first, because the children were young, she could avoid going out to socialize.

    But as the young Madam Meng, once Meng Shaoxia became the head of the household, Jiang Yu would inevitably have to go out.

    Going out to socialize soundsplicated, but it''s actually simple.

    It''s just dealing with people and catering to their interests.

    Entering the pce, Jiang Yu was still a bit nervous.

    "Just go in for a turn ande back, treat it like going out to y. Don''t worry," said Aunt Yin.

    In the past, they might have worried about Jiang Yu being intimidated or something, but now she had the added identity of Princess Huiyun''s granddaughter.

    With the cautionary tale of the recently retired Minister Lu, people shouldn''t provoke her.

    Today, the one in charge of receiving them was the Fifth Prince''s mother, Consort Zhang.

    The Fifth Prince had always been fond of Buddhism, muttering about it all day. The Emperor didn''t like this - he hated anything rted to Buddhism.

    However, the Fifth Prince being this way was also quite safe in some aspects.

    The Emperor didn''t need to suspect him of anything.

    The Fifth Prince''s mother also lived very peacefully in the pce, not implicated by her son.

    Consort Zhang had weathered many storms in her life. Now in herter years, she no longer needed topete for favor.

    She was like a senior employee in apany, directly receiving dividends without having to work hard. Working hard would only offend people. She was older now and didn''t want to be the CEO (Empress), so she just rxed.

    asionally helping the Emperor with receptions, she was quite at ease.

    The reception was just a brief meeting, since there were women present.

    Consort Zhang looked at Madam Meng - wow, living the good life, with a round face and not a wrinkle. Lord Meng must have good skills.

    Tsk tsk~~~

    And she''s already a grandmother.

    Then looking at the young Madam Meng, rumors indeed couldn''tpare to seeing in person.

    What talk of rivaling Daji or bringing ruin to the country, of peerless beauty - it wasn''t like that at all.

    Consort Zhang didn''t like Princess Huiyun, probably the typical discord between sisters-inw. Even royal sisters-inw were still sisters-inw.

    Princess Huiyun was too mboyant. When Consort Zhang was young, she was also mboyant, so they shed and naturally disliked each other.

    As for the young Madam Meng, her appearance could be said to somewhat resemble Princess Huiyun if you looked for it, but her personality seemedpletely opposite.

    Knowing Consort Zhang would be receiving them, Jiang Yu had prepared a gift for her.

    Jewelry and such were out of the question - anything costly was only for extremely close rtions, like a future sister-inw.

    For outsiders, it was naturally better to do something creative that could save money while still maintaining face.

    Consort Zhang received a pillow, one to aid sleep, filled with various beans and grains.

    This was extremely low-cost, but actually very good for noble people.

    Noble people who lived too refined lives actually slept better using somewhat coarser things, things closer to nature.

    Because they often used various incenses and such, those things were too precious and actually had additives.

    But you''d only know if the pillow worked after trying it.

    However, when Consort Zhang learned that Jiang Yu had also given this to Princess Huiyun, she was very pleased.

    It meant her status was about the same as Princess Huiyun''s.

    Looking at the two children again, she really adored them.

    The twins didn''t look alike at all, easily distinguishable at a nce.

    But the two little boys holding hands and dressed so festively looked very nice.

    Older women just loved children and lively scenes.

    Consort Zhang''s son, the Fifth Prince, liked Buddhist studies. Although he was married, he didn''t have many offspring.

    Who wouldin about having too many children?

    More children meant more blessings.

    In the past, everyone had mocked the Meng family.

    Now looking at Jiang Yu''s appearance,

    She was just the type of girl the older generation liked - one who would bear many children, with a plump figure and a likeable face.

    As soon as Jiang Yu opened her mouth,

    Consort Zhang understood that she was very straightforward.

    Consort Zhang had just said she envied the twins.

    Jiang Yu immediately replied: "Consort, do you still want to have children? Should I send you a set of clothes the two children have worn? They say children attract children."

    Madam Meng: ...

    Aunt Yin: ...

    Consort Zhang covered her mouth andughed.

    Sheughed for quite a while before stopping.

    What children could she have at her age?

    How long had it been since the Emperor had summoned the harem consorts?

    If she could get pregnant, it would scare people to death.

    But it had been a long time since she''d seen such a naive girl.

    Consort Zhang still found it very interesting.

    "That would be wonderful. I thank you on behalf of my daughter-inw. When she has children, I''ll have here thank you personally. She has no shortage of treasures," Consort Zhang said with a smile.

    Jiang Yu nodded happily.

    Clothes worn by children would be a waste to throw away. Giving them away - she now realized these noble people didn''t wear others'' clothes.

    Actually, clothes worn by other children were better for children to wear. Previously worn clothes had softer fabric, and had also been tested, so there wouldn''t be any strange things. On the contrary, they could help children grow up healthy.

    Some children raised too preciously, using all new things, were constantly sick without knowing why.

    Seeing a traditional Chinese doctor, taking the prescribed medicine, and wearing some old clothes would cure them.

    If so, giving away clothes wasn''t wasteful. Whether someone had children or not was a matter of probability - someone would eventually have children, so it was a win-win.

    Jiang Yu felt very happy thinking this way.

    She agreed very seriously.

    "So, should I deliver the clothes to the pce or to your daughter-inw? Which daughter-inw, and what''s the address?"

    At this moment, Consort Zhang couldn''t help but burst intoughter.

    She had never seen such an earnest child before.

    When told to deliver, she really intended to do so.

    It wasn''t just a polite gesture.

    She even asked for the address. Although... well, it was still quite amusing.

    ...

 Chapter 315

    After leaving Consort Zhang''s chambers.

    Jiang Yu received quite a few gifts.

    Consort Zhang gave her a very expensive headdress, covered entirely in pearls.

    She hadn''t even given it to her own daughter-inw who had wanted it before.

    One must admit, the concept of taking a liking to someone is truly marvelous.

    This young Madam Meng was too adorable.

    It had been a long time since Consort Zhang hadughed so heartily and genuinely.

    Theughter felt like it was dispersing all the pent-up knots within her body.

    It was too much fun.

    Worth it!

    She thoroughly enjoyed giving the gifts.

    Although the Emperor had also hinted at giving gifts, this was done willingly.

    After receiving a wave of gifts here, she went to see the Emperor.

    The Emperor was quite envious when he saw Meng Qingshe, who gave the impression of having more muscles than brains. When young, one might look down on such people, but as one ages, one begins to envy them.

    The Emperor asked, "Did you sleep wellst night?"

    Meng Qingshe shook his head and sighed, "I didn''t sleep well. Father and Shao Xia have both gone to the battlefield, I couldn''t sleep at all. At dawn, I went to see my two grandsons. After seeing the grandsons, I went back for a nap, so I only slept for four hours."

    The Emperor: ...

    The Emperor, who struggled to sleep and could only manage just over two hours even when trying his hardest, really wanted to punch him. Four hours of sleep even with worries on his mind, then without worries, wouldn''t he be able to sleep endlessly?

    Looking down, he thought, never mind, let''s not ask anymore. Continuing to talk about sleep would only be self-deprecating.

    Although the harem was full of women, none of them wanted to sleep with the Emperor, so he promptly ended this topic.

    After some more idle chatter, the Emperor still didn''t want to talk with Meng Qingshe.

    Every conversation seemed to end up making himself unhappy.

    If it weren''t for his good father... and now if it weren''t for his good son...

    Forget it.

    The Emperor summoned Madam Meng, young Madam Meng, and the two little Mengs.

    They all had to kneel upon seeing the Emperor.

    Jiang Yu had practiced this.

    Bowing to ancestors and parents was the same, just do it.

    Jiang Yu''s aesthetic was the very festive kind, dressed in a very flowery and brocaded manner.

    The colors weren''t particrly bright, but when worn on her, it looked very lively.

    The Emperor was also a gossip.

    He had seen Madam Meng before, but had no impression.

    Nothing special, mainly because there were too many beauties in the pce. Having seen so many, the Emperor didn''t feel much for generally pretty and good-looking women.

    But when he saw young Madam Meng, his grand-niece?

    How to put it...

    The Emperor felt that the gossip-mongers nowadays were bing more and more outrageous.

    They even said she rivaled Da Ji.

    Is this round-faced girl the current trend outside?

    As is well known, women who have given birth, especially if they are still breastfeeding, when well-fed, have faces full of cogen, very round faces, looking extremely well-nourished, and their figures tend to be more voluptuous.

    There''s no doubt about good skin.

    But this was nowhere nearparable.

    Hui Yun''s beauty was such that whenever she appeared, every movement, every word she spoke, made it impossible for people to look away.

    This young girl was pretty too, but just ordinarily pretty.

    A rather festive-looking appearance.

    She seemed like the type of girl who would be good at managing a household.

    Cheerful and festive.

    Taking a very good foundation and growing into the appearance of someone who lives a good life.

    "Rise," the Emperor finally spoke.

    The other party stood up nimbly.

    Then a smiling face looked at him, with round eyes.

    Full of curiosity written all over her face.

    "What are you looking at?"

    Jiang Yu turned her head to look at Aunt Yin.

    Aunt Yin didn''t give her any eye signals.

    So she spoke naturally.

    "Looking at what my Imperial Grand-Uncle looks like?"

    "Did you see clearly?"

    Jiang Yu nodded, then shook her head.

    "Not too clearly, Imperial Grand-Uncle, you''re shining with golden light from head to toe, like a Buddha, dazzling, I couldn''t see too clearly."

    The Emperor was stunned for a moment.

    He had prepared himself to hearpliments.

    When your position is high enough, all you hear are good words, praises, few would actively seek trouble.

    It was the first time he heard someone say they couldn''t see clearly because he was shining with golden light all over, like a Buddha, hahaha.

    Praising people is truly an art.

    Praising the Emperor for being handsome, majestic, these kinds of words, the Emperor had heard countless times.

    The first time he felt a bit happy, butter it became more and more ordinary.

    Even as he aged, hearing repeated praises would feel insincere.

    The Emperor felt like he could detect lies, able to see through truth and falsehood at a nce.

    But it was the first time he heard someone say he looked like a Buddha.

    Being Emperor wasn''t satisfying enough, now he most wanted to be an immortal.

    There''s nothing more powerful than an Emperor in the mortal world, only in the realm of immortals could one seek further. Buddha is an immortal.

    "Thene closer and look."

    "Alright!" Jiang Yu walked up nimbly.

    She didn''t forget to support her mother-inw along.

    Madam Meng: ...

    She didn''t want to get that close.

    She often heard her husbandin about the Emperor in bed, saying the old codger was up to no good...

    She was very worried that she might let slip something unusual.

    Jiang Yu, who hade closer, really carefully examined the Emperor.

    She also saw Eunuch Yan behind the Emperor.

    Her eyes widened again, looking very cheerful.

    Jiang Yu, who was carefully examining the Emperor, felt a bit disappointed in her heart. Is this it?

    How could the Emperor look like this?

    He seemed just like a normal person.

    Take off the golden robe and hat, he''d look pretty much like thendlord in the vige, and even a bit too thin.

    Thendlords all ate until they were chubby.

    Jiang Yu felt that being a bit fat meant you were blessed, too thin.

    Sunken cheeks.

    It''s not that Imperial Grand-Uncle didn''t have enough to eat, it must be that he''s not blessed enough.

    Of course, these words, after a turn in her mind, she hadn''t had time to say before she saw her godfather.

    She had known her godfather was still alive sinceing to the capital, but just hadn''t had the chance to meet him.

    Unexpectedly, she met him now.

    With a face full of joy, she said, "Godfather, see how capable I am, you don''t need to worry about not having anyone to take care of you in your old age or send you off. I''ve given birth to two more babies, adding two more people to your funeral procession."

    The Emperor was about to ask what she thought of his appearance.

    But then he heard these words.

    Indeed, she was the girl that made Wenxin smile just thinking about her.

    She was really straightforward and outspoken.

    Meeting for the first time and already talking about funerals.

    The Emperor himself was quite taboo about this, but hearing these words from this girl''s mouth was quite interesting.

    Yan Wenxin looked at Sister Yu, that little girl who used to love wearing flowery dresses and would run around the whole vige twice to show off even if she just tied a red string in her hair, has now grown up, blossomed, but her personality hasn''t changed much, which is wonderful.

    Thinking back to the hard times in the past, it was truly bitter, not knowing where the next meal woulde from, like a stray dog.

    But looking back now, remembering how tall the trees in the vige were, how fragrant the wildflowers by the road were, how the sunlight shone on that slope, walking up that slope would lead to Jiang Er''s house, where there would be delicious wild vegetable porridge made by sister-inw.

    The barking of dogs in the vige was crisp, the birdsong was crisp, theughter and cries of children were crisp.

    Recalling the past, even such bitter days, surprisingly all thates to mind are beautiful memories, as if those were the best days of life.

    When the straw sandals were worn through, toes sticking out, no need to worry about it.

    The sky was big, the earth was big, I was the biggest.

    Now he wears brocade and eats jade, never goes hungry again, but also never has the feeling of eating something truly delicious again.

    He gained a lot, but lost even more.

    However, he doesn''t regret it.

    Only by taking this step did he realize that he was happy in the past too.

    Only after experiencing it do you know good from bad.

    The path of life is not easy to walk, but he has walked it.

    Hearing little Yu''s words, it was as if that distant past was just yesterday.

    "Good, that''s great. If you all cane to see me off when I go, then I won''t have lived in vain," Eunuch Yan smiled and said.

    Jiang Yu was a bit scared and nervous at first.

    But seeing her godfather right in front of her, still sitting, she suddenly felt like she was back home.

    She let out a sigh of relief very lightly.

    "Grand-Uncle, Godfather, do you want to hold my babies? My father-inw goes around saying my babies are blessed. I think the two babies are indeed very blessed, they''ve seen the big world at such a young age, even entered the imperial pce. My Grand-Uncle, their Grand-Uncle, Godfather, their Godfather, this is several generations together, greatly blessed indeed."

    So the Emperor was bewilderingly handed a square-faced baby.

    Eunuch Yan was handed a round-faced baby.

    The babies weren''t big, but they were heavy.

    Curiously staring with big eyes.

    Their hands were clenched into fists, waving gently.

    Even the fiercest person can''t help but feel tender towards human infants.

    Moreover, the Emperor, holding this little square face, realized it was actually rted to him by blood, thinking this way, he felt more at ease about the Meng family.

    The most reliable rtionships are indeed blood and marriage ties.

    Eunuch Yan, holding the infant, its round chubby face, thought of when he left Kan''er Vige, Mianmian was just about this big, how time flies.

    His hand gently touched the child''s hand, seeing him with his pants open, proudly exposing his little penis, he also smiled, good, very good.

    The Emperor hugged the child, who was quite heavy, and he couldn''t hold him for long.

    The Emperor''s body was actually quite weak.

    Just then, Little Goose wet himself.

    Everyone else was very rmed.

    Jiang Yu burst intoughter.

    "Uncle, you''re sure to have great luck all year long, now that you''ve been blessed with a child''s urine."

    The Emperor alsoughed heartily.

    "I''m already the Emperor, what more luck could I need?"

    Jiang Yu thought for a moment and said, "Then I wish for you to step on gold when you walk in the imperial garden, to find money when you eat dumplings, and for my husband, brother, and grandfather to return victorious from battle."

    "Excellent, excellent!"

    The Emperor, who hadn''t slept well, was very pleased by thisst remark.

    This was also the reason he had summoned the Meng family.

    What was originally meant to be a show of false favor, under Jiang Yu''s influence, became like a casual family conversation.

    So when Jiang Yu entered the pce, she was just Madam Meng, but when she left, she had gained the title of Princess Caiyi, along withnd and a sry.

    Jiang Yu was overjoyed.

    She earnestly said, "Uncle, I originally wanted to bring you some food when I came to the pce, but they said the Emperor couldn''t eat outside food, so I didn''t dare. But now that I''m a princess, I should be considered one of your own people, right? I''ll go back and make you some food, it''ll count as homemade now, I promise you''ll like it."

    The Emperor''sughter added several more wrinkles to his face.

    Eunuch Yanughed along with him.

    When Sister Yu came to the pce, she had brought food for him too - food from Kan''er Vige, ck wheat buns, too coarse to chew easily, but break off a piece, chew it, and it bes more vorful the more you chew.

    What he was chewing wasn''t just the bun, but the vor of years gone by.

    ...

 Chapter 316

    The rumors about Young Mrs. Meng being a seductress like Daji werepletely confirmed after her visit to the pce.

    She entered the pce as Young Mrs. Meng.

    But as soon as The Emperor saw her, he was captivated by her beauty.

    He was stunned, considering her a heavenly beauty.

    Without hesitation, The Emperor bestowed upon Young Mrs. Meng the title of Princess Caiyi.

    It was said that on that day, Young Mrs. Meng wore colorful and vibrant clothes, so dazzling that The Emperor could barely open his eyes or see clearly.

    Upon seeing her in person, The Emperor was overjoyed, disregarding the fact that she was his great-niece and already married. He granted her the title of Princess Caiyi.

    This title came withnd and a sry.

    It''s worth noting that the court hadn''t bestowed such a title for over a decade.

    Suddenly, tailors in the Capital City began producing all sorts of colorful garments.

    Even the nobility''s custom-made clothes now featured an additional colorful silk ribbon, or colorful cuffs and cors. Everyone tried to incorporate a ssh of color in their own way.

    Some people inquired with Consort Zhang, asking if Princess Caiyi was indeed exceptionally beautiful, capable of captivating hearts at first sight.

    Consort Zhang smiled and tacitly agreed.

    Rumors suggested that Consort Zhang and Princess Huiyun were at odds, yet Consort Zhang still acknowledged Princess Caiyi''s beauty. This seemed to confirm the rumors.

    As a result, the prices of vibrant fabrics skyrocketed.

    When Jiang Changtian''s family received this news, they were all a bit bewildered.

    They wondered, "Are they talking about Elder Sister Yu?"

    No wonder they say rumors can''t be trusted.

    Elder Sister Yu was the most honest child in the family, yet rumors painted her as having countless schemes. There were even reports of people selling courses outside, with books like "The Biography of Princess Caiyi" being published. Apparently, there were also private tutoring sessions, where high-level pce intrigue experts offered one-on-one sses in small groups, charging exorbitant fees per lesson.

    Mianmian even considered making money from this. Who said ancient peoplecked business acumen? They were quite up-to-date with the times.

    The Jiang Family felt that if Elder Sister Yu could develop even eight schemes, it would be impressive.

    And five of those eight schemes would probably be rted to food.

    The Emperor bestowed the title of Princess Caiyi simply to appease the Meng Family.

    It had nothing to do with scheming.

    Oh well, let them spread rumors if they want.

    Jiang Changtian thought it was fine. Better to be fierce, or at least pretend to be fierce, to avoid being bullied.

    In a ce like the Capital City, people only respect those who show strength. Even if you''re as gentle as a white rabbit, you''d better bare your teeth and act fierce.

    Shao Xia and Feng had both gone off to war.

    Life had to go on.

    The Meng Family''s twin boys'' hundred-day celebration was canceled. The people of the capital had been looking forward to Princess Caiyi''s appearance, but now they''d probably have to wait until the first birthday celebration.

    Jiang Wan hadn''t expected her grandmother to die.

    She didn''t have to wait for rumors about Jiang Er''s family being unfilial.

    After all, no matter how wrong the grandmother had been, she had raised Jiang Er.

    Instead, she was faced with the hot gossip about Princess Caiyi.

    Jiang Wan was furious.

    It was like a fishbone stuck in her throat.

    If it had been any other nobledy, it would have been tolerable.

    But why Jiang Yu of all people?

    With her intellect, if she didn''t have her father and brothers protecting her, and if she hadn''t found a good husband, how could she possibly live such a good life?

    Moreover, the more outstanding she became, the more people would remember that Immortal Liu had once cursed the Meng Family to be without heirs, yet they had given birth to twins.

    Fortunately, her aunt had finally agreed to her marriage with Chu Xi.

    Starting over, at least she would be properly married to her cousin.

    However, they were still in mourning for her grandmother. Once the mourning period was over, they could get married.

    So this time, Jiang Wan firmly rejected all those ambiguous rtionships from her past.

    Liu Tongxin was heartbroken to learn that Qing Qing had actually moved into the Seventh Prince''s Mansion. Back then, Qing Qing had sworn that the prince was just like a brother to her, but now...

    Liu Tong was dead, living like a walking corpse, lifeless at home.

    But the Liu family wasn''t at peace either, as Inspector He had set his sights on them.

    Meanwhile, Lu Jiuzhang, the youngest son of Minister Lu who had once fought with Liu Tong over Immortal Liu, was now in prison. Immortal Liu never came to see him, but he did catch a glimpse of her.

    Immortal Liu had gone to the prison to visit her grandmother and passed by.

    There was no eye contact, nothing else, just passing by.

    Minister Lu never imagined that the reason his entire family wasn''t sentenced to death was because of his hated rival, Inspector He.

    Those subordinates who used to bow and scrape before Minister Lu now wished for nothing more than his death.

    Yet at this time, Inspector He was still able to handle the case impartially.

    Those who deserved to die would die, those who didn''t would be spared.

    Life is like a y. Only after the curtain falls do we know who was an actor, who was an audience member, and who was the boss.

    Lu Jiuzhang, Minister Lu''s youngest son, was released because he was a wastrel, too stupid to have been involved in the family''s power ys.

    After this ordeal, Lu Jiuzhang left the Capital City, his whereabouts unknown.

    A crafty rabbit has three burrows.

    Although Minister Lu was sentenced to death, he might still have some tricks up his sleeve.

    Coincidentally, when Minister Lu''s faction was being interrogated, they revealed their ns to frame the Sixth Prince.

    Upon learning this, the Sixth Prince went to the pce and wept bitterly.

    The father and son poured out their hearts to each other, which was quite touching.

    For a time, support for the Sixth Prince quietly rose again.

    The Seventh Prince remained motionless.

    He hadn''t expected Jiang Er to be Princess Huiyun''s son. Their grudge with Jiang Er was already irreconcble.

    The Seventh Prince now felt a bit regretful. Jiang Er was incredibly lucky; even when they had specifically sent people to kill him, they had failed.

    Heir Apparent Chu Xi was a bit worried, "Father, since Jiang Er is Aunt Huiyun''s son, wouldn''t The Emperor favor him more?"

    The Seventh Prince shook his head: "The Emperor extremely dislikes Buddhism and Taoism because he utterly despises Jingjue. So he may not necessarily like Jiang Er. Just wait and see."

 Chapter 317

    As the year drew to a close, various holidays approached.

    Government offices had essentiallye to a standstill.

    Only staff on duty remained.

    Everyone had lost interest in work.

    They were all just waiting for the New Year.

    However, Imperial Secretary Jiang continued his duties as diligently as ever.

    He showed no change whatsoever after discovering that his birth mother was a princess.

    On this day, Vice Minister Jiang entered the pce.

    He was there to report on his work.

    In fact, since taking office, he had only undertaken one task: organizing officials to memorizews, regtions, and detailed rules.

    Although there had been a small hup in the process, with Minister Lu suddenly retiring due to illness.

    But work must have a beginning and an end.

    He entered the pce again.

    The Emperor''s feelings towards Jiang Er were actually quiteplex.

    Before knowing the truth, it was fine; he thought Jiang Er had a friendly appearance and was exceptionally beautiful.

    He had even joked with Wenxin, saying that Kan''er Vige must have good feng shui to produce such beautiful people.

    Wenxin''s appearance was also extremely good.

    Jiang Er''s looks were even more outstanding.

    But he never imagined that Jiang Er would turn out to be his own nephew.

    The Emperor knew that Heir Apparent Han was not the princess''s biological child. At that time, after Hui Yun gave birth, she suddenly fell seriously ill, often going mad, constantly mistaking people, her memory in disarray.

    For the sake of Hui Yun''s condition, the Imperial Son-inw had adopted a child.

    The Emperor was aware of this matter.

    Moreover, he had always felt guilty towards Hui Yun.

    By a twist of fate.

    It had led to these consequences.

    If it hadn''t been for his hatred of Jingjue back then, and his falling out with Hui Yun, others wouldn''t have had the opportunity to take advantage.

    So Jiang Er''s tragic life was partly the Emperor''s fault.

    The Emperor felt somewhat guilty.

    Some people, when guilty of small mistakes, might think not of how to make amends, but of using a bigger mistake to cover it up. If the person they feel guilty towards dies, then they no longer need to feel guilty.

    The Emperor''s heart was very guilty towards Jiang Er at this moment.

    But there was also an indescribable feeling.

    When Jiang Changtian entered the pce again, he showed no different demeanor.

    He remained the same as before.

    This made the Emperor feel more at ease, yet also somewhat puzzled.

    "I heard that after you met Madam Zhou, shemitted suicide."

    Some people make many mistakes, but once they die, it seems all debts are settled, making those still alive seem heartless. At this moment, the Emperor felt this way, wondering if Jiang Er was too cold. After all, no matter how wrong Madam Zhou was, she had raised him.

    Jiang Changtian heard the Emperor''s question.

    He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Mother!~~Madam Zhou, when shest saw me, was very remorseful. She said she regretted her actions, but she felt that if she didn''t die, she would implicate the Seventh Prince Consort, so she chose to end her life."

    The Emperor patted his nephew''s shoulder.

    Then he saw Jiang Er raise his head again, tears in his eyes: "Mother said she was wrong, so in fact, I have already forgiven her."

    After this emotional exchange between emperor and subject, Jiang Er continued as before, reporting on his work achievements.

    He had implemented the task of memorizingws, regtions, and detailed rules across all departments.

    Each department had a list of three people to reward and three to punish, which he also handed to the Emperor, quite seriously.

    To be honest, the Emperor had already forgotten about such a small matter.

    He hadn''t expected Jiang Er to still remember it, especially after discovering his identity as the princess''s son.

    The Emperor couldn''t help but sigh; if nothing else, his nephew was extremely diligent in his work.

    He couldn''t help but praise him, even though the task he had assigned wasn''t really useful, but the attitude wasmendable.

    He had taken every word of the Emperor''s to heart, treating even a casual remark as a major task, seeing it through from beginning to end.

    Jiang Changtian earnestly replied: "Your humble servant has had few opportunities since childhood, so I especially cherish every chance, developing a somewhat impatient nature. Although I know it''s not good, I can''t change it, always fearing that if I miss an opportunity, I''ll never have another chance."

    The Emperor: Guilt +1, Moral sense +1, Sympathy +1...

    "But Your Majesty need not worry about your humble servant. I have always known that carrying yesterday''s burden to chase tomorrow will exhaust one in the present. So yesterday''s matters are already yesterday, past, and I no longer think about them. Tomorrow''s matters are also only for tomorrow, not yet happened, so I don''t think about them either. I only care about the present, doing well in the present, cherishing the people before me, living well the days at hand." (Note 1)

    The Emperor had been somewhat unhappy about the downfall of his oldpanion Minister Lu, after all, no matter what, Lu was actually an obedient old dog.

    Those people rushing up to tear at Minister Lu looked too ugly, like beating an old dog he had raised, it was very disrespectful to him, and he was quite displeased.

    Fortunately, Old He handled things rather tactfully and fairly, without taking advantage of the situation, which made the Emperor feel a bit better.

    And now Jiang Er''s words finally made the Emperor let go.

    What''s past is past, no need to be unhappy.

    Focus on the present is what matters.

    So in the afternoon, the Emperor took Wenxin and Jiang Er to watch a y together.

    Being able to sit with the Emperor in the theater to watch a y meant a special honor of intimacy.

    Because at this time, the Emperor was least guarded, his mood was quite good, it meant you might have entered his inner circle.

    On the stage, the martial actor performed energetically, the elderly female role sang earnestly, scene after scene, one after another.

    In the viewing area, the Emperor watched attentively, asionally tapping the table.

    Eunuch Yan watched attentively, asionally handing the Emperor a cup of water.

    Jiang Er watched attentively, really attentively, very engrossed. He rarely had time to watch ys, he usually performed in ys himself, being on stage. So this is what the people on stage were like. Jiang Er watched very carefully, it was less watching a y and more observing, learning. Every movement, angle, speech - life is like a y, it all depends on acting skills. Today was another day of progress.

    !!

    ...

    ...

    (Note 1: "Carrying yesterday''s burden to chase tomorrow will exhaust one in the present" is sourced from the inte, shared for mutual encouragement.)

 Chapter 318

    As the Second son of Jiang family finished his day''s work in the imperial pce.

    The yellow gates of the pce walls descended, signaling the end of the workday.

    Eunuch Yan escorted the Second son of Jiang family as he left work.

    The paths within the pce were wide.

    High walls stood on both sides.

    Guards were also present.

    Therge bluestone bs were intricately carved, ensuring a non-slip surface.

    Neither had imagined they would have the chance to walk like this again.

    In fact, back in Kan''er Vige, the two often walked together like this.

    When Jiang Er finished work at the County Government Office, he usually walked home.

    Jiang Er had a weak constitution.

    When he first started working, walking back to Kan''er Vige, the road was dark, and hooligans would try to scare him.

    Jiang Er carried a knife, putting on a brave face to scare off the troublemakers.

    The next day, however, those hooligans brought reinforcements and ganged up on Jiang Er.

    Yan San happened to encounter the scene and helped fight off the group.

    Of course, both of them didn''t escape unscathed and were injured.

    Yan San''s already tattered clothes werepletely ruined, his pants torn, letting in the cold air as he walked.

    And so it went.

    Sometimes, Yan San would wait for Jiang Er to finish his shift and walk back to Kan''er Vige together.

    It was around this time that vigers started calling him Yan Laosan.

    As they walked back to the vige together, the long stretch of road would transition from dusk toplete darkness by the time they reached the vige.

    Sometimes there would be a setting sun.

    More often, there were just dark trees on both sides.

    When it gotte, they would focus on walking without chatting, hearing only each other''s heartbeats and breathing.

    Sometimes they would exchange a few words.

    They would gaze into the future, gossip about the vige widow, or recite poetry.

    In reality, Yan Laosan did most of the talking, with Jiang Er just nodding and responding briefly.

    Back then, Yan Laosan was a talkative youth.

    When he was happy, he would even sing loudly, his voice echoing along the way.

    The two enjoyed each other''spany immensely.

    At least, that''s how Yan Laosan felt.

    Because he thought Jiang Er was simr to him.

    He always said he liked Sister Xia, but it was more of a sisterly affection, without romantic love. He just thought she was genuinely good.

    So he idled away his days, doing nothing, until it was time to apany Jiang Er after work. It seemed pointless, but he actually wanted to protect him.

    He was, after all, just an idle troublemaker himself.

    Later, as Jiang Er gradually became more capable and mature in dealing with those hooligans, even developing methods to subdue them, Yan Laosan stopped deliberately apanying him after work.

    But who would have thought.

    Many yearster.

    He would once again apany him after work.

    Yan San now wore the borate attire of a eunuch, and eunuchs had ranks too. He was equivalent to the highest rank, dressed in purple-red clothing with beautiful, intricate patterns, looking quite splendid.

    In winter, he wore an outer cloak with a fur cor, giving him an air of nobility. Perhaps because he was castratedter in life, even as a eunuch, he didn''t appear effeminate. He had no odor, was very clean, and looked quite androgynous.

    He had a face that both men and women would find attractive.

    Jiang Er wore a dark blue robe. After the princess recognized her son, she wanted to promote him and grant him a title, but Jiang Changtian refused.

    Mainly because Jiang Changtian felt deep down that this princess mother was unreliable.

    Untrustworthy.

    It was better to let it be.

    Knowing his mother was still alive.

    Knowing his mother was a princess.

    Knowing his mother was safe and well-fed was enough, he had no further desires.

    Jiang Changtian believed that one''s path is carved out by oneself.

    Manna doesn''t fall from heaven, and if it did, it would surely be poisoned.

    Judging by his own luck, he believed all his fortune had been used up in meeting Sister Xia.

    That was enough.

    It didn''t matter if he had any luck left; because of this one thing, he could forgive heaven for all its injustices.

    With Sister Xia, he had children, he had a family.

    It was enough.

    After many years, with changed identities, the two met again, leaving work together.

    Yan Laosan apanying Jiang Er.

    Now, they no longer had to worry about not having food for their next meal.

    Back then, Yan Laosan had boasted, "One day when I''m rich, I''ll raise two dogs and eat three bowls of noodles in one sitting. If I can''t finish, I''ll give the rest to the dogs."

    Now that he had money, he didn''t raise dogs, and he couldn''t even finish one bowl of noodles in a sitting, let alone three.

    "When I left your house, I stole your tea to drink. That night I vomited for half the night, but in the days that followed, I felt my body gradually recover. Although I endured various hardships along the way, I never fell ill. It wasn''t until I entered the pce and started taking medicinal pills with the emperor that my health slowly began to deteriorate. Later, when I drank the tea you sent me through Eunuch Duan, I felt my body slowly recover a bit," Yan San said casually.

    His voice was very low.

    The surroundings were spacious.

    He deliberately waited until they reached a wide square to speak.

    Only Jiang Er could hear him.

    Jiang Changtian remained cautious inwardly but showed no change in his expression, maintaining a casual demeanor.

    "His Majesty has be dependent on the medicinal pills, and there''s little hope for recovery. Be careful when you deliver food."

    Jiang Changtian nodded slightly.

    "You must be careful."

    "Mm."

    The two continued walking.

    The conversation ended.

    They just walked silently.

    The once long path seemed particrly short today.

    It was as if they had returned to the mountain path in Kan''er Vige.

    Trees lined both sides, dark and shadowy.

    Finally, they reached the yellow gate.

    Eunuch Yan stood inside the yellow gate, watching as the Second son of Jiang family left.

    Seeing that the Second son of Jiang family was personally escorted by Eunuch Yan, the gatekeeper''s smile became even more fawning, his bow even lower.

 Chapter 319

    How cold it is outside.

    The moment you return home, you feel how warm it is.

    Coming home.

    It feels like a fulfilling day.

    But also quite tiring.

    In front of the old emperor, even if you do nothing, you''ll feel exhausted.

    However, Jiang Changtian is a person with strong executive ability. As long as he thinks it''s useful, he''s willing to do it.

    Returning home and seeing Sister Xia, Jiang Changtian feels his whole body rx.

    Very reassuring.

    The smile on his face isn''t as bright as it is outside, just a slight change in his cheeks, with a tiny dimple.

    This smile isn''t as handsome as his daytime smile, even slightly silly, but it makes people feel happy.

    "What''s for dinner?"

    "I know you''d want a bowl of hot noodle soup when youe back. The wild chives and greens that Mianmian nted are growing well. I picked some to put in the noodles, they''re very fragrant."

    Still noodles.

    But on a cold winter night, being able to eat a bowl of hand-pulled noodles made by Sister Xia is already the greatest happiness.

    For dinner, Mianmian and Brother Chong obediently wait for their father (Uncle Jiang) to eat together.

    Jiang Changtian first eats a bowl of hot noodle soup, and after the hot soup base, he starts to ask the two children how they''ve been doing.

    He first asks Brother Chong.

    "I''ve been to the Star Observatory these past few days. It''s quite nice, I like it there. The books I read there are very interesting. Uncle, would it be alright if I be a star observer in the future?" Zi Congheng asks tentatively.

    Both Jiang Changtian and Qin Luoxia are slightly stunned.

    Qin Luoxia knows what a star observer is because her daughter has mentioned it several times.

    Her daughter had even sent letters to the star observers in Jingzhou before.

    To be honest, she doesn''t understand how anyone would be willing to do such a dull job.

    However, in Qin Luoxia''s opinion, choosing a career is a big deal. She might not understand, so she looks towards her knowledgeable husband.

    Jiang Changtian is also slightly surprised.

    He thinks about Brother Chong''s background, and realizes that asking him to take the imperial examinations or be an official might be a bit difficult for him.

    It''s not possible right now anyway.

    He himself didn''te from an imperial examination background, so he doesn''t need to force the younger generation.

    "That''s fine, but don''t rush to make a decision. You''re still young. Just observe and learn for now. If youe across other things and want to do something else in the future, that''s okay too. After all, there are many choices in life."

    Zi Congheng nods, a smile appearing on his face, looking somewhat happy.

    He knew Uncle would agree. Uncle is a very open-minded elder in some aspects.

    Then Jiang Changtian asks Mianmian how her studies with Inspector He are going.

    Mianmian excitedly replies, "I''m learning very well. The teacher doesn''t have time to teach me directly, so he has his aide, Mr. Dongfang, guide me."

    "Oh, so what have you learned?" Jiang Changtian asks curiously.

    "Many things," Mianmian counts on her fingers as she shares.

    "You must memorize thews, rules, and regtions well. Either be the one who makes the rules or learn how to break them, reasonably exploiting loopholes in the rules."

    "Before doing bad things, always check if there''s anyone around. Secrecy leads to sess."

    "If you want to execute someone''s nine ns, first check the family genealogy. What if you''re also their rtive?"

    "When convicting someone, you can make them prove their innocence. It''s much easier than you proving their guilt."

    "When scolding someone, you must be righteous and confident. Even if you don''t have a reason, speak loudly. After all, you''ve already started scolding."

    "Generally, you can''t persuade the other person in an argument. So the only purpose of arguing is to make the other person unhappy."

    "Also, don''t be afraid of the powerful and dare to fight against viins. If you can''t beat them, just say they''re powerful. If you can''t outdo them, just say they''re viins. Label them, then fight..."

    At first, Jiang Changtian listened with a pleasant expression, nodding slightly.

    By the end, his face had turned slightly green.

    Qin Luoxia, who wasdling soup with a spoon, had now bent the handle of the spoon.

    Brother Chong silently pulled his bowl closer to himself.

    "There''s still so much more! I''ve found that the teacher knows too much. I want to go again tomorrow," Mianmian, full of curiosity, said excitedly.

    Jiang Changtian held Sister Xia''s hand and calmly said, "Let''s teach her properly, don''t use force. You''ll regret it after hitting her. Let me do it, my hand is gentler!"

    Jiang Mianmian jumped away from the table... What''s wrong? You told me to study and improve myself. I''m learning so diligently, and you''re still not satisfied... These are all philosophical principles...

    Then she was tripped by the "unaware" Brother Chong and couldn''t escape...

    Mianmian looked resentfully at Brother Chong''s long legs.

    So what if your legs are long?!

    Then she was kept back.

    Father didn''t have the heart to hit her after all.

    Father prepared to reason with her some more.

    Mainly because Mianmian''s face looked too much like Princess Huiyun''s.

    Her personality was also a bit simr.

    A spitting image.

    This gave Jiang "Old Father" Changtian a bit of a heart attack.

    He despised his own mother from the bottom of his heart.

    He was very worried that Mianmian would be like her grandmother in the future.

    Butpared to the education of confiscating property and executing nine ns, the little girl might be better off following Princess Huiyun.

    Moreover, these days the princess has gone to cause trouble for her consort, so she''ll probably be sent back soon and will look for Mianmian.

    Jiang Changtian felt that you can''t guard against thieves forever, so it''s better to educate her first, seize the initiative. Although the child is still young, some things need to be said in advance.

    So after dinner.

    The family very solemnly had after-dinner snacks and tea.

    Physical education needs to be grasped, and ideological education needs to be grasped too.

    As parents, even when raising a child to 80 years old, they still worry whether the child will be depressed at 80, whether they will have dementia, whether there will be no one to take care of them.

    Mianmian took a sip of her little milk tea, sweet and milky, with a very authentic taste.

    Then, because she was at home, she sat cross-legged on the warm kang, behaving well.

    There was a charcoal basin in the room, so it wasn''t too cold. A thin nket was enough.

    And it was the kind where they boiled tea around the stove.

    However, their home still wasn''t as impressive as the princess''s pce. The princess''s pce even had floor heating, which was amazing.

    It was all done by manually burning stoves to create floor heating, mainlybor-intensive, wood-consuming, and material-consuming.

    Jiang Changtian saw that both children were seated properly.

    Brother Chong had a seemingly indifferent look on his face. This child appeared cold on the surface, but was actually a very sentimental child. His apparent indifference was just the expression of someone who cares too deeply, not wanting to easily form rtionships or socialize with others.

    Cold on the outside, warm on the inside.

    Mianmian, on the other hand, was the opposite. Mianmian was warm on the outside but cold on the inside. Jiang Changtian felt that his little daughter looked very lively, but in reality, it was the opposite. Her heart was very lonely, feeling a sense of estrangement from everyone, as if she was estranged from the entire world, somewhat out of ce.

    However, whether warm on the outside and cold on the inside, or cold on the outside and warm on the inside, Jiang Changtian decided today to fulfill his duty as a father and teach the children properly about love and rtionships.

    Although it might be a bit awkward for an elder to talk about this, thinking of his muddle-headed mother, he took it as a warning and decided he must teach them.

    Jiang Changtian began, "I want to talk to you about the dangers of falling in love."

    Mianmian: ??

    Zi Congheng: ???

    Mianmian saw Father''s serious face and thought, Father is quite ahead of his time. Isn''t free love forbidden in ancient times? It''s all supposed to be parents'' orders and matchmakers'' words.

    But thinking about it, forbidding free love might go against human nature. Even with parents'' orders and matchmakers'' words, they would still allow some interaction. It''s impossible to have truly blind marriages. And if there really was no free love, there wouldn''t be stories like "The West Chamber" or Zhuo Wenjun selling wine.

    "If you see someone and feel love at first sight, fall in love, and get deeply involved, it''s a very scary thing.

    If you blindly like someone, first, you''ll be stupid.

    Once a person bes stupid, they''re easily deceived and lose money. They''re easily hurt. Fools always get hurt and might sacrifice themselves and their whole family to give, which is the height of stupidity.

    Second, you''ll be annoying. Always suspicious, using your brain all day to think about what the other person is doing or not doing, bing insecure, always feeling you''re not good enough for the other person, and from then on, no longer improving, stopping right there.

    Third, you''ll have a shorter life. When in love, you don''t eat or sleep well, which affects your health and lifespan. In love, people find all sorts of ways to act up. If you don''t act up, you won''t die, but one day you might act yourself to death."

    Qin Luoxia listened with trepidation. Are the dangers of falling in love really so great? Fortunately, she doesn''t fall in love casually. She only likes her husband.

    Jiang Mianmian: ... Okay, okay, okay, let me get a notebook to write this down.

    Zi Congheng looked at Uncle Jiang, thinking, if in the future, Mianmian never finds a partner or gets married, I wonder if you''ll be anxious and regretful. He''s waiting to see.

 Chapter 320

    ......

    Frost, with ice.

    Suitable for: cing in coffins, dismantling, groundbreaking, burials.

    Avoid: Gatherings, beam-raising ceremonies.

    Waking up early.

    No snow, but there was ice.

    All the water outside had frozen into ice blocks.

    Jiang Changtian was in no hurry to go to the government office.

    Yesterday he had reported on his work, and the Emperor hadn''t assigned him any new tasks.

    With Minister Lu''s elimination, a batch of people were ousted, and another batch took their ce.

    But it wasn''t Jiang Changtian''s turn yet, as he was still considered a pure neer to the Capital City''s officialdom.

    Everyone was busy with power transitions, so they had no time for Jiang Changtian. There was no point in him going to the office early and just standing around.

    Last night, he had seriously educated his little one.

    Then he wondered if he had spoken too harshly.

    In the middle of the night, Jiang Changtian took a gourd, filled it with water, and left it outside.

    When he got up in the morning, sure enough, the gourd had frozen too.

    He cracked the outer shell of the gourd, revealing a perfectly formed ice gourd inside.

    Jiang Changtian discovered that his Mianmian particrly loved ice and snow.

    It was as if she had never seen snow in her previous life.

    So he thought of making an ice gourd to give Mianmian a surprise.

    Indeed, when Mianmian got up for breakfast, bundled up warmly, she was clutching a handful of ice - some broken off from the eaves, some plucked from the grass by the roadside.

    When she saw the ice gourd that her father had produced, she was absolutely delighted.

    Father was so amazing.

    He had even tied a red ribbon around the ice gourd.

    It looked beautiful.

    Although it was something easy to make, it felt so joyful.

    After all, it was made by her dear father to please her.

    Mianmian felt she had really lucked out in her rebirth.

    Cong Brother also got up very early today.

    Seeing Uncle Jiang showing off the ice gourd,

    He quietly had ck Tower bring out a huge, simplified version of a star chart.

    In the past, he might have hidden it, quickly letting it melt in the sunlight, putting in effort for seemingly no result, and telling himself that it was enough that he had made it for himself.

    But after hearing Uncle Jiang''s words yesterday,

    Zi Congheng also reflected on himself.

    Sometimes he seemed to fall into a strange mood of self-sacrifice, whether towards his father or Mianmian.

    This wasn''t good; if you do something, you should let the other person know.

    If he had told his father more in the past, there might not have been so many regrets when his father suddenly passed away.

    So without hesitation, he brought out the star chart he had carefully carved from the thickest ice blocks he could find early in the morning.

    Mianmian was indeed attracted by his carved star chart.

    The two of them crouched there looking at it, and he earnestly exined which stars were which, watching as the stars slowly melted in the sunlight.

    In the end, it became a puddle of water, but it had existed, been beautiful, and been made with care.

    Jiang Changtian looked at his own gourd, which had already shrunk a bit, feeling somewhat at a loss for words. It seemed that Cong Brother had suddenly changed in some way...

    After ying with ice with his daughter and watching her and Cong Brother being taken away by Princess Huiyun,

    Qin Luoxia had arranged to visit the Meng Family today to see her two grandsons.

    Jiang Changtian was also preparing to go to the government office.

    Going to the office at this time to report in meant he could go directly to the pce, just in time for when the Emperor would be getting up to see people.

    And today was the seventh day since Old Madam Jiang''s passing.

    Jiang Wan would being over today.

    Since Jiang Wan had moved to the Seventh Prince''s ce, the security was strict and it wasn''t easy to approach.

    ......

    Princess Huiyun was very happy.

    The little girl she had previously found so annoying, troublesome, and affected,

    She now wanted to have by her side every day, feeling she couldn''t make up for lost time enough.

    But she felt that her son seemed to dislike her a little bit.

    He seemed unwilling to let Mianmian go with her.

    Although Princess Huiyun usually didn''t care about others'' opinions,

    When it came to her own child, she felt guilty and was extremely cautious, taking even a nce from Changtian seriously.

    She hadn''t expected him to agree to let her take Mianmian out to y today.

    She promised to take good care of her and absolutely not take her anywhere dangerous.

    ......

    Qin Luoxia had arranged with her inws to visit today, to see her daughter and her two grandsons.

    Jiang Changtian, meanwhile, had gone to the pce.

    The Emperor had watched a grand y yesterday and was quite tired in the evening, but slept well.

    When he got up in the morning, it was cold, so he went through a round of exercises to strengthen his body,bined with taking medicinal pills, which made him feel energized.

    Today the Emperor had sent Wenxin to visit Princess Caiyi.

    Mainly because it was the end of the year, to show imperial favor.

    After all, except for Meng Qingshe, all the men of the Meng family were away fighting in wars, so this gesture of respect had to be made.

    And he suddenly thought of summoning all his sons to the pce.

    He also asked for the Second son of Jiang family toe.

    Although the Emperor hadn''t given any extra rewards to the Second son of Jiang family, because he didn''t know how to officially recognize him, let him be the heir - Huiyun didn''t want him to take the Han surname and was still causing trouble about divorcing, and he didn''t want to change his surname either. Revealing Jingjue''s matter would damage the royal family''s reputation, so things were left in this odd, unresolved state.

    It''s just that today he had a sudden whim to have a meal with his sons, and incidentally meet the Second son of Jiang family, which could be seen as confirming his identity.

    The Emperor, now advanced in years, often had sudden ideas, acting on impulse.

    Especially when it came to tormenting his princes, he was more troublesome than someone in love, suddenly wanting a peacock in the middle of the night and making his sons go catch one.

    So several princes hurriedly made their way to the imperial pce.

    The Crown Prince was confined for reflection and didn''t even have the chance to be tormented.

    He wasn''t included.

    Next was the Fifth Prince, son of Consort Zhang, ay Buddhist disciple who often gave gifts of Buddhist scriptures to others, and when giving gifts to his brothers, the Emperor, and elders, he would give hand-copied scriptures, being extremely stingy.

    The Sixth Prince was aplished in both civil and military arts, handsome in appearance, and very generous.

    The Seventh Prince had been ridiculed since childhood, his mother of lowly and unknown status, and he had very little presence.

    The Ninth Prince was good friends with Meng Qingshe, thinking of nothing but eating, drinking, and merrymaking all day.

    The Tenth Prince was physically weak, and when the Emperor summoned him, he happened to have caught a cold and didn''te.

    The Seventeenth Prince lived in the pce, was mentally impaired, and also didn''t attend.

    So those who came were the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Princes.

    The Fifth Prince was dressed inly, with a round face, looking very amiable.

    The Sixth Prince looked very noble, dressed in expensive clothes.

    The Seventh Prince was dressed very low-key, in a light white robe that wasn''t even new.

    The Ninth Prince wore the newest clothes, with colorful cuffs, cor, and hem.

    Each prince had their own style.

    It was Jiang Changtian''s first time seeing them sinceing to the Capital City.

    In reality, the princes were all very cautious and wouldn''t easily show themselves or interact with officials.

    Except for the Ninth Prince, who was often seen in various entertainment venues meeting with various officials.

    The four princes were also very curious to see the legendary son of Aunt Huiyun, the Second son of Jiang family.

    Seeing is believing.

    Indeed, this Second son of Jiang family''s appearance and demeanor were as legendary as they say, extremely handsome, captivating at first sight.

    It''s said that recently, a new list of handsome men in the Capital City hade out.

    Ranking first was surprisingly the father of several children, the Second son of Jiang family.

    On thetest beautiful women list, Princess Huiyun still ranked first, Princess Caiyi ranked second, and Immortal Liu ranked third...

    Princess Huiyun was legendary, Princess Caiyi was at the center of gossip, and Immortal Liu was beautiful as attested by everyone who had seen her.

    The princes didn''t understand why their father had suddenly summoned them to the pce.

    The Seventh Prince appeared very nervous, after all, at thest family banquet, father had directly forgotten about him.

    The Fifth Prince appeared to be without desires or pursuits, fiddling with a string of Buddhist prayer beads in his hand, which were well-worn and shiny red.

    The Fifth Prince''s pair of hands were also white and tender, plump, very suitable for holding prayer beads, very beautiful.

    The Sixth Prince was holding a paper fan even in the dead of winter, very affected, but this paper fan had the Emperor''s inscription, so no one could say anything about it.

    Among the princes, the Seventh Prince looked very quiet and shrinking, as alwayscking presence.

    The Ninth Prince was very lively, his voice even quite loud.

    The princes met the Second son of Jiang family first.

    The Fifth Prince naturally gave a wee gift.

    He gave his cousin a book of scriptures.

    "I copied this by hand, cousin. You''ve suffered these years, but Buddha is merciful, everything has its cause and effect, your future will surely be smooth and peaceful," the Fifth Prince said seriously.

    Jiang Changtian gratefully epted the scripture, grasped his Fifth Brother''s hand, shaking it vigorously, and said emotionally: "Fifth Brother, I love Buddhist scriptures the most. You''re so thoughtful. When I was in Jingzhou, the abbot of the True Return Temple there always wanted to take me as ay disciple, saying I had an affinity with Buddha. I didn''t understand what it meant then, but now meeting you, Fifth Brother, feeling an immediate connection, I understand."

    The Fifth Prince''s face twitched slightly... He didn''t know why, but he felt like he had met someone with an even thicker skin than himself, suddenly feeling like he had met his match, and couldn''t evenpare.

    ......

 Chapter 321

    Eunuch Yan rarely left the pce.

    Whenever he did go out, he brought many people with him.

    He also carried many items.

    When the Emperor favored someone, he would send Eunuch Yan to deliver an imperial edict, along with various rewards and gifts.

    Meanwhile, Eunuch Liu would always deliver edicts of reprimand when he left the pce, with a gloomy face.

    Old Liu felt the Emperor was biased.

    Why should Eunuch Yan get to do the good deeds while he was only fit for the bad?

    However, this was how the Emperor arranged things, so he only dared to grumble inwardly. After all, if he angered the Emperor, he might lose even the chance to be the bad guy.

    Who knows how much effort goes on behind the scenes for a simple appearance?

    Eunuch Yan led a grand procession to the Meng Family.

    He bestowed many gifts, an impressive sight to behold.

    Princess Caiyi received the imperial edict, her head spinning from all she heard.

    However, Aunt Yin told her that the Emperor''s rewards were because her husband and grandfather were on the battlefield, needing them to risk their lives, so the favors kepting. It actually had little to do with her, and she shouldn''t be arrogant.

    Jiang Yu said she understood. In town, big shopkeepers would asionally send things to their workers'' parents as a show of generosity, then make the workersbor harder. Even if a worker died identally, their parents couldn''t say anything, only cry ¨C that was just fate.

    The imperial court and those small shops were actually the same, just on different scales.

    Aunt Yin was taken aback by her words, unsure whether this youngdy was clever or not, as she seemed to alternate between moments of insight and naivety.

    After receiving many rewards, Meng Qingshe learned that Eunuch Yan was his daughter-inw''s godfather and didn''t avoid him.

    Although he had cursed "dog eunuchs" along with others in the past, that was before he knew any eunuchs personally.

    Now that he knew one, he wouldn''t curse like that anymore.

    He invited the man to stay for a meal.

    Eunuch Yan had rarely been outside since entering the pce.

    He didn''t refuse.

    After all, he was following the Emperor''s orders to observe more.

    He also wanted to see how Miss Yu was faring.

    And he wished to lend her some support, if he could.

    His reputation outside the pce wasn''t good, but everyone had to show him respect and be polite, not daring to offend him.

    Power unused is power wasted.

    After all the hard work to climb to the Emperor''s side, it couldn''t just be to please the Emperor, could it?

    Eunuch Yan disyed appropriate haughtiness, yet stayed.

    Others found it slightly strange.

    Miss Yu didn''t think so.

    She excitedly chattered away with her godfather.

    "Godfather,st time in the pce, I didn''t dare speak much. At home, Great-aunt kept telling me to speak less and less, which scared me. It''s good to see you; I''m not afraid anymore. It feels likeing home."

    "Godfather, the Emperor eats so well every day, howe he doesn''t get fat? Did the Emperor eat the roast chicken I sentst time?"

    Eunuch Yan: ...He didn''t eat it. The Emperor is very cautious about food, only showing favor. Other eunuchs and pce maids ate it. I ate some too. It was very good.

    Eunuch Yan nodded.

    "I worked so hard to make it, roasting it in y to lock in the aroma. I didn''t dare open it, but I guess it was cold by the time it arrived. What would you like to eat today, Godfather? I''ll cook myself. I''m really good now, I can make many dishes."

    Eunuch Yan smiled.

    In his mind, he often thought of the most delicious thing he''d ever eaten: the wild vegetable porridge from Kan''er Vige.

    Though he''d tasted all sorts of delicacies now, it probably wouldn''t taste as good anymore. But in his memories, that was still the most fragrant.

    "Oh right, Godfather, my mother is here with me. You haven''t seen her in a long time. I''ll call her over."

    Eunuch Yan''s smile suddenly froze, and his hands trembled slightly inside hisrge sleeves.

    Qin Luoxia hade early.

    She hadn''t expected visitors from the pce.

    Nor had she expected it to be San''er.

    She was looking after the two children.

    Coming to see the children today, she had deliberately dressed more inly, in a navy blue cloth dress.

    Of course, it was different from the old navy blue homespun cloth. Though the same color, the quality of the fabric was worlds apart. The intricate patterns on the skirt and the crispness of the fabric werepletely different.

    Money breeds beauty.

    For a woman of Qin Luoxia''s age in the vige, no matter how pretty she had been, she would now be an old woman. Endless farm work, housework, serving children and husband, exposure to wind and sun, constant childbearing ¨C each time aging dramatically.

    "Poverty is the root of all evil, wealth is the foundation of all virtue." Affluence made one''s face appear kind, without deep wrinkles carved by the years, only gentleugh lines at the corners of the eyes.

    Because life wasfortable and financial conditions good, Qin Luoxia hadn''t aged these years, but seemed to grow younger.

    Eunuch Yan didn''t let Jiang Yu call her. He wanted to go meet her himself.

    Seeing Qin Luoxia again, Eunuch Yan felt as if time had stopped.

    Just like years ago.

    Things had changed, but people remained the same.

    Eunuch Yan, who smiled obsequiously at everyone, teared up instantly upon seeing Qin Luoxia sitting by the window.

    Now he wore fine silks and brocades, now he was high and mighty, now he could parade through the streets, now he could bully anyone in the world.

    Now, no matter what crude tune he sang, people would praise it as elegant, truly elegant, good, truly good.

    Now he had everything.

    Now he also had nothing.

    He even wanted to turn and flee.

    But in the end, he didn''t dare run.

    He feared if he ran, he''d never have the chance to see her again.

    He stepped over the threshold and softly called to the woman sitting there, "Sister."

 Chapter 322

    The sunlight shone through the window, castingtticed shadows on the floor.

    The surrounding opulence seemed to fade away.

    He remembered Sister Luo Xia watching the children in the room, her face filled with happiness, beaming with smiles.

    It wasn''t intentional to avoid suspicion or anything.

    In the countryside, there was only one room, where child-rearing and cooking all happened together. Where else could one go to avoid others?

    He secretly procured two fish for Sister Luo Xia.

    In the vige, as far as the eye could see, the rivers and mountains all had owners. If you went fishing or hunting, you had to do it stealthily, as it wasn''t legally obtained.

    Everyone just used their own methods to get by.

    Digging up wild vegetables wasn''t a problem, but if you could actually make money, someone woulde to manage it.

    Dying of poverty, often wasn''t because ofziness, but because you simply had no resources at all.

    In the end, even if you sold yourself, you wouldn''t belong to yourself anymore.

    Time was like the reflection of window patterns.

    A gust of wind could scatter it.

    A cloud could make it disappear.

    "Sister," Eunuch Yan called out again.

    "Third Son," Qin Luoxia was stunned.

    She had never seen Third Son dressed so neatly and beautifully before. In her memory, he was always in tattered clothes, sloppy, walking without proper posture.

    He often smiled, showing all his teeth.

    His face was usually tanned dark, but his teeth were remarkably white and even.

    He was sloppy and dressed in rags, but he himself was always clean, not dirty.

    His hands were clean, and so was his face.

    Now, dressed like this, Qin Luoxia was stunned for a moment before recognizing him.

    "Third Son, is that you?"

    "It''s me." Tears rolled down Eunuch Yan''s cheeks.

    No one had called him Third Son in so long.

    Some called him Wenxin, some Eunuch Yan, some Lord Yan, some even called him "dog eunuch."

    But no one called him Third Son anymore.

    He had even changed his name.

    He felt he had let down his ancestors, so he was no longer called Yan Jiexi, but Yan Wenxin. He was now the most popr eunuch in the pce.

    "Sister," Eunuch Yan called out again.

    There was grievance, happiness, pride, and indescribable emotions in that one word "sister," a sigh for the bittersweet journey of life.

    "Don''t cry, Third Son. You''ve grown up, you look good. I''m just happy to see you again, that''s enough. We''ve both made it through, we''re both alive, that''s good. Don''t cry," Qin Luoxia said, her own eyes reddening as she spoke.

    She was the person least likely to cry.

    She had been through so much hardship.

    She rarely cried.

    But seeing Third Son, now a grown man, crying like a child in front of her,

    Qin Luoxia couldn''t help but pat Third Son on the back.

    Eunuch Yan had been crying inconsbly.

    But after being patted, he couldn''t help but start coughing.

    "Cough, cough, cough!"

    His sister was still his sister, with such a strong hand, not changed at all.

    As he coughed, he started tough again.

    "Cough, cough, cough."

    The Fifth Prince had never seen such a shameless person before.

    Even more shameless than himself.

    He couldn''t help but cough several times, giving a dryugh, feeling slightly embarrassed.

    Seeing that his fifth brother had given a wee gift, the Sixth Prince naturally wouldn''t fall behind.

    The Sixth Prince''s wee gift was very thoughtful.

    It was a string of pearls and jade, rarely matched in various colors - red, yellow, blue, green, and white - all jade, extremely precious.

    The beads were full and evenly colored, with excellent luster.

    He presented it as if it were just something he had on hand.

    He said, "Cousin, this string of pearls and jade, I had people search for a long time to gather all theplete colors. It''s finallyplete. I heard that my little niece likes to y with these things, so it''s perfect to give to her."

    Jiang Changtian epted it politely.

    He gratefully said, "Thank you, Sixth Brother. My daughter indeed likes these things. I thank you on her behalf. Pleasee visit us at home another day."

    Fifth Prince: ...

    Old Six was the craftiest, even finding out preferences before giving a wee gift, specifically giving something for the child.

    This cousin Jiang Er seemed a bit easily impressed, already inviting people to visit.

    It was the Seventh Prince''s turn.

    The Seventh Prince appeared even more cautious and timid than Jiang Er.

    He handed over a property deed and said, "I only recently found out that the house near your ce was purchased by my good-for-nothing son. Cousin, you''ve just arrived in the Capital City, and I don''t have anything presentable, so I''m giving you that house."

    Jiang Er epted the deed, and his eyes reddened.

    "Seventh Brother, I should have called you brother-inw, but Old Lady Jiang doesn''t acknowledge me. Thank you for giving me the house. At least she lived there, it has her shadow. In the future, if I miss her, I can go to that house to reminisce. It''s a keepsake."

    Jiang Er''s words made Old Five and Old Six want tough.

    Old Nineughed outright.

    "Cousin, I won''t bother with formalities. I like to have fun, and I''ve earned some money. You and your family have just arrived, so here''s some money to help you settle in as a wee gift. Buy whatever you like. When you have time, bring your wife to visit us."

    Old Nine directly stuffed a handful of banknotes into Jiang Changtian''s hand.

    Vulgar but practical.

    Jiang Changtian gratefully said, "Thank you, Ninth Brother. My inw often speaks of you at home as the most righteous person. Now that I''ve met you, I see he wasn''t wrong about you. My inw has good judgment."

    The Ninth Prince''s face reddened a bit. He often tricked Meng Qingshe.

    And Meng Qingshe still thought he was righteous...

    He felt a bit embarrassed.

    "His Majesty arrives."

 Chapter 323

    After they finished meeting, the Emperor arrived.

    If Jiang Changtian hadn''t been eavesdropping outside, he wouldn''t be worthy of the Jiang name.

    Even if he hadn''t eavesdropped, some eunuch had probably been live broadcasting the scene to the Emperor.

    The Emperor looked at the princes and the handsome Second son of Jiang family, and noticed they all had one thing inmon - youth.

    It made him feel quite uneasy.

    Old age is a terrifying experience that''s hard to put into words.

    In fact, sometimes he knew taking elixirs wasn''t good, and could even be addictive.

    Butpared to the side effects of taking elixirs, he was more afraid of getting old, of feeling old and sick.

    That sense of fear was like a bottomless abyss, constantly surrounding him.

    He couldn''t find a way out.

    This fear grew day by day.

    It twisted his personality.

    He felt an inexplicable hatred when he saw his young sons.

    He would even be much more tolerant of a stranger.

    Because in his eyes, each son was an enemy, an enemy who wanted him to die sooner.

    But he was also a sensible person. He knew this way of thinking was terrible and abnormal.

    If he couldn''t trust his own sons, who could he trust?

    He was the Emperor, he was alone.

    He was the monarch, he was the father.

    When the princes saw their fathere out, they all became a bit nervous.

    They had experienced their father''s fickleness before.

    He might favor you greatly one day, and tell you to go die the next.

    It drove the princes to be abnormal - some studied Buddhism, some indulged in debauchery, some became obsessed with love...

    The Second son of Jiang family was actually the most normal among them.

    His attitude remained as respectful as ever.

    When the Emperor came over, the Second son of Jiang family earnestly showed him the gifts he had received from the princes.

    In fact, the Emperor already knew about them.

    But he still listened to it again.

    He also wanted to know if there would be any discrepancies with what the pce servants had said.

    Seeing the Buddhist scriptures sent by the Fifth Prince, he snorted, "That miser, just studying the superficial aspects of Buddhism without learning anything. Lady Zhang is quite generous, the headdress she sent to Princess Caiyist time was very valuable, how did she give birth to such a stingy son?"

    The Sixth Prince sent a multi-treasure jade, symbolizing reunion. The Emperor nodded, "Good, good, good." He thought to himself, "Old Sixth has quite a few good things, I wonder which minister sent them? They''re already so eager?"

    Regarding the Old Seventh''s property deed, the Emperor was very displeased with Old Seventh. For the sake of a poisonous woman''s daughter, he refused to take concubines or have children, putting on an act of deep love - who knew if it was real or fake. Either way, it was irritating to see.

    The Emperor didn''t even change his expression.

    Old Nine gave cash. The Emperor scolded, "Money-grubbing thing,peting with the people for profit, how can a prince do such a thing?"

    Old Nine talked back directly, "If I don''t earn this money, other servants will. The servants are living better than me, a dignified prince. Why should that be?"

    The Emperor''s expression eased slightly. It seemed that although he scolded Old Nine, he actually liked Old Nine more.

    "You are all brothers. You should get along well in the future. Don''t fight over trivial gains and make fools of yourselves in front of others."

    The princes and the Second son of Jiang family all knelt down and agreed.

    This was the trouble with talking to the Emperor.

    Even if he was your own father, you''d have to kneel down in the middle of a conversation.

    The princes, worthy of their title, made the meal lively.

    They were knowledgeable and eloquent.

    The Fifth Prince, who seemed devoted to Buddhism, was actually quite talkative and well-informed.

    The Sixth Prince spoke in verses, every sentence a ssic.

    Old Nine cracked jokes.

    Only Old Seventh was rather taciturn, sometimes even speaking incorrectly, appearing poor at conversation.

    Jiang Changtian observed carefully and felt that Old Seventh was particrly cunning.

    If he hadn''t learned from Jiang Wan that this would be the final winner, he wouldn''t have been able to tell at all. Old Seventh was truly a master of deception.

    During the meal, the Second son of Jiang family sat next to the Emperor, with the Sixth Prince upying the other side.

    The Sixth Prince thoughtfully helped serve dishes to his father.

    Dishes the Emperor disliked rarely appeared on the table.

    But even among liked dishes, there were degrees of preference.

    The Sixth Prince was very attentive and filial. He could remember if the Emperor chewed a little more on something and would serve another portion.

    The princes all ate gracefully, but the Second son of Jiang family was surprisingly the most elegant among them. Looking around the table, it seemed as if they were the children just found and brought back, while the Second son of Jiang family was the one raised in the pce all along.

    Just as they were enjoying the hot pot and lively conversation, with the Emperor in a rare good mood, suddenly there was an earthquake.

    The epicenter was right in the Capital City. If it had been far away, people would have felt a slight swaying from side to side, with small arcs of movement on the table surface. But this time it was an up and down motion, and the full table of dishes and hot pot actually tipped over.

    The entire pce was shaking, up and down movements, with the overhead beams making cracking sounds.

    Everyone was panicked, thinking first of escaping.

    In that split second, the Second son of Jiang family, as if he had predicted the earthquake, rushed to the Emperor''s side first, dragging the Emperor to a safe corner.

    Old Seventh, who followed closely behind, grasped at empty air.

    Even the pce maids, eunuchs, and secret guards hadn''t reacted in time.

    At this critical moment, the Second son of Jiang family acted without thinking, immediately rushing to protect the Emperor.

    Everyone else was rushing to get outside.

    They only heard the Second son of Jiang family talking to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, are you alright? Don''t worry, as long as I''m here, I won''t let anything happen to you. This humble servant is willing to go through fire and water for you, to sacrifice my life..."

    The pce maids and eunuchs: ... Their minds went nk. Shouldn''t they be fleeing for their lives at a time like this? Why was the Second son of Jiang family''s first thought to show loyalty and curry favor with the Emperor? He was taking it too far...

    The princes: ... Second son of Jiang family, you''re truly a bootlicker.

 Chapter 324

    Today is Grandmother''s seventh day after passing.

    The weather is very cold.

    But the sunshine is also bright.

    Jiang Wan needs to go to the manor to pack up some things and bid a final farewell to Grandmother.

    Aunt had wanted toe as well.

    But Grandmother''s death seemed to have hit Aunt very hard, and she fell ill.

    As it happens, Jiang Wan didn''t want Aunt to apany her anyway.

    She actually had some things hidden in this residence that she didn''t want to bring to the Seventh Prince''s manor, but she wouldn''t being here again in the future, so she needed toe pack them up.

    With her mother-inw ill, the heir Chu Xi was staying home to fulfill his filial duties and didn''te out.

    It was probably also to avoid suspicion, after all, the old Lady Jiang was still a convicted criminal. If he came for the seventh-day memorial, it might displease Princess Huiyun unnecessarily.

    In any case, all of the Seventh Prince''s family members had cleared out.

    Which was just as well.

    Jiang Wan actually didn''t want anyone to apany her.

    Returning to this ce, she hadn''t expected that in just a few short days, everything would be so different.

    Grandmother had spent most of her time in her rooms here at the manor, rarely setting foot in the courtyard.

    Jiang Wan, with her two lifetimes of memories, had very deep feelings for Grandmother.

    Grandmother had always been good to her, nning for her benefit until her dying day.

    After paying her respects, Jiang Wan had the servants pack up. She wouldn''t being back here again.

    This ce was too close to the Jiang family''s second branch. She actually lived in constant fear here.

    The servants wouldeter to move therger items.

    She was just here to pack up some valuable possessions.

    A crafty hare has three burrows - when Jiang Wan came to the capital, she had also arranged several properties for herself, each with quite a few valuable items.

    This manor only held a small portion of them.

    After experiencing a period of hardship as the mistress of Ming County, Jiang Wan hade to recognize the importance of money.

    Before, she had never cared about such things, and hadn''t even imagined that one day she would quibble over small profits.

    Considering whether a fabric worth ten taels or one worth a hundred taels was better - she had never thought about such questions before.

    Once a person has experiencedck, they be desperately concerned with it.

    Some newly rich families, when educating their daughters, go to the other extreme - raising their girls in luxury, cultivating personalities that spend money like water and indulge in extravagance, as if this were the true mark of an aristocraticdy.

    Jiang Wan had originally been a nobledy with a solid foundation, not worrying about money but also somewhat aware of its function. However, after experiencing poverty, she had gained a touch of worldliness. No longer floating above it all, she now cared about money too.

    So she came in person to pack up the valuable jewelry.

    After finishing, she took a carriage back.

    In reality, she was going to one of her other residences.

    Due to various considerations, plus the Seventh Prince''s desire to avoid suspicion, the guards around her now were all ones she had recruited herself.

    Since arriving in the capital, Jiang Wan hadn''t been idle.

    She had recruited some guards, all people she remembered as being quite capable, though of course not all of them - such people were hard toe by.

    She had built up her reputation, gathered resources and connections, starting from nothing.

    It was actually quite impressive already, the limit of what a young woman could achieve.

    Jiang Wan had been keeping a low profiletely, traveling in very modest carriages, but unexpectedly on the road someone tried to stop her carriage.

    In ancient times, stopping a carriage was like using your body to block someone''s Land Rover or BMW in modern times. The results were the same.

    At worst, you''d be run over and killed. At best, you''d be cursed as insane or reported to the authorities and arrested.

    People who stopped carriages all had a bit of a death-wish quality about them.

    It turned out to be Lu Jiuzhang, the disappeared Minister Lu''s youngest son.

    His family members had all been sentenced, their household confiscated, yet he had somehow luckily kept his life. His whereabouts had been unknown, but unexpectedly, he appeared in front of Immortal Liu''s carriage.

    When Jiang Wan saw who it was, disheveled and in a wretched state, she almost didn''t recognize him.

    This person before her was the youngest son of the immensely powerful Minister Lu.

    Previously, whenever she saw him, he had been ignorant of the ways of the world and human suffering, generous to the point of not valuing money, lively and naive.

    Jiang Wan had quite liked this kind of youth, with his naive foolishness, generosity, pleasant way of speaking, and good looks.

    There were no ugly people in wealthy families, especially among the youngest children. Minister Lu''s concubine must have been quite beautiful, so how could the child she bore becking?

    His genes had been thoroughly improved.

    It was a pity he hadn''t inherited Minister Lu''s brains.

    But then again, even Minister Lu couldn''t protect himself in the end, so it''s hard to say about life''s circumstances.

    Seeing the wretched young man, Jiang Wan had her maid give him a hundred taels of silver.

    After all, he had fallen on hard times.

    It was pitiful to see.

    When Lu Jiuzhang saw the hundred taels of silver, tears sprang to his eyes.

    During this time, he had tasted all the coldness and warmth the world had to offer.

    The families who used to enthusiastically invite him to visit, weing him with open arms, now closed their doors and windows to him. A dog could enter, but he could not.

    Even the servants he had casually given who knows how much silver to in the past, now that he had fallen on hard times, were unwilling to help him with even a mouthful of food.

    Not to mention his fair-weather friends, who avoided him like the gue.

    Fearing to be tainted by association with his troubles.

    He had always been generous - whatever his friends wanted, all they had to do was ask and he would give it to them.

    Now that he had fallen on hard times, he couldn''t even get a bowl of hot soup from his friends.

    Immortal Liu was different from them. She actually gave him a hundred taels of silver.

    In the past, he would have thrown such a sum on the ground, not even a dog would want it.

    Because the gifts he casually gave to Immortal Liu were never worth less than several thousand taels.

    But having fallen from grace and tasted the bitterness of life, he understood now. At a time like this, for someone to give you a hundred taels, it couldn''t be said they werecking in human feeling.

    He epted the hundred taels of silver and knelt before the carriage, wanting to thank Immortal Liu in person.

    In the bustling street, with peopleing and going.

    In the past, the young man''s legs were like pine trees, unbending and unbreakable.

    Now the young man easily knelt down, kneeling before the girl he admired.

 Chapter 325

    Lu Jiuzhang was the youngest child in his family.

    His father was the most powerful Prime Minister in the court.

    By the time it came to raising his youngest son, Minister Lu actually had little time for personal education, and the family spoiled him.

    Though forced to study, due to his upbringing, he didn''t fully grasp the principles of proper conduct.

    He didn''t follow others in visiting brothels - as a top-tier official''s son, he looked down on such ces. In truth, he was rather naive about matters between men and women. When you have everything, nothing seems precious.

    But after seeing Immortal Liu once, he fell deeply in love, spending money like water, stealing countless treasures from home just to see her once more.

    Like a top donor in a livestream channel, he threw around gifts as if money were mere symbols, having never earned money himself, he had no concept of its value and didn''t cherish it, casually giving away millions worth of gifts.

    Any single gift he gave away could support amon family for life.

    When leaving prison, he heard the court officials say that if they could recover the embezzled money, if Minister Lu''s corrupt gains could be returned, it might reduce some of the punishment, as many treasures had mysteriously disappeared during the house confiscation.

    Lu Jiuzhang felt he had brought disaster upon his father.

    He actually hadn''t had many ways to waste money normally, as others often fought to treat him, and the only ce he truly squandered money was with Immortal Liu.

    He had indeed given her countless treasures.

    He had already admired Immortal Liu, and had secretly had people follow her several times, which was how he knew her whereabouts, though he dared not impose upon such a beauty.

    He never imagined this would now be his lifeline.

    These days he had heard news that the Chu Heir was about to marry Immortal Liu.

    His heart was filled with bitterness.

    He knelt down.

    Knelt in the middle of the street.

    The young man was actually quite shy.

    But in the winter cold his face was flushed red - it looked more like the chill than shame.

    He wanted to ask Immortal Liu to return those gifts, since she was going to marry the Chu Heir and would surely live infort, unlike him who had fallen to be a prisoner.

    He believed Immortal Liu was different from his other fair-weather friends.

    Immortal Liu''s eyes were different - she was noble and elegant, and had never demanded anything from him. Everything was given voluntarily, insisting on giving.

    Indeed when he stopped her carriage, not only did Immortal Liu not get angry, she even gave him some silver.

    This gave Lu Jiuzhang hope.

    He knelt before her carriage.

    Immortal Liu lifted the curtain.

    Just like when he first saw her - beautiful as an immortal, untouched by mortal dust, radiating light, making hearts race at the sight of her.

    But he was unworthy.

    He wasn''t worthy of Immortal Liu.

    The moment he saw Immortal Liu''s face, Lu Jiuzhang suddenly decided to give up asking for the return of his gifts. He suddenly realized that even if he got these gifts back, he couldn''t save his father anyway.

    Let them be, let them be part of Miss Qingqing''s dowry.

    When he said he wanted to personally thank her, he only said with reddened eyes: "Miss Qingqing, could you return just one jade pendant I gave you before - the one that''s round outside and square inside, with the characters ''Jiuzhang'' carved on it."

    Jiang Wan had given him money out of pity in the first ce.

    When he said he wanted to thank her, she was prepared to listen, but didn''t expect him to ask for something back, instantly feeling disgusted.

    She had received so many gifts, how could she remember where this jade pendant was?

    Besides, asking for given gifts back was too shameful.

    Jiang Wan felt very awkward.

    What started as an act of kindness had turned into an ufortable situation.

    She was about to get married and naturally didn''t want any entanglements.

    She refused righteously: "Young Master Lu, we''ve known each other for some time, and seeing you in difficulty, I gave you a hundred taels of silver. Though not much, it was sincere. I didn''t expect you to be so greedy and presumptuous. I''m afraid I cannotply with your request. Please leave."

    Lu Jiuzhang looked utterly incredulous.

    Beforeing, he had nned to ask for all the gifts back, to redeem his father.

    Upon seeing Immortal Liu, he had automatically given up on that.

    He only asked for one jade pendant.

    It wasn''t even the most valuable among the gifts - in terms of worth, it was probably one of the more ordinary pieces, worth at most a thousand taels of silver.

    But it was given to him by his father, and he wanted to keep it as a memento.

    That was all.

    Yet he was scolded for it.

    People around pointed and whispered.

    Even carriages stopped nearby to watch the scene.

    Lu Jiuzhang felt it was unbelievable.

    Immortal Liu still looked divine, iparably beautiful. Today she wore pure white, appearing even more pristine and noble, yet who could have imagined she would speak such cold words.

    He was only asking for less than one percent of what he had given her.

    Lu Jiuzhang broke down.

    He hadn''t broken down when his parents went to prison.

    He hadn''t broken down when rtives and friends turned him away.

    Because he felt he deserved it.

    He hadn''t done many good deeds in his life.

    But with Immortal Liu, even just a moment ago, he had been thinking of letting those gifts be her wedding presents, only wanting this one jade pendant back.

    He had done many wrong things and been quite foolish, but his feelings for Immortal Liu had been pure and sincere. Despite giving so many gifts, he had never even held her hand or spoken an improper word.

    He broke down.

    The young man kneeling on the cold ground, in this moment,pletely shattered.

    He didn''t want anything else.

    He had even given up on saving his father.

    He just wanted to keep one memento.

    Truly.

    He blessed her in his heart.

    He hoped that from now on she wouldn''t have to show her face in public, could be the Young Master''s Wife, and live happily and peacefully.

    He didn''t want to cause trouble.

    Even in these adverse circumstances, he still tried to learn to love and bless others, because even a tiny bit of kindness felt especially precious to him.

    Then he encountered the same malice as before.

    He couldn''t ept that Immortal Liu was just like everyone else.

    He suddenly pulled out a knife and lunged at Immortal Liu.

    ...

    The earth shook and mountains trembled.

    The ground was moving.

    ...

    The spectatingmoners all panicked and ran about.

    In a carriage parked nearby sat Official He Chen, who was out on business.

    He happened to watch this scene unfold.

    He usually wasn''t one for watching such spectacles.

    For some unknown reason, seeing the wretched youngest son of the Lu family stopping the carriage, he was inexplicablypelled to stay and watch.

    Even seeing the Lu family''s spoiled son shivering in the winter cold, stopping the carriage, receiving a small reward, kneeling to give thanks and then going mad - He Chen somehow felt a strange empathy.

    He felt he must be going crazy himself.

    He quickly shook his head - impossible, how could he, a proper schr who had risen through the imperial examinations, empathize with the Lu family''s brainless yboy?

    Then he unexpectedly saw that yboy''s desperate eyes turn red as he violently attacked, the changeing too quickly, followed by the sight of him nearly being beaten to death by Immortal Liu''s guards, when suddenly the earth began to shake.

    The street split open.

    It was too dramatic.

    The Lu family''s youngest son barely escaped death, running towards his direction.

    He Chen didn''t know what possessed him, but he actually let the Lu boy into his carriage...

    The earth was shaking, they had to run.

    The carriage galloped away...

    Who knows where they were heading.

    He Chen felt like the earthquake was chasing his carriage, it was terrifying.

    So from now on, he would never casually watch such scenes again - watching could be deadly.

    Looking at the Lu family''s youngest son who had escaped into his carriage and nowy unconscious and barely breathing, He Chen felt quite disgusted - how could there be such a useless yboy, with his entire family facing destruction, still obsessing over Immortal Liu, what was wrong with his head...

    Thank goodness he himself was a proper schr, thank goodness, thank goodness.

    ...

 Chapter 326

    The Capital City was shaken by an earthquake.

    It was terrifying.

    There were too many nobles and royals in the Capital City.

    The epicenter was right in the center of the city.

    In the dead of winter, someone actually ran out of a brothel naked on the next street over.

    It attracted a crowd of onlookers.

    Fortunately, there were no smartphones, otherwise, it would have been photographed and posted on social media.

    When the earthquake hit, Qin Luoxia was at the Meng family''s home.

    The Meng family was also startled.

    In the moment of danger, Qin Luoxia held her two grandchildren securely, one in each arm.

    Eunuch Yan, who was about to take his leave, was also frightened.

    However, seeing Sister Xia so calm, as if she wouldn''t be afraid even if the sky fell, he calmed down and felt reassured.

    Jiang Yu was also very steady.

    She had experienced earthquakes before in Jingzhou.

    She had plenty of experience, because after the earthquake, Aunt Yin had trained the family on what to do in case of an earthquake.

    Mianmian had also chimed in, summarizing what to do during an earthquake: find open ground, avoid things falling from above, and don''t panic.

    You can''t outrun a big quake, and there''s no need to run from a small one.

    Jiang Yu, as the young Madam Meng, took charge of the situation in an orderly manner, earning her more points.

    This gave Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng a sense of security, and they were no longer afraid.

    When the earthquake struck, Mianmian was practicing calligraphy with Princess Huiyun and Brother Chong.

    Heaven knows, the usually lively Princess Huiyun had actually requested to practice calligraphy together.

    It was unexpected, truly unexpected.

    Mianmian felt that her princess grandmother seemed like someone who couldn''t sit still.

    But to apany her in practicing calligraphy, she sat there quietly.

    She had no choice but to obediently write along with them.

    To write beautiful Chinese calligraphy, there doesn''t seem to be any trick, just carefully write more, practice stroke by stroke.

    Writing calligraphy can also cultivate one''s temperament.

    While writing quietly, she felt her mood was quite good, not as restless as before.

    Just as she was thinking this, suddenly the earthquake hit.

    The chairs and tables were shaking.

    In that split second, Princess Huiyun pounced over.

    Brother Chong also lunged over at the same time.

    Mianmian was a bit stunned. If something really copsed during this earthquake, your pouncing wouldn''t be enough, would it? Using your bodies as cushions on top of me, are you afraid I''m not crushed enough?

    In critical moments, Mianmian was very calm.

    Perhaps it was from spending time with her mother, she had her mother''sposure.

    Mianmian grabbed Princess Huiyun and Brother Chong, one in each hand, and pulled them out.

    They reached the open space in the courtyard.

    My goodness, the earthquake had shaken out all the princess''s hidden guards.

    Mianmian only then realized there were quite a few people in the courtyard.

    Mainly because during an earthquake, if you stayed under beams and such, you''d be dying too slowly.

    Looking at people flying out from everywhere, Mianmian was absolutely stunned.

    How high must these people''s sries be, and how challenging their daily work environment?

    Or was there a hidden martial arts world in this world?

    With shouts of "Protect the Princess!" there was nothing else to be done.

    Princess Huiyun had truly been frightened in that instant.

    Although she had always been reckless before, unafraid of death, and fearless.

    But now that she knew her own son was actually still alive, she had found a new reason to live.

    She was now very afraid of death.

    Afraid that she might suddenly die, unable to do anything good for the child she had just found, leaving them only to mourn her.

    That would be too outrageous.

    Brother Chong''s breathing was also a bit heavy.

    This earthquake, he hadn''t had any premonition at all.

    Or perhaps it wasn''t that serious.

    But in that instant just now, he actually felt he didn''t want to die, perhaps because his illness was slowly getting better. He no longer felt bored, there were many things to do, he was busy every day, and didn''t think about death as much.

    Zi Congheng and Princess Huiyun were both breathing heavily.

    Mianmian felt at this moment that the ancient times were a bit inconvenient, without mobile phones, not knowing how her parents were doing.

    Also not knowing how her brother and brother-inw were.

    As she was thinking this, she suddenly felt that her father had been acting strange today, as if he had sent everyone out.

    Thinking about it, there was no one at home today, could the earthquake have hit their home again?

    In the imperial pce.

    Everyone was in a sorry state.

    Some were sitting on the ground, some had fallen t, some were hugging pirs, some had crawled under tables...

    Even the noble princes were in no better condition.

    After all, when faced with natural disasters like earthquakes, everyone''s most genuine reaction is to prioritize survival.

    Even the pce maids, eunuchs, guards, and secret agents who professionally served the Emperor were the same.

    This was human instinct.

    For them, serving and protecting the Emperor was their job.

    But survival and self-preservation were instinct.

    Instinct certainly took precedence over work.

    But there was one abnormal person, a bit of a madman, who was different.

    He actually prioritized work over self-preservation.

    And in such a critical moment, he could still tter the Emperor, saying such emotional and nauseating words.

    The others, while trembling in fear, were a bit nauseated by this.

    Especially the Seventh Prince, who wanted to save the Emperor but was beaten to it, felt particrly disgusted.

    But at this life-and-death moment, the Emperor found Second Jiang exceptionally sincere and honest.

    At this time, everyone was showing their most instinctive behavior.

    Even his own sons only cared about hiding themselves and escaping.

    He didn''t expect that Second Jiang would think of protecting him first.

    More loyal than the guards and eunuchs, even more than Eunuch Liu.

    Eunuch Liu usually stood by his side, constantly saying things like "This old ve would die a thousand deaths without hesitation" and "This old ve wants to serve Your Majesty for a lifetime", but when the earthquake hit, Eunuch Liu should have been behind him, yet he didn''t even think of the Emperor, falling to one side and crawling out first.

    Only Jiang Er supported him, protected him, thinking of him first.

    On the other side, Sixth Prince, who had been crying about father-son rtionships in front of him just a few days ago, didn''t think of him at all when trouble came, also avoiding danger first.

    Only Chang Tian, this honest child.

    The Emperor heard Chang Tian''s words, he had just been frightened, and his heart was racing.

    He tightly grasped Chang Tian''s hand with his wrinkled hand.

    He couldn''t help but sigh: "Good child."

    Jiang Changtian''s eyes immediately reddened.

    "Uncle, you won''t be in danger. In the past, I didn''t have any real family. Now, halfway through my life, I''ve finally found my family. I can''t bear for anything to happen to you. I want you all to be safe and sound, to live long lives. Chang Tian wants to be protected by his elders. Chang Tian doesn''t want to be alone anymore, walking barefoot alone is too hard," Jiang Changtian said to the Emperor, his eyes red.

    "Nothing will happen. I am the Emperor of Ten Thousand Years, I will certainly protect you," After all, he was the Emperor, having seen many storms, he recovered quickly after the initial shock. He stood up, not letting go of Chang Tian''s hand.

    The Emperor looked at the Seventh Prince who had fallen in front of him, and a pce maid who had also fallen beside him, and said, "Little Seven has done well in protecting me, I shall reward this girl to you as a secondary wife."

 Chapter 327

    The Emperor was too cruel.

    On the seventh day after the death of the Seventh Prince''s primary consort, he bestowed a Secondary Consort upon the Seventh Prince.

    To be honest, none of those who served the Emperor were ugly.

    Even Eunuch Liu, who was known for his cunning and self-deprecating nature, was a handsome man.

    The standards for male beauty had already bepetitive.

    And the beauty standards for Pce Maids had reached new heights.

    This Pce Maid wasn''t just not ugly - she was extraordinarily beautiful.

    With an oval face, tall stature, fair skin, and delicately painted eyebrows, she was quite remarkable.

    But this also showed how much the Emperor despised the Seventh Prince - truly despised him.

    For a dignified Imperial Prince to be given a Pce Maid as a Secondary Consort.

    No matter how beautiful a Pce Maid was, she was still a servant.

    The Emperor''s dislike for the Seventh Prince was said to be because his mother was of low birth.

    But that wasn''t really it. In the Emperor''s eyes, officials and servants weren''t much different - they were all under hismand, all serving him.

    He disliked the Seventh Prince because he was conceived through deception, and that despicable woman had disguised herself as Princess Huiyun, making the Emperor sick every time he remembered it. He was disgusted with that lowborn woman and with himself.

    Because he would never have had such improper, terrible thoughts otherwise.

    The earthquake didn''tst long.

    There were no aftershocks.

    After all, this was the imperial pce.

    The construction was solid.

    The other Imperial Princes were disgusted by Jiang Er''s behavior.

    But they were also pleased to see the Seventh Prince''s misfortune.

    If it weren''t for Jiang Er, this good person would have been fooled by the Seventh Prince, who wasn''t even sitting close by but reacted so quickly.

    The Seventh Prince''s schrship, literary talent, and martial skills were no worse than the Sixth Prince''s, but he remained unremarkable simply because the Emperor naturally disliked him.

    Having Jiang Er in favor was better than the Seventh Prince being in favor.

    No matter what, Jiang Er was just a nephew - surely the Emperor wouldn''t be so absurd as to pass the throne to a nephew.

    The Imperial Princes might have been disgusted, but they still found time to mock the Seventh Prince.

    At least we''re all in the same boat of being disliked.

    Father Emperor dislikes us all, but having someone he dislikes the most makes us seem less dislikeable.

    All the Imperial Princes returned empty-handed.

    Only the Seventh Prince brought someone back.

    The Seventh Prince appeared grateful and fearful on the surface - whether genuine or not was unclear - but he was truly anxious inside because this Pce Maid was actually his person.

    He had carefully and painstakingly arranged, through various channels and great deception, to ce her by the Emperor''s side, without even exchanging nces. The Pce Maid herself probably didn''t know he was behind it all.

    But what rotten luck.

    After all his effort to ce someone near the Emperor, a mere earthquake had caused the Emperor to give her back to him.

    A mere servant was to be his Secondary Consort.

    This Jiang Er was truly his nemesis.

    The Seventh Prince felt stifled inside.

    He could only try to see the bright side - at least this servant was his own person, which was better than having someone else''s spy by his side.

    But he was also terrified by the Emperor''s final nce at him, which contained more than just the usual disgust. Could he have noticed something off about this Pce Maid?

    It couldn''t be.

    His n had been wless, and even the Pce Maid herself didn''t know he was behind it.

    It must be that this servant had her own agenda, which the Emperor happened to notice.

    So at the Seventh Prince''s Mansion, with the Seventh Prince''s primary consort ill, his niece Jiang Wan unexpectedly injured, and now news of him bringing back a Secondary Consort, things were quite lively indeed.

    After the Emperor''s mood settled.

    He finally remembered his role as Emperor.

    An earthquake in the Capital City was a major event.

    It happened once in a hundred years.

    Previously, earthquakes had urred elsewhere, with the Capital City barely feeling a tremor.

    This time it was in the Capital City itself, and during winter.

    While the wealthy households with their grand mansions might be fine,

    the poor families with their fragile houses might have copsed, and many could freeze to death in winter.

    To the Emperor, both nobles andmoners were his subjects, all his employees or their families, and all needed attention.

    The officials couldn''t afford to continue their internal feuds.

    Whether it was an earthquake or a knife falling, they had to rush to the pce.

    The Emperor called an emergency meeting.

    To discuss disaster management and post-disaster reconstruction.

    This time, the Emperor was pleasantly surprised to discover that Jiang Er was not only sincere but also extremely capable.

    While others were still dazed, he had already systematically listed and arranged everything.

    An earthquake couldn''t have been predicted - it was a natural disaster.

    So the Emperor believed this was all Jiang Er''s true nature and heart.

    Previously, Minister Lu had dominated such matters, and others dared not oppose him, fearing retaliation like demotion or property confiscation.

    Now, with no strong figure to take charge,

    everyone was watching each other, which allowed Jiang Er to shine.

    Before, even if Jiang Er had spoken brilliantly, others would have opposed him.

    These civil officials might not be good at getting things done, but they excelled at obstruction.

    All it took was for a senior official to raise their hand and say: "I object!"

    And nothing would get done.

    But now Jiang Er was the Emperor''s nephew.

    He was essentially part of the royal family.

    The civil officials'' psychology was subtle.

    Royal rtives were different.

    It was as if Jiang Er had previously been a regr employee like them, but now he was the boss''s nephew - whether he did well or poorly was the boss''s family matter, and they had no need to interfere.

    So Jiang Er stood out.

    And it must be said, even as an imperial rtive, Jiang Er was truly capable. If Heir Apparent Han had been there, he couldn''t have listed even basic points, just stammering "uh."

    With timing, circumstances, and people all aligned, Jiang Er thus entered the eyes of the Emperor and his officials.

    Since arriving in the Capital City, Jiang Er had already aplished one thing: making everyone memorizews and regtions.

    Now he was handling his second task.

    Managing earthquake relief efforts.

    Jiang Er spoke with such detail and thoroughness, as if he had experienced countless earthquakes or earthquake drills. He considered every aspect, leaving other officials unable to find any fault even if they tried.

    The Emperor was greatly pleased.

    Good, good, good.

    In previous natural disasters, those officials would only have the Emperor admit fault, issue some self-me edict, always shifting responsibility.

    But Jiang Er didn''t think about shifting me at all, only carefully considering how to act and minimize losses.

    Indeed, no wonder even the upright Inspector He praised Jiang Er as someone who cared for themon people.

    The Emperor hadn''t believed it before.

    But now, hearing Jiang Er''sprehensive ns, he realized that someone without concern for the people wouldn''t consider things so thoroughly.

    The Emperor put Jiang Er in charge of the work.

    The ministers had no objections.

    They withdrew to begin their tasks.

    Eunuch Yan returned to the pce.

    The moment he saw the Emperor, his eyes reddened.

    Thinking of seeing his sister sitting by the window earlier that day, tears began to flow.

    "Your Majesty, are you well? I was terrified, thinking I might not return today, might never see you again."

    The Emperor, seeing Wenxin, only then felt the aftershock of fear.

    His mind had been nk at the time, but now the fear returned.

    Seeing Wenxin''s return, he felt exhausted enough to copse.

    Eunuch Yan quickly helped the Emperor calm down, drink water, and take medicine.

    He sat beside him, chatteringpanionably.

    The other eunuchs and Pce Maids in the room also breathed sighs of relief.

    Eunuch Liu had been punished for standing in the wrong position.

    Pce Maid Song He had been given away on a whim - the Emperor''s moods were unpredictable.

    Fortunately, Eunuch Yan had returned; if he hadn''t, they feared the Emperor might have started executing people.

    Eunuch Yan watched as the Emperor leaned back on his couch, closed his eyes, and fell asleep with gentle breathing, before falling silent.

    He sat nearby, thinking about seeing his sister earlier that day.

    The thought made him happy again.

    His sister hadn''t changed at all.

    It meant she was living well.

    Jiang Er hadn''t lied to him.

    Sitting in the deep pce, looking at the dark window patterns, he was filled with fighting spirit again.

    When one person looks into darkness long enough, they can see sparks within it.

 Chapter 328

    Song He was a clever woman.

    And she was the type who concealed her intelligence.

    She had that look of being both intelligent and serene.

    In fact, she had been carefully selected and groomed by the Seventh Prince.

    He had groomed her for the Emperor''s use.

    Unexpectedly, she ended up being given to himself instead.

    He brought Song He back to the Seventh Prince''s Mansion.

    It was during a time when the household was in chaos.

    The Seventh Prince''s wife, Jiang Yuluan, wasn''t particrly skilled at managing household affairs.

    She only had pure sincerity.

    The advantage of dealing with sincere people is that it''s easy to develop genuine feelings for them.

    The disadvantage is the same - they need to be coaxed, and while it''s easy to do so, it still needs to be done.

    Jiang Wan had encountered assassins while going out to observe her grandmother''s seventh-day memorial, and with the earthquake happening simultaneously, the Seventh Prince''s Mansion was naturally in disarray.

    The two concubine-born sons were adults, but the inner household was Jiang Yuluan''s domain, and it wouldn''t look good for unmarried concubine-born sons to meddle in internal affairs.

    Song He, whom the Seventh Prince brought back, started working as soon as she arrived.

    The Seventh Prince gave instructions naturally, as he actually treated her like one of his subordinates.

    The only difference now was her status.

    But in Jiang Yuluan''s eyes, this was inconceivable.

    When the Emperor had her mother executed, although she was heartbroken, she dared not say anything, as her mother hadmitted a grave error.

    Even on her mother''s seventh-day memorial, the Emperor had bestowed a secondary consort.

    This was a tant p in the face.

    Jiang Yuluan could ept all of this.

    After all, she couldn''t choose who her mother was.

    If her mother''s mistakes affected her, that was her fate.

    What chilled her heart most was her husband''s behavior.

    Her husband had brought this woman back - while imperial orders couldn''t be defied, he actually let her take charge of household affairs.

    Indeed, she had aged and lost her bloom, no match for a young maiden.

    Song He didn''t dare say much, just efficiently went about her work.

    Although she was a secondary consort bestowed by the Emperor, it didn''t seem like the Seventh Prince and his wife intended to treat her as one.

    However, Song He was surprised that the Seventh Prince let her manage affairs.

    Firstly, she felt like she was being treated as a servant with the status of a proper concubine.

    Song He''s fate wasn''t in her own hands anyway, so she could only make the best of her situation.

    Jiang Changtian left the pce.

    He believed destiny was in his own hands, even heaven couldn''t control it - and if heaven tried, he would dare to manipte even heaven itself.

    This time was deliberately nned.

    He had calcted everything.

    People''s hearts, timing.

    Jiang Wan had been staying at the Seventh Prince''s Mansiontely.

    She would definitelye out for the old madam''s seventh-day memorial.

    The old madam had given her heart and soul to Jiang Wan, so Jiang Wan would certainly use the memorial as an excuse toe out and handle her own affairs.

    From this perspective, the old madam''s death served a purpose.

    Jiang Changtian paid such close attention to Jiang Wan that he had already arranged people to watch her.

    As for Lu Jiuzhang, being the son of a condemned official, there were plenty of people who wanted revenge.

    He thought he had hidden well, but his whereabouts had already been revealed.

    Back in Ming County, Jiang Changtian could already utilize various means, connecting different clues to avenge his son''s injury, reasonably using others to kill the person who had hurt his son.

    At that time, he didn''t even have his own men or many resources, yet he managed to do it wlessly.

    Now he was even more skilled.

    But Jiang Wan was indeed heaven''s favored child.

    Another earthquake, yet she still didn''t die.

    However, this experiment made Jiang Changtian spontaneously think of an amazing method...

    No one could bring weapons into the pce except Princess Huiyun.

    It was actually difficult to kill people or causerge-scale damage within the pce.

    That''s why throughout history, while many attempted rebellion, very few sessfully stormed the pce.

    Royal session changes were more often the result of internal struggles.

    Pce buildings had always been very sturdy, and even the main gates were hard to break down when closed.

    The Emperor was also very afraid of death and had considered everything.

    But if there was a living person who naturally attracted disasters, bringing them into the pce would eliminate the need for rebellion - one would only need to attack that person vigorously.

    When Jiang Changtian thought of this scenario, he felt strangely excited.

    But he quickly shook his head.

    He felt he was sometimes bing obsessed, how could he have such strange thoughts? How could anyone think of eliminating everyone in the pce? This idea was too bizarre, it shouldn''t be possible.

    It was just a fleeting thought.

    Too treasonous, better forget it.

    This time, Jiang Changtian still had some gains.

    Before entering the pce he had no work, now he had something to do.

    A dedicated official should create work even when there is none.

    Otherwise, how could one justify even their meager sry?

    He had been the same way in Jingzhou.

    Initially, the Jingzhou Marshal had practically no work, butter through his diligent efforts day and night, he finally managed to take control of Jingzhou.

    Where there''s a will, there''s a way!

    Back at the office, Jiang Changtian arranged work for everyone.

    Time passes quickly when busy.

    Seeing there were no aftershocks, Qin Luoxia bid farewell to the Meng family.

    She felt rtively at ease with Aunt Yin there.

    And although Feng was outside, he was with Shao Xia, so they could support each other.

    Mianmian and Cong Brother were with the Princess, Mother-inw.

    Every time she visited her mother-inw, she sensed many skilled fighters around, so they should be safe.

    Among the whole family, Qin Luoxia worried most about her husband.

    Qin Luoxia decided to check on him at the office.

    However, the government office wasn''t a ce where officials'' wives were allowed, and no other official''s wife had ever sought someone there.

    Going to inquire would seem strange.

    It would be gossip as soon as she left.

    If it were night, she would probably just wear night-walking clothes and slip in through the office rooftop.

    Though Qin Luoxia had such thoughts, in broad daylight, she still took a normal carriage there.

    Even if she couldn''t see him, sending a servant to check would be fine.

    Just knowing her husband was safe would be enough.

    The carriage arrived at the office entrance.

    She happened to see her husbanding out.

    Her husband wore dark blue official robes and was talking with colleagues as they walked out.

    Looking at the tall office gates and pathway, Qin Luoxia thought her husband looked even more handsome at this moment.

    Watching him step over the threshold, her heart began to beat faster.

    When Jiang Changtian came out and saw the carriage and his dear wife, he also felt relieved.

    "Dear wife, did youe to take me home?"

    "Yes."

    Jiang Changtian was very happy.

    He had just been thinking about home, and his wife appeared.

    In this world, what could be better than having the person you''re thinking of suddenly appear?

    I think of you, and youe.

    Seeing his wife gave him aplete sense of security.

    Now Jiang Changtian was a fourth-rank official, in charge of work, enjoying the treatment of a vice-prime minister.

    Having delegated all the work.

    He righteously went home with his wife.

    The carriage clip-clopped along.

    Inside the carriage, Jiang Changtian was actually quite exhausted.

    Lying on his wife''sp, she massaged his head.

    "Dear wife."

    "Hmm?"

    "Dear wife."

    "What is it?"

    "Nothing, just wanted to call you."

    "Dear wife."

    "Alright."

    Though spirited outside, in front of his wife, Jiang Changtian felt rxed, and fatigue overtook him.

    He had been lying down talking, but with the swaying carriage and his wife''s gentle touch, Jiang Changtian fell asleep.

 Chapter 329

    When encountering things, don''t rush, don''t panic.

    First take a photo and post it on social media.

    After posting, you''ll anxiously wait for likes.

    Of course, Mianmian didn''t have a phone.

    Hadn''t yed with one for a long time.

    Didn''t seem to miss it either.

    Just got used to it.

    At this moment, seeing Princess Grandma''s panic, Mianmian could onlyfort her.

    She remembered the first time she met Princess Grandma, that carefree recklessness was actually quite stylish.

    Now she''s be so anxious and insecure.

    Indeed, this is what Father said, don''t get emotionally involved.

    You''ll be foolish and lose yourself.

    This earthquake was rtively mild.

    Like winter thunder, or as if the Earth God was taking a nap.

    But Princess Huiyun felt her heart pounding.

    She seemed a bit lost.

    Mianmian had no choice but to take Princess Grandma home.

    The princess mansion was too big, toocking in security.

    Better to go home.

    It feels like no matter how big the problems outside are, they disappear when you see Father and Mom.

    In the carriage.

    Princess Huiyun noticed that not only was Cong Brother calm, but Mianmian was veryposed too.

    Cong Brother''s unique background and extensive experiences made his calmness understandable.

    Plus, royal family members were mostly expressionless, perhaps it was hereditary.

    But Princess Huiyun thought Mianmian should be a rather delicate and fussy young girl, yet she was surprisingly calm.

    Holding the little one, her own heart beating rapidly, her arms trembling uncontrobly, she couldn''t help but ask when she saw how peaceful the little one was: "Aren''t you afraid?"

    Mianmian thought for a moment and said: "I am scared. Grandma, you know when a horse is targeted by horseflies, it will frantically swat its tail at them, but can never hit them, then it bes agitated, keeps jumping, and in severe cases goes crazy until it exhausts itself to death."

    Princess Huiyun: ...Never raised horses.

    Whimper, her child actually needs to raise horses.

    "Horseflies suck blood and are annoying, but they''re not lethal, they only take about one-twentieth of blood," Mianmian held out her finger, indicating just a tiny bit.

    "But it''s irritating, painful, ufortable, disturbs your thoughts, makes horses agitated, frenzied, until they go mad and wear themselves out to death, while the clever horsefly might just fly off to another horse," Mianmian ate a piece of preserved fruit passed by Cong Brother and continued.

    "Earthquakes, or other life hardships, or difficulties we encounter, all make us irritated, or hurt, or injured, or ufortable, but truly speaking, none are fatal, yet we often get stuck on small things, keep torturing ourselves, drive ourselves crazy, like mad horses, charging into other horses, hitting cliffs, bleeding until life ends, while the original cause has long disappeared."

    Mianmian finished the preserved fruit, it was still sticky on her teeth, wanted to pick it out with her finger but that wasn''t hygienic, should invent some dental floss.

    Dental health should be taken seriously.

    After saying all this.

    She went back to looking for snacks.

    When food gets stuck in your teeth, besides dental floss and fingers, there''s another way - use a new piece of preserved fruit to lure out the stuck piece.

    Just keep eating.

    Both Princess Huiyun and Cong Brother fell silent.

    Princess Huiyun strangely felt like her granddaughter was teaching her about life again.

    The heaven''s chosen one, Princess Huiyun, felt her face burning slightly.

    What was this little one saying, why did it make so much sense o(¨i©n¨i)o.

    Cong Brother pondered, casually picking another piece of preserved fruit that Mianmian liked.

    He knew she preferred slightly sour sweetness, not pure sweetness.

    Mianmian sessfully used the new preserved fruit to lure out the stuck piece.

    Then another tooth got sticky.

    At this time, there was a new trick.

    Could eat some salty snacks to bnce it out, like beef jerky or spicy strips.

    Teeth need exercise and use to stay healthy, if left unused, they''ll quickly be loose and develop many new problems.

    Mianmian continued eating salty snacks.

    Princess Huiyun was still shocked by the lesson she''d received.

    She had almost no setbacks in her life, except for one time when she couldn''t be with the person she loved, though this was actually quitemon.

    In this world, who gets to marry exactly who they love?

    Others try to live good lives, but she had been punishing herself forever because of one disappointment.

    These years she lived in a daze, aplished nothing, kept courting death, couldn''t get over herself, just like those mad horses.

    Today she was unexpectedly taught another lesson.

    Princess Huiyun looked at the little one before her withplex emotions and couldn''t help asking: "How do you know so much?"

    Mianmian smiled and said: "Father gave me a horse farm, it''s very big, the horses are beautiful, sometimes I can spend a whole day under the blue sky on the grasnd, just watching the horses. When Grandma is free someday, I''ll take you to y, Grandma we can roam the world together, we can even form a group, called ck Whirlwind Grandma and her Super Duper Cute Mianmian Granddaughter Combo."

    Princess Huiyun: *cough cough cough*

    Cong Brother: ...

    Princess Huiyun thought if she took her granddaughter roaming the world, she might be immediately wanted by her son.

    With her daughter-inw''s strength...Aliali: 673eb950c4f3f33ac4ee7f08

    "Don''t talk nonsense, are you asking for another beating from your Mom?"

    Mianmian smiled ingratiatingly.

    "I''m just talking with Grandma, don''t worry I won''t tell Father and Mom that Grandma wants to take me roaming the world."

    Princess Huiyun: ...I didn''t, I haven''t.

    Somehow, thinking of her son''s gaze and daughter-inw''s strength.

    Princess Huiyun silently felt a bit scared.

    She just wanted to challenge her weakness, not her lifespan.

    "Grandma, see how we experienced an earthquake today and luckily survived, don''t you feel like we''ve escaped death, that we''re fortunate? Next time when you''re unhappy, think about today, all the days ahead are bonus days, given by heaven, won''t that make you a bit happier?"

    Mianmian said.

    She was very happy here, and cherished it, because every day of being alive might be a gift from heaven.

 Chapter 330

    Princess Huiyun had only briefly seen her son''s residence before.

    This time, she was somewhat confusedly called over by her granddaughter.

    With the earthquake, it wasn''t safe to move around.

    It seemed like she would need to stay overnight.

    In truth, Huiyun felt a bit ufortable.

    She rarely stayed at her own princess mansion.

    Most of her time was spent at the Tai''a Temple.

    Coming to her son''s home so suddenly, and with it being so small and cramped, she wondered awkwardly where she would stay.

    Most importantly, even though they had acknowledged their parent-child rtionship, they hadn''t spent much time together.

    She felt she hadn''t been much help.

    She hadn''t provided any power or status advantages.

    Everything remained as it was.

    Her eldest grandson and grandson-inw had immediately gone off to battle.

    There were no special privileges at all.

    Princess Huiyun had actually been feeling quite defeatedtely.

    She felt like a failure.

    Her whole life seemed to have passed in a daze.

    She had been very foolish.

    However, upon returning to the Jiang residence, she was surprised to find that a bedroom had been prepared for her.

    Princess Huiyun looked at the spacious room, and itsyout was remarkably simr to her quarters at the Tai''a Temple.

    There was arge bed, not the kind with steps, but one that was slightly elevated and warm to the touch.

    Mianmian exined: "This is different from your water-heated bed, Grandmother. This is a kang bed-stove. You can light a fire inside it, roast sweet potatoes - though we don''t have enough manpower and materials for water heating, but with this kang, when we cook and boil water, the heates here naturally. You won''t get overheated."

    The kang was first covered with a thickyer of woven grass mat, then topped with a mattress covered in natural hemp-colored fabric.

    The kang was sorge that several people could roll around on itfortably.

    When not sleeping, you could ce a small table on it and sit there to eat.

    A vase of flowers would look lovely on it too.

    The room had a bookshelf filled with many books.

    Whips and swords hung on the walls.

    Besides the kang, there was all-wood furniture.

    It was decorated like the most expensive suites in Jingzhou.

    The suite included a bedroom, living room, and washing area.

    Everything wasplete.

    There were slippers at the entrance, bathrobes, soap, and various amenities.

    It contained all theforts that Mianmian had created over the years for afortable life.

    The focus was on convenience andfort.

    It wasn''t particrly luxurious.

    Limited by their perspective and social ss.

    But they did have the advantage of modern innovations.

    Princess Huiyun found everything perfectly suitable and thoughtful, even down to the new clothes, robes, and shoes prepared for her.

    She had felt some distance before, but now her eyes welled up with tears.

    Blood rtions truly were different.

    Even though she had never done anything for him, he still thought of her, giving her perhaps not the most expensive things, but the mostfortable ones.

    Everything was perfectly arranged and considerate.

    Knowing she liked to go barefoot, the floor was covered with carpets.

    Though not much time had passed, and neither her son nor daughter-inw had said much, everything had been prepared.

    There was even a special teacup for her, toothbrush, and face towels embroidered with cloud patterns.

    These were clearly prepared specifically for her.

    The washing area was particrly nice, even better than her usual residence.

    Clear mirrors, white toilet facilities, and an enormous bathtub.

    There was even a package of dried flowers to scatter in the bath.

    The room had a pot of chrysanthemums, golden in color, blooming vigorously and full of life.

    Princess Huiyun looked around and found nothing to be dissatisfied with.

    She was very happy.

    Mianmian chattered away beside her: "This was prepared by Mother, this was arranged by Father..."

    Her words moved Princess Huiyun deeply.

    Cong Brother looked at the room and wanted to say his quarters were simr, but seeing how happy his aunt was, he decided to keep quiet - a show of high emotional intelligence.

    But Aunt Qin was truly very thoughtful and considerate.

    His clothes'' sizes and fabrics were all excellent, exactly what he liked.

    In daily life, good food,fortable clothes, spacious and peaceful living quarters, and convenient transportation were really all one needed.

    These were the basics of life.

    But achieving them perfectly wasn''t easy.

    Qin Luoxia brought her husband home, who was still sleeping when they arrived.

    Qin Luoxia thought no one was home.

    Not wanting to wake her husband.

    She simply carried him down from the carriage.

    Then she saw the grand gathering - the princess, her attendants, their daughter, and Cong Brother.

    She paused awkwardly.

    Jiang Changtian also woke up.

    Getting down from his dear Xia''s embrace.

    The princess''s face turned bright red.

    Hearing her son and daughter-inw had returned, she had excitedly run out.

    Then she witnessed this scene.

    She never imagined her serious and stern son would interact with his wife like this in private.

    Actually letting himself be carried from the carriage in his wife''s arms.

    If it were reversed, a normal mother-inw would probably scold the daughter-inw for being a seductive vixen - being carried down from a carriage in public, how improper!

    But the one being carried was her own son...

    This, well!

    She felt quite embarrassed being shown such a disy.

    At the same time, she was grateful for her daughter-inw''s strong physique, while thinking her son was perhaps too delicate.

    "Mother, you''re here. Xia was worried about me and came to pick me up after my shift. I was tired and fell asleep," Jiang Changtian exined somewhat weakly.

    Princess Huiyun immediately felt heartache.

    Forgetting everything else.

    She just felt her son was too frail.

    Thankfully her daughter-inw was strong.

    Grateful for her daughter-inw''s good constitution.

    Her son actually fell asleep from exhaustion just returning from the government office.

    She remembered how her father the Emperor and her royal brother used to review memorials all day, sleeping only a few hours, never seeming tired.

    It must be that his constitution was ruined by that poisonous woman.

    Her heartache increased by 100.

    At this moment, Princess Huiyun felt she should go to the pce andin to her brother again.

    Her son was too frail, and even if her brother valued Changtian, he should be more considerate, give more rewards and assign less work.

    Qin Luoxia was also a bit embarrassed.

    But having developed her skills chatting with vige elders, she knew never to show weakness - maintainposure no matter what, never lose face even if you lose the battle, always keep your head high.

    She maintained herposure.

    Bowing to the princess, she said: "Mother, there was an earthquake, and I was worried about my husband, so I went to pick him up. I felt at ease leaving Mianmian and Cong Brother in your care."

    Princess Huiyun was deeply touched by her daughter-inw''s trust.

    She would definitely take good care of the children.

    Now looking at her tall and strong daughter-inw, she felt satisfied in every way.

    She couldn''t help but mock her younger self.

    When she was young, she used to think those elders who chose tall, strong, and fertile daughters-inw were old-fashioned, thinking that if she were in their position, she would choose someone beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

    But now that she actually became a mother-inw, she waspletely proven wrong.

    Seeing her daughter-inw''s strong and tall figure made her feel extremely reassured... Not that her daughter-inw wasn''t beautiful, but Princess Huiyun had seen many beauties, and her daughter-inw wasn''t the conventional type of beauty.

    Because standing next to her son, her daughter-inw''s features weren''t as delicate as his.

    But she thought, thankfully her daughter-inw wasn''t a sickly beauty, while her son seemed like one - if both of them were sickly beauties facing each other, they would cry together for half their lives... though not a whole lifetime, as crying beauties tend to have short lives.

    Princess Huiyun looked at her daughter-inw, then at her granddaughter, feeling extremely satisfied.

    Though her granddaughter''s face resembled her son''s, her personality was like her daughter-inw''s - generous and bold, which was good.

    At dinner time.

    Princess Huiyun was surprised again.

    Even though they now lived in the Capital City, and her son was already a fourth-rank official even before acknowledging her, her daughter-inw still chose to cook personally.

    Just because her son liked noodles.

    Seeing the steaming hot noodle soup being served.

    Princess Huiyun felt both moved and sad before even tasting it.

    Sad that they had gone through such hardships and still had to cook for themselves.

    Moved by how they supported each other, their feelings unchanged.

    She envied this sincerity and felt happy that her son had found such a wife.

    How fortunate indeed.

    The dinner was very simple.

    Perhaps too simple.

    But Princess Huiyun didn''t feel neglected at all.

    She ate by herself every day, with many dishes filling the table, but never with this warmth.

    So this was what family meals were like.

    She had never experienced this from childhood to old age.

    After all, she was a princess from birth, with many rules to follow.

    But here was a family gathered around a round table, eating and chatting, having hot noodle soup, some pickled vegetables, some green vegetables, and preserved meat.

    And Cong Brother ate naturally, without any restraint.

    To tell if someone is living well, you just need to see if they''re at ease. If they''refortable, it means they''ve made themselves at home, which shows they''re doing well.

    Strangely enough, perhaps because I spent time at Mianmian''s house as a child, the memories are very vivid.

    Looking back on all the food I''ve eaten, surprisingly, the best was at Mianmian''s house.

    So now that I live here, every meal feels wonderful, and I think I''ve even gained a tiny bit of weight.

    He used to be so thin he could almost float away, buttely, he seems to have put on a little flesh.

    His health seems better too, mainly because Mianmian is so energetic, always dragging him around running and jumping whenever there''s free time.

    The noodles have their natural fragrance, and the vegetables have their own aroma.

    Princess Huiyun noticed that Changtian hadn''t taken any meat.

    Princess Huiyun couldn''t help but pick up a piece of braised meat for her son.

    But Jiang Changtian didn''t eat it.

    Mianmian took it instead.

    Princess Huiyun felt ufortable and awkward, wondering if her son still harbored resentment towards her, not even eating the food she picked for him.

    After the meal.

    During dessert time, Jiang Changtian finally spoke to Princess Huiyun: "When I was young, I was always sick. Every time I fell ill, Old Madam Jiang wouldn''t let me eat. Sometimes I would go hungry for days, and when I was starving, they would finally let me eat, but always gave me greasy meat. I would vomit every time, soter, eating meat would make me nauseous. Even now, I can''t eat meat. Please understand, Mother. I''m very happy that you picked food for me."Aliali: 673eb950c4f3f33ac4ee7f08

    These simple words brought tears streaming down Huiyun''s face.

    "Xia-mei worries that I''m not healthy because I don''t eat meat, so after our conditions improved, she would make meat broths and cook vegetables for me. My health is much better now. Before, I used to cough constantly every winter, and when Xia-mei heard that snake galldder could help with coughing and nourish the lungs, she went alone into the deep mountains to catch snakes for their galldders. I hardly cough anymore these past few years. Mother, although I was unfortunate not to find you before, I was also very fortunate to meet Xia-mei."

    Princess Huiyun kept nodding.

    "Yes, fortunate. I am fortunate too."

    She looked at her daughter-inw with growing fondness, her eyes full of love.

    Qin Luoxia had always felt a bit inferior, after all, her husband was as beautiful as an immortal in exile, and now he had suddenly transformed into a princess''s son.

    She was also nervous about the princess mother-inw, worried about not being able to serve her well.

    But after her husband''s speech, seeing how the princess mother-inw looked at her with such dependence, like an otherworldly fairy, she couldn''t help but shiver.

    She felt that Princess Mother-inw might be a bit simple-minded, having beenpletely won over.

    ...

 Chapter 331

    Qin Luoxia had thought that her mother-inw, being a princess, would be difficult to serve.

    After all, back in Ming County, Old Lady Jiang had been an extremely particr person.

    Every time she looked at Qin Luoxia, she found something dirty about her.

    She would criticize everything from head to toe.

    And she barely spoke to her, as if speaking to her would lower her own status.

    It was always Old Lady Jiang''s elderly maid who spoke on her behalf.

    But now...

    The elderly maid was dead.

    Old Lady Jiang was also dead.

    So, surviving was the most important thing - being alive was better than anything else.

    If a mere exileddy could be so haughty, then surely a real princess would have her nose in the clouds.

    But the reality was unexpected.

    Qin Luoxia had worried that Princess Huiyun would look down on her non-noble background and perhaps arrange for some nobledy to be a concubine.

    She had heard that the Emperor had bestowed a secondary consort upon the Seventh Prince.

    Just imagine, at their age, the Emperor was still giving away women as rewards - it was terrifying to think about.

    At first, Qin Luoxia thought perhaps Princess Huiyun was just being affectionate in front of her son.

    After all, mother-inw and daughter-inw rtionships in the vige had many variations.

    Some mothers-inw would act incredibly loving in front of their sons and others, but when alone with their daughters-inw, they would find fault with everything - showing twopletely different faces.

    But then her husband went to his study.

    The princess, who had just been maintaining a dignified and loving appearance, suddenly threw herself into Qin Luoxia''s arms, crying.

    Princess Huiyun kept saying, "You''ve suffered so much, you''ve truly had such difficult years."

    With her husband not present, Qin Luoxia didn''t want to engage in pretense.

    She asked directly, "Mother, you won''t look down on my humble background and try to arrange concubines for my husband, will you?"

    This question caught Princess Huiyun off guard.

    "Arrange what people?"

    Qin Luoxia told her about the news she had heard today about the Emperor bestowing a secondary consort upon the Seventh Prince.

    Princess Huiyun hadn''t really adjusted to her role as a mother-inw. She was like Madam White Snake - she had given birth to a child, and by the time she saw him again, he was already grown up, sessful, and even a grandfather himself.

    She didn''t know how to interact properly, let alone put on airs as a mother-inw.

    She just wanted to give countless treasures to make up for all the years she had missed.

    But sending beautiful women was definitely not on her list of options.

    After all, Princess Huiyun herself was a proud beauty and found such actions beneath her.

    "My royal brother has be senile. We shouldn''t concern ourselves with their affairs. Little Qin, don''t let thosedies in the capital brainwash you with nonsense about being a virtuous wife by sending concubines to your husband, while secretly fighting with those concubines causing chaos. Some people only take concubines because they have no children to inherit their family legacy and have no choice, while others do it because the men are greedy and lustful, using their wives'' virtue as an excuse. The truth is, people are naturally selfish - they don''t want to share good things with others, let alone their own husband."

    Qin Luoxia felt somewhat embarrassed by her mother-inw''s words.

    Then she hugged Princess Huiyun tightly: "Mother, you''re so kind. I lost my own mother when I was very young, and with no elders at home to teach me, I don''t understand many things. I''m always afraid of being ridiculed. Now that I have you as my mother, I''m not afraid anymore. Thank you for teaching me these things. In the future, if anyone criticizes me for not taking concubines, I''ll tell them that''s what my princess mother taught me."

    Princess Huiyun felt something odd about these words.

    But she supposed it made sense.

    She felt that her daughter-inw had indeed had it tough, growing up without guidance, yet still managing to take such good care of her husband and child. She was truly a good girl, a good child.

    "Yes, just tell them I taught you that. We''re not afraid. If anyone bullies you or speaks ill of you, tell mother, and I''ll stand up for you."

    After Princess Huiyun finished speaking, she saw her daughter-inw nodding continuously.

    Worried about her being bullied in court circles, Princess Huiyun gave her straightforward daughter-inw detailed advice about dealing with people.

    "When you meet people with ulterior motives, just keep a stern face, don''t be too friendly. If you don''t want to talk about something, just smile briefly and brush it off. If you encounter someone particrly chatty and can''t avoid them, you don''t need to respond - just stare at them for a while, and they''ll naturally stop talking. Most people follow the pattern of ttering the powerful and looking down on the weak, so they usually won''t deliberately make things difficult for you. If anyone does try to bully you, don''t worry - if you want to scold them back, do it; if you want to fight back, do it. Mother will support you. If you can''t fight back at the time, it''s fine -e tell mother, and I''ll help you get revenge."

    Qin Luoxia: ...

    How did her mother-inw''s advice seem to get more and more outrageous?

    Was this really the right way to teach?

    She turned to see Mianmian listening very attentively on the side.

    Qin Luoxia felt that her daughter was already quite unruly.

    She had heard that when officials reported her husband to the court, one of the usations was that her daughter had supposedly robbed money from a Secretary''s son...

    Although it waster proven to be false usations,

    Qin Luoxia wasn''t entirely sure in her heart - it seemed like something her daughter might do.

    The young girl had always been somewhat unpredictable.

    When she was very young, Qin Luoxia had felt that the little girl wasn''t much like her, as if she came from some distinguished background.

    Now it made sense - she was a princess''s granddaughter, of course she had an impressive background.

    Now she could see where Mianmian''s arrogant and troublemaking tendencies came from - it was from her grandmother, the princess right in front of them.

    She was already quite bold; if she learned more from her grandmother, thebination would be unimaginable.

    Qin Luoxia gave her daughter a stern look and said as lovingly as possible, "It''ste, Mianmian, go to bed. Mother needs to talk with your grandmother for a while longer."

    Jiang Mianmian was quite sensible - when her mother called her by her full name, she knew to be obedient.

    She left reluctantly.

    She had wanted to hear more about her grandmother''s glorious past.

    After sending her young daughter away, Qin Luoxia continued to maintain an eager-to-learn expression as she sought guidance from Princess Huiyun.

    Princess Huiyun noticed the reluctant look in her granddaughter''s eyes as she left, and couldn''t help but shudder slightly.

    She thought back, wondering if she had said anything inappropriate.

    Teaching a daughter-inw should be different from teaching a granddaughter.

    Princess Huiyun now felt both proud that her granddaughter was like her and worried about the same thing.

    With the daughter gone, only Qin Luoxia and her mother-inw remained.

    After the interruption, Princess Huiyun wasn''t sure what else to teach.

    But under her daughter-inw''s trusting and admiring gaze, she had to continue somewhat awkwardly.

    "You shouldn''t be too good either, always thinking only of your husband and children. A woman should take care of herself, pay attention to her appearance, and dress beautifully."

    As she spoke, Princess Huiyun couldn''t help but look her daughter-inw up and down.

    Come to think of it, she had quite good features.

    Arge oval face, thick eyebrows andrge eyes, fair skin, long legs and a slim waist. The more Princess Huiyun looked, the more she realized that her daughter-inw was actually quite beautiful, just in a different way.

    Unlike the typical petite beauties, but definitely attractive in her own right.

    Her son actually had quite good taste.

    After all, people tend to see things through their own filters.

    If a princess''s son had really married an ugly farm woman, it would have been embarrassing to be seen with her in public, and she would inevitably suffer byparison.

    Princess Huiyun, being at the pinnacle of beauty standards in their era, not only was beautiful and high-ranking but also naturally knew how to dress well.

    Her daughter-inw dressed too properly and inly.

    The daughter-inw wasn''t suited for modest colors; she needed something more brilliant.

    With those long legs, although she couldn''t wear revealing skirts as thedy of the house, there were ways to show off her leg and waist curves.

    There were undergarments and tied pants beneath the robes.

    As the princess looked her daughter-inw up and down, her mind was already filled with various matching outfits and jewelry.

    She would take care of everything - the poor child had grown up without anyone to dote on her.

    Princess Huiyun chatted with her daughter-inw untilte into the night, until her son came over looking weak.

    Jiang Changtian came wrapped in his robe, and perhaps due to the wind, he coughed twice as he entered.

    Then he said to Princess Huiyun, "Mother, it''ste, you should rest."

    Turning to Qin Luoxia, he said, "Xia-mei, it''s too cold, I need you to soak my feet - I haven''t done it today."

    Qin Luoxia quickly stood up: "Oh yes, yes, I forgot. Come, I''ll prepare the medicine."

    Even though he was her own son, Princess Huiyun felt a bit disappointed seeing her son''s sickly appearance.

    Having to take care of such a husband every day, her daughter-inw really had it tough.

    Foot soaking couldn''t be left to the servants; it had to be done by Little Qin.

    As if hearing Princess Huiyun''s thoughts, Jiang Changtian weakly exined to her: "Xia-mei knows the acupressure points. Usually, while soaking my feet, she helps massage the points, which helps me sleep better. Mother, did you sleep well? Should we have Xia-mei massage your feet as well?"Aliali: 673eb950c4f3f33ac4ee7f08

    Princess Huiyun: ...This is too much. After I gave you a massage, you still want your wife to massage your mother''s feet.

    Although Princess Huiyun didn''t have modern egalitarian views, she had just been having a pleasant conversation with her daughter-inw, forming a united front. Then her son suddenly demanded his wife to serve her.

    Even though he was her own son, Princess Huiyun felt somewhat ufortable about it.

    "I don''t need it. You two go and get some rest," Princess Huiyun held back from lecturing her son, deciding to wait until they became more familiar with each other.

    Qin Luoxia didn''t dare to say anything. She knew nothing about acupressure points - it was always her husband who helped wash her feet and massaged her pressure points.

    She worried that if she spoke, she would give herself away.

    Qin Luoxia obediently followed her husband away.

    Princess Huiyun sighed again, feeling sympathy for her daughter-inw''s situation.

    What a lovely girl she was.

    ...

 Chapter 332

    ......

    There was an earthquake today.

    Princess Huiyun moved to her son''s house.

    She watched as her son called his wife away,

    Leaving her alone.

    She felt something oddly strange.

    The room had a charcoal stove burning, keeping the temperature just right.

    As she prepared to wash up, there was a knock at the door.

    It was little Mianmian.

    Still not asleep.

    Mianmian remembered how Princess Huiyun would always sleep with her when she was at the princess''s mansion.

    Now that the princess was at their home, she might feel ufortable too, so even though she had already gone to bed, upon hearing movement, she came over.

    She was ready to sacrifice herself to keep Grandma Princesspany for the night.

    Princess Huiyun looked at the little girl dressed in white, wearing a fluffy hat on her head and snow-white socks on her feet. The child was as soft as a cloud, so adorable it could melt one''s heart.

    Princess Huiyun couldn''t help but hug and kiss the little girl.

    Mianmian wiped both her left and right cheeks.

    Even if it was the princess kissing her, she still disliked the wetness.

    "Grandma, go wash up quickly. I''ll sleep with you. Mother doesn''t let me stay upte. She says if I sleep toote, I won''t grow tall."

    As she spoke, she let out a little yawn.

    Her little cheeks were rosy, perhaps from the warmth.

    Her eyes were half-open as shey on the bed waiting.

    Princess Huiyun looked at the little bump on the heated bed, feeling warmth spread through her heart.

    She had thought she would feel ufortable.

    But the servants were very professional in helping her wash up.

    The face oil they used here actually smelled better than what she usually used, with a faint floral fragrance. It was very moisturizing - the white cream felt smooth and tender when applied to her face.

    When she put on her nightgown, a little head poked out from the bump on the bed.

    "Princess, pleasee to bed," came a soft, sweet voice filled withughter.

    The princess always felt a bit strange when her granddaughter called her "princess."

    But she was just too adorable.

    She got into bed andy down.

    Then closed her eyes to sleep.

    The little one asked, "Grandma, can we have someone blow out the candles? I can''t sleep with light."

    Princess Huiyun looked at how the child was wrapped up like a silkworm from head to toe, even wearing a white eye mask, and yet still wouldn''t allow candles?

    She always had someone keep watch at night with candles lit.

    But since the little one didn''t want candles, she had them blown out.

    In the darkness, she felt a tiny body snuggle up against her.

    After adjusting to the dark,

    She could see that the eye mask had been removed, and in the darkness, a pair of eyes like ck jewels were darting about.

    The drowsy little girl from moments ago had be wide awake once the candles were extinguished.

    Snuggling up to Grandma Princess, she started chatting.

    Princess Huiyun: ......

    She had been a bit scared at first, but now instead of fearing the dark, she worried about how obvious the little girl''s dark circles would be tomorrow.

    "Grandma, let me tell you a story."

    Princess Huiyun: "Aren''t you going to sleep? Didn''t your mother tell you to go to bed early?"

    "I''ll sleep after I finish the story."

    "Grandma, did you like the group name I came up with today?"

    Princess Huiyun''s mind went through a string of names beforending on: "The ck-hearted Cotton group?"

    Jiang Mianmian: ...... This abbreviated name didn''t sound quite right.

    Never mind, she''d think of another one.

    "Grandma, let me tell you a story about the martial arts world. It''s really fun."

    "Alright, go ahead."

    Princess Huiyun, who hadn''t been close to anyone for decades, now had a fluffy little head nestled against her.

    "I''ll tell you a story called ''Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.''"

    Princess Huiyun stroked the hat on the little head and asked, "Alright, tell me. Why do you wear a hat to sleep?"

    "This way my hair won''t get pulled out by the pillow, and I''ll lose less hair. I''m starting the story now, Grandma, don''t interrupt."

    In the darkness,

    Without candlelight,

    On the still-warm heated bed,

    Outside, the cold wind made sounds,

    Beating against the doors and windows.

    "...The young man surnamed Duan smiled and said: ''My given name is Yi, and I''ve never learned any martial arts...''"

    The soft, sweet voice continued the tale.

    Princess Huiyun had expected the little one to ramble nonsensically.

    After all, from their time together, she felt the little one often said odd things.

    Like always calling her "princess" and saying things like "Princess, please get in the carriage"...

    But suddenly she began telling the story very seriously.

    Really seriously.

    It seemed to be quite a solemn story.

    This "Demi-Gods" thing, wasn''t it a Buddhist scripture?

    Princess Huiyun listened attentively and was quickly drawn in.

    Until the little one got to the part where "Duan Yu fell off the cliff..."

    She asked, "What happened next?"

    Mianmian yawned and said, "Then, I''m sleepy now and need to go to bed. If I don''t sleep, Mother will spank me tomorrow. Grandma, let me tell you, Mother is very strong, and her spankings really hurt. Although Mother won''t spank you, if Mother isn''t happy, Father definitely won''t be happy, and if Father isn''t happy, you probably won''t be happy either, so let''s go to sleep."

    Princess Huiyun: ...... Why did she listen to the story?

    Just when it got to the exciting part, with the fall from the cliff, what happened next?

    If she weren''t her beloved granddaughter, the princess would have had someone shake her awake to continue the story.

    ©Ñ©Ò©n©Ñ©Ò

    Soon she heard even breathing beside her as the little one fell asleep.

    Princess Huiyun turned overpletely, unable to sleep, absolutely unable to sleep.

    Whose child was this, so annoying?

    Telling only half a story.

    She felt the soft little one snuggled against her and thought, never mind, never mind, she''d hear the rest tomorrow. Better sleep now.

    Princess Huiyun tossed and turned for a while before finally epting her fate and sleeping.

    She wore the same eye mask as the little one.

    Though everything was already dark, wearing the eye mask somehow made it easier to sleep.

    Slowly she too drifted into the dark dreams of night.

    In her dreams, Princess Huiyun fell off cliffs several times...

    ......

    Qin Luoxia finished entertaining her mother-inw princess, chatted for a long while, and was then called away by her husband.

    Indeed, he called her to soak their feet together.

    Indeed, her husband gave her a foot massage.

    Qin Luoxia felt a bit embarrassed.

    But since her husband enjoyed doing this, she didn''t stop him.

    They fell asleep in each other''s arms.

    Very quickly falling into slumber.

    At dawn,

    Jiang Changtian got up and went to the government office.

    This was perfect timing for Qin Luoxia, as she wanted to check on the tunnel she had dug.

    She had actually been thinking about it all day.

    Thest earthquake had destroyed all the underground rooms she had made in Jingzhou.

    Now that there had been an earthquake in the Capital City, she wondered if there would be any impact.

    This time she had considered what to do in case of an earthquake and had made everything very sturdy.

    But when she went to check early in the morning, Qin Luoxia was stunned.Aliali: 673eb950c4f3f33ac4ee7f08

    She had thought everything would be fine, but her tunnel had turned into a water tunnel. Water had seeped in from somewhere, and she didn''t know where it had cracked or what water source it had connected to.

    She wondered how she could get hold of the princess''s underwater clothes to go down and take a look.

    ......

    Early in the morning, the princess opened her eyes.

    Her whole body ached.

    She had fallen off cliffs eight hundred times in her dreamsst night.

    She looked at the well-behaved little one lying beside her, and seeing she was awake, Princess Huiyun asked, "What happened after Duan Yu fell off the cliff?"

    Jiang Mianmian turned over, facing her bottom toward Princess Huiyun, and said, "Grandma, let''s sleep a bit more, it''s still early. Children need to take morning naps to grow taller. I''ll tell you after I wake up."

    Princess Huiyun: ......!!!

    ......

 Chapter 333

    A new day.

    Today, Qin Luoxia had to visit rtives again.

    She was going to visit the Dong Family today.

    Because of yesterday''s earthquake.

    By custom, Feng, as the future son-inw, should visit his future father-inw''s home.

    But since Feng wasn''t in the Capital City, Qin Luoxia should go instead.

    After all, they would be family soon.

    Besides, with the New Year approaching, she needed to deliver New Year''s gifts.

    Qin Luoxia felt it would be better to go in person.

    However, there was still the Princess, Mother-inw at home.

    She should consult the elder before taking action.

    But the Princess, Mother-inw wouldn''t even get up for breakfast...

    Truly befitting of royal family members.

    She had heard that the Emperor disliked morning court sessions because he didn''t want to wake up early for breakfast.

    This was something Qin Luoxia couldn''t quite understand.

    Not getting up in the morning meant missing a meal - what a waste.

    Qin Luoxia learned that her daughter had slept with the Princess, Mother-inw, and quietly asked her what was wrong with the Princess? Was something not to her satisfaction, making her unhappy?

    Mianmian, who had slept soundly, was an energetic young girl with a bright smile, well-fed and content.

    "Grandmother Princess said she didn''t sleep well, kept dreaming about falling off cliffs at midnight, so she needs to catch up on sleep."

    Qin Luoxia felt a bit guilty, wondering if it was because yesterday when the Princess, Mother-inw asked her where she got the snake galldder, and she mentioned it was from below a cliff, causing the Princess, Mother-inw to dream about it.

    Never mind, let Mother-inw continue sleeping.

    She couldn''t worry about Mother-inw now, so she had the servants prepare the food.

    Today she would take Mianmian to visit rtives, letting Cong Brother stay at home.

    Cong Brother expressed his happiness about this, as he didn''t like visiting rtives.

    Sitting there quietly listening to adults chat was boring, and when the conversation turned to him, he had to respond with a smile.

    But Mianmian loved visiting rtives.

    She couldn''t wait to gossip with the adults.

    After happily finishing breakfast, she dressed up festively and went with her mother to visit rtives.

    Qin Luoxia prepared generous gifts, bringing her little daughter along hoping Mianmian could get familiar with Miss Dong, having heard that Miss Dong was gentle and graceful - something Mianmian could learn from.

    Upon arriving at the Dong Mansion.

    Madam Dong received them.

    Last time she didn''t know they were royal family members, but fortunately hadn''t been negligent.

    This time, knowing they were royal family members, Madam Dong was a bit nervous.

    Just asmon people view the wealthy with a filter, the wealthy also view the royal family through a filter.

    The ss distinctions were clear.

    Crossing ss boundaries was extremely difficult.

    In stories, we often read aboutmon people studying hard, passing imperial examinations, bing officials, and gradually building powerful family dynasties.

    Such people were the minority, which is why their stories were repeatedly told as ssic inspirational tales, leading to survivor bias, making people think this was the norm.

    In reality, it was more likely that children of wealthy and powerful families enjoyed superior education and then performed well in examinations, with mentors and elders protecting them in official circles, smoothing their path to sess.

    There were no ordinary schrs - being able to study already meant one wasn''t ordinary.

    There was nopulsory education, it was all nonpulsory education.

    "Poor families" referred to families of low influence or fallen noble families. Their ancestors might have been high-ranking officials or wealthy merchants.

    Common people couldn''t even qualify as "poor families." Those of us who work without official positions were usually called "vagrants" (having no property, status, or proper upation).

    Therefore, stories ofmon people rising up were mostly the stuff of biographies passed down through history.

    The reason why Jiang Changtian''s story of being expelled from his family was legendary and uneptable was because he was originally from a modest family, became a "vagrant" after being expelled, yet climbed to his current position.

    The Dong Family was of noble birth, while the Jiang family could be considered neers to the court, before Jiang Changtian acknowledged his ancestry.

    So when the Dong Family epted the Jiang family, it was considered marrying down, which made many people incredulous. This was also why Vice Minister Liu''s family repeatedly visited, believing the Jiang family wasn''t worthy.

    The Dong Family had originally nned to marry their daughter down, giving more dowry to ensure she could live a peaceful life, but suddenly they were transformed, with Capital City people saying they were calcting, managing to attach their once-betrothed daughter to the Eldest Princess''s eldest grandson, who had a promising future.

    The jealous Madam Liu even cursed at home, wishing Jiang Feng would die on the battlefield and never return, wanting everyone to see Miss Dong''s husband-killing fate, bringing misfortune to anyone she touched.

    Qin Luoxia brought Mianmian to visit.

    She brought New Year''s gifts, aplete set of skincare and toiletry products.

    They were packaged very elegantly.

    There were also perfumed oils not yet avable for public sale.

    Even the bottles looked extremely valuable.

    Madam Dong was somewhat worried that after they became royal rtives, they might treat her daughter poorly.

    However, the gifts her daughter had received during this time far exceeded her dowry.

    This showed how much they valued her.

    She was also concerned whether her daughter Dong E would be worthy enough, as being the wife of a minister''s eldest son was different from being the wife of a princess''s eldest grandson.

    She had raised her daughter to be innocent and carefree, and while notpletely ignorant of worldly affairs, she was close to it.

    When a daughter was to be married, one worried both about her marrying too poorly and suffering, and about her marrying too well and suffering.

    Fortunately, Mrs. Jiang came over, just likest time.

    Still a valiant and gracefuldy.

    She hadn''t changed at all.

    When Madam Dong saw Mrs. Jiang like this, her eyes sparkled with admiration.

    It made Mianmian puzzled, thinking Madam Dong looked very much like a fan from her era, with that gleam in her eyes.

    Madam Dong saw Mianmian and hugged her, squeezing her affectionately while praising her beauty.

    Then Mianmian also saw her future sister-inw.

    At first sight, she felt as if they were already family.

    Their energies matched well.

    She was somewhat simr to her elder sister, but perhaps a bit more reserved.

    Her eyes also sparkled with life - she was a lively youngdy from a noble family.

    Qin Luoxia practiced formal greetings like other nobledies.

    Then Dong E took Mianmian away to y.

    Madam Dong happily engaged in private conversation with Mrs. Jiang.

    Madam Dong was very straightforward.

    Qin Luoxia enjoyed interacting with such direct people.

    Conversation flowed without pressure.

    Qin Luoxia exined she camete because Princess, Mother-inw was at homest night.

    Madam Dong was very curious about Eldest Princess Huiyun.

    Basically, people of Madam Dong''s generation grew up hearing tales about Princess Huiyun from their parents.

    "I heard Princess Huiyun is very proud, keeps people at a distance, and rarely acknowledges others. Won''t she be difficult to serve?"

    Qin Luoxia thought about how the Princess, Mother-inw would fall into her arms crying when her husband wasn''t around... distant? Ignoring people?

    Not at all.

    "No, Mother is very friendly and doesn''t need people to serve her."

    Madam Dong nodded, with an expression of understanding.

    Her mother-inw also appeared friendly on the surface and didn''t need her service, justined about her clumsiness.

    Fortunately, when her mother-inw was around, they didn''t live together.

    Every family has its own difficulties.

    Madam Dong worried that since Mrs. Jiang was from Jingzhou, she wouldn''t understand theplexities of the Capital City. The inw clearly had a bold, heroic style and probably wouldn''t understand these things.

    As Madam Dong came from a noble family, she really liked her inw and was prepared to share her experience in household politics wholeheartedly.

    The old nanny behind Madam Dong looked up at the ceiling, admiring its decorative patterns.

    "Madam, you don''t need to teach her, really. The Jiang family''s daughter Jiang Yu, her every move is a temte for Capital City household politics. Many of her old friends have earned their retirement money by analyzing Young Madam Meng''s actions and teaching others.

    How could the mother of such a daughter not understand everything?

    You''re the one who doesn''t understand."

    Inside the old nanny''s body, one part of her was writhing and shouting, then was knocked unconscious by another part.

    Madam Dong spoke very seriously. To be honest, she had never taught anyone before, and usually wouldn''t teach others, but she felt a connection with Mrs. Jiang.

    "First courtesy then strategy... the trouble-making method... h h h..." When Madam Dong first married, her husband Minister Dong gave her a book summarizing methods to deal with his mother. Madam Dong had never memorized any book in her life except this one, and today, under her inw''s admiring gaze, she recited it to her.Aliali: 67413bd3c4f3f33ac4135f05

    Passing on the torch.

    Qin Luoxia listened and nodded, thinking how impressive Capital City people were. The Capital City women couldn''t be underestimated, they were hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Even the matters between mothers-inw and daughters-inw in the inner chambers had been turned into military strategy. Impressive, impressive.

    She wondered if her future daughter-inw Dong E was as capable.

    In the courtyard, Dong E led Mianmian up a smalldder from the back courtyard onto the wall, where they were breaking off icicles from the roof.

    Dong E held up a cluster of icicles against the clean blue sky above and asked Mianmian: "Look, I''m holding a cloud in my hand."

    Mianmian happened to be looking down at an angle, and sure enough, the ice in the sunlight looked like clouds in the sky.

    "Sister-inw, I have one too," she held up a long icicle and said to her sister-inw, "This is a sword that kills invisibly, because it melts away after the deed is done."

    Dong E looked amazed, thinking how clever her sister-inw was.

    "Then I could hide poison in an ice cube, and when someone eats it, it would also be untraceable."

    "Sister-inw, you don''t need ice for poisoning, water would do just fine. Actually, clear water or soup broths like bird''s nest soup would work even better."

 Chapter 334

    At the Jiang Manor.

    Princess Huiyun had no way to deal with her little one who was sticking out her bottom.

    She apanied her for a nap.

    As a result, they slept for too long.

    Indeed, after not sleeping well at night, they made up for it during the day.

    They slept until noon.

    There was a slight feeling of embarrassment.

    But then she thought, as a princess, this was normal in Princess Huiyun''s Mansion.

    Her daughter-inw probably wouldn''t mind.

    Definitely wouldn''t mind.

    Little Qin had such a good temperament.

    While she was still pondering this and preparing to get up to wash and eat, nning to find the little one to continue the story.

    Princess Huiyun was preparing to use various means of persuasion and pressure to make Mianmian tell her the rest of the story.

    However, the servants said that the madam had taken the young miss out.

    Princess Huiyun: ...

    She had lunch with Cong Brother.

    Princess Huiyun looked at Cong Brother''sposed, expressionless face and suddenly showed an affectionate expression.

    After the meal.

    Princess Huiyun grabbed Cong Brother and said kindly, "Let auntie tell you a story."

    Cong Brother looked at Princess Huiyun in surprise.

    He obediently nodded and sat down.

    ...

    At the government office, Jiang Er came to work.

    Yesterday''s earthquake wasn''t severe, it just copsed some poorly built houses that were already full of holes, but ording to statistics, seven people died yesterday.

    One died in a brothel from sudden illness.

    Two died from cold-rted illnesses.

    Three died from fighting, two on the spot, and the third diedter.

    One died fromplications during childbirth.

    The causes of death weren''t directly rted to the earthquake.

    But unfortunately, one government residence copsed.

    Although everyone escaped safely, since it was a government building, someone in an official capacity needed to take responsibility.

    So they found the person in charge, Jiang Er.

    Vice Minister Jiang had made quite an impression on the Emperor yesterday.

    Not only was he loyal, but he also demonstrated strong work capabilities.

    For an earthquake, he immediately had deployment ns ready, with detailed and practical specifics.

    Although it wasn''t a major incident, just a minor earthquake.

    But Jiang Er treated it as if it were a super major event.

    Previously, when dealing with small matters like memorizing regtions and rules, he had managed to reduce the average ie of the entire court by 200 taels and decrease the Prime Minister''s staff by one person. Now with an actual earthquake, who knew how he would handle it.

    First, the fact that seven people died in an earthquake... needed thorough review.

    The specific circumstances of each death needed to be analyzed.

    The highest number of deaths came from fighting - three people - which indicated serious problems with the capital''s public security.

    It needed to be handled strictly and severely.

    The security department leaders were called in by Jiang Er, seriously scolded, and then assigned a pile of tasks.

    Initially, the security department leaders were unhappy, thinking that even though Jiang Er was a princess''s son, he should follow proper procedures, questioning what right he had to scold them and assign work, as there were established rules in officialdom.

    What Earthquake Management Headquarters?

    Well, being scolded was one thing, but they''d better not get caught by him in the future.

    However, as the conversation continued, they heard Jiang Er mention increasing staff numbers and adding more security patrol personnel. There weren''t enough court positions avable?

    No matter, they could arrange for extra-official personnel, not called constables but "city management," personnel for managing the entire city.

    Jiang Changtian loved chatting with his daughter, who would often casually mention different terms.

    But Jiang Changtian would remember them all, thinking them over, always feeling they might be useful someday.

    The Ministry of Justice security chief, who had been getting scolded, became increasingly pleased as he listened.

    In the capital, official positions were limited, but with so many great families and their numerous offspring, not everyone could take the imperial examinations. ording to Jiang Er''s proposal, this would open up many new job opportunities.

    Of course, since Jiang Er proposed it, they would have to share the benefits with him, everyone getting their fair share, to make it a long-term arrangement.

    So the Ministry of Justice leader left happily after being scolded.

    Next, the person responsible for the copsed government residence was called in.

    This residence had been in disrepair for years, supposedly used to shelter the elderly and orphans, but hadn''t served that function for a long time.

    But Jiang Er was meticulous, scolded the person, immediately dismissed them, and then promoted some officials who had been waiting for positions for several years to do the work.

    In any case, various departments, rted or not, were all called in.

    Even the Ministry of Rites was called in for a scolding.

    The Ministry of Rites people were very confused about what the earthquake had to do with them.

    Jiang Er said that in a nation of propriety, the Ministry of Rites should have given advance notice of such events, and if not advance notice, at least should have shown concern afterward... they should have promoted the Emperor''s charitable activities like providing porridge...

    So Jiang Er just kept scolding people in the office.

    Wave after wave.

    Strangely, after being scolded, these people all left with smiles on their faces, while warning each other not to tell others.

    While the various power yers were still fighting over Minister Lu''s political legacy and position.

    Jiang Er had used the earthquake to create an opening in the capital''s official circles.

    His principles were:

    Make yourself into a de, because you never know who might need to borrow your de to kill.

    Maintain malice in your heart, because you never know who might envy and harm you, so be evil first as a precaution.

    Maintain faith in your heart, because you know without faith you''ll be ostracized by others.

    This day, the capital''s government offices were bustling with activity.

    The pre-New Yearziness waspletely swept away.

    Jiang Er always handled matters strictly ording to official regtions and rules, with clear rewards and punishments.

    Everyone had something to work toward, so they became more active.

    During these days, the KPI of the capital''s entertainment establishments dropped dramatically.

    Visitors decreased by more than half.

    Because official regtions stipted that visiting such establishments during work hours was prohibited.

    Officials only had one rest day per month, theoretically only one day off work.

    Except for that rest day, visiting such ces on any other day would vite official rules.

    The newly appointed city management staff, well-versed in official rules, closely monitored these officials. If anyone entered these establishments, they could be reported and arrested. If caught in the act, such as being found without clothes, they could be convicted immediately.Aliali: 67413bd3c4f3f33ac4135f05

    In short, the officials'' lives became difficult.

    They never imagined that beyond the earthquake management matters, there would be more consequences to memorizing official regtions and rules.

    Officials at home cursed loudly.

    Officials were schrs, and schrs inevitably had their romantic pursuits, but being caught like this was too embarrassing.

    However, their wives and madams secretly thought Jiang Er wasn''t bad at all.

    The angriest was the Seventh Prince.

    He was the behind-the-scenes owner of seven or eight entertainment establishments in the capital, using them to collect various information, which was one of his trump cards.

    But now this had been inexplicably cut off.

    And the Madam of the capital''srgest brothel was also bewildered. At the beginning of the year, a fortune teller had said their business would be halved by a beautiful person. Throughout the year, the Madam had been vignt, spendingrge sums to buy any reported beauties to be courtesans in her establishment, but never imagined that at year''s end, their business would indeed be halved by a beautiful person.

    That beautiful person wasn''t even a woman...

 Chapter 335

    In winter, the cold remained cold.

    Even breath turned into white mist.

    The sisters-inw had fun ying with ice.

    When people be friends, it''s about clicking at the right moment.

    When energies align, it feels like old friends meeting.

    Mianmian felt her future sister-inw was simr to her elder sister. She had been nervous beforeing with her mother, having heard she was a proper official''s daughter, a standard second-generation official. She worried they wouldn''t get along.

    After all, even though their entire family was now connected to the Princess Dowager, they were essentiallymon folk.

    They had lived through hard times, and many things weren''t done with such refinement.

    When you can barely afford to eat, you don''t worry about dining etiquette - you need food first.

    These experiences of getting richter in life shaped their life perspectives.

    Many people from humble backgrounds work hard because they''re constantly climbing upward, full of drive.

    While many fallen aristocrats, even with good resources, often give up, because they''re on a downward trajectory - their peak was at birth.

    With equal resources, different people maintain different states of mind.

    Mianmian worried about not fitting in.

    Previously, when she studied in Jingzhou, some ssmates looked down on her, even when her father was causing quite a stir in Jingzhou. They just naturally looked down on her.

    There was nothing she could do about it; she couldn''t waste energy trying to change others'' perspectives. If they looked down on her, so be it.

    It didn''t affect her anyway, didn''t hurt at all.

    If her future sister-inw was that kind of official''s daughter, it would be terrifying.

    Mianmian wondered if they would have to start family feuds and separations. (Is this where the novel properly begins, with everything before being setup?)

    But then they arrived at the Dong Family.

    Met Madam Dong.

    Met Miss Dong.

    Good, good, good - they were their kind of people.

    No wonder her brother, who could kill Little Phoenix Immortal with one sword, agreed to marry her.

    Their energies matched perfectly.

    The sister-inw was too adorable.

    It was hard to imagine what kind of family environment could produce such a girl.

    Innocent but not naive.

    The sister-inw seemed quite clever, graceful in her interactions, had high standards, appreciated valuable things but wasn''t petty - could both take and let go.

    Mianmian felt that indeed, among three people, there must be one to learn from.

    She felt there was much to learn from her sister-inw, who was sincere but not foolish.

    Smart without showing off, simply very likeable.

    Her elder sister would probably like her too.

    They even gossiped together.

    Perhaps the fastest way for girls to be close friends is to start with gossip.

    Dong E curiously asked, "Is Princess Huiyun beautiful?"

    Mianmian nodded: "Very beautiful, she looks like me, but many times more beautiful. Though Princess Grandmother has scars on her face, simr to my brother''s, it doesn''t affect her beauty - she''s even more beautiful."

    Dong E''s mouth gaped open like a pouting fish, and she excitedly whispered, "Then if I marry your brother and have children, would they look like Princess Huiyun? That would be absolutely gorgeous."

    Mianmianughed heartily.

    She had originally hoped to share her father''s intense love through her sister''s children, but her sister had returned to the Meng Family. Now her sister-inw had arrived with clear intentions to have children, not nning to be childless - suddenly she felt very secure.

    Have children, have children, boys or girls would be fine.

    "They''ll definitely be beautiful. My mother says when I was little, seeing how pretty I was made her eat an extra bowl of rice." (Actually, it was because Mianmian was too thin and small, so she needed to eat more, trying to get more milk)

    "Princess Grandmother has many fun things, next time we''ll y together. She''ll definitely like you; she likes pretty young girls," Mianmian assured confidently.

    Dong E nodded with sparkling eyes: "Yes, yes, I love to y too."

    Then they naturally moved on to gossip about Immortal Liu.

    Even in front of her future sister-inw, Dong E didn''t hold back.

    "Actually, when I first met Immortal Liu, I knew Brother Liu had no chance. Brother Liu is like a bamboo tube, hollow without depth, while Immortal Liu is like a winter bamboo shoot - on the surface just a tiny green sprout, but underground there''s a whole shoot, and beneath that, awork of bamboo roots spreading everywhere, with countless other bamboos growing from different roots."

    Mianmian gave her sister-inw a thumbs up - impressive, impressive, that was truly insightful.

    Her sister-inw looked pure and cute, but she didn''t mince words when criticizing others.

    "Sister-inw, have you seen bamboo shoots before?"

    "Yes, I have estates in the countryside with bamboo groves. The servants dig up shoots - I''ve seen them. Shoots are edible and very tasty, though they can be a bit numbing."

    "Not numbing at all! Next time let''s visit my elder sister - she makes everything delicious. She''s amazing."

    "Yes, yes, yes! I''ve heard about it. Elder sister is super capable. Mother says I should learn from her."

    Mianmian: ...

    The sisters-inw chatted and whispered all afternoon.

    At the government office, after arranging his work, Jiang Changtian went to the pce again.

    Sometimes doing more work isn''t as effective as reporting more.

    In ancient times, without social media or PowerPoint, work reports could only be made in person or indirectly.

    Direct face-to-face reporting, or having people close to the leader speak well of you indirectly.

    That''s why people close to leaders held such power.

    Because they could influence perceptions.

    Today Jiang Changtian entered the pce, not to report work.

    Different leaders require different approaches.

    Some leaders prefer hardworking subordinates, so you show yourself working hard, sacrificing family time for work.

    Some leaders prefer ttery, so you must tter extensively, constantly, earnestly, getting your whole family to join in.

    Some leaders prefer romance, so you need to both work well and be romantic,bine capability with talent, ideals, and depth.

    It''s all about catering to their preferences.

    You can''t get it wrong.

    Otherwise, the consequences are severe.

    From Jiang Changtian''s observation, the current emperor was the third type of leader.

    He wanted subordinates who could work well, but that alone wasn''t enough - more importantly, they needed to be able to apany him, match his wavelength, be pleasing to his eye, with the highest form being spiritual resonance.

    Third Son had achieved this.

    That''s why among all the pce eunuchs, no one could match Third Son.

    He had achieved harmony with the emperor, that spiritual connection - sharingmon interests, loving vocal and stage performance arts, reaching perfect alignment, so his position was far ahead of others.

    What Jiang Changtian wanted to do today was add to the emperor''s leisure activities.

    The previously popr Transcendence Band from Jingzhou, after selection, had their best members form a group with the chance toe to the capital.

    Unexpectedly, their opportunity wasn''t justing to the capital - the family head said they would have the chance to perform before the emperor.

    This was the kind of luck that only came from ancestors'' blessings.

    Ordinary people might never leave their hometown in their lifetime, or reach the capital if they did, or enter the pce if they reached the capital, or see the emperor if they entered the pce.

    But they were going to perform for the emperor.

    They were absolutely thrilled.

    Today, Jiang Changtian was bringing them to perform for the emperor.

    The emperor''s aplishment in vocal and dance arts was leading the entire era.

    Hearing Second Jiang say he would bring a band for his enjoyment,

    The emperor shook his head with a smile: "Just do your job well, don''t bother with these frivolous things. I worry other officials will criticize you."

    Jiang Changtian carelessly replied: "Let them criticize. They''re officials who all want to show off but don''t have the chance. Though I''m also an official, I''m more importantly your nephew. I''m not an official for promotion or wealth, but because I want to be one. I want uncle to hear good music - what''s wrong with that?"

    The emperorughed heartily.

    "Good, good, good."

    However, before listening to music, they were actually required to bathe and burn incense - quite formal.

    The emperor was willing to spend time on entertainment.

    So he properly bathed and burned incense, making his bodyfortable and mind clear.

    Then he sat on the dragon throne to watch the band perform.

    If the emperor bathed and burned incense before listening to music, others naturally dared not be careless.

    A high-standard performance began.

    Not many people were allowed to enter.Aliali: 67413bd3c4f3f33ac4135f05

    Before the performance started, white smoke rose on stage, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

    The emperor leaned back in his chair, feeling this was good, had the right feeling - at least the staging was excellent.

    Then came a "dong" sound.

    Slowly, the echoes seemed to sway in the air, paused, then another "dong" sounded.

    Wave after wave, like ripples on water, one ending only for another to begin.

    Slow and heavy.

    "Do not abandon your own path, nor disturb another''s heart..."

    A clear, bright sentence, followed by the toll of a bell.

    As if striking directly into one''s soul.

    ...

 Chapter 336

    When we are young, we don''t understand the music of sorrow.

    We just think it''s lively.

    Later, when we hear the first drum beat, our eyes turn red.

    Because thest time you experienced the saddest thing, this was the background music.

    Music itself has no emotion; it''s the listener who has feelings.

    There are very few times when an emperor pursuing immortality, the greatest in the world, can truly feel sad and shed tears.

    Even when hearing about his son''s death, his tears seem staged.

    But listening to this song makes him cry uncontrobly, feeling it deeply.

    Human emotions and desires.

    Sadness is one of them.

    Indispensable.

    Because after sadness, there will be a sense of satisfaction and happiness.

    If the sadness part is missing, then the sense of happiness and satisfaction will also be very little.

    Emotionsplement each other, none can becking.

    After listening to a solemn and dignified concert, The Emperor cried.

    The pce maids and eunuchs trembled a little.

    They thought, "We made The Emperor cry, will someone die for this?"

    But they didn''t expect The Emperor to cry until his nose turned red.

    Yet he still affectionately patted Jiang Er.

    The depressing and painful emotions were expressed, discharged, and he felt clear-headed and much better.

    In this world, no one dares to make The Emperor unhappy anymore.

    But he still gets upset easily; he''s a person with severe internal emotional consumption.

    Paranoid, overthinking.

    Listening to this song makes him want to cry, tears flowing unstoppably, because the song allows him to find resonance, feeling as if someone is listening to his inner thoughts, and won''t criticize him, letting him cryfortably, expressing his emotions.

    The pce maids and eunuchs trembled.

    The Emperor sniffled and said in a nasal voice, "Well sung, reward them!"

    Eunuch Yan had already been crying uncontrobly.

    Jiang Er also cried with tears in his eyes.

    Crying together.

    The great actors shed tears like rain.

    If you can''t cry, think about your past, and you''ll be able to cry.

    When others are crying and you''re not, it makes you seem cold-hearted.

    After listening, The Emperor went to rest.

    He didn''t say much more.

    But intimacy +10, favorability +10.

    Crying together is like visiting prostitutes or being in prison together, it''s something that can really bring people closer.

    After giving The Emperor an emotional outlet, Jiang Changtian knew when to stop and left with his people.

    The band members didn''t know what was going on, they didn''t dare to ask, but they received generous rewards.

    Feeling like they could pass it down for generations, they excitedly followed their master back.

    At home, Cong Brother, who wouldn''t change his expression even if a mountain copsed on him, sat seriously in front of Princess Huiyun. Princess Huiyun had finally finished telling the story carefully.

    She tried her best to recreate the story as the little one had told it.

    And because her expressions were vivid, the story seemed even better.

    She finally finished it in one breath.

    Her heart began to flutter, thinking about waiting for Cong Brother to ask, "What about falling off the cliff, what happened next?"

    But unexpectedly, even after she finished, she waited for a while, and Cong Brother didn''t open his mouth to ask...

    "Don''t you want to know what happens next?"

    "I do."

    "Then why don''t you ask me?"

    "If you knew, you would continue to tell. If you don''t know, there''s no use in asking," Cong Brother said calmly.

    Princess Huiyun: ...

    No wonder Cong Brother and Mianmian could y together, they were equally irritating.

    Fortunately, Mianmian and her mother finally returned from visiting.

    Mianmian came back and sweetly pounced on Princess Huiyun.

    "Did grandma miss me very much?"

    Princess Huiyun nodded: "Very much." To beat you.

    But seeing the little one like this, her heart instantly softened.

    She was immediately coaxed.

    Cong Brother received the roast chicken that Mianmian bought from the street, bringing it back to eat with Cong Brother and Princess grandma.

    Princess Huiyun was a bit disgusted with things from the street, thinking they were not clean.

    "This princess never eats such messy things."

    But since the little one bought it, she elegantly picked up a piece and ate it.

    Then she surprisingly found that it actually tasted quite good.

    She picked up another piece.

    And another piece.

    And another piece.

    Mianmian: ...

    Cong Brother didn''t look at the princess, but turned to ask Mianmian: "Mianmian, is there a continuation to ''The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils''?"

    "Yes, but I just got back and I''m tired. I''ll tell you guys tonight."

    Princess Huiyun gracefully indicated that she would reluctantly apany her to sleep tonight.

    Mianmian: ...

    Princesses are creatures who don''t say what they mean directly.

    Today, before it got dark, Jiang Changtian got off work.

    It was cold, so he left early.

    Anyway, the pce thought he went to the government office.

    The government office thought he went to the pce.

    People who work in two ces like this are very good at cking off.

    They can get off work early.

    Returning home, seeing that Princess Huiyun was still there and hadn''t returned to the princess''s mansion, Jiang Changtian was a bit surprised.

    He thought Princess Huiyun wouldn''t be able to stay and would return after at most one night.

    After all, his small house couldn''tpare to the princess''s mansion, it wasn''t even as big as the servants'' quarters in the princess''s mansion.

    Princess Huiyun was very happy to see her son return.

    But when she saw his eyes were red, as if he had been crying, she suddenly felt worried.

    She carefully asked, "Is there something troubling you? Did someone bully you?"

    Jiang Changtian shook his head: "No, no one bullied me. I just thought about mother waiting for me at home when I got off work, and felt happy."

    Princess Huiyun was suddenly struck by her son''s words, feeling very guilty and ashamed.

    She stayed because she wanted to hear the story, not for any other reason.

    Fortunately, fortunately, she stayed.

    If she had left, how heartbroken would her son be when he came back and didn''t see her?

    Princess Huiyun internally criticized herself eight hundred times.

    Winter days get dark early.

    The family had dinner early too.

    After dinner, it wasn''t actually veryte, barely six o''clock.

    Mianmian''s family gathered around a stove, brewing tea, roasting some dates and fruits, very warm and fragrant.

    This was a habit from Kan''er Vige.

    Back then, without a stove, they would just casually light a bonfire in the yard.

    Under the starry night sky, the family gathered around the fire to warm their hands, which had its own kind of warmth.

    Now, without her older brother and sister, but with Princess grandma and Cong Brother added.

    The number of people remained constant.

    Mianmian originally couldn''t sleep and was chatting with Princess grandma. Thinking about the Princess Xuzhu in the story, she suddenly had a brain fart and thought of "The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" story.

    Now, seeing Princess grandma''s eager gaze... Cong Brother''s focused stare on her...

    Mianmian had no choice but to continue reluctantly.

    She remembered the content from the TV series, and fortunately, she could speak more coherently now.

    She recapped the story from the first episode.

    Then the second episode.

    When Princess Huiyun heard that Duan Yu fell off a cliff and actually fell into a cave, even finding two martial arts manuals for the Northern Darkness Divine Skill and Lingbo Microstep, her eyes widened.

    And mother Qin Luoxia, hearing that there was actually a cave with martial arts manuals under the cliff, thought it was too far-fetched. She had been to many cliffs, and there was nothing like that.

    Then they heard the story of Duan Yu getting entangled with several girls.

    When they heard that Duan Yu wanted to see Miss Mu''s face, and Miss Mu took off her veil to show him and then considered him her husband...

    The story was full of twists and turns.

    The listeners each had their own thoughts.

    Jiang Changtian, hearing his daughter talk about this man, instinctively disliked him. He was too fickle. How could girls like this kind of man? It absolutely wouldn''t do. He would need to strengthen some concept education in the future.

    And about getting married just because someone saw your face, Jiang Changtian''s palm hardened. What a ridiculous rule. If someone saw his daughter''s face and wanted to marry her, he would gouge out that person''s eyes! Hmph.Aliali: 6743211ac4f3f33ac42e7315

    Princess Huiyun, wearing a mask, felt a bit moved. When she and Jingjue first met, she was wearing a veil, which fell into Jingjue''s hands...

    Qin Luoxia wondered, are there really such martial arts? With so many people fighting back and forth, who is the strongest?

    Cong Brother didn''t think much, just carefully remembered the story, and also remembered the scene of the family gathered around the stove, Mianmian telling the story, and them listening.

    For some reason, it just felt very good.

    Just warm enough, just enough tea, just enough story, the dates just roasted to perfection.

    This is probably what the New Year feels like.

    A new year is about toe.

    It will get better and better.

    "Father, Happy New Year," Cong Brother said in his heart.

    "Happy New Year," Cong Brother replied in his heart.

 Chapter 337

    ......

    The night was long.

    When I recall it now, I remember the sound of peanuts popping on the stove.

    The crisp sound of "ba da."

    ......

    "Pa pa pa, pa pa pa."

    The Seventh Prince''s Mansion was bustling with the sound of gongs and drums at the gate.

    Today was the day the Seventh Prince was to marry his concubine.

    The Emperor had bestowed her upon him, and since she was designated as a concubine, she couldn''t be kept in the mansion without a proper ceremony.

    If he disobeyed the order, the Emperor might think he harbored resentment.

    Today was a joyous day for the Seventh Prince.

    He had also invited his brothers.

    And his cousin, the Second son of Jiang family.

    The brothers all brought gifts, of course, none of them brought their wives.

    After all, it was a concubine''s wedding, bringing a wife would be too much of apliment.

    The Second son of Jiang family also came.

    In fact, he was originally the younger brother of Jiang Yuluan, the Seventh Prince''s wife.

    Now he had be the Seventh Prince''s cousin.

    It seemed everyone was rted somehow...

    Anyway, the Second son of Jiang family thought the Seventh Prince was quite handsome, a rare sight of a tall and dignified man.

    He had a straightforward smile.

    His speech was also very amiable.

    But he just didn''t like him.

    There was a natural aversion.

    Without any reason.

    But Jiang Changtian still epted the invitation.

    To dislike someone, either stay away from them or bury them.

    Jiang Changtian chose thetter.

    After all, he couldn''t stay away, being rted, he could only be a filial cousin and start nning for his cousin''s future.

    ......

    The Seventh Prince''s Mansion was located in a rather remote part of the Capital City.

    The Emperor disliked someone, and it would show in every aspect. Even without the Emperor''s direct involvement, his subordinates would understand and even overinterpret his intentions.

    So the location of the Seventh Prince''s Mansion was very remote.

    Even to the edge of the city, backed by a mountain.

    Others thought it was too remote.

    Jiang Changtian, however, thought the location was excellent, with a mountain and a river behind it, no better ce in the entire Capital City.

    And yet, everyone only saw how remote it was.

    Because it was remote, the estate wasrger, probably not in vition of any rules.

    A good person might just sigh and say, "What a big ce."

    A bad person like Jiang Changtian would be angry, thinking it was too cunning and deceitful, even more so than himself.

    As the gongs and drums of the Seventh Prince''s Mansion rang out, a row of girls came out to lightnterns.

    They were well-trained.

    The Fifth Prince was rolling his prayer beads, stingy as he was, he didn''t even prepare a Buddhist scripture today, only offering a golden piece of advice: "Seventh Brother, the Buddha says, the bond between husband and wife is the result of three lifetimes of karma, umted over many lives. Don''t indulge in beauty."

    Jiang Yuluan had always disliked the Fifth Prince, thinking he was stingy and superstitious.

    But this time, gritting her teeth, she went out to greet him, and when she heard the Fifth Prince''s words, her tears almost fell.

    But see the new bride smile, and hear the old bride cry.

    As the Seventh Prince''s wife, Jiang Yuluan, who had grown up with Princess Huiyun, was indeed very presentable.

    She was beautiful and dignified, her actions were straightforward andfortable, not the typical image of a woman confined to the inner chambers.

    Although she was getting older, she appeared very young, probably because she had never had children.

    The Seventh Prince was shocked by his fifth brother''s words. Although the Fifth Prince was obsessed with Buddhism, it didn''t stop him from having many beauties in his mansion. This advice, others could give, but not the Fifth Prince, whose mansion was run by his concubine, and his wife, like him, now spent her days chanting scriptures.

    You can''t hit a smiling face, even though the Fifth Prince was very annoying, the Seventh Prince endured it and humbly epted the advice.

    The Sixth Prince, after thest earthquake, felt a bit regretful for his poor performance, wondering why he had instinctively dodged, hmm!

    But the Emperor had bestowed a pce maid on the Seventh Prince, so he went back and had her background investigated.

    He wanted to see if there was anything he could use against her, but after investigating, he found that the pce maid seemed to be the Emperor''s person. The Emperor probably didn''t trust the Seventh Prince either, and the Sixth Prince wondered if there were any of the Emperor''s people in his own mansion.

    The Sixth Prince sent a pomegranate gem flower as a gift.

    Jiang Yuluan was a bit unhappy, when she got married, the Sixth Prince also gave her a pomegranate gem flower.

    The other princes sent gifts through their representatives.

    Old Nine personally came, bringing a red coral, quite valuable.

    Jiang Changtian also brought a gift, wishing for a hundred years of harmony, he gave a basket of coarse grains, symbolizing a bountiful harvest and many children.

    This is what themon people would give as a wedding gift.

    Jiang Changtian also gave this.

    Openly in front of Jiang Yuluan, he said: "I wish my Seventh Brother a hundred years of harmony and many children."

    There was no way, after all, he had identally killed the Seventh Prince''s son, reducing their family by one member, so this blessing had to be given.

    When Jiang Yuluan saw Jiang Changtian, she felt a bitplicated.

    Half of her childhood memories were of her mother, and half were of Princess Huiyun.

    The princess had been very good to her, and even her marriage had benefited from the princess.

    Her mother, however, had reced the princess''s son.

    She had taken the princess''s child but not treated him well.

    Jiang Yuluan felt a bit embarrassed to see Jiang Changtian.

    He still bore the surname Jiang and hadn''t changed his name.

    Her mother was also dead, dying miserably in prison, and had received her retribution.

    No matter what, that was still her mother.

    And the person in front of her was also her mother''s murderer.

    Jiang Changtian didn''t speak to Jiang Yuluan.

    Jiang Yuluan didn''t speak to him either.

    It was already very awkward for the princess to host her husband''s concubine''s wedding, Jiang Yuluan was very upset, feeling unwell, but she didn''t want to fall ill and be looked down upon by her sisters-inw.

    She had always been proud because she had grown up with Princess Huiyun, so her personality was a bit arrogant, and she didn''t get along well with her sisters-inw.

    The Seventh Prince had always treated her very well, and she had sneered at her sisters-inw''s suggestions of finding concubines for their husbands.

    At that time, she was also a person who loved passionately and fiercely.

    She had always aligned herself with Princess Huiyun.

    But now.

    Life had worn down her pride, and she even generously arranged the banquet for her husband''s concubine''s wedding.

    It was a small family banquet, the Seventh Prince didn''t hold a grand banquet, just inviting his brothers.

    No ministers sent gifts, the Seventh Prince was very cautious.

    As they walked towards the mansion, they could see that the servants in the Seventh Prince''s Mansion were very well-trained.

    The Sixth Prince thought the Seventh Prince was indeed very cunning.

    He always acted as if his wife couldn''t manage affairs, naive and romantic, just needing to love.

    Making everyone think the Seventh Prince''s Mansion must be in chaos.

    But the mansion was orderly and well-managed, the Seventh Prince''s wife was quite wronged.

    The Seventh Prince was really interesting, always using his wife as a topic.

    Actually, the Sixth Prince was a bit mistaken about the Seventh Prince. Sometimes the mansion was a bit chaotic, the Seventh Prince was very rxed with Jiang Yuluan, and for decades he had been saying he loved his wife, and he believed it himself.

    Now the mansion was like this, partly because of Jiang Yuluan''s niece, Jiang Wan, also known as the Immortal Liu. Such a young girl, unexpectedly, really had a way with managing a ce, even though she was just a guest.

    And also because of the new concubine, the pce maid Song He, who was well-trained and had been the Emperor''s secretary, managing a mansion was more than enough for her. After all, in the pce,peting for a position in front of the Emperor was a fierce battle, and her work ability was very strong.

    The Seventh Prince treated her as a subordinate, and she continued as before.

    She was very self-aware, the Seventh Prince said he loved the princess, and marrying her was just to appease the Emperor, making her understand her position.

    Song He was very clear, treating herself as a nanny.

    She was familiar with the job and continued to manage affairs.

    But the Seventh Prince''s wife, Jiang Yuluan, felt that this time was different, she felt threatened.

    Not to mention how the Seventh Prince soothed her.

    In the end, the brothers ate, drank, and chatted happily.

    Jiang Changtian even thought the Seventh Prince was too deep.

    He knew it was him who had killed his second son, yet he was still calling him cousin affectionately, even though he had sent people to kill him before, and sent so many people, when he was nothing at all.

    So casually, he had sent so many people, then how many actual people did the Seventh Prince really have, it was unfathomable, probably just a drop in the ocean.Aliali: 6743211ac4f3f33ac42e7315

    To deal with a small fry like himself, he had so many people.

    Too terrifying.

    Jiang Changtian was on high alert.

    At this moment, the Seventh Prince''s expression was very amiable, looking like he was drunk, holding his hand and calling him cousin.

    Then he kept mentioning Jiang Yuluan, and was supported by the servants to the bridal chamber, calling out Jiang Yuluan''s name all the way, going to the princess''s room.

    In the concubine''s room, Song He in her pink bridal gown.

    Sat calmly, waiting until it was quiet outside, she took off her outer clothes, her head cover, washed up, andy down.

    Lying perfectly t.

    She slept peacefully, her hands resting on her chest, like a serene corpse.

    ...

 Chapter 338

    The Seventh Prince maintained his image of being deeply affectionate.

    Several princes had drunk quite a bit.

    One had to admit, the royal genes were indeed excellent.

    The Seventh Prince, with his looks and eloquence, was so persuasive in encouraging others to drink that people wanted to drink of their own ord.

    Jiang Changtian had mentioned beforehand that he absolutely couldn''t drink, saying he''d pass out after one cup.

    He had brought Wei Biao along, so if he did drink one cup and passed out, Wei Biao could carry him away.

    His cousins didn''t force him.

    They were actually quite curious about Jiang Er.

    Taking advantage of the Seventh Prince''s wedding banquet, they had a serious conversation with Jiang Er.

    Jiang Changtian proudly told the story of how he built his fortune.

    He started by scheming to bring down the wealthyndlord in his vige, then joined the rebels as their guide, followed by epting amnesty, then went to the prefecture city to make money... He even mentioned how he eliminated a nunnery in the prefecture city...

    The story was full of ups and downs, and quite interesting.

    The Fifth Prince listened and thought this cousin was very money-hungry, just like himself.

    The Sixth Prince felt that Jiang Er was eager for quick sess and advancement, cunning and skillful, but it was a pity that his identity had been switched. Though he was clever, everything he did was like that of a petty official. If it weren''t for his handsome face, none of his achievements would have been worth mentioning.

    The Ninth Prince, seeing Jiang Er speak so proudly and self-importantly, eager to show off and praise himself, eximed, "Excellent, remarkable!"

    Inwardly, he felt that although this newly recognized cousin was a bit provincial, it was due to his environment. If he himself had been in that situation, he might not have achieved even this much.

    While the Seventh Prince appeared drunk, his mind remained clear.

    He thought Jiang Er was truly adaptable, no wonder he was so fawning before the Emperor, acting exactly like a lowly official. Such people should either be used or eliminated if they couldn''t be controlled, as they were most likely to cause trouble.

    The banquet ended when the host, the Seventh Prince, withdrew, and everyone else departed.

    They all received parting gifts.

    The Fifth Prince didn''t lose out - he had only offered some words of wisdom but received a piece of golden fabric called snow brocade, which contained real gold and silver threads.

    Jiang Changtian also didn''t lose out, receiving a piece of smooth snow brocade as well.

    The Fifth Prince patted Jiang Er''s arm, thinking this cousin was quite good. While he himself was greedy but not good at umting wealth, only taking and never giving, this cousin was both greedy and skilled at umting wealth. It was said that right after taking office, he had managed to make money even from managing the recitation ofws and regtions.

    The Fifth Prince warmly said, "Cousin, if you need anything in the future, call on your Fifth Brother. Though I''m not good at studying, I can help in other ways."

    Jiang Changtian nodded repeatedly.

    The carriage ride home was quiet. Though there was no curfew for the princes, it was already dark.

    While the Seventh Prince''s residence was far from the others, it wasn''t too far from Jiang Changtian''s home, as he didn''t live in the city center.

    He rested his eyes in the carriage, feeling somewhat tired.

    Even after bing an official in the Capital City, he rarely went out for social asions. This was his first time returning home sote.

    As he listened to the sound of carriage wheels, Jiang Changtian carefully reyed the evening''s interactions with the princes in his mind.

    The Fifth Prince, though plump, seemed the most approachable, but his words were unpleasant and his personality unlikeable.

    The Sixth Prince was very shrewd, his cunning obvious.

    The Ninth Prince appeared generous, as if genuinely so.

    The Seventh Prince felt particrly discordant.

    It was like being watched by a venomous snake.

    Jiang Changtian pondered.

    Knowing there''s a venomous snake yet still ying along would surely result in getting bitten eventually.

    If the Seventh Prince became the next Emperor, he definitely wouldn''t escape unscathed.

    But the Fifth Prince''s chances of ascending to the throne were slim.

    The Sixth Prince seemed too calcting and difficult to get along with.

    The Ninth Prince was still ying the role of a wastrel - how would it evere to the Ninth Prince''s turn... what circumstances would lead to the Ninth Prince ascending?

    Jiang Changtian carefully considered everything in his mind. The year was almost over, and he reflected on what he had aplished: moving from Jingzhou to the Capital City, receiving a promotion, finding his birth mother, increasing his ie, and moving to arger residence.

    What about next year?

    The Capital City was different from Jingzhou.

    If he didn''t n carefully, he might be eliminated without even knowing when it happened.

    He needed to be extremely vignt.

    Jiang Changtian liked this dark environment; it was conducive to thinking.

    While the Emperor was still alive, supporting any prince carried risks.

    He didn''t want to support the Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh Prince. The Ninth Prince might be slightly better, but he should discuss the Ninth Prince''s character with his inws, Old Meng and future inw Master Dong, to see if he was reliable.

    For next year''s ns, eliminating the Seventh Prince was the top priority.

    The decision about which prince to support couldeter.

    Upon returning home.

    Jiang Changtian didn''t go to greet the Princess, but instead soaked his feet in warm water.

    After lying down, he chatted with Sister Xia about the day''s household events.

    Jiang Changtian was someone who worried about everything.

    "Nothing happened at home. Your mother wanted to hear stories, but your daughter wanted to wait for your return to tell them. Your daughter made another skateboard today, attaching two wheels under a wooden board, then rode it around. She fell several times but was still very happy. Later, your mother went to y with it too."Aliali: 6743211ac4f3f33ac42e7315

    Jiang Changtian: ...

    He was speechless, his worried predictions hade true.

    His little daughter was bing more and more like his mother.

    He desperately hoped she wouldn''t turn out like Jiang Yuluan, who he noticed today was starting to show traces of Princess Huiyun''s manner, which was quite frightening, as she had only learned the superficial aspects.

    Jiang Changtian fell asleep while chatting with Sister Xia.

    Early the next morning.

    Someone came to announce a death.

    The Fifth Prince had died...

    Hey perfectly straight.

    He had died peacefully, his hands ced on his chest, a serene corpse.

 Chapter 339

    In the pce.

    Consort Zhang was a plump, easygoing woman with a bit of extra weight.

    Without pressure to advance in rank or attend to the Emperor, she simply took it easy.

    As a long-time employee, she had dividends and sry, living quitefortably.

    Though her son wasn''t very capable, at least he didn''t cause trouble and was living properly, which was good enough.

    She didn''t ask for anything more, as food and drink were never a concern.

    But she never expected that in her old age, she would receive news of someone''s death.

    The Fifth Prince had passed away.

    When Consort Zhang heard this, she was in the middle of drinking soup.

    She didn''t even hear clearly at first, and took another sip.

    Only after finishing did she ask, "Where did Little Five go?"

    Consort Zhang stared nkly at the table. On it was a small vase, a gift from Little Five.

    On the wall were paintings that Little Five had brought.

    In the corners were piles of stones that Little Five had gathered.

    This was just his personality. Since he was young, he liked to take random little things he found or made himself and stuff them in her room, put them on her table, in her cabs, in every nook and cranny. Whenever she looked around, she could see his things everywhere.

    In the past, he did the same at the Emperor''s ce too, leaving things scattered about.

    Later he was punished for it once, so he never dared to do it again there.

    But in her quarters, he still kept up this habit.

    Every time he came, he would leave behind one or two of his random things.

    In all aspects of life, you could see his things, full of his marks.

    Like a little puppy.

    Leaving his things was like marking his territory.

    Even in his forties, he started distributing Buddhist scriptures everywhere.

    On the wall was still a stack of Buddhist scriptures he had copied.

    Consort Zhang''s hand trembled as she held her bowl, drinking the soup in one gulp before standing up. She felt unsteady, swaying for a while before regaining her bnce.

    "Go, go find the Emperor."

    Death was not umon in the pce. Many young, vibrant girls died here.

    Many children who couldn''t be raised also died.

    Many greedy maids and eunuchs who did wrong things also died.

    This was an extremelypetitive and twisted ce.

    Consort Zhang had fought her way through, and now recited Buddhist scriptures three times morning and evening, perhaps to atone for her past self.

    But Little Five, he was dead.

    Indeed, when it''s not your own people who die, you don''t feel it.

    When her good friend the Empress died, she wiped away tears.

    When the Crown Prince died, she wiped away tears.

    When her son died, she couldn''t even shed a tear.

    She was too angry, too upset, too agitated.

    At this moment, she wanted to kill heaven and earth, to destroy everything, to die together.

    She had no more inhibitions, no more restraints.

    The Ministry of Justice, entering the New Year state.

    Early in the morning, they received a big case - the Fifth Prince was dead.

    Well, looks like they won''t be celebrating the New Year.

    If an ordinary person died at home, the Ministry of Justice would just investigate the case normally.

    In fact, when someone dies, it''s usually not thatplicated. The people closest to them are often the most suspicious.

    Except for a few rare mysterious cases, like random killings, but these are quite umon.

    The Ministry of Justice solves cases year-round, handling dozens or hundreds of cases each year.

    As long as a crime ismitted, there will inevitably be traces.

    Those who have risen to high positions in the Ministry of Justice all have some level of skill.

    But this case involves the royal family.

    It will add many difficulties.

    For example, for ordinary people, the coroner can examine the body, cut it open for research.

    Can they do that with a prince?

    Who dares to cut?

    If they really want to cut, don''t they need to apply for permission? Who wants to risk offending someone?

    Just like when the former Crown Prince died, they simply reported it as a sudden death. How he actually died, they didn''t dare to ask or investigate deeply.

    Sometimes solving a case isn''t difficult; what''s difficult is the things behind the case.

    When Jiang Changtian was notified.

    Jiang Changtian had just finished his breakfast.

    When he heard the news, he was also stunned for a moment.

    This Fifth Prince, justst night had his arm around his shoulder, cheerfully saying he needed his help with something.

    Today he was dead.

    Life is unpredictable.

    So we must cherish every day.

    He was originally nning to go to the office, but he stopped in his tracks and decided to stay home with his family first.

    Early in the morning, Mianmian was dragging her grandmother Princess Huiyun to y skateboard together.

    Princess Huiyun said she didn''t want to, but actually found it quite interesting. As long as it was on t ground it was fine, no need for an ice surface. She was a bit worried about the ice cracking anyway.

    t ground was much more convenient, and if you fell at least there was no danger to life.

    Besides, Mianmian was more likely to fall when ying alone, so it was better to have an elder apany her.

    Both had good athletic talent and quickly got the hang of it.

    Wearing traditional clothes while riding a skateboard, flying with the wind - it was quite cool, to be honest.

    This feeling of flying was very special and enjoyable.

    Mianmian said, "We could also make a big dip to slide down and fly up, even cooler, but Dad probably wouldn''t allow that. Let''s just y like this for now.

    But if there''s snow, we could go skiing."

    Princess Huiyun was someone who was very pure when ying, and felt somewhat longing.

    No wonder she was her own granddaughter, she really knew how to have fun.

    Jiang Changtian could hear his daughter''sughter from afar, loud and bright,ughing very happily.

    Perhaps he would never have forgiven Princess Huiyun originally.

    But at this moment, seeing her seriously ying with Mianmian, it was as if he had forgiven her, let it go.

    Because even though she wasn''t good to her own child, she was good to his child.

    He loved children more than he loved himself.

    Mianmian and Princess Huiyun were ying skateboard, Cong Brother was reading, and Sister Xia was training in martial arts.

    "I found the stories Mianmian told quite interesting, so I''m just trying to figure it out and practice on my own," Qin Luoxia said sheepishly.

    She thought her husband had already left.

    She was a bit worried her husband would say it wasn''t appropriate.

    But for her, the household chores weren''t much, as the servants did most of it.

    Currently there weren''t any banquets for nobledies or anything, and after meeting her inws Madam Meng and Madam Dong, Qin Luoxia wasn''t so afraid of socializing in the capital anymore. She felt it was alright, they all had one nose, two eyes, and one mouth just like anyone else.

    Besides, the most impressive legendary figure in the capital, Princess Huiyun, was in her own home, so what did she have to worry about?

    She was more concerned about Feng and son-inw Shao Xia now.

    She wished she could go to battle in their ce.

    But thinking about it, that wasn''t possible. The army even thought it was unlucky for women toe near, let alone allowing women to join the military.

    Qin Luoxia felt it was useless to worry needlessly, so she decided to calm down and hone her martial arts skills.

    Everyone had their own things to do.

    Qin Luoxia looked down most on those women who could only live by clinging to others every day.

    So in her heart, she agreed with her husband''s view and felt that her mother-inw was a bit useless.

    She was already a princess, yet she still couldn''t get over that thing with a man, what was the point?

    If she were a princess and really liked someone, she would kidnap him and ask, will you marry me or not? If yes, then stay together; if not, then get lost. How could there be so much drama afterwards?

    Although she also loved her husband very much and was clingy with him, she always insisted on doing things, doing useful things, being a useful person. This way, even if her husband wasn''t around, she wouldn''t panic. At any time, she could be a strong support for her husband.

    So she wanted to practice martial arts.

    Now she couldn''t go hunting in the mountains, but their home had arge estate, so she could practice martial arts at home just the same.

    Qin Luoxia didn''t know many characters, but she was very dedicated.

    She asked her daughter about the martial arts that Duan Yu picked up in the story, wondering if there was any real basis to it. Her daughter, not knowing whether to make it up or what, actually came up with a seemingly usible set of martial arts moves.

    Whether it worked or not, she would practice first and see. In order to practice martial arts, Qin Luoxia had recently been learning to read, at least to understand the characters in martial arts manuals.

    Previously she had only practiced the three basic moves her son-inw taught her, and she had done quite well with those.

    Qin Luoxia nned to practice and explore at the same time.

    Qin Luoxia practiced with her sword, each move like flowers blooming, like falling snow, like the clear light of the cold moon, like the zing sun, ever-changing.

    Jiang Changtian watched attentively from the side.

    It was wonderful.Aliali: 6743d32ec4f3f33ac438d8b1

    His Xia had walked this path with him all along, never retreating a step, always moving forward.

    How fortunate he was.

    To have herpanionship for half a lifetime.

    After watching his family, Jiang Changtian went to the office.

    They had just made New Year nsst night, and today they had to change those ns.

    ns really can''t keep up with changes.

    Regarding the Fifth Prince''s matter, he couldn''t get involved. The capital had the Ministry of Justice, and besides, no one wanted to touch such a royal death case and risk offending anyone.

    It was troublesome.

    He hesitated for a while, but still decided to go to the pce to see the Emperor.

    The road to the deep pce was long and arduous.

 Chapter 340

    When open spaces get cold, they be even colder.

    It was already noon when Second son of Jiang family entered the pce.

    Consort Zhang had already quarreled with The Emperor.

    An old woman going mad is not easy to deal with.

    The aging Emperor''s face was scratched.

    It had been many years since a woman had scratched The Emperor''s face.

    And it was the usuallyposed Consort Zhang who did it.

    Moreover, when Consort Zhang went mad, The Emperor discovered that this woman was actually stronger than him.

    He felt somewhat angry and somewhat sad.

    "You have so many children, while I only have one."

    The Fifth Prince was his son too, how could he not be heartbroken?

    After all, they were an old married couple, so The Emperor didn''t pursue the matter of Consort Zhang scratching his face.

    He ordered a thorough investigation.

    If the culprit wasn''t found, those in the Ministry of Justice would all apany him in death.

    Of course, he didn''t say it quite like that, but the meaning was simr.

    So having a mother does make a difference - the former Crown Prince''s funeral was hastily concluded.

    For the Fifth Prince, after Consort Zhang made a scene, at least The Emperor ordered people to seek justice.

    Death is a terrifying thing.

    Even more terrifying is to die unjustly, not knowing who the murderer is.

    The person was already dead, and Consort Zhang''s only demand was to find the killer.

    At the same time, she also sent people to bring the children from the Fifth Prince''s Mansion into the pce.

    By the time Second son of Jiang family arrived, Consort Zhang had already left.

    The Emperor was also in a gloomy mood.

    His face was injured.

    Not only was he gloomy, but it also hurt.

    The Emperor''s skin wasn''t that thick.

    Despite Wenxin''sforting words, he was still very unhappy.

    "I am the Son of Heaven, but I am not in control of my own fate. I can''t even protect my own child, s."

    When Jiang Changtian entered, he saw The Emperor with scratches on his face.

    The Emperor hadn''t ordered for the imperial physician.

    He took the initiative to have the eunuch quickly bring the medicine box.

    Disregarding The Emperor''s objections, he stepped forward and said, "Your subject is presumptuous, but I know medical skills. Let me treat Your Majesty''s wounds."

    The Emperor indeed felt his face stinging with pain.

    But because of his mercurial temperament, the servants didn''t dare to call for the imperial physician on their own.

    He himself hadn''t thought of it either, being in a state of anger.

    If it were someone else, they might have been scolded harshly for touching a sore spot.

    But Second son of Jiang family was different - not just a subordinate, but also his nephew, a family member.

    The Emperor didn''t refuse.

    Jiang Changtian carefully treated The Emperor''s facial wounds.

    They weren''t actually that serious and would have healed on their own if left alone for a while.

    Even in her frenzied state, Consort Zhang had shown some restraint.

    She hade to avenge her son, and though she wanted to die, she at least wanted to exact revenge before dying.

    However, Jiang Changtian treated it as if it were a severe injury.

    His movements were gentle and careful.

    Then he began to talk about treating Feng''s wounds in the past.

    "Feng is my only son. When he was young, he was actually very intelligent, almost had a photographic memory, and learned everything quickly. Butter, when Old Lady Jiang deemed me unfilial and disrespectful, I couldn''t take the imperial exams, and Feng wasn''t eligible either. I didn''t teach him much about reading, so he liked to hang around on the streets."

    Jiang Changtian gave a bitter smile. "The sisters at the Yihong House in the county all liked him and even gave him gifts because, at such a young age, he would help them attract customers."

    This kind of life was probably something the pce eunuchs and maids had never heard of.

    Even The Emperor was somewhat stunned.

    He listened attentively.

    "One day, he came home injured, covered in blood. We were poor, and the first thing his mother said wasn''t about his injury, but about how his clothes got dirty. It wasn''t that she was cold-hearted, it was just really like that."

    "I knew medical skills and could treat external injuries, so I treated his wounds. I thought he would be fine since he was young and strong with good recovery. The next day he even went to the county town to buy medicine himself."

    The Emperor felt his cheeks cooling a bit.

    "What happened then?"

    "Unexpectedly, on the second night, his wound actually festered. He fell into a high fever and lost consciousness. The weapon used by the person who injured him was poisoned. I had to steel my heart and use a red-hot knife to cauterize the wound, scraping away the rotting parts. It was like scraping my own heart, bit by bit removing the decayed areas."

    "At that time, I actually thought my son couldn''t be saved, but I wanted him to look good when he went to the underworld. I even drew a flower on his wound, so that if I also went to the underworld, I could find my son by that flower."

    "Sister Xia was calcting our family''s savings to see if we could afford a decent and beautiful coffin for our son. In our vige, this was very important. They say the dead deserve respect, and perhaps with a decent coffin, one could be reborn into a better life and not suffer again."

    Jiang Changtian finished treating The Emperor''s facial wounds.

    He applied some ointment.

    The ointment was a bit cool, and being close to the eyes, it caused tears to form - this was just a physical reaction.

    "I''ve been through countless hardships, but I''ve always thanked heaven because heaven gave Feng back to me. Feng didn''t die. So I can forgive all the hardships because my son is alive. But Your Majesty, I also did something wrongter. The person who injured my son was the guard of Old Lady Jiang''s eldest grandson. He had applied poison to his weapon, intending to kill my son."

    "I wanted to avenge my son. I carefully inquired about that guard and learned that he was having an affair with a married woman. I found a way to inform that woman''s husband, letting him return home early and catch them in the act. The woman''s husband killed that guard, and I got my revenge. Your Majesty, I''m actually a person with deep thoughts, maybe even a bit vicious, but I don''t regret it. If it happened again, I would still do the same, because whoever tries to kill my son, I''ll fight them to the death. Consort Zhang and you must feel the same way, but Your Majesty, no matter what, remember to take good care of your health. Only when you''re well can you avenge your child."

    The Emperor originally wasn''t that emotional.

    He was more angry than sad.Aliali: 6744814f3f33ac44271f6

    But after listening to Second son of Jiang family''s words, he felt a sense of empathy, as if he truly became sad for his child.

    Then he seemed to be invigorated.

    In fact, his original state was normal, but now after Second son of Jiang family''s speech, it became grieving for his son and then finding strength, appearing to show affection.

    Jiang Changtian chatted for a while, treated The Emperor''s minor wounds, and then took his leave.

    What he did was trivial - he simply picked up his superior''s fallen face, patched it up, and added a few brushstrokes to make it appear righteous and noble.

    Perhaps this could be considered a new level of ttery.

    ttering about something the other person hasn''t even done yet.

    Others tter by praising what already exists, trying hard to exaggerate.

    Second son of Jiang family ttered by praising what didn''t exist, and making it exist.

    The path in the deep pce is long, and so are its schemes.

 Chapter 341

    ......

    The news reached the Seventh Prince''s residence.

    The Seventh Prince was stunned for a moment, looking both surprised and embarrassed.

    His older brother, the Fifth Prince, had left his ce the previous day, only to be found dead the next morning.

    Jiang Yuluan was also taken aback.

    She had spent the previous night with her husband, even though he had married a concubine, he hadn''t even entered the concubine''s room.

    She had spent the night persuading her, and by the end, she was almost convinced.

    She understood that her husband had no choice.

    The Emperor had bestowed the concubine upon him, and he couldn''t refuse.

    Then, the next day, such an incident urred.

    Concubine Song He got up early, as if nothing had happened, and continued with her duties.

    When she heard about the Fifth Prince''s death, she was slightly taken aback but continued with her work.

    She discovered that there was a formidable woman in the Seventh Prince''s residence, not the Princess, but the Princess''s niece, who had been recuperating from an injury these past few days. However, she had heard nothing but praise for her.

    Song He didn''t think much of it. She didn''t harbor any ambitions for power or position. Her thoughts were quite simple: she just wanted to survive. Only by surviving could her family live well.

    As for whatever sudden tasks she might be assigned, she couldn''t predict them, but she was prepared to die at any moment.

    Every day she lived, she treated it as herst, so she was calm and diligent.

    Her emotions were calm, and she performed her duties meticulously and appropriately.

    After consoling the Princess, the Seventh Prince returned to his own quarters and saw Song He attending to him. He didn''t exin anything or try tofort her.

    He too was tired, and in his eyes, Song He was just a subordinate. He didn''t feel responsible for her emotions.

    After breakfast, he sat in his study. He had a pet sparrow with tender yellow feathers, very beautiful. He liked to feed the sparrow millet while he thought, watching it peck at the grains.

    One by one.

    ......

    The death of the Fifth Prince startled the Sixth Prince.

    Although his older brother had many ws and a sharp tongue, he didn''t deserve to die.

    He remembered that when they were young, the Fifth Prince was quite nice, often giving him things, even digging up a nt from the imperial garden just to give it to him.

    When they studied together in the imperial study, he sometimes found random objects on his desk that had nothing to do with their studies.

    No need to ask, he knew it was the Fifth Prince.

    He thought his brother was trying to frame him, making their father think he was neglecting his studies.

    So, whenever he saw those misceneous items, he immediately had them thrown away.

    It wasn''t untilter, when he grew up, that the Sixth Prince realized he had misunderstood the Fifth Prince.

    The Fifth Prince had a peculiar hobby: he liked to ce things near those he cared about. So, the leaves, grass, sticks, and snacks on his desk weren''t meant to frame him; the Fifth Prince simply liked him.

    However,ter, the Fifth Prince stopped cing those random items on his desk.

    They had moved to separate residences.

    And the Fifth Prince had be more talkative and stingy.

    There was no way to apologize for the past misunderstandings.

    The past, like smoke, drifted away.

    The Sixth Prince quickly summoned his advisors to analyze the situation.

    There was no news from the Fifth Prince''s residence. The previous day, he had attended the Seventh Prince''s wedding banquet and died the next morning. Could it be poisoning?

    Was the food at the Seventh Prince''s residence unclean?

    It seemed unlikely to be so bold.

    Besides, they were still fine.

    But thinking about it, he felt a bit apprehensive. He decided he couldn''t go to his brothers'' homes for meals anymore.

    He needed to be cautious.

    He had childhood memories of the Fifth Prince, but with the Seventh Prince, he couldn''t recall any stories from the past.

    It was as if the Seventh Prince had always been invisible.

    It was only after the Seventh Prince married the daughter of the Preceptor of the Crown Prince that he came into the public eye.

    The Sixth Prince called his advisors to discuss what to do next.

    As fellow princes, the sudden death of his elder brother felt like a trial. He was a bit worried that he might be next.

    He was afraid.

    He also wanted to know what the situation was and what he should do next.

    He was a bit sad, but not much.

    Because brothers had died before.

    When it happened often, one got used to it.

    He just felt a bit wistful thinking about how he had misunderstood the Fifth Prince, thinking he was ying tricks to make him look bad in front of their father, when in fact, the Fifth Prince just liked him.

    The Sixth Prince also felt a bit guilty.

    Because the Fifth Prince''s concubine was his person.

    It was because of this that he knew about the Fifth Prince''s strange habit of cing random items near those he liked.

    But this sudden death had caught him off guard.

    He had never instructed anything.

    In fact, a long time ago, he had identally seeded in cing his person as the Fifth Prince''s concubine, and he had been quite pleased with himself.

    But after receiving a few messages, he had basically stopped managing this line.

    Because the Fifth Prince was so ipetent, he didn''t seem like a contender for the throne.

    He hadn''t expected to receive such news, which left him unprepared.

    The Sixth Prince was discussing with his advisors what to do next and what changes might ur.

    His advisors advised him to stay still and do nothing, as it was the best course of action.

    The Sixth Prince understood.

    The next day, however, the Ministry of Justice surrounded the Sixth Prince''s residence.

    The evidence was conclusive.

    It was first confirmed by the Emperor, and the murderer confessed.

    The Sixth Prince had ordered the Fifth Prince''s concubine to kill the Fifth Prince.

    The concubine said she had been feeding the Fifth Prince medicine. Yesterday, he might have drunk alcohol, andbined with the medicine she had given him, he suddenly died.

    The medicine wasn''t lethal; it just made people stupid, forgetful, and fat. It required arge amount to take effect, so it needed a long-term process of administration. (The fat officials in the court shuddered when they heard about this medicine, seriously doubting if they had been dosed, always feeling they should be smarter and more handsome...)

    The Sixth Prince was dumbfounded, shouting that he was innocent.

    Although the concubine was his person, he had never expected the Fifth Prince to take a liking to her, bringing her back and insisting on making her his concubine. With her elevated status, the Sixth Prince felt it was against human nature to continue manipting her. High status breeds ambition, so he had basically given up on her.Aliali: 6744814f3f33ac44271f6

    He had never instructed her to administer medicine that made people stupid. The Fifth Prince was already stupid enough. Since he learned that the Fifth Prince had given him those random items just because he liked him, he no longer saw his brother as an enemy.

    Why would he do such a thing?

    But now, the evidence was conclusive.

    The Sixth Prince, a royal prince, was thrown into prison.

    He cried bitterly.

    Looking at the prison, he was familiar with it.

    He had once visited the Crown Prince here.

    He suddenly understood why the Crown Prince had remained silent and uining.

    He felt so wronged, but no matter how he shouted, no one paid attention.

    ......

 Chapter 342

    ...

    The New Year was supposed to be a joyous asion.

    But due to the incident involving the Fifth Prince,

    everyone could only celebrate in secret.

    Who would have thought the Ministry of Justice would be so efficient?

    The speed of the case resolution was astonishing.

    It also caused some criminals to panic.

    At the very least, it served as a deterrent.

    It might have even inadvertently saved a few poor souls in some corners.

    Life''s circumstances are unpredictable.

    Take the Sixth Prince, for instance. Just a few days ago, he was the most likely candidate for the next Crown Prince.

    Now, he''s turned into a murderer, killing his own brother, devoid of ethics, worse than a beast.

    The news spread quickly through the streets and alleys.

    In the Seventh Prince''s residence, Jiang Wan suffered a minor injury. She was stabbed by a sword, but it wasn''t serious, just a scratch.

    It was because Lu Jiuzhang had never done anything like this before. In his extreme anger, he didn''t seize the opportunity well.

    He couldn''t even kill properly.

    If one strike doesn''t work, at least one should know how to follow up.

    Killing a person is indeed not easy, as the victim will struggle and dodge, unlike a fish that can be killed with a few blows.

    Moreover, Jiang Wan felt that Heaven was helping her. She was actually very panicked at that moment, forgetting to dodge, but an earthquake suddenly made her body retreat, avoiding a fatal injury.

    She only got a minor wound.

    But she developed a heart palpitation problem.

    Her heart would race uncontrobly.

    In front of her aunt, she looked pale. Hearing about the death of the Fifth Prince, she was startled, and her heart started racing again.

    It felt like a dream she had, with simr chaos.

    The Fifth Prince died, and the Sixth Prince was arrested.

    Then there was news of a major defeat at the border? No, the timing seems a bit off.

    It always felt like it didn''t match up.

    Perhaps it was because this time, Meng Shaoxia was detained in Jingzhou for three years, dying everything.

    Originally, Meng Shaoxia should have already been a renowned young general in the Capital City by now.

    Old General Meng should have also passed away by now.

    But the death of the Fifth Prince and the arrest of the Sixth Prince align with this.

    Next, they might hear news of Meng Shaoxia''s death in battle.

    Jiang Wan''s heart raced.

    She felt both excited and nervous.

    She was d that when Jiang Changtian interrogated her, she didn''t reveal much, just some general details, as her dreams were fragmented, and she could only recall specifics when faced with certain situations.

    She was still determined to marry Chu Xi.

    Her aunt had already agreed.

    But now, with the mourning for her grandmother and the death of the prince, it might be dyed for a long time.

    Fortunately, her status was already secured. The Dong girl she considered a threat might have been married off to someone else.

    Everything was moving in a positive direction.

    In the Seventh Prince''s residence, Jiang Wan was very low-key, spending her days with her aunt. Her aunt initially didn''t understand why she insisted on marrying Chu Xi.

    Their rtionship was a bit awkward.

    But because of Concubine Song, their rtionship improved.

    Indeed, sometimes having an extra enemy isn''t a bad thing.

    However, in her memories, there was no Concubine Song in the residence.

    Jiang Wan felt that her mind was nk when it came to major events. She didn''t dare to interfere.

    She knew too little and could only focus on her own small world.

    She was very restrained.

    ...

    Everyone knew the news.

    The Jiang family also knew.

    Mianmian was a bit panicked.

    This was indeed the Capital City.

    Just a couple of days ago, her father was still drinking with them.

    Now, one of his drinking buddies is dead, and the other is in jail.

    It''s terrifying.

    Although they had always heard about the fierce pce and official struggles, they had never seen it firsthand.

    But how long had their family been in the Capital City?

    The Crown Prince was confined, the Fifth Prince died, and the Sixth Prince was arrested.

    This... the attrition rate of princes is too high.

    Fortunately, her father is just an adopted son, not a biological one.

    Princess Huiyun couldn''t do anything about it. Why did she live so long? Because she didn''t meddle in other people''s business.

    Was her brother able to be the emperor because he was lively and lovely? No.

    Was her father able to be the emperor because he was kind and gentle? No.

    Every dynasty has gone through this.

    A princess getting involved in such matters is just asking for a short life.

    She didn''t participate herself and also advised her son.

    "Don''t get involved in the session of the royal family. After all, someone will eventually ascend the throne."

    Qin Luoxia agreed: "Mother is right. It''s like the sons of a wealthy family fighting over inheritance. They fight so hard that it''s like they''re beating each other''s brains out. There''s no right or wrong, and none of them seem like good people."

    Jiang Changtian nodded: "I''ll listen to Mother. I definitely won''t get involved. But Mother, the Seventh Prince seems to have a problem with me. After all, I killed his mother-inw, and the Seventh Prince is known for his love for his wife. He took a concubine, but he hasn''t even stepped into her room once. If he ascends the throne, he will probably seek revenge on me. I''m worried he''ll want to kill me."

    Princess Huiyun felt a bit stifled when Jiang Changtian mentioned the Seventh Prince.

    Because she had taken good care of the Seventh Prince and Jiang Yuluan.

    She rarely treated people well, but she had definitely invested a lot in this couple.

    Now, instead of benefiting her son, it seemed to be turning into a revenge against him.

    "Don''t worry, your uncle detests the Seventh Prince. He won''t let him inherit the throne. Anyone else has a chance, but he definitely doesn''t." Princess Huiyun confidently said.

    Jiang Changtian thought to himself, you know nothing. Jiang Wan, with her prophetic dreams, has already said that the Seventh Prince will ascend the throne.

    s.

    Forget it, his mother will just live in her own world of confusion.

    It would be best if she could die quickly and painlessly.

    Mianmian continued to tell the next part of the story today.

    When Mianmian said, "After Duan Yu mastered the Northern Darkness Divine Skill and Lingbo Microstep, he escaped and identally ate the Zhuhong Toad, bing immune to all poisons,"

    Qin Luoxia thought, could her Elder Sister Yu have also identally eaten something like that? After all, Elder Sister Yu was a glutton and put everything in her mouth, even knowing it was poison, just to taste it. Now, she was relieved that Elder Sister Yu''s temperament would make her safe from being poisoned in the harem. She heard the Fifth Prince was poisoned to death, which was quite frightening.

    And about the Northern Darkness Divine Skill and Lingbo Microstep, if she could learn them, wouldn''t she be able to leap over walls and roofs, running to the border overnight to see if her son was okay?

    Jiang Changtian thought, they must not let the emperor hear this story, or he might order him to find these things to be immune to all poisons.

    Princess Huiyun thought, Duan Yu''s luck was indeed excellent, just like when she was young, wanting something and getting it easily, countless treasures within reach...Aliali: 6744814f3f33ac44271f6

    She used to think she was the favored child of heaven, but now she felt that one''s luck was probably fixed. If you used it up when you were young, you had less when you were old.

    So now, she didn''t pray for luck, just content with what she had.

    Cong Brother diligently noted down the story, trying to make sense of it, as Mianmian sometimes spoke in a disorganized manner.

    Mianmian never expected that she just wanted to amuse her grandmother, but now she had be a professional storyteller.

    But she also enjoyed the feeling of being with her family, like when the whole family watched "Princess Pearl" together during winter nights. It was cold, and the plot was unforgettable (because it was reyed every summer), but what she remembered more was the atmosphere of being together.

    She liked this feeling, with long nights stretching ahead.

    "Once upon a time, there was a mountain... in the mountain lived a family... the man was surnamed Jiang, the wife surnamed Qin... ''The rosy clouds and solitary wild geese fly together, the autumn waters merge with the vast sky''... "

    The people in the story were telling stories.

    "Once upon a time, there was a mountain... in the mountain lived a family... there were the Four Great Viins..."

    ...

 Chapter 343

    ......

    The cause of the Fifth Prince''s sudden death has been found.

    Meanwhile, the Emperor suddenly remembered that he had previously instructed Consort Zhang to receive Princess Caiyi, and it seemed that Consort Zhang quite liked the princess. He then suddenly summoned Princess Caiyi to the pce to keep Consort Zhangpany.

    Jiang Changtian learned of this news and felt a bit angry.

    Your son is gone, and you want my daughter to console you.

    Can that really console you?

    Isn''t that just inviting bad luck?

    Sometimes, being a subject is really frustrating.

    You just have to do whatever the Emperor tells you to do.

    Fortunately, Third Son is in the pce and should be able to take care of things.

    Third Son really likes Elder Sister Yu, so at least she won''t be mistreated.

    Although Jiang Changtian can enter the pce, he cannot casually approach the consorts without reason.

    He can only rely on Eunuch Yan.

    Aunt Yin apanied her on the journey.

    Jiang Yu didn''t expect it.

    She was curiously eating melon (gossiping) about the big event that had urred.

    She was listening intently as her mother-inw exined the rtionships between the people in the capital.

    She was just curious about how someone could suddenly die after going out for a drink.

    Luckily, her father was fine.

    The one who died was also her rtive, someone she should call uncle?

    She never thought that suddenly in the capital, she had gained many rtives, except these rtives were not very resilient.

    As a result, she ended up eating melon about herself.

    The Emperor summoned Princess Caiyi to keep Consort Zhangpany.

    Indeed, any unexpected benefitse with a price to pay.

    Although she didn''t want to be this princess, now that she is, she has to do the work.

    On this day, she dressed very inly.

    She couldn''t directly wear mourning clothes, as that would likely upset Consort Zhang.

    But wearing something colorful certainly wouldn''t do either; dressing in bright colors at such a time would be asking for trouble.

    Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng were also unhappy.

    Their daughter-inw was very good, but going tofort Consort Zhang was an extremely high-risk task.

    Who could be happy after losing a son?

    It''s a thankless task, and she might even be resented.

    The Emperor is not acting like a human.

    Old Madam Meng wished she could throw adle of dung at the Emperor to wake him up.

    Angry as she was, when the Emperor summoned her, Jiang Yu had to go.

    At least as Princess Caiyi, she had a rank, and entering the pce, besides seeing Consort Zhang, she shouldn''t be easily mistreated.

    When Jiang Yu saw Consort Zhang, she was shocked.

    Not long ago, they had just met, and Consort Zhang was a spirited and beautiful woman, glowing with health. Now, upon meeting again, she looked aged.

    Last time she looked as young as her mother-inw, but now she looked like a grandmother.

    Jiang Yu, with her shallow tear ducts, hadn''t even said anything when she saw Consort Zhang''s appearance, and her tears started falling.

    Aunt Yin was taken aback; was this her teaching? How did the girl suddenly be so skilled?

    Consort Zhang had a tantrum with the Emperor, who then ordered a thorough investigation, and she also learned about the words Second son of Jiang family had advised the Emperor.

    As an old hand in the pce, Consort Zhang had her own sources of information.

    She felt grateful towards Second son of Jiang family.

    She knew that the Emperor probably didn''t feel much sorrow over the death of the Fifth Prince. The Emperor''s heart was hard; even when his favorite son, the Crown Prince, died, he didn''t grieve much. He was obsessed with cultivating immortality and believed that to achieve immortality, one must sever emotions, thinking it was natural for him to live longer than his sons.

    At least Second son of Jiang family made the Emperor show some sympathy for the Fifth Prince.

    But the case was solved so quickly that Consort Zhang felt things weren''t that simple.

    People in the pce believed that the oue was what mattered.

    The Sixth Prince was so highly regarded; what could he gain by killing the Fifth Prince except ruining himself? And it was too coincidental that it was so easily uncovered.

    But the Sixth Prince wasn''t entirely innocent.

    Consort Zhang naturally wouldn''t plead for the Sixth Prince, but she wanted to know who the real culprit was.

    Her emotions had been tightly strung, and she hadn''t even dared to look at her son.

    As if not looking meant he was still alive.

    Saying he was dead was just a rumor.

    At this moment, seeing Jiang Yu cry,

    Consort Zhang also hugged her and wailed.

    An old woman, having lost her son, what hope did she have left in this life, what hope did she have left?

    Jiang Yu wailed, and while crying, she noticed three little girls and a toddler sitting in the room.

    She said, "Auntie, I brought some good food, let them eat some, children get hungry easily, eating will keep them full, and you should eat too, okay?"

    Jiang Yu let go of Consort Zhang, blew her nose, wiped her hands, and had Aunt Yin help set out the food.Aliali: 67467efbc4f3f33ac45e4cd7

    "Eat, everyone try it, it''s delicious," she said, taking a piece of sweet cake herself.

    While eating, she choked out, "Eat more sweet things, and you won''t feel life is so bitter."

    Consort Zhang hadn''t eaten much in the past few days, and the children naturally hadn''t eaten much either. On one hand, they were suddenly brought to the pce and were scared, and on the other hand, hearing that their father had been poisoned made them wary of food.

    Now, seeing Princess Caiyi eat first,

    Consort Zhang''s mouth was stuffed with a piece of cake, sweet and cloying, and she chewed it with tears streaming down her face. It was indeed very sweet.

    Then she smiled and distributed the cake to the children.

    Seeing the adults eat, the children started grabbing and eating.

    Hungry and scared,

    Perhaps, for the first time in their lives, these children who had never experienced hardship would remember this meal of cakes, very sweet, very cloying, able to cover the bitterness of life.

    ......

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 344

    Having Jiang Yu apany Consort Zhang for conversation wasn''t really necessary, as she didn''t have much to say.

    She wasn''t the type of person who was good at initiating conversations.

    Nor was she particrly skilled atforting others.

    However, having Jiang Yu keep the childrenpany turned out to be perfect.

    Perhaps because their intellectual levels matched, they couldmunicate effectively.

    Though she was supposedly there to apany Consort Zhang, Jiang Yu actually spent the entire day with the children.

    Mainly because Consort Zhang looked very serious, quite different from the warm woman she had seen previously.

    Jiang Yu didn''t know what to say, even when forcing herself.

    In the vige, elderly women who had lost their children were the most pitiful.

    Mom once said not to show eyes of sympathy or pity to others.

    It wasn''t good, as the other person didn''t need sympathy or pity at that moment.

    Without truly understanding their feelings, such sympathy was actually just condescension from above.

    She really didn''t know what to say.

    She never imagined that she, a mere girl, would one day have the honor of beingmanded to apany someone.

    Consort Zhang''s demeanor was so serious that Jiang Yu felt tense sitting before her.

    To divert her attention, she went to y with the children.

    Indeed, in such a formal setting, talking with children immediately made her feel rxed and less constrained - it was like breathing a sigh of relief.

    The children were wonderful,

    Like cotton balls - soft when you hit them, and the bounce back doesn''t hurt.

    It was much morefortable talking with them.

    Consort Zhang actually thought this was fine.

    If someone had truly tried to converse with her, she wasn''t in the mood and didn''t want to speak.

    Then it would have been unclear who was apanying whom - the Princess or her.

    But having the Princess apany the children andfort them actually made her feel relieved.

    Watching the Princess y with the children, speaking earnestly without being perfunctory, and not hovering around her, Consort Zhang was deeply moved.

    She felt Princess Caiyi was truly a good person, very sincere.

    Others hade to see her too, bringing expensive gifts, but they barely paid attention to the little ones - perhaps thinking that since their father was gone, they were of no use anymore - and ignored thempletely.

    People always fawn over the powerful and look down on the weak.

    But Princess Caiyi didn''t care about any of that. Her apanying the children was the bestfort she could offer.

    When it was dark and time to leave the pce, the children were somewhat reluctant to part with Jiang Yu.

    Jiang Yu hadn''t really said much, just talked about her childhood back home, going mushroom hunting in the mountains, picking wild vegetables, fishing, weeding, picking fruits, making various foods - things the children seemed quite interested in.

    Having taken care of her younger sister since childhood, Jiang Yu was quite experienced and attentive with children.

    Oh, after a long day, she finally returned home.

    She felt guilty - she was supposed to apany Consort Zhang, but ended up spending all her time ying with the children instead.

    That''s how it turned out.

    Surprisingly, the pce rewarded her with anotherrge pile of gifts.

    Really...

    Jiang Yu couldn''t make sense of it.

    These rewards came too easily; she felt guilty epting them.

    The next day she was asked to apany Consort Zhang again.

    And the third day as well.

    Three times now.

    On the first day, Jiang Yu chatted with the children.

    On the second day, she simply took them to dig wild vegetables in Consort Zhang''s courtyard, which wasrge enough with its own private garden.

    On the third day, she took them to cook, busying themselves in the kitchen.

    The fourth day... there wasn''t a fourth day.

    The Fifth Prince''s case had concluded, considered solved, and it was time for the funeral.

    The household had been put in order, and the children had to go observe mourning for their father.

    There were many noble etiquette rules that Jiang Yu couldn''t understand, so she couldn''t teach much. She just privately gave them some loquat candy.

    "Keep them in your pocket. If you get hungry, you can secretly suck on one. If your throat hurts from crying, you can also have one. Don''t eat anything else that others give you," Jiang Yu said seriously.

    Aunt Yin thought: ...you''re also "others."

    But seeing how innocently silly she was, and that the young masters had already epted the candy, she let it go.

    Only she would give people food at such a sensitive time and then tell them not to ept food from others.

    "I''m not an outsider, I''m their sister too, we''re family."

    ...

    The Fifth Prince''s funeral.

    The Jiang family, being rtives, had to attend.

    Some officials attended as well.

    It really depended on how favored the prince was.

    If it was an emperor''s favorite prince, the funeral would be like a national mourning.

    The Fifth Prince''s mother was a favored consort, and though not the Emperor''s favorite, she was well-liked enough, not disliked, so quite a few officials attended.

    But because it was a sudden death, the funeral didn''tst long.

    For sudden deaths, the Ministry of Rites had to choose a special day for burial.

    Then they had monks chant sutras for the deceased.

    Cotton attended too.

    Winter funerals were truly cold.

    No amount of clothing seemed warm enough.

    Following the crowd.

    She was among the children. Whether ancient or modern times, losing a father was an eternal void in one''s life journey.

    Cotton felt terrible, her eyes red either from the wind or something else, and with everyone around crying, it was easy to cry too - these cries were truly of grievance and fear.

    Generally, elders don''t attend the funerals of younger people.

    That day, neither Consort Zhang nor the Emperor left the pce.

    In prison, when the Sixth Prince learned of his fifth brother''s burial today, he knew he was finished.

    He had no chance of appealing his case.

    What he never expected was that besides his brother''s concubine''s testimony, one of his advisors had also testified against him.

    If an advisor could betray him, they were probably nted by someone else, and perhaps his brother''s concubine had also betrayed him early on, belonging to others while he remained smugly confident.

    He regretted it, regretted doing such things that gave others the opportunity to take advantage.

    He regretted not pretending to be foolish from the start, not studying, not having ambition.

    He had studied, but not enough.

    He had ambition, but wasn''t ruthless enough.

    The fight for the throne was always a matter of life and death, yet he had hoped to be chosen by his father through showing excellence - he was too naive.

    But now, it was all toote, far toote.

    This cell had once held his Crown Prince brother.

    Perhaps this was the closest he''d ever been to the Crown Prince.

    Thinking of the future, he would either die mysteriously like the Crown Prince, or be confined like his eldest brother, locked up like an animal.

    The Sixth Prince trembled at the thought of such a future.

    He gave up.

    ...

    On the day of the Fifth Prince''s funeral, the Sixth Prince took his own life in prison.

    He left a letter.

    The letter was delivered to the Emperor through the Imperial Secretary.

    No one wanted to touch this unfortunate matter.

    Jiang Changtian took the letter and gave it to the Emperor.

    The Emperor closed his eyes and said, "Second Jiang, read it to me, let me hear what that unfilial son wrote."

    Afternoon.

    In the pce.

    There was sunlight.

    Not warm, but bright.

    Second son of Jiang family sat there, as if possessed by the spirit of the fan-holding Sixth Prince.

    "Father Emperor, your son has been unfilial.

    Your son never killed Fifth Brother, never. When we were young, Fifth Brother always gave me things - grass, sticks, stones. They were everywhere - on my desk, in my bag, in my bedroom. I knew Fifth Brother liked me, which is why he filled my surroundings with traces of himself, wanting to prove his presence.

    Once when I was young, I said I was afraid of the dark when sleeping. That day, Fifth Brother stuffed a note in my pocket, saying it was written by you, Father Emperor. He said keeping it in my pocket would help me sleep without fear. It was his, but as the elder brother, he gave it to me.

    Fifth Brother was sincere in nature, and I deeply regret that my strange thoughts were exploited by others.

    Concubine Cui was originally a woman I saved. I thought she was loyal to me, but by twist of fate, she became Fifth Brother''s concubine. Afterward, I never ordered her to poison anyone. I can swear to heaven, but I know no one will believe me. Your son can only prove it with death.

    Your son used to think that as long as I studied hard and trained my body well, Father Emperor would eventually favor me. I didn''t dareck in virtue, considering myself a gentleman, but I was wrong. From the moment I wanted to be Crown Prince, I was gravely mistaken. A gentleman cannot be Crown Prince, so I pay with my life, though I pity Fifth Brother who knew from the start not topete for the Crown Prince position, yet was still implicated.

    Your unfilial son can no longer serve at Father Emperor''s side. In cold weather, please keep warm. In hot weather, please don''t seek too much coolness. Father Emperor''s health is not good, tolerating neither cold nor heat. From now on, I cannot attend to you, you must take care of yourself.

    Because I am a gentleman, and a gentleman wrongly used can only end his life, your son cannot live in disgrace. I am a gentleman, I cannot live dishonorably.

    Your son is unfilial, yet also filial, for I have lived up to the name you gave me, Chu Buqi.Aliali: 6747c480c4f3f33ac46fd021

    Death does not frighten me; what frightens me is a long, hopeless life.

    Father, I am leaving now, going to find Fifth Brother."

    ...

    Jiang Changtian sat in his chair, and in that moment, a gust of wind swept by. His posture was upright and dignified, like an orchid.

    The Emperor seemed to see the Sixth Prince swaying with his fan.

    "Father, I''m leaving now, going to find Fifth Brother."

    The Sixth Prince smiled, fanning himself gently.

    The wind was cool.

    It made the Emperor''s tears flow freely down his face.

    ...

 Chapter 345

    Winter day.

    Flowers still bloomed in the imperial pce.

    They blossomed in brilliant colors.

    The Emperor sat numbly before a pot of vibrant flowers.

    He had lost two children in a single day.

    In an instant, he had aged.

    Like a withered flower.

    He poured boiling water on the flowers.

    The flowers withered before his eyes.

    Eunuch Yan and Vice Minister Jiang exchanged nces, then looked away.

    They watched the Emperor''s tall but gaunt figure.

    In truth, the Emperor had already lived a long life - in this era, the average life expectancy was only 33 years.

    He had lived far beyond the average.

    He had many offspring.

    Superior material conditions and medical care had extended his life.

    Yet he couldn''t protect his children''s lives.

    "Second son, ensure that Buqi receives a proper burial."

    "Yes, Your Majesty."

    Jiang Changtian left without lingering.

    Eunuch Yan remained constantly by the Emperor''s side.

    He brought several kettles of boiling water, which killed several precious flower pots.

    In his heart, he was furious.

    His son had to prove his innocence through death.

    Because his son didn''t trust him.

    In truth, he also didn''t trust his son.

    When the Emperor learned that the Fifth Prince''s consort belonged to the Sixth Prince, he was enraged.

    The feeling that one''s bedmate belonged to another - it was revolting.

    But the Sixth Prince proved his innocence through death.

    It only proved he was a fool.

    Indeed, a gentleman could never be Crown Prince.

    A gentleman could be deceived by propriety. Everyone thought the throne was easy to upy, but those old cunning ministers - one moment of carelessness and you''d be their puppet. Whether the east wind ovees the west or the west wind ovees the east, as fortunes rise and fall, an emperor must be an emperor, not a gentleman.

    So who was the real culprit?

    Most likely among his remaining children.

    But he didn''t want to believe it.

    This was forcing him to kill his own children.

    No one wants to believe their children could be wrong, could be evil.

    He now realized he might have truly erred.

    Actually, the Crown Prince had done well before, with no major faults.

    He had simply been overly critical, growing increasingly displeased, and so the ministers had understood his meaning and framed him, leaving him defenseless.

    Though he hadn''t taken his own life, perhaps his son, the Crown Prince, had died from that moment.

    He had personally driven his pure-hearted child to death, leaving behind those with hearts like snakes and scorpions.

    Now he had to find those vipers.

    A dragon bears nine sons.

    Each different from the others.

    The Emperor turned to look at Eunuch Yan beside him, "Wenxin, can I trust you?"

    Eunuch Yan nodded and said: "Though I am of humble status, I aspire to be like Zhong Ziqi to Bo Ya. Your Majesty has shown me the grace of recognition - everything I havees from you. Without you, there would be no me. No one else in this world has treated me so well. You can trust me."

    The Emperor''s slightly clouded eyes stared at him.

    He returned the gaze earnestly - peaceful, gentle, serene.

    It reminded the Emperor of the former Preceptor of the Crown Prince, Jiang Bai.

    He had asked, "Ah Bai, can I trust you?"

    Jiang Bai had answered, "You can always trust me, Your Majesty."

    He had never betrayed him, yet he had betrayed him.

    After the Sixth Prince''s death.

    The Fifth Prince''s consort was severely tortured.

    Unable to endure, before dying she uttered the character "Yu."

    The Ninth Prince''s name was Chu Yu.

    And that advisor also died by suicide.

    Investigation revealed he had connections with the Ninth Prince, having frequented the same pleasure house.

    This time the Emperor didn''t order the Ninth Prince''s arrest.

    He fell ill.

    He missed the court sessions held every ten days.

    Seemingly gravely ill.

    It was said the Emperor had coughed blood after losing two sons in one day.

    But this was just a rumor - such talk was punishable by death.

    Prying into the Emperor''s health.

    That day, one Imperial Doctor disappeared.

    The Seventh and Ninth Princes learned of this news.

    And recently the Emperor had been desperately seeking cures.

    The Emperor had already been taking elixirs daily, which many ministers opposed.

    Now it was even more extreme.

    All sorts of strange folk practitioners had been quietly summoned to the pce.

    Many peculiar individuals had been dealt with.

    Yet because of the immense rewards offered, strange practitioners continued to volunteer to enter the pce.

    Some actually received enormous rewards - not just treasures but also properties.

    The property aspect drove people mad - those were houses in the capital! It meant not just a lifetime offort for oneself, but for descendants too - wealthsting three generations.

    So despite knowing the risk of beheading, people still applied to enter the pce to offer remedies to the Emperor.

    Her elder brother was ill.

    Even Princess Huiyun, who preferred not to meddle in affairs, couldn''t just stay at her son''s house listening to stories.

    She decided to visit the pce.

    Though actually, Princess Huiyun wondered if this might be a ruse.

    Just like how she had previously made excuses about facial injuries and retreating to a temple, avoiding people.

    Actually her facial scar wasn''t so bad, Princess Huiyun didn''t think much of it.

    She didn''t care about beauty at all, because she possessed too much of it.

    But she didn''t want to see anyone, not a single person.

    It was a perfect excuse.

    Princess Huiyun brought Mianmian with her to the pce.

    Mainly because the little one was very attached to her, couldn''t be separated.

    Mianmian: ...Does Grandmother Princess misunderstand something? Clearly you''re the one attached to me.

    But Mianmian quite enjoyed visiting the pce.

    It was like visiting a scenic spot, with free admission.

    Princess Huiyun had thought her brother was pretending - he was well-practiced at feigning illness. Previously he had "fallen ill" to reduce court sessions from daily to every ten days. That "illness" had been quite severe.

    So she was quite calm when entering the pce.

    As for her nephews'' deaths, while sad, death was toomon among the royal family, sometimes bing ordinary.

    Everyone dies, she would die too.

    Being born into the royal family, sometimes dying early wasn''t such a bad thing.

    The Princess wore white robes and a white cloak, holding hands with Mianmian who also wore white robes and a fluffy white cloak.

    Princesses were allowed to wear swords.

    Mianmian asked: "Grandmother, can I bring my sword in too?"

    She pulled out her small sword.

    Princess Huiyun looked at the small ck thing in her hand and said disdainfully: "That little toy? Whatever, I''ll find you a good one another day."

    "No, this is from my father, it''s the best."

    "I have better ones."

    "Impossible."

    Princess Huiyun: ...Why did she feel short of breath after just a few words?

    Eunuch Duan came to receive them, keeping his eyes down, naturally not interfering.

    If it wasn''t allowed, others would speak up, it wasn''t his ce.

    If no one managed it, it meant it was allowed.

    In the pce workce, doing nothing was better than doing wrong.

    Eunuch Duan now had favor before the Emperor, bing another Eunuch Liu. He was very observant of moods, personallying out to receive Princess Huiyun.

    This earned more imperial favor than standing beside the Emperor.

    After all, the Emperor''s high regard for Princess Huiyun was obvious, not mere superficial courtesy.

    Huiyun looked at the pce scenery - it hadn''t changed much.

    She used to think the imperial pce magnificent and gorgeous, but somehow, after staying in the Jiang family courtyard these days, she felt this ce was empty and lifeless, not as nice anymore.Aliali: 6747c480c4f3f33ac46fd021

    Not as lively as that small courtyard.

    After walking several turns, they arrived at the Emperor''s chambers.

    Huiyun hade just for a routine visit, but was shocked to see the man on the bed looking even older than her father the Emperor had in her memories.

    She was stunned speechless.

    Mianmian was also surprised.

    Seeing the Princess''s rxed state, she had also been rxed, thinking this pce visit was just a casual stroll to visit rtives.

    Like bringing a box of milk to visit an elder.

    See Uncle Emperor and then go home.

    She hadn''t expected the Emperor without his dragon robes to look twenty years older.

    Men really couldn''t do without their uniforms.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 346

    The more magnificent the pce became, the more it highlighted the Emperor''s aging.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor actually didn''t want Hui Yun to visit him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hui Yun had always been different in his heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    If the Emperor knew the term "pure love," that would probably describe it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the peculiar thing about pure love is that even when the actual person appears, it doesn''t help.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He loved the pure love in his heart, not the actual person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So when hest saw Hui Yuning down from the mountain and wounding Minister Lu, the Emperor had already made peace with it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He still loved the pure love in his heart - it was Hui Yun, but not the Hui Yun standing before him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor had been pretending to be ill.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he didn''t need to pretend anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    As soon as hey down, he became truly sick.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In his extremely weak state, he saw Hui Yun again, but he looked past her to see the little girl behind her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The girl was innocent and pure, with clear eyes, exactly like Hui Yun when she was young.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian felt there was something strange about how her grand-uncle looked at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Grand-uncle now resembled those wrinkled old women in the vige.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But those old women''s gazes were gentle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Grand-uncle''s gaze had a strange intensity to it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian couldn''t help taking a step back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor''s body, having consumed elixirs for years, likely had calcification in many internal organs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He looked like a corpse that was somehow still alive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    It was actually quite frightening.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Large patches of age spots covered his skin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    In this sense, the elixirs had indeed extended his life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    First turning someone into a corpse-like state, then maintaining that corpse''s vitality...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian had no intention of giving him any Magic Spring Water - she wasn''t stupid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although Princess Grandmother wasn''t very bright, she had said something wise: mind your own business if you want to live long.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian wasn''t a saint either; giving Magic Spring Water to everyone she met would only harm herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Worried they wouldn''t let her bring knives into the pce, she had brought her little tree tucked in her clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, this was a high-risk location.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although the little tree liked to sleepzily in winter, it would still listen if she called for it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The little tree was most useful, like Mianmian''s personal guard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    And it could be carried anywhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Princess Hui Yun had thought her brother was faking illness, so she came for a casual visit. Since she hade down from the mountain, she needed to observe worldly courtesies, and she wanted to show Mianmian where she used to live as a child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But she hadn''t expected her brother to be truly ill.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She regretted it now, worried it would frighten Mianmian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Her brother''s dying appearance had scared even her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Elder Brother, are you alright?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hui Yun was anxious. Though she hadn''t shed tears, she had just spoken words of concern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But her beauty was too overwhelming.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Some women could make your heart flutter just by asking "Have you eaten?" - making you fantasize about having children, a boy named Eagle and a girl named Oriole...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor had pretended to be sick until he actually became sick.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Exhausted, not wanting to rise, feeling as though lying down was better.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But he couldn''t just lie there.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    So his mood was also angry and frustrated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He wanted to kill people, and he really did kill people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    After all, some people deserved to die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But with just one word from Hui Yun, he felt eighty percent better, became energetic, and even sat up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hui Yun didn''t want Mianmian to stay in this environment, so she sent her away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Eunuch Yan, please take Mianmian for a walk around. She''s been telling me at home how curious she is about what the pce looks like. I''ll stay and chat with Elder Brother."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When Hui Yun said this, the Emperor naturally nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Though his gaze still followed Mianmian''s retreating figure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hui Yun''s feelings toward her elder brother wereplicated - there was affection, but also an irrepressible sense of disgust.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Of course, she didn''t dare provoke her brother''s anger, because his temperament had be erratic and unpredictable over the years. The deaths of so many nephews were undoubtedly connected to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hui Yun''s retreat to the temple was not unrted to her brother''s influence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The siblings were both in their sixties now, and there wasn''t much to say in casual conversation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor''s life remained unchangingly dissolute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mainly, it was Hui Yun''s life that had changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "I heard you''re staying at Second Jiang''s house. Isn''t it ufortable? The ce is too small. Let me give Second Jiang a mansion. Come to think of it, since you''ve acknowledged Second Jiang, I haven''t given him any rewards as his uncle."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor sat up, supported by Eunuch Duan at his side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Half-bent over - it was a difficult posture, but to serve others and be someone important, one naturally needed some skills; only by tasting the bitterest of bitter can one rise above others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Hui Yun sat properly by the bedside, holding a hand warmer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Second Jiang has suffered too much hardship and really cherishes what he has. Although the mansion isn''trge, I see their family living quite well. Mianmian is very attached to me and won''t let me leave, so I stayed a few extra days. We don''t need any rewards - your good health is what matters. If we can all rely on you for a long time toe, that''s better than anything else."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor was just making conversation; he really didn''t have the heart to give out rewards now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "By the way, didn''t you send Little Seven a concubine? Although Little Seven married her, they say he hasn''t touched her at all. Who knows who he takes after, being famous for such devoted love. But my Second Jiang''s rtionship with Little Seven is very awkward. Little Seven is so devoted, and Jiang Yuluan, Zhou Rongrong''s daughter, used to y with me all the time when she was little, spending most of her time with me. I took good care of both of them, but good deeds were repaid with evil - Zhou Rongrong took away my son and abused him. Little Seven is so devoted, I think he''ll hold a grudge against my son because of his mother-inw''s death. Anyway, whoever you choose to inherit the throne is fine, just don''t choose Little Seven." Princess Hui Yun said domineeringly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The Emperor smiled bitterly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Before, when he heard people discussing his sessor, he would be furious inside, feeling they couldn''t wait for him to die and give up his throne.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Only his royal sister would speak so brazenly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Brazenly saying he couldn''t establish Little Seven as heir simply because she didn''t like him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When others spoke of such matters warranting execution, it was because of ulterior motives and self-interest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But when his royal sister spoke, it was simply direct dislike.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    He didn''t like Little Seven either, but for certain reasons, he hadn''t heard of any misconduct and had no particr impression of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But among his many sons, it seemed there weren''t many choices left now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    At first, he thought he had too many sons.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Now it seemed there weren''t enough, they were gone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "You''re talking nonsense again. It''s only because I''ve spoiled you, spoiled you until you have no regard for rules. If I''m gone, how will you survive with that stubborn temperament of yours?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Although the Emperor felt better mentally,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This time pretending to be sick had left him deeply shaken - it felt too real, he himself couldn''t tell what was real and what was fake.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "That won''t happen. Elder Brother will surely live to be a hundred. If anyone dies, I''ll die first. If I can''t live freely as the most noble princess, I won''t live at all. Elder Brother, you know me, I can''t stand even the slightest grievance. So Elder Brother, you must live well." As she finished speaking, Hui Yun''s reddened eyes began to tear up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    She thought of their father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But the Emperor was deeply moved, thinking only his royal sister treated him with such sincere devotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Outside the great hall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The path was clean and tidy, without fallen leaves, as if someone was constantly sweeping. There wasn''t even dust between the stone cracks, as if someone had used a vacuum cleaner, though there certainly weren''t any vacuum cleaners here - it could only be manualbor, manualbor as thorough as a vacuum cleaner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuch Yan asked: "Where would you like to look around?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Hmm, can we go to Godfather''s ce? Is Godfatherfortable living in the pce? Is it cold? Is the food to his liking?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yan Wenxin was taken aback.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "You remember your Godfather?" He recalled that when he left, Mianmian was still a baby.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Mianmian nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Godfather took Father''s water, the one I gave him. After Godfather left, Elder Sister and Elder Brother often talked about you, Mom and Father would mention you too, so even though it''s been a long time, it doesn''t feel that long. Later we had Eunuch Duan inquire about your news, and when we learned you were doing well, Father was very happy that night and had some drinks, but then Mom carried him away again..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Yan Wenxin smiled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    When smiling before the Emperor, his eyes barely showed any wrinkles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Even whenughing heartily, they remained that way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    But now, with just a slight smile, the wrinkles spread from the corners of his eyes, line by line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "Your father''s alcohol tolerance is quite ordinary - he blushes even from eating drunken fish."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    "My quarters are in the northwest corner, it''s a bit cool. I''ll take you up high where you can see everything. Living in the pce is fine, not as free though - you have to follow the rules. Either you adapt to the rules or you be someone who can make the rules. It''s not cold, Godfather has fur clothes too. I''m quite used to the food, even more so than in Jingzhou. I feel like I might have originally been from the capital - I''m very ustomed to the river fish here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Eunuch Yan led Mianmian along the path, climbing higher and higher.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    They reached the highest tower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    There were railings around it, reaching up to her chest height. Looking down was somewhat frightening due to the extreme height.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Falling from here would certainly mean death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0Aliali: 67488ec2c4f3f33ac47aa10e

    But standing up here, one could see not only the entire imperial pce but even beyond its walls, as if the whole capital city wasid out before them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    This spot offered an exceptional view, and she imagined the Emperor must often stand here to survey everything below.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    However, the wind was quite strong, making their cloaks flutter noisily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Below, numerous guards stood at their posts, wearing armor with cloaks draped over them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Only then did Mianmian understand that wearing cloaks over armor wasn''t just for show. In summer, it prevented the metal armor from getting too hot in the sun and burning the skin; the cloak kept them cool. When it rained, the cloak protected the armor from rusting. In winter, it provided warmth against the cold metal armor that let in the wind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    What looked impressive actually served practical purposes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    Looking out, she could see rows of armored soldiers, their cloaks billowing in the wind, creating a striking scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    With so many guards in the pce, it felt quite secure. Just then, she witnessed a shift change - though she couldn''t make out their faces, she saw them turn and alternate positions, another column of guards taking their ce, appearing unchanged from before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    The wind continued to lift their cloaks, day after day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

    ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 347

    The winter sun zed.

    It wasn''t particrly hot.

    But seeing sunlight always made one''s mood better.

    Standing at a high point, Mianmian took out her little tree from her bag, wanting to ce it on the railing so it could also enjoy the view before them...

    Speaking of which, after keeping it for so long, Mianmian still wasn''t quite sure if the little tree recognized her by her scent or by sight. Humans tend to think from their own perspective, so she unconsciously assumed the little tree used sight too.

    However, she discovered that the cross-section of the pce railings had a slippery feeling, making it difficult to ce anything on them.

    No wonder birds flying in the sky rarelynded there to rest.

    Mianmian held the little tree in her hand, facing outward.

    Eunuch Yan''s usuallyposed face twitched slightly when he saw the giant ant in Mianmian''s hand.

    "What is this creature?"

    "Oh, Mother said it''s a household deity. I''ve had it since we were in Kan''er Vige. It grew up with me, though it grows very slowly - after all this time, it''s only as big as my palm."

    Eunuch Yan looked at its ck shell, gleaming in the sunlight, with its thin waist andrge pincers. The more he looked, the more he shuddered.

    He had heard that Princess Huiyun''s beloved pet was once a small snake, initially as thin as a finger, butter grew sorge it took two people to carry it...

    Indeed, she was Princess Huiyun''s granddaughter - their tastes were so simr.

    He watched as she let the giant ant sunbathe for a while, chattering away with it.

    She showed it the pce.

    Then she put the ant down, and Eunuch Yan took out his handkerchief to wipe her hands thoroughly.

    "Disease enters through the mouth. Keep your hands clean, especially in the pce. Don''t eat or drink carelessly," Eunuch Yan advised while wiping.

    After finishing, he couldn''t help but ruffle her head.

    Time was cruel, yet also magical.

    That baby in swaddling clothes had grown into a beautiful youngdy.

    Pretty, free-spirited, with a bright and warm smile.

    Somehow, despite watching Elder Sister Yu and Feng grow up,

    He felt closest to this youngest one.

    It felt like she was truly his own child.

    Perhaps because Elder Sister Yu and Feng were grown now.

    One already had two children, the other about to be married.

    He felt less involved in their lives now.

    Only this little one was still small, still mischievous beyond measure.

    When Eunuch Yan looked at her, he felt like he was seeing Jiang Er''s body with Sister Xia''s heart.

    Sister was actually quite a bold girl.

    She had many excellent qualities.

    Looking at Mianmian really felt like looking at his own child.

    At this moment, Eunuch Yan understood how some of his pce colleagues could indulge their adopted sons'' mischief outside.

    Because he felt that if she wanted to be mischievous outside, he would indulge her too.

    Though in reality, she was now a princess''s granddaughter and didn''t need his indulgence.

    But although the youngdy appeared proud, her upbringing was excellent.

    She called him "Godfather" naturally and frequently.

    Mianmian discovered that her godfather was very clean and ahead of his time. He could even say "disease enters through the mouth" - a simple phrase loaded with meaning, used as a slogan even in modern times.

    It seemed pce food really shouldn''t be eaten carelessly. What served as modern slogans here were lessons learned through lives lost.

    The winter wind was cool.

    It made their cheeks feel frozen.

    After Godfather helped Mianmian wipe her hands,

    Mianmian suspected that if there were wet wipes or alcohol, he would have used those on her too.

    "It''s too cold, let''s go down after a short while."

    "Alright."

    Mianmian, about to drip from her nose, couldn''t help but sniffle.

    Hearing this sound, Eunuch Yan''s lips couldn''t help but curl upward.

    Vige children always had runny noses in winter, little Yu was the same when young.

    Seeing the usually neat and clean Mianmian like this.

    His steps became lighter than usual.

    They slowly strolled around.

    Eunuch Yan didn''t take Mianmian to the concubines'' residences.

    Because when multiple womenpete for one man in one ce, and that man doesn''t appear, the entire back pce bes an even stranger ce.

    When life loses direction and falls into despair, it bes terrifying.

    Even more frightening than their eunuch circle.

    Though cruel, at least they still struggled upward strongly, having hope.

    The pce was small, yet also vast.

    Countless people struggled and drifted here for their entire lives.

    There were few elderly in the pce, as young lives rarely lived to old age here.

    Beautiful, morous, yet cruel.

    Now, walking with Mianmian in the pce, she earnestly admired the pirs, steps, and stones on the ground. Though he was supposed to be showing her around, it was actually Mianmian showing him how to appreciate it.

    He walked here daily but had never stopped to admire the scenery.

    It was truly beautiful, but habit made him always feel there were more important things, never stopping.

    Mianmian examined each building carefully, and Eunuch Yan, with his tour guide qualities, exined well, citing ssics and history.

    His voice was pleasant, his logic clear, his narration interesting.

    In modern times, he could at least be a renowned tour guide.

    ...

    The pce was very lively today.

    Speak of the Seventh Prince, and he appears.

    Just as Princess Huiyun finishedining, the Seventh Prince arrived.

    Upon seeing his father''s condition, the Seventh Prince burst into tears.

    He cried very sorrowfully.

    Perhaps because the Emperor was ill, even children he previously disliked could soften his heart when seeing them like this.

    Princess Huiyun felt somewhat ufortable.

    She had actually thought well of both the Seventh Prince and Yu Luan, but never expected Zhou Rongrong to do such things. She had taken special care of the Seventh Prince and Jiang Yuluan - otherwise, a prince despised by the Emperor, whose mother had died, couldn''t have survived so smoothly in the pce until now, given how many princes had died young here.

    This was one of her rare interventions in others'' affairs.

    But the result left her deeply disturbed.

    Thinking of how tirelessly she had cared for them, even if they suffered, they had never gone hungry, but her Tian Er...

    When Princess Huiyun saw the Seventh Prince arrive, she directly took her leave.

    The Seventh Prince showed a pitiful, sorrowful expression.

    Previously, whenever Princess Huiyun saw this child''s expression, she couldn''t help but feel sympathy.

    But now when she saw him, she thought of Tian Er. Tian Er never deliberately acted pitiful; he always showed his strong side, yet Princess Huiyun still felt heartbroken for him.

    Inparison, the Seventh Prince was too fake.

    His hypocrisy was disgusting.Aliali: 674843b7c4f3f33ac47659ac

    "Royal Brother, I''m going to fetch Mianmian. You father and son have a good talk, you rest well," Princess Huiyun said as she left.

    The Emperor was both reluctant to see her go and slightly displeased.

    The Seventh Prince lowered his gaze.

    Not far from there, she encountered Mianmian.

    She was watching fish by the pond.

    It was rare to see her so quiet, sitting in the pavilion by the pond, swinging her feet, admiring the fish, and asionally throwing them food.

    Eunuch Yan stood beside her, keeping herpany.

    Princess Huiyun felt the air be sweeter, and her heart lightened.

    As she approached, she heard the youngdy ask: "Godfather, can we eat that white one? Have you tried it? Can I take some fish with me when I leave the pce?"

    Princess Huiyun: ...

 Chapter 348

    ......

    "Woo woo woo..."

    "Woo woo woo..."

    The wind outside the house sounded like a child crying, or like a female ghost singing.

    It was a very mournful cry.

    It made people feel uneasy.

    The soldiers in the barracks, who should have been frightened and fearful upon hearing this sound, werepletely preupied at the moment.

    They were listening to a story.

    A young soldier was reminiscing about the past and looking forward to the future.

    The story was ordinary; it was about fighting the localndlord, distributing grain andnd to everyone, and working together in the fields and training together. Whenever there was a need, they would step up, but at home, they had fields,nd, and wives, and they were willing to go...

    ......

    The style of storytelling was something Jiang Feng started when he tookmand of the troops.

    He continued this practice all the way from the Capital City to the border.

    He selected soldiers from the Jingzhou training camp to tell stories, while also privately giving lectures to the more intelligent young men in the new units.

    In a world where literacy was rare, knowledge was monopolized by the upper ss, and knowledge was as precious as private property, passed down only within families,

    Jiang Feng implemented a systematic theoretical education.

    He initiated a storm of ideas and propaganda, the effects of which were akin to a pyramid scheme.

    It struck at the heart and soul, making people tremble from head to toe.

    Everyone was like a chicken pumped with adrenaline, bing more energetic and excited with each step.

    As they marched, they continuously reorganized the troops and purified their thoughts.

    By the time they reached the border, even Old General Meng was shocked.

    When did their country have such a formidable army? Were they drugged?

    Each of them looked unnaturally excited and enthusiastic.

    In the past, when troops arrived at the border, they had to execute a couple of deserters to instill fear and keep the rest in line.

    There was no other way.

    The border was too harsh.

    Without killing a few, the morale would copse before any battles were fought.

    It was cruel but normal.

    Because it had always been this way.

    Only through war, each time risking life and death, fighting together, and surviving together, could one be a steadfast warrior andrade, and grow stronger continuously.

    Death was the most effective training.

    To forge a powerful army, two-thirds of the troops would be lost.

    Out of ten thousand soldiers, only three thousand might remain, and these three thousand could truly be called warriors.

    Old General Meng himself hade through countless life-and-death experiences.

    That was how he had his current troops.

    But the current troops, before even engaging in battle,

    Why did they have such a frenzied fighting spirit, as if they were the noblemen in the city who took drugs, feeling no pain or cold?

    However, drugs were extremely expensive, costing more than gold, and could not be used on arge scale.

    Moreover, those who took drugs were rendered useless after just a couple of uses; they would need to continue taking drugs to maintain their sanity, otherwise, they would go mad, even losing control of their dder and bowels.

    The nobility, too bored, indulged in the momentary rity of mind from taking drugs, hoping to write poems that would be passed down through the ages, and in the strong body and powerful heartbeat during the drug''s effect, thinking they had taken elixirs of immortality, when in fact, they were merely exhausting their lives.

    This army in front of them, each member seemed like they had taken drugs, their eyes feverish and excited.

    Not a single one showed any signs of lethargy.

    Even eating cold, hard coarse buns, they devoured them with relish, with no oneining.

    Old General Meng was a bit panicked.

    Was this normal?

    This was not normal.

    It defied human nature.

    Traveling thousands of miles away from home, fighting unknown enemies, risking their lives at any moment, yet still so excited, so determined, so unwavering.

    Were these people under a spell?

    Old General Meng asked his grandson what was going on.

    Meng Shaoxia had been with them the entire way, witnessing everything, and it was hard to put into words.

    He was in charge of leading the troops, while Jiang Feng was responsible for the ideological work.

    At first, the ideological work was not easy.

    But after Jiang Feng demonstrated his formidable martial prowess and warned everyone that ideological work could also be deadly, everyone became much more obedient.

    Old General Meng had previously sent his grandson away to avoid trouble, staying away from the affairs of the royal family''s princes, but now, instead of avoiding trouble, he had ended up in the royal family.

    His grandson had married the granddaughter of Princess Huiyun, making them one family.

    Old General Meng met Jiang Feng.

    Through correspondence with his grandson, he was already quite familiar with Jiang Feng.

    But meeting in person, he found him different.

    Shaoxia said he had extraordinary martial arts skills, and although he felt he was making rapid progress, he always lost when he sparred with his brother-inw.

    Moreover, the person with the highest martial arts skills in the family, he suspected, was his mother-inw.

    This might be a family trait, and Old General Meng was curious about what kind of background his inws had.

    But seeing Jiang Feng, he looked quite honest and simple, except for a scar on his forehead, which made him look a bit different.

    Meng Shaoxia told Old General Meng about their journey and how they led the troops, leaving the old general stunned and unable to sleep that night, feeling old.

    He had always thought that the world could not do without him.

    Now, he felt both lost andforted, realizing that the future might not need him, that he was not so important, butforted that their country had gained formidable military strength, and its development would be even stronger.

    The situation at the border was very good.

    Although there were casualties,

    And it was discovered that there were traitors.

    But the spread of ideas was faster than the traitors'' collusion.

    The enemy even suspected if there was a trap.

    Was someone deliberately feeding them information to lure them into a trap? How could there be a group of soldiers who were not afraid of death, who were excited even when injured?

    They had originally nned to take advantage of the internal strife in the Chu Kingdom and reap the benefits.

    But now, it felt like they had been deceived.

    Deceived into being killed.

    Those soldiers were fearless, shouting before death:

    "I die without regret for the Five Rivers!"

    "Next life, let''s fight again at Lishan!"

    "The Wangs of Capital City are not disgraced!"

    Each one charged forward bravely, their battle cries fierce and chaotic.

    ......

    This time, although Minister Lu was not present, the supply of food still encountered various idents.

    Fortunately, Inspector He made a significant contribution, and the He Family had been well-prepared.

    The war situation was very favorable.

    But ording to the previous agreement,

    The letters sent to the Capital City to report the situation were still increasingly severe.

    And the channels for sending these letters were controlled by someone.

    One by one, the severe letters of distress were reced with letters of good news.

    The Seventh Prince went to the pce to visit his father.

    Shortly after, the Ninth Prince also arrived.

    Then came the good news from the border.

    Great joy, great victory!

    The Emperor, lying on his sickbed, looked flushed, as if infused with spiritual vigor, greedily reading the good news.

    Eunuch Yan returned, taking over Eunuch Duan''s position.

    He did not mind the old and decaying smell emanating from the Emperor''s aged body.

    The two princes, both dutiful sons, stood by the bedside.

    They all smelled the strange odor.

    It was a stench.

    There could not be any hygiene dead spots in the pce.

    The floors were spotless.

    The stench came from their father''s body.

    The smell of an old man.

    The scent of a rotting tree, on the verge of copse.

    "Good, very good!"

    "Cough cough cough."

    The Emperor coughed violently, his whole body shaking.

    Eunuch Yan immediately handed him a handkerchief.

    One hand patted the Emperor''s back, the other took the handkerchief, wrapped the Emperor''s phlegm, and tucked it back into his clothes.

    The Seventh Prince and the Ninth Prince both saw the crimson on the handkerchief, saw their father''s trembling body.

    The Ninth Prince''s eyes were red, the Seventh Prince directly weeping.

    "Father."Aliali: 674843b7c4f3f33ac47659ac

    "Father."

    The Emperor reached out and grabbed both sons'' hands, one in each.

    The Emperor held the Seventh Prince''s hand, his son''s hand was strong but not warm, cold and mmy.

    The Ninth Prince''s hand was warm.

    "Tomorrow is New Year''s Day, I''m afraid I won''tst long, tomorrow we''ll have a family banquet, bring your children, let me see them, I won''t have any regrets, I, have important matters to announce." The Emperor''s hand was trembling as he spoke.

    The Ninth Prince was stunned.

    The Seventh Prince wailed.

    "Father, I don''t want to hear it, I don''t want it, I have no ambitions, I only wish Father would look at me more, I don''t want anything, I just hope to be by Father''s side."

    In the antique shelf of the hall, the previously drowned flowers had been reced, new flowers, bright and gorgeous, silently watched the scene before them.

    ......

 Chapter 349

    ...

    This day in the Capital City was bustling with excitement.

    Another piece of good news arrived.

    They had won.

    Meng Young General led the army, invincible.

    Themon people were also delighted.

    Victory meant a greater chance that their own children might return alive.

    Since they had won, they could return home sooner, couldn''t they?

    Life still held hope.

    It was said that when The Emperor heard this news, his illness improved significantly, and he got up immediately, deciding to hold a banquet on New Year''s Day.

    The Emperor''s family banquet was the most prestigious event in the nation.

    This time, to celebrate the victory and the New Year, they wanted to dispel the ill fortune of losing two Imperial Princes in quick session and start anew.

    However, the weather on New Year''s Day was not clear.

    It was overcast and unusually cold.

    Jiang Wan felt strange.

    In her previous life, she had received news of Meng Young General''s death.

    This time, the news spreading outside was of a great victory.

    She was flustered.

    She couldn''t help but confirm several times with Chu Xi.

    Unexpectedly, the Seventh Prince summoned her personally.

    In fact, she lived in the Seventh Prince''s Mansion and rarely saw the Seventh Prince.

    First, to avoid suspicion, and second, the Seventh Prince seemed very busy.

    She didn''t expect that after mentioning her prediction of Meng Young General''s misfortune, the Seventh Prince''s attitude became even more cordial.

    Jiang Wan knew there must be some intrigue behind this.

    She didn''t overestimate herself, not really thinking she could change the dynasty as a mere woman.

    Even though she knew a lot in advance, she couldn''t figure out the underlying issues.

    In her dreams, her life was also confined to the inner chambers, and she didn''t understand why the Seventh Prince eventually became The Emperor.

    This day, Jiang Wan was invited to the royal family banquet.

    Jiang Wan was a bit excited.

    Returning to the pce, a ce she deeply longed for.

    She felt the Seventh Prince''s approval of her.

    She attended as Chu Xi''s fianc¨¦e.

    Because even Miss Dong from the Dong Family was invited.

    This family banquet truly included all the royal family members.

    The Jiang Family.

    New Year''s Eve was naturally a time for the family to be together.

    But suddenly, they were informed to enter the pce.

    To attend the pce banquet.

    Qin Luoxia had to wear her noblewoman''s attire, which was quiteplicated.

    Princess Caiyi also had to enter the pce, even bringing her two children.

    And various Imperial Princes.

    Even the seriously ill Tenth Prince had to enter the pce, no sick leave allowed.

    And they all brought their families.

    Even the little toddlers were brought in.

    This was a truerge family.

    There were probably several hundred people.

    Perhaps one reason The Emperor worked so hard was that the family was toorge, with too many people to support.

    The Jiang Changtian family dressed up neatly.

    For some reason, even though they were going to a banquet, Mianmian suddenly recalled a night when the family fled to the mountains.

    Her mother wore her noblewoman''s attire, not carrying a basket, and Mianmian wasn''t in it.

    But the noblewoman''s attire seemed like a basket.

    Her mother wore a more convenient outfit underneath.

    Her father today wore very luxurious clothes.

    New Year, new atmosphere.

    But due to the recent deaths of Imperial Princes, the most popr clothes were white, with subtle colorful borders at the cuffs and cor.

    Subtle colors, a bit lively, yet overall white.

    A style that had be popr because of Princess Caiyi.

    Princess Huiyun thought it was a normal pce banquet, but unexpectedly, her sword was taken away today.

    She had always been free to enter and leave the pce.

    This was the first time.

    Even Mianmian''s small sword was taken away.

    This time, the pce was very strict.

    Fortunately, small trees were not considered contraband and could still be brought in.

    Qin Luoxia had also been reminded by Princess Huiyun before entering the pce and didn''t carry any strange items.

    Before entering the pce, pce maids would check everyone.

    Her hairpin wasn''t taken away.

    The soft whip belt around her waist was also there.

    Jiang Changtian was also searched.

    It wasn''t targeting him.

    Several Imperial Princes and their descendants were also searched.

    The most rigorous security check.

    Mianmian also witnessed the majestic side of the pce.

    This security check slowed everyone''s entry into the pce.

    She finally felt that her grandmother, the princess, really had a lot of face. Previously, when she entered the pce with her grandmother, she wasn''t checked much.

    Somedies, for the sake of beauty, wore little, and while queuing for security checks, they shivered from the cold.

    Mianmian felt cold just watching them.

    The pursuit of beauty exists in every era.

    The poor can''t afford clothes, while the rich don''t want to wear them.

    Jiang Yu today had to enter the pce and bring two children.

    Originally, she wanted to pretend the children were sick.

    But even the Tenth Prince, who was said to be sickly, wasn''t allowed to take sick leave and had to be carried in.

    So she didn''t resort to such tricks.

    Just be more careful.

    Aunt Yin''s right eyelid kept twitching today.

    Whenever there''s a big banquet, something happens, as if it''s a repayment for the organizer''s efforts.

    It''s the New Year.

    Aunt Yin reminded Jiang Yu to be low-key in the pce, to retreat as much as possible.

    Jiang Yu nodded.

    Aunt Yin didn''t remind her about eating.

    If Jiang Yu was poisoned, they probably wouldn''t survive.

    Deadly poison.

    Even reminders wouldn''t help.

    While queuing, Jiang Yu met the Fifth Prince''s Consort.

    The Fifth Prince was gone, but as a female rtive, she still had to attend the family banquet.

    But her mood was understandable.

    However, the Fifth Prince''s Consort seemed quite calm.

    It was said that the Fifth Prince''s Consort was a vegetarian who often prayed.

    The Sixth Prince''s Consort didn''te.Aliali: 674843b7c4f3f33ac47659ac

    The Sixth Prince''s Consort and the Sixth Prince were childhood sweethearts. Although they didn''t have the story of the Seventh Prince''s virtuous couple, their feelings were really good. Upon hearing of her husband''s suicide, she also took her own life.

    That''s how the royal family is.

    People die, songs continue, dances go on.

    The Fifth Prince''s Consort looked quite beautiful, especially thin. She greeted Princess Caiyi with a slight nod and didn''t keep her distance.

    Mainly, the children of the Fifth Prince''s Consortpeted to greet Princess Caiyi, looking very familiar.

    Manydies were quite curious about Princess Caiyi.

    When they saw her in person, they were a bit surprised, as she wasn''t as beautiful as rumored.

    But seeing the Fifth Prince''s children''s familiarity with Princess Caiyi, they felt Princess Caiyi was a very deep person. It was said that she had previously apanied Consort Zhang in the pce, and the childless Consort Zhang was actuallyforted by her and became motivated again.

    Some people''s charm isn''t just a face. Thedies didn''t dare to be careless.

    ...

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 350

    On the first day of the New Year.

    Noble Lady Cao, who had a bamboo leaf in her chamber, rose before dawn.

    Servants attended to her washing, dressing, and grooming.

    Noble Lady Cao''s courtyard was considered quite spacious.

    Noble Lady Cao came from an exceptionally wealthy family.

    The Sixth Prince was among the more promising princes.

    He excelled in both civil and military affairs.

    Though Noble Lady Cao held the rank of Noble Lady, her position in the pce was respectable, and she lived quitefortably.

    It was like being a junior executive in apany - though her rank wasn''t high, her family background and resources were excellent, and she handled important projects, living afortable life.

    But those resources became useless when the project failed.

    Noble Lady Cao maintained herposure.

    When the Sixth Prince was arrested, she was in turmoil.

    But being marked with guilt, the Emperor wouldn''t send anyone tofort her.

    That she wasn''t punished alongside him was likely because she hadn''t yet crossed their minds.

    But then the Sixth Prince took his own life.

    He died to prove his innocence.

    Noble Lady Cao wept through the night.

    The Emperor sent people to console her and delivered some gifts.

    That was the end of it.

    Noble Lady Cao returned to her daily routines.

    Her former close friends now dared not set foot near her.

    A mother''s influence on her child is profound, like nting a seed.

    Noble Lady Cao herself was something of a cultured and aloof woman.

    Looking at the vases and decorations in her chamber, one could tell - there weren''t many luxurious items, but everything was elegant andfortable.

    She had once been favored, as the Emperor had appreciated her refined aloofness.

    But pcepetition was too fierce - if you didn''t curry favor, plenty of others would rush to do so.

    Aloofness couldn''tpete with the scheming courtesans...

    Once you adopt this aloof persona, you end up struggling with yourself, wrestling with inner conflicts. Such people can''t bow their heads, and they suffer many of life''s hardships, yet maintain their aloofness. After making peace with themselves, their minds find tranquility.

    She had nothing left except her aloofness.

    This was what she held onto.

    This ill-timed quality of hers was like a seed, nted in her son''s heart.

    That''s why the Sixth Prince ultimately chose such a decisive end.

    Even though the Sixth Prince had always shown himself to be very intelligent.

    Children raised in the royal family couldn''t possibly remain pure and innocent, knowing nothing - such people wouldn''t survive to adulthood.

    But when the surface mour of cleverness and schemes receded like a flood, the green bamboo in his heart remained standing, each joint marked by life''s trials, yet remaining perfectly straight, reaching determinedly upward.

    So, the Sixth Prince took his own life.

    When she received news of her son''s death.

    Noble Lady Cao wept, her cries heart-wrenching.

    She regretted everything.

    Damn that aloofness.

    If she had known it would end like this.

    She would have crawled and kowtowed her way up.

    Leading by example, telling her child not to be aloof, that while there''s life there''s hope, but with death, everything is lost.

    But she would never have the chance to tell him these words.

    Her heart was shattered.

    Her son had always feared pain since childhood. She told him real men shouldn''t be afraid, but his eyes would still turn red, tears falling from pain.

    Such a pain-fearing child, he chose to end his life.

    How much that must have hurt.

    How terribly painful.

    Just thinking about it made Noble Lady Cao''s lips tremble. She wanted to scream like a madwoman, to cry out, but though her lips quivered open, no sound woulde.

    She was so refined that even when angry enough to curse, she couldn''t utter a single vulgar word.

    Today was the pce feast.

    She had to attend.

    She hadn''t seen the Emperor for a long time.

    Even when their child died, she hadn''t seen the Emperor.

    She had almost forgotten what he looked like.

    During New Year, one couldn''t dress too inly.

    Even though her son was dead.

    She wasn''t allowed to wear mourning clothes.

    The pce maids did their best to dress Noble Lady Cao in clothes that weren''t too ornate.

    With some colored trim on white fabric.

    Noble Lady Cao didn''t care anymore.

    With her son dead, she might as well be wearing paper clothes.

    The pcedies gradually arrived at the banquet venue.

    When Noble Lady Cao sat in her ce and saw Consort Zhang ahead.

    She was startled.

    Consort Zhang had suddenly grown old.

    As old as her mother.

    Consort Zhang had previously looked at most like her elder sister.

    After sitting a while longer, everyone knelt and paid their respects.

    Noble Lady Cao raised her head and saw the man on the dragon throne.

    She suddenly felt a neurotic urge tough.Aliali: 6748ba2dc4f3f33ac47d3f5c

    He had grown old, like a decrepit old man.

    So this was what he had be, no wonder he no longer visited the back pce.

    She had been full of anger and unbearable pain.

    She had wanted to find the Emperor and cry her heart out, to cry properly, to know if this man had cried, if he would feel sad - it was his child too.

    But in this instant, seeing the aged Emperor.

    Noble Lady Cao suddenly felt at peace.

    Karma.

    Haha.

    Karma!

    She had only lost one child who belonged to her, but he would lose many children, one after another, until he truly became the lonely one.

 Chapter 351

    The imperial pce was resplendent.

    All the wealth of the empire sustained this single residence.

    Every treasure imaginable could be found piled within.

    Precious gems paved the paths, gold adorned the ceilings, silk draped the walls, coral formed the chopsticks, and pearls and jade made up the dishes.

    Its magnificence exceeded human imagination.

    That''s why countless people desperately schemed to enter this ce.

    Some even sacrificed parts of themselves to squeeze their way in.

    Differentiatedpetition.

    Made things somewhat easier.

    Today, Eunuch Yan wore ck attire.

    His everyday work uniform.

    Though understated, it was still elegantly luxurious.

    As the emperor''s chief eunuch, during the height of eunuch power, they could control ess to the emperor in every way. Officials and consorts had to bribe the eunuchs just to see the emperor.

    Though not as extreme now, their position remained quite special.

    They were the legitimate whispers in the emperor''s ear.

    A eunuch''s word could sometimes save a life, or take one.

    Seventh Princess Consort Jiang Yuluan, seated nearby, watched Eunuch Yan with curiosity.

    For some reason, looking at the immactely dressed Eunuch Yan felt oddly familiar.

    She suddenly thought of Heir Apparent Han.

    Jiang Yuluan had only met him once, and perhaps due to their limited interaction afterward, they weren''t close.

    Moreover, it was awkward because Heir Apparent Han had married her sister-inw as a secondary wife.

    Her mother had once written to her saying that Jiang Er had improper intentions toward her sister-inw. She had been disgusted then, never doubting her mother would make up such things. This wasn''t just about a woman''s reputation; her elder brother would be humiliated too, especially since he and his wife were childhood sweethearts.

    As it turned out, Jiang Er had no rtionship with her sister-inw, but instead, her own brother Heir Apparent Han directly married her sister-inw, even bringing along their child.

    Han was no longer a prince consort, as the princess had divorced him. Though dramatic, it wasn''t surprising, as Princess Huiyun had always been willful.

    Most people felt the prince consort was wronged and had shown true love and loyalty.

    Among the gossip-mongers, most didn''t know the specific circumstances, but they still took sides, expressing sympathy or condemnation...

    Jiang Yuluan curiously nced at Eunuch Yan a few more times before averting her gaze.

    The Ninth Prince''s Consort drew her into casual conversation.

    "How is that secondary wife in your household? I hear she''s an exceptional beauty."

    Jiang Yuluan: ...her expression darkened.

    Bringing up the sorest subject.

    At home, the seventh prince had cated her, but she was still upset.

    Now it was unavoidable, but what about the future?

    If you truly ascend to the throne someday, won''t there be more unavoidable situations, all given by others, that you can''t refuse...

    Each unavoidable retreat was actually just an excuse.

    "Sister-inw has several secondary wives, which one are you referring to as beautiful?" Jiang Yuluan asked unhappily.

    The Ninth Prince''s Consort covered her mouth andughed, "Each beauty has her own charm. My prince has good taste, and those sisters are both beautiful and obedient. When we y cards together, it''s such fun. Sister, you''re just too solitary, but now that your niece will be your daughter-inw, you surely won''t be lonely anymore."

    After these words, Jiang Yuluan''s expression grew even darker.

    She hated two things: first, her husband taking concubines - having grown up with Princess Huiyun, she believed in one life, one world, one partner. Second, marrying rtives - she looked down on arranging marriages between family members, finding it unnecessary and foolish.

    Yet now she was doing both these things she despised.

    Her face hurt with embarrassment and depression.

    The Ninth Prince''s Consort covered her mouth in a slight smile, disliking Jiang Yuluan''s proud demeanor - who was she to act so noble?

    Nearby, Jiang Wan calmly interjected: "My aunt couldn''t bear to have me marry far away. I''m helpless and dependent on her. Unlike you, Ninth Princess Consort - I heard it was your prince who couldn''t bear to let your niece marry elsewhere, keeping her close. You turned from aunt and niece to sisters - quite the touching tale."

    The Ninth Prince''s Consort''s face darkened immediately. How could a young girl like Jiang Wan know such inner pce dirt?

    But remembering that she and the Immortal Liu were the same person, the Ninth Prince''s Consort held her tongue.

    People were always cautious about matters of spirits and gods.

    Jiang Wan sat quietly.

    Neither humble nor arrogant.

    If she had feathers at this moment, they would surely be standing on end.

    Jiang Wan''s beauty was among the finest present. Several people who saw her assumed she must be the Princess of Colored Garments, sitting there radiating light, naturally drawing all eyes.

    Princess Huiyun arrived with her daughter-inw and granddaughter.

    They sat nearby.

    Everyone''s eyes first went to Princess Huiyun, then to the young girl beside her. Some elderly observers immediately recalled Princess Huiyun''s younger appearance.

    Today, it seemed all the beauties in the world had gathered here.

    Yet few gazes fell on Qin Luoxia.

    Miss Dong was also present, speaking naturally with Mianmian.

    Princess Huiyun took an immediate liking to Miss Dong, who had the sort of appearance that naturally endeared her to elders.

    The crowd gathered.

    To stand out, beauty clearly had the advantage at first nce.

    Inner qualities would only be discovered gradually.

    Among so many people at once, even Qin Luoxia felt somewhat nervous.

    She always felt shallow and feared others would discover this about her.

    She tried hard to do what she was good at, hoping this would prevent others from noticing her perceived shallowness and ignorance.

    In today''s gathering, she saw Elder Sister Yu, who could now hold her own in conversation, and little Mianmian, who remained as she always was - more princess-like than actual princesses. Miss Dong was as lovely as ever; none of them needed looking after.

    Rather, it was herself she worried about.

    Her mind wandered unconsciously to her days in Kan''er Vige.

    Back then, she was the capable Luoxia everyone spoke of.

    Here, everyone was someone.

    Her palms grew damp inside her formal robes.

    Qin Luoxia remained nervous.

    Turning her head unconsciously, she saw her husband in the men''s gathering area, seriously discussing something with others, his expression grave and focused.

    Qin Luoxia couldn''t help but look a few more times.

    Jiang Changtian looked up, meeting her gaze.Aliali: 6748b5e0c4f3f33ac47cfe9d

    Across the crowd.

    The serious Jiang Changtian broke into a smile for his dear Xia.

    Then turned back to his conversation.

    Looking up again to find her still watching, he couldn''t help but smile once more.

    Perhaps seeing her continued gaze, he summoned a young eunuch.

    Momentster, the young eunuch came running over with a te of small kumquats.

    "Master Jiang says these are for madam, they''re very sweet."

    All thedies turned to look.

    Qin Luoxia nodded slightly, her face reddening.

    Her clenched fist slowly rxed.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 352

    ...

    Mianmian wondered why The Emperor had organized such arge family banquet with so many people present.

    The Emperor, like an ordinary person, had a special fondness for his first child and held a particr regard for the children of his first wife.

    However, as the number of children grew and grew, he could no longer keep up with them all.

    There were either those he particrly liked or those he particrly disliked, and those in between, he sometimes couldn''t even remember.

    This was also partly due to the frequent deaths of his children.

    At first, he was extremely saddened by these losses.

    But over time, he grew ustomed to it, much like a wound that, when repeatedly torn, no longer hurt as much as it did initially. The skin hardened, and so did the heart.

    So, despite having so many children, The Emperor did not have a special love for any of them.

    A heart can only be divided so many ways; the more people it is shared with, the less each person receives.

    Especially when The Emperor began seeking immortality through alchemy and Taoism.

    He even regretted having so many children, believing it had drained his essence.

    Later, he stopped visiting the harem.

    But now, the room was filled to the brim with people.

    Fortunately, it was the royal pce, and the room wasrge enough.

    Ordinary nobility would not be able to amodate so many people.

    Even the sickly Tenth Prince was carried in, leaning against a chair and gasping for breath, clearly overwhelmed by the crowded environment.

    Mianmian noticed him and suspected he had asthma, possibly allergic asthma.

    Being a prince, he was well-cared for.

    An ordinarymoner would likely have perished by now.

    But even a prince was struggling.

    The Emperor''s condition was not just old age; there were signs of chronic poisoning. Knowing that The Emperor had been taking elixirs, it was clear what was happening.

    Ancient elixirs often contained mercury, which is extremely toxic.

    In a world where the average lifespan was only thirty-something years, Mianmian felt a bit uneasy.

    It was only when she visited the Observatory with Brother Chong that she learned the Observatory kept records of annual astrological phenomena, climate, and their impact on humans, including statistics on human lifespan.

    During years of great disasters, the average lifespan was about 25 years.

    In the past century, which had been rtively peaceful, the average lifespan had increased to 33 years, considered a time of prosperity.

    So, it was normal in ancient times for people in their thirties to be grandparents, as one might not live long enough to see their grandchildren otherwise.

    Mianmian thought that while she couldn''t do much else, neither did she engage in pce intrigue or court politics. It was possible she was in a world where longevity was key, and she would survive by simply living long.

    Attending the pce banquet felt like attending a wedding feast during Chinese New Year back home, with dozens of tables filled with rtives, all connected by blood but difficult to recognize or remember.

    Back then, when she was in school, she had a bit of a snobbish attitude and felt awkward greeting everyone.

    Now, she realized it was unnecessary. They were all rtives, and it was important to engage in conversation boldly. The more unfamiliar, the more one should talk to be familiar. Starting from this feast, one would find that the entire society was filled with familiar faces, all connected through those dozens of tables of rtives.

    With so many people, seating was pre-arranged. Otherwise, choosing a seat would take forever.

    Mianmian saw Elder Sister and her two nephews present.

    But they were not nearby, so she decided to visit themter.

    Today felt a bit like apany''s annual meeting.

    It began with The Emperor (the big boss) arriving and being greeted.

    Then came the boss''s speech.

    Without microphones or speakers, it was fortunate that the room was quiet when it was The Emperor''s turn to speak.

    No one made a noise.

    The Emperor''s voice was not loud,cking vigor.

    His gaze fell on the mostly young and youthful faces below, each one familiar and unfamiliar.

    In reality, there were fewer of them.

    His children were bing fewer and fewer.

    He wanted to speak passionately about something, but couldn''t find the words.

    He just looked at all those faces.

    Let it be lively.

    "The past year has had its storms and challenges. Today marks the beginning of a new year. May the nation be prosperous and the people healthy and peaceful."

    The Emperor did not give a lengthy speech.

    He simply said one sentence before announcing the start of the meal.

    However, Mianmian noticed that no one rushed to pick up their chopsticks.

    Following local customs, she did not rush either.

    In fact, the meal didn''t look particrly appealing. With so many people and the distance between tables, the dishes were usually not very hot by the time they arrived.

    If the boss loved to talk for a long time, the food would likely congeal.

    And in the pce, ording to thews of banquets, something always seemed to go wrong.

    It seemed The Emperor had a tough time, even worrying about being poisoned while eating.

    Perhaps The Emperor took elixirs to counteract the poison, standing on the eighteenth floor and looking down.

    Mianmian saw Father sitting close to The Emperor, with Seventh Prince and Ninth Prince on the other side.

    She didn''t recognize them and listened as the young eunuch introduced them.

    They all looked quite handsome.

    None were unattractive.

    But the best-looking was still Father.

    Father was the kind of person who looked good from any angle.

    As the banquet began, it became a bit noisy.

    People couldn''t just sit there in silence, but once they started talking, it was mixed with the cries of children, and the Tenth Prince''s asthma worsened.

    Mianmian saw Elder Sister leave with her child, and the Tenth Prince was also carried away.

    Some restless princes and grandchildren also left.

    The banquet suddenly became much quieter.

    At this moment, Jiang Wan was unexpectedly summoned.

    The Emperor called for Chu Xi and Jiang Wan.

    The Ninth Princess-in-Law felt a bit uneasy.

    The Emperor said there was an important matter to arrange.

    He even looked at the Seventh Prince''s eldest son, who was a concubine''s child. What could this mean?

    Fortunately, soon after, the Ninth Prince''s child also arrived before The Emperor.

    The Ninth Prince had a legitimate son.

    The Ninth Prince himself was carefree, but his son Chu Ze was raised to be like the Sixth Prince, very dignified and bright.

    Chu Xi, being a concubine''s son, seemed more tactful, not as innocent and sunny.

    The Emperor leaned on his throne, looking at the two grandsons, nodding and giving them rewards.

    Seeing Jiang Wan, he was also impressed and gave her a reward.

    Today, The Emperor seemed like a loving elder.

    Extraordinarily kind.

    The Ninth Prince was slightly excited. When his father had summoned folk healers to the pce for treatment, one of them happened to be his man.

    That healer said The Emperor''s health was failing.

    While it was sad, the end was near, and the oue would soon be clear.

    If he were to luck into bing the Crown Prince, then the Emperor, it would be wonderful. Being a thousand-year-old was not as good as being ten thousand years old.Aliali: 67334fd3b256fc3ba2c49

    His children bing princesses and princes would be better than inheriting a title and bing a distant branch of the royal family.

    Moreover, The Emperor had never liked the Seventh Prince, who was also super good at pretending, always acting meek.

    Once he took the throne, he would immediately send the Seventh Prince back to his fiefdom, as far away as possible, too annoying to look at.

    The Ninth Prince thought.

    But he didn''t know that in the previous life, when the Seventh Prince took the throne, he had immediately executed the Ninth Prince''s entire family.

    The Ninth Prince, usually appearing as a yboy, today seemed a bit anxious.

    The Seventh Prince remained calm, no different from before.

    Still acting humbly and fearful, as if just being called by The Emperor filled him with joy.

    Until The Emperor spoke: "I am old, my health is deteriorating. The Ninth Prince is sincere and filial. After my passing..."

    ...

 Chapter 353

    Mianmian was drinking fruit juice.

    She wasn''t sure what kind of juice it was.

    It had a sweet and sour taste, and was quite delicious.

    She would need to rinse her mouth afterward.

    No one had touched the dishes, and the meat remained untouched.

    At most, people only ate some snacks.

    Because meat would get stuck between teeth.

    The dental care standards weren''t very advanced at the time, and having meat stuck between teeth could be ufortable for a long time.

    Even for wealthy nobles, once teeth fell out, there weren''t many good solutions.

    The sophisticated ones would get artificial teeth imnted, made from materials like bamboo, wood, ivory, or animal bones, fixed with gold wire tied to adjacent real teeth. Well-made ones could fit quite well, but they were purely decorative and couldn''t be used for chewing.

    However, after the advancement of alchemy, there was now a more advanced type of artificial teeth made from silver foil, mercury, tin, and other materials alchemized into a paste and molded into tooth shapes. These fitted better and were more expensive, but still mainly served a decorative purpose.

    Mianmian hoped she would never need to use them. The thought of having mercury in her mouth was terrifying, so she made sure to maintain good daily dental hygiene.

    The dishes were fine, less likely to get stuck between teeth.

    Snacks could be popped straight into the mouth.

    Rinsing was necessary afterward.

    Mianmian often pressed her tongue against her teeth to feel for debris, wondering how her grandmother, the princess, cleaned her teeth.

    Many people didn''t dare drink beverages, worried about needing to use the bathroom.

    They would pretend to sip, barely drinking anything over a long time.

    Mianmian was in the middle of drinking when suddenly there was a loud crash from the other side.

    It had begun!

    The Emperor''s cup had fallen to the ground.

    The Emperor had been speaking about important matters.

    Extremely important matters.

    He was talking about what would happen after his passing.

    This usually meant he was addressing crucial matters, and in front of everyone.

    Then the Emperor looked at his hand, which suddenly went limp.

    "Father!"

    The Ninth Prince tried to step forward but found his path blocked.

    Eunuch Yan was the first to support the Emperor.

    Second son of Jiang family stepped forward to help.

    The Seventh Prince, however, took a step back.

    The Emperor hadn''t finished speaking when his hand suddenly lost strength, causing his cup to fall and crash to the ground.

    Everyone was startled.

    Jiang Wan''s heart was racing at this moment.

    It should be around this time that the Seventh Prince would ascend to the throne.

    She didn''t know the exact scene, but she knew the Seventh Prince would be the final victor.

    Almost all other princes would end up dead.

    This was the cruelty of power struggles, which was why she had always avoided getting involved.

    "Father, I have important matters to report," the Seventh Prince spoke.

    "Speak."

    "The mysterious deaths of Fifth Brother and Sixth Brother have always troubled me. I couldn''t believe they would leave us so suddenly - we were drinking together that night, and the next day they were gone forever. I couldn''t ept it, so I investigated secretly and discovered that the poison that killed Fifth Brother was a herb called Companion Grass, sold in Ninth Brother''s pharmacy. Fifth Brother''s concubine''s younger brother was actually a manager at Ninth Brother''s wife''s shop. The advisor who falsely used Sixth Brother was also close to Ninth Brother, and they were seen together at Wangchun House before the incident."

    The Seventh Prince spoke forcefully, his face filled with grief.

    "Ninth Brother, for the throne, you poisoned Fifth Brother and drove Sixth Brother to death. How can the kingdom prosper under such a disloyal, unrighteous, and unfilial person?"

    Upon hearing Seventh Brother''s words, the Ninth Prince became furious, his face reddening.

    "Nonsense! I had a great rtionship with Fifth Brother. He was stingy and always borrowed money from me, which I always gave him. As for Sixth Brother, though he was pretentious, I only found his constant lecturing annoying, but never wanted to harm him. I run into several court officials at Wangchun House every day."

    He trembled with anger as he looked at his father.

    "Father, Seventh Brother is lying. I didn''t do it, I would never do such things. Yes, I want to be Emperor - which child doesn''t want to inherit from their father? I do too, but I''m straightforward about it. My ambition is worn on my face, unlike certain people who are hypocritical and treacherous like vipers."

    The Emperor leaned back in his dragon throne.

    His heart was racing violently at this moment, pounding as if it would leap from his chest.

    He was covered in cold sweat - though this was supposed to be an act, why did it feel so real?

    "How dare you!"

    The Emperor''s shout was directed not at the Ninth Prince, but at the Seventh Prince.

    "Your evidence was already presented to me by the Ministry of Justice. I too suspected Old Nine, but at this moment, I know it was all your doing. You were too hasty. You''re the inhuman dog! Do you know why I''ve never liked you? It''s not because of your mother''s low status, but because you''re just like her - no matter how warm you appear on the surface, your eyes are always cold as ice, impossible to truly win over. Did you think that I, the ruler of this nation, would be so easily manipted by you?"

    As the Emperor spoke, guards stepped forward as if to arrest the Seventh Prince.

    Unexpectedly, one of the guards suddenly thrust his sword through the Ninth Prince''s chest. The Ninth Prince looked down at the sword tip protruding from his chest in disbelief.

    At the same time, Chu Xi also made his move, drawing a guard''s sword and slitting the throat of the Ninth Prince''s eldest son, Chu Ze.

    Blood sprayed, with a few dropsnding on Jiang Wan''s face, which she instinctively wiped away.

    Though Chu Xi had pushed her aside, it was only to make room for drawing his sword.

    In an instant, the Ninth Prince and his eldest sony dead before the Emperor.

    The guards who had approached to arrest the Seventh Prince now stood behind him instead.

    Eunuch Liu also hurried forward to protect the Seventh Prince.

    When others'' weapons had been confiscated, the difference between being armed and unarmed was enormous.

    Bare hands couldn''t kill, but swords could.

    The Emperor remained seated on his dragon throne.

    Even with his son dying before him, he didn''t flinch.

    He just stared intently at the Seventh Prince.

    Then heughed.

    Indeed, the child he despised most turned out to be most like him.

    "Even if youmit fratricide and patricide today, do you think you can maintain your position when Old General Meng returns to the capital?"

    "Father, you''ve grown old and mistaken. Old General Meng has been sending desperate pleas for help, but by now, he and Young General Meng have likely both perished. All because you''ve neglected state affairs, indulged in debauchery, pursued vanity, and listened to biased counsel, leading the empire to fall apart. You''ve grown old and should abdicate to someone more capable."

    The Seventh Prince had yed the role of a loyal dog for decades.

    He had nned for decades.

    All for this day.

    Half the pce staff were his people.

    He couldn''t wait any longer.

    He sensed his father''s suspicion.

    But he was different from his father.

    His father suspected him but didn''t want him dead, wanting proof of wrongdoing and an admission of guilt.

    But he just wanted his father dead.

    The food and drink weren''t poisoned, but the bowls were. Just holding them, even pretending to touch them to one''s lips without eating or drinking, would cause poisoning.

    Sure enough, despite the major events unfolding, the women''s section remained quiet because they were all poisoned.

    Including the Seventh Prince''s wife.

    Jiang Wan was fine as she hadn''t touched anything there.

    Princess Huiyun was startled by the situation.

    Seeing the otherdies bing dizzy and drowsy,

    She pretended to be dizzy too, taking the opportunity to pull Mianmian closer.

    Miss Dong was unconscious but managed to lean toward Mianmian, trying to embrace her with her body.

    Mianmian remained clear-headed, despite having drunk quite a lot.

    But she cheated daily with spirit spring water.

    This amount of poison couldn''t affect her.

    Qin Luoxia wasn''t dizzy either, but being one of the craftier women from the vige, she immediately started swaying back and forth, back and forth, back and forth...

    She kept swaying.

    Seeing that her husband''s side seemed dangerous.

    No wonder her husband had sent her kumquats - he must have been hinting that this would be a very tense situation.

    Her husband was so clever.

    The Seventh Prince was ruthless, having his guard run a sword through his brother, and his son was the same, slitting throats.

    Their methods were efficient.

    Qin Luoxia analyzed the scene, noting the numerous guards.

    There was only one option.

    She took her hairpin, swaying back and forth as she threw it with force. The sharp, slender hairpin, made of meteorite iron and ted with gold, was actually a real throwing knife.

    She threw it with all her might.

    Just like the year she had killed thatndlord with a spear.Aliali: 674c2f66c4f3f33ac47d2

    The knife flew incredibly fast, seemingly encountering an obstruction that slightly altered its course, but it didn''t matter.

    Qin Luoxia had anticipated this.

    The knife veered off course just as Jiang Wan stepped to the left.

    Then she felt a tightness in her throat and looked down in disbelief. There was a knife tip at her neck. She tried to look back but the knife tip held her head in ce, preventing her from turning. She could only turn her whole body back around.

    Then she saw the strong woman crouching down, holding her head.

    The earth shook and mountains trembled, the entire imperial pce swaying.

    Jiang Wan fell straight down, her eyes wide with rage. Impossible, impossible - she was just one step away from bing the Empress.

    Shey there, copsed beside the convulsing imperial grandson Chu Ze. The young Chu Ze, while coughing blood, managed to smile.

    As if saying, "Fairy Liu, it''s been a while."

    ...

 Chapter 354

    The Seventh Prince was confident in his victory.

    Because he was not only cruel to others but also to himself.

    Ever since he witnessed his mother''s death in the cold pce as a child, he wanted revenge on everyone.

    From such a young age, he began to scheme for survival.

    He learned to please others and protect himself.

    Some people are born cruel.

    When he was young, he knew his younger brother Little Eight loved climbing trees, with pce maids and eunuchs surrounding him, making his tree-climbing safe.

    He casually threw a snake onto that tree.

    He didn''t really mean to do anything specific.

    He had no grudge against Little Eight.

    At most, he had seen their father embrace Little Eight, while their father had never embraced him.

    That time when Little Eight climbed the tree, he saw the snake, was bitten, fell, and died.

    The Seventh Prince watched Consort He go mad - her son had died, and she lost her mind.

    While their father merely shed a single tear, forgot about Little Eight, had people take care of Consort He, andter Consort He died in an ident too.

    He suddenly realized that life could be nned.

    No need to rush, step by step, everything could be nned.

    Most people were foolish and could be manipted.

    But some people couldn''t be, like his father, who was naturally selfish and cold-hearted.

    So he worked hard to gain Princess Huiyun''s attention.

    He married Jiang Yuluan, the daughter of the Imperial Tutor.

    He thought the Imperial Tutor was a formidable person.

    But he hadn''t expected his elder brother, the Crown Prince, wouldn''t hold out.

    Then he was banished to a remote territory.

    Though not every scheme seeded, it didn''t matter; sometimes failure happened.

    Just like when he was young, he hadn''t wanted Little Eight to die, he just wanted to see him fall and get hurt, to hear him cry in pain, but Little Eight died instead.

    One couldn''t have everything go their way.

    But by moving slowly, eventually, one would reach their destination.

    Finally, that day hade.

    The Seventh Prince had victory within his grasp.

    He wasn''t usually talkative.

    He was just preparing.

    Every pce coup needed preparation - for instance, poisoning needed time, gathering guards needed time... Having waited half a lifetime, he still had patience.

    When the Emperor looked at his son before him and heard him speak of how Old General Meng and Young General Meng had both perished, his usuallyposed face finally cracked.

    He had just thought this son was ruthless like himself.

    He too was a ruthless person.

    But he hadn''t expected they were different.

    His Seventh Son was a madman.

    Fighting for the throne, winners be kings, losers be bandits.

    Victory and defeat both had their causes.

    But the Seventh Prince had actually allied with foreign enemies, betraying his own country - he had actually done such an insane thing.

    Qin Luoxia, hearing this from not far away, was also furious, cursing her son-inw to death, saying the Seventh Prince was utterly evil.

    When a wealthy merchant''s sons fight for inheritance, fighting to the death, and finally the seventh son wins and gets his father''s property - that''s normal, it happens in wealthy families.

    But to invite bandits to steal the family fortune just to win the inheritance - this wasn''t just about inheritance anymore, this was madness.

    It reeked of a "if I can''t have it, none of you can" attitude - willing to let outsiders plunder rather than let his own brothers benefit.

    The Emperor finally cursed: "Beast!"

    The Seventh Prince smiled: "I was born of a lowly woman."

    This statement nearly finished off the Emperor, almost making him cough blood.

    The Emperor had predicted the Seventh Prince''s moves.

    But the Seventh Prince had predicted the Emperor''s predictions.

    Now, clearly, the Seventh Prince held the winning hand.

    Then, Jiang Wan copsed.

    Jiang Wan tried to grab Chu Xi''s hand but missed.

    She fell straight to the ground.

    She stared in disbelief, knowing she shouldn''t have gotten involved in these matters.

    She had a feeling her life should have been positive, upright, noble, not like this.

    Then the earth began to shake.

    The first time it happened, she thought she was heaven''s favorite, that even heaven couldn''t bear to see her hurt.

    But now she knew something was wrong.

    When she was meant to get hurt, she still got hurt. As the shaking continued, Jiang Wan, feeling near death, uttered her first curse word in life.

    She had always been carefully educated by Old Lady Jiang, trained to be a properdy.

    She thought she was heaven''s favorite, but now she wondered if she had misunderstood - perhaps with each earthquake, heaven was celebrating her impending death, shaking with excitement...

    If there was a next life, she wanted to be a woman true to herself - rejecting what she didn''t like, pursuing what she did, rather thanpromising herself, pretending endlessly until exhaustion. Jiang Wan stared as the earthquake knocked Chu Xi down, and finally smiled.

    The earth shook again.

    It hadn''t been long since thest earthquake.

    The astronomers were going crazy.

    The pce, being such arge structure, was normally built to withstand earthquakes, at least up to magnitude five or six.

    But when an earthquake struck, it was still terrifying.

    Moreover, the pce hall''s beams were extremely thick - if just one fell, it could send many people to their next life together.

    The Seventh Prince had been certain of victory, his decades of nning finallying to fruition today.

    He believed he would seed.

    Even if more people died.

    It didn''t matter, since only others would die.

    But in all his fifteen years of preparation, he hadn''t prepared for an earthquake.

    Natural disasters were unpredictable, this he never anticipated.

    In the instant of the earthquake, he lost his bnce and was thrown near his father.

    Almost onto the dragon throne.

    But his father still sat on the throne.

    The Seventh Prince instinctively wanted to push his father off.

    But unexpectedly, his hand was caught by his father first.

    His aging father, whom he had underestimated, had an incredibly strong grip.

    Even during the earthquake.

    His father kept muttering: "Treacherous son, treacherous son, your desire for the throne, I can understand, I came to power the same way, but you must never ally with the Iron Barbarians. If they invade, the country will be destroyed, the family ruined. Haven''t you read? You''ve read so many books, how could you do something so inhuman? When there''s no country, no family, what kind of emperor will you be? Whose emperor will you be?"

    The Emperor gripped the Seventh Prince''s hand tightly.

    The Seventh Prince tried several times but couldn''t pull his hand free.

    The Seventh Prince didn''t understand why his father was being so hypocritical, having remained silent when he killed Ninth Brother.

    What was more important?

    The earth shook.

    Everyone fell.

    Eunuch Yan, who had been supporting the Emperor, fell to the ground.

    Unfortunately, there was a sharp corner under the dragon throne, and Eunuch Yan''s head was about to hit it.

    Jiang Changtian, being closest and always cautious about earthquakes, had trained at home on how to maintain bnce during tremors.

    So at this moment, seeing the Emperor and Third Son both falling.

    Jiang Changtian chose to follow his heart, rushing to catch Third Son, preventing his head from hitting the sharp corner of the dragon throne.

    The Emperor tumbled together with the Seventh Prince.

    Fortunately, the dragon throne wasrge enough for both father and son.

    Stay calm during emergencies.

    Years of experience had taught Jiang Changtian that staying steady until the end was key to survival.

    So while his face showed panic, his heart remained calm.

    After confirming his sister Xia was safe, he analyzed the situation.

    He and Third Son stayed to the side.

    The dragon throne was massive - even if the beams fell, it should hold.

    The Seventh Prince had yed almost all his cards, and someone as suspicious as the Emperor couldn''t be without trump cards.

    Sure enough, when the Seventh Prince couldn''t free his hand and tried to reach for his fallen sword, he saw the Emperor pull out a knife from the side of the throne.

    Unless the Emperor drew it, no one could tell there was a knife embedded in the throne''s side.

    It was extremely ornate, with dragon patterns and jewels.

    The Emperor gripped his son''s hand with one hand and took the knife with the other, stabbing forcefully at the Seventh Prince.

    "Beast, beast, I should never have let that cheap woman give birth to you, should have killed you both then."

    The Emperor was furious, suddenly possessed of enormous strength, stabbing twice, but missing vital spots.

    Age difference still mattered.

    Even though he had a weapon, even though the Seventh Prince was caught off guard by the earthquake, he quickly recovered and grabbed the knife.

    He turned it back on his father.

    Loosely, swish!

 Chapter 355

    Chapter 355

    The Emperor''s body felt surprisingly shriveled and hard.

    The earth trembled.

    The pce shook.

    No one could care for anyone else.

    Even the devoted guards couldn''t keep their bnce.

    The Seventh Prince knew it was the final moment.

    Victory belongs to the conqueror.

    Every climb to power requires stepping over corpses.

    Once he bes the ruler, history will be written by him.

    Perhaps it won''t be pretty, but time is forgetful.

    He went berserk.

    Thrust and withdrew the de with force.

    He didn''t know why he harbored such hatred for his own father.

    Perhaps it was because of favoritism.

    The same things others had, he didn''t.

    Why?

    He hated the Emperor.

    At the same time, he hated his birth mother.

    He knew his birth was merely a tool for that woman to gain favor, but when she discovered that the child she nearly died giving birth to couldn''t bring her the love she sought, she became filled with disgust for him.

    Since childhood, he had wanted to find a womanpletely different from his mother - someone from a noble family, innocent and pure, without schemes. He would love her well, treat her right, build his own family with her, have children, and treat their children well.

    What his father and mother couldn''t do, he would aplish.

    His dark inner self needed a bright facade to sustain it.

    So even though Yu Luan couldn''t bear children, he still loved her.

    But he gradually realized he was bing just like his father.

    He could even drink and chat with Jiang Er despite knowing Jiang Er had killed his child.

    He had ultimately be the person he despised most.

    He was young and strong; he grabbed the knife.

    He stabbed at the man before him.

    The man before him wasn''t his father anymore, but an obstacle to his sess and progress - one he had to eliminate.

    The earth shook violently, making heads spin and vision blur.

    Some were fleeing for their lives, others taking lives.

    Mianmian knew attending the pce banquet would be risky.

    Otherwise, there would be no plot to unfold.

    But she never imagined it would be this dangerous.

    It was like thinking meeting someone online only risked having your heart broken, not realizing they wanted not just your heart but your organs too...

    It was life-threatening.

    This wasn''t just risky - it was a deadly trap.

    Choosing New Year''s Day for a pce coup.

    Well, well, well, what perfect timing.

    Future celebrations might as well all be on New Year''s Day.

    Mianmian huddled in a corner.

    Protected fiercely by Princess Grandma.

    At times like these, don''t run around - running around carelessly would get you killed.

    Stay put first, deal with attacks when theye.

    Seeing Mom still able to "identally" push people nearby to cover them, Mom should be fine too.

    During an earthquake, don''t run - just crouch under tables.

    Originally the Seventh Prince controlled the situation.

    The earthquake slightly changed things.

    When people finally came to their senses, they saw the Seventh Prince stabbing the Emperor.

    Countless people shouted:

    "Your Majesty!"

    "Your Majesty!"

    "Your Majesty!"

    "Protect the Emperor!"

    "Stop!"

    The Emperor looked down at his abdomen.

    The imperial robe was pierced.

    Stained with blood.

    Beautiful.

    The dragon on it had never looked so lifelike before, as if about toe alive.

    But he felt himself dying.

    In this dying moment, he could still review the past.

    Look back on bygone days.

    The past was nk.

    Nothing particrly regrettable.

    Nothing particrly exciting either.

    He didn''t have many regrets in this life.

    He had be Emperor - what regrets could he have?

    If there were regrets, perhaps there were some.

    Like now, this child raising a knife against him was his child - he had failed not only as an Emperor but also as a father.

    It wasn''t like this in the beginning.

    Initially, he governed diligently, seriously taught his children to read.

    He didn''t know how it hade to this.

    Looking at his little Seventh Prince before him.

    The Emperor smiled with eptance.

    He had never hugged this child, because this child''s birth mother disgusted him, and seeing this child always made him feel guilty.

    But before death, he embraced him, tightly.

    The hug he owed him, he finally gave back.

    The Seventh Prince didn''t know why - he struck with a knife, yet received an embrace in return.

    Why now?

    Why didn''t you hug me earlier?

    Why?

    Why did you call my mother a whore?

    All the women in the pce were whores, which one wasn''t?

    But his rebuttal was soughably weak.

    He didn''t dare say his mother wasn''t a whore, no, not at all.

    He only dared say others were too.

    But it didn''t matter.

    It didn''t matter, he had won.

    Kill those people, and he would win.

    And Jiang Er, who rushed to save Third Prince, both fell.

    They fell behind the dragon throne.

    Witnessing the scene of father-son bloodshed.

    As if stunned.

    Second son of Jiang family shouted: "Your Majesty, protect the Emperor, protect the Emperor!"

    In that moment of extreme tension, no one could protect the Emperor anymore.

    Fate had decreed it so.

    He had underestimated his little Seventh Prince.

    He was more ruthless than him.

    Second son of Jiang family had the weakest foundation, but he had Third Prince.

    The Emperor asked, Wenxin, can I trust you?

    Second son of Jiang family didn''t ask, but he trusted him.

    Others couldn''t bring weapons in, but these people already lived inside.

    Guards killed chaotically.

    Like a mantis catching a cicada while a sparrow lurks behind, a snake hides in the grass behind the sparrow, and an eagle circles above the snake.

    Second son of Jiang family rose and kicked the Seventh Prince away.

    Meanwhile, Qin Luoxia threw over a silver te - pure silver, extremely heavy - hitting Chu Xi right on the forehead.

    Eunuch Yan caught the Emperor.

    The Emperor, now dyed red with blood.

    Eunuch Yan shouted hoarsely: "The Seventh Prince hasmitted patricide, the Emperor has fallen!"

    "Fire! Fire!"

    Amid the rising and falling shouts.

    A dragon banner fell from the wall with a rustle, the wind carrying the dragon, floating and drifting, floating and drifting.

 Chapter 356

    At the border.

    The war continues.

    For some inexplicable reason, these barbarian enemies always die with resentment on their faces.

    It''s baffling.

    You were the ones who attacked us in the first ce.

    Yet when you''re defeated and die, you still harbor grudges.

    What right do you have toin?

    You started the trouble, yet you act aggrieved - what nonsense.

    Life at the border is harsh, extremely harsh, but the soldiers'' hearts burn with passion, and they remain spirited each day.

    Fight, fight, fight.

    On New Year''s Day, the first day of the lunar year.

    The enemyunched a fierce attack with reckless abandon.

    It''s rather inauspicious - perhaps they don''t celebrate the New Year.

    At home during New Year''s, people won''t even sweep away garbage.

    Here, Lord Jiang said that seeing red is auspicious - a sign of prosperity for the entire year.

    Kill, kill, kill.

    This army grows stronger with each battle.

    When they first arrived, there was General Meng and Meng Young General.

    Now there''s General Meng and Old General Meng.

    Old Meng retired on the spot.

    A person can''t stay idle - once idle, all sorts of ailments surface: rheumatic legs, twisted back, headaches, body aches.

    He still wanted to go to the battlefield, but his body truly wouldn''t allow it.

    He probably couldn''t even hold the reins while riding, falling from horseback would be even worse.

    Previously, he''d pushed through on sheer willpower, ignoring various ailments, gritting his teeth to endure.

    Some civil officials even used Old General Meng of clinging to power.

    What nonsense about clinging to power.

    Not living in a mansion, not embracing his wife, guarding the border for decades, enduring wind and sun daily, facing mortal danger at every moment - would you want such a "blessing"?

    The Meng family''s single line of descent had another reason - how could wives conceive when their husbands were away fighting wars?

    If a husband is away fighting for six years and his wife gives birth to three children, whose surname should the children take?

    Some civil officials came to the border too, but they couldn''t stay long and fled - faster than the enemy.

    Old Meng roasted sweet potatoes in the camp, able to say with a clear conscience that he had lived up to heaven''s expectations, the emperor''s trust, and the Meng family ancestors.

    "Boom, boom, boom."

    The horn sounded again.

    Another charge began.

    Old Meng tried to stand up to look, but couldn''t - his legs hurt, and he fell back onto his bed.

    Never mind, never mind.

    It''s a young person''s world now; he couldn''t understand it anymore. Better to focus on recovery.

    Actually, he only had minor injuries - previously he would have pushed through them.

    It wasn''t that it didn''t hurt before; he just knew there was no one else, so he had to fight.

    Now suddenly his body became delicate, quite cleverly knowing it could act up at this time.

    General Meng and Lord Jiang galloped together on horseback.

    Although Meng Shaoxia knew his brother-inw Jiang Feng was better at martial arts than himself, he still said, "I''ll lead the charge; youmand from the rear."

    Meng Shaoxia felt that if it weren''t for him, Jiang Feng probably wouldn''t need to be here.

    As the princess''s grandson, he could surely develop well in the capital.

    His brother-inw volunteered because he was worried about him.

    Even if something happened to himself, his brother-inw couldn''t be harmed.

    Besides, he felt he was only good at fighting, nothing else. If anything happened to him, with Brother Feng looking after things, his family should be fine.

    War was cruel like this anyway, with the threat of death always present.

    There was no escape.

    Moreover, Brother Feng had a fianc¨¦e waiting for him, not yet married.

    He himself had a wife and children; if someone had to die, he should go first.

    Of course, best not to die at all.

    Meng Shaoxia was d he came to rece his grandfather.

    His grandfather, who seemed invincible in his eyes, was actually a thin old man covered in scars once he took off his armor. At his age, ordinary elderly men would be enjoying their retirement at home.

    Yet his grandfather still had to go to battle.

    He grew up quickly.

    It wasn''t about seizing military power; he just hoped to establish himself soon, rece his grandfather, and let him rest.

    His two children were very lovely; he hoped his grandfather could go back to hold them.

    The wind was strong at the border.

    Words would be blown away by the wind.

    "Fine. You must return alive, or I''ll have my sister remarry and change your children''s surnames."

    Meng Shaoxia''s body twisted awkwardly, nearly falling from his horse.

    The thought of that scenario was somewhat frightening.

    Considering how protective his father-inw and mother-inw were of their children, it was actually possible.

    But A''Yu would definitely be unwilling, would wait foolishly, so he must return.

    "Hya!"

    Whipping the horse forward.

    The cold wind was bitter.Aliali: 674b3534c4f3f33ac49f1778

    The final battle.

    When that timees, they would return in triumph.

    The soldiers pressed forward fearlessly.

    Today was New Year''s, and the battle continued. Lord Jiang had said they would definitely be able to return home in the new year.

    Watching the army advance, Jiang Feng, in the midst of the troops, thought that Miss Dong wouldn''t need to alter her wedding dress anymore; she could definitely wear it in winter.

    At the Dong family residence.

    Minister Dong was deeply worried.

    Watching his silly daughter excitedly describe the wonders of the banquet.

    Minister Dong thought that his daughter''s wedding dress might need to be altered again, perhaps even upgraded in grandeur.

    He dared not think further - what kind of luck did his daughter have?

 Chapter 357

    ......

    We are all living our lives with great effort.

    No one can predict what kind of life we will live.

    The first day of the first month.

    The Seventh Prince initiated a pce coup.

    At the same time, a great disaster struck, and there was an earthquake.

    The ministers wanted the Emperor to issue a self-condemnation edict, as natural disasters had be too frequent.

    But now the Emperor had passed away.

    The main culprit, the Seventh Prince, was captured on the spot.

    The Seventh Prince''s eldest son, Chu Xi, also died identally during the fighting.

    Many people died that day.

    The sickly Tenth Prince almost died of fright, barely breathing, likely not long for this world.

    The ministers thought of the Crown Prince, who had been confined, and felt he had good fortune. After being confined, he might be released and unexpectedly inherit the throne, bing a winner in life.

    When the ministers went to fetch the Crown Prince, they found that the Crown Prince''s entire family had been executed.

    The Seventh Prince had acted first, falsely issuing an imperial decree to poison the Crown Prince.

    People couldn''t understand why the Seventh Prince was so resolute.

    Didn''t the news of a great victory at the border arrive?

    It turned out that the Seventh Prince had intercepted the victory reports. The letters sent by Old General Meng from the border were not victory reports but pleas for help, which he reced with letters of triumph.

    The ministers were in a frenzy.

    No, you guys in the royal family can fight for power, but don''t joke about such matters. This is a matter of life and death.

    Isn''t itmon for the enemy to breach the city and massacre all men taller than a wheel, keeping women and children as ves?

    The Seventh Prince was truly extraordinary.

    People had not paid much attention to the Seventh Prince before.

    Those who had connections with the Seventh Prince privately were drenched in cold sweat.

    Now they were the ones most eager for the Seventh Prince''s death.

    For a time, the courtcked a strong leader like Minister Lu, and the civil officials were divided.

    The main force of the military officials was fighting at the border.

    Inspector He, Meng Qingshe, and Minister Dong were all clearly on the side of the Second son of Jiang family.

    There was also Eunuch Yan in the pce.

    The officials discussed and debated, eventually deciding to temporarily let the Eldest Princess oversee the state affairs until the Emperor''s funeral was over, and then discuss further.

    The Eldest Princess was a bit bewildered.

    She knew how to swim, raise fish, and climb mountains, but she really didn''t understand what overseeing the state entailed.

    Jiang Changtian quietly looked at Princess Huiyun and said, "You can do nothing."

    ......

    The Emperor''s funeral was grand.

    After all, the Ministry of Rites officials had been handling funerals for years and were quite proficient.

    It was just a matter of adjusting the scale.

    Mianmian didn''t expect the pce coup to end.

    It seemed her status had risen again.

    Even at the funeral, people gave her ingratiating smiles.

    Hmm, smiling at this asion might not be appropriate.

    To smile and show appropriate sadness, this bnce, even civil servants from Shandong might find it challenging.

    Mianmian felt a bit flustered.

    She didn''t have a deep impression of this imperial uncle, and now they were holding his funeral.

    She remembered him as very imposing in his dragon robe and very thin out of it.

    At the pce banquet that day, she was blocked by her sister-inw Dong E and Princess Grandma, although she couldn''t see much, she heard a lot.

    There were many shouts.

    The process was neither fast nor slow.

    Quietly looking, it started with the Seventh Prince''s men, andter, when everyone was almost unconscious, many of the godfathers'' men appeared, looking arrogant and wild, just like the viins in TV dramas.

    They were very serious about killing, collecting bodies, everything in order.

    The funeral was also orderly, with orderly crying and respectful kneeling.

    The Emperor''s funeral ended.

    The Seventh Prince was sentenced to death, and so was the Seventh Princess.

    Before they could act, the Seventh Prince died.

    Condemned by thousands, he died without a cause.

    Chinese moral sense is to point out, discriminate against, insult, and make him die when seeing something immoral.

    The Seventh Prince died like this.

    There was only one little prince left in the pce, who had been sickly since childhood and was still like a three-year-old child.

    The ministers started arguing again.

    Either choose a royal grandson to inherit the throne.

    But there were still many royal grandsons, how to choose, and why choose a royal grandson when there were still people from the previous generation.

    There was also a proposal for Jiang Changtian, the son of a princess, to inherit the throne.

    This proposal was immediately criticized by many.

    In short, the court was not peaceful recently, with various words and desires emerging.

    Mianmian felt fine at home, quite normal.

    One day, the family had dinner as usual. Although very busy, Father would stille home on time for dinner.

    After dinner, they drank tea and chatted.

    Jiang Changtian asked Zi Congheng, who was seriously brewing tea, "You are the son of the Crown Prince, do you want to inherit the throne? If you want, it is most rightful, and I will support you."

    Congheng was stunned for a moment and said, "It''s fine like this, eating well, drinking well, sleeping well. You know, Uncle, I''m afraid of the dark, don''t like chaotic ces, don''t like crowds. I''m afraid of dazzling lights and sharp things. If you put me alone in a huge pce room now, I might die of illness within half a year."

    He brewed the tea, picked out the dried red dates on top for Mianmian, which were the sweetest at this time.

    Although there are new tea brewing methods now, they still like the old way, adding some peppercorns, which can also prevent colds in winter. Although sometimes too many ingredients are added, the taste is hard to describe, rich in bitterness, but after growing up and leaving home, one always misses this peculiar taste.

    "Uncle, go to the pce. You have enough power, and we can be domineering, no one will bully us, which is also good. Although I can''t do it, you can, and Auntie will help you. I still quite like the feeling of being a prince or grandson, having power and money, not having to work."

    Mianmian was eating red dates when she heard this and almost swallowed the pit.

    Her mother patted her, almost sending her away, and the pit came out.

    Her face turned red.

    Congheng quickly handed her a ss of water.

    Jiang Changtian also gently stroked Mianmian''s back.

    The topic ended like this.

    While the court was in chaos, the news of a great victory by the border army arrived. This time it was true. Old General Meng was still alive, and General Meng''s son, Jiang Feng, would soon return to the capital.

    The ministers collectively changed their tune.

    They strongly rmended Jiang Changtian as the Emperor.

    Various excuses and momentum were created.

    Some even said that thete Emperor had appeared in a dream, saying that the sessor''s name must contain the character "tian" (sky).

    The name Changtian is well chosen.

    Growing in the world.

    ......

    At the border.

    After the fierce battle.

    Many people died, and the enemy died even more.

    But they finally won.

    The border was cold.

    The best day after winning was just gathering around a fire.

    Eating meat inrge mouthfuls.

    The deadrades made people sad, and the living were even more grateful for life.

    A little soldier cried while eating meat.

    "Lai Sheng said he liked eating meat with bones the most, and now he can never eat it again."

    "War is like this. We won, and Lai Sheng has a pension. Jiang Feng has recorded it, and the money will be given to Lai Sheng''s parents. Lai Sheng''s family can still go to the yamen to sign up for work."

    "I know, sometimes I think of such good conditions and feel that I might as well die, but I still miss Lai Sheng."

    Jiang Feng and Meng Shaoxia patrolled the camp together and heard this, stopping their steps.

    But they didn''t go in.

    Outside the camp, the wind was strong, and it was cold.

    Jiang Feng said, "I didn''t know why we were fighting before. I always felt that those conscripted soldiers were pitiful and would die."Aliali: 674b8cafc4f3f33ac4a3ef54

    Meng Shaoxia said, "The Meng family has been in the military for generations. Maybe this country has darkness and shorings, but we will always move forward bravely because we have family and people behind us. The court''s power struggles are chaotic, but that has nothing to do with us. As long as needed, our Meng family will still go to war."

    Jiang Feng was simple-minded, and Meng Shaoxia was truly simple-minded.

    They continued walking together.

    After one more day of patrolling, they would return.

    After the baptism of war, Jiang Feng had matured more.

    He thought of the past buried in the ground, filled with endless hatred. Fortunately, he was still alive, able to walk out of Kan''er Vige, see the world, and live well.

    He cherished life more, thinking of his parents and sisters, and also of Miss Dong.

    When he returned, he must strive to progress.

    Work hard!

    ......

 Chapter 358

    ...

    The Seventh Prince had shattered the royal family.

    The earth shook.

    Themotion wasparable to the scenes of massive explosions Jiang Wan had witnessed in her previous life.

    In a sense, the course of history had not changed much.

    The major events still urred as they should.

    On this day, the grand court convened.

    The new Emperor and Empress faced the officials together.

    Jiang Changtian donned the dragon robe without any difort.

    Perhaps he hadn''t thought about this day when he rebelled.

    He hadn''t thought about it when he entered the capital.

    But after bing the Yellow Gate Attendant and entering the pce to see the Emperor, he realized that the Emperor was just an ordinary human withmon weaknesses¡ªfear of death, desire forfort, fondness for ttery, aversion to criticism, stubbornness, arrogance, and paranoia. He was just a well-born ordinary person.

    However, the dragon robe and the imperial crown could change a person, for the power was too heavy.

    If you couldn''t bear it, you would be borne by it.

    Just like an ordinary person wearing an extraordinarily expensive gown, every move and meal would be influenced by the clothing, fearing it might get dirty or torn, always concerned about the attire, while the person themselves would fade into the background, bing an essory to the clothes.

    The Second Son of the Jiang family had no ambition. He just wanted to protect his family''s safety.

    Perhaps due to being persecuted since childhood, he always felt someone was out to harm him, constantly believing he wasn''t strong enough, that there were too many viins. Finally, one day, he stood at a high position.

    Jiang Changtian looked at the bustling, crowded crowd below and thought of a phrase: There are always treacherous ministers trying to harm me!

    But it was alright; Xiamie was sitting beside him.

    Qin Luoxia wore the phoenix robe, her head still a bit dizzy.

    She remembered the vige women chatting in Kan''er Vige, specting about the Empress in the capital¡ªwhether her chamber pot was made of gold, if her hoe was surely gold, if her steamed buns were made with a pound of flour and two pounds of sugar,vishly made, with meals fed to her by attendants, not needing to lift a finger, just opening her mouth...

    Now she knew the chamber pot wasn''t made of gold, but it could probably fetch a gold price if sold, being a royal item. There was no hoe; she searched the entire house and found none, whether it was gold or not remained unknown. The cooks in the pce all had ranks, all considered officials. When she was healthy, she still had to eat on her own; it was more fragrant that way. If she waited for others to feed her, she might as well be beyond help.

    She was extremely nervous wearing the phoenix robe.

    Luckily, she could now carry enough weapons, no one dared to search her.

    The pce was terrifying, full of cmities.

    Being new, she had to be cautious.

    Qin Luoxia felt she was constantly adapting.

    From the small thatched house in Kan''er Vige to the courtyard in Jingzhou, then to therge courtyard in the capital, and now to the grand courtyard of the pce.

    She was always adapting to new lives.

    She took a deep breath, telling herself, it''s alright, it''s alright, it''s alright, just treat it like going hunting in the mountains, and consider those officials below as prey; that way, she wouldn''t be afraid.

    Thinking this way, she indeed felt much more rxed; otherwise, her chest felt tight, her heartbeat rapid.

    Luckily, her husband was holding her hand the whole way.

    His palm was a bit damp, indicating he was also nervous.

    Thinking of her husband''s nervousness and fear, Qin Luoxia forced herself not to be nervous or afraid.

    Her husband was delicate, pushed into this position, never wanting to be the Emperor. Many people had rmended him, and now many were gossiping behind his back, saying there were still royal family members, it shouldn''t have fallen to him.

    Qin Luoxia thought, it was true, like the son of andlord fighting for inheritance and dying, the nephewing to inherit the estate seemed unjust, but special circumstances called for special measures. If the nephew hadn''te, the estate would have been seized by outsiders, making the Chu family even worse off. Her husband was soft-hearted; at least he would treat the Chu family well.

    And the winner takes all, the loser is a bandit.

    If everything were done by the rules, there wouldn''t have been such fierce struggles.

    In the end, it was because there were no rules.

    So their own family must have rules.

    Qin Luoxia sat upright beside her husband.

    The officials were also inplex moods.

    This scene of the Emperor and Empress sitting together seemed to have not appeared for a long time.

    The new Emperor was exceptionally handsome, even more dazzling in the dragon robe.

    The new Empress exuded a powerful aura, not at all like a peasant woman, looking like a true noble.

    It was unclear whether it was the clothes that made them so, or if they were inherently like this.

    The pce coup caused by the Seventh Prince hade to an end, no one expecting the final victor to be the Second Son of the Jiang family.

    The Jingzhou Sima.

    And before ascending the throne, he had dered that the adopted child Zi Congheng was the son of the former Crown Prince.

    Everyone was speechless.

    Thinking about how the old Emperor had failed, the Crown Prince being the same person as the biggest rebel, Zi Lu, how desperate it must have been for the Crown Prince to rebel against his own country.

    Some officials were unwilling to give up, whether for upholding the legitimate session or seeking the favor of the new ruler, repeatedly advising.

    And the former Crown Prince''s son, Zi Congheng (Chu Yuan), clearly refused the throne, stating that if forced, he could abdicate on the day of his coronation.

    The officials wanted to ask if he was being coerced, if so, he could blink.

    Perhaps future history books would write it this way.

    "The Usurpation of Jiang Er," "The Storms of Chu Kingdom," "The Coup of Chu Kingdom," "The Chronicles of Chu Kingdom"...

    No matter.

    Flipping through the history books, turning to the day of coronation.

    The Emperor and Empress on the throne.

    The officials gathered.

    Long live, long live, long live.

    Eunuch Yan stood to the side, Eunuch Duan on the other.

    Eunuch Duan''s expression was serious with joy, thinking, who else could be as fortunate as him? Others were one emperor, one set of ministers, but he had changed emperors and still held his position, directly bing a favorite of the new Emperor.

    Of course, he couldn''tpare to Eunuch Yan, but he had never been able to before, so he wasn''t envious.

    New year, new atmosphere.

    The new Emperor turned to look at the Empress.

    Qin Luoxia saw her husband looking over and instinctively returned a smile.

    The officials saw that the Empress seemed to have a good temper.

    The new Emperor kindly asked, "Lord Wu thinks I should expand the harem, does anyone else agree?"

    Seeing the new Emperor''s encouraging expression, the officials thought, what man doesn''t love beauty? The Empress, though looking good, seemed a bit strong. With many beauties, each with their charm, it was best to have more.

    So, one by one, officials stepped forward.

    Even royal family members joined in the fun.

    Goodness, almost a third of the officials.

    Most were older, with good daughters at home.

    Qin Luoxia felt the phoenix robe getting hot, as if tiny ants were crawling on her.

    On her first day at court, she worried about not understanding what the officials said due to herck of education, feeling very nervous, but never expected these gentlemen to be no different from the vige women, not discussing serious matters, but meddling in her husband''s taking concubines.

    After all the fighting and killing, with so many sons dead, wasn''t that enough of a lesson?

    Qin Luoxia''s aura surged, staring at those officials.

    Those below didn''t know why, but they suddenly felt their official hats were heavy.

    Suddenly, they saw the Empress snap off a chair''s arm.

    The golden dragon coiled around the golden phoenix.

    The officials heard a crisp crack, then saw the chair arm in the Empress''s hand.

    The Empress tried to put it back, saying, "It''s been too long without anyone sitting, it''s rotted."

    But it wouldn''t go back.

    Another crack, and the arm broke.Aliali: 6748674f3f33ac4783886

    Then the Empress crushed the solid wood arm between her hands, pieces of wood falling, even some sawdust floating into the eyes of officials in the front.

    "Hehe, I said it was rotted, it''s all turned to dust."

    The officials who had stepped forward not only felt their heads heavy but also their backs slowly wet.

    The legend of the Seventh Prince''s son''s death was quite strange, killed by a te, but with a misaligned skull, seemingly impossible, like someone had deliberately smashed his head.

    And Immortal Liu, with a hole in her neck, died.

    Her death was also peculiar.

    At this moment, the new Emperor looked touched, even wiping his eyes with a cloth, saying, "I''vecked care and love since I was young. I never expected so many loyal ministers to care about my personal matters. I am deeply moved, but my life was saved by the Empress, and I have long promised that unless I die, I will not take another wife."

    Everyone looked at the new Emperor wiping his eyes, feeling sympathy, wondering if he didn''t want to or didn''t dare.

    The new emperor continued, "I am truly touched. I have decided to bestow upon each of you a beloved concubine. There are many pce maids in the pce, and rest assured, I am their patron. These fine pce women are a blessing to you, so you must provide ample betrothal gifts. My empress is virtuous and kind, so she will handle the arrangements with you. Everyone will receive one, so there''s no need to rush. You will all be satisfied. I have always believed in repaying kindness, so rest assured, everyone who steps forward will be rewarded."

    ¡­

 Chapter 359

    The first time at court.

    It really shocked the officials.

    No one had expected that the Empress, who was born a peasant woman, would be so incredibly strong.

    In front of the officials, she broke off the armrest of the phoenix throne.

    Not only that, but she crushed the wood into sawdust.

    The wood of the chair could not possibly be rotten, otherwise, the officials of the Imperial Construction Bureau would all be executed.

    Moreover, the chair was not newly made but passed down through generations, and the wood was so hard that even a knife would struggle to cut it.

    As hard as iron.

    And yet, the Empress broke it off right in front of the officials.

    It was truly terrifying.

    The officials who stepped forward felt their scalps tingle.

    With such an Empress, what could they do if they sent their daughters to the pce?

    One wrong move and they might be identally killed by the Empress.

    Other pce struggles were about heartbreak, but theirs was about physical harm.

    And the Empress didn''t seem reckless at all; just look at how she raised Princess Caiyi, an expert in domestic strife.

    The officials who stepped forward gradually regained theirposure, their backs drenched in cold sweat.

    Those who had petitions to present afterwards became much more cautious.

    On the New Emperor''s first day of ascending the throne, his authority was established by the Empress.

    On his first day, the New Emperor announced three things.

    First, he would give each official who demanded he fill the harem a maidservant to fill their own households.

    Second, he changed the schedule: there would be a major court session every seven days, no need to rise so early, and every five days there would be two days of rest.

    Third, he would rehabilitate some officials. Those who participated in the Seventh Prince''s rebellion were all sentenced to death, leaving some positions vacant, which would be filled by new appointees.

    Some were colleagues who had been waiting for selection, others were young officials who had been wrongfully used, such as Gong Qichi, the top schr.

    The New Emperor had a good memory and remembered the names of every official.

    Those who were selected were moved to tears.

    They bore the mark of the New Emperor, and barring any idents, their careers would be smooth.

    Gong Qichi wore the dark blue official robes of an Imperial Secretary.

    Everyone knew that the New Emperor had been an Imperial Secretary before ascending the throne.

    Clearly, this position was special.

    Gong Qichi was deeply moved.

    Looking back, the first time he met Chang Tian was in Kan''er Vige.

    He had never imagined it would lead to this.

    Countless long nights of deep conversations, and now they met as monarch and subject, Gong Qichi felt a strange sense of pride.

    He had contributed to this journey.

    He hadn''t forgotten.

    The New Emperor promoted so many people, but Gong Qichi felt it was because of him.

    It was as if someone hugged many people just to be able to hug him.

    Sure enough, after the court session, everyone left, and Gong Qichi was asked to stay.

    Some people hurried back to prepare betrothal gifts.

    Gong Qichi was also a bit nervous.

    With the distinction between monarch and subject, he didn''t know how to interact or how to maintain the proper distance.

    Although the New Emperor had risen step by step, with many instances where he had contributed, if he always took pride in that, he probably wouldn''t be far from death.

    Yet, there was always an emotional pull, feeling that their rtionship was good, and it seemed strange to suddenly have the distinction between monarch and subject.

    Throughout history, there have always been instances where the emperor, after ascending the throne, would execute his good friends.

    Because friends became superiors, and others hadn''t adapted, still treating him as a good friend.

    The superior finally couldn''t take it and, being too embarrassed to say "I''m now your superior, you should respect me," would just have the friend executed. Social anxiety is so terrifying... just because one is too socially anxious tomunicate, they would have the other person "disappear."

    Gong Qichi had some doubts in his mind.

    Still, he gathered his scattered thoughts and headed towards the pce.

    Not far in, he saw a little girl running out.

    A boy followed behind her.

    When they saw him, they both stopped.

    The girl called out, "Hello, Uncle Gong."

    The boy called out, "Hello, Teacher."

    Seeing his lively students, Gong Qichi felt relieved.

    ording tomon values, he should have supported the young lord, but he knew the young lord''s personality, smart but solitary, which wasn''t suitable, and the lord himself wouldn''t have wanted that.

    "What are you doing?"

    "Flying kites, today the wind is strong," Mianmian pointed at therge kite Hei Ta was holding.

    "Good, be careful not to fall."

    "Goodbye, Uncle Gong."

    "Goodbye, Teacher."

    They passed by, still running.

    Gong Qichi felt a sense of history repeating itself. When he was young and passed the imperial examinations, he also went to the pce to pay respects to the emperor.

    He also saw princesses and princes running.

    Theirughter was crisp.

    At least the young lord was living well now, without any grievances. Gong Qichi felt that whether he was right or wrong, he had no regrets about the young lord.

    The interruption from the two children calmed his mind, and he wasn''t as nervous.

    When he reached the Heart-Seeking Hall, it wasn''t where the emperor received guests but where the emperor lived.

    Being able toe here at least proved that the New Emperor considered Gong Qichi one of his own.

    Led by a young eunuch into the room, theyout reminded him of Kan''er Vige.

    A small tea table, with charcoal in the middle, boiling tea, and around it were some fruits and local melons.

    The New Emperor, who had been sitting majestically on the dragon throne, had changed into ordinary casual clothes, and the room was warm.

    Seeing Gong Qichi, the New Emperor waved and said, "Brother Yehang,e and have some tea, it''s too cold outside."

    Gong Qichi first bowed, then went over.

    Sitting cross-legged on the warm bed, he drank a cup of tea poured by the New Emperor himself.

    The taste was bitter and sweet, strange, but it was the taste of the past.

    Now new tea was in vogue, and this method of boiling tea was considered outdated.

    But if the emperor made it, it would probably be fashionable again.

    "Is Your Majesty ustomed?"

    "It''s okay, with Sister Xia and the others around, I feel fine. But Brother Yehang, they say that the emperor is a lonely man. If you think that because I''m the emperor, our past friendship is gone, then I might really be a lonely man. I''m afraid of bing like the previous emperor. He was said to be very wise and kind when he was young. Power makes people confused. If that dayes, Brother Yehang, will you remind me?"

    Jiang Changtian spoke sincerely.

    Gong Qichi felt relieved, Jiang didn''t change, even as the emperor, he still had a sincere heart.

    He solemnly bowed and said, "I am willing, I will."

    They drank tea and ate snacks together.

    Just like before, they talked about many things happening in the court.

    Gong Qichi was an excellent secretary, knowing the family backgrounds of every official in the court, analyzing them one by one, just like before.

    He even bluntly said who was ipetent, upying a position without doing any work...

    Jiang Changtian listened very seriously, nodding from time to time.

    After eating a snack that felt like lunch, Gong Qichi finally realized he should take his leave.

    As he left the Heart-Seeking Hall, the cool wind outside made him tense.

    He looked back at the imposing Heart-Seeking Hall.

    He always forgot.

    When he entered the pce, he had thought about the distinction between monarch and subject, but when talking, he unconsciously forgot.

    A mature politician shouldn''t act like this.

    This was wrong.

    The further he walked towards the pce gates, the more uneasy he felt.

    He knew the New Emperor wasn''t as simple as he remembered, just a sincere white-faced schr.

    Perhaps much moreplex.

    When Gong Qichi returned home, he felt a dull pain in his head.

    At that moment, the pce''s rewards also arrived.

    The rewards were very Jiang-style.Aliali: 674846c1c4f3f33ac476874f

    Practical things.

    Food, drink, and daily necessities.

    And a piece of calligraphy.

    Gong Qichi remembered that he had once praised Jiang''s calligraphy, and he had never given him a piece.

    He didn''t expect that after ascending the throne, Jiang would give him a piece.

    "Do things when you''re clear-headed, read when you''re confused, think when you''re alone, control your emotions when you''re angry. Brother Yehang, don''t worry, I can do it. Self-discipline and perseverance, let''s encourage each other." (Note 1)

    Seeing this piece of calligraphy, Gong Qichi''s uneasy heart finally settled, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

    Jiang didn''t change, still sincere.

    He wouldn''t change either, still loyal.

    As long as you''re willing to listen, I''ll keep telling you the truth.

 Chapter 360

    ...

    In history.

    This year was actually an uneventful one.

    But for many people, it was quite different.

    The Jiang family came from humble beginnings and did not tolerate idleness.

    Although Jiang Changtian initially insisted on taking in the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled, these individuals would still do what they could with their limited abilities.

    There were not many masters in the pce, so there was no need for so many people.

    Qin Luoxia was a practical person.

    Aunt Yin also returned to the pce.

    Fate is truly... a circle that goes round and round.

    She eventually returned to the pce, bing a senior old matron.

    She had worked in the pce for a few years, receiving the pce''s sry, but always felt that the pce was toopetitive. Then she resigned to rx, distancing herself from the pce. Unexpectedly, after several years outside, she found a new employer, only to discover that the new boss had acquired the ce where she used to work. Aunt Yin made a strongeback.

    She was back, an old employee.

    She resumed her pce sry, and her seniority was reinstated.

    As someone who understood both the Jiang family and the pce very well, Aunt Yin knew how to meet both sides'' needs, making her work twice as effective.

    The Jiang family was a frugal household, focusing on food and clothing forfort, without extravagance.

    The only extravagance might be the young master. His habits were oddly clean, so he had many requirements but didn''t like many people serving him.

    Therefore, with so many people in the pce, it was a waste.

    Qin Luoxia, now capable of handling matters on her own, would only consult Aunt Yin when she didn''t understand something.

    The former Emperor''s concubines were given two choices by Qin Luoxia: one, they could leave the pce to live out their old age, possibly to raise grandchildren. If their sons were gone but their grandchildren remained, the pce''s experienced people could help manage the chaos at home. Two, those without children could choose to stay in the pce for old age care, following a nursing home model. The elderly who couldn''t move would be well taken care of, and the younger ones could use their talents. There was no concept of an idle pce or a cold pce; everyone had to stay active and busy, leaving no time for depression.

    The women of the former Emperor were skilled in various arts, truly outstanding female elites of society.

    Some were skilled in embroidery, dancing, poetry, and ying musical instruments, capable of teaching. Even those who were merely beautiful could handle reception duties, at least providing aesthetic pleasure.

    After dealing with the former Emperor''s women, the remaining were the current pce maids and eunuchs.

    Originally, there were many pce maids, and it was impossible to release them all. Suddenly releasing them at an older age would not be suitable for marriage, and anything in excess would devalue. Releasing such arge group could lead to unknown consequences.

    Now, hearing that the new Empress could arrange for them to be concubines in officials'' households, all the pce maids were excited.

    Compared to countless oues, this was the best.

    After all, in this era, people had never been taught about monogamy. Polygamy was the norm, and being a concubine was often a path for many women. Compared to being a concubine for an ordinary wealthy merchant or a shopkeeper, being a concubine for a high-ranking official was an unimaginable good oue.

    Letting them find their own way, they couldn''t achieve such conditions.

    Most pce maids actively signed up. The Empress even had a conversation with each signing pce maid, asking about her preferences and requirements, allowing them to choose!

    Qin Luoxia thought simply: different girls have different thoughts. Some like handsome men, some like younger men, some like wealthy men. Since they were all getting married, they might as well choose one they were satisfied with.

    Aunt Yin was very satisfied. The Empress did an excellent job,bining grace with authority. This way, if the pce maids had a bad life, they couldin, and if they had a good life, they would surely remember the Empress''s kindness. These were all pce people, all married from the pce. The Empress was particrly kind, truly like a mother, having individual conversations with each pce maid. Most of these maids would remember the Empress after marriage, providing support. A few without brains couldn''t be helped.

    But then again, if they truly had no brains, they wouldn''t have survived in the pce. Any pce maid who survived and thrived had her strengths and wits.

    Qin Luoxia worked methodically. She believed she wasn''t smart, so she did everything seriously, consulting her husband when she didn''t understand, not feeling embarrassed.

    She also had a married daughter, so she empathized, speaking earnestly with each girl.

    Whether they received it or not didn''t matter; she did what she could.

    She hoped the girls would all have good destinies.

    Some pce maids didn''t want to leave the pce to be concubines. That was fine too; they could stay in the pce and use their talents.

    She tried to meet everyone''s choices.

    Then, the wives of officials who had petitioned for the Emperor to fill the harem also had toe to the pce to meet the new Empress.

    Thesedies were nervous, not expecting the first thing the new Empress asked them to do was to arrange concubines for their husbands. They felt both depressed and frustrated.

    Truly, why worry about whether the Emperor takes concubines?

    If the Emperor wants to bestow someone, can you refuse?

    There were already many concubines at home, and now the Emperor was giving another one, with a dowry. Was this a concubine? Concubines didn''t need dowries, but since it was their husband''s fault, the wives had to handle it.

    The new Emperor had just ascended.

    The new Empress was no pushover.

    There were rumors that the new Emperor had been fond of amassing wealth when he was an official in Jingzhou, often using family birthdays as an excuse to collect gifts, even his son-inw''s birthday.

    So, when it came to preparing dowries, the families were sensible and provided valuable gifts.

    The pce also arranged dowries for the maids, very respectable. The dowries would be the girls'' private property. The Empress even thoughtfully provided secret health medicines. The pce maids all knew about Princess Caiyi, who had given the Meng Family, known for its single lineage, twin sons in one birth.

    It was hard not to attribute it to the secret medicines.

    So, although outsiders said the new Emperor was amassing wealth,

    those pce maids leaving the pce in pnquins were tearfully grateful.

    Their future might be uncertain, but at least their past was secure.

    The Empress said she was their family, and they could report any issues.Aliali: 6748ac5ec4f3f33ac47c6ad8

    They left with the royal dowries and were sent to various officials'' households.

    Initially, these officials were angry, feeling they had been outmaneuvered by the new Emperor, losing face.

    They had no good feelings towards these pce maids but had to ept them due to royal face.

    The officials'' wives were also worried about future unrest in their households.

    Unexpectedly, these pce maids performed very well, not vying for favor, but getting along well with thedies of the house, quickly establishing themselves. These officials also felt that the pce-trained women were indeed different in thought and behavior.

    As the snow melted and green grass emerged, spring arrived.

    Those pce maids bestowed by the pce began to get pregnant one after another...

    It was also said that they had health medicines from the Empress as part of their dowry, and the noblewomen of the capital''s eyes turned green with envy.

    In fact, the pills were just ordinary herbs from home, nothing special. But these pce maids, at their age of over twenty, were actually in their best childbearing years. And since they had been working all year round, they were less likely to have difficult births, resulting in high fertility rates...

    ...

 Chapter 361

    ......

    The issue of pce maids in the pce has been resolved.

    But there are still countless eunuchs.

    These people are different from the pce maids.

    They cannot be easily assigned elsewhere.

    Ordinary people cannot use eunuchs to serve them, and they themselves are already a distinct group outside the pce, struggling to survive.

    However, with so many eunuchs in the pce and not enough masters, trouble is bound to arise.

    Indeed, even Lord Yan is idle.

    He is not with the New Emperor, but is ying with the Little Princess.

    No one thinks that Lord Yan has lost the New Emperor''s favor.

    It is said that on the day of the pce coup, Lord Yan''s life was saved by the New Emperor.

    Moreover, Lord Yan is also the godfather of the princess and the prince.

    This status, who would dare to underestimate?

    Mianmian once went with her godfather to a tall tower, where she felt that it was a great ce to fly kites, with strong winds and ample space, ensuring the kites could soar.

    She couldn''t stop thinking about it, and once in the pce, she had someone make kites.

    It was just the right season, with strong winds.

    She dragged Brother Chong and her godfather to fly kites together.

    Although there were some initial mistakes andter ones, she couldn''t get the kite to fly.

    But Brother Chong, seeing Mianmian in her plump little padded jacket stumbling back and forth a few times, understood the knack of flying kites and easily got the kite airborne.

    At first, the kite wobbled slowly in the air, looking like it might fall at any moment, but gradually it soared higher and higher, stabilizing bit by bit. No need to run much, the kite seemed alive, flying freely in the sky.

    Zi Congheng watched the kite flying in the sky and was momentarily silent.

    It felt like life.

    Striving to climb, stumbling, falling several times, yet rising again, stable and free, soaring as if unbound, flying steadily, with clouds protecting and winds supporting, free for a long time.

    This moment was the best time to fly.

    Also the most beautiful and rxed time.

    Mianmian and her godfather both looked up at the sky.

    Perhaps this kite was being watched by people in many corners of the pce, a sight for all eyes.

    Lord Yan looked particrly intently.

    His first half of life was impoverished, his second half lowly, struggling in the pce where human life was as cheap as grass, stumbling, falling several times, nearly dying, yet finally climbing to the top, donning the red robes everyone envied, bing the most esteemed Lord Yan in the pce.

    He was handsome, with a schrly air, tall, neither fat nor thin, perfectly fitting the aesthetic of the time.

    If he were to walk out wearing a crown, he might capture the hearts of many youngdies and wives.

    Due to his physical condition, Lord Yan naturallycked masculinity, possessing a kind of soft beauty.

    After the death of the previous emperor, he no longer had that obsequious demeanor, instead exuding an evil, rebellious aura.

    He was half responsible for the failure of the Seventh Prince''s coup.

    He had seeded.

    Once serving the emperor by tasting poisons and licking shoes, not because he was a masochist, but to survive, to climb high, to live high above.

    Now, with everything settled,

    Jiang Er has ascended the throne, Elder Sister as the empress, yet he feels lost.

    Sometimes, without a goal, it seems there''s no reason to live.

    It can be called confusion, or simply being idle, like the kite in the sky now, aimlessly flying, not knowing where to go.

    The kite stabilized, and Cong Brother handed the string to Mianmian.

    Mianmian tugged and pulled, trying to control the kite''s flight.

    At first, not in line with the wind direction, she tugged for a long time without moving, almost bringing the kite down again.

    When she finally grasped the knack and went with the wind, the kite soared higher, flying very high, with today''s strong winds even blowing off her hat.

    When it reached an extremely high altitude, the kite''s string suddenly snapped, and therge kite became a small dot, flying away, farther and farther, disappearing into the sky.

    Mianmian only retrieved a string.

    "The wind is too strong, let''se back tomorrow and fly a sturdier one," Cong Brother consoled Mianmian.

    Mianmian, with a red nose from running, was still very happy, having had her fill.

    "It''s okay, it''s said that if a kite flies away, it brings good luck for the whole year, symbolizing the removal of bad luck,"

    Mianmianughed.

    "What if I deliberately loosen it?" Cong Brother asked.

    "That might make it not fly, or fly a bit high and then fall right in front of you. That also has a meaning, that good luck has returned. Anyway, any meaning can be interpreted in a positive way." Mianmian thought of the slimming cream she once bought, iming to slim the waist and erge the chest...

    Out in the world, the function is what you make of it.

    ......

    With Mianmian around, it''s always lively.

    Mianmian is a storyteller, thest time she didn''t finish telling the story of "The Heavenly Dragon Eight Parts."

    Then, during afternoon tea, she started talking about the story of "Zheng He''s Voyages to the West" with her godfather.

    Eunuch Zheng He led a fleet from the capital, sailing to the Pacific and Indian Oceans, visiting over thirty countries in 28 years, making seven voyages in total.

    "Beyond the Chu Kingdom, are there really over thirty countries?" Lord Yan asked curiously.

    He thought the world consisted of three kingdoms, Chu, Jing, and Xi, with perhaps a few small countries in the corners, but Mianmian said there were dozens more across the sea.

    "More than that, the book says Zheng He saw over thirty countries. Zheng He''s voyages improved the nation''s maritime technology, naval strength, stimted economic trade, and significantly boosted economic levels, leaving a significant mark in human history. Some say Zheng He sailed to find the elixir of immortality for the emperor, but regardless of the reason, it''s an event worthy of history."

    Mianmian knew her family was sharp, aware she often spoke strangely, probably already noticing her peculiarities. Her family, due to her brother''s influence, had automatically patched up her inconsistencies.

    That evening, after Mianmian told this story, Yan Jiexi went to see the New Emperor.

    "There are many eunuchs in the pce, and I want to take them to sea. Sinceing to the capital, I''ve always lived in the pce. The walls aren''t high, yet we''ve never ventured out. Now, letting us live outside might not be easy. Today, Mianmian told me a story, and I think I may not be Zheng He, but that''s who I aspire to be. Life doesn''t have to be limited by physical defects, confined to petty struggles. We too can be written in history, not just branded with the name of traitors and troublemakers."

    Jiang Changtian was also troubled about the position of his third son.

    Though he has ascended the throne, he doesn''t need such a servant.

    The status of eunuchs is oddly simr to that of consorts, relying on favor.

    Making the third son an official seems inappropriate, as there have been eunuchs causing trouble in the previous dynasty, so in this one, the power of eunuchs has been greatly reduced, mainly confined to the inner court.

    Moreover, the eunuchs in the pce are deeply intertwined, unlike the pce maids who still have the hope of marriage; they have no such hope, their bodies ensuring they are childless. Without something to do, their thoughts can be twisted.

    Unexpectedly, the third son''s vision has moved beyond the pce, the court, and the capital, wanting to venture to the vast seas, to see the wide world beyond.

    Jiang Changtian thought, Mianmian''s little fib must have said something again.

    Previously, when she told that story, he saw Sister Xia secretly practicing some technique, mimicking a frog jump once, startling him. To avoid embarrassing Sister Xia, he quietly left, pretending not to have seen...

    Now, she''s convinced the third son to seek the stars and seas.

    "Alright, you can go wherever you want, I support you. Choose your own people, just be safe, ande back anytime, your sister and I will always be home waiting for you, and the children are waiting for their godfather."Aliali: 674b2f25c4f3f33ac49eb9b3

    "Yes, I''ll wait until Feng returns, attend his wedding, and then set off," Lord Yan smiled.

    Suddenly having a goal, he feels rejuvenated.

    "Did you heal from the fallst time? Any injuries?" Jiang Changtian asked.

    "It''s mostly healed, just a bit swollen on the leg," Yan Jiexi replied.

    "Sit down, let me take a look. You know, I also know some medicine," Jiang Changtian said.

    If it were before, Yan Jiexi wouldn''t have sat down, but since he had already spoken, he was going to leave, to leave the pce, to go see the sea, to see the stars over the sea. His heart suddenly felt at ease, as if their rtionship had been restored, as if they had returned to Kan''er Vige. Back then, he told Jiang Er that he was leaving, going to a distant ce.

    He sat down, lifted the red robe covering his knees, revealing his knees, which were a bit red, with a patch of ck birthmark.

    "It''s nothing serious anymore, see," Yan Jiexi said with a smile.

    Jiang Changtian stared at them intently, pressed down with his hand, and then looked up and said, "Yes, it''s fine."

    ...

 Chapter 362

    Royal friendship differs from themon kind,cking the permanence that arises from mutual concern¡ª"1587: A Year of No Significance."

    ...

    Fortunately.

    In terms of being an emperor, Jiang Er was still a novice.

    Ater to the role.

    For the first time, a new emperor ascended the throne.

    When he saw the birthmark on Third Son''s knee, the fleeting years of his life shed before his eyes, as if in a dream, and time seemed to stand still.

    He wanted to cry, tough, to curse, to kill, but eventually, he thought of Sister Xia, Feng, Elder Sister Yu, and Mianmian, and he finally spoke, "It''s fine."

    Third Son was ustomed to serving the emperor, and when the person before him was the emperor, he had subconsciously be an object of conquest, regardless of who was beneath the imperial robe.

    That''s why he wanted to leave the pce, to go to sea.

    Although this idea was fraught with difficulties, even potentially fatal, perhaps not even making it past seven attempts, or maybe dying on the first, it didn''t matter. He had no regrets in life; he just wanted to do something extraordinary, something free.

    He felt the new emperor''s emotions had undergone a significant shift just moments ago, though he quickly regained hisposure.

    But something must have happened, even causing a moment of palpitation.

    Then everything returned to normal.

    He looked up and saw that the new emperor was still Jiang Er.

    Putting on the dragon robe might change things.

    It was then that Mianmian arrived, having eaten snacks after flying a kite in the afternoon and having had a light dinner, she was now hungry again.

    She wanted a midnight snack.

    The pce was too big.

    She was even stopped along the way.

    Suddenly, she felt very unustomed; before, she would run straight to her father, but now she had to announce herself. This feeling was too strange.

    It was as if she had erected a barrier for herself. No wonder the emperorter became a lonely figure. Others had to ovee obstacles to see you, making it too difficult. What you wanted to say became trivial due to the difficulty of meeting, and eventually, only important matters were discussed.

    But life doesn''t have that many important things. Life is made up of countless ordinary small things. Some small things be big, but ultimately, they are still small. Long and trivial is life.

    If only big things mattered, then it wouldn''t be life, it would be being a clerk.

    Mianmian ran to her father, saw him and his adoptive father, bowed, and then tugged at her father''s robe, saying, "Father, let''s go roast meat."

    "Adoptive Father, I can roast meat, it''s very fragrant. Try my cooking."

    Mianmian felt the atmosphere was a bit strange, but it didn''t matter. After all, she was the youngest in the family now, responsible for being cute and causing trouble, except for her mother, she wasn''t afraid of anyone.

    So that slightly strange atmosphere was quickly dispelled.

    Mianmian knew her adoptive father had been injured and took the initiative to hold his hand.

    Jiang Changtian walked ahead.

    The pce path was long, wide, and high.

    "Adoptive Father, Mother said you used to roast meat too, and it was very delicious," Mianmian said.

    Yan Jiexi recalled those days when they were poor, roasting wild chickens secretly. What was there to judge about deliciousness? It was cooked, it was meat, it was all delicious.

    Thinking back, it was a rare delicacy of the world. Later, evenrge pieces of meat didn''t taste as good as those chicken bones, just because they were hungry, hungry to the extreme.

    But seeing Mianmian''s innocent and carefree expression, Yan Jiexi felt happy again.

    If he couldn''t remain pure and innocent himself, at least he could let the child remain so.

    In this way, everything was worth it.

    That night, the Jiang family really started roasting meat.

    The new emperor and the empress did it themselves, Yan Jiexi helped with the fire, and the princess handed over the meat.

    Even the Eldest Princess was roused and came over to join in the roasting.

    There was smoke and the aroma of the meat.

    When Cong Brother sat in the hall and received the roasted meat, he felt a mix of amusement and absurdity.

    So, here, one could roast meat.

    In a sense, the new emperor was probably another kind of absurdity.

    Cong Brother didn''t like pointed things, so he could only eat the roasted meat from the side.

    Even bamboo skewers couldn''t be pointed at himself.

    In the past, when Yan Jiexi followed the previous emperor, he was always the one serving and doing the work.

    Now Jiang Er liked to do it himself, and so did Qin Luoxia.

    Mianmian was the one who enjoyed the fruits of theirbor.

    The roasted meat in the pce seemed to have a different vor, perhaps something was added to the fire, giving the meat a unique fragrance.

    Qin Luoxia said, "I don''t know, some wood left after the pce fire was collected and not thrown away. We got some of it, and when burned, it seems to be particrly fragrant."

    Eldest Princess: ... Daughter-inw is really thrifty.

    Aunt Yin: ... Woke up in the middle of the night, thinking there was another fire, only to find the masters were roasting meat, what a good appetite.

    Mianmian thought they used some precious agarwood or sandalwood to roast the meat, it was incredibly fragrant.

    Yan Jiexi also talked to Qin Luoxia about wanting to go to sea.

    Although Qin Luoxia was strong and worked harder than men, she was very respectful of others'' decisions.

    When she heard Third Son''s n, she thought it was good.

    "If you want to go, go. It''s not like the old days. We''ll bring enough food, money, and go see the world. It''s like schrs going on a study tour, it sounds good."

    Qin Luoxia was very supportive.

    Mianmian didn''t expect her adoptive father to be so decisive. She had just told the story in the afternoon, and he had decided to do it that night.

    A major life decision.

    But it could be understood.

    Ancient people had very few channels to receive information and even fewer ways to acquire knowledge.

    Modern people see a video and just swipe past it, because there will be many simr ones toe.

    But for ancient people, every piece of information they received was almost unique and worth cherishing and valuing.

    Worth pondering over.

    Worth making a decision to act upon.

    "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. If you want to sail far, the boat must be well-made. Third Son, you''ll be busy for a while. Go to the Ministry of Works, familiarize yourself with the boats, and choose capable people you know from the pce to follow you. You''ll pave the way first, and when I have the chance, I''ll go with you," Jiang Changtian said.Aliali: 6749083ac4f3f33ac4814cd4

    "Okay."

    "Mother, this piece is burnt, it can''t be eaten." Mianmian picked up a skewer of roasted meat.

    "There''s no need to be so particr, it can be eaten."

    "Then can I give it to Father?"

    "Forget it, don''t eat it then."

    ...

    That night, it was as if they had returned to many years ago.

    The stars remained unchanged, and so did the hearts of people.

    Common friendship differs from royal friendship. Common friendship is permanent due to mutual concern, even if the identities of the two change, the friendship remains.

    ...

 Chapter 363

    ......

    Eunuch Yan had reached the ceiling of his career, so he decided to switch industries.

    This was a very wise decision.

    The ceiling in the pce was low, and there were too many people, so it was extremelypetitive, abnormally so.

    Yan Jiexi found a new goal and became exceptionally motivated.

    He became busy.

    The pce conducted a screening, and the eunuchs within the pce were screened again.

    In the future, when he left, he was a bit worried about Elder Sister, who was kind-hearted and easily deceived.

    Jiang Changtian adapted to being the Emperor, and his first task was to get his subordinates to work.

    He wanted to be the top leader, not just because he always felt someone was out to get him, but also because he didn''t want to do the work himself and wanted to delegate it to others.

    Jiang Changtian had beencking love since childhood, and what he really liked to do was stay at home, take care of his wife and children.

    After taking office, he changed thexity of the Former Emperor. During the Former Emperor''s reign, the officials didn''t know what they were supposed to do, as the Emperor never gave orders, leaving everyone in a fog, afraid to act for fear of making mistakes.

    But Jiang Changtian was different; he would clearly tell you what he wanted done.

    There was no ambiguity, no guessing.

    He also hated waste, making sure everything and everyone was used to their full potential.

    After the new Emperor ascended the throne, the officials became busy.

    But this busyness was better than before; there was no aimless work, no need to guess what the boss was thinking, worrying about making mistakes. As long as they did their job well, and the new Emperor didn''t advocate for overtime. Although the workload increased during working hours, the working hours themselves were shorter, no longer requiring officials to get up in the dead of night and return home after dark.

    Efficiency improved, and days off increased, leading to an overall thriving atmosphere.

    Then the officials discovered that the new Emperor and the Former Emperor were indeed of the same bloodline.

    The new Emperor made the officials diligent, but he himself didn''t seem very diligent.

    A new Inner Court was established, and several veteran officials were burdened with heavy responsibilities, working themselves to death.

    The memorials were cross-checked, and only those with differing opinions were presented to the Emperor by the Imperial Secretary, or the Emperor periodically inspected them.

    Meanwhile, the Emperor himself was in the pce, not like the Former Emperor who built stages and engaged inrge-scale construction, but also quite extraordinary.

    ording to the news, the new Emperor was focused on raising his children and apanying the Empress.

    As is known, the new Emperor now had two children by his side, a Little Princess, and the Former Crown Prince''s Son.

    Mianmian in this era lived quitefortably; the hard times were mostly endured by Elder Sister and her brothers, so she didn''t suffer much.

    She had always lived quite smoothly, without any ambitions, just wanting to raise herself again, growing up slowly, enjoying food, drink, and y, which was quite good.

    She didn''t expect her father to think the same way.

    He wanted to raise her carefully.

    It was unscientific that her father, who was now the Emperor, still had time to teach her to read.

    Jiang ¡¤ Little Princess ¡¤ Mianmian was dragged up early, first following Mom to exercise and run.

    Then she washed up and had breakfast.

    Then it was time for ss.

    Her father taught her personally.

    It was utterly absurd,pletely absurd.

    "Dad, you''re the Emperor, how can you be so idle, teaching us to read yourself? Are you short of money to hire a teacher?"

    "Your teacher didn''t want toe, I invited him," Jiang Changtian said helplessly.

    As the Emperor, he called Inspector He to teach the princess to read, but Inspector He refused.

    He sternly rejected the offer, adding responsibilities to himself, volunteering to work overtime, but just didn''t want toe.

    Mianmian didn''t want to study, not that she didn''t want to, but being watched by her father while studying made her very rebellious.

    And she sadly found that her brain might only be able to surpass Elder Sister (maybe not even that, considering Elder Sister''s great achievements, which were probably known throughout the world), but she couldn''t surpass her brothers, her father, or even her mother.

    If her mother really studied, she might be more capable than her.

    But her father was very persistent.

    The Eldest Princess heard that her son was going to teach personally.

    She dressed up beautifully early in the morning, ready toe and watch.

    She hadn''t raised her child herself, and one day she found out her son had grown up.

    She also wanted to know how he raised his child.

    Speaking of which, the Eldest Princess was probably the happiest woman in the world, with her father being the Emperor, her brother being the Emperor, and her son being the Emperor.

    She just wanted to see a scene of fatherly love and filial piety.

    She didn''t allow anyone to announce her arrival and quietly watched outside the ssroom like a principal.

    She saw her son, who never got angry and always smiled at everyone, asionally roar a few times, with the Little Princess looking confused, surprised, and then continuing to flip through the books, over and over again.

    Seeing her gentle and elegant son start to yell, she was startled and pushed the door open with a bang.

    After pushing it open, she almost wanted to run, but Mianmian saw the Princess Grandma and felt like she had seen a savior.

    It was great.

    After her father became the Emperor, his liver fire seemed to be a bit strong, and his yelling was much louder.

    She was a bit scared.

    Seeing the Princess Grandma, Mianmian immediately had tears in her eyes, turning and staring at the Princess Grandma.

    Hui Yun, at this moment, felt her scalp tighten, but she also couldn''t bear it.

    Old people love their grandchildren, and although Hui Yun didn''t think she was old, seeing her little granddaughter''s pitiful appearance, she couldn''t help but say, "Or, shall we stop studying for today?"

    Jiang Changtian: ???

    Do you want to listen to what you''re saying? We''ve only read one page of the book.

    "Mother, we''ve only read one page of the book when you were standing at the door," Jiang Changtian said with a ck face.

    At first, Hui Yun was a bit afraid of her son, not knowing why, always feeling that although he asionally called her affectionately, there was no intimacy.

    But now seeing him yell at his little granddaughter, she wasn''t afraid anymore, feeling that her son was also a normal person.

    So she spoke up boldly.

    Jiang Changtian almostughed in anger.

    He was a very qualified Emperor; none of the officials really thought he had a good temper, and they all acted cautiously.

    But as a son, he probably wasn''t used to it.

    Seeing that her father was really angry, Mianmian quickly said, "Dad, Dad, let''s go see what Mom is doing."

    Jiang Changtian thought it was a good idea, not suitable to argue with his mother in front of the children, nor in front of outsiders, and he would talk to herter. This was something Xia Mei did well; she never interfered when he taught the children.

    His mother was just a bit too immature.

    Looking at theughing Hui Yun, Jiang Changtian took a deep breath again, perhaps some people really never grow up.

    Zi Congheng silently put away the textbooks.

    His uncle wanted to teach them to read, and he was willing, but in fact, he mainly apanied Mianmian to read; he had an eidetic memory and could read it once.

    But he quite liked the atmosphere of his uncle''s reading time. Before, his father was always busy and didn''t have time to apany him, even spending more time with his adopted son than with him.

    He could understand that his father initially did it to cure him, butter, for some reason, he became cold to him, spending the least time with him.

    It was like a man striving for his beloved woman, butter, he found that he spent the least time with his beloved woman, instead meeting one after another like-mindedpanion on the way, full and upward, sometimes forgetting the original purpose.

    So Zi Congheng liked his uncle''s reading time.

    Even in the dragon robe, his uncle hadn''t forgotten his original wish, which was to live a happy life with his family.

    It was just that reading was a bit hard on the throat.

    Mianmian changed the subject to go see her mother.

    Jiang Changtian also calmed down his anger and went to find Xia Mei tofort himself.

    This little rascal was bullying him.

    The group of people went to find the Empress.

    At this moment, the Empress was in the imperial kitchen.

    Qin ¡¤ Empress ¡¤ Luoxia found managing the harem quite difficult.

    At least it was harder than managing a big house.

    The essence of a big house was still one''s own family, with each servant known personally.

    Managing the harem, however, was not one''s own people, but taking over someone else''s people.

    How to manage and what rules to follow was a bit difficult.

    Although Aunt Yin had exined and Third Son had taught her, such things required her to stand up on her own; if she couldn''t, it wouldn''t work.

    As the Empress, if she knew nothing and had to rely on others, being bound by rules, that would not be living, but being lived by the circumstances.

    Regarding food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, Aunt Yin had told her about all sorts of strange things in the pce before she arrived.

    Eating could be poisoned,

    Wearing clothes could be poisoned,

    Bathing could be poisoned,

    Burning incense could be poisoned,

    Many children in the pce couldn''t be raised, because the poison was unpredictable, and they all died mysteriously.

    Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, everything could be problematic.

    Thinking about it, this ce was no home, but a dragon''sir.

    Living like this was definitely not eptable. There was no reason for a lively girl raised outside to be poorly raised in the pce.

    So Qin Luoxia decided to start with food.

    Mianmian always said that illness enters through the mouth, insisting on everyone washing their hands before eating, and not allowing them to drink unboiled water. The whole family, Mianmian was the most afraid of death and the most particr. Sometimes Qin Luoxia felt a bit sorry, thinking that their family had suffered, making her daughter develop a fear of death.

    The pce kitchen had a lofty name called the Imperial Kitchen. The character for "kitchen" was difficult to write, and she had practiced it for a long time.

    There was a whole group of people who cooked for the Emperor. It was a bit hard to understand.

    However, the pce had various banquets andrge-scale feasts, so having more cooks made sense.

    But every day like this, people would be idle.

    Idle people were prone to trouble.

    These people were all very skilled, and it would be a waste to send them out of the pce. Her husband said these were all great chefs, and they were very useful. If used well, they could make a lot of money.

    Since ancient times, those ministers had been constantly using the Emperor of wasting money. If the Emperor used his private treasury, perhaps they wouldin less.

    Qin Luoxia came to manage the Imperial Kitchen today, deciding to take some practical action.

    She wore neat, everyday clothes and carried a knife to the Imperial Kitchen.

    "I heard today that a minister has presented two baskets of fresh fish. I''vee to take a look."

    Indeed, tworge baskets of lively fish.

    The Imperial Kitchen was thinking about how to cook the fish to please the masters. Now that there were fewer masters and more of them, they were all on edge, trying their best topete.

    Qin Luoxia came today without any management or analysis skills. She was here to kill fish.

    She took a fish out on the chopping board, quickly scaled it, chopped off its head, sliced it, and removed the bones...

    Then she took out another fish, continued scaling, chopping off the head, slicing, and removing the bones...

    Chopping off the head, slicing...

    Chopping off the head...

    Slicing...

    The people in the Imperial Kitchen were as quiet as chickens, watching the Empress skillfully kill fish.

    Watching a basket of fierce fish turn into neatly arranged fish slices, fish bones as fish bones, fish heads as fish heads, fish scales as fish scales, it was a refreshing sight...

    Qin Luoxia felt as if she had returned to the mountains of Kan''er Vige during her hunting days. Always worried about being discovered, she would first process the prey by the deep pond, cutting each one neatly, stacking them t, draining the blood, slicing them, very skilled.

    At first, blood and meat chunks would ssh onto her, butter, to avoid dirtying her clothes, she became more careful, and over time, her knife skills improved.Aliali: 675413faab2494648e008f70

    It had been a long time since she had done this.

    Killing fish in the Imperial Kitchen was refreshing, and Qin Luoxia felt veryfortable.

    First, she enjoyed herself.

    Then Jiang Changtian, the Emperor, arrived and saw Xia Mei skillfully chopping... He thought to himself, fortunately, he had always been sincere with Xia Mei.

    The Eldest Princess, the Empress Dowager, watched her daughter-inw''s serious fish-killing stance: My daughter-inw is truly virtuous...

    Jiang Mianmian saw her mother killing fish in the Imperial Kitchen and thought of her days at the fish counter in RT-Mart...

    She silently recalled if she had offended her mother recently. It seemed not, she had been very well-behaved recently.

    Zi Congheng, who usually disliked sharp objects, found Qin Aima''s fish-killing very pleasing to the eye. Qin Aima''s movements were too neat, very aesthetic. Watching the various-looking fish turn into neatly arranged thin slices was indeed very satisfying...

    And the people in the Imperial Kitchen were trembling, each imagining themselves as a fish.

    ...

 Chapter 364

    ...

    The road was covered in frozen earth.

    After walking for a long time, they passed by a river.

    The river was frozen solid.

    But hunger drove people to break through the ice. A hole was chiseled open, and many fish swam beneath it. That day, they caught a lot of fish.

    They killed and cooked the fish on the road, making fish soup.

    The procession stretched long, and the setting sun''s rays were also long, turning the white ice river into a reddish hue.

    This sight, to those who had never traveled far, seemed like a divine miracle.

    For them, simply surviving was already a miracle.

    Cold winds, evening glow, frozen river, setting sun.

    And of course, the fresh fish soup.

    Those who drank it were moved to tears.

    The soup was hot, and the wind was strong.

    The sun had set, and night had fallen.

    They set up camp, and despite the arduous journey, no one felt tired, for this was the way home.

    At night, there was the usual storytelling session.

    Reading and writing lessons, singingpetitions.

    At first, everyone was unfamiliar with each other, tense and wary.

    Now, they were all familiar, trusting each other, and more confident.

    Even if they were to leave the group in the future, they should be able to live well. They had gained knowledge, learned to read and write, and their bodies were in good shape. They could be considered among the more outstanding people of their time, with both physical and mental development.

    Having seen the vastness of the setting sun over the long river, when they heard this poem again, they felt a deep connection, a shared understanding.

    As they traveled closer to the capital, it grew warmer.

    They shed their tattered coats, the frostbite no longer itched, and the wind on their faces was no longer cold.

    Grass began to appear by the roadside, then trees.

    They pressed on.

    Meng Shaoxia was tanned, square-faced, and robust.

    Jiang Feng, despite the wind and sun, remained fair-skinned, making him look as if he hadn''t worked at all.

    On the road, they learned that a coup had taken ce in the capital.

    The person on the throne had changed.

    It was now Meng Shaoxia''s father-inw.

    Meng Shaoxia had thought that after this glorious battle, he would return as a true General Meng, bringing honor to his family. In front of his inws, he would walk tall and proud.

    But he never expected.

    His father-inw was still his father-inw, and he still had to kneel in front of him. He couldn''t stand tall, not at all.

    Both publicly and privately, his father-inw was a hundred times more impressive.

    Who could have imagined that while he was out fighting, his father-inw had already seeded in the coup and be the Emperor.

    He had married the girl he loved, who had first be a princess and then a princess. He had be a prince consort.

    Who said fighting was the fastest way to get promoted? That''s because you didn''t marry a princess. Marrying a princess is faster.

    Meng Shaoxia felt a mix of emotions as he approached home. How would he face his father-inw now?

    Terrifying.

    His father-inw''s ambition was too strong.

    How would he ever strive and work hard now?

    Jiang Feng also found it incredible.

    Although the topic had never been directly discussed between father and son, he knew his father had ambitions.

    But he never expected those ambitions to be realized so quickly, almost like a dream.

    He had gone from being the grandson of a princess to the son of an emperor.

    The difference in status was immense.

    After all, the new emperor now had only one biological son and one adopted son.

    That''s why so many ministers urged the emperor to expand his harem, as the mortality rate was high in this era. One or two children were not enough to ensure session.

    Even ordinary families needed multiple children to ensure the family line continued.

    Let alone those with a throne to inherit.

    One or two children were too risky.

    If something happened, where would they find an heir?

    So now, even on the road, Jiang Feng had more guards around him.

    Arranged by Meng Laoyezi.

    Meng Laoyezi hadn''t expected this either.

    This time, he was truly retired.

    But for a man of his age to return home alive from the battlefield was already a blessing, quite an achievement.

    A coup, like a battle, was a matter of life and death.

    Though it was over in a sentence, those involved faced sword fights and bloodshed, many lives lost, very brutal.

    To return home alive was a stroke of luck.

    General Meng was actually severely injured, saved from the brink of death by the medicine Jiang Feng brought.

    He felt he could fight for another ten years.

    But after being away for so long, he was also returning to the capital.

    The closer they got to the capital, the faster everyone walked.

    On the way out, the journey seemed endless, the road long and never-ending.

    On the way back, every familiar ce, tree, hill, stream, brought excitement, a sense of nearing home.

    One day, the weather was clear and sunny.

    They could see the capital''s gates in the distance.

    The fluttering banners greeted them.

    Jiang Feng and his group seemed to gain energy, walking faster and faster, finally reaching home.

    They expected a wee, for they had won.

    But the wee was even grander than they imagined.

    The new emperor, the empress, and the princess came to greet them personally.

    Many had never seen the emperor, who was like a god.

    Never had they imagined the emperor would leave the pce to wee them at the city gates.

    At that moment, they felt that even if they died, they would have no regrets.

    Countless people would remember this clear day.

    Remember the moment they shouted "Long live the emperor!"

    Tears welled up for no apparent reason.

    Before, they always felt that such things were for the higher-ups. But now, in their armor, they felt different.

    Hearing the emperor say, "You have all worked hard, you are heroes, I thank you on behalf of the people," they felt a surge of pride.

    They did not regret leaving home, going to battle, fighting the enemy.

    Jiang Changtian, holding a megaphone, spoke passionately.

    Seeing the crowded crowd, he thought of his own son, Jiang Feng, and felt a mix of emotions, worry, and pride.

    He knew his son had to go out and see the world.

    A man''s growth steps were something parents couldn''t rece. Watching him leave and grow was both bitter and proud.

    My son has returned.

    "My son has returned, you are all my children, today I am very happy, not just because you have won, but because you have returned safely."

    The wind was strong, and the emperor''s voice was loud, filled with emotion and a slight choke.

    This moment moved all the soldiers.

    For ordinary people, the emperor was like a god, never seen or heard before.

    Now, they didn''t care about the coup, legitimacy, or illegitimacy. They felt willing to die for such an emperor, it was worth it.

    They cried on the spot, not out of insincerity, but from the surge of emotion.

    Some old soldiers, finally returning victorious, cried loudly, snot running down their faces.

    Jiang Changtian, the new emperor, also felt a bit moved.

    With Sister Xia by his side, he personally helped up Meng Shaoxia, his son-inw, his son, and unknown soldiers...

    Looking at their dusty faces, ignoring his fair-skinned son, his words were even more sincere.

    Jiang Mianmian also followed, seeing her brother and wanting to hug him, but with so many people, she refrained.

    Jiang Feng, seeing his sister in hervish clothes, ruffled her hair, a familiar gesture, finally home.

    That day, the shouts were deafening.

    The soldiers returned victorious.

    The emperor personally weed them.

    The empress even asked a young soldier his age and praised him.

    He would never forget it.

    They would never forget the princess, truly like an angel, smiling at everyone.

    If Mianmian knew they thought this, she might joke, "I not only smile at people, I can also eat and go to the bathroom by myself..."

    The soldiers'' return was a joyous asion.

    The people celebrated together.

    Many parents received their children, many children their fathers, many wives their husbands.

    What is a prosperous era? This is a prosperous era.

    In times of prosperity, peace, and joy,

    Returning home alive.

    Jiang Feng followed his parents back to the pce, his heart filled with excitement. He carefully observed his parents, relieved to see that they were unharmed. Only then did he allow himself to breathe a sigh of relief, his eyes moistening.

    When he first heard the news outside, his immediate concern was whether his parents had been injured.

    Seeing his parents and sister safe and sound, he finally dared to rx, his eyes welling up with tears.Aliali: 6754673fbd5e46c3089e6a37

    He was grateful to the heavens. That long, endless period of darkness underground had finally passed like a dream. Now, his parents were healthy and thriving, even adorned in imperial robes.

    It was almost too good to be true.

    It felt like a dream.

    Jiang Feng stroked his sister''s head, seated beside him, and felt a sense of reality. He asked, "Were you scared?"

    Mianmian shook her head. "When it happened, my sister-inw didn''t hesitate to shield me. I wasn''t afraid."

    Jiang Feng''s face flushed slightly.

    Outside the carriage, the sun was fiery and graceful.

    The long street was lined with people bidding them farewell.

    The warriors had returned victorious, finallying home.

    ...

 Chapter 365

    ...

    "A lost horse may not be a misfortune."

    Liu Tong''stter half of life almost seemed to be proving this saying.

    He broke off his engagement with his fianc¨¦e because he liked Immortal Liu.

    Then, because of Immortal Liu, he implicated his father, causing him to lose his official position.

    Also because his father lost his official position, Immortal Liu was going to marry someone else, and he was heartbroken, so he didn''t participate in the Seventh Prince''s uprising, ultimately saving his life.

    The New Emperor, with his stunning beauty, killed decisively without any hesitation.

    He was patient, killing slowly.

    Liu Tong''s father and brother, because of Liu Tong''s hindrance, were deemed too useless, only losing their official positions instead of their heads, managing to survive.

    There was no house arrest or confiscation of property, but the family''s wealth was not abundant.

    His father was always eager to advance, so he spent all the money on currying favor with Minister Lu.

    So, while they appeared prosperous, their actual assets were quite thin.

    Of course, they were still much better off thanmoners.

    Reaching this point, the best option was to leave the capital, sell the houses in the capital, and obtain arge sum of money to live in a second or third-tier city, or return to their hometown.

    Of course, it was usually considered a glorious return to one''s hometown, but being dismissed from office and returning home also meant having to be discreet.

    Once ignorant of the cost of daily necessities, Liu Tong now knew how expensive clothes were, and that it was impossible to have new clothes every month. He also recalled that when he first met Qing Qing, although she appeared destitute, her clothes were new and the style was quite fashionable.

    After Qing Qing left, reflecting on the past, he would asionally have these inappropriate thoughts, feeling both self-mocking and sorrowful.

    His rebellion came toote, and his maturity came toote.

    There was once such a good opportunity before him, which he pushed away with his own hands.

    There was once such an obvious trap in front of him, which he jumped into himself.

    Half-dreaming, half-awake, living in a state of confusion.

    Today, he got drunk at a brothel, drinking until dawn.

    He hadn''t woken up by daybreak, but was roused by a series of banging sounds.

    Outside seemed very lively.

    Thete-sleeping girls all got up to watch themotion.

    Listening to the chatter around him.

    "Miss Dong is so fortunate, after being broken off an engagement, she became a princess."

    "I heard her wedding dress has been altered three times."

    "It''s really thanks to her former fianc¨¦ for not marrying her, otherwise, how could she have such a great fortune."

    "It''s said that after being broken off the engagement, Miss Dong was heartbroken, jumped into a river, was saved, and then married her savior, unexpectedly, it led to a beautiful marriage."

    "Which river is it? I want to go too."

    "What''s so good about being a prince? There are concubines and concubines in the harem, who knows how it will be after marriage." Liu Tong couldn''t stand those people''s words and couldn''t help but interject.

    Everyone looked at him, seeing a disheveled, hungover gentleman, and ignored him. Some recognized him, wasn''t this Miss Dong''s former fianc¨¦, Liu Tong? Curious, they approached to ask.

    Liu Tong, being noticed, was startled and stumbled away.

    He ran to the roadside, where it was bustling, with manymoners picking up lucky money and sweets.

    A wealthy family marrying off their daughter would scatter lucky money along the way. He was bumped by someone and fell to the ground, just in time to touch a lucky coin, but was pushed away by someone next to him, who snatched it away.

    "I saw it first."

    Several children fought over it, bumping him away.

    He stumbled and sat in a corner, today''s sunshine was very good.

    Watching the bridal sedan chair pass by in front of him.

    For some reason, he always felt this sedan chair should have been going to his house. He even vaguely saw himself lifting the bride''s veil, revealing a round face with a smile, dimples on both sides, and a small pointed tooth next to the right front tooth, very charming.

    ...

    Today, Dong E is getting married.

    Minister Dong is entertaining guests at home.

    Dong Chichi is carrying his sister into the bridal sedan chair.

    The Confucian schr from Lu, Minister Dong, at this moment, hugged his wife and wailed, unwilling to let his daughter go, unwilling to let his daughter get married. He never expected that he just wanted to find a practical man for his daughter, specifically choosing a family of a lower official, several levels below him, with no foundation, thinking that he wouldn''t be controlled in the future.

    As a minister, he could always intimidate the other party.

    He was just worried that his daughter would be wronged after getting married.

    His daughter was taught to be innocent and carefree,pletely unaware of the intricacies of the inner chambers.

    Mainly because his wife didn''t understand either, so there was no way to teach her.

    Minister Dong, because his mother passed away early and his father remarried, suffered enough in the inner chambers, so he was particrly averse to it.

    But he never expected that after careful selection, the upright and ambitious son-inw who could be controlled, suddenly transformed into a prince.

    Sob.

    There was nowhere to control him anymore.

    As a father-inw, he had to kneel when meeting him.

    Sob.

    What will happen to his E E? Will she be bullied after getting married? Even if she is, they can''t do anything about it.

    After careful selection, after careful selection, he never expected.

    This nine-foot tall Confucian schr, Minister Dong, wailed, hugging his plump wife.

    His wife could onlyfort him: "It''s okay, Lao Dong, I met the mother-inw, she seems nice, they really like E E, they send gifts every day, if E E doesn''t get married soon, there won''t be any ce to put the gifts. The mother-inw said that E E can visit the pce anytime she wants."

    "©Ñ©Ò©n©Ñ©Ò, we should call the Empress Dowager, not mother-inw, my dear, don''t make a mistake, ©Ñ©Ò©n©Ñ©Ò." Minister Dong corrected while crying.

    Under his mother''s instructions, his father''s eager gaze, and his brother''s back, Dong E got into the bridal sedan chair.

    Today, she is getting married.

    The wedding date was postponed again and again, the wedding dress was altered again and again.

    Today, she finally put on the red wedding dress and got married.

    Originally, her mother took her to the Jiang Family to visit, looked at the house where she would live in the future, her future mother-inw, Qin Madam, was a very nice person, asked about her preferences, and was said to be renovating the house.

    But before the renovation waspleted, they changed ces to live.

    Dong E excitedly talked about her visit to the pce, but it ended abruptly after eating, and she fainted, knowing nothing afterwards.

    Unexpectedly, when she entered the pce again, she got married directly.

    Hoo hoo hoo, to be honest, she was a little excited herself.

    The pce is so big, there must be many fun ces, she can take Mianmian and y all over the pce, it might take half a year to y through the whole pce, definitely not boring.

    She thought about how she hadn''t seen Feng Ge for a long time, and when Feng Ge returns, they will arrange the wedding, she was also a little excited.

    Hearing the yful noises outside the bridal sedan chair, her face turned red, it wasn''t that hot yet, but her forehead was already slightly sweaty, nervous and excited.

    A girl''s marriage is like being reborn, from today on, entering a new family, starting a new life.

    Nervous because of the fear of the unknown.

    Excited because of the fondness for the good man.

    She got married because she liked that person.

    Jiang Feng personally weed the bride, sitting on a tall horse in front of the bridal sedan chair.

    The whole city''s people watched and blessed.

    The new prince is so young, and handsome, truly enviable for the bride in the bridal sedan chair, how could she have such good luck.

    If the prince were to choose a concubine now, so many daughters of noble families, how could it ever fall to a girl who has been broken off an engagement.

    Today, Jiang Feng rides a tall horse as the groom.

    The three great joys of life, the bridal chamber on the wedding night, the golden list of names at the imperial examination, meeting an old acquaintance in a foreignnd.

    Today, marrying a good person, a brand new beginning, it seems different.

    Because today is happy, everything seen is bright, the crowded streets, all seem warm, he likes the bustle, especially likes it, even the barking of dogs can make him happy.

    Behind the bridal sedan chair is his lively bride.

    Feels warm in his heart.

    The wedding procession went all the way into the pce.

    There weren''t so many people in the pce.

    But it was orderly, not chaotic.

    The Empress Dowager killing fish in the imperial kitchen was obviously a good deterrent.

    The new boss doesn''t fear you cking off, the new boss has a knife, doesn''t y word games with you, doesn''t y double-faced games, she has a knife.

    In the pce, Aunt Yin and Eunuch Yan assisted, the harem was thoroughly reformed, Eunuch Yan said he would take everyone to sea, but it was also a selection, not just anyone could go, it was also self-rmendation, and had to pay the redemption money to the Empress Dowager, just like those pce maids who received betrothal gifts.

    In short, the Jiang Family was very strict and rigorous in this regard, there were definitely no wasted people.

    Jiang Feng, as an adult prince, has a separate courtyard, with serving maids and eunuchs.

    The bride slept twice in the bridal sedan chair before being woken up, they arrived, hurriedly wiped the drool from the corner of her mouth.

    The bride after the face-opening ceremony today is extremely beautiful.

    Round face still round face, and there is a kind of bright charm.

    People are joyful and happy, radiating light all over.

    Dressed in a grand wedding gown, red with phoenix birds flying, their feathers shimmering, the gown is very heavy but very beautiful.

    It entuates her fair and beautifulplexion.

    Her eyes are like stars, her appearance like a lotus flower rising from the water.

    After kneeling and performing a series of borate rituals, she feels a bit tired, but finally enters the bridal chamber.

    Sitting in the room, Dong E feels the headdress is very heavy.

    She shakes her head and leans it against the pir by the bed.

    Mianmian, who was assigned to apany her sister-inw, is dressed like a child from Guanyin''s seat today, also very festive.

    Mianmian sees her sister-inw lift the veil halfway and smile at her.

    She asks, "Sister-inw, are you thirsty or hungry? Do you want to eat something?"

    "A little hungry, but my mother didn''t let me eat, worried I might need to relieve myself in the sedan chair."

    The old nanny who apanied the youngdy on her wedding, with a twitching brow, doesn''t say much.

    "That''s right, needing to relieve oneself halfway is indeed troublesome, but at home it''s fine. The bathing facilities in this room are very convenient, you''ll know tonight, hehe." Mianmian smiles a bit mischievously.

    She brings several tes of snacks, sweet and salty, and some floral tea.

    The bride and her sister-inw start eating snacks in the bridal chamber, the veil lifted halfway. If not for the nanny watching, Dong E would have taken off the headdress already.

    Fortunately, no one dares to y pranks in the pce, and the prince doesn''t need to entertain guests.

    Speaking of the Jiang Family, there aren''t many rtives, quite solitary, mostly rtives from the Eldest Princess''s side.

    Many have died or been injured, drastically reducing the poption.

    However, this joyous event also washes away the sorrow from the pce funeral half a year ago.

    After so many funerals, there is finally a joyous asion.

    Red couplets are posted.

    The newlyweds are escorted into the bridal chamber.

    Mianmian, like a little squirrel, is almost full from apanying her sister-inw in eating snacks when her brother returns.

    Today, dressed in a bright red groom''s outfit, her brother is exceptionally handsome.

    To see if a man is truly handsome, try putting him in red.

    Those who look super handsome in red are genuinely handsome.

    Mianmian''s role is done.

    When Jiang Feng lifts the bride''s veil, he sees a bride with a puffed-up face, still eating pine nuts.

    Jiang Feng can''t help butugh.

    He drank a little wine out of joy.

    The wine doesn''t make him drunk, but it makes him more lively.

    He lifts the bride''s veil, and Dong E struggles to finish chewing the nuts in her mouth, saying, "Feng Ge, help me take off the headdress, it''s so heavy."

    Her breath is fragrant with the aroma of roasted nuts.

    Jiang Feng helps remove the headdress, but without experience, he also loosens her hair.

    This moment is stunning.

    In ancient times, hair was rarely seen loose, only seen by intimate ones.

    The phrase "you dare to touch her hair" carries deep meaning; when can one touch the hair, usually when lying together...

    Jiang Feng looks at the bride with her hair loose, identally pulling a few strands, holding some broken hair, feeling a bit guilty. If it were his sister, she would be crying by now, as she treasures her hair very much.

    Dong E presses her head and shakes it heavily, "It''s too heavy, no wonder they say ''to wear a crown, one must bear its weight,'' it''s so heavy, I feel like my brain is being crushed."

    Jiang Feng watches her speak in a coquettish manner, as if her brain isn''t much.

    But he feels very at ease, wanting tough every time he hears her speak.

    He reaches out to rub her head, and she leans her head over, very naturally.

    "It''s a bit itchy at the back too." Dong E obediently leans over.

    "Are you hungry?"

    "Not hungry, I''ve been eating snacks with Mianmian all afternoon, now I''m a bit full, but a bit thirsty, can I drink some wine? I heard wine is sweet, my mother didn''t let me drink, I haven''t tried it."

    "You can have a little, but not too much, too much will make you less smart."

    "Ah, then why do people still like to drink?"Aliali: 6753e67cab2494648efd2ddc

    "Because, it''s rare to be muddled."

    They drink the wedding cup of wine together.

    Dong E indeed hasn''t had wine before, drinking a whole cup, and then starts to giggle foolishly.

    Happily hugging Feng Ge and giggling.

    "Husband, you''re so handsome, oooooh, my husband is so handsome." She gives his face a big kiss.

    Jiang Feng: ......

    Dong E is fragrant, with the aroma of nuts, flowers, a faint medicinal scent, the scent of sunlight, grass, snow, and dreams...

    Jiang Feng is immersed in the fragrance.

    From now on, his heart no longer needs to hide in the darkness, because he has a family, he has someone to share his life with, his wife is cheerful and lively, he loves the lively atmosphere.

    ...

 Chapter 366

    The candle made a soft sputtering sound as it burned to the bottom and went out.

    The wax flowed down the candlestick.

    Until dawn.

    The dripped wax formed various shapes, like a little figure dancing with outstretched limbs and raised legs.

    At the Meng residence.

    Jiang Yu, now elevated to Princess Caiyi, was kicking about with outstretched limbs and raised legs.

    With her eyes still closed, she kicked Meng Shaoxia''s bottom.

    "It''s all your fault, all your fault, I couldn''t even attend my brother''s wedding yesterday."

    In the past, Meng Shaoxia wouldn''t have been able to withstand his wife''s kicks, but military life had truly transformed him. Now he could be called "Big" Meng Shaoxia - he had grown both taller and broader, as if going through a second puberty, bing incredibly robust.

    His physique resembled a cooked North American prawn, with a thick back, reddish-ck face, and muscles all over.

    His body carried the aura of the battlefield. Repeated campaigns had tempered both his body and spirit. The current Meng Shaoxia strongly resembled Old Master Meng in his youth - tall, mighty, and strong,manding respect merely by his presence.

    He had just returned from the battlefield, initially startling Jiang Yu.

    But the next moment, he was hugging her and crying like a baby, covering their twins with kisses until their faces were wet with his tears and saliva.

    Jiang Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

    Growing up in the vige, she had seen too many men who beat their wives upon returning home, often taking out their frustrations after work. In her childhood memories, these men seemed incredibly strong. Though when she grew older and saw them again as a young woman, they weren''t actually strong at all - they were skinny, with hunched backs and little strength. But in her childhood mind, when she saw them beating others, they had seemed like enormous, overwhelmingly powerful beings.

    Her own husband had originally been a handsome square-faced young man. Though life at home had improved and his face had be rounder and he''d gained some weight, he remained handsome - after all, in this era, being plump was considered attractive, fitting the aesthetic standards of the time.

    But after returning from war, he had be dark, stout, and muscr.

    It startled her at first sight.

    Then Meng Shaoxia had hugged her and cried.

    That night, they were intimate again.

    And since it had been so long since they''d been together, as adults would understand...

    As a result, Jiang Yu became pregnant yet again.

    When Old Master Meng returned this time and saw his two great-grandchildren, he was overjoyed, smiling even in his dreams.

    At dawn each day, he would watch over the two little ones - having descendants made everything worthwhile.

    Especially for the old master who had experienced life and death, each morning felt like a bonus day, and seeing new generations in the family brought joy like fresh sprouts on old wood, happiness impossible to contain.

    But before he had stayed home for even a few months, he learned that his grandson''s wife was pregnant again.

    Old Master Meng''s smile reached his eyebrows.

    After his father''s return, Meng Qingshe spent time reuniting with him, taking quite a while to adjust.

    Mainly because he was being disciplined by his father.

    Then father and sonpeted to look after the grandchildren.

    Fortunately, there were two, so they could share.

    Then their daughter-inw quickly became pregnant again.

    This time, the entire Meng family was beyond excited.

    Who said their lineage was thin? Who said they would have no heirs?

    Now their daughter-inw (granddaughter-inw) was pregnant again.

    These days, Old General Meng went everywhere chatting with old friends.

    Meng Qingshe also went everywhere chatting with old friends.

    Soon the entire capital knew that Princess Caiyi was pregnant again.

    Who else could say their daughter, after marriage, was praised and cherished by the entire family?

    Not only did her father-inw praise her, but also his father, her mother-inw, her grandmother-inw - endlesspliments.

    The Emperor and Empress naturally bestowed countless gifts again.

    They had nned to move to the Princess''s Pce, but due to the pregnancy, it was advised against moving, so the n was abandoned.

    The Meng family had initially worried that their daughter-inw might change after bing a princess, perhaps bing difficult to get along with, but fortunately, she maintained her good nature without bing arrogant. She remained exactly as before - straightforward and unchanged. All the rumors about her being calcting were unfounded. Moreover, her exceptional cooking skills had made everyone in the family plump, requiring their clothes to be let out by two sizes.

    Even Old Madam Meng looked more radiant and younger.

    With this good news, and Old Master Meng returning alive from the battlefield to witness another addition to the family, everything felt joyous.

    During this pregnancy, Jiang Yu craved sour foods intensely.

    Though Old Master Meng usually kept his distance from his granddaughter-inw out of propriety, he and his son would personally go to the mountains every day to gather rosehips and sour dates, all kinds of sour fruits, which Madam Meng would then arrange and send to her.

    Jiang Yu ate her meals with sour dates, alternating between bites of food and dates, making everyone else''s teeth ache just watching.

    Mianmian also frequently visited the Meng residence.

    She hadn''t expected her sister to be pregnant again.

    Her sister appeared quite healthy as an expectant mother, apart from craving sour foods, she didn''t even experience morning sickness.

    Her sister lived very well in the Meng family, the atmosphere was harmonious. As part of the family, her sister had be so ustomed that she naturally referred to the Meng residence as "home" when speaking of returning.

    Jiang Yu was the least affected by her father bing Emperor and her mother bing Empress.

    The transition from not having enough to eat to having plenty was stark, but after that, she didn''t feel particrly different. Perhaps because her material desires were modest, focusing mainly on having enough to eat, so once that was satisfied, she felt content. As for higher pursuits, she had none.

    Now pregnant again, she was very happy. For her, the only difficulty would be during childbirth; she didn''t need to worry about raising the child. With several servants, mother-inw and grandmother, father-inw and grandfather all taking turns watching the children, after giving birth, she didn''t need to care for them herself and could continue enjoying life as usual.

    Moreover, during pregnancy, she could rightfully make demands and ask for all sorts of strange foods.

    One day she suddenly wanted to eat peacock... just mentioning it casually, but Old Master Meng actually got her a peacock...

    It wasn''t very tasty, the meat was a bit tough.

    For Jiang Yu, being able to eat was already a wonderful thing.

    The only downside was that, being pregnant and in her first trimester, she couldn''t attend her brother''s wedding.

    They worried about her being jostled in the crowds.

    So thinking about it early in the morning still made her angry, and she kicked her husband several times.

    Meng Shaoxia, thick-skinned as he was, didn''t mind being kicked.

    He evenforted her: "Are you tired from kicking? Take a rest, let me massage your feet, then you can continue kicking?"

    This made Jiang Yuugh despite her anger.

    "We need to go to the pce today, and it''s all your fault we''rete again."

    "Yes, it''s my fault, all my fault."

    Meng Shaoxia smiled good-naturedly and began carefully massaging his wife''s plump, fair feet.

    At first, Jiang Yu felt a bit embarrassed, but during herst pregnancy, her husband had always massaged her feet. After bing physically intimate as husband and wife, they grew very close, always wanting to stay near each other, touching, connecting, feeling secure.

    During the days when her husband was away at war, the house had felt very empty, and she had been very afraid, but fortunately, he had returned.

    Although her husband had quite a few scars, thankfully none were too serious.

    The couple''s reunion was like a honeymoon, their rtionship even more intimate, flowing naturally.

    "Husband, I had a nightmarest night. I dreamed you were engaged to someone else, and in the dream, my parents and siblings were all gone, and you left me too. I didn''t want to live anymore, so I found a rope and hanged myself. I kept kicking my legs, kicking, then I woke up and found myself kicking you. Such a frightening dream."

    Meng Shaoxia paused upon hearing his little Yu''er''s words, then continued massaging her feet.

    For some reason, when he heard about her dream, he felt as if he had experienced it too, though he couldn''t remember clearly. But when she described it, it seemed somewhat familiar.

    Just hearing about it made his heart cold.

    His eyes unconsciously became wet.

    "Your feet are cold, let me warm them before you get up," Meng Shaoxia held his little Yu''er''s feet against his chest.

    "Dreams mean the opposite, don''t overthink it, don''t be afraid."

    "Mother, Mother, Father, Father!"

    "Bang bang bang!"

    "Bang bang bang!"

    The heavy knocking from outside, presumably from their two little boys eagerly pounding on the door, immediately dispersed the strange thoughts in the room.

    Meng Shaoxia quickly got up.

    Jiang Yu also got dressed.

    The two boys of simr height could now walk, albeit unsteadily. They were sweet-tongued and sturdy, with strong legs and arms like lotus roots. The older brother boldly tried to enter by himself, with the younger brother following closely.

    Then the older brother fell, and the younger brother tumbled right after him.

    They fell together but didn''t cry.

    "Come on,e on, stand up!" the younger brother cheered, lying on top of his older brother.

    "Come down," the older brother called.

    The younger brother rolled off his older brother, allowing him to get up. Then the older brother pulled his brother, who was lying on the ground, to his feet.

    The maids and servants watched; seeing there were no injuries, they let them be. The two children weren''t delicate - they were quite healthy.

    After Jiang Yu finished getting ready, she took her husband and children to the pce together.Aliali: 6754d302bd5e46c308a67379

    They all sat in the carriage.

    She sat next to her husband, while the two children were made to sit opposite them, eating snacks, swinging their legs,pletely at ease.

    The carriage moved slowly with children and a pregnant woman inside.

    As they passed by a bookstore, someone was asking, "Shopkeeper, do you still have any copies of ''Princess Caiyi''s Guide to House Drama''?"

    "Oh, dear customer, you''re toote! They sold out in the first two days after release. Why don''t you wait for the next batch? You can pay a deposit, and we''ll save one for you when they arrive."

    Jiang Yuughed heartily in the carriage.

    "Husband, have someone buy me a copyter. I want to learn too."

    "Buy, buy, buy," Meng Shaoxia said indulgently.

    The carriage wheels rolled smoothly, the road was wide and open, as they continued forward.

    ...

 Chapter 367

    The birds chirped in the trees.

    Tweet, tweet, tweet.

    When Princess Caiyi brought her two children into the pce, it became extraordinarily lively.

    ces with children always feel more vibrant and bustling.

    It''s as if the air flows faster.

    Where children are present, even the particles floating in the air seem to dance more cheerfully.

    The whole family sat down for a reunion dinner.

    Jiang Feng was married, Jiang Yu had found a husband, and they both had children. Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian were only around forty, yet they had be grandparents. They had already lived longer than the average life expectancy of their time.

    In this era, being unmarried at thirty was equivalent to being single at sixty in modern times.

    Jiang Changtian and Qin Luoxia were quite pleased with their son-inw and daughter-inw.

    They both appeared to be honest people.

    The son-inw was steady and kind-hearted, but not foolishly so. They knew this from their first meeting - even when he saved someone, he had his good friend He Chen look after the rescued girl. He had boundaries and principles.

    The daughter-inw seemed carefree but wasn''t foolish; she was actually smarter than their own Yu.

    This was quite satisfactory.

    Their Yu, despite her big heart, was well-treated by the Meng family who were extremely good to her. Even after marriage, she hadn''t grown much shrewder, which showed she was living an easy life.

    If a girl who was once carefree bes calcting and worldly after marriage, it usually means her married life is worse than her maiden days, forcing her to be shrewd and materialistic to avoid being taken advantage of.

    They had initially worried about Feng being too emotionally distant. Although in his youth he would politely address even the brothel girls as "sister," he showed no mercy when wielding his sword, regardless of gender. Feng appeared friendly with everyone but never truly let anyone into his heart.

    Qin Luoxia had worried that Feng wouldn''t find a partner, especially since his sister was already married with two children while he showed no signs of settling down.

    Now everything was fine. Feng was married, and although his wife came from a noble family, she didn''t have that typical aristocratic aloofness. As a mother-inw, Qin Luoxia couldn''t stand that type of girl - beautiful but always looking miserable, constantly needingfort, always creating drama. If Feng had fallen for such a girl, she would have considered severing ties with her son, mainly because she couldn''t bear to watch him constantly humbling himself without end.

    Dong E was wonderful - cheerful and bright, a joy to behold, andpletely devoted to Feng. She always held his hand while walking, and Feng would smile, appearing more lively than usual.

    Jiang Changtian was also very happy today.

    Starting a family meant truly growing up.

    He didn''t even give Feng a wedding leave, sending him straight to work at the magistrate''s office.

    A few more years of experience, and he could retire early.

    Plus, he had the task of raising children. He felt that due to being too busy in recent years, he had neglected Cotton''s education and should spend more time with her.

    The Empress Dowager and Princess Huiyun also attended the family feast. To be honest, Princess Huiyun felt somewhat ufortable with such an informal family gathering.

    It was too intimate, too casual, too natural - she really wasn''t used to it.

    She was more ustomed to feeling superior, treating everyone present as beneath her.

    However, now among those present, her son was the Emperor, quite fierce despite his smiling facade.

    Her daughter-inw was the Empress, decisive and extremely fierce.

    Her younger granddaughter was always smiling, not someone to offend, and still wanted to hear her stories.

    Her elder granddaughter was pregnant again and needed special attention.

    Her elder granddaughter''s husband had just returned from the battlefield; though appearing docile, it was said he needed to kill hundreds of enemies during a meal to work up an appetite...

    Her grandson looked somewhat like her son - though his smile was gentle, he seemed somewhat fierce underneath.

    At least her grandson''s wife appeared to be the kind of nobledy Princess Huiyun was familiar with from the capital, but listening to her speak and watching her movements, she couldn''t maintain that image for even one meal - she was very much like the Jiang family...

    Actually, Princess Huiyun felt somewhat awkward. She had seen how her father and brother ruled as emperors, and it wasn''t like this. She wondered if she should teach her son.

    But it seemed her brother and father hadn''t been very sessful as emperors either.

    Moreover, she wasn''t even sure she knew how an emperor should rule.

    She had lived most of her life, and had survived this long by not meddling in affairs. Now in her old age, should she start teaching her son how to handle matters? How to be an emperor? Princess Huiyun felt she wasn''t capable of that and decided to let it be.

    Children and grandchildren have their own fortune; she hadn''t taught anyone when they were young, it was toote to start teaching now.

    The whole family gathered together to eat and drink at this very private family feast, with few guests invited.

    Her godfather, Eunuch Yan, was present.

    Eunuch Yan had always maintained clear hierarchical boundaries in the pce, but this time he was seated at the table.

    Because after attending Feng''s wedding, he was preparing to lead a sea expedition.

    It''s worth noting that he had be the most powerful eunuch in history - while other eunuchs also had adopted sons and daughters who would abuse their power, his adopted children were actual princes and princesses, allowing him to potentially abuse power through them...

    The Vice Minister of the Imperial Household, Gong Qichi, was also invited as family.

    Gong Qichi maintained his usual dignified demeanor, neither humble nor proud.

    That day, Eunuch Yan drank alcohol, and though the Emperor didn''t drink, he kept Eunuch Yanpany.

    After the feast, when night had fallen.

    In a dark corner of the Imperial Garden, without any chance encounters with concubines, the Emperor pulled Eunuch Yan aside for a heart-to-heart conversation.

    No one knows what they discussed.

    All that''s known is that Eunuch Yan was appointed as Chief Eunuch of the Internal Affairs Office and Chief Envoy, leading a group of eunuchs on a grand sea expedition, disappearing from everyone''s sight.

    Some said Eunuch Yan was sent by the Emperor to search for an elixir of longevity.

    However, two days after Eunuch Yan''s departure, a major case urred in the capital.

    Princess Huiyun''s former prince consort was found stabbed to death in his home, in a horrific state with his body riddled with holes like a sieve, and his testicles cut off.

    It was considered a major case.

    After all, the former prince consort was a member of the imperial n, and in the capital with such good security, he was murdered in his own home.

    The Ministry of Justice investigated but couldn''t solve the case.

    Some suspected the new Emperor, but the former Crown Prince Han''s family was safe and sound - if the Emperor was responsible, there would be no reason to spare the Crown Prince Han.

    Moreover, the new Emperor appeared to be an upright, rigid schr who did things by the book and required his officials to be practical and straightforward. He didn''t like people guessing - when the former prince consort''s incident was reported, the Emperor was discussing taxation with his officials and appeared genuinely surprised, which couldn''t have been fake.

    Others said it was done by Chief Eunuch Yan, iming there were witnesses, but the Nine Thousand Years had no grudge against the former prince consort and had a promising future ahead. Having already sailed away on his ocean voyage, there seemed no reason for him to make a detour to kill the former prince consort.

    Thus, the former prince consort''s death became an unsolved case.

    From Jin City by ship, with grand gs flying high in the wind.

    Yan Jiexi, wearing red robes, sat on therge ship holding the telescope gifted by the little princess.

    He could see a white bird flying over the blue sea, soaring with wings spread wide against the wind and waves.

    He could see small inds.

    Looking back, he could faintly see the buildings on shore, growing more and more distant.

    Before leaving the capital, this group led by Eunuch Yan had done one big thing together, as Eunuch Yan''s proof of loyalty.

    They had killed someone together, each person striking one blow.

    Their des went in white and came out red, blood spraying.

    Eunuch Yan said this was their pre-departure ritual.

    Though they had no testicles, they had courage. From now on, as they sailed the seas, they would be people of valor, fighting enemies when encountered, facing life and death, returning alive to bring glory to their ancestors and enter the history books.

    That year.

    On the seventh day of the seventh month of the first year of New Chu, Chief Envoy Eunuch Yan Jiexi, appointed by Emperor Changtian, led the fleet on an overseas mission.

    Their first stop was the Xi Kingdom, which was in the midst of civil war. Eunuch Yan''s team helped the royalist faction achieve victory, gaining substantial resources and manpower. They continued westward by sea, discovering a small nation across the ocean with brown-haired, blue-eyed people. Thend was rich in resources, where one could survive by simply picking fruit from trees. Though initially unable tomunicate, Eunuch Yan and his people stayed for two years before continuing their journey...Aliali: 6754d302bd5e46c308a67379

    In the second year after the new Emperor of Chu ascended to the throne, natural disasters struck and continued for three years, but the continuous supply of resources from overseas greatly alleviated Chu''s internal and external troubles.

    (Originally, when the Seventh Prince ascended the throne, three years of natural disasters followed. The new Emperor dered that Heaven wanted to destroy Chu, implementing brutal governance that left corpses piling in the streets. As Chu teetered on the brink of destruction, Crown Prince Chu Xi took charge in the crisis. The Emperormitted suicide, and Chu Xi ascended to the throne...)

    The ocean, seagulls, and a red g.

    A corpse.

    Yan Jiexi killed a bandit who tried to board the ship. Blood sttered onto his face, and he tasted it - the vor of rust, salty and fishy, yet it only excited him more.

    "Men, charge and kill!"

    The birthmark on his knee had be distorted, now marked with several new scars.

    On an uninhabited ind stood a red g with the character "Chu" written on it.

    The blue ocean, green inds, red blood, and a red g.

    ...

 Chapter 368

    A new day.

    Waking up.

    Opening eyes.

    Pce maids were already silently waiting beside her (the maids had to be pretty ones - seeing unattractive faces first thing in the morning would be quite startling). The former head maid Pangya had gotten married and would likely returnter as a matron - this was the typical career path for maids. Pangya was among the fortunate ones, having secured a position in the imperial household.

    The pce maid opened the curtains, helped her dress, put on her shoes, brought water for rinsing her mouth, washing her face, brushing teeth... though actually, she preferred to brush her teeth herself.

    Although the maids could help with brushing, she wasn''t even used to electric toothbrushes in modern times, so she definitely wasn''tfortable with it now. Better to do it herself.

    Mianmian brushed her teeth meticulously, reaching every single tooth, carefully attending to the back mrs, brushing in an orderly fashion - left and right, up and down.

    After brushing and rinsing, ensuring fresh breath and white teeth, she would apply some homemade face cream.

    She felt like she hadn''t done much, just changed various little details of daily life, yet somehow it seemed she had aplished quite a bit, even if these small changes didn''t really contribute to social progress.

    Perhaps there were some minor improvements - with this face cream avable, nobledies used less lead-based powder, which might be better for their health and could have reduced infant mortality during childbirth.

    But nobledies were few in number, andmon people couldn''t afford expensive lead powder anyway - luxury items didn''t harm the poor.

    So the impact on society as a whole was minimal.

    Mianmian didn''t have such lofty ambitions anyway.

    She just wanted to make each day a bit more interesting, and that was enough.

    After washing up and making herself beautiful, she went to see her parents.

    Cong Brother would join them at this time too.

    Cong Brother was very disciplined and had simple tastes - all his clothes were the same color. His mother had prepared many identical outfits for him, making it look like he never changed clothes.

    Mianmian felt certain Cong Brother would be sessful in the future, as he had that minimalist style of a boss.

    The kind of presence thatmanded respect whether in an office, hall, or imperial court - wearing the same style until old age.

    Cong Brother could almost always time it perfectly to meet Mianmian.

    They would go together to pay respects to their elders, then have meals together.

    Breakfast was borate with all sorts of beautiful pastries, though after trying them a few times, she found they looked better than they tasted - more suitable for guests than actual eating.

    Now it was like having half a mouthful of sugar with each bite of pastry - too sweet.

    In the beginning, she had tried hard to chew corn buns, trying to find sweetness in them.

    Her body must have beencking sugar then, her mind even imagining the taste of it.

    Now there was an excess of sugar, possibly even risking diabetes.

    But she was still young, so it was fine. Princess Grandma was at higher risk, though fortunately she was an athletic elderlydy, so it should be much better.

    Her parents both maintained good figures, and father hadn''t developed a middle-age spread, though her brother-inw''s family might be at some risk.

    Mianmian''s thoughts wandered as she ate.

    She had been taught dining etiquette many times, mainly for special training before entering the pce, back when her father wasn''t yet in charge.

    The key points were to eat slowly, not wolf down food, not grab eagerly at delicacies, not let others see what you wanted to eat, take small portions of everything - essentially putting on airs, since you could eat more at home anyway. Speak less, eat less, keep your mouth shut.

    Now that they lived in the pce, she could be more rxed.

    If she were to go back in time now, she could probably y the role of a noble youngdy perfectly, with full marks for grace.

    She still preferred the tastes from her childhood - all sorts of mixed soups and broths.

    No pce maids or eunuchs would dare mock her behind her back - after all, everyone just wanted to live well.

    The pce maids and eunuchs were products of extremepetition - they were all clever people, none of that naive innocence.

    After breakfast.

    Jiang Changtian had to go to work.

    But today he nned to take his little daughter along.

    His eldest son was meant for hard work and had already gone to gain experience like ordinary officials.

    Cong Brother freely went to the Star-Gazing Tower to study.

    Jiang Changtian was a traditional parent.

    The eldest had to inherit the family business, so he needed more hardship and experience.

    The other children could develop their own interests.

    Since Cong Brother had explicitly refused, Jiang Changtian just hoped he would do what he enjoyed, interesting things, and live well.

    And daughters were meant to be cherished.

    Jiang Changtian was somewhat biased.

    He wanted to give Mianmian the things he had wanted to do as a child, the treatment he never received.

    Many adults raise children trying to re-parent themselves, to grow up again and make up for regrets.

    He wished he had grown up this way.

    So he raised his child the way he had hoped to be raised.

    As a child, he had wanted to go to his father''s study, very curious about what his father did each day.

    He felt Mianmian was quite curious too, so he decided to broaden his daughter''s horizons.

    Thus Mianmian had the fortune to attend court with him, dressed like a little eunuch, following beside her father.

    First was morning court.

    Watching the officials pay homage gave her a thrilling feeling - no wonder father seemed quite happy after bing emperor, the peak of power truly felt different.

    There was a surge of hormones that brought excitement.

    Making it both intoxicating and exhrating.

    No wonder father grew more handsome with age, his looks undiminished.

    The officials below also appeared very dignified, all dressed magnificently.

    They were all remarkable people - after all, everyone standing there was a super schr, first having to outperform everyone in examinations, then through timing, circumstances, and connections, step by step making their way to court. They were all supreme experts, the craftiest of the crafty.

    Mianmian watched her father match wits with them - speaking or staying silent, nodding or smiling, listening to their back-and-forth until her head spun. The clever head eunuch brought her a small stool to sit behind the dragon throne.

    By the time morning court ended, Mianmian had dozed off twice.

    It was harder than sses, much of it iprehensible, confusing, and rather obscure.

    But Mianmian saw how excited her father was.

    After court, father kept Uncle Gong behind to talk for a long while, had lunch, then in the afternoon continued bringing Mianmian to the imperial cab, calling different officials for discussions.

    Mianmian sat in father''srge office, eating snacks on a small couch beside him. Father had prepared some leisure books for her to read.

    But she suspected father had deliberately prepared these books that vited universal values: "The Tale of the Ungrateful Top Schr," "The White Fox''s False Gratitude Heart-Digging Case," "The Childhood Friend Loses to the Courtesan"... It must have been challenging for father to dig up so many such questionable books.

    Mianmian read quite attentively, eating snacks and reading novels in the sunlight.

    The ministersing to report work would see the little princess in the sunny corner, like a beautiful cat, and know the emperor was in a good mood - they could report their work, even bad news could be delivered.

    In such a work setting, both the emperor and his officials were happy, no need to be so cautious.

    By evening, father left work early.

    They returned to the pce to find mother.

    The Empress, Qin Luoxia, also had reception duties.

    She and her daughters-inw would make time each day to receive officials'' wives, royal ndies, and check on how the former emperor''s elders were doing.

    The women''s issues were quite numerous.

    Favored concubines suppressing legitimate wives, mother-inw problems, fertility issues.

    Qin Luoxia would first listen to Aunt Yin''s briefing about these people''s situations, then judge ordingly.

    Her personality had always been efficient - she would help those willing to listen, but for those who just cried and wouldn''t take advice, she''d say it once and leave it at that, not pushing the matter.

    Overall, the Empress''s work was even more outstanding than the Emperor''s.

    Particrly efficient.

    Father, who had left work early, brought Mianmian to find mother, and they went together to stroll in the imperial garden.

    The imperial garden was vast and beautiful. They changed into casual clothes and walked through it.

    Mianmian followed behind.

    She somewhat wanted to call out, "Can you two go on your date without me as a third wheel?"

    But watching them walk together somehow moved her.

    Very touching.

    The light at four or five in the evening was very soft.

    The sunshine was bright but not too hot.

    Casting long shadows.

    Mianmian thought how wonderful it was - being able to support each other and walk together was already the best state in life.

    She walked behind them kicking small stones, deliberately going slowly to let the couple have some private conversation.

    She let Little Tree out to walk along the ground with her.

    Following Little Tree''s meandering pace.

    Mianmian''s mother and father had already disappeared in front of a flowerbed ahead.

    Mianmian thought to herself with a sweet smile, feeling that she was truly a qualified little cotton-padded jacket.

    Ahead, Jiang Changtian held Qin Luoxia''s hand and walked slowly, stopping by the flowerbed to wait for Mianmian.

    From their position, they could see Mianmian squatting on the ground, ying with ants.

    Jiang Changtian hesitated before speaking, "Luoxia, do you think Mianmian''s brain might not be very sharp?"

    Qin Luoxia also felt a bit guilty, thinking that Mianmian''s appearance resembled her husband''s, but her mental habits might have inherited from herself.

    "I don''t think so. Aren''t those ants something she''s raised since she was little? I heard that when Mother was young, she also raised a giant snake. Mianmian might just be a bit like our Mother."

    "Ouch!"

    If Mianmian was like her princess grandmother, Jiang Changtian thought about it and felt a bit of a toothache, even his cheeks felt a bit sore. He decided to ask someone to write more educational stories, ensuring that Mianmian wouldn''t follow someone just because they were good-looking.

    Strict vignce.

    He needed to take Mianmian to see more of the world.

    When Mianmian finally followed the ants over, Jiang Changtian asked kindly, "What do you want to be when you grow up, my dear?"

    "Ah." Mianmian thought that at her age in ancient times, she was already considered grown up, as girls could start discussing marriage around sixteen or seventeen.

    "I want to be a princess, just like Princess Grandma, living a life of eating, drinking, and having fun." Without the hassle of raising kids, Mianmian added in her mind.

    Jiang Changtian, Qin Luoxia: ...

    "What kind of man do you like, my dear?" Qin Luoxia tentatively asked.

    "I like handsome ones." But so far, none had surpassed her father, so naturally, there was no one.

    Jiang Changtian, Qin Luoxia: ...

    Jiang Changtian thought, he should ask his mother in the evening if she wanted to go up the mountain to practice cultivation. Recently, she had been taking Mianmian around too much, perhaps hindering her from cultivating her virtues.

    At night, the emperor and empress went to bed, without choosing a concubine or engaging in romantic activities. They seriously discussed the futures of their two children, Mianmian and Cong Brother.

    It seemed more pressing than national affairs.

    Mianmian slept, feeling an inexplicable itch in her ears, as if someone was talking about her.

    A maid knelt beside her and asked, "Princess, would you like me to clean your ears for you?"

    Mianmian nodded. The maid then took out an eight-piece set, with various fine brushes and a bell, gently scratching and cleaning her ears. Another maid gently massaged her legs. After the refreshing service, Princess Mianmian sleptfortably.

    A luxurious and peaceful sleep.

    A good night''s dream.

    She dreamed of a poem: "The moon sets, crows cry, frost fills the sky, River maples, fisherman''snterns, with sorrow I lie..."

    The scene shifted.

    She seemed to hear a baby crying.

    It was a sweltering summer evening.Aliali: 67568261bd5e46c308c7729a

    The wind was hot.

    Cicadas and frogs kept chirping.

    She opened her eyes to see a round-faced woman smiling at her.

    "My dear, are you awake? Are you hungry?"

    The round-faced woman picked her up, skillfully lifted her clothes.

    She reflexively opened her mouth and sucked vigorously.

    ...

    ...

    ...

    The end of the main text.

 Chapter 369

    ......

    August 15th, there is a temple fair.

    Tonight, the moon is bright, and the stars are sparse; it''s veryte, yet the sky is still a deep blue.

    Princess Huiyun is taking Mianmian and Cong Brother to the temple fair tonight.

    Despite her son''s frowns during the day, she doesn''t care.

    As they say, a grown child is beyond a mother''s control; if he frowns, let him frown. She''s not afraid.

    She''s found that when dealing with her own son, if she pretends not to understand, he basically can''t do anything about it.

    Secondly, as long as she treats her daughter-inw well, her son will turn a blind eye.

    Princess Huiyun is quite envious of her daughter-inw.

    Although her daughter-inw doesn''t fit the traditional beauty standards, her son just loves this type.

    The emperor works tirelessly every day, just to spend more time with the empress. If there were a more malicious mother-inw, she might think of finding someone else for the emperor.

    However, Princess Huiyun herself is a firm believer in love; she only envies, but doesn''t harbor any other feelings.

    She is extremely carefree.

    Even when she heard that her ex-husband died a tragic death, she didn''t show much emotion. At most, she ate an extra bowl of rice that night. She is quite focused on health and maintaining her figure, so eating an extra bowl was a bit unhealthy, but she did it for her ex-husband.

    To make it convenient to go out and y, Princess Huiyun obtained her daughter-inw''s consent.

    Her son red at her, but she ignored him. Once she convinced her daughter-inw, her son''s ring eyes were of no use.

    It must be said, the old princess does have some wisdom in life, although not much.

    Qin Luoxia is usually straightforward, although she doesn''t like delicate beauties as daughters-inw. However, if this delicate person is her mother-inw, and she''s also quite coquettish, Qin Luoxia really can''t resist.

    In the end, she agreed.

    So, in the evening, Princess Huiyun, Mianmian, and Cong Brother went out to the temple fair together, with hidden guards apanying them.

    Cong Brother usually doesn''t like to run around, but since Mianmian insisted on dragging him along, he was willing.

    With a serious face, but the corners of his mouth slightly raised.

    Cong Brother is a Capricorn, likes to be happy, but doesn''t say it directly; he always wants people to guess. Fortunately, he''s easy to read.

    There was a pce banquet in the pce, and the emperor and empress couldn''t leave.

    Princess Huiyun took Mianmian and Cong Brother and sneaked away.

    The street was very lively.

    With the new emperor''s ascension, the capital was exceptionally prosperous.

    Themon people couldn''t feel the power struggles at the top, but their daily lives were stable and secure. They could go out on the streets, run small businesses, havend to cultivate, and eat and drink without worry, which is a prosperous era.

    No one needed to shout; the excitement was spontaneous.

    The entire capital was open and stable.

    Not only were there locals, but also many outsiders who seemed to be flocking to the capital.

    Because the new emperor opened the imperial examinations, schrs from all over the country were pouring into the capital.

    The streets were not only crowded with people but also filled with various tricks and acrobatics.

    People''s faces were all smiling.

    Fathers held their children high, and wherever the child pointed, the father would go.

    Thenterns were bright and flickering.

    Princess Huiyun, who was initially full of enthusiasm, soon became unustomed.

    Fortunately, they had already booked a seat at a restaurant with a window view.

    They deliberately chose not a private room but a seat in the hall.

    This restaurant was extremely popr, with one of the chefs havinge from the imperial kitchen (the emperor''s private treasury revenue).

    The seats by the window in the hall were really good; you could sit, eat, and watch the bustling crowd outside. Of course, the location of this restaurant was also excellent.

    Sitting in the restaurant, Princess Huiyun let out a sigh of relief. She was really afraid of losing Mianmian and Cong Brother, but she couldn''t help but want to let them experience the liveliness.

    She also wanted to make up for her own regrets through the children.

    However, it seems that her regrets weren''t many, just a little bit ofpensation was enough.

    Cong Brother also let out a sigh of relief.

    There were too many people, too many, everywhere felt sharp, really not ustomed, but also very vivid.

    Mianmian was very happy.

    It was like shopping at a night market; as long as you watch out for your belongings and yourself, you''re good.

    After squeezing through the crowd, sitting here to eat snacks and drink tea, it was quitefortable.

    Sitting in the best viewing spot, looking out the window at the bustling traffic and bright lights.

    Today''s temple fair, besides the crowd, there were also various acrobatics and processions to wee the gods.

    There were also formations from various temples, a bit like the opening ceremony of a sports event.

    Watching groups of people pass by, each with its own characteristics, the most exciting was the fire-breathing performance.

    There was also a group of monks chanting sutras, chanting so beautifully that it seemed to resonate with the soul. As they walked by, the streets became quieter.

    Princess Huiyun looked indifferently, finding everything interesting, except when she saw the chanting monks, she turned her head and didn''t look again.

    "In the future, don''t like someone who obviously doesn''t like you; you should like someone who obviously likes you. Preferably like your father and mother."

    Mianmian nodded obediently.

    She understood; Princess Grandma was reminiscing about her own past mistakes.

    After being in the capital for so long, she had learned of the unspeakable royal secret: Princess Grandma had once had a rtionship with a monk when she was young.

    So her grandfather was a monk... This was quite fashionable, no wonder Princess Huiyun was ahead of her time, indeed very daring.

    Anyway, Princess Huiyun''s love and hate story could fill a book.

    Mianmian nodded obediently; there are some love-struck people who like to challenge, who don''t like them, they like them, basically the hardest type of love-struck person to understand,monly known as the love saint.

    Cong Brother silently peeled the nuts and ced them in front of Mianmian, arranging them in a circle. He also took away the tea Mianmian only drank a sip of and reced it with a new cup.

    The three of them sat there eating and drinking. Princess Huiyun felt it was another meaningful day, taking the children to see the liveliness and giving them some moral education, worthy of her son''s praise.

    Just as she was thinking, she suddenly felt someone watching her. She looked up and seemed to see a familiar face in the crowd.

    The person was unforgettable, as if in a dream.

    Princess Huiyun only saw a figure and then it disappeared.

    Looking again, there were only flickering lights.

    Indeed, she smiled self-deprecatingly.

    Past events cannot be mentioned; as soon as they are spoken, they make one lose focus, almost as if it were decades ago.

    It was just because she looked at that person one more time in the crowd.

    From then on, it was uncontroble, half a lifetime of restlessness.

    The princess smiled self-deprecatingly, no longer the innocent girl of her youth, yet her beauty remained unchanged, enhanced by the passage of time.

    ......

    The next day.

    The whole world was abuzz with a piece of news.

    Bodhisattva Jingjue returned with the true scriptures, a total of 344 Buddhist scriptures, 130 grains of the Buddha''s flesh relics, sandalwood-carved Buddha statues, gold-carved Buddha statues, and silver-carved Buddha statues.

    The New Emperor personally received the mission team.

    And a banquet was held in the pce.

    It was known that Bodhisattva Jingjue had passed away on the return journey.

    The senior monks of the mission team gave a sermon in the pce, and the listeners were entranced.

    When the monks saw Cong Brother, they were amazed and asked Cong Brother if he would like to be the new Bodhisattva.

    The Bodhisattva is equivalent to the crown prince in the Buddhist sect, the emperor.

    Cong Brother refused.Aliali: 6754b6e1bd5e46c308a4c310

    Later, the mission team left arge number of books, maps, and precious materials and left quietly.

    The court disyed the Buddhist scriptures, relics, and Buddha statues in Chang''an Tower for the public to admire.

    One day, Princess Huiyun secretly took Mianmian out of the pce to y and passed by Chang''an Tower. Seeing the crowds lining up to worship, the incense was flourishing, she was curious and went up to look.

    As a result, she saw that the three Buddha statues on the tower were of various forms, with vivid expressions, seemingly angry, seemingly happy, and seemingly smiling. Upon closer inspection, she found that the Buddha statues looked very much like Princess Huiyun and Mianmian, both with gentle smiles at the corners of their mouths.

    ......

    Saving all beings, but ultimately not saving oneself.

    One thought to be a Buddha, one thought to be a demon.

    The young man sought the Buddha and gave up his beloved woman, traveling the world, only to discover that the woman he loved had long been the Buddha in his heart.

    So on the way to the West, each Bodhisattva gained a new face.

    ......

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