Chapter 41: A Hint of Melancholy for an Old Friend

Princess Qinghuan’s words reached Pei Zisu’s ears as well, but seeing that Jiang Shiyuan did not respond, he understood she had no desire to dwell on the subject. He shifted to a different topic, asking, "We saw several people when we entered the residence just now. Did you invite them in for some important matter?"

"Just a few scholars who were spouting nonsense in the Wenxuan Pavilion. I happened to overhear them, so I had my people round them up to question them thoroughly. If they truly harbor any improper intentions, there is no use in keeping them around."

Spouting nonsense? Given Jiang Shiyuan’s limited understanding of Cheng Dengping, it was hard to imagine him spouting nonsense or harboring hidden agendas. He had been utterly helpless when her second younger sister would throw tantrums every few days wanting to return to her maiden home; how could he suddenly have the courage for such things now?

Could there be someone pulling the strings from behind the scenes?

Jiang Shiyuan offered a word of caution. "Those on the outside do not understand the situation and often feel that the Princess's residence acts too high-handedly. It would be better for your reputation if you looked into things more thoroughly before making a decision."

Hearing this, both Princess Qinghuan and Pei Zisu chuckled. They looked at her as if she were a celestial being untouched by the dust of the mortal world. Princess Qinghuan patted her on the shoulder, her eyes filled with affection, and replied calmly, "If I were the type to care about my reputation, I would not have attained my current status. Isn't that right, Little General Pei?"

Although Pei Zisu did not answer, the meaning in his eyes was clear. To them, reputation was nothing more than a facade; only what one held firmly in one's own hands truly mattered. Call them ruthless or call them devious—it did not matter, as long as the end result was what they desired.

"However, since you have spoken, I will give them a chance to prove their innocence. It wouldn't do to frighten our delicate A'nian."

Jiang Shiyuan felt her words might have been ill-timed, so after glancing at Princess Qinghuan, she decided it would be better to bring up the matter of Cheng Dengping another time. She smoothed away the slight worry from her brow and looked at the koi swimming happily and freely in the pond. Yet, her heart was weighed down by the fear that she might inadvertently cause harm to others—a situation where she might not have intended to kill, yet death would come because of her. Her spirits were not as high as when she had arrived.

Pei Zisu noticed something was amiss, but it was not appropriate to ask in front of the Princess. Just then, Nanny Shen approached and bowed to the three of them. "I greet the Little General and the Eldest Miss Jiang. Princess, breakfast is ready. Shall I have it brought over now?"

"Yes, have them take it directly to the Yincui Hall."

Once inside and seated, the breakfast was quickly served. Being in the Princess's residence, protocol was observed, and they dined at separate tables, ensuring that everyone's preferences were catered to. The dishes placed before Jiang Shiyuan were all her favorites, and Princess Qinghuan could not help but remark, "These are all things you love; do have a taste."

Jiang Shiyuan nodded. The cooks in the Princess's residence were master artisans, and after a few bites, her previously lackluster appetite began to return. Seeing this, Pei Zisu’s eyes softened with indulgence, and he spoke quite frankly, "Princess, I have a request."

"Speak."

"The dishes prepared by the cooks in your residence are quite to my cousin's taste. If I am to reside in Xijing for long, I doubt the residence will be able to find such suitable cooks in the short term. Would you be willing to grant me the favor of allowing me to bring one back to the Ning'an Garden?"

Princess Qinghuan laughed heartily. "You’ve already taken the residence, and now you want the cook as well? Do you intend to fleece me for everything I have, Little General?"

"Since you and my cousin are so close, I naturally wish to emulate your ways to win her favor."

"I never expected the Little General to be such a devoted man. Very well, I shall grant you this wish. I will have the cook who prepares these dishes sent to Ning'an Garden shortly. As for the servants in the garden..."

Pei Zisu cupped his hands and replied, "That will not trouble you, Princess. My aunt has already taken care of that, and I believe it is nearly all prepared."

Princess Qinghuan nodded, not insisting further. She looked at Jiang Shiyuan and said with a touch of envy, "A'nian is truly blessed."

Jiang Shiyuan smiled. It was true that her cousin had taken care of everything in advance, and she accepted it with peace of mind. As she ate, she heard Princess Qinghuan mention, "The Empress Dowager's birthday is in two months. She has said there is to be no grand celebration this year, so it is difficult to choose a gift that isn't too lavish. I recall that the Marquis's wife’s birthday is also in a few days. A'nian, what do you intend to give as a gift?"

"My aunt desires nothing more than for the family to grow. None of us can compare to the gift my cousin-in-law will bring, so I intend to send something auspicious. I plan to visit Guanghua Temple in a few days to have a white jade Guanyin statue from our storehouse blessed, and then present that."

Princess Qinghuan looked slightly troubled. "But the gift I gave last year was similar to that. If I send another like it this year, I fear the Empress Dowager might be displeased and think I am not being attentive. I have been racking my brain over this for days. You must help me come up with an idea."

A gift for the Empress Dowager’s birthday could be neither too heavy nor too light. Jiang Shiyuan had an idea, but she hesitated. However, seeing the Princess’s distress, she decided to speak up. "I recall Her Majesty once praised an embroiderer from Xiangzhou for her exquisite craftsmanship. She had once presented a landscape painting of Xiangzhou to the Empress Dowager, which was highly praised. Perhaps you could emulate this and send a piece of embroidery depicting the Empress Dowager's homeland? It might help ease her homesickness."

"You mean to embroider the scenery of Wangzhou? But such work takes three to five years to complete. To start now would surely be too late."

Jiang Shiyuan smiled and explained, "The scenery of Wangzhou can be grand, but it can also be a delicate piece; it does not necessarily take that long. I have a concubine in my family who is from Wangzhou, and I once heard her mention to my third younger sister that the Lingguo flowers bloom in Wangzhou every August. Surely Her Majesty knows of this. How about a depiction of the Lingguo flowers blooming under the moonlight?"

Princess Qinghuan became interested. "Lingguo flowers? What do they look like? I have never heard of them."

"It is said they only grow in Wangzhou and are rarely seen in Xijing. I am certain Her Majesty misses them and would cherish such a gift."

"That is a good idea. I shall make the arrangements for the embroiderer to begin."

Pei Zisu, listening from the side, understood Jiang Shiyuan’s intention. These past few days, he had seen her bringing that third younger sister along whenever she went out; it was clearly to help the young girl gain a foothold. If the embroidery could be the work of her hands and earn praise from the Empress Dowager, her status would rise accordingly.

Realizing this, Pei Zisu added, "Princess, why not let A'nian’s third younger sister try her hand at it? It seems she is quite adept at such things."