When Jiang Yunniang learned that Nan Huai’an wanted to see her, she recalled the day of her return visit—the sudden gust of wind, the youth galloping past on horseback, a striking figure indeed. But what did Nan Huai’an want now?
When she arrived at the front hall, Madam Zhang and Song Wenling were already there. Madam Zhang glared at Jiang Yunniang first, then leaned close to whisper so only the two of them could hear: “How do you know the young General Nan?”
From Madam Zhang’s inquiries, she knew the Nan family had only moved to Shengjing last month. Though their residence was just across a narrow lane from the Jiang family, the two households had no dealings. Her first suspicion was whether Jiang Yunniang had known Nan Huai’an before—had there been something between them?
“I do not know him,” Jiang Yunniang replied calmly. Madam Zhang looked unconvinced. If she didn’t know him, why would the young general come specifically to call?
Since the Nan family’s arrival in Shengjing, many noble families had sent visiting cards, but none had yet reported Nan Huai’an attending any banquet.
“You’d better not know him. Don’t disgrace our Song family’s name,” Madam Zhang muttered. Then, seeing Nan Huai’an glance over, she quickly smiled. “Young General Nan, our Yunniang has returned. You may speak now.”
Nan Huai’an rose and bowed to Jiang Yunniang. “That day I was in too much haste, riding home, and covered you in dust. Today I have come especially to apologize.”
As he spoke, his attendant opened a wooden chest on the floor, revealing fine fabrics. Nan Huai’an said they were compensation for Jiang Yunniang.
Before Jiang Yunniang could respond, Madam Zhang hurried to say, “No, no, it was nothing. No need for the general to trouble himself.” Tugging at Jiang Yunniang’s sleeve, she added, “Child, how could you trouble the general to come? Quickly tell him there’s no need.”
At this, Nan Huai’an’s expression darkened. From the moment he entered, Madam Zhang had been prattling nonstop. If not for his promise to apologize to Jiang Yunniang, he would have walked out already. All his life, he despised those scholars who prided themselves on their “refined” birth.
The world exalted letters and belittled arms, scholars thinking themselves superior to men of war. Yet without generals guarding the frontiers, how could they sit in peace to read their books?
He had come today only to offer a simple apology, not to curry favor with the Song family. Madam Zhang and Song Wenling thoroughly displeased him.
Just as he was about to lose patience, Jiang Yunniang spoke: “Since it is the young general’s goodwill, we shall accept it. Mother’s polite refusal might make it seem you look down on these things.”
“I do not!” Madam Zhang’s face changed instantly. She wanted to scold Jiang Yunniang, but seeing Nan Huai’an, she swallowed her words and forced a smile. “Don’t speak nonsense. It would be bad if the general misunderstood.”
Jiang Yunniang also wished to draw on the Nan family’s strength, but unlike Madam Zhang, she did not show eagerness so plainly as to repel others. She only gave Nan Huai’an a faint smile.
“You are straightforward, sister. I have said my piece, so I will take my leave.” Nan Huai’an left with a poor impression of Madam Zhang and Song Wenling, but thought Jiang Yunniang decent—she spoke plainly, unlike those pedantic scholars.
When he was gone, Madam Zhang’s face sank. “Do you know how many people outside long to win favor with the Nan family?”
“I do not,” Jiang Yunniang answered directly.
“You…” Madam Zhang flung her sleeve angrily. “You’ll be the death of me! That is the Nan family, with a first‑class noble title. They moved to Shengjing because Nan Huai’an has turned sixteen and is to inherit his father’s rank. You’re such a country bumpkin!”
Jiang Yunniang looked at the fabrics in the chest—new brocades of the year, lavishly given. Clearly, the Nan family was wealthy and generous. She paid no heed to Madam Zhang’s words, only ordered Nanny Sun to have the chest carried back to Chunxi Courtyard.
Ignored, Madam Zhang felt even more stifled.
Before Jiang Yunniang’s marriage, Madam Zhang had thought she could easily control her. Yet in only a few days, Jiang Yunniang had thrown the eldest branch into turmoil. Madam Zhang dared not punish her and had suffered several humiliations.
“Fine, very fine,” Madam Zhang sneered. “Be arrogant then. I’ll see how long you can be proud. From now on, Wenling’s affairs are none of your concern. Mind your own life.”
“Mother, that is only anger speaking.” Jiang Yunniang smiled faintly. “Second Young Master’s affairs I need not manage, but Chunxi Courtyard is still under my charge. Grandfather agreed to let Jiang Bairou enter, but since she lives here, as her elder sister, I must take care of her.”
“What are you plotting?” Song Wenling frowned and barked. “I warn you—if anything happens to Bairou’s child, you will pay dearly!”
“Second Young Master, those words wound the heart. If others heard, they would think you favor a concubine over your wife. Such a reputation would surely bring impeachment.” Jiang Yunniang had long understood: as long as she dared to risk everything, no one could touch her. “Qiuyue, let’s go. These fabrics are fine—I’ll have them made into winter clothes.”
Qiuyue nearly burst out laughing as she followed her mistress back to Chunxi Courtyard.
By now, Qiuyue no longer wished her mistress to try pleasing Second Young Master. He was such a faithless man, not worth her mistress’s effort. Yet thinking of the days ahead, she couldn’t help but worry for her.
Jiang Yunniang, however, paid no mind to the future. Cheerfully, she sent for a seamstress and dispatched a servant boy to the Jiang household to find her elder brother.
That day, Wang Zhuang had suffered a loss. Unable to retaliate against her, he might instead cause trouble for Luo Jiren.
Her elder brother worked in the Ministry of Justice. Finding leverage against a constable would be easy for him. Thinking of her strained relationship with her brother in her previous life, Jiang Yunniang felt regret.
Because of her own insecurity and fear of rejection, she had avoided closeness, which led to distance and misunderstandings. Only later did she learn her brother had always quietly helped her. Now, by asking for his help, she was showing goodwill—telling him she truly regarded him as her brother.
After the servant boy left, the seamstress arrived. Jiang Yunniang not only had new clothes made for herself, but also for Qiuyue and the others.
Chunxi Courtyard was filled with joy. Meanwhile, Nan Huai’an, after leaving the Song residence, went straight home.
Learning that his men still hadn’t found Doctor Luo, he clenched his fists. “Didn’t they say he came to Shengjing?”
“Yes, but we just can’t find him,” his attendant, Dongxi, sighed. “Master, could the information have been wrong?”
“Impossible. I went to his hometown myself. The people there respect the Nan family—they wouldn’t lie to me.” Nan Huai’an took a deep breath. “If he’s in Shengjing, with effort we’ll find him. Dongxi, don’t tell Mother. I don’t want her to worry.”
Dongxi agreed and followed his master to see Madam Zhou.
Madam Zhou had long been bedridden. On this fine day, her maids had helped her sit beneath the veranda. Seeing her, Nan Huai’an rushed over. “Mother, the wind is strong outside. Why are you sitting here?”
“I’m not made of paper. I won’t be blown apart so easily.” Madam Zhou’s eyes were gentle, her voice soft, her face full of maternal love. “Huai’an, I know you are filial, but don’t worry for me. My body is as it is. Once you inherit the title and start a family, I’ll be at peace to join your father and uncles.”
“Mother!” Nan Huai’an’s brows furrowed deeply.
“Alright, alright, I won’t say more.” After a few words, Madam Zhou grew tired, but still asked, “I heard you went to the Song household. Did you meet their family?”
“Not really. That day, I hurried home and splashed dust on the Second Young Madam. I went to apologize. The Song family’s First Madam was full of flattery, and Song Wenling is nothing but a hollow showpiece. I disliked them. I won’t go again.” Nan Huai’an had grown up with only his mother, so he kept no secrets from her.
Madam Zhou sighed helplessly. Her son disliked scholars, and she could not change that. But she knew the Nan family’s honors had already reached their peak. The Emperor would not allow them to marry into another military clan. She glanced at her maid, who immediately produced an invitation. Opening it, she showed it to Nan Huai’an. “General, this is from the Lu family. They’ve returned to Shengjing to report to the court and to attend the Jiang family’s eldest daughter’s wedding banquet. Soon they will depart again for Mobei. Back when the Old Master was alive, our family was close with the Lus. Madam hopes you will attend.”
“Even if Mother hadn’t asked, I would go. It’s been too long since I’ve seen my Lu brothers. I can spar with them again.” At the mention of martial contests, Nan Huai’an’s eyes lit with excitement.
Madam Zhou smiled faintly and shook her head. She wanted her son to attend not for sparring, but to show his face among Shengjing’s noble ladies. After the New Year, he would be seventeen. Her health would not last much longer. She needed to secure a marriage for him soon, so she could rest in peace before joining the ancestors.
Seeing his mother weary, Nan Huai’an helped her back to her room to rest, then went out again to continue searching for Luo Jiren.
On the day of the Lu family banquet, Nan Huai’an arrived early with gifts. Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered the Lu residence, he caught sight of a familiar, graceful figure.