Jiang Shiyao curled the corners of her lips. "Young Lord, aren't you going to ask if I remember what the assailants looked like?"
Without waiting for his response, she continued, "Then again, as the commander of the Yan Guard Camp, you must have already apprehended such petty criminals. There's no need for me to say more."
Zhou Congxian swallowed back the words he was about to speak.
"Seeing how sharp-tongued you are, it seems you weren't too frightened."
Jiang Shiyao's smile faded. "Though I wasn't frightened, Young Lord should still ensure they are severely punished."
"Today I didn't bring Fu'er along, so fortunately there was danger but no harm. What if Fu'er had been in the carriage next time? Would they have spared a child?"
A cold glint flashed in Zhou Congxian's eyes. "I will investigate this matter thoroughly."
"I'll leave Wei Xun at home. Next time you go out, he'll accompany you."
Wei Xun was Zhou Congxian's guard and right-hand man, rarely leaving his side.
Jiang Shiyao didn't refuse. She remembered Wei Xun's considerable martial arts skills. Though his presence might be inconvenient, it guaranteed her safety.
"Perfect. I need to go out tomorrow at noon. If it weren't for that little beggar, I might already be dead."
"What little beggar?"
"That day when you came to question me, I mentioned taking Fu'er to fly kites and eat wontons. I gave two bowls of wontons and some copper coins to two little beggars."
Jiang Shiyao paused. "That act of kindness with the wontons – those dozen copper coins – bought my rescue today at the risk of his life."
Zhou Congxian said, "Tomorrow I'll have someone prepare silver and clothing for them."
She initially wanted to refuse, but changed her words. "If Young Lord prepares clothes that are too fine, they'll only get bullied by older beggars."
Zhou Congxian nodded. "I'll have Wei Xun handle it."
The next day.
Jiang Shiyao went out with Shuangjiang.
Wei Xun was already waiting at the side gate. He immediately jumped down from the carriage upon seeing Jiang Shiyao.
"Madam."
Jiang Shiyao nodded, not thinking much of his slightly strange expression.
But when she lifted the carriage curtain and saw Shi Yao inside with his eyes closed in meditation, she finally understood Wei Xun's earlier expression.
Zhou Congxian sat with his arms crossed, eyes still closed. "Get in."
Jiang Shiyao restrained herself and climbed into the carriage.
Who knew if that madman Song Jiyun would send more assassins? At least with Wei Xun and Zhou Congxian present, her chances of survival were higher.
The two in the carriage sat in silence – one meditating with closed eyes, the other looking out the window.
Just as Shuangjiang settled on the carriage seat, a somewhat heavy gray bundle landed in her lap.
She turned to see Wei Xun's smiling face. "Could you hold this, Miss Shuangjiang? I need to drive the carriage."
Shuangjiang hugged the bundle and glanced at him without speaking or greeting, turning away expressionlessly.
Wei Xun was completely baffled, unable to recall when he might have offended her.
The place where Jiang Shiyao had arranged to meet the little beggars was somewhat distant.
When she arrived, the two little beggars were already squatting by the roadside.
The younger one sat on the ground, clutching something tightly in his arms.
He kept looking around nervously, afraid someone might snatch it.
"Little brother!" Jiang Shiyao waved to him.
The little beggar's face lit up. He picked up a package from his brother's embrace and walked over.
"Madam, this is what my brother found in the carriage. The others wanted to divide it up, but I kept it for you!"
He unwrapped the tattered cloth layer, revealing the pearls she had bought yesterday at Jade Embrace Pavilion, along with her money bag.
Remembering that Zhou Congxian was still in the carriage, Jiang Shiyao corrected, "You should call me Sister Jiang."
"You saved me, so I can certainly acknowledge you as a sworn sister. What's your name?"
The little beggar scratched his head somewhat sheepishly. Being looked down upon was nothing new to him; aside from Lord Liu and Madam Liu—no, Sister Jiang was the second person willing to get close to him.
"Sister Jiang…" he said softly, "My name is Xiao Man."
"Hey!" Jiang Shiyao responded with a beaming smile, then signaled Shuangjiang to bring over the bundle.
"Xiao Man, there's some loose silver inside, a few sets of clothes, some food, and some medicinal ointments for wounds."
Xiao Man hadn't expected Sister Jiang to even prepare wound medicine.
Both he and his younger brother were used to letting illnesses and injuries heal on their own.
Clutching the bundle, Xiao Man wiped his tears. "Thank you, Sister Jiang."
Just as Xiao Man was lost in his emotions, a hand suddenly reached out from the side, trying to snatch his bundle.
His ingrained beggar's alertness made him dodge while holding the bundle tightly.
Wei Xun grabbed at empty air. "Hey, this kid's reflexes are pretty sharp."
Zhou Congxian asked, "How old are you?"
Xiao Man stared blankly at the nobleman who had suddenly appeared.
Wei Xun said, "He's asking you a question. Do you want to join the Yan Guard Camp? Become a low-ranking soldier. You'll get two taels of silver each month—enough to support your younger brother."
Jiang Shiyao immediately nudged Xiao Man. "Quickly agree!"
Soldiers in the Yan Guard Camp didn't have to go to the battlefield and received monthly pay—so many people couldn't get in no matter how hard they tried!
Xiao Man never imagined he'd have such an opportunity.
He immediately set down the bundle and kowtowed. "Replying to you, sir! This humble one is Ji Xiao Man, sixteen years old! I'm willing to follow you, sir!"
Then he looked up at the man's face. "Sir, I'm very strong! I can move stones and carry heavy loads!"
Wei Xun chuckled. "This little fellow is quite amusing."
"Young Lord, this kid is highly alert and moves nimbly. He's already much better than those good-for-nothings in the camp."
With the world at peace, the Yan Guard Camp was now filled with people who got in through connections—those from wealthy families who weren't cut out for studying, all using the camp as a stepping stone.
Zhou Congxian gave a noncommittal "Hmm," then left a parting remark before turning to board the carriage.
"Find Wei Xun at mao hour tomorrow."
Wei Xun grinned and patted Ji Xiao Man's shoulder. "Come find me at the camp at mao hour tomorrow. Don't be late."
Ji Xiao Man nodded eagerly like a pecking chick. "I definitely won't be late!"
Jiang Shiyao glanced back at Zhou Congxian's retreating figure as he boarded the carriage. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, and her heart felt like a calm lake disturbed by a small stone, ripples spreading outward.
Ji Xiao Man's eyes shone with excitement. "Thank you, Sister Jiang!"
Jiang Shiyao's eyes also brimmed with laughter. "Tomorrow, you should properly thank the lord."
"Take your brother home now. Bathe well and wear something clean when you go."
"Okay!"
Back in the carriage, just as Jiang Shiyao was about to speak, Zhou Congxian swept a glance at her before closing his eyes to rest.
Jiang Shiyao nearly gritted her teeth in frustration.
She turned to face the carriage window.
Just like on the way here.
Zhou Congxian opened his eyes. Without looking, he knew exactly what expression she wore.
He said slowly, "The two troublemakers from yesterday have been caught."
Jiang Shiyao turned back. "What about the mastermind behind them?"
Zhou Congxian gazed into her ink-black eyes, his lips twitching slightly before he uttered three words.
"Not found yet."
Jiang Shiyao's fingers curled slightly.
Hah, the expected answer.
After a long moment, she nodded gently. "I understand."
Nothing could be changed, so why was she still expecting anything?
Jiang Shiyao lowered her gaze, her fingers stroking the expensive and heavy bracelet on her wrist.
She needed to earn money now.
In the future, both she and Fu'er would have to rely on themselves.
For a moment, a silent atmosphere permeated both inside and outside the carriage.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Duke of Ying's Residence.
Another carriage from a different residence was also at the entrance. Jiang Shiyao glanced at the front of the carriage, where a lantern bearing the character "Song" swayed gently.
Just as they passed through the second gate.
Gao Mama approached swiftly with an unpleasant expression. Seeing Zhou Congxian, she first froze, then offered a somewhat stiff bow.
"Young Lord, the Old Madam requests the Niangzi's presence."
Seeing the anger in Gao Mama's eyes, Jiang Shiyao's heart stirred. Could it be that the fake pearls had been pushed back by Song Jiyun again?
"May I ask, Mama, what is the Old Madam's purpose?"
In the presence of the Young Lord, Gao Mama couldn't be too harsh.
She could only say with a cold face, "The Old Madam had someone take the Niangzi's embroidery to White Horse Temple for blessings yesterday, and today it caught fire!"
"Caught fire?"
Zhou Congxian glanced at Jiang Shiyao. "I'll accompany you."
Gao Mama blocked his path. "The Old Madam has instructed that the Young Lord should not get involved in this matter."
Zhou Congxian pressed his lips together. "The embroidery was not done by Jiang Shi alone. The fire at White Horse Temple involves both the Zhou and Song families. As the commander of Yan Guard Camp, I should be present!"
Seeing the Young Lord's expression, Gao Mama stepped back in fear.
"Let's go and see." Zhou Congxian took Jiang Shiyao's hand and walked ahead.
Jiang Shiyao pressed her lips together. In her previous life, she had embroidered two pieces before Song Jiyun brought out the "Auspicious Beast Offering Peaches" for her to recreate.
That "Auspicious Beast Offering Peaches" piece was only barely completed just before entering the palace.
This time, she had brought out "Auspicious Beast Offering Peaches" early and provoked Song Jiyun to embroider it with her.
She had counted on Song Jiyun's discontent and that she would play tricks.
With Song Jiyun involved in the embroidery, even if problems arose, they couldn't be blamed solely on her.
But she hadn't expected Song Jiyun to use fire this time!
In the Old Madam's courtyard this time, besides Song Jiyun, Song's mother had also come, and Zhao Shi was unusually present as well.
Jiang Shiyao followed Zhou Congxian into the front hall.
Old Madam Zhou's expression was extremely unpleasant. On the table beside her was the burned "Auspicious Beast Offering Peaches."
Only the general shape of the beast could be seen.
Jiang Shiyao felt nothing but regret; she had truly put her heart into this embroidery.
"Greetings to Grandmother, Mother."
Zhou Congxian then bowed slightly toward Song's mother. "Aunt Song, I hope you are well."
Jiang Shiyao followed behind, offering greetings one by one.
Song's mother seized the initiative. "I dare not accept Niangzi Jiang's greetings. A perfectly good birthday gift passed from Yun'er's hands, only to burn at White Horse Temple."
"Niangzi Jiang's methods are truly remarkable!"
Knowing when to yield, Jiang Shiyao promptly knelt.
"With such false accusations, what defense can I offer? If Madame Song wishes to pin this matter on me, I have nothing to say."
Song's mother waved her hand, sending a teacup flying accurately toward Jiang Shiyao.
She raised her voice coldly, "The evidence and witnesses are all here! You say I'm framing you?!"
Jiang Shiyao trembled from the scalding heat, gritting her teeth. "I handed the embroidery to Miss Song long ago. Since then, I've had no opportunity to touch it, nor did I know when it was taken to White Horse Temple for blessings."
Zhou Congxian slightly furrowed his brow. "Jiang Shi has always lived a secluded life, and White Horse Temple is far away. There must be some misunderstanding here."
Seeing Zhou Congxian actually defending this lowly concubine, Song Jiyun instantly felt rage surge in her heart.
"Brother Congxian, don't be fooled by this… don't be deceived by her!"
"The monks at White Horse Temple caught the arsonist, who claimed to have been instigated by Niangzi Jiang from the Duke of Ying's Residence!"
"Bring in the witness."
Two figures were brought inside.
"I was hired by Jiang Shiyao!"
Jiang Shiyao frowned.
Mingyu, who started shouting the moment he entered, could be ignored.
But He Dayou following behind him…
How did they manage to find him?