Early in the morning on the third day of the fourth month, before Jiang Yixi had even risen from bed, the courtyard gate was knocked upon. It was Jiang Xun. The Old Madam had sent him to escort Jiang Yixi to the estate.
Jiang Yixi felt a surge of joy. Having such a thoughtful and affectionate younger brother was truly wonderful.
Breakfast was eaten earlier than usual that day. Just as the siblings finished their meal, Third Madam Jiang arrived with Jiang Yirou.
Third Madam Jiang gave Jiang Yixi twenty taels of silver, while Jiang Yirou presented her with a piece of satin and also passed along two handkerchiefs on behalf of Jiang Yishan.
Jiang Yixi hadn’t expected Jiang Yishan to send her anything. She smiled and said, “Thank you, Third Aunt and Fourth Sister. Please convey my gratitude to Fifth Sister as well.”
Third Madam Jiang advised, “Be careful in the countryside. Always take plenty of people with you when you go out. If you encounter any trouble, invoke your Third Uncle’s name. His military camp is nearby—it should intimidate some people…”
Jiang Yixi acknowledged each piece of advice.
Since it was still early and the Old Madam hadn’t yet risen, they decided to depart directly as agreed the previous day.
Jiang Yixi and her three maids rode in one carriage, Jiang Xun and his servant Wang Fu in another, with two additional mule carts carrying their belongings.
After traveling for over two hours, they arrived at Hu Estate just after noon.
This was Jiang Yixi’s first visit here, both in this life and the last.
Stepping out of the carriage, she saw a two-courtyard residence before her. Its white walls and black tiles were nestled among lush green trees and emerald bamboo.
Nearby lay a village, surrounded by vast fields crisscrossed by narrow paths. Beyond the eastern fields stretched a range of verdant mountains—Green Snail Mountain.
Standing there, she could faintly hear the crowing of roosters, barking of dogs, and the laughter of children from the village. She could also vaguely make out the upturned eaves and corners of buildings peeking through the trees at the foot of Green Snail Mountain—that should be Zhaoming Nunnery.
Uncle Wu, along with his two sons Wu Yougui and Wu Youfu, knelt before Jiang Yixi and Jiang Xun.
“This humble servant pays respects to Second Miss and Second Master.”
Jiang Yixi had seldom seen Uncle Wu and Wu Youfu, but she had encountered Wu Yougui more frequently. Wu Yougui was only about half a year older than Jiang Yixi. When he was young, Mama Wu would occasionally let him stay in the mansion for a few days.
Seeing Uncle Wu’s honest smile, Jiang Yixi felt an immediate sense of closeness. In her previous life, Uncle Wu had also died after she became a nun—she didn’t know how or exactly when. Jiang Xun had mentioned it during one of his visits to the nunnery.
In her past life, her misfortune had dragged down the servants as well.
Jiang Yixi smiled and said, “Uncle Wu, Brother Youfu, Brother Yougui, please rise.”
Jiang Xun rewarded each of them with a sachet containing silver ingots. “Serve my sister well from now on.”
Uncle Wu replied humbly, “It is our duty.” After glancing at Jiang Yixi and Jiang Xun, his eyes reddened as he added, “Second Miss grows more like Second Madam with each passing day, and Second Master resembles Second Master more and more too.”
Jiang Xun rubbed his face and chuckled. “Yes, that’s what everyone says. They also say my sister is the most beautiful young lady, and I’m the handsomest young man.”
Jiang Yixi laughed and called him “thick-skinned” before pulling him into the courtyard.
The estate was quite spacious. The first courtyard, besides the reverse-facing rooms, included side rooms on the east and west. Uncle Wu’s family lived in the west side room, while the kitchen, woodshed, and storeroom were in the reverse-facing section. The second courtyard was reserved for the masters and had been locked up before their arrival. It contained five main rooms and three side rooms each on the east and west.
Although the rooms were simple, they were spotlessly clean.
The cleaning and cooking were handled by Auntie He and her daughter, tenants’ wives who were among the most efficient women in the village. Auntie He’s daughter, Second Daughter He, was Wu Youfu’s fiancée and would marry him next year.
Jiang Yixi resided in the eastern chamber of the main house. Shui Xiang and Shuiling promptly laid out their mistress’ bedding and hung the gauze curtains.
Jiang Xun inspected both the courtyard and the interior of the rooms, nodding in satisfaction.
After the midday meal, Jiang Xun prepared to return to the capital.
“Sister, I’ll come back here on the evening of the ninth and stay overnight at the estate.”
“Alright, I’ll prepare braised pork intestines for you then,” Jiang Yixi agreed readily, then added, “I must first devote a month to transcribing scriptures for Father and Mother. Lend me that pendant Father left you for a while.”
Jiang Xun removed a pendant from his neck—a red cord holding a dull yellow tiger’s head the size of an adult’s thumb.
This small pendant had been passed down directly from Jiang Chen’s great-grandfather, skipping his son, grandson, and eldest great-grandson, to his second great-grandson Jiang Chen, who had always worn it. Before his death, he removed it and entrusted it to Meng Cimo to deliver to Jiang Xun in the capital. It was said that Lord Jiang was displeased upon learning that Jiang Chen had bequeathed this item to Jiang Xun on his deathbed. However, since it had passed through Meng Cimo’s hands, he could not forcibly claim it.
Jiang Xun explained, “When Young Master Meng gave me this pendant, he said Father instructed me to safeguard it and protect my sister. But I’ve been incompetent, allowing Sister to end up here.”
Jiang Yixi accepted the pendant and replied, “Coming to the estate isn’t a bad thing. You’ve done well, little brother.”
Watching the carriage gradually disappear into the distance, Jiang Yixi touched the small tiger head through her clothing. In her previous life, before her brother died, he had someone bring her this pendant. It was because of this pendant that Old Doctor Shen sincerely agreed to teach her. In this life, she would still need to rely on it to craft a plausible story.
Wu Bo overheard Jiang Xun’s words. His eyes reddened—Second Master had truly been a good man, worrying most about the young lady even in his final moments.
Jiang Yixi strolled leisurely through the courtyard. The inner courtyard was quite spacious, but with only two trees, it felt empty and monotonous.
Wu Bo smiled apologetically and said, “This servant didn’t expect the young lady to stay here long-term. It’s too humble.”
Jiang Yixi smiled and replied, “Go to town and buy more flower seeds, as well as two saplings of crabapple and plantain. I love lush blooms. Oh, and buy plenty of rose seeds—they’re inexpensive and easy to care for.” She then asked, “How far are we from Linfeng Town?”
Wu Bo smiled and answered, “Not far, only six li. A brisk walk would take just over two quarters of an hour.”
After returning to her room, Jiang Yixi washed her hands and began transcribing scriptures with earnest devotion.
Her heart was filled with profound piety. She copied slowly, her characters meticulously formed.
To be granted rebirth and the chance to correct one’s mistakes was a one-in-ten-thousand opportunity, yet she had been fortunate enough to experience it.
How rare indeed.
The next morning, Jiang Yixi went to Zhaoming Nunnery to offer incense, accompanied by Mama Wu, Shuiling, and Wu Yougui.
Jiang Yixi and Mama Wu repeatedly admonished Shuiling: no causing trouble, no excessive talking, no fighting. If she disobeyed, she would be sent back to tend the fires in the main kitchen.
Terrified, Shuiling swore oaths and curses, promising to obey.
Wu Bo suggested Jiang Yixi take a mule cart, but she preferred to walk and see the surrounding scenery.
Having lived an extra life, she was no sheltered young lady from a deep boudoir.
Dressed in slightly worn clothes and a low-pulled hat, she appeared to be from a well-off family, but no one would guess she was a young lady from a noble house.
Mama Wu and Shuiling walked on either side of her, with Wu Yougui following a few steps behind.
The narrow path was rugged and uneven, flanked by fragrant wheat fields. Farmers in the fields straightened up to watch them pass. Those who recognized Wu Yougui called out loudly, “Steward Wu!”
Wu Yougui responded with a hearty laugh and a greeting.
In just over a quarter of an hour, they arrived at Zhaoming Nunnery.
Zhaoming Nunnery was vast, originally built after a former dynasty’s empress was demoted to commoner status and took monastic vows here. Later, her son ascended the throne and expanded it to its current scale. Many noblewomen from official families in the capital frequently visited to burn incense, with prayers for fertility and marriage being particularly common. It is said that over twenty years ago, even the Empress Dowager came here to seek blessings. The nunnery enjoys thriving incense offerings and serene, picturesque scenery.