Yang Chen emerged from the Ministry of War with a pleased expression.
He seemed to envision the scene of his triumphant return from the northern campaign, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips.
While passing through an intersection, he noticed two figures tailing him.
Growing wary, he discreetly disembarked from the carriage at a turn and shook off the pursuers.
Upon returning to the estate, Granny Zhou summoned him.
He had just entered the South Courtyard.
“Brother!”
A young woman in a yellow dress rushed toward Yang Chen.
She had delicate features, adorned with a gilded hairpin and a gold bracelet on her wrist, looking vibrant and flamboyant.
“Xiaoxiao, you’re back? It seems you’ve grown taller again.”
She was Yang Chen’s younger sister, Yang Xiao, who studied at Lu Bei Academy for Women and was now home for the spring break.
He patted Yang Xiao’s head, his eyes filled with affection.
“With such a tall and handsome brother, I can’t afford to fall behind,” Yang Xiao chuckled. Her brother was flawless in every way, except for his unfortunate engagement to the daughter of a military official and a merchant.
She concealed this regret deep within her gaze.
The two chatted for a while about recent happenings.
“Today is the Mu Chun Festival. Xiaojie brought back premium bird’s nest from Lu Bei. I’ve already had the kitchen prepare bird’s nest soup. Come and have some quickly!” Yu Shi served a bowl for each of them.
During the Mu Chun Festival, noble families in Great Feng Country consumed bird’s nest soup as a symbol of health and reunion.
“Mother, I’ve had plenty at Lu Bei. A couple of spoonfuls will suffice for me,” Yang Xiao scooped two spoonfuls.
Yu Shi served an extra bowl and ate slowly.
Yang Chen seemed to recall something. “Mother, has any been sent to the West Garden?”
“No,” Yu Shi paused her hand. “Lin Tangtang is defiant and refuses to follow rules. I’m quite displeased with her. Why would I prepare any for her?”
“What? Lin Tangtang is here?” Yang Xiao’s voice rose sharply.
“Yes, she arrived yesterday,” Yu Shi replied with a somber expression.
Yang Xiao lowered her gaze. That woman had no shame, moving into the Marquis Estate so soon!
“Mother, send a portion to the West Garden,” Yang Chen said calmly.
A spring breeze swept by, pushing open the window. The swaying green leaves, sprouting new buds, and the fresh fragrance in the air wafted in.
Lin Tangtang was inside sketching, with Xiangxue standing guard at the door to prevent anyone from disturbing her.
Footsteps echoed in the courtyard as the maid Hongmei arrived and announced loudly, “Madam sent me to deliver bird’s nest soup. Is Miss Lin here?”
“The young lady is busy. You can leave the food container with me. I’ll give it to her once she’s finished,” Chunxue replied politely.
“I meant Miss Lin Jiaojiao. It has nothing to do with your Miss Lin,” Hongmei said disdainfully.
Chunxue’s lips twitched slightly. What was the Marquis Estate trying to pull this time?
Hearing the call, Lin Jiaojiao stepped into the courtyard.
Hongmei handed her the food container. “Miss Lin, this is a token of Madam’s goodwill. Please drink it while it’s hot.”
“Thank you, Madam,” Lin Jiaojiao glanced at Xiangxue. “But… is there only one portion? My sister hasn’t had a chance to taste it yet…”
“Miss Lin, that’s none of my concern,” Hongmei chuckled lightly. “Madam knows exactly who the bird’s nest soup is meant for.”
Lin Jiaojiao accepted the container with thanks, appearing humble and courteous on the surface, but inwardly overjoyed.
Lin Tangtang, today, what I have, you finally don’t!
“Who cares!” Xiangxue, angered by Hongmei, closed the door and went back inside.
“It’s just a bowl of bird’s nest soup. We can make our own. There’s no need to get upset,” Lin Tangtang looked up at the greenery outside the window, her weariness dissipating.
“Miss Lin, this isn’t about the bird’s nest soup – this is the Marquis Estate targeting you! You’re the future Heir Apparent’s Wife of the estate, yet even Lin Jiaojiao gets to enjoy a warm bowl of bird’s nest soup. Why don’t you? If this gets out, how will you maintain any standing in the Marquis Estate?” Xiangxue clenched her fists, her chin trembling slightly.
“When have I ever had any standing in the Marquis Estate?” Lin Tangtang laughed self-deprecatingly.
Ever since the marriage alliance with the Marquis Estate was established, her father had treated Yang Chen as his own son and regarded the Marquis Estate as family.
Whenever there were benefits to be had, he would prioritize the Marquis Estate, sending them numerous rare treasures every year.
Even the ginseng that the Madam of the Hou Estate consumed daily was a giant ginseng her father had risked his life to obtain from beside a tiger’s den in the forest during his campaigns. Knowing the Madam had poor health, Lin Tangtang had specifically begged her father to gift the ginseng to her.
Little did she expect that all her enthusiasm and consideration would be forgotten in an instant.
Now, in the Marquis Estate, a once-in-a-millennium giant ginseng couldn’t even exchange for a bowl of bird’s nest soup that everyone else received.
People worry not about scarcity, but about inequality.
Such differential treatment often strikes deepest at the heart.
However, she no longer cared.
The more the Marquis Estate jumped about now, the harder they would fall later.
“Miss!” Seeing Lin Tangtang remain silent, Xiangxue spoke with grievance, “Why don’t we leave the Marquis Estate? We shouldn’t have to endure this humiliation!”
Her young mistress was truly too pitiful!
“Why are you crying all of a sudden?” Lin Tangtang felt somewhat moved.
In her previous life, until her death, she hadn’t had a single caring person by her side. In this life, at least there was this silly girl always accompanying her.
She walked over and took Xiangxue’s hand. “Don’t worry, your young mistress isn’t so easily bullied. My position in the Marquis Estate isn’t for them to decide.”
“Really?” Xiangxue sniffled.
“Mmm, when has your young mistress ever lied to you?” Lin Tangtang gently tapped Xiangxue’s forehead. “Not eating the Marquis Estate’s bird’s nest soup today is actually our good fortune.”
“Eh? Why?” Xiangxue looked confused.
“You’ll know tomorrow.” Lin Tangtang spoke with confidence. “Remember to take my letter early tomorrow and go to Qi Huang Hall to invite Zhong Yu Great Doctor.”
“Miss, why are we suddenly inviting a doctor…” Xiangxue lifted her head.
“Just do as I say. There will be quite a show in the Marquis Estate tomorrow.” Lin Tangtang said meaningfully.
That night.
Lin Tangtang had just fallen asleep.
The scent of cedarwood drifted through the air.
She instantly awakened and sat upright.
Seeing Qin Mo’an sitting properly in a chair, slowly sipping tea.
“Your Highness.” She hurriedly threw on an outer garment and got off the bed to pay respects.
“Show me the drawings you made.” Qin Mo’an said seriously.
Lin Tangtang walked to the desk, picked up a bamboo tube, pulled out the drawings inside, and placed them under the lamp for him to examine carefully.
“Did you draw all these?” His eyes held a trace of admiration.
“Indeed, I did, Your Highness.” Lin Tangtang replied.
“You possess some modest talent.”
Qin Mo’an pointed to several places with questions. Lin Tangtang leaned closer to look and provided explanations.
The fragrance of the woman’s hair was close at hand, the fine hairs on her face clearly visible.
After Lin Tangtang finished her explanations.
After a long moment, Qin Mo’an finally spoke leisurely.
“This matter will be arranged. Give me the prescription for treating the pigeons.”
“As you command.” Lin Tangtang handed the prepared prescription to Qin Mo’an, then asked, “Has something happened to the pigeons in Bai Niao Lin?”
Qin Mo’an glanced at her sideways.
“A few days ago when passing by Bai Niao Lin at the imperial temporary residence, I noticed some gray pigeons weren’t in good condition.”
Lin Tangtang quickly added, “I don’t mean to pry into Your Highness’s private matters, but I used to raise pigeons in the Northern Territory, so I’m quite familiar with them.”
“I know.” Qin Mo’an withdrew his gaze.
A Shadow Guard placed a food container on the table.
“Bestowed from the palace. I dislike the scent. You shall consume it in my stead.”
After Qin Mo’an left.
Lin Tangtang opened the food container with a suspicious expression, finding a bowl of steaming bird’s nest soup inside.
Even though she knew this was something the Crown Prince had rejected, her eyes still grew moist.
Tomorrow would soon arrive.
Let’s see how the people from the Marquis Estate would scramble then!