After departing from the Youhuang Pavilion, Yan Lin escorted her around various shops. From items like gold, silver, and jade ware to rouge sachets, brushes, ink, calligraphy, and paintings, whenever they encountered something noteworthy, Yan Lin would habitually inquire, "Do you find this appealing?" Initially, Jiang Xuening didn't pay much attention, but when Yan Lin held up a jade ruyi and posed the question again, a subtle intuition stirred within her.
The young man's demeanor had always been forthright, yet at that moment, it seemed more reserved. When he asked, "Do you like it or not?" his eyes bore a smiling expression, but there was a trace of evasiveness, as if concealing something to avoid her discovery. Additionally, a faint, not-so-obvious shyness tinged his gaze.
Yan Lin earnestly hoped she wouldn't catch on. As September neared its end, with October around the corner and his coronation scheduled for November, he calculated the timeline. Post-coronation, discussions about marriage could commence. Planning ahead, he envisioned proposing to the Jiang Mansion and realized the necessity of preparing a dowry list in advance. Wanting to understand Ning Ning's preferences, he decided to discreetly purchase items she liked after their outing, adding them to the gift list for a delightful surprise.
The young man's musings weren't overly intricate. Initially, Jiang Xuening responded casually to the usual queries about her preferences. However, once she noticed his actions, repeatedly expressing disinterest became uncomfortable.
She accompanied him to two more shops before he eventually came to a halt in front of the third store, specializing in Zhucuitou noodles. With a hint of exhaustion, she admitted to Yan Lin, "I'm a little tired."
Yan Lin glanced up and noticed the visible fatigue on her face. It was only then that he realized his oversight in enjoying solo shopping without considering her impending entrance into the palace the next day. Remorseful, he confessed, "It's entirely my fault; I forgot. In any case, there's plenty of time ahead. Once you're in the palace, accompanying the princess to read, I can still visit you. Head back early today, and I'll see you off."
Jiang Xuening departed in a carriage, while Yan Lin rode a horse, leisurely trailing behind. Occasionally lifting a corner of the car curtain, she caught glimpses of the golden-red afterglow of the setting sun casting its warm hues on the young man's tall and upright figure. The high nose bridge, lips curved in a slight smile, and even the subtly moving eyelashes all became illuminated, appearing radiant and dazzling when he glanced back at her.
Yet, her heart was tinged with a sense of bitterness.
It was time to find an opportune moment and have a candid conversation with Yan Lin.
Upon returning home, Jiang Xuening arranged for her belongings to be moved and tasked someone with checking the recent purchases her parents had made on her behalf from the household accountant. Although she didn't maintain her own records, the mansion did. The maids and women, previously punished for stealing from her, trembled in fear, anticipating reprisal. However, Jiang Xuening reassured them, saying, "I've decided not to pursue this any further. This time, it's not your concern. Those responsible for moving things should proceed, and those tasked with checking the accounts should do so."
The maids and women in the room breathed sighs of relief.
After a while, several boxes were brought out. Reviewing the list in her hand, Jiang Xuening categorized her possessions into two groups: one comprised items that were originally hers, mostly gifts from the household, while the other encompassed gifts from Yan Lin over the years, constituting the majority.
She meticulously created a new account book, recording the details clearly.
The Yongyi Hou's family once held great influence and prominence, but when the emperor ordered a raid on the house, all communication ceased. Even on the night before, the Hou's household was busy preparing for the upcoming crowning ceremony. Consequently, when the house was ransacked, there was no time for preparation. All assets were fined and confiscated, undergoing thorough scrutiny, with individuals directly imprisoned. Despite efforts from external parties to intervene, financial constraints and restricted access to the Marquis and the prince hindered progress. Moreover, after Jin Yiwei discovered that the Yongyi Marquis's Mansion had correspondence with the Southern King's Rebellious Party, the emperor was incensed. Subsequently, no one dared to flee from the Yongyi Hou Mansion.
Ultimately, the Marquis Mansion's service to the country spared them from the death penalty of extermination, but exile left them desolate and forlorn.
In her previous life, upon Yan Lin's return to court, a profound change had taken place. She exuded a hostile aura and rarely smiled. The vibrant youth from Jiang Xuening's memories seemed to have vanished. Only in the stillness of the night, as he lay in her bedroom, gently holding her hand and recounting his experiences in the Northwest Absolute Territory during exile, did Jiang Xuening feel that this was still the Yan Lin she once knew.
The young man who once enthralled her with tales of the grandeur of mountains and rivers in his youth now presented a different narrative. In his early years, he was a noble young prince, adorned in fresh attire, galloping with spirited horses, witnessing the vastness of mountains and rivers with vitality and vigor. His eyes captured the brilliance and beauty that abounded. However, after exile, he transformed from an honorable scion into a burdened soul. In the chilling landscapes of new territories, he beheld desolation everywhere. His recollections were tainted with the perils of the world and the capriciousness of human hearts.
Now, providence granted her an opportunity to traverse the river of time, allowing her to witness the sincere and passionate youth from her memories. She couldn't reciprocate this affection, but the prospect of the perpetually beautiful image of the young man in her mind was profoundly moving.
Yan Lin purchased a qin for her during the day, a gift still adorning her desk. Jiang Xuening gazed at it for a prolonged moment before recording it in her accounts. On the back, she inscribed a small note, "Three thousand taels of silver." After marking it, a wry smile escaped her.
Yan Lin, ever nonchalant with spending, seemed intent on depleting his resources. Although the qin was acquired for three thousand taels, she pondered how much it might depreciate when the time came to sell it. That Lu Xian was undoubtedly a shrewd businessman!
Lian'er and Tang'er, puzzled by her sudden inventory-taking, approached and mentioned, "By the way, miss, as you've been chosen as the princess's companion, both the master and mistress will reward you with many items. In the afternoon, the eldest daughter also sent a set of Four Treasures of the Study. Would you like to inspect and make some selections?"
Jiang Xuehui?
Her gaze shifted towards Lian'er.
Lake pen, Duan inkstone, pine smoke ink, and a knife of Chengxintang paper—all splendid items.
A hush settled in the room for a moment, and she simply remarked, "Forget about it."
The news of Jiang Xuening being chosen to be the princess's companion stirred considerable discussion in the Jiang residence. Her spoiled temperament and lack of scholarly pursuits made it hard to imagine her standing in for the accomplished Miss Jiang Xuehui.
However, the final decision pointed to her.
Initially, rumors circulated in the mansion that the eldest daughter's name was put forth, and no one anticipated this unexpected turn of events. Speculations arose—some suggested an error on the palace's part, while others hinted at manipulation by Jiang Xuening to secure the opportunity by swaying the princess. There were also whispers about private appeals to the master or claims of Jiang Xuehui's perceived inadequacies.
Regardless, these murmurs never reached Jiang Xuening's ears.
She remained indifferent.
Tomorrow morning marked their entry into the palace. Though Jiang Boyou and Meng Shi found the outcome perplexing, they arranged an evening meal in their room, inviting both Jiang Xuehui and Jiang Xuening to join.
It was the first time Jiang Xuening saw Jiang Xuehui since the selection as the princess's companion.
Her demeanor was unchanged.
With the same dignity and virtue as before, she willingly served her parents during the meal. There was no sign of injustice or loss in her eyes, as if the incident had never occurred and she had not heard any external rumors.
Jiang Boyou harbored concerns. He didn't hold much optimism for Jiang Xuening's imminent entry into the palace. He earnestly advised her, "Your father holds a position at court, and his accomplishments are modest. Once you're in the palace, there's no need to vie for prominence. Just focus on being well-behaved, control your temper, and avoid causing trouble. Whether the princess or the courtiers appreciate you is inconsequential. A perfunctory effort will suffice. Remember, speak less, read more, and simply concentrate on your duties."
Jiang Xuening responded to all his instructions.
Yet, deep down, she pondered, "Jiang Boyou need not worry too much about my etiquette lessons in the palace tomorrow. After all, if the 'passive sabotage' plan goes smoothly, I may not have to endure the scrutiny of etiquette and qualifications for long, allowing me to return home early."
Observing her seemingly indifferent demeanor, Jiang Boyou refrained from saying more. However, he resolved to speak with Ju'an at court the next day, requesting his assistance in looking out for Jiang Xuening in the palace.
Meng Shi, still perturbed by the unexpected change in the companion candidate, wore a troubled expression throughout the meeting. She cast several glances at Jiang Xuening, contemplating whether to inquire about any intervening actions. However, a discreet gesture from Jiang Boyou restrained her from doing so.
During the discussion, only a few sentences sufficed to address the matter. Jiang Boyou had spoken candidly from start to finish, offering little room for further words with Jiang Xuening.
The family meal stretched until the early hours, concluding around three o'clock.
As they emerged from the main house, the lights within were still aglow. Jiang Xuening and Jiang Xuehui walked out together, the customary arrangement being one ahead of the other in the corridor.
Under normal circumstances, they would depart without much interaction.
Yet, today was different. Jiang Xuening halted her and calmly stated, "I don't like what you gave me."
Jiang Xuehui stopped but didn't turn back, responding, "Then, Sister Ning, just discard it."
Jiang Xuening scoffed, "If I were in your shoes, having submitted my name only to see my ignorant sister chosen as the companion student, I'd question whether I was deceived. Your hypocrisy is apparent, gifting me pen, ink, paper, and inkstone. Do you think I can't see that you secretly desire entry into the palace?"
Finally, Jiang Xuehui turned to face her.
The corridor, adorned with withered wisteria flowers due to the early flowering season in late autumn, allowed the frosty moonlight to trickle through the sparse branches and cast a delicate glow upon them.
The unadorned moon-white dress adorned her figure, presenting a beautiful and captivating sight.
Even the sardonic curve at the corner of her lips exuded a graceful poise.
She made no effort to conceal her emotions—neither joy nor anger—and appeared disinclined to do so.
Jiang Xuehui, feeling a twinge of envy, spoke slowly, "I too yearn to enter the palace. What woman in the world hasn't harbored a love for prosperity? To me, it's not something to be ashamed of. Yet, if things don't unfold as intended, there's nothing to complain about. Everything has its destiny, and presently, I lack both the ability and the destined path."
Jiang Xuening couldn't fathom her serene expression as she spoke. The smile on her lips gradually faded, replaced by an intensified sarcasm in her voice. "Do you know why I disliked you when I first entered the mansion?"
Jiang Xuehui remained silent.
Jiang Xuening casually snapped a short, dry branch hanging from the porch, creating a distinctive sound in the silent night. "It's not just because you are superior to me. Because you are superior, you've enjoyed everything I should have. More importantly, in these four years, you've learned not only about your own life but also about your biological mother. You never asked about Wanniang a single question, not even one."
Jiang Xuehui's folded palms in front of her slowly clenched, and she lowered her eyes slightly, as if contemplating something she wanted to express.
But words remained unsaid.
Jiang Xuening tossed away the dead branch carelessly and smiled at her. "Before Wanniang fell seriously ill, she took my hand and placed her family bracelet into it, asking me to return to the mansion and give it to you. Yet, I never did. Because I believe—you don't deserve it."