After dealing with Tao Hong, Suyu Xin felt somewhat idle.
Ziyuan proposed, "Why not instruct Xia Momo to prepare a feast? By noon, you could personally present it to the general at the military encampment."
Suyu Xin's eyes instantly sparkled with enthusiasm.
Why had she not thought of this herself?
"You truly are my astute confidante," Suyu Xin joyfully remarked, pinching Ziyuan's cheek with affection.
Suyu Xin meticulously drafted a culinary menu and entrusted it to Mai Zi for Xia Momo's attention.
Although she initially intended to personally convey her wishes, another pressing matter surfaced in her thoughts.
After all, she had made a solemn vow.
Thus, Suyu Xin summoned Qing Que Zi Yuan, seeking her humble guidance on attire.
While Suyu Xin was intellectually sharp, her hands occasionally faltered.
Primarily accustomed to a life of luxury and reliance, coupled with the overt flattery from Lu Shiyan, she had seldom attended to such tasks.
Suyu Xin, along with Qing Que Zi Yuan, tried on various outfits multiple times, even bringing out garments belonging to Feng Yao for comparison.
By the end, Qing Que Zi Yuan felt utterly entranced by Suyu Xin's meticulousness.
Yet, Suyu Xin was profoundly satisfied with the result.
She had now mastered this art and eagerly anticipated showcasing her skills before Feng Yao the following day.
Xia Momo, having diligently prepared the meal, personally presented it to Suyu Xin.
"Regulations within the military encampment prohibit the consumption of alcohol," Xia Momo explained.
"Oh, how remiss of me," Suyu Xin exclaimed with gratitude, "Thank you for the timely reminder; I could have erred gravely."
"It's my duty to assist," Xia Momo replied earnestly.
"How fares Xia Zhi?" Suyu Xin inquired once more.
"Gratefully, he is well, resembling a sprightly monkey once again," Xia Momo chuckled.
"He has endured much during his illness, becoming notably lean. Growing children require adequate nourishment," Suyu Xin commented, then beckoned, "Qing Que..."
Understanding her intent, Qing Que promptly fetched a purse, handing it to Xia Momo, "This token is for Xia Zhi's wellbeing."
"It's unnecessary," Xia Momo protested, "He is but a child; an extra meal would suffice."
"Kindly accept; it signifies my heartfelt gratitude," Suyu Xin insisted, "Would you blame me otherwise?"
"Certainly not," Xia Momo conceded with a bow, "Thank you for your generous gesture."
After seeing Xia Momo off, Suyu Xin, accompanied by Ziyuan, departed the residence.
Upon learning of Suyu Xin's excursion, Zhou Zheng promptly dispatched six guards for her protection.
The journey from the general's residence to the military encampment traversed three bustling streets, consuming nearly an hour.
As they reached Changxing Street, the carriage abruptly halted.
Soon after, a tumultuous clamor ensued, punctuated by the occasional neighing of steeds.
"What has transpired?" Ziyuan inquired, peering out through the window to address one of the guards.
"It's the young master from the Xiang residence. He recklessly rode into us," the guard responded with a bow.
Suyu Xin listened intently, her brows furrowing.
The prominent figure from the Xiang residence in Daliang was unmistakably Qian Qingshu.
Having served as a minister for three decades, his influence was pervasive, nurtured through his exceptional contributions.
However, Suyu Xin's thoughts were momentarily interrupted as a commotion escalated outside, instigated by Qian Qingshu's audacious son, Qian Yue.
Qian Yue, known as the tyrannical scion of Shengjing, was on a different echelon compared to Suyu Xin's previous adversaries.
Whereas she was often dismissed with derision, Qian Yue commanded genuine respect and apprehension.
His rapacious actions were notorious, including the fatal assault of a merchant and the coercive abduction of women.
Even the grandson of the Pingyuan Count had suffered under his violent tendencies.
Despite legal challenges, the influence of Qian Qingshu shielded his son, resulting in mere token punishments.
Furthermore, with the Empress Xiaoren deceased and no new empress appointed, the imperial consort held significant sway.
Qian Yue's audacity stemmed from his grandmother's doting affections and the knowledge that Feng Yao's relationship with Suyu Xin was rumored to be strained.
Thus, in his eyes, Suyu Xin's authority held little weight.
However, today's events were indeed serendipitous.
Qian Yue, having acquired a spirited steed, intended to indulge in some racetrack exploits.
The spectacle caused pandemonium, with bystanders scattering in alarm.
Though the city's statutes forbade riding within the inner precincts, such laws seemed to apply only to the common populace.
Qian Yue's reckless journey continued unhindered until fate led him to collide with the carriage of the general's residence.
Suyu Xin, traveling in a sturdy double-carriage, remained unaffected due to the adeptness of her coachman.
Had it not been for the ensuing uproar, she would have remained oblivious to the event.
Qian Yue's recklessness, however, proved less fortunate.
He was catapulted from his mount, landing harshly against a nearby awning.
Fortunately, the structure mitigated some impact, sparing him more severe injuries.
"Are you blind? How dare you obstruct our young master?" Qian Yue's servant bellowed menacingly.
"We are from the general's residence," the leading guard retorted, pointing to the insignia on the carriage.
Despite the servant's bravado, the true reason for his audacity was his presumption that the carriage's occupant was the perceived ineffectual Madam Suyu Xin, overshadowed by Feng Yao's prominence.
Yet, in reality, both Feng Yao and Qian Qingshu were pillars of Daliang, each wielding considerable influence in their respective domains.
However, due to the prevailing rumors about Suyu Xin's relationship with Feng Yao, the servant grossly underestimated her stature.
Thus, as the events unfolded, Suyu Xin found herself entangled in a predicament far more complex than she had anticipated.