Mad Queen Leaves the Palace

Jiang Nihuang and Jiang Xiuzhi walked slowly side by side, chatting and laughing along the way. Suddenly, Jiang Xiuzhi turned to look at Jiang Nihuang and asked, "Sister, why don't you come with us to the capital this time? We can get the land deed for that house sorted out."

Jiang Nihuang nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on her face, but then she shook her head gently and replied softly, "Sister, it's not that I don't want to go, but you know your brother-in-law; he certainly wouldn't want me to go to such a faraway place. However, I can write a letter to Lanlan, and after you arrive in the capital, you can give it to her for me and ask her to handle this matter." After saying this, Jiang Nihuang couldn't help but sigh softly, seemingly feeling a little regretful that she couldn't go to the capital herself. Jiang Xiuzhi spoke up again: "That's fine too, sister. A few days ago, Lanlan ran into Wu De's concubine at the General's Mansion. That Chen woman even tried to trip Lanlan up, but in the end, Lanlan managed to get Wu De to give her twenty lashes, and he even dragged her to the front gate to beat her. But don't worry, sister, I'll teach that Chen woman a lesson when I get back. Just because she gave birth to the General's eldest son, she's always acting all high and mighty. I'll give her a good beating when I get back." Jiang Xiuzhi became more and more excited as she spoke, but Jiang Nihuang looked puzzled: "Didn't you never care about the inner courtyard affairs before? You were either staying at the estate or coming back here all year round. How come you've changed your mind now?"

"Oh dear, I really have to thank you! If it weren't for you giving birth to such an outstanding and thoughtful daughter, I wouldn't be able to feel so open-minded now," Jiang Xiuzhi said with a beaming smile, her smile as radiant as a spring flower. She continued, "These past few days, Lanlan has been coming over to chat with me whenever she has free time, patiently offering me guidance. To be honest, I was feeling really down before, like there was no hope in life, but after Lanlan's comforting words, I finally understood! Even if it's just for our Yuyu, I have to grit my teeth and persevere."

However, Jiang Xiuzhi didn't actually say some things aloud. It turned out that Xiao Lan had not only brought her emotional comfort but had also instilled some rather bold ideas in her. For example, if things truly came to the point where she and Wu De couldn't continue living together, then taking her share of the dowry and half of Wu De's assets would be perfectly reasonable. Such ideas were utterly shocking to the conservative Jiang Xiuzhi. But she had to admit that occasionally hearing these unconventional words made her feel quite satisfied and vindictive. After all, she had suffered enough grievances in her daily life and occasionally fantasized about being able to finally get her revenge. Although she didn't dare to actually put it into practice, just thinking about it was enough to give her a sense of exhilaration. Jiang Nihuang never expected that her mother and she had tried to persuade her for so many years without success... Surprisingly, the little maid had persuaded her, so she chuckled and said, "You actually listened to her advice." Jiang Xiuzhi, displeased with her sister's words, replied, "How could I not listen?" Looking around and seeing that the maids and nannies were far away, she whispered, "He is, after all, Young Master Lan." She then smiled at Jiang Nihuang. Jiang Nihuang smiled slightly, understanding the reason, and said to Jiang Xiuzhi, "She told you."

"Hmm, I didn't quite understand at first, but after thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. This child was born extraordinary." Jiang Xiuzhi didn't dare mention the Phoenix Fate, as it was a major taboo in the Jiang family. So she said, "Sister, how many good deeds did you do in your past life to give birth to such a golden child? It's just a girl, but if she can participate in the imperial examinations, she'll probably be just as good as Mu An." Jiang Nihuang smiled, "Sometimes I wish a little girl wasn't so sensible and good, just living a normal life would be fine." Jiang Xiuzhi sighed inwardly, her sister not only had many children, but both her son and daughter were outstanding individuals. Unlike her own daughter, who was neither girl nor proper, thankfully she was about to go to the Imperial Academy. At this moment, they had already entered the courtyard and suddenly saw a man sitting next to her daughter Wu Yuyu, dressed in white with his back to her. At this moment, Jiang Xiuzhi and Jiang Nihuang spoke at the same time, one shouting, "Where did this brat come from?" and the other calling out, "Mu An." Then the two exchanged a glance and walked over to Wu Yuyu and Xiao Mu'an. Wu Yuyu happily called out, "Auntie." Xiao Mu'an stood up, turned around, and bowed to Jiang Nihuang and Jiang Xiuzhi, saying, "Mother, Aunt."

Jiang Xiuzhi said with a big smile, "Oh my, our Mu'an is growing more and more handsome! He's almost taller than your uncle!" After saying that, she gently patted Mu'an's shoulder, her eyes full of love and satisfaction.

Just then, Jiang Nihuang walked over with light, graceful steps. She wore a light blue long dress, the hem of which fluttered gently in the wind, making her look like a fairy descending to earth, beautiful and captivating. Reaching closer, Jiang Nihuang extended her slender, jade-like hand and gently stroked Wu Yuyu's glossy black hair, then turned to Mu An and softly asked, "Mu An, what brings you here today?"

Mu An bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "Mother, Father has been thinking of you since you left home some time ago, and he misses you dearly. So he specially instructed me to come here on your behalf to ask you to go home and visit." After speaking, Mu An raised his head, his gaze clear and firm as he looked at Jiang Nihuang, awaiting his mother's response.

"What do you mean by 'long'? Your mother has only been here for two days!" Jiang Xiuzhi thought to herself, a sense of unease creeping over her. If this counts as long, then how should one describe her own frequent trips away from home, often returning to Shaozhou every two or three months? Indeed, her brother-in-law truly adores her sister. Not only has he never taken a concubine, but even now, at this age, the two remain so intimate and inseparable. What can one even say? Look at how loving they are, and then look at myself—alas, comparison is truly odious!

Upon hearing his aunt's words, Xiao Mu'an quickly smiled and explained, "Aunt, you may not know, but Mother traveled by carriage this time, which took five days. Furthermore, the return journey will also take considerable time, so the round trip will take at least ten days. Moreover, Mother personally manages all the household affairs; if she's away for extended periods, Father will likely find it inconvenient and difficult to adjust." Xiao Mu'an looked embarrassed, as he was truly ashamed to reveal his true thoughts. From his earliest memories, he knew his parents had a deep and loving relationship. His father, as the city lord, bore heavy responsibilities and could not leave the city without the Emperor's decree. Therefore, his mother willingly accompanied his father to Yuzhou, rarely returning even to nearby Shaozhou.

However, this time, his mother had only left five days ago, and he estimated that she had just arrived in Shaozhou. He never expected to be rushed here so urgently. Xiao Daren's words still echoed in his ears: "Your mother is just a frail woman, what can she accomplish? You are the grandson of the Jiang family; if anything happens, it is naturally you who should handle it. Go quickly and bring your mother back!"

At this moment, Xiao Mu'an couldn't help but recall the words his younger sister often uttered when they were little: "Our parents truly loved each other; we, their children, were all just accidents!" He had once dismissed it as a joke his sister made up without taking it to heart. But now, upon closer reflection, he realized it was true; the reality was indeed just that.

"My brother-in-law is still the same as he was twenty years ago, hahaha!" Jiang Xiuzhi winked at Jiang Nihuang with a big smile, her laughter hearty and clear. Her playful appearance seemed to have returned to her teenage years, showing no signs of the passage of time.

Jiang Nihuang rolled her eyes at Jiang Xiuzhi helplessly and scolded, "What nonsense are you spouting in front of the children!" Although she said this, she knew in her heart that even though the two sisters were no longer young, Jiang Xiuzhi was still that mischievous, lovable yet exasperating younger sister. Sometimes, Jiang Nihuang really wished she could give her a good beating like she did when they were little, to make her tone down her naughty nature.

Jiang Nihuang glanced at Wu Yuyu, then turned to Jiang Xiuzhi and asked, "Yuyu, how's your leg recovering? When are you planning to go back to the capital?" Before she finished speaking, Wu Yuyu quickly stood up, holding onto the stool beside her. Then, she carefully helped Jiang Xiuzhi, who was closest to her, and looked up at Jiang Nihuang with a sweet smile, saying, "Auntie, look, my leg is almost healed! I can walk now!" As she spoke, she began to show Jiang Nihuang her recovery progress—she hopped on one leg, supporting herself on Jiang Xiuzhi's back.

Seeing this, Jiang Nihuang was startled and quickly stepped forward to help Wu Yuyu, anxiously saying, "Oh dear, why are you so restless? Sit still and don't move, what if you accidentally get hurt again!" As she spoke, she gently pressed Wu Yuyu down onto the stool, her eyes full of concern and worry. She then pressed Wu Yuyu back onto the stool, saying, "Sit properly." The group chatted for a while longer. While waiting in the courtyard for the servant to report Lin Da's arrival, Jiang Nihuang led Xiao Mu'an back to her own courtyard. The Xiao family's old residence, built a long time ago, had a unique layout, consisting of seven courtyards. The main courtyard, where Jiang Chunlai and Jiang Huangshi lived, was grand, a standard four-courtyard complex with carved beams, painted rafters, pavilions, and towers, showcasing the family's noble status. The other six courtyards were relatively smaller, each a three-courtyard structure.

It's worth noting that each courtyard was independent of the others, each with its own unique style and purpose. Jiang Chunlai never took a concubine, and his first wife had no children. Fortunately, however, they had four children, including Jiang Yanming. Thus, each child in the Xiao family had their own little world—a separate courtyard.

In addition, two courtyards have been specially preserved to entertain visiting relatives and friends. When guests from afar step into this ancient and tranquil residence, they can feel the host's warm hospitality and the strong atmosphere of family affection.

As Jiang Nihuang and Xiao Mu'an walked along the road, Xiao Mu'an revealed his second purpose for coming. Xiao Lan had warned him to be wary of Cui Jiu, and he himself had found the man to be acting strangely. He then discussed this with Xiao Daren, who suggested that since they would be going to the capital for the imperial examination next year, they should go now to familiarize themselves with the environment. Since Xiao Lan was also in the capital, the two siblings could keep each other company. Therefore, before coming, Xiao Mu'an had already written to his teacher at Qingshan Academy, expressing his desire to stay home and focus on preparing for the examination. Jiang Nihuang agreed, saying, "Mu'an, why don't you go to the capital with your aunt later? You can keep each other company on the journey." After entering the courtyard and meeting Lin Dayou, Xiao Mu'an greeted him and then went back to his room to write to Xiao Lan, informing her that he would be going to the capital with Jiang Xiuzhi. Lin Dayou spoke with Jiang Nihuang for a while, then took the letter Xiao Mu'an had given to Xiao Lan and took his leave, returning to Zhenyuan Escort Agency.

Xiao Mu'an and Jiang Nihuang sat side by side on a stone bench in the courtyard, continuing their hushed conversation. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on them. Both were focused, carefully discussing the arrangements following the signing of the family division agreement.

After some discussion, it was finally decided that after signing the family division agreement, Jiang Nihuang would set off back to Yuzhou City, while Xiao Mu'an would stay in Shaozhou to wait for Jiang Xiuzhi to return to the capital together. During the conversation, Jiang Nihuang took out an exquisite envelope from her bosom, containing a thick wad of 30,000 taels of silver notes and several important letters, and solemnly handed it to Xiao Mu'an.

Only now did Xiao Mu'an realize that his younger sister's trip to the capital wasn't just for further studies, but also for business ventures. He couldn't help but recall her behavior throughout her life, and sighed inwardly: other young ladies were truly refined and virtuous, gentle, quiet, and well-educated; but his sister always played the role of a refined lady in front of others, only revealing her true and unique side to those close to her. This unconventional personality filled Xiao Mu'an with curiosity and anticipation for his sister's future.

What kind of man would be worthy to walk hand in hand with such a special sister through the long journey of life? Xiao Mu'an pondered this, a wry smile creeping onto his face. Then, he gently shook his head, as if trying to shake off these chaotic thoughts, and got up to go to his room. He decided to calm down and review his lessons first; after all, academics were the priority, and everything else could take its course.

On the other side, Jiang Xiuzhi was also discussing with Wu Yuyu, "Mother, I wonder how Father is doing. Will I have to report to the Imperial Academy as soon as I get back?" As always, Wu Yuyu dreaded the thought of studying. She wanted to return to the capital as soon as possible, mainly because the Jiang family was in turmoil these past few days due to her cousin Jiang Zhuzhu's affair. However, the thought of having to report to the Imperial Academy as soon as she returned to the capital, especially if Wu De was efficient, made her consider using a leg ache to ask Jiang Xiuzhi to delay her journey. What she didn't know was that Xiao Lan and Wu De had already registered her at Minglu Academy and even arranged her dormitory. However, Xiao Lan assumed that Wu De, having spent 50,000 taels, would definitely write to Jiang Xiuzhi, and Wu De assumed that given the relationship between Xiao Lan and Wu Yuyu, Xiao Lan would definitely write to Wu Yuyu. So, neither of them mentioned it. When Jiang Xiuzhi and Wu Yuyu arrived, they learned that Xiao Lan and Wu De, one providing the effort and the other the money, had elevated Wu Yuyu to the status of a prominent young lady in the capital. Her fame rivaled that of some princesses and noblewomen. Because of this reputation, many men came to propose marriage to her as early as fourteen. Wu De almost betrothed Wu Yuyu, but Xiao Lan intervened, otherwise, it would have been another tragedy. But that's a story for later.