Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Jiang Chun went into the palace herself and not only enjoyed some delicious pastries but also witnessed an intense verbal battle between two proud daughters of heaven. Before leaving, her sister-in-law, Song Shi Yu, even rewarded her with two sets of headdresses and eight pieces of fine silk.

It wasn’t a wasted trip at all.

So, in addition to expressing her gratitude, she smiled at Song Shi Yu and said, "Your Highness, when you have time, please summon us again to keep you company and chat. We would be delighted."

Madame Zhuang twitched at the corner of her mouth.

Entering the palace meant having food and drinks, and even getting gifts. How could this stingy person not like it?

Song Shi Yu smiled and said, "Alright, I will summon you again when I have time."

Jiang Chun beamed with joy immediately.

In the evening, after Song Shi’an finished his work at the yamen, Jiang Chun recounted the day's events to him.

Song Shi’an remained unmoved internally but put on a surprised expression, "Did Princess Jincheng and Princess Fortunes get into a fight?"

Jiang Chun didn’t keep him waiting and laughed, "Princess Jincheng, defending her companion Second Miss Qiu, deliberately picked a fight with your second sister-in-law.

Meanwhile, Princess Fortunes tried to pick a fight with me, accusing me of eating the jujube paste and yam cake that she had ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare for Consort De.

Both of them wanted to punish us and began arguing, which escalated into a physical altercation, alarming both Consort De and Consort Rong."

Song Shi’an raised his eyebrows. Jiang Chun had taken the jujube paste and yam cake that Princess Fortunes had ordered for Consort De?

This was something that hadn’t happened in his previous life.

Clearly, all the changes in this life stemmed from Jiang Chun.

Song Shi’an gently rubbed Jiang Chun's head and chuckled, "Is this what they call 'the fisherman gains while the snipe and the clam struggle'?"

Jiang Chun grinned, "Exactly! To calm our 'frightened' selves, the Crown Prince Consort rewarded each of us with two sets of headdresses and eight pieces of fine silk."

Although the headdresses from the palace couldn’t be sold or pawned, they could be passed down to future generations as family heirlooms.

Song Shi’an gently scratched her nose and laughed, "Little treasure-hunter."

Thinking more seriously, he then turned serious and said coldly, "There must be a spy in the East Palace. Otherwise, even if the imperial kitchen made a mistake with the pastries, Princess Fortunes couldn’t have known so quickly that you had eaten them."

However, this wasn’t surprising.

The palace servants from the former Prince Yan’s residence had all been sold off. Now, the servants in the East Palace were reassigned by the Imperial Household Department, and there were likely spies hidden among them. Before any action was taken, it would be difficult for his elder sister to detect anything unusual.

In his previous life, his elder sister had gradually removed the spies in the East Palace, but before that, those spies hadn’t caused any significant issues.

So, he hadn’t taken it seriously and only reminded his elder sister via his brother-in-law, the Crown Prince, to be more vigilant with the palace servants, as there were definitely spies planted by others.

He hadn’t expected that during Jiang Chun’s first visit to the palace, the spy would make a move.

Fortunately, his elder sister had always been vigilant. All the food from the imperial kitchen was tested for poison by her personal attendant, Zhenzhu, before it was served.

So, there was no danger of Jiang Chun being poisoned in the East Palace.

However, when it came to Jiang Chun's safety, caution was essential.

Therefore, he stated firmly, "Until my elder sister removes all the spies from the East Palace, you should avoid visiting the palace for now."

"Ah?" Jiang Chun exclaimed in surprise, her almond-shaped eyes widening.

Not being allowed to enter the palace, how could she continue to milk the Crown Prince’s Consort?

But she wasn’t so money-hungry as to prioritize money over her own well-being. Song Shian forbade her from entering the palace for her own safety.

She couldn’t be unappreciative.

So she could only regretfully nod. "Okay."

Her disappointed yet feigning-understanding look was just too adorable (?), and Song Shian couldn’t help but lean over and start kissing and nipping at her lips.

Jiang Chun gave him a side-eye, amused despite herself.

She was just lamenting the lost opportunity to milk the Crown Prince’s Consort when, suddenly, he started kissing her.

When he finally let go, Jiang Chun teased him smugly. "Hmph, kissing is pointless. I’m on my period, so you can’t possibly have intimacy with me."

Song Shian reached out and hooked his finger on her nose, laughingly scolding, "Do I need you to remind me of that? When haven't I kept track of your cycle?"

Jiang Chun touched her nose guiltily, staying silent.

Song Shian gave her another glance and mockingly grumbled, "Does that mean if we can’t be intimate, I shouldn’t kiss you? Do you think I’m that mercenary, Jiang Chun?"

Jiang Chun was stared at until she couldn’t take it anymore and quickly surrendered. "Alright, alright, stop nagging. I said the wrong thing, okay?

My husband isn’t mercenary, I am. I’m not only mercenary, but also vulgar!"

Song Shian kept staring at her.

As he stared, the corners of his mouth curled upward.

Their personalities were such that when one advances, the other retreats, and vice versa. They could never argue.

Perhaps this was what they meant by a perfect match?

They were destined to be together.

No wonder he lived alone until the end of his previous life, never remarrying. It was because he was waiting for her.

All the waiting was worth it.

The next day was a day off. Song Shian and Jiang Chun slept in nicely, waking up nearly at the hour of Chen.

*

Gui Zhi brought in some washing water and said with a smile, "Young master, Madam, it snowed all night last night. The accumulated snow is as high as the knees by now.

Madame Zhuang sent someone to pass a message, saying that there’s no need to go to the main hall for meals today. She’ll have the main kitchen send the three meals to each courtyard."

Now that all the Song family members had returned to the estate, a bunch of people gathered daily in the main courtyard for meals. Madame Zhuang had long been impatient and had been looking for an excuse to resume the old habit of separate meals in each courtyard.

Finally, she got the chance.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chun stretched lazily and said happily, "Mother is truly considerate."

Who would want to go through the trouble of going to the main courtyard for meals when they could dine in their own courtyard?

Although the main courtyard was next door, among the entire Song residence, their Dangui Courtyard was the closest.

But in such freezing weather, it’s far more comfortable to stay in a warm room heated by the floor rather than going out in the cold wind.

And with such heavy snowfall, Yu Ancheng definitely won’t be able to come into the city, so there’s no need to practice martial arts today either.

It’s a double blessing!

To celebrate these two wonderful events, Jiang Chun waved her hand generously and said, “Snowy days are perfect for hot pot and mahjong. Let’s have lamb hot pot and play mahjong at noon.”

After saying this, she turned to look at Song Shian and asked, “Husband, do you have any objections?”

You only thought to ask me after you've already spoken. Would I contradict you in front of the maids?

He replied indifferently, “What objections could I have? I don’t eat meat, so you just go ahead and eat.”

Jiang Chun said with a grin, “How could I let my husband just watch me eat? If you can’t eat lamb hot pot, you can have a mushroom hot pot. Mushroom hot pot is also delicious. I’ll ask the main kitchen to make a special one for you.”

Song Shian couldn’t help but smile.

Although he didn’t care what he ate, being thoughtfully remembered by his wife made him feel truly blissful.

But he nodded politely, saying, “Alright.”

*

After finishing breakfast, upon learning from Gui Ye that the main roads in the estate had been cleared, Jiang Chun immediately took out half a string of cash and sent someone to the main kitchen to have Madam Fu prepare a meat and a vegetarian hot pot.

Somehow, Song Shiying found out about this.

Not only did she come to join the feast, but she also brought Zhong Wenjin, Song Shichu, and Song Shiyue along.

Song Shiying said with a grin, “Big sister-in-law, we heard you’re having lamb hot pot. Can we come and have some broth? You wouldn’t mind, right?”

Jiang Chun gave her a sideways glance. This girl was too well-informed. She had a reasonable suspicion that Song Shiying had someone keeping an eye on Dangui Courtyard, knowing about any developments immediately.

“If I said I minded, would you leave right away?”

“Impossible,” Song Shiying said, slouching on the armchair. “It’s so cold, and it wasn’t easy for us to make the trip. We won’t leave Dangui Courtyard until we’re full.”

“Having you as my little sister-in-law is truly my ‘blessing’!” Jiang Chun cursed jokingly and had to take out another half a string of cash to send someone to the main kitchen again, asking Manager Fu to bring more lamb slices and other ingredients.

When Song Shian saw them, his face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot.

He was looking forward to having hot pot with Jiang Chun.

They could open the window slightly and enjoy the snowy scenery outside while eating the hot pot, which would be quite picturesque.

He could even paint the scene and give it to Jiang Chun as a birthday gift next year.

But now, a group of uninvited guests had arrived.

They were all women, including his sister-in-law, Zhong Wenjin. As the eldest brother-in-law, how could he sit at the same table with these women?

But if he were to eat alone in another room, how could he have any appetite?

After much consideration, he decided to send Gui Ye to invite his second brother, Song Shirui, and his third brother, Song Shiqian.

Song Shirui, a meat lover, and Song Shiqian, who had endured two years at the Xishan mines and now enjoyed eating anything, promptly arrived at Dangui Courtyard when invited by their elder brother for lamb hot pot.

Zhong Wenjin felt a bit embarrassed seeing her husband come to join the dinner unexpectedly.

Halfway through, she excused herself to return to Qingzhu Courtyard. When she came back, she was carrying a wine jug, and two maids followed her, each holding a wine jug as well.

The wine jars were placed on the table, and when the seals were opened, Jiang Chun sniffed a few times, revealing a quirky smile on her face.

"Wow, Zhong Wenjin actually brought three jars of beer."

Yes, it was definitely beer, no doubt about it!

She had drunk plenty of beer in her previous life and could recognize its smell even if it was mixed with something else.

It must be said, Zhong Wenjin knew how to live; she understood that hot pot and beer were the perfect match!

This gift struck a chord with Jiang Chun.

Jiang Chun wasn’t stingy either; she went into the inner room and brought out a jar of plum wine, which she had obtained during a visit to a winery in Shaoxing City.

She boasted, “This is plum wine, a top-quality wine from Shaoxing that my husband and I brought all the way from Shaoxing Prefecture to Qi Prefecture, and then into the Imperial City.

I would have heartache if I gave it to outsiders, but I’m willing to share it with our family."

This jar of plum wine was the best among six, and although her words were exaggerated, the wine was indeed top-quality.

Song Shiying raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Top-quality plum wine from Shaoxing? How come I’ve never heard of it.

Isn’t the best wine in Shaoxing Jinhua wine, Huadiao wine, and yellow wine?”

Jiang Chun lied without batting an eye. “That’s because you’re uninformed. The plum wine in Shaoxing is scarce and expensive. People without connections can’t even buy it.

I was lucky and managed to get a few jars by chance.

You provincial folks, you’re lucky to broaden your horizons thanks to me!”

Song Shiying retorted, “We’re not provincial folks, you’re the provincial folk!

Hmph, you’re bragging so much now, but when we taste it later, it might be worse than slop, and then we’ll see how you can save face!”

Jiang Chun said with a smile, “What do I have to worry about? Anyway, you, a porker, would still drink slop happily.”

“Ahhh, big sister-in-law, you actually called me a porker!” Song Shiying leaped up, trying to tackle Jiang Chun.

Jiang Chun deliberately teased her and ran into the main room, lifting her skirt.

The two of them circled the tables and chairs in the main room.

Song Shiqian saw this scene for the first time, gaping, and after a long while, he struggled to say, “Big sister-in-law is extremely lively……”

Song Shian sipped his tea calmly. “This is just the beginning. You’ll see, there are plenty more lively moments from your big sister-in-law in the future.”

Song Shiqian: “???”

How many times had his big brother been ‘put through the wringer’ by his big sister-in-law to be able to say something so casually?

It must have been quite a challenge.

But although big sister-in-law’s personality wasn’t particularly ladylike, she was a good person, generous to him, willing to spend money to buy him some foreign ointment.

Ever since he applied this foreign ointment, his hands and feet had stopped itching, and the chilblains were gradually shrinking.

I believe it won’t take more than three to five days for it to mostly clear up.

Of course, Second Sister-in-law is also a good person. If it weren’t for her helping to run errands, even if I wanted to buy the foreign ointment for chilblains with my own money, I wouldn’t have been able to find a place to buy it.

“Grandma, I’ve brought the mahjong.”

Gui Zhi walked in with a wooden box in her hand, inside which was the mahjong.

Though Jiang Chun paid for this set of mahjong, she had placed it in the main courtyard for the family to play with.

The set intended for Princess Xinchang hadn’t been delivered because she hasn’t had time, but items meant for gifting shouldn’t be used for playing.

She asked Gui Zhi, “What did Madam say?”

When Jiang Chun sent Gui Zhi to retrieve the mahjong from the main courtyard, she also invited Madame Zhuang to Dangui Courtyard for hotpot.

Jiang Chun was certain she wouldn’t come. After all, being a senior, her presence would make the younger generation feel uneasy.

However, whether she came or not was one thing; her invitation was another matter.

Gui Zhi replied, “Madam said she’s been feeling bored lately and isn’t in the mood for mutton hotpot. She asked Grandma to enjoy it herself.”

Jiang Chun nodded, “Understood.”

She ran to the Eight Immortals table and sat down first, then waved at Zhong Wenjin, “Second Sister-in-law, I’ve brought the mahjong. Come on, teach us how to play.”

Zhong Wenjin sat down next to Jiang Chun and smiled, “We need two more; mahjong needs four players.”

Song Shiying came running over and plopped herself down opposite Jiang Chun.

Zhong Wenjin smiled and said, “You two are opponents. Third Sister, you need to watch out.”

Jiang Chun gave Zhong Wenjin a sideways glance and said coquettishly, “Second Sister-in-law, why warn Third Sister instead of me?

You know, I’m someone with a simple mind and strong body. I haven’t even learned arithmetic yet, so I can’t match Second Sister, who has studied for several years.”

Zhong Wenjin looked quickly in Song Shian’s direction and teased, “It’s fine that Big Sister isn’t good at arithmetic. There’s always Big Brother, right?

As we all know, Big Brother has a photographic memory. A mere hundred tiles? He could probably remember them all with one glance.

Luckily, we’re not playing for money today. Otherwise, my few taels of silver would probably end up in Big Sister’s purse in just a few rounds.”

“That won’t happen,” Jiang Chun shook her head firmly, “A true gentleman doesn’t give unsolicited advice while watching a game. If I’m playing, what’s the point of him pointing fingers?

I wouldn’t stoop to such underhanded victories!

I’ll win against you all with my own skills!”

Song Shiying undermined her, “With your ‘clever head,’ Big Sister, it might be hard to win against us.”

Jiang Chun glared at her, “With my clever head, I could beat you until you cry for help.”

Song Shiying immediately protested, “Big Sister, a gentleman uses words, not violence!”

Jiang Chun grinned, “I’m a woman, not a gentleman, so I use both words and actions.”

The two continued to bicker without restraint.

Zhong Wenjin waited until they were done bickering and then asked Song Shichu and Song Shiyue, “We’re still missing one person. Who among you is joining?”

Song Shichu modestly said, “Let Fourth Sister play. My arithmetic isn't good either. Even though we're not playing for money, it would still be quite embarrassing to keep losing.”

Song Shiyue said with a pout, “Second Sister, our arithmetic is pretty much the same, and you're actually a bit better than me. If you don't dare to play, then I definitely won't dare to either.”

Song Shichu waved her hand and said, “Fourth Sister, don't be humble. Sit down quickly, or Big Sister-in-law might get angry and scold you if you make her wait too long.”

Song Shiyue covered her mouth and chuckled, “Big Sister-in-law is having too much fun bickering with Third Sister. How would she get so anxious?”

“Hey, I've got ears, I can hear what you're saying.”

Jiang Chun gave them each a dirty look and said with a smile, “If you two want to be polite, go ahead, but why drag me, an unrelated person, into this?

Alright, stop dilly-dallying. Just play rock-paper-scissors. Whoever wins gets to sit.”

The young ladies from noble families often attended banquets and were quite skilled at drinking games and rock-paper-scissors.

Both Song Shichu and Song Shiyue thought deciding the winner with rock-paper-scissors was a good idea, so they both put their hands behind their backs.

The rule was best of three, and after three rounds, Song Shichu won one round, and Song Shiyue won two.

So the last seat was taken by the winner, Song Shiyue.

Once the four were seated, Zhong Wenjin laid out the mahjong tiles on the table and first taught everyone how to shuffle the tiles and build the wall.

Song Shian and two others also came over to listen, putting their tea aside.

It would save them from having to relearn it all later, wasting Zhong Wenjin's efforts.

After building the wall, Zhong Wenjin began explaining the rules, and after the explanation, she led them through three practice rounds.

With her previous life's mahjong experience as a foundation, Jiang Chun was the best among the new players.

She said proudly, “I guess I underestimated myself. My brain actually works pretty well.”

Song Shian: “……”

Though the characters on the mahjong weren't in Dashi script, he guessed they were likely from the place where Jiang Chun and the others were from.

It wasn't that her mind was sharp; she was clearly a seasoned player pretending to be a beginner, someone who already knew how to play mahjong!

But he couldn't expose her, so he had to insincerely praise her, “My lady is indeed clever.”

This woman had already confessed about the sign-in system artifact but still didn't dare to admit she wasn't the original owner.

As if she confessed, would he treat her like a demon or monster and burn her to death?

She didn't even have this basic trust in him.

After a mental complaint, he couldn't help but feel guilty and pressed his lips together.

He still hadn't dared to reveal his secret of being reborn, so how could he demand her to confess that she had switched souls?

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

They both kept their secrets, and wasn't that fine?

Song Shiying couldn't stand to see Jiang Chun so smug and said threateningly, “Big Sister-in-law, don't be too proud. I've completely figured out how to play mahjong. You're going to lose in a bit.”

Jiang Chun said confidently, “If you've got the skills, come at me!”

Jiang Chun and Song Shiying were about to start bickering when suddenly Jin'er, the maidservant of Song Shiying, walked in and whispered a few words in her ear.

Song Shiying immediately exclaimed, "Oh!"

Seeing that everyone was looking at her, she didn't keep them in suspense and said directly, "Jin'er's father went out shopping and heard news about the Cheng family. It is said that Cheng Wenyuan and Fan Lizhou, the illegitimate sixth young master of Anqing Duke's household, are set to undergo the formal engagement on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month."

The formal engagement, also known as the "naceng," is part of the traditional betrothal process, commonly referred to as the delivery of betrothal gifts.

Everyone turned to Song Shian.

After looking at Song Shian, they glanced at Jiang Chun's reaction.

"Nine Bamboos," Jiang Chun calmly discarded a tile and said with a smile, "Guess if Eldest Miss Cheng and Fan the Butcher will get married?"

Before anyone could reply, she answered herself, "I guess they will."

Cheng Wenyuan definitely wouldn't want to marry Fan the Butcher. Even as an illegitimate son of the Anqing Duke's household, he was still beneath her notice.

But for the sake of preserving her family's honor, she had no choice but to accept this solution to save face.

However, Jiang Chun guessed that she must be planning a marriage in name only, only wanting to be nominal husband and wife with Fan the Butcher.

For Fan the Butcher, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transcend social classes. How could he possibly let the opportunity that fell into his lap slip away?

The two of them—she would run, he would chase—their married life would be quite a show!

Too bad Jiang Chun didn't have a gossip system bound to her; otherwise, she could have enjoyed the first-hand gossip about them, which would have been quite interesting.

Song Shiying pouted and disagreed, "It's hard to say. Cheng Wenyuan is very scheming and has always had her eyes on Big Brother. She might stir up some trouble again.

Big Sister-in-law, you can't let your guard down; you need to be wary of her.

Don't let her drug you and put you in a bridal sedan chair, replacing her as the bride, like in those novels."

"Ha," Jiang Chun laughed outright.

She said helplessly, "What kind of nonsense do you read all day? Doesn't Auntie bother to discipline you?

She has to marry Fan the Butcher to hide the scandal that happened that day at Anqing Duke's household.

If she causes trouble, how can she cover up her own scandal?

When rumors fly everywhere, how can she still maintain her position in the capital? She'd probably have no choice but to become a nun and live in seclusion."

At least before the marriage, Cheng Wenyuan should behave herself and not think about taking revenge on her.

As for after the marriage...

She would help them out, assisting the couple in starting a family soon.

She would run, he would chase, and she would find it hard to escape—such a grand drama of imprisonment, forced love, and fleeing with a child.

If Fan the Butcher didn't understand, she could "teach" him for free.

It’s better to destroy ten temples than to break a marriage. Oh, what a helpful and kind-hearted person I am!