Chapter 127

Chapter 127

When Jiang Chun had someone deliver premium Da Hong Pao to the main courtyard, Song Shian was beside her.

However, he didn’t think much of it, assuming it was just ordinary Da Hong Pao that Jiang Chun had obtained from her sign-in system artifact.

After dinner, when Jiang Chun had Gui Zhi brew two bowls of Da Hong Pao, he picked up the lidded bowl and tasted it, only to realize something was off.

He quickly asked, “Did you send this quality of tea to the main courtyard as well?”

Jiang Chun said proudly, “Of course! How could we drink the good stuff while letting father and mother drink the inferior one? I’m not that unfilial.”

Song Shian was speechless.

Honestly, it’s not like you need to be that over-the-top with your filial piety.

But since it was well-intentioned, he couldn’t bring himself to scold her, only lightly instructing, “You’re not allowed to give away the premium Da Hong Pao you have, not even to the main courtyard.”

He then stood up and gently said, “My lady, go take a bath first. I need to head to the main courtyard for something.”

With that, he walked out.

Even Jiang Chun, slow as she was, realized that giving Madame Zhuang a pound of premium Da Hong Pao might have been a bit inappropriate.

She felt a little uneasy.

*

At the main courtyard, when Song Shian arrived, Song Zhen Ting and Madame Zhuang had already finished dinner and were leisurely sipping tea opposite each other.

He bowed in greeting and then, smiling faintly, asked, “Father, Mother, how does the premium Da Hong Pao that Chunniang sent compare to the tribute Da Hong Pao of our Great Zhou?”

Song Zhen Ting praised sincerely, “It’s excellent. The taste is exactly the same as our Great Zhou’s tribute Da Hong Pao.”

Madame Zhuang also chimed in, “If Chunniang hadn’t mentioned it was from a foreign country, I would have sworn it was the imperial tribute Da Hong Pao.”

Song Shian, always dramatic, said, “Father, Mother, you are indeed tea experts to have immediately recognized this as our Great Zhou’s tribute Da Hong Pao.”

Song Zhen Ting: “???”

Madame Zhuang: “???”

Both looked at him, clearly puzzled.

After a moment, Madame Zhuang said doubtfully, “But Chunniang said it was premium Da Hong Pao from a foreign land…”

Coughing lightly, Song Shian brazenly lied, “I had to lie to her. If word got out, it could stir up trouble.”

Hearing this, Song Zhen Ting frowned and asked seriously, “What exactly is going on?”

Seeing that his son was still standing, he pointed to the armchair below and said, “Sit and talk.”

Seated in the armchair, Song Shian explained slowly, “I previously helped my brother-in-law resolve a major issue, and he rewarded me with two pounds of tribute Da Hong Pao.

Although this Da Hong Pao was indeed bestowed by the Emperor, the Emperor forbade my brother-in-law from telling others to avoid comparisons and jealousy.

After receiving the reward, I didn’t dare tell her the truth, so I lied and told her it was premium Da Hong Pao from a foreign land. I also forbade her from giving it away casually.

But who knew she had someone deliver a pound to the main courtyard…”

At this point, he chuckled lightly, “Well, giving it to you guys isn’t exactly 'giving it away,' right?”

Madame Zhuang feigned a look of sudden understanding. "So that's how it is."

After all, if the premium Da Hong Pao from the foreign lands were of the same quality as the tribute Da Hong Pao, it would have been the talk of the town and snapped up immediately. How could she not have heard about it by now?

It seemed that Jiang Chun had been misled by her eldest son.

Song Zhen Ting shot Song Shi An a sidelong glance.

His son's vagueness suggested that this so-called "big trouble" couldn't be discussed openly.

Even as his father, when it came to matters involving the Crown Prince, his son-in-law, he couldn't casually ask, for fear of overstepping boundaries.

So he simply nodded. "Got it."

After a pause, he added, "Rest assured, even if I hadn't known about this, I had already instructed your mother that this pound of Da Hong Pao is only for our family to drink. It shouldn't be used to entertain guests or be given away."

Song Shi An "praised" him, "Father is indeed shrewd and farsighted."

Madame Zhuang couldn't hold back a burst of laughter.

Song Zhen Ting glared at Song Shi An and said with annoyance, "Don't spend all your time after work getting lovey-dovey with your wife. Look at you, she's turning you into a softie."

Before Song Shi An could respond, Madame Zhuang chimed in with a reproach, "Now, dear, don't say that. If you don't let him spend time with Chunniang, how will we ever get grandchildren?"

Song Zhen Ting: "..."

Even the usually stern father found himself at a loss for words.

Having a mature and steady son was important, but having grandchildren was equally crucial.

At that moment, Song Shi An suddenly stood up and said, "If there are no further instructions from you, Father and Mother, I will go back and have grandchildren with Chunniang."

After saying that, he gave a respectful salute and left calmly.

Song Zhen Ting: "..."

Madame Zhuang: "..."

At this point, even Madame Zhuang couldn't help her eldest son save face.

*

Back at Dangui Courtyard, as soon as Jiang Chun saw Song Shi An return, she immediately went up to him and asked anxiously, "Is everything alright?"

Song Shi An reached out to touch Jiang Chun's slightly damp hair and asked Gui Zhi to bring a cloth towel. As he helped her dry her hair, he laughed and explained the excuse he had come up with.

After listening, Jiang Chun let out a sigh of relief. "That's good, that's good."

Song Shi An, worried that there might be a next time, patiently explained the reason for finding an excuse. "The tribute Da Hong Pao is precious. Even your godmother, the Crown Princess and sister of the Emperor, might not be able to get a pound of it.

If you casually offer a pound of premium Da Hong Pao that tastes exactly like the tribute Da Hong Pao, how could it not arouse suspicion?

And if they really believed your story and came to ask you about the whereabouts of the foreign merchant caravan, how would you handle it?

Don't underestimate these people's obsession with premium Da Hong Pao. You can't just randomly give them a location because they will dig deep and investigate thoroughly.

And you, including your second sister-in-law, are people who cannot withstand detailed scrutiny."

Jiang Chun nodded repeatedly.

Although she was someone who loved to stubbornly refuse to admit her mistakes, it depended on the situation.

"At the moment, she quickly apologized, 'I was only thinking about showing filial respect to Mother with good tea and wasn't thoughtful enough. I trouble you to step in and clean up my mess. I'm really sorry.'

Song Shian smiled and said, 'It’s not the first time I’ve cleaned up your mess. I’ve covered for you plenty of times before, so one more won’t make a difference.

'I’m not blaming you; I just want to explain the situation so you’ll be more careful when giving things to others in the future.

'Things that can be bought in the East and West Markets, you can give as you please. Even things that are a bit harder to get, like blood bird's nest, it’s not a big deal to give them away.

'For items that can’t be bought in the East and West Markets, it’s best to let me take a look first to avoid raising suspicion.

'After all, the foreign merchants you speak of are nonexistent, unlike your sister-in-law’s Pinduoduo Mall system, where actual merchant caravans deliver goods.'

Jiang Chun nodded obediently, 'Alright, next time I play the role of a generous person, I’ll make sure to distinguish between what can be given and what can’t.'

One pointed out the problem and gave suggestions, while the other humbly admitted her mistake and actively expressed her willingness to change.

Neither of them harbored any resentment because of this matter.

They were truly a match made in heaven.

If all couples in the world could discuss matters as calmly as they did, without blaming or shirking responsibilities, and without bringing up the past, there would be no unhappy marriages.

Song Shian pinched her earlobe and teased, 'It’s rare to see you so well-behaved. Is it only when you admit your mistakes that you’re this obedient?'

Jiang Chun stretched her hand back and lightly patted his leg, grumbling, 'Be careful, don’t tease me anymore. My face is thin, and I might get angry out of embarrassment.'

Song Shian handed the cloth towel to Gui Zhi, took a wooden comb from the dresser, and gently combed her hair, all the while laughing.

Jiang Chun snatched the wooden comb from his hand and urged him away, 'Go, go, go bathe quickly, don’t annoy me here.'

Song Shian bent down and gave her a peck on the cheek, with a meaningful look, 'Wait for me, your husband will come to serve you after bathing.'

Jiang Chun’s stern face couldn’t hold anymore, and she scolded, 'You rascal.'

He was usually calm in other matters, but when it came to this, he was more eager than an inexperienced young man.

Jiang Chun finished combing her hair, lay down on the canopy bed, and began to browse through the items in the system warehouse.

After flipping through, she found that apart from the premium Da Hong Pao, there didn’t seem to be any other questionable items.

Although some items, like Shu brocade, blood bird's nest, American ginseng, Doluo fabric, and ambergris, could not be taken out in large quantities at once, or it would arouse suspicion.

At the end of March, it was the most comfortable season, neither cold nor hot. As Jiang Chun was browsing the system warehouse, sleepiness suddenly overwhelmed her, and she dozed off, lost in a daze.

She didn’t know how long she had been asleep when she felt as if a mountain was pressing on her. Struggling to open her eyes, she saw Song Shian with his ink-black long hair spread out, lying on top of her, kissing her chest.

She complained, 'You took so long to bathe; I fell asleep from waiting.'

'I apologize for keeping you waiting,' Song Shian replied, his head slowly moving down to target her sensitive areas.

Jiang Chun was so comfortable that she couldn’t speak, only moaning.

With great patience, Song Shian brought her to climax twice before uniting with her.

They hadn’t performed their marital duties for five days since Jiang Chun’s period started."

Although it had only been five short days, Jiang Chun was once again struck by his physical prowess.

The tingling sensation started from below, rising up to her head, making her scalp go numb.

Honestly, she loved every moment of being intimate with him.

It felt so good that she convulsed and trembled uncontrollably several times that night, screaming until her voice grew hoarse.

Though she claimed they should only make love once each time, when Song Shian initiated the second round, she couldn’t help but cooperatively bend her legs.

It turned out that not only was he insatiable, but she was too.

Both of them were equally insatiable.

*

Time flew by, and soon it was April 2nd.

Today was the day Jiang Chun, the Eldest Madam of the Song family, would officially become Princess Xincheng’s goddaughter.

Even though Jiang Chun had already been using her status as Princess Xincheng’s goddaughter to stir things up for months, etiquette could not be neglected.

As such, early in the morning, the Song family hung lanterns and opened the side gate to welcome guests arriving for the ceremony.

Madame Zhuang sent out invitations to families who had been close to the Song family and, following the guest list from Princess Xincheng’s mansion, also sent invites to some relatives and less familiar families.

Following Jiang Chun’s request, an invitation was also sent to the Gu family in Chunyuan Lane.

The Gu family was the future in-laws of Jiang Chun’s cousin, Wang Yiner, and sending them an invitation was a gesture of goodwill, showing that she valued her cousin.

When Wang Yiner married into the Gu family, they would treat her with respect.

Jiang Chun was dressed festively and solemnly today. She wore a crimson square-collar robe with butterfly embroidery and pipa sleeves, and below she had a navy blue horse-faced skirt embroidered with symbols of bountiful harvest.

The combination of crimson and navy blue perfectly embodied the beauty of contrasting colors in classical Chinese aesthetics.

Her hair was styled in a dignified yet slightly playful crescent moon bun, adorned with floral hairpins, silk flowers, and a few simple hairpins.

The large blank area was reserved for Princess Xinchang to place a five-tailed phoenix hairpin, a symbol of high rank.

The Great Zhou Dynasty had strict regulations regarding phoenix hairpins.

Only the Empress Dowager and the Empress could wear nine-tailed phoenix hairpins; only the Imperial Concubine of the First Rank could wear seven-tailed phoenix hairpins; other imperial concubines, princesses, and county princesses could wear five-tailed phoenix hairpins; and the remaining concubines could only wear three-tailed phoenix hairpins.

Wives of officials with imperial edicts were treated the same as ordinary concubines in the imperial palace and could only wear three-tailed phoenix hairpins.

Originally, Jiang Chun was only qualified to wear a three-tailed phoenix hairpin, but now that she had become the adopted daughter of Princess Xinchang, her status was equivalent to that of a county princess, granting her the qualification to wear a five-tailed phoenix hairpin.

Today was a day off, and Song Shian happened to be at home.

She jokingly said to him, "This godmother is a great choice. Not only can I use her name to gain influence, but thanks to her, I can also wear a five-tailed phoenix hairpin, which will make many noblewomen envious."

Song Shian lightly stroked her bun and smiled, "What's the big deal about a five-tailed phoenix hairpin? When I become Prime Minister, I'll have your brother-in-law issue a special decree, allowing you to wear a seven-tailed phoenix hairpin, with treatment equivalent to that of an Imperial Concubine of the First Rank."

Jiang Chun was immediately astonished, her apricot eyes wide with surprise.

It wasn't the idea of being granted permission to wear a seven-tailed phoenix hairpin that surprised her; in the historical records she had read, there were precedents where the Emperor, Empress Dowager, or Empress had granted special permission for an official's wife to wear a phoenix hairpin above her rank.

What surprised her was that he actually aspired to become Prime Minister?

As they say, a soldier who doesn't aspire to be a general isn't a good soldier, and for civil officials, the ultimate goal is to enter the cabinet, which would bring immense honor to one's family for generations.

There was always something off about her.

Seeing Jiang Chun looking puzzled, Song Shian’s heart raced, and he quickly added, "The reason I got transferred to the Ministry of Personnel as the right deputy minister is because the Crown Prince, my brother-in-law, put in a good word with the Emperor."

"Only those from the Hanlin Academy can join the Imperial Cabinet, and only the ministers of the six departments can become cabinet members. I've already been through the Hanlin Academy, and working in the six departments is just a stepping stone before entering the Imperial Cabinet."

"I chose the Ministry of Personnel because Senior Minister Gao is the oldest, already fifty-eight. In just a few years, he’ll be retiring."

Jiang Chun gave an understanding "Oh" and nodded. So that was it. She had been overthinking, wondering if he had somehow become self-aware.

Thankfully, he hadn’t.

If he ever found out she was the reason behind his tragic fate, she’d be in serious trouble.

To keep him from catching on, she immediately stood up, her face beaming with a smile, and said, "Dear, you entertain yourself. I'll go help Mother receive the guests."

Song Shian smiled and said, "I won't entertain myself. My dear, you're dressed so festively. I must paint a portrait of you to record your beauty."

Jiang Chun grinned. "Looks like I’ll get an extra painting this year."

Every year on her birthday, the twenty-eighth of June, Song Shian would personally paint a picture for her as a birthday gift.

Jiang Chun treasured these paintings and kept them in her precious large chest.

Song Shian smiled slightly and said, "As long as my dear likes it."

The two of them indulged in affectionate banter for a while before Jiang Chun, along with her two personal maids, Gui Zhi and Gui Ye, went to the second gate to welcome guests.

The earliest arrivals were still relatives from Madame Zhuang's side of the family.

Unlike the last visit to the Zhuang family, this time, the second miss of the Zhuang family didn't come.

Jiang Chun asked with concern, "Aunt, why didn't you bring Second Cousin with you?"

Madame Zhuang, known for her quick speech, replied with a smile, "My second daughter has just gotten engaged and is staying home to avoid embarrassment."

Jiang Chun immediately understood.

In ancient times, once a woman was engaged, she would stay home to embroider her trousseau and no longer go out for social events. The pretext was to "avoid embarrassment."

Although in a family like the Zhuangs, the second miss certainly wouldn’t be embroidering her own trousseau, they still had to put up the appearance of doing so.

Jiang Chun said with a smile, "Congratulations to Second Cousin. Once the wedding date is set, Aunt, please let me know so I can contribute to Second Cousin’s trousseau."

It was just polite among relatives. Madame Zhuang didn’t decline but simply said with a smile, "Thank you for thinking of Rong'er."

After a few pleasantries, Jiang Chun had the older women lead them to the flower hall behind the main courtyard to rest.

After several waves of noblewomen and young ladies from wealthy and noble households arrived, Jiang Chun finally met the Gu family.

Madame Han, the birth mother of Gu Jiayi, smiled and said to Jiang Chun, "We’ve heard so much about you, Madam."

"Today, we’re finally getting the chance to meet you. You’re indeed as decisive and capable as Lady Wang described."

From Wang's perspective, Jiang Chun, being Wang Yiner's cousin and having married into another family, should be addressed as Madam.

Being called "you" by someone nearly sixty made Jiang Chun feel a bit uncomfortable.

She humbly said, "Madam, you flatter me. I don’t deserve such praise."

Upon seeing this, Mrs. Han changed the subject and shared some good news with Jiang Chun, "Dear Cousin Jiang, the engagement between Miss Wang and my son has been set for the sixth day of June this year. We will be hosting a celebration banquet on that day. If you are available, please do come and join us for a drink."

Even though Gu Jiayi was still serving as an official in Prefecture Qi and Wang Yiner was in Hongye Town, we must still observe proper etiquette as a prominent family.

This also indicated that Mrs. Han, as the matriarch, genuinely cared for her illegitimate son Gu Jiayi and was earnestly arranging the marriage proceedings for him.

Jiang Chun agreed, "It's still over two months away, so I can't say for sure if I'll be free, but if I can make it, I'll definitely stop by for a drink at the celebration."

A smile immediately appeared on Mrs. Han's face, "Then we shall look forward to your presence, Cousin Jiang."

Just after Jiang Chun had someone lead the Gu family members inside, a servant hurriedly reported that Princess Xinchang had arrived.

Jiang Chun immediately ordered, "Quickly open the main gate."

The main gate of a prominent family's residence was not usually opened, but Princess Xinchang was no ordinary person. She was the sister of the old emperor.

Whenever she visited someone, they were expected to immediately open their main gate to welcome her.

Jiang Chun hurried to the main entrance and saw Princess Xinchang about to step down from her carriage with the help of Nanny He.

Jiang Chun swiftly rushed forward, scooped her up in a bridal carry, spun around, and gently set her down.

Before Princess Xinchang could react, she was already standing firm, with her surprise caught in her throat.

After a moment, she glared at Jiang Chun and said with a straight face, "What a reckless move! How unbecoming! Do you want me to regret and leave before the formal greeting ceremony?"

Jiang Chun supported Princess Xinchang's arm and helped her walk inside, smiling, "Godmother, I'm being filial to you, saving you the effort of getting down.

I'll only be this filial to you. If others wanted me to be this filial to them, I wouldn't even want to."

Ironically, it really was a 'princess carry'—a perfect example of life imitating art.

Princess Xinchang snorted, "You're just feeding me sweet talk. No matter how much sweet talk you feed me, I won't give you a single penny."

Jiang Chun played dumb, "I don't care about copper or silver, Godmother. All I want is gold—lots and lots of gold!"

Princess Xinchang: "..."

She had never encountered anyone who spoke quite like this.

Every time she talked to this girl, she ended up being rendered speechless.

However, to be fair, occasionally listening to her rambling tales was somewhat entertaining.

Jiang Chun continued to joke and chat, escorting Princess Xinchang to the main courtyard.

Upon seeing Madam Zhuang, Madame Li, and Mrs. Han rushing out to greet her, Princess Xinchang's raised lips subtly returned to a neutral expression.

The three sisters-in-law knelt and bowed respectfully, after which Madam Zhuang quickly led Princess Xinchang into the east wing room to sit in the place of honor.

The relatives sitting in the back flower hall, upon hearing that Princess Xinchang had arrived, came over to pay their respects.

Princess Xinchang ruthlessly sent them away, "Go sit at the back. I don't need you to attend to me here."

Jiang Chun's lips curled into a wry smile.

Princess Xinchang's reclusive and socially distant demeanor remained unwavering, never faltering.

Just as they were chatting, a young maid rushed in to announce, "Madam, Madam Jiang, Princess Anyuan has arrived."

As soon as the words left her mouth, another maid rushed in, panting and said, "Madam, Madam, Anhe County Princess has arrived."

Jiang Chun: “……”

Hold on, why are both of you rivals showing up here?

Madame Zhuang didn’t send invitations to either of you.

Everyone in the Imperial City knows about your fight over Anping Commandery Prince. Madame Zhuang would have to be crazy to invite both of you at the same time.

Is she trying to make the recognition ceremony more exciting by inviting you two to throw down?

Anping Commandery Prince has already been exiled by the old emperor, but you two still can’t let it go?

And that’s not even the worst part.

Another maid rushed in, saying, “Madam, Madam, Princess Fortunes has arrived.”

Jiang Chun: “……”

Fantastic, now her rival(?) is here too. This is going to be even more entertaining.

But Jiang Chun wasn’t worried about her.

Even before Princess Xinchang became her godmother, she hadn’t taken any losses from her.

Now that she was Princess Xinchang’s goddaughter, why would she fear this princess?

If she dared to provoke her, Jiang Chun would give her a good beating.

She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, it’s too bad Princess Jincheng didn’t come. Otherwise, a 2v2 would have been even more fun, wouldn’t it?