Chapter 30

Although he was young, the boys of the Jiang family were quite tall. At only twelve years old, Jiang Songbo was already a head taller than Jiang Peihuan.

Seeing Jiang Peihuan take out a handkerchief, he deliberately lowered his head

“Did you come from Mother’s garden, Eldest Sister?”

“Yes, discussing with Third Aunt about going to Lingyun Temple to offer incense tomorrow. Since you’re back today, you can join us tomorrow.”

“I’m going too? Burning incense is usually done by women. What should I do there?”

“Don’t talk nonsense. No one said that boys can’t offer incense.”

Hearing Jiang Songbai’s words, Jiang Peihuan gently scolded him with a smile.

He also smiled. “Since you’re going, I’ll join you.”

“Alright, go back and change your clothes. Don’t run around when you’re sweaty. Be careful not to catch a cold. If you fall sick, Third Aunt will be worried. You…”

“Eldest Sister, you’re almost as naggy as Mother.”

Jiang Songbo dragged out his tone and ran away with a smile when he saw Jiang Peihuan frowning.

Watching his back, Jiang Peihuan smiled but soon revealed a complicated expression.

Jiang Songbai was full of vitality at this moment, almost unrecognizable from the bloodied younger brother she last saw in her previous life.

In this life, she could not let those tragedies repeat themselves.

Early in the morning, as the sky was just getting light, Yue Er walked into Jiang Peihuan’s room.

“Miss, why are you awake so early? I was going to wake you up.”

“It’s getting late. I think Grandmother has woken up. Let’s pack up and go to the Chrysanthemum Hall.”

“Yes.”

Jiang Peihuan, with Ye Xiao and Yue Er, entered the Chrysanthemum Hall. Upon reaching the door, they heard Old Madam Jiang’s laughter and Jiang Songbai’s voice.

“Grandmother, after I learn archery, I’ll definitely hunt the best pheasant for you to eat.”

Everyone in the mansion knew that Old Madam Jiang liked to eat wild animals on the mountain.

Hearing Jiang Songbai’s words, Old Madam Jiang’s eyes twinkled with joy. “Alright, I’ll be waiting for my grandson’s pheasant.”

“Could you share a bowl with me when the time comes?”

“Eldest Sister, why did you only arrive now? I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan, Jiang Songbo’s smile widened. Old Madam Jiang also smiled and said, “Why are you up so early? A young lady should sleep a little longer.”

“I went to bed early yesterday, so I woke up erly.”

“Grandmother, I’m here!”

As soon as Jiang Peihuan finished speaking, Jiang Sijin burst in like a firecracker, rushing to Old Madam Jiang’s side.

“Song Bai, why are you back?”

“What Song Bai? Call me third brother.”

When Jiang Sijin sat down beside the old madam, she saw Jiang Songbai and called out excitedly.

Jiang Songbai and Jiang Sijin were born in the same year, just three months apart. They had been close since they were young, and they enjoyed playing together.

Now, when she heard Jiang Songbai’s words, she retorted, “I don’t want to. You’re only three months older than me.”

“Three months still makes me older. Call me brother.”

“Grandmother, look at Jiang Songbai. He’s bullying me.”

Jiang Sijin turned to look at Old Madam Jiang and complained openly.

At this moment, the curtain was opened again. It was Jiang Ruyun.

Seeing her, the old madam frowned. “Why are you up too? You’re still in your confinement period.”

“Grandmother, my body is no longer in danger. I heard that you’re bringing the family to Lingyun Temple to offer incense. I also want to go and pray for my father and uncle’s safety. Please let me go with you.”

After all, she was her own granddaughter. Looking at Jiang Ruyun’s pleading eyes, the old madam nodded. “Since you’re here, let’s go together.”

An hour later, the old madam led Liu Xiu and all the children of the Jiang family to Lingyun Temple.

Lingyun Temple was located on a mountain outside the city. To offer incense, people usually had to go early.

“Grandmother, I want to ride a horse too.”

Jiang Sijin was sitting in the carriage. When she saw Jiang Songbai on horseback, she hurriedly called out to the old madam.

“You can ride a horse, but don’t ride too fast.”

The people of Qi state were more open-minded, and women were free to go out. Moreover, the General’s Mansion valued martial arts, so the old madam didn’t object to Sijin’s words.

After Jiang Sijin left the carriage, only Jiang Peihuan and Jiang Ruyun were left inside.

The two of them were silent. In the end, it was Jiang Ruyun who took the initiative to speak, “Big Sister, I’ve already heard about Lan Zhi from my mother. Thank you.”

“Although Huainan Mansion promised to send Lan Zhi away, she is Xu Er’s mother after all. So after you marry into Huainan Mansion, you must be extra cautious.”

“Yes, I’ll remember.”

Seeing that Jiang Ruyun was willing to listen, Jiang Peihuan continued, “When you marry into the Huainan Mansion, they will definitely make things difficult for you. Although she is an elder, you have the support of the General’s Mansion. Don’t be too accommodating.”

“If there’s anything difficult, let Lan Er inform Second Aunt.”

“Big sister, don’t worry. Once I marry into the Huainan Mansion, I will certainly serve the queen well. I believe she won’t make things difficult for me then.”

Jiang Peihuan was left speechless.

She decided to let it go, knowing that everyone had their own destiny and couldn’t be forced.

“Young Miss, we have arrived.”

As the sky began to brighten, Jiang Peihuan followed the old madam into Lingyun Temple.

The abbot was already waiting for them. Seeing the old madam, he slowly approached her. “Old madam, welcome.”

“Apologies for disturbing you today, Abbot.”

The abbot of Lingyun Temple, Master Wukong, was already in his eighties but appeared to be in great spirits.

The old madam’s eyes filled with respect when she saw him.

It wasn’t time to offer incense yet. The old madam glanced at the children behind her and instructed Jiang Peihuan, “Huan Er, take them for a walk around the back mountain, but make sure they don’t cause any trouble.”

“Understood, Grandmother.”

The old madam left with the abbot, and Liu Xiu accompanied her.

As soon as they departed, Jiang Sijin said to Jiang Peihuan, “Big sister, the peaches on the back mountain must be ripe by now. I want to pick some and have a taste.”

With that, she ran off. Seeing her figure, Jiang Peihuan quickly glanced at Jiang Songbai. Before she could speak, Jiang Songbai whispered, “Big sister, I’ll go and keep an eye on her.”

“Alright, go ahead. Just make sure she doesn’t cause any trouble.”

“Big sister, I’m going to rest in the side room.”

Jiang Ruyun hadn’t felt anything while in the carriage, but after walking for a while, she started feeling very uncomfortable.

Hearing her words, Jiang Peihuan nodded in agreement.

Now, only Jiang Peihuan was left. After a moment of thought, she walked along a small path to the side. However, she hadn’t gone far when she sensed someone following her.

Furrowing her brow, Jiang Peihuan pulled out the long black whip from her waist. As the sound behind her drew nearer, she swiftly whipped it backward.

“Wait… Stop, it’s me.”

Seeing Jiang Peihuan about to strike again, Xiao Junhao quickly called out.

Jiang Peihuan turned around and saw Xiao Junhao holding his arm. Her eyes were filled with complex emotions and intense resentment.