Jiang Yunshu froze.
For a moment, she couldn’t believe her ears.
Xie Lin had clearly seen her open her eyes… Was he blatantly helping her cheat?
Jiang Yunshu recalled the last time she returned to the Marquis's Mansion, when Xie Lin had declared with unshakable certainty, "The second daughter of the Marquis's Mansion is not named Jiang Yunshu."
She knew that once those words left Xie Lin’s lips, they would become reality. The Marquis's Mansion had probably spent the past few days frantically rewriting their family records.
What had the Marquis changed "Jiang Yunshu" to?
But whatever it was, it no longer had anything to do with her.
Jiang Yunshu mused to herself. She had often heard that Xie Lin wielded immense power, but witnessing it firsthand was another matter entirely.
His words were law—even if they were false, once spoken by him, they became truth.
If he said she was not the second daughter of the Marquis's Mansion, who would dare claim otherwise?
He had even allowed her to return to visit Concubine Qiao… So what if she had lost the bet?
But if Xie Lin had already made up his mind, why had he bothered making that wager with her?
If the outcome didn’t matter to him, then it must have been about the process… The sensation of keeping her eyes closed yesterday had indeed been different from when they were merely covered…
Jiang Yunshu’s cheeks burned, and she quickly shook off those wandering thoughts!
Why had Xie Lin agreed to her request? What kind of man was he, really?
Curiosity gnawed at her, but she dared not dwell on it. The most urgent matter now was to see Concubine Qiao before Xie Lin changed his mind.
This time, Jiang Yunshu returned to the Marquis's Mansion alone.
She had expected a modest retinue, but the procession was just as grand as before—a hundred imperial guards clearing the streets, followed by countless attendants.
The moment she stepped outside and saw the guards and palace servants, her heart nearly leaped out of her chest.
"Grand… Grand Steward, a few guards for my safety would suffice. There’s no need for such extravagance, is there?" Jiang Yunshu ventured cautiously.
Xie Lin cast her a cold glance. "Anyone—or anything—leaving Weiyang Palace must have the proper display of status. Even a dog."
Jiang Yunshu: "…………"
With that, what else could she say?
She forced a smile. "Thank you, Grand Steward."
Without Xie Lin present, Jiang Yunshu had Taoye, Zhezhi, Xiazhi, and Xiaoman join her in the carriage.
The six-horse-drawn vehicle was spacious enough to seat all five of them comfortably, with room to spare.
Zhezhi listened to the crisp clatter of the guards’ horses outside and couldn’t resist lifting the curtain for a quick peek.
"Ah—!" She gasped. "Even imperial consorts returning home don’t receive such a grand escort!"
Taoye shot her a sharp look. "Nonsense! If you dare utter such reckless words again and bring trouble upon our lady, I’ll have to punish you!"
Zhezhi immediately bowed her head. "I won’t speak carelessly again!"
Their lady had been willing to sacrifice her own eyes to save their lives. Now that they were back by her side, the least they could do was avoid causing her any trouble.
Jiang Yunshu offered Zhezhi a reassuring smile but didn’t contradict Taoye. "We should all be cautious," she agreed.
Suddenly, the carriage took an unexpected turn. Jiang Yunshu lifted the curtain and frowned. "This… We’ve taken the wrong road!"
"The Marquis's Mansion is two intersections ahead before turning!"
"Quickly, inform the lead carriage—they’ve gone the wrong way!" she called to the guard riding alongside them.
"Yes, my lady." The guard bowed and galloped ahead to relay the message.
Moments later, he returned, keeping his gaze respectfully averted as he announced, "The lead driver insists this is the correct route, my lady. The Marquis's Mansion has opened a new gate, and today’s procession will enter through it."
Jiang Yunshu was baffled. "Ah… I see…"
Had she misheard? Why would the Marquis's Mansion suddenly open a new gate?
Or had the guard misunderstood? Perhaps it was merely a seldom-used side entrance being opened today?
But no… There were no side gates in this direction…
When the carriage finally halted before a brand-new gate, Jiang Yunshu’s eyes widened in shock.
Huh? Since when did the Marquis's Mansion have this gate?
Wait—since when was there a towering wall cutting straight through the estate?
The newly erected wall, still unfinished with exposed bricks, cleanly divided the mansion in two. Yunshu Courtyard, Concubine Qiao’s Qiushuang Courtyard, and the vast bamboo grove to the west had all been sectioned off.
"My lady, what in the world is this?" Taoye and Zhezhi were equally stunned.
Jiang Yunshu had a strong suspicion this was Xie Lin’s doing. She sent Taoye to fetch Chunfen, who might have answers.
Chunfen returned promptly with an explanation: "The Grand Steward said Lady Jiang would naturally wish to visit Concubine Qiao in the future. However, the Marquis's Mansion is crowded and chaotic—a displeasing environment. Since no suitable residence in the capital was immediately available for Concubine Qiao, he simply partitioned her courtyard. This way, my lady won’t have to encounter… undesirable individuals during future visits."
Jiang Yunshu was speechless.
She stared up at the nearly completed wall. "When did the Grand Steward order this?"
Chunfen replied, "The construction began the day after your last visit, my lady."
Jiang Yunshu clenched her fists. Xie Lin had planned this all along—yet he’d still made her… made her play that ridiculous game with her eyes closed!
Entering through the new gate, they reached Concubine Qiao’s courtyard in no time.
As Jiang Yunshu surveyed the bisected estate, a fierce satisfaction surged through her.
Their side might only consist of the modest Yunshu Courtyard and Qiushuang Courtyard, but the bamboo grove was enormous!
She had lost count of how many times Lady Hou had complained about the grove, wanting to clear half of it for a small lake.
Now it all belonged to them!
The other half of the mansion, though slightly larger in area, was packed with occupants—Old Madam’s quarters, the main residence of the Marquis and Lady Hou, the courtyards of Eldest Sister, Third Younger Sister, and Fourth Younger Sister… all crammed together.
Jiang Yunshu quietly schemed. Perhaps she could sell a few pieces of jewelry to fund the digging of a lake right in the middle of the bamboo grove.
Just imagine Lady Hou’s face when she saw the very lake she had desired now gracing their side of the wall!
With that delightful thought, Jiang Yunshu stepped over the threshold and pushed aside the curtain, her eyes landing on Concubine Qiao, who reclined weakly against the bed.
Concubine Qiao’s complexion had improved—though still pale, her lips now held a hint of color.
Jiang Yunshu rushed forward, grasping her hands tightly. "Mother—!"
Tears streamed down Concubine Qiao’s face as she beheld her daughter. "I never thought… never imagined…"
She had never expected to survive, let alone see Jiang Yunshu—whom she had believed long dead—alive and well.
How wonderful… How truly wonderful!
