"Don’t worry, Mother," he said casually. "We’ll discuss it once we’ve settled in the capital."
"Good, good." Madam Lin’s face softened into a smile.
For so many years, her greatest regret had been her second son. As a child, he gave up studying to support the family, and at fourteen, he went off to the brutal battlefield to pay the taxes, delaying his marriage until now.
Now, she only hoped he could make up for lost time and marry soon.
For Yue Yao, life on the ship was leisurely. Each day, she simply kept Madam Lin company and sorted through her late husband’s belongings.
With servants now handling the laundry and cooking, she found herself unaccustomed to the idleness. Often, she retreated to her room to practice calligraphy using the copybooks he had left her.
Her father had been an accountant, and though the family was poor, she had learned to read and write through exposure. However, her handwriting was still poor.
Her husband’s calligraphy, on the other hand, was exquisite—graceful and refined, much like the man himself. Over the past year, he had taught her to read and write, even creating copybooks for her to practice.
She had never enjoyed writing and often tried to slack off, but now that he was gone, these remnants were all she had left of him. So, she had brought them all with her.
She also made it a point never to go to the second deck, avoiding Ling Xiao as much as possible—that murderous, intimidating figure.
Ling Xiao, for his part, seemed equally busy, rarely leaving his study. On the rare occasions they crossed paths, he would only give her a cold glance before walking away without a word.
He seemed to despise her.
But Yue Yao didn’t mind. She had no desire to interact with him either. Once they reached the capital, they would no longer live on the same ship, and their paths would cross even less.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye, and at last, they arrived in Yanjing City.
Yue Yao had packed early and helped Madam Lin out of the cabin, only to see Ling Xiao already standing at the bow of the ship.
Dressed in a dark robe with narrow sleeves and silver-trimmed embroidery, his hair tied back with a silver crown, he stood with his hands behind his back like an unshakable mountain.
Hearing their footsteps, he turned, his sharp, chiseled features exuding an air of authority.
"Mother."
Even Madam Lin hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. "Erlang, are we about to dock?"
"We’ll be ashore shortly. Once we arrive, I’ll have someone escort you back to the estate. I must go to the palace first."
"Don’t let us delay you."
His gaze flickered to Yue Yao, who stood quietly beside Madam Lin, her head bowed, not daring to interrupt or even glance at him.
His eyes darkened slightly. She was good at pretending.
He turned to Ling Shen. "Take care of Mother."
Ling Shen, barely able to contain his excitement, grinned. "Don’t worry, Second Brother!"
Finally, he wouldn’t have to spend every moment under his brother’s watchful eye!
The ship docked at a quiet pier, cleared of onlookers by the imperial guards stationed there.
"Welcome back, Marquis!" the guards saluted in unison.
Ling Xiao strode ahead, stepping ashore with purpose. The commander of the imperial guards quickly fell into step beside him. "Marquis, His Majesty awaits you in the palace. Please proceed at once."
"Prepare my horse."
Yue Yao supported Madam Lin as they followed behind with Ling Shen. She glanced at the rows of black-armored imperial guards, their presence imposing, and at Ling Xiao’s tall, commanding figure, exuding an aura of unquestionable authority.
Her expression tightened slightly. For the first time, she truly grasped the extent of his power.
She must not offend him.
A black stallion was brought forward, and Ling Xiao mounted it, riding off in a cloud of dust.
Commander Zhang then approached them respectfully. "Madam, please come this way. A carriage has been prepared to escort you back to the Marquis’s estate."
Madam Lin nodded hastily. "Very well."
Yue Yao helped her into the carriage, and soon they were on their way.
Their luggage was handled by servants, loaded onto carts to follow behind.
As the carriage moved slowly down Vermilion Bird Street, Yue Yao lifted the curtain, taking in the bustling city—teahouses, bamboo pavilions, opera stages with performers singing, and vendors hawking their wares.
"So this is the capital," she murmured, unable to look away.
Madam Lin sighed. "It truly lives up to its name. So much livelier than our little town!"
"If Mother likes it, I’ll accompany you on an outing another day."
Madam Lin relaxed further. "That would be lovely."
After about a quarter of an hour, the carriage came to a stop.
A voice outside announced respectfully, "Madam, we’ve arrived."
Yue Yao helped Madam Lin step out—and froze at the sight before her.
A towering estate loomed ahead, its grandeur overwhelming. Above the gates hung a golden plaque inscribed with the words: "First-Rank Military Marquis’s Estate."
A crowd of servants stood waiting outside, bowing in unison as they descended. "We greet the Madam."
Madam Lin was speechless. She had known her son held a high position, but she hadn’t imagined it was to this extent.
Yue Yao whispered, "Mother, you should tell them to rise."
Madam Lin snapped out of it. "Please, stand."
The servants rose, smiling warmly. "Welcome, Madam!"
Yue Yao guided Madam Lin inside.
The estate was a labyrinth of carved beams, painted rafters, pavilions, and winding corridors. By the time they reached the inner courtyard, Madam Lin’s legs were weary.
Ling Shen, wide-eyed the entire time, finally managed to speak. "This place is enormous! How many people live here?"
As Yue Yao walked, she took in the surroundings, thinking to herself, With a residence this large, we’ll hardly cross paths.
Madam Lin sighed repeatedly. "Erlang has truly achieved greatness. His father and eldest brother would be so proud if they could see this."
Yue Yao’s eyes dimmed. If only my husband were still alive, I’d gladly stay in Xingfeng Village forever.
Steward Wang led Madam Lin to the finest courtyard. "This garden stays cool in summer and warm in winter, and it’s peaceful. Does it suit you, Madam?"
Madam Lin, overwhelmed, simply nodded. "It’s perfect."
Exhausted from the journey, she retired to her chambers to rest.
Yue Yao settled Madam Lin before choosing a nearby courtyard for herself, making it easier to tend to her needs.
Ling Shen, still buzzing with excitement, explored the estate before selecting a courtyard surrounded by bamboo groves.
"This garden is excellent. The Marquis’s study is nearby, making it convenient for the Third Master," Steward Wang said ingratiatingly.
Ling Shen paled and immediately chose another location.
Back in her own courtyard, Yue Yao busied herself unpacking. She had few personal belongings—most were her late husband’s possessions: brushes, inkstones, paper, and an entire chest of books.
"Madam, let us help you," a maid offered.
"No need. I’ll manage on my own. I’ll call if I need assistance."
The maids, pleased by her kindness, agreed cheerfully.
It took Yue Yao half a day to finally organize everything.
The memorial tablet of her late husband had been placed in the ancestral hall, but all his personal belongings remained in her room. The space was now filled to the brim, and strangely, this brought her a sense of comfort and security.
After tidying up, she headed to Fushou Garden, Madam Lin’s courtyard.
"Mother, you’re awake?"
Seeing that Madam Lin had already risen, Yue Yao quickened her steps to greet her.
"I feel much better after a nap. Has Second Son returned yet?"
A maidservant promptly replied, "Not yet, Madam. Would you like to have dinner first?"
"Let’s wait for him. He’s been busy all day—who knows if he’s even eaten?" Madam Lin fretted.
Just then, Steward Wang hurried in, carrying a stack of invitations. "Madam, Young Madam, these are the greeting cards and gift lists sent by various households recently. The Marquis hasn’t had time to review them, so I brought them for you and Young Madam to look over first."
Such social engagements were typically managed by the lady of the house.
Madam Lin was illiterate, so she turned to Yue Yao, who was equally bewildered—she had never handled such matters before.
Taking the stack, Yue Yao read them aloud for Madam Lin: "These are invitations to banquets hosted by other families. This one is a gift list, and these here…"
Her voice trailed off as she stared at several name cards bearing portraits of young women.
"What are these?" Madam Lin leaned in curiously.
"These… appear to be matchmaking name cards sent by families hoping to arrange marriages?" Yue Yao ventured.
Steward Wang chuckled. "Exactly so. The Marquis is a young and outstanding talent, yet to be wed. Countless noble ladies in the capital have set their hearts on him. In the month he’s been away from Yanjing City, the manor has received stacks of these name cards."
Madam Lin brightened at this. "This is wonderful! Forget the banquets and gift lists for now—we must carefully select a suitable bride for Second Son!"
Steward Wang nodded. "Naturally. After all, she will be the future Marchioness—no hasty decisions. Since you’re taking this seriously, Madam, perhaps you could review the name cards first? Later, you can attend banquets to see if there’s any chemistry."
As they spoke, an announcement came: "The Marquis has returned."
A tall, imposing figure strode in, silhouetted against the golden glow of dusk.
Madam Lin beamed and beckoned him. "Second Son, come here."
"Are you settling in well, Mother?" Ling Xiao entered, and a maid promptly placed a stool beside Madam Lin. He swept his robes aside and sat down.
"Of course I am!" Madam Lin eagerly held up the name cards. "Look, these are name cards from young ladies sent for your consideration. Do any catch your eye?"
Ling Xiao barely glanced at them, dismissing them with a wave. "You choose, Mother."
"This is for your wife, not mine! How can you leave it to me?" Madam Lin glared.
"My duties at court leave me no time for matchmaking. If you approve of someone, she’s likely suitable."
The moment the words left his mouth, Ling Xiao realized his mistake. His gaze flickered to Jiang Yueyao, who sat silently beside Madam Lin, pretending to be invisible.
It struck him belatedly—every time he saw her, she wore this same meek, unassuming expression.
Yet he knew better than to believe she was truly docile.
His eyes narrowed, irritation simmering.
His mother doted on this cunning woman as if she were her own daughter, which only proved her poor judgment.
Suddenly, Madam Lin had an idea. "Why not let Yue Yao help you choose?"
Yue Yao, who had been keeping her head down, jerked up in alarm—only to meet Ling Xiao’s dark, fathomless eyes. A chill shot down her spine.
"I’m old and illiterate. I can’t even read these name cards properly. Yue Yao is educated and has good taste—she’ll surely pick you a fine wife!"
Yue Yao hastily declined. "How could I? This isn’t my place."
She wouldn’t dare make decisions for him!
Madam Lin clasped her hand firmly. "Nonsense! As the elder sister-in-law, it’s only right for you to help."
Yue Yao’s pulse spiked. She turned stiffly to Ling Xiao, her face pale.
