The carriage stopped at the foot of the hill. Bypassing a large, rippling clear lake, a forest of mountain peach trees came into view, already blooming with small pink flowers. A faint, elegant floral scent lingered in the air, captivating the senses.
Passing through the peach grove, bright yellow winter jasmine bloomed profusely among the shrubs on the hillside. Against such beautiful scenery, the woman sitting in the pavilion wearing an indigo padded jacket seemed somewhat out of place.
Madam Meng sat properly on the stone bench. Although her posture appeared dignified and elegant, every detail revealed her tension and anxiety.
Her fingers repeatedly twisted her handkerchief, her body shifted restlessly, and she looked up and down countless times. She had already sighed silently over a dozen times.
It was truly difficult being forced into such an awkward situation without the ability to refuse.
A maid looked up and saw Song Jinzhao approaching, hurriedly whispering a reminder, Madam, Lady Linghui is here.
Madam Meng jerked her head up to look in Song Jinzhao's direction. As the distance closed, she hastily stepped out of the pavilion and curtsied.
Blessings to you, my lady.
Song Jinzhao glanced around. Aside from a few of the Meng residence's maids, there was no one else.
Did Madam Meng only invite me?
Madam Meng's lips twitched in an awkward smile. Knowing that you dislike crowds, my lady, I didn't invite anyone else.
With the spring peach blossoms adding beauty and the winter jasmine bringing warmth, how could we let it go to waste? You busy yourself at the medical clinic all day, my lady; this is the perfect opportunity to come out and relax.
Since Song Jinzhao's status had undergone an earth-shattering transformation, Madam Meng could no longer treat her as the highly skilled commoner physician she once was.
Song Jinzhao gave a gentle smile. Weren't we supposed to meet at Ming Garden? Why is Madam Meng waiting outside?
Madam Meng looked left and right, her eyes unfocused as if searching for something.
I saw that the scenery outside was lovely, and I couldn't bear to miss it, so I stayed a bit longer. It is still early; how about I take you for a stroll first, my lady?
Song Jinzhao raised her eyebrows, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
It seemed her guess was right. The person who wanted to see her today was not Madam Meng.
Meeting at Ming Garden, the Li family's territory, and having the prefect's wife act as the intermediary—the person coming must have an extraordinary background.
Madam Meng raised a hand to stop her maids from following. Qingshuang glanced at Song Jinzhao and tactfully stepped back.
The winter jasmine growing among the shrubs formed bright and vivid clusters, their cheerful colors naturally refreshing the mind and spirit.
I've heard that whenever Anyang Academy posts its monthly rankings, your brother is always proudly listed in the top three. For this year's provincial examinations, he is sure to pass with flying colors.
Song Jinzhao curled her lips into a faint smile. That was before. After entering the Upper House, there are too many outstanding peers. The boy has been so discouraged he can hardly lift his head.
During the academy's first monthly exam in early March, including the new students admitted this year, there were thirteen students in the Upper House. Song Qiming ranked fifth from the bottom, and he was almost depressed over it.
For nearly half a month, he had been studying late into the night every day, and he spent much more time at the Ye residence than before.
Madam Meng didn't think much of it and instead praised, The students of the Upper House are all exceedingly talented. It is already incredibly rare for Young Master Song to have tested into it so quickly. With Lord Ye guiding him, the August provincial exams will definitely not be a problem. The only question is whether Lord Ye will still be around by then.
A dark glint flashed through Song Jinzhao's eyes as she followed the other woman's lead and asked, What do you mean by that?
Madam Meng feigned surprise and raised her brows slightly. Did you not know, my lady? The Emperor intends to restore Lord Ye to his former post. In a little while, he will likely be returning to the capital.
Nowadays, Ye Liangyu could walk without his crutches. Aside from being unable to run or do strenuous exercise, he looked no different from a normal person. Going to the academy to teach every day, many people subconsciously no longer thought about his leg.
