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Seeing both Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia in agreement, the coachman chose not to argue further. Suppressing his reservations, he urged the horses to continue moving forward.
After a while, when it became too dark to proceed, Song Jingyun finally spoke up, “Let’s settle here.”
The coachman hesitated, realizing this spot was far from ideal. While there was a small patch of trees, it paled in comparison to the sheltered hill they had passed earlier.
Nevertheless, as he was being paid for his services, he refrained from voicing his thoughts about the family’s decision.
The coachman began making preparations for an overnight stay by the roadside.
In the freezing weather, he contemplated whether to cut down some nearby trees to create a simple makeshift tent. Though rudimentary, it would at least provide some protection from the chilling wind.
Just as the coachman was about to speak up, he saw Song Jingyun lower his head and head into the thicket of trees.
“It’s dark, don’t venture into the woods,” the coachman cautioned, wary of unclean elements in the wilderness.
“Got it,” Song Jingyun nodded, but still proceeded into the woods with a lantern in hand. After taking a few steps, he excitedly waved to Jiang Mixia, “Wife, look here, there’s a new path.”
Jiang Mixia followed his gaze, “Indeed.”
A freshly trodden path, seemingly recent and inconspicuous within the forest, was not easily noticeable.
“Since there’s a path, could there be a dwelling nearby?” Song Jingyun’s face beamed with excitement. “Perhaps it’s a spacious mansion.”
After all, the existence of a path suggested regular foot traffic passing through.
Jiang Mixia was left speechless.
In such a remote and desolate area, logically speaking, there shouldn’t be any residences nearby. However, as Song Jingyun pointed out, the presence of a new path hinted at the possibility of a dwelling, albeit unlikely to be spacious.
Could it be a modest tea stall set up by a poor family trying to earn a meager living in this deserted place?
With these thoughts in mind, Jiang Mixia followed Song Jingyun as they continued along the path. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the scene suddenly transformed before her eyes.
Gone were the dense wild trees, replaced by a vast open space. In front of them stood an exceptionally spacious mansion, looking remarkably new as if recently constructed.
“Wife, it’s a grand mansion,” Song Jingyun exclaimed, his excitement mounting.
Jiang Mixia could only marvel in silence.
Truly, one should never underestimate the good fortune of her husband!
“It truly is a grand mansion, and it seems there are lights on. There must be people inside,” even Jiang Mixia joined in the excitement this time.
If it belonged to a wealthy family, they might be able to find shelter for the night, avoiding sleeping in the wilderness.
Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun knocked on the door.
The door opened swiftly, revealing a young servant in a blue robe holding a lantern. Upon seeing the figures at the door, he lifted the lantern to get a better look.
In the light of the lantern, Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun could discern the young servant’s face clearly.
As their eyes met, all three of them were taken aback.
“Xinghe?”
“Madam Jiang,Scholar Song?” Xinghe appeared surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“We are on our way to the capital for the imperial examination and happened to pass by this area. As it’s getting late, we noticed this mansion and thought of seeking accommodation for the night,” Song Jingyun explained, his expression mixed with curiosity. “But why are you here, Xinghe?”
“This is…” Xinghe paused. “My young master’s newly constructed mansion.”
A new mansion?
In this remote wilderness?
Seeing the perplexed expressions on Song Jingyun and Jiang Mixia’s faces, Xinghe clarified, “Because this area is so desolate, my young master decided to build here. This way, travelers passing through would have a place to rest…”
Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun remained silent.
This decision was truly characteristic of Jiang Junli!