Chapter 71: Your Favor and the Capable General Have Been Taken by Me Again

“The master at your house is fine for now.”

Jiang Wan glanced at the anxious-looking Pan Hongyan, who happily cupped his fists in gratitude to her.

“I was short-sighted earlier. Thank you, Madam Song!”

“No need for thanks!”

Jiang Wan nodded slightly. As Pan Hongyan lifted the curtain and communicated with the person inside, she quietly slipped away, keeping her achievements hidden.

“Are you alright?”

Song Jiuyuan looked at her as she returned, first scanning her up and down in concern, then letting out a sigh of relief.

“They’re not exactly wolves or tigers, why are you so nervous?”

Jiang Wan couldn’t help but laugh, never expecting that Song Jiuyuan would worry about her. It truly felt like the sun had risen from the west today.

Song Jiuyuan didn’t expect her to laugh and pulled her close, whispering in her ear:

“That person is probably the Grand Tutor.”

His deep voice lightly brushed against her ear, and the warmth from his breath felt like a current running through her skin.

Jiang Wan only felt a current run through her body, causing a slight numbness. Reflexively, she asked:

“What is a Grand Tutor?”

Immediately regretting the question, she quickly added, “I mean, how do you know he’s the Grand Tutor?”

Though it was a bit like closing the stable door after the horse had bolted, fortunately, Song Jiuyuan didn’t press the matter but glanced over at a nearby carriage and softly explained:

“The Grand Tutor’s carriage has a specific mark. I’ve seen it a few times.”

The Grand Tutor had once been the emperor’s teacher, but after the emperor ascended the throne, their relationship grew distant.

Soon after, the Grand Tutor had retired due to his old age. Now, few officials in Dafeng had seen him in person.

“So it’s him.”

Jiang Wan clicked her tongue, recalling the events from the original story. It seemed that the Grand Tutor would eventually become the Sixth Prince’s advisor.

But right now…

Jiang Wan curved her lips slightly, feeling a little guilty. “Sorry, Sixth Prince, your favor and capable general have been taken by me again.”

It was truly an unexpected turn of events!

“Big Brother, Big Sister, what are you whispering about?”

Song Jiuli blinked her eyes curiously, and even Song Jiuchi and Madame Song looked over at them.

“Nothing.”

Song Jiuyuan turned his face away uncomfortably, creating a sense of awkwardness.

Just then, Ren Bang came over, handing a package to Jiang Wan. “This is a token of appreciation from that esteemed gentleman earlier.”

“Thank you.”

Jiang Wan was not polite. This was a thank-you gift for saving the person, and she accepted it without hesitation.

However, she never expected that when she opened the package, it would almost blind her with its shiny contents.

Well, well. This Grand Tutor was indeed generous. He had given her a whole package of gold!

Jiang Wan quickly closed the package instinctively, and luckily, only the family members nearby and Ren Bang saw it.

Jiang Wan took out a gold ingot and handed it to Ren Bang with a grateful tone.

“Also, thank you, Brother Ren, for the introduction.”

“No need to be so polite!”

Ren Bang took the gold and left. Jiang Wan hurriedly tucked the package into her basket. Madame Chen smiled and changed the subject.

“Madam Song, you’re really impressive, a role model for us women to learn from.”

“Not that great.”

Jiang Wan humbly responded, but the grin on her face made everyone laugh.

As they chatted, the luxurious carriage remained parked not far away.

Soon, Ren Bang signaled for everyone to continue their journey, and Jiang Wan was surprised to see that the carriage seemed to be going the same way as them.

Perhaps because the elderly gentleman wasn’t feeling well, they didn’t travel fast and were a little behind Jiang Wan’s group, keeping some distance.

“They wouldn’t be following us like that Lin Gongzi, would they?”

Song Jiuli blurted out, her words as always without restraint. Madame Song couldn’t help but roll her eyes at her.

“Keep quiet.”

“I’m just saying it casually.”

Song Jiuli pouted and didn’t say any more, worried that Jiang Wan might be upset. But in fact, Jiang Wan wasn’t mad.

“Whether it’s Lin Gongzi or the old gentleman, as long as I’ve done my duty and treated them, that’s enough. As for the rest, it’s their business. It has nothing to do with us. Maybe they really are just traveling the same route.”

“Your sister-in-law is right, Jiuli. We have different status now. We can’t speak carelessly like before. Be careful, they might charge you with something.”

Madame Song kindly reminded her. If they were exiled, even though they didn’t carry shackles, they might still be looked down upon by common folk in the wilderness.

Let alone those from noble families or officials.

“I understand.”

Song Jiuli reluctantly responded, but she didn’t say any more and silently walked on.

Fortunately, her cheerful nature meant that her mood changed quickly, and in no time, she was following Jiang Wan again.

“Big Sister, let me help you gather some herbs.”

“Alright, things like dandelions can be used as medicine, and these too. Let’s gather more.”

Jiang Wan smiled, her eyes narrowing. She didn’t realize that her lively figure had caught the attention of the people in the two carriages behind them.

However, even if she did know, Jiang Wan wouldn’t have minded.

When they rested to have lunch, Jiang Wan taught Song Jiuli how to stew chicken oil mushrooms in soup.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wan also caught a wild chicken and added some goji berries to the pot. The fragrant aroma made everyone’s mouths water.

The Chen family nearby also had chicken oil mushrooms today, which were picked by Chen Wenhao. Madame Chen was very grateful to Jiang Wan.

Because she knew that Jiang Wan had arranged for Wenhao to pick them to help them, otherwise, they wouldn’t have had this opportunity.

“Madam, please drink some soup.”

Chen Ce carefully served a bowl of soup, whispering to Madame Chen, “Once the official trusts me a bit more, I’ll go out and hunt some wild game for you.”

Actually, Chen Ce could hunt, or else he wouldn’t have been able to protect them when danger came.

But not everyone was granted the favor of an official, so he couldn’t go freely.

“Alright.”

Madame Chen nodded, touched, and patted Chen Wenhao’s little head. “Wenhao, you have to remember Aunt Wan’s kindness.”

“Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll remember.”

Chen Wenhao nodded like an adult, making the couple laugh.

Jiang Wan’s soup was taking a little longer to cook because it had chicken in it and needed to be stewed until tender.

Just as Song Jiuli lifted the lid of the pot, Pan Hongyan walked over with long strides.

“Would you be willing to sell us this soup?”

Ever since Jiang Wan saved the old gentleman, his attitude toward her had changed significantly.

Seeing the milky-white broth with goji berries floating in it, it looked very nourishing, suitable for adults.

Everyone: …

“But this is our lunch.”

Song Jiuli muttered, not daring to make a decision. Instead, she looked to Jiang Wan.

Jiang Wan first served a bowl of soup to Song Jiuyuan, adding some chicken to it, before addressing Pan Hongyan:

“The old gentleman can’t finish such a big pot by himself. How about we sell you half?”

“That works!”

Pan Hongyan nodded and walked back to get their own pot, carrying a box in his hand.

“This is the master’s food. Let’s exchange it with yours.”

The master said they would take their food, as it would be inconvenient for them to travel hungry.