Wu Jiping stepped out of the courtyard, where his colleague was waiting for him.

“It’s just an invitation—does a third-rank general really need to deliver it personally?” After all, there were plenty of servants in the residence.

Wu Jiping’s dark eyes revealed no emotion.

“It was on the way.”

His colleague traced the route he had taken and then looked at Wu Jiping as if he were a fool.

Clearly, he had taken a longer detour—how was that “on the way”?

..

Jiang Fengyuan staggered back home, completely drunk.

Madam Chen ordered hot water to be prepared and personally made sobering soup to take care of him.

Chun Zhi carried Jiang Yuanxi outside.

On the way, they encountered Jiang Yuansheng, who took his little sister into his own courtyard.

“What did Yuanxi do today?”

“She got a new grandmother.”

Jiang Yuancheng, who was following behind, looked horrified.

“Grandmother lifted the coffin lid and jumped out?!”

Jiang Yuansheng nearly lost his footing.

He shook his head.

His silly little brother—when would he finally grow up?

“Young Master, the deceased cannot come back to life,” Chun Zhi explained. “Madam helped Madam Han at the temple. In gratitude, Duke Han came to visit, saw our young lady, and took a liking to her. So he recognized her as his own granddaughter.”

Jiang Yuancheng was delighted. “That means I have another set of grandparents!”

Chun Zhi hesitated. “Young Master, Duke Han only recognized the young lady.”

“So what? My sister’s grandfather is my grandfather too!”

In any case, he had long since given up on that troublesome grandfather from the Duke’s Mansion.

Chun Zhi: “……”

…

Back in the courtyard, Jiang Yuanfan was already sitting at his desk, waiting.

“Third Brother, we have a grandfather now,” Jiang Yuancheng bragged.

Jiang Yuanfan: “……”

A thousand thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.

Jiang Yuansheng let out a long sigh.

He explained the situation from beginning to end.

“Jiang Yuancheng, go back and practice your calligraphy!”

Making him happy for nothing.

Jiang Yuancheng didn’t understand why he was being scolded.

After all, he was telling the truth.

When his eldest and third brothers weren’t paying attention, he sneaked his little sister away.

..

“Big Brother, that person sent a message—Grandfather has been attacked three times in the past half-month. We need to act quickly.”

“That person” was Jiang Yuanwu.

He and Jiang Yuanfan were often at odds and refused to yield to each other.

Jiang Yuansheng’s expression turned serious.

“How is Qingchenju doing?”

“Rest assured, Big Brother. Doctor Sun treated the patient, and he’s fully recovered now. Li Zi is taking care of him personally.”

“Good. Make sure he’s well-guarded.”

Not a single witness to their grandfather’s wrongful conviction could be lost.

Jiang Yuanxiao suddenly recalled something. “Big Brother, according to the witness, three people conspired to frame Grandfather—one was Duke An, another was Duke Li.”

“Duke Li is already dead, leaving only one more.”

“That man always wore a black robe when meeting them. Only Duke An knows who he really is.”

Jiang Yuansheng frowned. “Keep investigating. Have someone keep a close eye on Duke An’s estate. Also, write a letter yourself and send the message to Yuanwu.”

Jiang Yuanfan hesitated. “Big Brother, you write it.”

He didn’t want to see that guy.

And he definitely didn’t want to write him a letter.

Jiang Yuansheng sighed.

They were real brothers, yet they acted like enemies.

“I’ll go check on our little sister—”

He turned to the small couch—where his sister had been sitting—but she was gone.

Jiang Yuanxiao froze. “Where’s Yuanxi?”

..

Meanwhile, Jiang Yuancheng pulled a box down from the wardrobe.

He took out three books from inside.

Holding them up like a treasure, he presented them to Jiang Yuanxi.

“Yuanxi, which one do you want to hear today? Big Brother will read it to you.”

Jiang Yuanxi pointed at one.

“Handsome Warrior!”

“Alright! This one—‘The Beautiful Lady and the Brave General.’”

Jiang Yuanxi suddenly thought of something and giggled.

Later, Chun Zhi carried the little one back to her room, where she giggled even in her sleep.

Madam Chen gently wiped the drool from her daughter’s face.

“What are you dreaming about that makes you so happy?”

In her dream, Jiang Yuanxi sat among piles of pork elbows, happily eating away, her mouth glistening with oil.

..

Jiang Yuanxi only napped for a short while before waking up.

Chun Zhi walked in with an invitation.

Madam Chen was surprised. Their Jiang family had severed ties with the Duke’s Mansion, and they had no status—yet someone had sent them an invitation?

Chun Zhi spoke. “Madam, this was sent by Madam Han.”

Along with it came many rare and valuable gifts.

Most of them were toys for a young child.

Madam Chen knew that Han Qianhua truly adored Yuanxi as her own daughter.

She naturally wouldn’t stop it.

She opened the invitation and skimmed through it.

“Madam Han wants me to bring Yuanxi to the Grand Princess’s flower-viewing banquet.”

Spring Peach was delighted. “There should be many noble ladies attending the Grand Princess’s banquet!”

Madam Chen nodded. Anyone who caught the Grand Princess’s eye was certainly no ordinary person.

[We have to go! I want to go!]

Jiang Yuanxi tugged at Madam Chen’s sleeve and shook it gently.

“Let’s go, Mother.”

[If we don’t go, the heroine will gain the Second Prince’s favor. Then she’ll have control over the border army of a million soldiers!]

[We have to stop her, Mother!]

Madam Chen was shocked after hearing this.

If Jiang Ruowei gained control of the army, it would only strengthen her power.

The empire would fall into chaos.

She turned to Chun Zhi. “Go in person and tell them we accept the invitation.”

“Yes, Madam.”

..

Spring arrived, and flowers bloomed.

The sun was shining—perfect for a flower banquet.

Han Qianhua personally arrived at the Jiang residence.

The old maid beside her whispered, “Miss, you are the daughter of a Duke. Why visit in person?”

If she wanted to see Jiang Yuanxi, she could have just sent someone to fetch her.

Han Qianhua wasn’t upset.

“Nanny, the Jiang family does not fear power or status.”

“If my father hadn’t saved the Chen family back then, Madam Chen would never have given her daughter away so easily.” From their conversations, she knew—the Jiang family treasured their daughter more than anything.

“Nanny, I will never have children of my own. Now that Yuanxi has been added to the Han family’s genealogy, she is one of us. Treat her as you would me.”

The nanny made a mental note.

“Miss, rest assured. From now on, she will be the only little mistress of our estate.”

Behind them, the coachman clenched his fists, remaining silent.

Just then, a small figure rushed out from the door and leaped into Han Qianhua’s arms.

“Godmother!”

Jiang Yuanxi was dressed in a light blue gauze dress, making her fair little face look even more delicate.

Like a chubby little fairy.

“Oh my, which family’s little fairy is this?”

“The Jiang family’s! But also the Han family’s!”

Han Qianhua hugged Jiang Yuanxi, reluctant to let go.

Madam Chen laughed from behind. “Such a sweet talker.”

The nanny beside Han Qianhua smiled. “Both madams and the young lady are dressed in blue. You truly look like a family.”

The two women finally noticed and exchanged smiles.

“If you don’t mind, Sister, ride in my carriage. I’ll bring you back afterward.”

Jiang Yuanxi glanced at the carriage.

She pointed at it. “Mother, ride.”

[Godmother’s carriage is extravagant—covered in silver. I wonder if I can pry some off.]

“Alright, whatever you say.” Madam Chen sighed.

She stepped into the carriage, carrying Jiang Yuanxi.

Han Qianhua took the coachman’s hand to climb aboard.

“Jiping, drive carefully today—there’s a child inside.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Wu Jiping felt the lingering warmth on his hand, smiled slightly, then quickly hid his hand behind his back.

He reached out, tracing the silhouette of the people inside the carriage.

His love was unspoken, buried deep in his heart.