As soon as she got home, before her seat even warmed up, Jiang Yuanxi was already begging Chun Zhi to make osmanthus cake for her.

“Zhi Zhi, Tao Tao!”

Ever since Jiang Yuanxi learned to speak, she had given the two of them these adorable nicknames.

“Miss, osmanthus blooms in August. We don’t have any right now.”

Jiang Yuanxi took off her outer robe, and a cascade of osmanthus flowers tumbled down.

“This…”

Chun Tao, who hadn’t accompanied them to the flower banquet, was completely stunned by the sight.

Chun Zhi covered her mouth and laughed. “No wonder Madam couldn’t find them. Turns out, Miss hid them in her clothes.”

The two quickly gathered up the flowers and rushed to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, the Grand Princess had sent over a large number of flowers. Madam Chen carefully documented each one, planning to create a small private garden in the backyard just for her daughter.

Once the osmanthus cake was ready, Jiang Yuanxi eagerly pleaded with Madam Chen to take her to see Han Qianhua.

“Mother, let’s go find Godmother!”

Madam Chen felt a little jealous—just a few days apart, and her daughter’s heart was already leaning toward someone else.

【Go to the Han Guogong Mansion and help Godmother find a handsome suitor.】

Madam Chen’s eyes widened.

Wait, was this… gossip-worthy?

She suddenly became very interested.

“Chun Zhi, get everything ready. We’re going to Han Guo Mansion.”

Chun Zhi glanced at the darkening sky.

“Madam, the sun is about to set. Should we go tomorrow instead?”

Madam Chen changed into a fresh outfit and came back out.

“We’re going now, and we need to hurry.”

The Han family had helped the Jiang family and Chen family a lot.

Han Madam’s life matters couldn’t be delayed.

Upon hearing that there was juicy gossip to witness, Jiang Yuancheng even put down his romance novel.

Jiang Yuansheng and Jiang Yuanran, who were preparing for the imperial exams, were forcibly ordered to stay home by Madam Chen.

Standing at the gate, the two brothers exchanged glances, itching to follow.

“Big Brother, how about we…” Jiang Yuanran suggested, signaling with his eyes.

Jiang Yuansheng wanted to go too, but he knew that something more important was at hand.

Looking at the evening sky, he said solemnly, “Yuanran, Second Brother sent word that Grandfather has been assassinated three times in just three days. We can’t let our guard down.”

Jiang Yuanran immediately sobered up, his brows furrowing with seriousness.

“Understood, Big Brother. I’ll go check the situation in the fireworks alley again.”

Inside the Imperial Palace

Eunuch Cao returned and knelt on the floor.

“Your Majesty, General Zhengyuan and his wife and daughter have gone to Han Guo Mansion. They are not at home.”

The Emperor set down the memorial he was reading.

The Han Guogong Mansion had no prior connection to the Jiang family or the An Guog Mansion.

A flurry of thoughts crossed his mind.

Eunuch Cao continued, “Duke Han has recognized General Zhengyuan’s daughter as his granddaughter and even added her to the family register.”

The Emperor was startled. “So fast!”

The Crown Prince looked up. “Father, what did you just say?”

“Ah…” The Emperor hesitated, then suddenly fixed his gaze on the Crown Prince.

Smiling, he asked, “Yin’er, what do you think about me betrothing General Zhengyuan’s daughter to you as the Crown Princess?”

The Crown Prince’s hand slipped, leaving a long ink smear on his memorial.

Hurriedly, he knelt down and pleaded, “Father, please spare me!”

Seeing his son’s desperate expression, the Emperor’s smile faded.

“Useless thing.”

She’s still young. Given time, when she comes of age, she’ll still make a fine wife.

The Crown Prince knocked his head against the floor repeatedly.

Even Eunuch Cao winced in sympathy.

“I see Yuanxi as my younger sister,” the Crown Prince argued.

Besides, he was still young himself. He already had someone he liked.

By the time he was old enough to marry, Yuanxi would probably still be wetting the bed.

He did not want to spend his days changing his wife’s diapers.

“Enough,” the Emperor waved a hand.

If he didn’t stop him, the Crown Prince might just smash a hole in the imperial study’s floor.

The Crown Prince wiped the sweat from his forehead and cautiously sat back down.

Jiang Yuanxi was rumored to have the ability to foresee fortune and disaster.

The Jiang family was loyal to the throne, unlikely to betray the imperial family.

But human nature was unpredictable—precautions had to be taken.

The Emperor turned his gaze toward the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince swallowed nervously. If he didn’t speak now, when would he?

“Father, I think Fourth Brother would be a better match!”

“Oh?” The Emperor raised an eyebrow.

The Crown Prince explained, “Fourth Brother is six years old, close in age to General Zhengyuan’s daughter. It’s the perfect match.”

The Emperor stroked his chin. “That does sound reasonable.”

But… Fourth Prince’s fate was rather peculiar. Would it be unfair to Yuanxi?

Meanwhile, in the distant Puguo Temple, a little bald monk tapping on a wooden fish suddenly sneezed.

He thought, Father and my brothers must be missing me.

It wouldn’t be long before he could return home.

..

A family of four stood at the entrance.

The gatekeeper wiped his eyes, making sure he wasn’t seeing things.

“Master, Madam, Miss, the Little Miss has returned!”

In no time, Duke Han helped the elderly Madam Han to the entrance, while Han Qianhua came running.

The group greeted each other respectfully.

“Oh, my dear granddaughter!” Madam Han took Jiang Yuanxi’s hand, doting on her endlessly.

The spectators were dumbfounded.

Was Han Gou Mansion really that desperate for a grandchild?

Jiang Yuancheng stepped forward and declared, “Grandfather Han, I am Jiang Yuancheng. From now on, I am also your grandson!”

The half-grown boy stood confidently before Duke Han.

Duke Han wanted to refuse.

They were lacking grandsons, but they wanted obedient ones.

And this boy’s reputation in the capital was infamous.

A mischievous troublemaker—definitely not what Han Guo Mansion needed.

“Alright, alright, come in.” Duke Han said with a forced smile.

Jiang Yuancheng, full of confidence, added, “Grandfather Han, how about adding me to your family register too?”

Jiang Fengyuan shot his son a glare.

The old man was just being polite, and yet this boy actually took him seriously.

Such a thick-skinned child—definitely not taking after him.

“Grandfather, Grandmother, Godmother, I brought you a gift!” Jiang Yuanxi announced brightly.

Chun Zhi hesitated, giving her mistress a meaningful look, but Madam Chen didn’t catch on.

“Quick, let Grandfather see what it is!”

Duke Han took the gift box eagerly and opened it.

Inside, covered in dirt, lay a tiny turtle.

A live one.

Tied with a red ribbon in a bow.

Madam Chen pressed her forehead.

So this was why her daughter had made them stop on the way and refused to let anyone follow her.

Who on earth gifts someone a turtle?

Jiang Yuanxi beamed with pride.

【Zhi Zhi made osmanthus cake, but I accidentally ate it all.】

【I personally caught this turtle. Grandfather and Grandmother will love it, right?】

If they were happy, she’d get to eat meat.

Mother wouldn’t stop her from eating meat in front of others.

Madam Chen quickly apologized, “Duke Han, Madam Han, please don’t take offense. Yuanxi didn’t know this was a turtle.”

【Wait, isn’t a turtle a wangba?】

Jiang Yuancheng stifled his laughter: Actually, it’s not.

Jiang Fengyuan swelled with pride.

As expected of his daughter—her gifts were truly unique.

Han Qianhua struggled to hold back laughter too.

Her father had a notorious nickname—people in the capital called him “Han Wangba” (Han Turtle).

Normally, he would get furious whenever anyone mentioned it.

But now, everything was different.

Duke Han was delighted. This was the first gift from his dear granddaughter!

“Servants, take the turtle and take good care of it!”

Take care of it?

【Grandfather Han isn’t going to cook it?】

Jiang Yuanxi had been hoping for a bite.

Jiang Yuancheng was drooling too—after all, he helped catch it.

The two of them stared at Duke Han expectantly.

Han Guogong: “…Fine, then cook it.”

“Yay!” Jiang Yuanxi clapped her hands happily.