Chapter 38: Going to the General's Mansion

Once the carriage began to move, Agate smiled and said

"The General's Mansion truly dotes on you, Miss. This is my first time here, and I noticed that everyone in the entire household addresses you as 'Miss.' Not a single person calls you 'Cousin Miss.'

Even while Yu Tong and I were waiting in the side room, the servants of the General's Mansion were very kind to us. There was no shortage of fruit, pastries, or meals, and Lin Shun and the others were even arranged to have their meals. This is all thanks to your influence, Miss.

For us servants, we could never get such treatment in other households; having a place to rest and something to eat would already be considered good fortune."

Lin Jinyan smiled gently. "My grandfather and the others have always doted on me."

Yu Tong said with a beaming smile, "Miss's treatment in the General's Mansion has always been like this. And Sister Qiurong made hibiscus cakes today—they were delicious! She even packed a box for me before I left."

Watching Yu Tong's gluttonous expression, Lin Jinyan burst into laughter. Although this girl was greedy and lacked guile, she was loyal and obedient, which made Lin Jinyan very satisfied with her.

Upon returning to the manor, Lin Jinyan first went to Songmao Hall, where Zhou Yuexue was keeping the Old Lady company.

Lin Jinyan offered her greetings with a composed smile, then presented the food packed by Bai Yiran and two rolls of fabric to Old Lady Lin.

The Old Lady stroked the fabric, smiling affectionately

"Come, sit down and talk. The General's wife is truly too polite. She looked after you for a few days, and we haven't even visited to express our gratitude yet, and now she sends such fine fabric. The colors are exactly to my liking; please thank her on my behalf. Have you seen your grandfather, uncles, and cousins? Are they well?"

After sitting down, Lin Jinyan replied with a smile, "I am glad you like them, Grandmother. Aunt said that these two rolls of fabric seemed perfect for you. She was just about to bring them to you when I unfortunately fell into the water, which caused the delay of a few days. I have seen Grandfather, my uncles, and the others; everyone is well."

The Old Lady smiled. "Your aunt is a kind-hearted person; she always thinks of me when she has something good. I heard that the boy, Ruizhou, has been promoted to Captain?"

Lin Jinyan: "Yes, Grandmother."

Old Lady: "To attain such a rank only a few years after joining the army at such a young age is truly rare. A young talent like him surely has a boundless future. Has he been betrothed?"

Lin Jinyan: "Cousin has been stationed at the border for the past few years and has spent little time in the capital. He only just returned from the borderlands with my uncle; he is not yet engaged."

Beside them, Zhou Yuexue listened to the conversation between the grandmother and granddaughter with a smile, her mind racing.

The Old Lady laughed, "A fine young man like that must be sought after. Won't the girls in Taian City fight tooth and nail for him?"

Lin Jinyan smiled along, and Zhou Yuexue spoke up with a smile

"The Gu Family Army is brave and skilled in battle and beloved by the people; I, too, hold them in great admiration. Great-Aunt, I have heard that the General's Mansion is very majestic and that its scenery is quite unique. Is that true?"

Lin Jinyan's eyes flickered, but she merely smiled without speaking.

The Old Lady patted the back of Zhou Yuexue's hand and smiled

"My legs are not what they used to be, so I rarely leave the house. I have only been there twice. The General's Mansion is indeed majestic, with a vast and open landscape that reflects the spirit of a military commander."

Zhou Yuexue said regretfully, "It sounds truly enchanting. It is a pity I have never seen it."

Old Lady: "What is so difficult about that? The next time Yan'er goes, I will take you along to see it."

Zhou Yuexue looked pleasantly surprised. "Is that truly alright? Would it be an inconvenience to bring me along, Sister Jinyan?"

The Old Lady smiled. "Yan'er is a well-behaved girl, and the General's Mansion has always doted on her. How could it be an inconvenience? The next time Yan'er goes, she shall take Yuexue along so she can see it for herself."

Lin Jinyan smiled faintly. "Alright, Grandmother."

Zhou Yuexue smiled happily. "Thank you, Sister Jinyan. If you hadn't brought me, I certainly wouldn't have been able to witness the majesty of the General's Mansion."

This single sentence deepened the Old Lady's sense of pity and affection for Zhou Yuexue.

(End of Chapter)