After returning home, Jiang Fuyue asked Jingzhi to pick up some gifts from the small warehouse and deliver them to the Jinguo Mansion along with the gold-pted pearl.

  Guyu was busy organizing the tonics brought back from the Jinguo Mansion in the Shaoguangyuan's small warehouse and had someone register them. He didn’t forget to send a portion to Mrs. Lin in the small kitchen.

  Afterward, Guyu returned to the study.

  “Madam, this is the new hibiscus lotus seed crisp made by Lady Lin. Please have a taste.” He pced the tray on the table. Noticing that Jiang Fuyue had already id out the paper, he hurried over to grind the ink, ignoring the pastry.

  Jiang Fuyue went to the bookshelf, took out a mahogany box, picked out some colored ink, and set it on the table.

  Seeing this, Guyu cpped his hands together and chattered away: “Madam, try the hibiscus lotus seed crisp! It won’t taste as good once it gets cold.”

  Seeing how he was still concerned about the pastry despite being so busy, Jiang Fuyue couldn’t help but feel a little amused. She picked up a piece and took a bite.

  The pastry was fragrant, crispy, and pleasantly sweet.

  However, Jiang Fuyue wasn’t fond of snacks. After just one bite, she put it down. “It tastes good. You really have a knack for choosing things.”

  Guyu’s eyes lit up, and he ground the ink with even more vigor. Soon, all the colored ink Jiang Fuyue selected was prepared to perfection.

  Guyu took great pride in grinding ink. Although his movements were quick, the ink he produced was just the right consistency—thick, smooth, and free of any particles.

  Once he was done, he neatly reloaded the ink sticks, washed his hands, and happily returned to nibbling on the hibiscus lotus seed crisps.

  Jiang Fuyue looked at Guyu, who was eating so contentedly, and the corners of her lips lifted in a smile.

  She returned to the table and picked up her brush. Gradually, the thousand-year-old lotus of Lotus Lake began to take form on the paper. Guyu sat nearby with a porcein pte, quietly munching on the pastry.

  The afternoon sun snted in through the window, bathing the quiet room in golden light.

  Before long, Jiang Fuyue added the final stroke. The grand scene she had witnessed at Lotus Lake earlier was now vividly captured on the paper.

  The lotus leaves were lifelike and captivating. The lines flowed naturally, and the colors were elegant and harmonious, showcasing the painter’s remarkable skill.

  Guyu approached with a seal in hand, his face full of wonder. “Madam, you haven’t painted in so long, yet this is even better than before!”

  Since marrying into the Hou Mansion, Jiang Fuyue had been tied up with trivial matters. Even when she had the occasional urge to paint, she only managed a few strokes. It had been a long time since she had completed a full piece.

  Jiang Fuyue smiled and didn’t respond. Instead, she stamped the painting and said, “Call someone ter to have this properly framed.”

  “Yes!” Guyu nodded eagerly, his eyes still fixed on the painting.

  Just then, Jingzhi returned from delivering gifts to the Jinguo Duke’s residence. After saluting, he noticed Guyu admiring the painting and walked over to take a look. One gnce, and he couldn’t look away. “Madam, your painting is truly remarkable!”

  The two of them gazed at the painting for a while before reluctantly putting it away and chatting.

  “When I came back just now, I saw Young Master Feng crying outside Moxiangju. I don’t know what grievance he suffered, but he was sobbing terribly,” Jingzhi reported.

  Guyu curled his lips. “Those two young masters were raised like golden treasures by the old dy. Who in this household would dare wrong them?”

  In the past, Jiang Fuyue would greet them whenever they crossed paths in the backyard, yet they always ignored her.

  If they didn’t even acknowledge the dy of the house, who else would dare slight them?

  Jingzhi shook his head. “Don’t forget, there’s someone new and enlightened in the house now!”

  After a pause, he added, “I made some inquiries. The maids at Moxiangju said that Schor Li has a terrible temper. He curses over the smallest dissatisfaction. During his lessons with the two young masters, they could often hear shouting from inside the room. So…”

  Hearing this, Guyu raised his eyebrows. “Looks like it’s finally a case of one thing subduing another, huh? Who would've thought those two would be suppressed by Schor Li… tsk tsk.”

  Jiang Fuyue frowned slightly.

  Gu Liao and Gu Feng weren’t the type to suffer in silence. A storm was likely brewing—and eventually, the old dy would turn to her to clean up the mess.

  At the thought, Jiang Fuyue smmed the scroll in her hand on the table, irritated.

  —

  As Jiang Fuyue predicted, not long after An’s birthday, Gu Liao and Gu Feng quarreled and made a scene in front of the old dy.

  Coincidentally, Sun Jingke was visiting that day.

  The two were in the middle of a chess game when Liu’s mother, the old dy’s attendant, hurried over, saying the old dy needed to see Jiang Fuyue for an urgent matter.

  Sun Jingke, who had been sitting awkwardly and unsure of how to continue, suddenly brightened with excitement.

  This was divine timing!

  She was just about to speak when Jiang Fuyue said calmly, “Unfortunately, the young dy from the Jinguo Mansion is here today. I really can’t excuse myself. Please convey my apologies.”

  Upon hearing this, Liu’s mother finally noticed the elegant and distinguished young woman sitting opposite Jiang Fuyue. Realizing she was from the Jinguo Mansion, her attitude immediately shifted to reverent awe.

  Liu’s mother hesitated before saying, “Madam, this really is a serious matter. The old dy is elderly and struggling to maintain control. You must come personally.”

  Jiang Fuyue smiled. “You must be joking. My mother-in-w is in her prime and in excellent health. She’s the highest-ranking elder in this marquis household. What kind of matter could she possibly not handle? If even she can’t manage it, how could I possibly fare better? Perhaps you should summon the marquis to deal with it personally.”

  Her words were polite on the surface, but she made her stance crystal clear—she wasn’t budging.

  Liu’s mother opened her mouth several times, but no words came out.

  Jiang Fuyue wasn’t anxious. She had already said all that needed to be said. Liu’s mother would have to leave eventually—it was just a matter of sooner or ter.

  Sun Jingke stared at the chessboard in front of her with narrowed eyes, then suddenly looked up at Liu’s mother, who still hadn’t left.

  With a swift motion, she swept the chess pieces to the ground and snapped, “Can’t you see Madam is entertaining a guest? Must everything revolve around her? If you don’t know your pce, then leave—now! I don’t want to see you again!”

  Startled by the young dy’s outburst, Liu’s mother didn’t dare utter another word. She turned on her heel and quickly scurried away.

  Once she was gone, Guyu quietly instructed someone to close the courtyard door.

  Jiang Fuyue gnced at Sun Jingke, a smile in her eyes. “Clever move.”

  Sun Jingke let out a sigh of relief and lifted her chin proudly.