The autumn wind carried a chill, and soon, a fine drizzle began to fall outside.
Gradually, the rain grew heavier, and the powders scattered in Yunjin Courtyard were washed away in the storm, disappearing as though they had never existed.
When the teapot finally emptied, Du Jingyi called softly, “Yingtao,” toward the door.
Yingtao understood her young mistress well. Instead of bringing more tea, she entered carrying a small brazier filled with Yuemingxiang incense—known for soothing the mind and easing one’s nerves.
Perhaps it was the fragrance that worked, or perhaps her sister-in-law had untangled her own thoughts, but half an hour later, a faint smile curved her lips.
“I truly underestimated you before. Sixth Brother was right. I should not have insisted on controlling everything, always thinking you needed my protection. You’ve handled this matter with great skill. Though there were schemes involved, in the end, the blame rests on them.”
Her smile, once tense and bitter, now carried a rare sense of relief.
“I can rest assured leaving the East Garden and the General’s Mansion in your hands from now on.”
It was the smile of someone who had finally released her burdens, letting go of old obsessions and a sense of inferiority.
Du Jingyi understood and replied earnestly,
“Thank you for your trust, sister-in-law. I will not disappoint you.”
“There is still one more thing I must ask of you.”
“Is this about Ping’er?”
Her sister-in-law nodded gravely.
“This child was once so bright. But after his father’s death, I kept him hidden away in the inner courtyard. That is why he has become like this. Yet he is only thirteen… he should not be condemned to such a life. If there is any way to help him, I beg you to try.”
Her tone carried genuine pleading.
Du Jingyi had always known the depth of her sister-in-law’s love for her son. She did not put on airs but responded without hesitation.
“Do not worry, sister-in-law. Whatever can be done for Ping’er, we will do.”
Her sister-in-law’s eyes reddened with emotion.
Yes—family, they had always been a family.
After the misunderstanding between them was finally lifted, her sister-in-law rose to take her leave. Du Jingyi smiled and said,
“In half a month, the General’s Mansion should be fully repaired, and I should also be well enough to recover. Why not take you, Ping’er, and Xue Niang to see the new residence together?”
“Very well, I’ll follow your arrangements.”
The two women exchanged a smile, their bond closer than it had ever been.
Just then, as they prepared to leave, Mama Cai entered with a solemn expression. She bowed deeply to them both.
“This old servant greets the Eldest Young Madam and greets the Young Madam.”
“What is it?”
“A maid from Yunjin Courtyard has just delivered a message. The Duke’s birthday banquet will be held in six days. Madam Wei asks that the Young Madam recover quickly so she may attend with her, and preside over the event.”
Du Jingyi’s lips curved into a faint smile.
“I have to admit, Madam Wei impresses me. Even when matters have grown this dire, she still clings to such things.”
“She is not easy to deal with,” her sister-in-law Liu said with distaste. “When my mother-in-law was still alive, I suffered much under her hand.”
Liu had always respected Madam Gu, and thus disliked Madam Wei’s overbearing airs—her sharp power, her constant scheming with her so-called ‘brothers and sisters.’
Du Jingyi thought for a moment, then soothed her gently.
“Do not worry, sister-in-law. We will attend together. Last time, the general asked me to become acquainted with the ladies and young misses of Sui’an City, so that I would not be laughed at for being unfamiliar with anyone in our new household.”
“Don’t worry, I can help you with that. When my mother-in-law was alive, I made quite a few acquaintances.”
Indeed, in her brief years of glory within this household, Sister-in-law Liu had known the circles of Sui’an well. With only a dozen or so prominent families, it was always the same faces passing in and out. With her guidance, Du Jingyi’s way would be much smoother.
“Then I must thank you, sister-in-law.”
“I’ll prepare a list and send it to you once I return. Familiarize yourself with it first—it will be easier to remember when you meet them face to face.”
“Good.”
With that, Sister-in-law Liu took her leave.
Not long after, Yingtao and Lizhu entered to serve. Lizhu now spent two hours daily in a secluded courtyard, secretly learning martial arts under Liu Xun. They dared not draw attention in the East Garden for now, but once they moved to the General’s Mansion, she could practice openly without hindrance.
During these days, while Du Jingyi had been “ill,” Shang Ji had been hurrying back and forth constantly. He often arrived after dark and departed before dawn.
Even hearing of his travels made Du Jingyi feel weary on his behalf.
So that evening, when Shang Ji returned once more, she hurried forward to help him change his clothes and wash up.
Shang Ji felt a touch awkward at first—such tasks were the work of maidservants. But when performed by his wife, he quickly grew accustomed, even comfortable.
As soon as Du Jingyi touched his hand, she felt its roughness and coldness.
It was already October. Though not freezing, the chill was undeniable.
“General,” she said softly, “there is no need to tire yourself so. Just come back every three or four days, as before.”
“Are you… worried about me?” Shang Ji asked without hesitation. His eyes held a quiet joy, even a flicker of pride.
“Not exactly. I’m more worried about the horse, running back and forth without rest.”
Du Jingyi, unwilling to admit the truth, countered with this excuse.
Shang Ji chuckled. “Then have someone prepare the best fodder. If the horse is well-fed and watered, it won’t tire.”
As he spoke, his fingers brushed her skin—whether by accident or design. Her skin was delicate, pale and tender, captivating in every way.
Du Jingyi’s cheeks flushed. She glared at him, scandalized that such a dignified general could act so brazenly.
Quickly, she dipped the handkerchief into the warm water in the copper basin and stepped back.
“General, you should do it yourself. I am not skilled at serving others.”
It was the truth. Since birth, she had lived in luxury—not spoiled, but certainly untrained in menial tasks.
In fact, Shang Ji himself was probably better at such work. He had risen from the ranks of the common soldiers. Though his grandfather was a marshal, Shang Ji had relied solely on his own merit.
That was why the Tiger Guards admired him so deeply—his loyalty and respect were forged through true battles.
Knowing she was shy, Shang Ji did not press further. He only smiled and washed away the day’s dust himself. Then he changed into a set of comfortable robes.
Now, he no longer resisted the habit of washing and changing first upon returning home. It had even become second nature.
Sometimes, he found himself marveling at the difference between life with a wife—and life without one.