Ji Lingchuan was an outstanding general. In the previous battles on the front line, this slightest sense of unease could often determine the outcome of the entire battle.
Opening his eyes, he looked at his wife sitting opposite him.
Song Nanxin did look fair - skinned and extremely charming today, making one feel pity for her at first sight. Any man who saw such a beauty would probably be moved.
However, facing his wife like this, there was not the slightest ripple in his heart. He didn't feel the same impulse as when they were intimate at night.
Instead, there was a faint sense of strangeness.
Just like her excellent academic performance at the Imperial College and that fleeting exotic fragrance, it made one care about it, but there was nothing wrong to pick out.
After thinking for a while, he quietly moved his fingers.
Suddenly, there was a "thud" inside the carriage, and something fell at Song Nanxin's feet.
Song Nanxin came back to her senses and looked down. She saw a shiny object lying at her feet.
Bending down to pick it up, she said in a puzzled tone, "Why is there a nine - ring puzzle here?"
What Song Nanxin was holding in her hand was exactly the nine - ring puzzle that Ji Lingchuan had "accidentally" dropped in the carriage. Moreover, the rings were messed up again.
Song Nanxin looked at the object in her hand blankly, her eyes full of unfamiliarity.
Ji Lingchuan said indifferently, "It's mine."
Song Nanxin came to her senses and smiled, "So it's the heir's nine - ring puzzle. I didn't expect a person like the heir to play with such a small thing. It really surprises me."
"However, why is there rust on this nine - ring puzzle?"
"Because I've carried it with me for years," Ji Lingchuan said casually. "You've been so outstanding in your studies at the Imperial College. I'm sure it won't be difficult for you to solve this nine - ring puzzle. Have a try."
Song Nanxin almost choked on her breath. She still maintained the smile on her face, but her heart felt nervous.
She had played with the nine - ring puzzle before, but it was too brain - consuming and time - wasting. She had only managed to unlock two rings after two incense sticks' time. Since then, she had kept away from it.
But under Ji Lingchuan's sharp gaze, Song Nanxin didn't dare to tell the truth. She coquettishly said to Ji Lingchuan, "I haven't played with this for a long time. If I can't solve it, the heir mustn't laugh at me."
Ji Lingchuan wasn't as cold as when he scolded Baizhi just now. His eyebrows and eyes were a bit softer. "Naturally. If you can't solve it, I won't blame you."
His softened gaze made Song Nanxin's heart beat a bit faster. She lowered her head and tried to fiddle with the nine - ring puzzle in her hand.
But soon, the complex structure and the messy order made her feel dizzy.
It took her the time of a cup of tea to finally unlock one ring. Seeing so many more rings to unlock, she felt like she wanted to die.
Just as Song Nanxin was wracking her brains to unlock the second ring, they arrived at the Duke Jiang's Mansion.
"Your Highness, Princess Consort, the Duke Jiang's Mansion has arrived."
The voice of the servant outside sounded like heavenly music to Song Nanxin. She looked up at Ji Lingchuan.
Before she could speak, Ji Lingchuan said, "Leave the nine - ring puzzle with you. Return it to me after you solve it."
Song Nanxin put away the nine - ring puzzle and said with a smile, "With this nine - ring puzzle, I won't be bored at the banquet."
The Duke Jiang's Mansion was decorated with lanterns and streamers today. The gates were wide open to welcome guests. There was a constant stream of carriages and people outside, bustling with activity.
As soon as the carriage of the Prince Ning's Mansion appeared, it immediately caught everyone's attention. After Ji Lingchuan got out of the carriage, all the surrounding gazes converged on him.
Ji Lingchuan was only twenty - four years old, but he was already the "God of War" who had pacified the border. Moreover, as the cousin of the current emperor and the heir of the Prince Ning, his status was extremely noble.
For such a person to come to the Duke Jiang's Mansion to celebrate the birthday of Lady Jiang was not only an honor for the Duke Jiang's Mansion but also demonstrated the grandeur of the Prince Ning's Mansion.
Under the amazed and respectful gazes of the crowd, Ji Lingchuan stepped out of the carriage steadily. Then he turned around and reached out his hand to Song Nanxin behind him.
Song Nanxin, who followed him out of the carriage, was a bit stunned. She curved her lips into a proper and elegant smile, placed her hand in Ji Lingchuan's, and gracefully got out of the carriage with his support. Looking up at Ji Lingchuan with admiration in her eyes, she said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
When Song Yihuan got out of the carriage behind, what she saw was the harmonious and affectionate scene of her elder sister and Ji Lingchuan.
She watched quietly without stepping forward to disturb them. Instead, she said to Baizhi, who had falsely accused her of stealing the hairpin just now, "Elder sister and the heir are really a perfect match, Baizhi. Don't you think so?"
Baizhi had already taken out the hairpin that she had put in her own hair. Pale - faced, she looked at Song Yihuan, bit her lip, and said, "Fourth Miss, this servant doesn't..."
Baizhi usually looked down on this charming Fourth Miss because of Song Nanxin's trust. But today, it seemed that the other party wasn't someone who could be easily bullied. With just a light remark, she had left Baizhi with many potential troubles.
Whether Baizhi would be punished after returning to the Prince Ning's Mansion after the birthday banquet completely depended on whether Song Yihuan would pursue the matter of the false accusation and let Song Nanxin find out the truth. If so, Baizhi knew that she would definitely be abandoned by Song Nanxin.
She wanted to get on good terms with Song Yihuan, but Song Yihuan had already walked forward and ignored her.
Baizhi had no choice but to grab Fuling and ask her to help. Fuling glanced at Song Yihuan's back and whispered to Baizhi, "Don't worry. We're on the same side. I'll surely say more good words for you in front of the Fourth Miss."
Only then did Baizhi feel relieved.
Song Yihuan quietly stood behind Ji Lingchuan and Song Nanxin. She wasn't sure if it was just her illusion, but after she stood still, she seemed to feel Ji Lingchuan's ever - present gaze. But when she looked up, all she saw was the back of the man's head.
When Duke Jiang learned that Ji Lingchuan had come to the banquet, he personally walked out of the mansion, smiling and stepping forward to greet them. "I didn't expect the heir and the princess consort to come together. I've failed to welcome you properly. Please come in quickly! My mother has been waiting for a long time."
Ji Lingchuan nodded to Duke Jiang and said, "Duke Jiang, there's no need for such formalities. I'm here today to congratulate your mother on her birthday. You're the hosts, and we're the guests. We'll follow your arrangements."
Song Nanxin showed a sweet smile and waved to the servant behind her. The servant then carried a large wooden box wrapped in silk forward.
"The Prince Ning's Mansion has prepared a birthday gift for your mother. Please accept it, Duke. We wish your mother a long and healthy life."
The servants of the Prince Ning's Mansion opened the box in front of the guests, revealing the jade - inlaid with gold Avalokitesvara statue inside, which was inlaid with gold foil and had no impurities at all. Immediately, there were gasps of surprise from around.
Duke Jiang came back to his senses, with an even broader smile on his face. He said more respectfully, "The heir and the princess consort are really too generous. Your presence is already the greatest honor for our Duke's Mansion. Please come in, Your Highness and Princess Consort."
Just as he was about to lead Ji Lingchuan and the others inside, Duke Jiang naturally saw Song Yihuan following behind.
Song Yihuan's dressing today was actually quite proper, but her extremely gorgeous face was unforgettable.
Duke Jiang was a bit amazed and asked, "May I ask who this is..."