Three or four days after Huo Qiming left the Capital, the Huo Estate remained calm and peaceful.
Suddenly, however, Jiang Wumei received a letter from Xu Junjun.
When Qingzhi brought the letter in, Jiang Wumei was in the warm pavilion, playing with a small white tiger cub. The cub had rounded ears and furry little paws that padded across the Persian rug as it tumbled and rolled about, looking like a soft, fluffy cotton ball. It was adorable. The little creature gazed at Jiang Wumei with round, innocent tiger eyes, letting out soft squeaks that made her heart melt. She couldn't resist picking it up and planting two firm kisses on its head.
"My Lady, there is a letter from the General's Wife."
As Qingzhi entered, she saw Jiang Wumei standing up with the cub. She hurriedly reached out to take the cub from her, handed it to a maid to be taken away for feeding, and then brought over a water basin so Jiang Wumei could wash her hands.
Though the cub was kept by Jiang Wumei's side and groomed by a dedicated attendant, it was impossible not to gather some dust and dander after playing with it. Once her hands were clean and dried with a scented handkerchief, she opened the letter.
Noticing the time marked on the note, Jiang Wumei raised an eyebrow. She returned to her room, picked up a brush, and scribbled a few lines before having Qingzhi send it out.
Upon receiving the reply, Xu Junjun tore it open impatiently. After scanning it, she could not help but admire her best friend's flawless planning. She immediately scurried off to make the necessary arrangements.
That night, after Xiao Tong returned to the mansion, he clearly sensed that Jiang Wumei was much more affectionate than usual. Particularly in bed, her fervor nearly left him defenseless. After regaining his composure, Xiao Tong, determined to save face, pressed her relentlessly, only relenting once Jiang Wumei repeatedly begged for mercy.
Exhausted by her own excessive enthusiasm, Jiang Wumei lay on the fresh sheets after her bath. Forcing herself to keep her composure, she leaned against Xiao Tong's shoulder and whispered the purpose of her request.
"Your Highness, I would like to ask a favor of you."
Xiao Tong’s eyes snapped open. He stared down at her, his voice cold. "Speak."
So that was it—her passion tonight was just a means to an end. It was as he thought: aside from Chun Yurong, these women were all insatiable.
Looking at the brooding tension between his brows, Jiang Wumei bit her lip and said coquettishly:
"I have been feeling quite stifled staying in the mansion every day. I would like to go out in a couple of days to clear my head."
"Stifled? Have you not been keeping that little beast by your side? With it to amuse you, how could you be bored? It seems to me you are quite content in the mansion." Xiao Tong’s tone was sharp and clearly displeased.
*You’re the little beast! Your whole family is full of little beasts!* Hearing Xiao Tong refer to her beloved white tiger cub as a beast made Jiang Wumei want to slap his handsome face. But for the sake of her friend’s grand scheme, she swallowed her pride, forced a bright smile, and persisted.
"Your Highness is joking. As cute as Xuetuan is, it cannot compare to human company. You know there are few people in the mansion I can truly talk to; I am simply bored."
Xiao Tong frowned. *Xuetuan? What an awful name. And isn't that little beast a male?* It seemed the rumors in the Capital about Jiang Wumei being a shallow beauty were true.
Watching him carefully, Jiang Wumei saw his furrowed brow and steeled herself to add one more spark.
"If Your Highness is not pleased, I shall not go. Besides, there are other sisters like Sister Chun in the mansion. If I am truly desperate, I can go chat with them."
At the mention of Chun Yurong, Xiao Tong’s expression shifted, though a glimmer of murderous intent flickered in his eyes. He turned and stared fixedly at Jiang Wumei, a gaze so intense it sent a chill down her spine.
"Your Highness?"
Xiao Tong remained silent for a long moment, and the smile on Jiang Wumei’s face nearly stiffened. Only when he saw the flicker of fear in her eyes did he finally look away, saying coldly:
"When did I say I would not allow it? Go if you wish."
He wanted to see exactly what kind of games this woman was playing. If her actions posed any threat to Yurong, he would not hesitate to end her life prematurely.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
No matter how nervous she felt inside, her face was bright as spring. She leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek before smiling and pulling away, tucking herself under the quilt.
As her fragrance brushed past his nose, Xiao Tong remembered the softness beneath him just moments ago. His lower abdomen tightened, and he couldn't help but darken his expression. *This woman is definitely trying to seduce me.*
Once she received Xiao Tong's permission, Jiang Wumei dressed lavishly on the appointed day. Surrounded by servants and guards, she made a grand entrance at the General's Estate.
Hearing the servants report that the Crown Prince's Noble Consort had arrived, Old Madam Huo was bewildered and hurried to lead the two other matrons of the family out to greet her.
Xu Junjun stood behind Old Madam Huo. Seeing her best friend, who looked as radiant as ever after days apart, she grinned from ear to ear. Seeing that goofy expression, Jiang Wumei maintained her dignified posture while talking to Old Madam Huo, while simultaneously giving Xu Junjun a wink across the crowd.
Xu Junjun understood, nodding subtly to indicate that everything was ready.
Jiang Wumei felt confident. She cleared her throat, ready to help her friend perform this grand play. Turning toward Old Madam Huo, she offered a standard, graceful smile, her face like a lotus and her voice like an oriole’s.
"Old Madam Huo, I have come quite suddenly—I hope I am not disturbing your peace?"
"My Lady, what are you saying? It is a great honor for the General's Estate that you would grace us with your presence. Please, come in."
Although she didn't know why the Crown Prince's favorite concubine had come, Old Madam Huo knew she had to show the proper respect. She led the group toward the house.
The two Huo family matrons who had been invited that day gazed curiously at the noble Jiang Wumei, whispering to each other.
"When did the General's Estate become so close with the Crown Prince's Mansion? To think this favored Noble Consort Jiang would come to visit in person."
"I don't know either. We shall watch closely later; perhaps she has something important to discuss. We might just hear something."
These two women were members of the Huo clan, and their husbands were both high-ranking court officials. Though they did not hold the same power as the General's Estate, they were still second-rank officials, and their influence could not be ignored.
Jiang Wumei caught their whispers. As she chatted with Old Madam Huo, she gave a quiet signal to Xu Junjun.
Xu Junjun checked the time. Thinking it was about right, she stepped to Old Madam Huo’s side and smiled.
"Grandmother, the yellow plum blossoms in the back garden are in full bloom. Why don't we invite our esteemed guests to move there and enjoy the view?"
To pull out the weeds, one must remove the roots. If today's incident happened in the Old Madam’s courtyard, the family would surely try to cover it up to avoid shame. But in public, Chen Yue'er would have no way to recover.
Seeing Old Madam Huo hesitate, Jiang Wumei smiled and chimed in:
"I think the young lady's suggestion is excellent. I have been feeling quite cramped in the mansion lately and would love to walk about and get some fresh air. If I can admire the unique plum blossoms of the General's Estate today, this trip will have been well worth it."
Casting a look of approval at Xu Junjun, Jiang Wumei thought that her blunt best friend was finally starting to use her head.