On the tenth day of the third lunar month, the scent of aloeswood drifted from the gilded incense burner in the main hall of the Marquis's Mansion. Jiang Wan, dressed in a light green ruqun, knelt on the blue brick floor, her fingertips gently brushing against the gold-stamped invitation on the low table. The edges of the invitation were embroidered with a kirin—a mythical beast of the imperial court—and the words "Heir Lu Jingyuan of the Jingyuan General's Mansion and Miss Jiang Wan of the Marquis's Mansion" were pressed in gold foil, glowing softly in the morning light.
"An imperial hunt?" The Marquis stroked his beard, his gaze fixed on the invitation. "This is the first hunting banquet held since the Emperor ascended the throne. Only the most prominent figures in the Capital have been invited. Wan, my girl, do you wish to go?"
"I shall leave the decision to you, Uncle." Jiang Wan curtsied, her peripheral vision catching a glimpse of a lake-blue skirt fluttering beneath the veranda—it was Feicui, Jiang Rou’s maid. She felt a slight stir in her heart, knowing the news would reach the Hanmei Courtyard soon enough.
Chapter 149