On the day of Frost’s Descent, the ginkgo leaves at the Marquis's Mansion carpeted the small paths. Jiang Wan knelt under the veranda, tucking golden leaves into her copy of the *Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People*. Suddenly, she heard familiar footsteps, and the scent of aloeswood incense enveloped her.
"Collecting these again?" Lu Jingyuan’s voice held a smile. He leaned down to pick up a fan-shaped leaf. "You said you wanted to make bookmarks the day before yesterday. How many more do you need?"
Jiang Wan looked back, seeing the dappled sunlight falling on his dark silk robe, which only made his expression seem all the more gentle. Ever since the matter of Jiang Rou was settled, no matter how busy his official duties were, he always made time to spend the mid-morning hours with her. "Just three more," she said, shaking the booklet in her hand. "Once I collect ten perfect ones, I can arrange them into the shape of a Twin Lotus."
Chapter 202