At a quarter past five in the morning, the crimson-lacquered gates of the General's Mansion slowly creaked open amidst the morning mist. The gilded plaque above the lintel, inscribed with "Grand General Protecting the Nation," was bathed in the amber glow of the rising sun. A gentle breeze set the copper bells at the eaves to swaying, casting a delicate, crisp melody into the air. Jiang Wan leaned against the doorframe, watching Chengguang, clad in brocade boots embroidered with golden tigers, chasing butterflies in a stumbling dance through the courtyard, his small silver spear dragging along the ground with a faint rustle. Lu Jingyuan wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, the tassels on his armor’s shoulder guards brushing against her temples. The scent of jasmine from her hair filled his nostrils. "The Marquis Mansion's carriage has already passed West Street; they should be here soon."
"Father sent a letter yesterday," Jiang Wan said, turning to adjust his breastplate, her fingertips tracing the cold, metallic patterns. "He said he wanted to weave a cricket cage for Chengguang himself."
Lu Jingyuan chuckled, his thumb brushing over the faint stretch marks at the corners of her eyes. "When he scolded you in the ancestral hall all those years ago for 'bringing shame upon the family,' he never imagined that he would one day rely on you to bring glory to the Marquis Mansion."
Chapter 282