Binding Spring Love

"You know me?"

Jiang Yan sat up straight, her eyes filled with hope.

"Know."

She knew everyone in the Jiang family, and the only one who was about her age and still called her sister-in-law was Jiang Yan.

Why are you crying?

Song Wan stood by the wall and asked in a low voice.

She had only been widowed at the Marquis's residence for a short time, but she found the time passing very slowly.

The fact that only she and a few servants lived in the huge Lan Courtyard made Song Wan quite uncomfortable. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been strolling around the courtyard tonight and met Jiang Yan.

"Why are you crying?"

Jiang Yan murmured repeatedly, then said with a sob, "I cry because I was born different from others, and I cry because no one in the world cares for me or loves me."

"I cried because Madam only had eyes for Jiang Yi and never cared about my life or death."

"I cried because Liu Chengxiang was my maternal uncle by blood, but he only wanted to gain benefits from me."

"I cried because my aunt had no sincerity. She never treated me as her own child, but only as a bargaining chip to get my father involved."

"I cry because I know others have no heart for me, yet I still pray that they will treat me sincerely."

"I weep because everyone in the world has deep maternal love, but only Aunt Liu is so cruel and merciless."

"I cried because I knew she treated me cruelly, but I was bound by blood ties and didn't know how to break free."

"I weep because even though I know she is terrible, I cannot break free from the bondage and blackmail of filial piety."

Jiang Yan stretched out a hand from the drain, his slender white palm stained with mud and blood. Song Wan didn't know what he was thinking, but he had actually crawled through the drain.

The drainage hole was narrow and long. Jiang Yan, with his head covered in blood, walked up to her, crying.

Song Wan was startled by him and hurriedly took seven or eight steps back.

"You're my sister-in-law, teach me what to do?"

Covered in mud, Jiang Yan's face was a mess from crying, and as she spoke, large tears kept rolling down her cheeks.

The boy, who was just over ten years old, was actually half a head shorter than her.

Song Wan frowned, intending to say that he had not only overstepped his bounds but was also extremely rude, but seeing his head covered in blood, she couldn't help but feel pity.

"Come with me."

Leading the person into the courtyard of Longxiangzhai, Song Wan said, "Wait for me here."

She entered the house and brought out a large lacquered tray, placing it gently in front of Jiang Yan. Heng Zhi followed behind, carrying a brass tray.

"Second Master Yan, this servant will wash your face."

Hengzhi stepped forward to wipe the dirt off Jiang Yan's head, and then carefully applied a hemostatic and swelling-reducing powder to him. After doing all this, she retreated to a short distance away.

Song Wan stood under the lanterns in the covered walkway, looking at him calmly.

Jiang Yan saw that the girl in front of him was poised and elegant. She stood in the brightest spot in the courtyard, and it was impossible to look away.

Song Wan pursed her lips slightly, thought for a moment, and said softly, "If no one in the world loves you, then love yourself. Why let others' greed, anger, and delusion disturb your mind?"

"Besides, you don't have control over the love of others. They may love you for a day, but they may not love you every day. Today they love you and you are happy and joyful, but tomorrow they may not love you and you will resent and grieve. In the end, you will be neither yourself nor them. What's the point?"

"As for what you said about Aunt Liu..."

Song Wan frowned, not wanting to get involved in his and her son's affairs.

As the saying goes, "one should not interfere in the affairs of relatives," how could she, an outsider, speak ill of Jiang Yan's birth mother?

But when Song Wan looked up, she saw Jiang Yan staring intently at her, his eyes filled with a desperate desire for redemption. She couldn't help but say, "The world is in turmoil, everyone is chasing after profit, even blood relatives are not exempt from this."

Jiang Yan pressed his head, his eyes red, and said, "But she is my birth mother. She should love me, cherish me, protect me, and be close to me. All mothers in the world treat their children this way. Why is she the only one who is different?"

"We are blood relatives, she shouldn't have treated me like this."

Jiang Yan lay on the bed, gazing at the curtains strung with pink beads, and felt a pang of pain in her heart.

He was young then and assumed that Song Wan was learned from a young age, but now he realizes that those words were also questions in her mind.

During those unknown times, Jiang Yan guessed that she must have read many books before finding an answer that could convince herself.

He remembered that Song Wan remained silent for a long time before saying softly, "As the saying goes, the kindness of giving birth and raising is equal."

"Although Aunt Liu gave you life, if she hadn't raised you, that kindness would probably be halved."

"Since the kindness has been halved, I suppose you should also give half of your filial piety to the nanny who raised you."

Jiang Yan blinked blankly, realizing that what she meant was that he could halve his filial piety towards Aunt Liu.

"The book also says that friendship is based on mutual understanding, not necessarily blood ties."

Song Wan clutched the embroidered handkerchief in her hand, a hint of bewilderment in her eyes.

People who have no connection with each other may become friends, and blood relatives may not necessarily be related.

"You say you are bound by your bloodline and don't know how to break free, but why don't you realize that it's not your bloodline that's binding you, but that you willingly allow yourself to be blackmailed by it?"

Song Wan took a book from the lacquer tray and handed it to Jiang Yan: "This is for you."

Jiang Yan turned the page blankly and saw one of the pages covered with dense red annotations.

Upon closer inspection, he realized it was from the "Discourses Weighed in the Balance: The Chapter on the Nature of Things".

Jiang Yan stared at it for a long time before finally feeling relieved.

He just didn't know how to get out of his current predicament. He stared into Song Wan's eyes and asked blankly.

Song Wan thought for a moment and said, "Cultivate your character, read books to understand principles, and become a wise and virtuous person."

"When we can look up to the heavens without shame and look down to the people without guilt, when our minds are free from distractions and external temptations, we can probably do whatever we want and go about our business without hindrance."

Jiang Yan pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement.

The sister-in-law meant that even if he occasionally did something petty because of his reputation as a gentleman, no one would dare to say anything.

Jiang Yan looked up and felt that Song Wan was not only knowledgeable but also exceptionally gentle.

He gazed at the girl under the lamp, his emotions stirring again and again.

Jiang Yan stood there in a daze. Seeing that he was thin and pale, Song Wan asked Hengzhi to bring him a bowl of the blood-nourishing and qi-tonifying soup that Granny Zhao was drinking.

The soup was fishy and bitter, and Jiang Yan's tongue went numb after drinking it.

"It's a bit bitter, but here, have this."

The first time, Song Wan reached out and handed Jiang Yan a handful of amber-colored rock candy wrapped in oil paper.

Jiang Yan knew about this thing. It was called rock honey and was only sold in Lingnan. He had only seen Jiang Xingjian eat it before, but he had never gotten even half a piece himself.

Peeling one open and putting it in her mouth, Jiang Yan asked with reddened eyes, "Will Yan'er be able to come looking for her sister-in-law again in the future?"

Song Wan shook her head: "It's against etiquette."

Jiang Yan held a piece of rock honey in one hand and a book in the other, muttering to himself, "It's just impolite, not that I dislike Yan'er?"

Why do you hate it?

Song Wan smiled faintly, "No matter who you are, as long as you know right from wrong, know when to advance and retreat, and act with integrity and gentlemanly conduct, you will be liked by others."

"Does your sister-in-law like this kind of person too?"

"nature."

like……

Jiang Yan lowered his head, a faint smile playing on his lips.

It turns out that as long as he acts like a gentleman, his sister-in-law will like him.

Jiang Yan gripped the book tightly in his hand, his expression devout and earnest: "After today, I will definitely study hard, cultivate my character, and become a gentleman."

Song Wan smiled and nodded.

As he left, Song Wan followed behind him and escorted him to the side gate. Jiang Yan turned back several times, looking at the girl under the lantern with reluctance.

His face was red and swollen from the burns from the tea. Song Wan looked at the fingernail marks and said, "Being too forceful is not advantageous, and vice versa. Blindly obeying will only make you vulnerable to bullying and will only embolden the abuser. Although you are born to Aunt Liu, you should remember your place."

"You are the master, she is the slave; insubordination is an unforgivable crime."

"Next time, don't let her hit you again."

Jiang Yan, her eyes red, whispered, "Can I?"

Song Wan nodded firmly: "Of course."

The Song Wan he saw that day was not the same as the one he would see later.

Jiang Yan gently hooked the auspicious knot hanging above the bed with her fingers and held it in her palm.

The knot is made with meticulous skill, yet the technique is somewhat immature; it must have been something Song Wan made as a child for fun.

He carefully stroked the faded marks on it, then happily put it into his pocket.

Jiang Yan knew he shouldn't have done this; it wasn't the way of a gentleman.

But he probably won't be able to be a gentleman in this lifetime.

If he could, he only hoped to be a gentleman in Song Wan's eyes, so that one day when she thought of him, she could simply sigh and say, "Second Master is upright and honorable."

"here."

Xiao Jiyue pulled Song Futong, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, into the room. Jiang Yan slowly raised his eyes and smiled at him: "Leave my things to her."

He had little to offer Song Wan in terms of his status, except for the business dealings and money he and Xiao Jiyue had done outside the mansion. Jiang Yan knew she would never accept them, but he was still afraid.

He feared hardship for women, especially for one who had already married out of the family.

The Third Prince's situation is not good; he fears that Jiang Xingjian will not treat her well in the future.

As the saying goes, the road of life is difficult, and money is the horse. Although money is as worthless to her, having silver can at least ensure that she has no worries about food and clothing.

Jiang Yan trusted Xiao Jiyue; although he was somewhat arrogant, but...

He believed him.

Seeing Xiao Jiye nod, Jiang Yan closed his eyes.

He heard Song Fu calling his name repeatedly, and he also heard the doctor say that he should not stay here.

Jiang Yan felt excruciating pain all over his body and could no longer hold on, so he fainted.

"There is no medicine here. Take him to my old doctor's hut."

The old man with a full white beard put a red pill into Jiang Yan's mouth and then instructed Song Fu to take the man away.

Xiao Jiyue wanted to leave, but Song Fu stopped him: "Jiang Yan, he..."

Why did Jiang Yan save him?

Qianbai's serious injury today must be the work of the Marquis's mansion, so why would Jiang Yan risk his life to save him?

Seeing that Jiang Yan had already been carried away, Xiao Jiyue lowered his eyes and asked, "How is he?"

Song Fu pursed her lips, then, thinking that the other party probably didn't know Jiang Yan's thoughts, she let go of his hand.

"I will never forget the great kindness of Second Master Yan, and I will surely repay it in the future. However, with so many troubles happening today, I cannot leave the manor. I can only trouble you, brother, to take care of things for me."

Xiao Jiyue clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Lord Song, rest assured, Second Master is my friend, and I will take good care of him."

After saying that, he strode out.

Song Fu watched their retreating figures, feeling uneasy.

"Go to the Marquis's residence to find her. Be sure to tell Wan'er what happened today. If the Marquis's residence obstructs you, take her back to the residence directly, regardless of the cost."

The servant beside him nodded and hurriedly went to the mansion to look for the person.

The servants had all gone out to find the master and his wife, which took some time. When the group arrived at the Marquis of Chengyang's residence, the entire place was heavily guarded by servants, so much so that not even a fly could get in.

Jiang Xingjian and Shen Qianshu were carried back to the Marquis's residence. As soon as they arrived, he ordered the main gate and the inner courtyard to be guarded.

Today's events are too strange. The Third Prince was ambushed by the First Prince because of Consort Jiang's instigation, while Qian Shu was injured by Song Yun Ning.

Which side was responsible for shooting down the eldest prince?

Jiang Xingjian immediately thought of the Crown Prince, but then realized it didn't make sense. Even if the Crown Prince, that paralyzed man, suddenly recovered, why would he attack Shen Qianchi?

"Master, how are you?"

"It's nothing...".

The physician had just examined him and found that he had at least six or seven ulcers on his body. Gently pressing his chest, Jiang Xingjian felt pain all over his body.

"Tell Mother that it's time for Grandmother's turn, and also..."

Jiang Xingjian lowered his eyes, pondered for a moment, and said, "Be careful to keep a close watch on Lan Courtyard. Do not disturb Madam with today's events."

He didn't want Song Wan to know what had happened today. She had a fiery temper, and if she found out, they would sever all ties and become enemies.

Biting his lip hard to endure the pain, Jiang Xingjian was filled with turmoil.

Although he knew this day would come, why was he so terrified when this situation arose?

"I understand."

"Send Shu'er to my room. Today, you must protect the Fifth Prince."

The mastermind behind the assassination of the eldest prince has not yet been found, so he cannot act rashly. With chaos outside today, the palace gates will surely be closed. No matter what, he must ensure Shu'er's safety until the day they return to the palace.

Jiang Xingjian felt worried when he thought of Shen Qianshu's broken leg.

Now he can only hope that Shen Qianbai is either dead or crippled, otherwise all his previous plans will be in vain...

The inner quarters of the Marquis's mansion, under guard, were completely silent. Song Wan was unaware of what was happening outside. She only vaguely heard that it was quite noisy tonight, but considering that it was Mid-Autumn Festival and people were out enjoying lanterns and games, she thought it was normal.

"Miss, are you feeling better?"

Song Wan nodded.

In fact, not long after Jiang Xingjian left the Marquis's residence, she felt the pain in her abdomen gradually subside, and it stopped hurting in less than half an hour.

I haven't seen my brother and aunt, and I wonder if they're worried about me.

Song Wan leaned against the embroidered couch, her voice tinged with sadness.

Hengzhi felt a moment of unease when the topic of seeing Song Fu came up, but she quickly recovered.

The three servants were fiddling with the lanterns in the room when they suddenly heard a click on the window.

Song Wan turned around to look and was almost scared to tears by Lin Jiayue.

All the people saw was her disheveled hair, with one hand and one foot clinging to the window, and she was creeping into the house in a strange manner.

"Don't make a sound, come and help me."

She looked up and saw Song Wanhengzhi and the others staring at her blankly, so she lowered her voice and called out.

"Go help."

Hengzhi and Hengwu hurriedly stepped forward to help her in, but Lin Jiayue blew out the candles as soon as she entered the room and sat down alone on the embroidered couch.

Seeing this action, Song Wan knew that she didn't want anyone to recognize her.

Is someone outside?

"What happened?"

Her expression turned cold, and she immediately became wary.

Lin Jiayue sat on the ground, quietly watching her. After a moment of silence, she asked, "Why didn't you go to see the lanterns today?"

Seeing that she had gone to great lengths to climb through the window just to ask these pointless questions, Hengwu couldn't help but feel annoyed: "Isn't it all because you recklessly sold off the servants in the manor, causing problems in the small kitchen and resulting in our young lady being accidentally poisoned by a lowly maid?"

Lin Jiayue smiled faintly upon hearing this: "So you didn't stay on your own initiative."

She didn't believe such a coincidence could happen in this world. If it wasn't Song Wan's own idea, then it must have been Jiang Xingjian's idea.

He must have known something bad would happen outside tonight, which is why he deliberately left Song Wan behind to protect her.

Thinking of this, Lin Jiayue burst out laughing, even laughing until tears streamed down her face.

After giggling, she looked at Song Wan and said, "Do you know what happened? Something terrible happened outside tonight. A lot of people died, so many..."