Binding Spring Love

Although her movements were not obvious, Jiang Xingjian could still sense a hint of unwelcomeness.

He pursed his lips slightly, but had to suppress his displeasure.

"I ran into Aunt Zhou and Jiang Jing in the courtyard. Is something on their minds?"

"Aunt Zhou has come about Third Sister's marriage. Now that Third Sister has reached the age, it's time to put her marriage on the agenda."

Jiang Xingjian nodded: "Do you have anyone in mind?"

"There is a son of a high seniority in the Lan family of Cangzhou, who is born out of wedlock. He has some connection with my elder brother, and I was thinking of sending someone to ask him if he is engaged."

Upon hearing about the Lan family of Cangzhou, Jiang Xingjian quickly realized that this marriage was an excellent match.

The Lan family has a good family tradition. Although their ancestors were demoted, the family is still wealthy. Moreover, he had heard of the person Song Wan mentioned, who was a steady and reliable person.

However, it is said that this person has a somewhat arrogant personality, which is why his marriage has not been settled all these years.

"The head of the Lan family has a legitimate son who just turned 18 this year. It is said that this child is extremely talented and has great abilities. With the Lan family's immense wealth, his future achievements will likely be remarkable."

Song Wan smiled faintly: "With a family of upright character, it is only a matter of time before the Lan family enters the court again."

Jiang Xingjian secretly agreed, knowing in his heart that this marriage couldn't be more suitable.

If they could truly form a marriage alliance with a wealthy family like the Lan family, it would only benefit the two in the palace.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Madam."

Song Wan smiled faintly and continued writing invitations for Madam Lan. Only after Green Bamboo delivered them did she inquire why Jiang Xingjian had come today.

"It's nothing major, but today I submitted a memorial regarding the inheritance of the title. If the title is granted, I will need to trouble you, Madam, to manage the affairs of the household."

Upon hearing this, Song Wan lowered her eyes and remained silent.

If Jiang Xingjian were to inherit the title, she would not only have to manage the household affairs, but also deal with the ladies of various families in the capital. In the past, this would have been fine, but now that Lin Jiayue is standing in the middle, she is really getting impatient.

"Besides this, there is another matter. Lord Sun Liang of the Ministry of War's Department of Military Affairs has been promoted to Assistant Director today."

"Miss Sun's uncle?"

Jiang Xingjian replied, "Exactly."

"This shows that His Majesty is indeed prepared to give the Sun family an important position. In fact, three or two families have come to propose marriage since today, but it is said that they have all been turned away by Madam Sun. It seems that the Sun family has agreed to the marriage alliance with the Marquis's family."

"Second Master is quite outstanding among the many scions of prominent families in the capital. The Sun family should have that much insight."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xingjian raised an eyebrow. Seeing that Song Wan's expression was indifferent and not particularly serious, he suppressed the inexplicable bitterness in his heart.

"Madam Sun sent you a gift."

Xiangcao carried in a large woven rattan box. Seeing Jiang Xingjian, she gave him a rough bow before placing the box in front of Song Wan. Song Wan picked up the small tag on it, opened it, glanced at it, and smiled, "It seems good news is on the horizon."

Song Wan casually handed the small slip to Jiang Xingjian and opened the gift box.

Inside were pieces of layered rice cake, and the aroma of rice wafted out as soon as the lid was opened.

Song Wan picked up a piece in a good mood, took a small bite, and then pointed to the herbs, asking her to share them with the people in the room.

Jiang Xingjian took the layered cake and held it in his hand without touching it.

Even after returning to Xiuyan Pavilion, the image of Song Wan taking small bites of the mille-feuille cake still lingered in his mind.

Jiang Xingjian chuckled and picked up his pen to write a letter to Jiang Man.

The marriage between Jiang Yan and the Sun family is the best option the Marquis of Chengyang can currently choose from.

Although the Marquis of Chengyang's family held a title, they had no real power, and Jiang Man's status as an imperial concubine was both a blessing and a curse for the family.

Without Jiang Man, Jiang Yan's marriage might have been able to be arranged further up the social ladder. However, as a relative of the prince, the Marquis's family could not choose a higher-ranking marriage partner.

After some thought, Jiang Xingjian also included Song Wan's high regard for the Lan family of Cangzhou in the text.

After finishing up with the manager and other matters at the rouge shop, Lin Jiayue went to find Jiang Xingjian and saw him writing a letter to Jiang Man, so she asked him what he was writing.

Jiang Xingjian answered casually, and Lin Jiayue said, "According to you, the Sun family and the Lan family seem quite good, but why is Song Wan so kind? Can't she see the future situation between the Jiang and Song families?"

Jiang Xingjian frowned slightly: "The kinship ties are very complex. Both the Sun family and the Lan family have some connection with the Song family. Regardless of how the Jiang and Song families develop in the future, she is still the matriarch of the Marquis's family and will not make a fuss about such important matters."

"Yeah?"

Lin Jiayue curled her lip, her eyes showing disdain.

Jiang Xingjian was already tired of hearing things like Song Wan being sensible and good at everything.

"Wasn't Song Wan confined to her residence as a widow for six years? How come she knows both Madam Sun and Madam Lan? Could it be that she wasn't idle during her widowhood, and spent her days socializing?"

Seeing that Lin Jiayue's words were getting increasingly unpleasant, Jiang Xingjian grew impatient: "How many families are there in the capital? These families have been on good terms for generations, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they are all related. You are not from a prominent family, so you naturally don't understand."

"You don't look down on my background, do you?"

Too lazy to pay attention to her nagging, Jiang Xingjian had the letter sent to the palace and then inquired about the rouge shop.

"Don't worry, I'm very capable. The shop will be renovated in another half month, and you and Consort Jiang can just wait to collect the money."

Lin Jiayue looked completely confident, which finally put Jiang Xingjian at ease.

The image of Song Wan kneading the mille-feuille cake flashed through Jiang Xingjian's mind again. He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to banish that graceful figure from his thoughts. When he looked up again, he saw Lin Jiayue tidying up the messy items on his desk.

He sighed softly, took her hand, and pulled her into his arms.

"I'm sorry."

He was too impatient with her, and Jiang Xingjian couldn't bear it.

He was the one who dragged her into this vortex, and Lin Jiayue was completely innocent. He couldn't bear to use a girl who was devoted to him, and he didn't want to, nor could he, become a despicable person who would use women by any means necessary.

Holding Lin Jiayue tightly, Jiang Xingjian felt a little more at ease.

"It's okay, I know you're upset."

Lin Jiayue murmured, "I know you have feelings for me, and I know you have feelings for Song Wan, but I'm not afraid. I can wait. As long as you choose me with the same determination you have now, we can definitely walk steadily together."

She knew Jiang Xingjian was a man of deep feelings; otherwise, she wouldn't have fallen in love with him.

Childhood sweethearts' love cannot withstand the test. Jiang Xingjian's love for Song Wan is his beautiful fantasy of his first love, while he himself is the one who is by her side.

Lin Jiayue didn't believe she was inferior to a naive, sheltered woman; she had confidence in herself.

"Love needs nurturing. As long as our hearts are together, everything will get better and better."

Lin Jiayue smiled and tiptoed to kiss Jiang Xingjian's chin. Jiang Xingjian lowered his head slightly and gave her a deep kiss on the lips.

Jia Yue is right. As long as their hearts are together, he will eventually let go of Song Wan.