"My lord, this person is tough enough to cheat death. Their life is no longer in danger."
In the darkness, someone spoke, though no figure could be seen.
"In that case, send them to Jiangnan. It is time we returned and made new plans."
"Yes."
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
Early that morning.
Jiang Yourning was dragged out of bed to wash and dress, after which the entire family set off for the Lin Family's home.
On the way, Lin Xiangyin pulled her two daughters close and checked herself in the mirror over and over.
"Rong'er, Ningning, does your mother look pretty enough today? Do I have the bearing of a Second-Rank Imperial Mandate Lady?"
"Mother, don't worry. You have a commanding presence today."
Jiang Wanrong smiled helplessly.
Beside her, Jiang Yourning nodded along.
"Mother! Rest assured. I've never seen another woman with bearing as magnificent as yours."
"That's good, then."
Lin Xiangyin nodded, reassured.
When their carriage stopped outside the Lin Residence, Madam Lin came over to welcome them, her face instantly wreathed in smiles.
"Oh, I was just talking about you, Madam Jiang! You're finally here. Come, come, come, please head inside!"
"Didn't I come hurrying over, whipping my horse along?"
The two women clasped each other's hands and exchanged a few pleasantries before Jiang Yourning and the others were led inside.
Only after Lin Xiangyin had dragged them around to meet a whole circle of the Capital's noblewomen did Jiang Yourning and Jiang Wanrong escape to find the young ladies their own age.
In a pavilion surrounded by flowers in full bloom.
A smile graced Lin Qingrao's thin lips as she entertained the noble young ladies of the Capital visiting her home.
Yet she could not help glancing outside again and again.