These past few days, Chang'an City has been unusually peaceful.
As for the incense matter, the procedures have already been set.
Lu Changfeng, in order to show the Lu family's value to Jiang Yuechu, exerted all his strength.
He spent all day with his men circling the Golden Body statues, wishing he could refine himself into one.
Originally, according to Jiang Yuechu's personality, the so-called Golden Body Technique concerned the future of the Great Tang, and she should have personally overseen it to be at ease.
But this time.
Her cheap Imperial Brother was absolutely determined.
Perhaps he was afraid of tiring his own 'Sea-Stabilizing Divine Needle', and stubbornly refused to let her toil even a bit more.
He said that although the Great Tang's strength was currently insufficient, if such trivial errands and chores still required the Grand Princess Your Highness to personally attend to them, then what was the point of having all these civil and military officials?
With words spoken to this extent, Jiang Yuechu could only let him be.
After all, she had indeed grown a bit weary from all the killing these past few days, so having someone willing to take over was also a good thing.
It's just that she didn't dare to leave Chang'an.
It wouldn't hurt to stay a few more days.
If she left, and her home was stolen right after, then there would truly be nowhere to cry.
So, she familiarized herself and moved into the Wei Residence.
These days, she and Wei Qing slept in the same bed and talked face to face.
They talked about trivial household matters, whose chicken was lost, where the flatbreads had increased in price.
There was no talk of the nation or the world, no Dao Lineage disputes.
It was as if all the major events beyond these courtyard walls had nothing to do with them... This day.
In the back courtyard of the Wei Residence.
Jiang Yuechu sprawled out without any regard for her image, half-closing her eyes, holding a handful of fish food, idly tossing it into the pond.
The koi in the pond fought for food, splashing loudly.
"If you feed them like this, you'll probably gorge these fish to death."
A soft laugh came from beside her.
Wei Qing walked over gracefully, holding a celadon cup.
Looking at the rare relaxed brows and eyes of the young girl beside her, her heart softened.
She couldn't help but reach out, wanting to tidy the somewhat messy strands of hair by the girl's temples.
Her fingertips touched the cool skin.
Jiang Yuechu's body subconsciously tensed for a moment, then slowly relaxed, allowing the hand to gently caress her ear.
"If they gorge themselves to death, then so be it. Just fish them out and stew them... I just learned a famous Jiangnan dish from someone a few days ago; I'll make it for you to try sometime."
Wei Qing shook her head helplessly and handed the teacup to her lips: "What dish?"
Jiang Yuechu took a sip, drinking from her hand.
The tea had a clear aroma and a long, sweet aftertaste.
She smacked her lips, then slowly said: "West Lake... Vinegar Fish."
"Uh..."
"What do you mean by 'uh'?" Jiang Yuechu feigned displeasure.
Wei Qing silently put down the teacup and softly muttered: "Who in their right mind eats that stuff..."
...
The two sat quietly for a long time like this.
Both were enjoying their time alone with great ease.
After an unknown amount of time.
Wei Qing suddenly spoke softly: "Yue... Gu... Lonely Moon."
"It's just the two of us here. If you're not used to calling me Li Guyue, then just call me Jiang Yuechu."
"Yuechu..."
"Hmm."
"Yuechu."
"Hmm?"
"Yuechu~"
"What's wrong?"
Looking at Wei Qing, who was giggling foolishly, Jiang Yuechu felt a little bewildered.
This girl... why is she so jumpy now?
Wei Qing laughed for a while, then slowly reined in her smile and said seriously: "If you're tired, stay here for a few more days."
...
Hearing this.
Jiang Yuechu turned her head away: "We'll see."
Wei Qing lowered her gaze, looking at the girl's delicate but somewhat tired profile, a hint of heartache flashing in her eyes.
Just as she was about to say something.
At the courtyard gate, a sudden rush of footsteps was heard.
"Young Miss."
Wei Qing withdrew her hand, sat up straight, and returned to her usual demeanor.
"Come in."
A servant quickly walked in, and upon seeing the two women, he first froze, then immediately lowered his head and bowed respectfully.
"What is the matter that causes such a fright?"
"The master heard that Your Highness has arrived, and said... he invites Your Highness to the study for a chat."
"Father?"
Wei Qing frowned slightly, a little confused.
What did her father need to meet Jiang Yuechu privately for?
"I'll go see."
Jiang Yuechu stood up, straightening her somewhat wrinkled clothes.
Wei Qing looked at her with some concern: "Do you want me to accompany you?"
"No need."
"Really no need?"
Jiang Yuechu waved her hand, her expression calm: "This Princess is now the Grand Princess Your Highness. If your father dares to be disrespectful to this Princess, I will exterminate your entire clan."
With that said.
She smiled at Wei Qing, then turned and walked out with the servant.
Leaving only Wei Qing in disarray in the wind... After passing through several corridors, they arrived at Duke Wei's study.
Duke Wei was dressed in loose casual clothes today, standing by the window.
Hearing the movement.
He turned around, and upon seeing Jiang Yuechu enter, he quickly stepped forward a few paces and bowed.
"This Old Minister pays his respects to Your Highness."
"Duke Wei, dispense with the formalities."
Jiang Yuechu made a gesture of support, not standing on ceremony, and walked directly to the main seat and sat down.
"May I ask Duke Wei, what important matter do you have for me today?"
Duke Wei straightened his back and dismissed the servants.
After the door closed, and only the two of them remained in the room.
A hint of hesitation appeared on his face, which usually showed no emotion.
He sat down below Jiang Yuechu and remained silent for a long time.
Finally, he sighed.
"Originally, this matter... this Old Minister shouldn't have spoken out, but after thinking it over, I still felt I should inform Your Highness."
Jiang Yuechu narrowed her eyes slightly: "Duke Wei, please speak freely."
Duke Wei took a deep breath, as if having made a great decision.
He looked up, his gaze somewhat murky, not daring to meet the young girl's eyes directly.
"Grand Tutor Jiang... has passed away."
The study suddenly fell silent.
Jiang Yuechu's face was expressionless, but her originally calm, water-like eyes slowly narrowed.
It was as if she hadn't heard clearly, or as if she had heard a joke.
After a long while.
Her clear, cold voice slowly sounded, betraying no emotion.
"When did this happen?"
"It's been some time..."
Duke Wei did not answer directly but turned around and took out a letter from a secret compartment in the bookshelf behind him.
"Actually, not long after the late emperor enfeoffed him as Grand Tutor, he dismissed the servants in his residence, and even the old butler who had followed him for most of his life was forcibly sent back to his hometown."
"He resigned from his official position, leaving behind only a memorial, saying he wanted to travel the world, seeking famous mountains and great rivers to live out his remaining years."
At this point, Duke Wei sighed deeply: "This Old Minister, having been his classmate for several years back then, also sent people to search for him, thinking he was simply frightened and wanted to find a quiet place to recuperate."
"Who would have thought that once he left, there would be no news of him."
With that, Duke Wei presented the letter with both hands.
"This was brought a few months ago by a passing Jianghu wanderer."
"The person said it was found in a ruined temple hundreds of miles away."
"At that time, Jiang Xun was leaning against a pile of rotten straw beneath a statue, his body already cold. This letter and some silver were placed beside him."
"If it weren't for that silver, perhaps even this death notice wouldn't have reached this Old Minister."