CHAPTER 1095: CHAPTER 223: DEFEATED GENERAL SURVIVES A CALAMITY (PART 5)

"There are some things that can be said, some that can’t. There are some people who can endure, but I cannot. I’m leaving, and if Father blames us, I will take full responsibility. It has nothing to do with you."

Yan Xing stamped her foot: "Oh, Second Sister, what do you take me for?"

With so many guests, Yan Hua couldn’t be bothered to argue, "Alright, there are still guests here, so say less."

Jiang Hanbi put down her tea cup and changed the subject: "I heard the scenery at the Plum Forest is quite nice. Why don’t we go have a look?"

"Yes, yes. I noticed it when I came. It’s blooming especially well."

Yan Hua frowned slightly: "It’s quite cold outside, and besides, the banquet is about to start..."

"The Plum Forest isn’t far from here. We can take a quick look and come back; it certainly won’t delay the banquet," Yan Xing said.

Dongfang Yi stood up with a smile: "Admiring plum blossoms in the snow is quite elegant. There’s no harm in going to take a look. Let’s find someone to watch over things, and have them call us when the banquet starts. We won’t miss it."

Yan Hua nodded: "Alright then, but be careful, the paths are slippery in the snow, ladies."

Yan Xing was the first to rush out of the house like a wild horse unbridled. Jiang Hanbi and Yan He followed beside Dongfang Yi, while Yan Hua took Yun Ya’s arm and followed them out.

"Won’t there be trouble for you for offending Miss Zhao because of me?" Yun Ya asked worriedly.

Yan Hua looked at Dongfang Yi walking ahead and smiled: "What trouble could there be? At most, my father will scold me, but I’m used to it. I just can’t stand others bullying you."

Yun Ya clasped her slightly cool hand: "Huahua, thank you."

Yan Hua winked at her and whispered in her ear: "I promised Big Brother I would take good care of you. If he finds out you were wronged following me, he would skin me alive."

Yun Ya’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she glanced at her coquettishly: "Don’t speak nonsense."

"Don’t worry, only heaven, earth, you, I, and Big Brother know about this."

Jiang Hanbi glanced at the two behind her and commented with a smile: "That Miss Ji is quite charming. Miss Hua is the hardest of the Yan Family to befriend. Yet, she has just arrived and already won her over. Her knack for winning people over is something we can’t hope to match—no wonder the Third Lady likes her so much."

"The Third Lady’s judgment has always been trustworthy," Dongfang Yi remarked with a gentle smile.

Jiang Hanbi suddenly looked at Yan He walking beside her and said with a smile: "Miss Yan, they say Young Master Yan is your direct superior. You must have plenty of time to spend with him, right?"

Yan He smiled. "It’s okay. He is quite aloof, and few can get close to him. I just... manage to exchange a few words with him."

Jiang Hanbi took her arm delightedly: "I really envy you. We don’t even have the chance to speak to him. I hear the military is particularly strict, especially for women, so your standards must be even higher. You truly live up to being the descendant of a martyr. Only a woman like you could stand shoulder to shoulder with a man like Yan Song."

Yan He’s eyes flickered, and her hands clenched tightly into fists under her sleeves. She replied with a bitter smile: "You overestimate me...."

"Miss Yan, don’t belittle yourself. I think you are quite excellent. Your grandfather is Commander Shu, and you are so outstanding. In every aspect, you are far superior to us so-called socialites who only know how to play the piano and paint."

Yan He replied with a bitter smile: "I would rather be like you..." How could she have any presence in his eyes without being feminine? The woman he likes is an elegant and graceful lady like Ji Yunya.

Jiang Hanbi said smilingly: "You truly don’t appreciate your own fortune. If I could switch places with you, I really would. With enough effort, you can grind an iron pestle into a needle; it all depends on whether you have the perseverance."

Noticing the contemplative expression on Yan He’s face, Jiang Hanbi subtly curled her lips into a smile and exchanged a quick glance with Dongfang Yi.

Upon reaching the Plum Forest, the group trudged through the snow inside. Snow weighed down the branches, and a subtle fragrance lingered—indeed, a unique scenery amidst this icy world.

Seeing the group about to venture further in, Yan Hua quickly said: "The snow is deeper further in and hasn’t been cleared yet. Let’s enjoy the view here."

"No worries, the snow isn’t that deep. It’s even more beautiful further inside."

Yan Hua helplessly pulled Yun Ya to go further in.

Yun Ya surveyed the surroundings. The Plum Forest wasn’t large. Passing through the front courtyard and walking a bit further, they could see the shadow of Rongju Garden. Yun Ya saw a row of footprints in the snow, left by her and Yan Song earlier.

"Looks like someone was here before," Jiang Hanbi remarked with a smile.

"The footprints seem to be of a man and a woman. Judging by their distribution and position, at that time, the woman was leaning against the plum tree, and the man stood on the outskirts. This..." Dongfang Yi said, her cheeks reddening, seemingly embarrassed to continue.