BDSMST -Chapter 93 Returning to the Marquis Manor — No Longer the Same

More than a year later, when Jiang Suisui once again set foot in the capital, her state of mind was completely different from before.

The carriage rolled into the bustling Vermilion Bird Avenue. On both sides of the street stood rows upon rows of shops, with crowds flowing endlessly through the thoroughfare. This imperial city, which had once made her feel stifled and alienated, now appeared to her as nothing more than a larger, more intricate chessboard.

The carriage did not linger in the streets. It headed straight toward the Yongning Marquis Manor in the eastern part of the city.

When the familiar yet unfamiliar residence came into view, even Gu Xuan could not help but let out a soft “Wow.”

The Yongning Marquis Manor before them was no longer the dilapidated and desolate place it had been when they left.

The vermilion gates had been freshly repainted. The plaque reading “Yongning Marquis Manor” had been polished to a brilliant shine, gleaming under the sunlight. The stone lions at the entrance stood majestic and imposing, and two neat rows of servants in brand-new uniforms waited respectfully with their hands lowered.

At the front stood a sharp-looking, capable middle-aged steward.

“Welcome home, Marquis, Madam, Young Marquis!”

As soon as the carriage stopped, the steward led the others in kneeling in unison.

Gu Yan stepped down first and helped the steward to his feet. “Rise.”

Then he turned and extended his hand toward Jiang Suisui inside the carriage.

She placed her hand in his palm and descended slowly with his support.

She wore a moon-white dress embroidered with silver-thread patterns along the hem, shimmering subtly with every step. She wore no cosmetics, only a simple jade hairpin in her dark hair. Her bearing was elegant and refined, yet carried a quiet authority that made people hesitate to meet her gaze directly.

This was the famed “First-Rank Lady Protector of the Nation.”

The steward and servants secretly stole glances at their legendary mistress, awe rising in their hearts. They had all been personally selected by Eunuch Fu, the chief eunuch by the Emperor’s side, and sent from the palace to serve in the manor. Before they came, Eunuch Fu had repeatedly warned them: the Marquis might be cold by nature, but this Madam was the true pillar of the household—under no circumstances was she to be offended.

Standing before the manor gates, Jiang Suisui felt no ripples in her heart.

She still remembered the day she had been carried into this residence through a side gate in a small bridal sedan chair. At the time, she had been filled with anxiety, greeted only by the servants’ disdainful glances and her husband’s indifferent back.

She remembered having to sell her dowry to pay for Xuan’er’s medical treatment, and the duplicity of the stewards who smiled to her face while disobeying her behind her back.

She remembered even more clearly the determined way she had left this manor in disgrace with Xuan’er, stepping toward an unknown future.

Those memories were vivid.

And now, she had returned.

Not as someone’s dependent—but as the rightful mistress of this manor, holding real power in her hands.

“Let’s go home,” Gu Yan said softly, tightening his grip on her hand.

“Yes, home.” Jiang Suisui smiled faintly at him.

Hand in hand, with Gu Xuan between them, they stepped over the high threshold together.

Everything inside the manor had been thoroughly renewed. The courtyards were spotless; rockeries, ponds, and flourishing flowers revealed the refinement of a wealthy household.

The steward followed behind them respectfully, reporting on the manor’s affairs.

“Madam, during the time you and the Marquis were away, all household matters were temporarily managed by people sent by Eunuch Fu. Now that you have returned, the household tallies, treasury keys, and account books are all prepared for your inspection.”

Jiang Suisui nodded but said nothing.

She did not need to inspect them. Since the Emperor wished to make a gesture of goodwill, he would not stoop to petty tricks in such matters. What he had sent was not only servants, but also both favor and surveillance—a means of drawing Gu Yan and her closer while keeping watch over them.

After passing through several corridors, they arrived at the main courtyard.

Jiang Suisui paused.

Her gaze fell upon the tall crabapple tree standing in the courtyard.

She remembered that beneath this tree had been one of the few places where she could sit quietly for a while. Back then, she would sit alone, watching the blossoms bloom and fall, thinking about her and Xuan’er’s uncertain future.

Now, Gu Yan stood by her side, his hand warm and steady around hers.

Sensing her distraction, he turned and asked gently, “What are you thinking about?”

“I was thinking… how much this place has changed,” she replied softly.

“So have the people,” Gu Yan said, his eyes filled with tender affection.

Indeed—things had changed.

But this time, it was for the better.

Just then, the steward stepped forward again, bowing as he presented a gilded invitation card.

“Marquis, Madam, the palace has sent an invitation just as you returned.”

Jiang Suisui took the card and opened it.

The seal of Fengyi Palace was unmistakable.

“In three days, Her Majesty the Empress will host a flower-viewing banquet in the imperial garden, inviting the first- and second-rank titled ladies of the capital for a gathering. This invitation was delivered specifically for you,” the steward added.

Holding the invitation, Jiang Suisui’s eyes sharpened slightly.

She knew that the first battle in the capital had already arrived.

And it was aimed directly at her.

This so-called flower-viewing banquet was only a pretext. In truth, it was a test between the inner palace and the court. The noblewomen of the capital all represented the interests of their respective families. Their curiosity, attempts at alliance, jealousy, and hostility would all be laid bare at this banquet.

It was a Hongmen Banquet—a feast with hidden daggers.

And it would be her first official appearance on the capital’s stage as the “First-Rank Lady Protector of the Nation.”

“I understand.” Jiang Suisui closed the invitation and handed it back to the steward, her expression calm and composed.

“Inform the palace messenger that this Madam will attend on time.”