Jiang Jingshu was momentarily stunned; the elder sister before her felt somewhat unfamiliar.
But she quickly decided she must have been seeing things, and with a stern face, she said coldly, “Since you’ve chosen the path of alienating everyone, don’t blame me and Mother for not having warned you today when you end up with a bad outcome…”
With that, she flicked her sleeves and strode out the door.
Jiang Sihe pressed her lips together slightly. Her younger sister was still as aloof and proud as ever. It was just a pity that this time, without her managing things at the villa, she’d like to see how long her sister could maintain that air of lofty pride.
First Madame was quick-tempered. After Nanny Qiu returned and reported to her, she hurried straight to Jiang Zongyuan’s study to discuss the matter of the adoption.
“You want to adopt Concubine Ruan’s eldest daughter?”
Jiang Zongyuan set down his brush and looked up at First Madame.
“What, does the Master not agree?”
Jiang Zongyuan had never been one to meddle in the affairs of the inner quarters. It was merely the adoption of a shu-daughter—what reason would he have to disagree?
“Since the Madame has taken a liking to that girl, it is her fortune.”
Wang Mingyi smiled and raised her hand to pour Jiang Zongyuan a cup of tea. “Master, about the matter you asked me to look into the other day—Father has already sent word back. There’s a vacancy in one of the four departments of the Ministry of Rites, and it can be filled in a few days…”
A hint of gentle smile appeared in Jiang Zongyuan’s eyes. He took the teacup and clasped Wang Mingyi’s hand. “The Madame has gone to great trouble. I recall that the wisteria at Chunhua Ge is in full bloom this season. I’ve been wanting to enjoy those wisteria flowers these past few days—how about I stay at Chunhua Ge for a while…”
Wang Mingyi’s eyes instantly filled with delight. “Does the Master mean to say he’ll be staying at Chunhua Ge?”
“What, is the Madame not welcoming me?”
Wang Mingyi quickly spoke up: “How could that be, I—”
The words had barely left her mouth before she immediately restrained herself, remembering her mother’s teachings—as the mistress of the household, she should maintain proper dignity and composure.
“Your concubine is naturally willing to serve her husband!”
Seeing how proper and reserved Wang Mingyi was, Jiang Zongyuan couldn’t help but feel somewhat bored.
Concubine Wei suited his tastes far better—charming and clingy, she enticed him until his mind was utterly captivated.
But Wang Mingyi had a father who was Minister of Rites. Even if he didn’t care for her, she still had to be the mistress of Jiangfu, and he had to give this mistress her due respect.
When First Madame emerged from Jiang Zongyuan’s study, she radiated a hint of joy.
“Madame, has the Master agreed?”
“He agreed,” First Madame nodded. “Go to the kitchen in a moment and give instructions—prepare several extra dishes the Master enjoys and send them to our courtyard. Also light the Master’s favorite incense in the rooms. The Master will be staying at Chunhua Ge for the next few days…”
Nanny Qiu’s face lit up with joy as well. Ever since Concubine Wei had given birth to the only male heir of the eldest branch of the Jiang family, the Master’s heart had been biased. Though he outwardly treated First Madame as the principal wife, his private affections leaned toward Concubine Wei. The number of times he came to Chunhua Ge each month could be counted on one hand.
Suddenly, a flicker of surprise crossed her mind…
The Madame had only just proposed adopting the Second Miss, and already the Master had moved back to Chunhua Ge. This Second Miss truly was the Madame’s lucky star.
Nanny Qiu shared in the joy, then thought of something and quickly spoke: “Madame, what about that prescription the Commandery Princess had someone find for you a while back—should you start taking it?”
First Madame frowned. She had already drunk who knows how many of those prescriptions meant to conceive a child. Later, after Concubine Wei gave birth to a son, the Master was always staying at her quarters, and First Madame had stopped taking them these past few years.
“Mm, have Jinlan brew it!”
First Madame’s expression turned heavy. Thinking of how she had failed to bear the Jiang family a legitimate son, she always felt somewhat diminished.
Nanny Qiu nodded along. “This old servant will instruct Jinlan as soon as she returns.”
“Tomorrow… no, go to Concubine Ruan’s courtyard right away and bring the Second Miss to our courtyard!”
Nanny Qiu knew First Madame was impatient by nature. Now that the Master had agreed to adopt the Second Miss, she was eager to bring her into Chunhua Ge at once.
“Madame, that ungrateful Fourth Miss and Concubine Ruan have already returned to the villa today. If the Master were to find out, he might think you lack the tolerance to accommodate others…”
At the mention of Concubine Ruan, First Madame felt her mood sour.
“Those who don’t know what’s good for them need not be bothered with. The priority now is to take good care of the Second Miss, help her recover her health, and make sure she doesn’t develop any lasting ailments!”
Nanny Qiu lowered her head in acknowledgment. “When this old servant returns, I’ll have the west wing prepared for the Second Miss to stay in!”
“Have her stay in the east wing!”
“The east wing?” Nanny Qiu seemed not to have expected the Madame to treat the Second Miss with such honor.
“Since she’s been adopted under my name, she is now the di-daughter of the eldest branch. The east wing is more fitting for her status.”
“The Madame has thought of everything!”
After Nanny Qiu returned, she called several maidservants to tidy up the east wing, and then went to fetch Jiang Sihe.
…
Having slept for half the day, Jiang Sihe was awakened by the pain in her back. She moved her neck slightly, and the piercing ache made her unable to hold back a sharp “hiss.”
“Second Miss, does the wound hurt?”
Danfeng sat by the bedside fanning her. Hearing the sound, she asked in a soft voice.
Jiang Sihe hadn’t expected this little maid to care for her with such devotion.
“The physician prescribed pain medicine, and I’ve kept it warm on the stove. Second Miss, if you’re in pain, please don’t bear it silently—I’ll fetch the medicine for you…”
Being attended to with such meticulous care made Jiang Sihe feel somewhat uneasy. She turned her head slightly and said, “Then I’ll trouble you to bring the medicine in…”
“Second Miss, I’m here to serve you. Whatever you need, just give the order!”
With that, Danfeng set down the fan in her hand, rose, and went out to fetch the medicine. Soon she returned carrying a celadon porcelain bowl.
“Second Miss, let me help you take your medicine!”
In her previous life, even after entering the marquis’s household, she had never had servants attending to her. Now, unexpectedly, she had such a considerate maidservant.
Danfeng, perceptive as she was, noticed Jiang Sihe’s thoughts and spoke in a soft, gentle voice.
“Second Miss is a mistress of the household. Being sent by First Madame to serve you is my good fortune…”
Danfeng’s words came naturally, without mentioning the topic of adoption into the direct lineage. She simply treated Jiang Sihe as the Second Miss of Jiangfu, letting her know she need not lose her confidence.
After finishing the bowl of medicine, a thin layer of sweat broke out on Jiang Sihe’s body. Danfeng set down the bowl, picked up the fan, and gently fanned her.
“The weather is hot, and Second Miss has injuries that prevent you from bathing—this must be truly trying for you…”
In both of her lifetimes combined, Jiang Sihe had never been cared for like this. Hearing Danfeng’s words, she naturally felt comforted in her heart.
“Is Second Miss awake?”
Nanny Qiu lifted the curtain and entered, a smile on her face.
Jiang Sihe was somewhat surprised to see Nanny Qiu come at this time.
“Nanny!” Danfeng greeted Nanny Qiu with a bow.
“The matter of the adoption has been reported to the Master by the Madame, and the Master has agreed…”
Hearing Nanny Qiu’s words, Jiang Sihe was naturally delighted inside, though she maintained her composure on the surface.
“I’ve put First Madame to so much trouble on my account. Nanny, please sit down and rest for a while…”
But Nanny Qiu shook her head. “Second Miss looks to be in good spirits. Are your injuries still painful?”
Jiang Sihe replied obediently, “Nothing serious. I’m grateful for your concern, Nanny!”
“Second Miss, you flatter this old servant. It is First Madame who is concerned for you now. I’ve come to relay her message once again!”
Jiang Sihe was momentarily puzzled. “Does First Madame have any instructions?”