“Your father? Don’t mention him.”
Shen Shi was still fuming. Though somewhat moved when Jiang Chaohua mentioned Jiang He, her anger remained unabated.
Jiang He had disappointed her. After all this time, he remained at Feihe Courtyard—likely not just out of concern for Jiang Laofuren, but also for Jiang Wanxin.
“Mother, no matter what, Third Brother is still Father’s child.”
Jiang Chaohua spoke meaningfully.
Indeed, a biological father harming his own son… If Shen Shi were to learn that the mistress had instructed Meng Yao to seduce Jiang Wanzhou under Jiang He’s orders, one could only imagine her reaction. Would she recall today’s mention that Jiang Wanzhou was also Jiang He’s child?
“Madam, the young mistress is right. You and the master must continue living together.”
Li Momo couldn’t resist adding her persuasion. Indeed, in everyone’s eyes, Jiang He was still considered a suitable match—showing how deeply his fabricated image had been ingrained in Shen Shi and everyone else over the years.
“I won’t go.” Shen Shi wavered slightly but held firm.
“Then this old servant will go. I’ll tell him that Third Young Master is also the master’s child—he’ll surely agree.”
Li Momo couldn’t conceal her delight. Jiang Chaohua narrowed her eyes and spoke calmly:
“Then let Momo go. Just say Mother agrees to redeem Meng Yao and handle the indentures. Don’t mention our plans—too many people knowing would be unwise, especially with Grandmother standing between Father and Mother. Do you understand my meaning, Momo?”
Jiang Chaohua’s words carried deeper implications. Having witnessed the Fang family’s marriage proposal today, Li Momo knew of Jiang Laofuren’s favoritism toward Jiang Wanxin. If everything were revealed to Jiang He, there was no guarantee Jiang Laofuren wouldn’t find out.
Worse yet, she might pressure Madam to adopt Jiang Wanxin as a foster daughter. That ungrateful wretch—even the sight of her was repulsive, let alone making her a foster daughter.
“Young Mistress, there’s another matter… How should we address the Fang family’s marriage proposal publicly?”
Li Momo couldn’t help worrying.
The failed engagement between the Fang family and Jiang Wanxin was entirely Jiang Wanxin’s own doing—Shen Shi shouldn’t be dragged into it.
“Don’t worry, Momo. Ignore it for now and let them be. Why doesn’t Mother see how heartless Jiang Wanxin can become?”
Jiang Chaohua smiled sweetly. Shen Shi immediately understood her meaning.
If Jiang Wanxin wanted to protect her reputation, she would inevitably try to shift the blame onto Shen Shi.
They might as well let her proceed, then expose the matter later. Without them having to say anything, outsiders would naturally learn how ungrateful and black-hearted Jiang Wanxin truly was.
“Let’s do as Chaochao says. You’ve been busy all day—go rest early.”
Shen Shi affectionately stroked Jiang Chaohua’s cheek. Jiang Chaohua nodded and returned to Xi Shi Courtyard with Feicui.
Fearing Jiang Wanyi might suffer further harm, Shen Shi had him stay in the room next to hers. Exhausted from the day’s events, Shen Shi fell asleep shortly after Jiang Chaohua departed.
Following instructions, Li Momo soon went to discuss Meng Yao’s redemption with Jiang He.
Jiang He was initially shocked, but when Li Momo informed him how Jiang Wanzhou had nearly pushed Shen Shi down earlier that day, his doubts vanished and he agreed.
Li Momo kept Jiang Chaohua’s instructions firmly in mind and had grown wary of Jiang He as well. Especially since Jiang Chaohua and Shen Shi had suffered grievances while Jiang He remained solely preoccupied with staying in Feihe Courtyard. Whether dealing with the Old Madam or Jiang Wanxin, Li Momo always felt that compared to them, Jiang He placed less importance on Shen Shi.
Therefore, she didn’t reveal a single word that shouldn’t be said.
Today’s incident had offended the Fang family, leaving Jiang He filled with irritation. He shut himself in his study to contemplate countermeasures, forbidding anyone from disturbing him.
Shen Shi’s reluctant agreement to redeem Meng Yao gave Jiang He some relief. He ordered his personal guard to find Jiang Wanzhou and inform him of the matter.
Everything unfolded exactly as Jiang Chaohua had anticipated. Upon hearing the news, Jiang Wanzhou delightedly headed to the Orchid Pavilion.
The Orchid Pavilion was vast, with its main tower situated in the most bustling district of Chang’an City.
The tower stood seven stories high, each floor containing numerous rooms arranged according to the status of the courtesans residing there. Naturally, those with the highest status occupied the upper floors, enjoying the finest views and environments.
As the premier courtesan of the Orchid Pavilion, Meng Yao naturally resided on the seventh floor.
Despite the thriving business, the Orchid Pavilion operated during daylight hours as well, though imperial decree prohibited carnal transactions before nightfall. During the day, the courtesans merely played instruments, sang melodies, and hosted various other activities.
“My, if it isn’t Young Master Jiang again? Will you be having the usual today?”
On the first floor, a heavily made-up madam with exaggerated cosmetics waved a handkerchief steeped in some overpowering fragrance. With every slight movement, it released an intensely pungent odor.
Jiang Wanzhou instinctively stepped back, his expression stiffening at the madam’s enthusiastic greeting.
On this day each month, he would collect money from Shen Shi and inevitably spend it at the Orchid Pavilion.
Meng Yao’s appearance fee was exorbitant—merely to hear her play and sing required at least five hundred taels of silver.
Shen Shi was generous, filling his purse entirely with thousand-tael silver notes—an ample sum. Previously, Jiang Wanzhou hadn’t cared how much he spent, but now his funds were depleted, and he couldn’t produce such an amount.
“Young Master Jiang?”
Having spent years in the pleasure quarters, the madam easily recognized Jiang Wanzhou’s embarrassment, though she hesitated to believe he might actually be short on money.
Who in Chang’an City didn’t know that Shen Shi’s dowry had been built from nearly half the Marquis estate’s wealth? As Shen Shi’s son, how could Jiang Wanzhou possibly lack money?
“Here’s five hundred taels for now. I wish to see Meng Yao. Madam, in a couple of days, I’ll bring the silver notes to redeem her. Please have Meng Yao’s indentures ready.”
Jiang Wanzhou couldn’t bear to see the doubt in the madam’s eyes—it mortified him.
Pulling out his last five hundred taels, he pressed them into the madam’s hand and strode purposefully toward the seventh floor.
He failed to notice the madam’s stunned yet delighted expression.
Had Shen Shi finally relented?
Excellent! This meant a windfall was coming. As the top courtesan, Meng Yao’s redemption price would surely reach ten thousand taels of gold.
Overjoyed, the madam went to prepare the indentures. Jiang Wanzhou moved swiftly, arriving on the seventh floor and entering Meng Yao’s room with familiar ease.
To protect Meng Yao, Jiang Wanzhou had spent vast sums of silver to secure her exclusive company.
Apart from him, Meng Yao didn’t need to entertain other guests, but as days passed, he could no longer afford the expenses. Meng Yao had no choice but to take on other clients, though she limited herself to playing the qin and singing.
“Yao Er!”
As soon as the door opened, a fragrant, soft figure threw herself into Jiang Wanzhou’s arms.
Meng Yao carried a scent that intoxicated Jiang Wanzhou beyond reason.
Holding Meng Yao tightly, Jiang Wanzhou finally eased the longing he had felt during their days apart.
“Yao Er? What’s wrong?”
Lost in his joy, Jiang Wanzhou noticed Meng Yao trembling and hurriedly looked at her.
What met his eyes was an exquisitely beautiful, gentle face that seemed to outshine the heavens.
Meng Yao had almond-shaped eyes—the kind that radiated tenderness. Combined with her years of training at the Orchid Pavilion, men found her utterly captivating at a glance, which was why she had so thoroughly bewitched Jiang Wanzhou.
“You haven’t come to see me in so long.”
Her voice was sweet and melodious, like an oriole’s song, melting Jiang Wanzhou’s heart into a puddle.
Meng Yao’s eyes were red-rimmed. Seeing the infatuation in Jiang Wanzhou’s gaze, she felt a surge of triumph. She was about to say more to deepen his guilt, hoping he would then confront Shen Shi and help her achieve her goal. But before she could, Jiang Wanzhou spoke first.
“Don’t cry, Yao Er. I came today with good news—Mother has agreed to let me redeem your freedom! However, your indenture will temporarily remain with her. But don’t worry, she said that once we pass her test, you’ll be allowed into the household. Aren’t you happy?”
Jiang Wanzhou rambled on, oblivious to the crack in Meng Yao’s expression.
Redemption? Where would she go with Jiang Wanzhou after being redeemed?
And her indenture would be in Shen Shi’s hands?
Wasn’t that tantamount to becoming Shen Shi’s maid?
Happy? She was anything but!