The next day, Jiang Yanqing slept until the sun was high in the sky.
Upon waking, she cooked herself millet porridge and fried an egg pancake.
She was sitting on a small stool in the courtyard, bowl in hand, eating her meal when an urgent yet joyful voice sounded at the gate.
"Qingqing… my precious granddaughter…"
Soon after, a group of people walked in.
Leading the way was Old Madam Shen of Pingyuan Houfu, over fifty years old, robust and healthy.
Though dressed plainly and without makeup, she still exuded an air of grace and nobility.
Old Madam Shen's maternal family had served as court officials for three generations. As the cherished legitimate daughter of her family since childhood, and married to the old Marquis of Pingyuan Houfu, she was naturally accustomed to a life of luxury and carried herself with an imperious air.
In Jiang Yanqing's memory, her grandmother had always looked down upon her mother, who came from a merchant background, and by extension, despised Jiang Yanqing herself.
Yet every time her maternal grandparents and uncles sent her gifts, Old Madam Shen would take them away, either keeping them for herself or giving them to Shen Ruoyou.
Clearly, her mother was the lady of Pingyuan Houfu, and she was the legitimate daughter, yet they lived worse than servants.
Now, with Old Madam Shen showing such warmth toward her, there was surely some sinister scheme brewing.
So she didn't budge, taking another bite of her pancake instead.
As if oblivious to her coldness, Old Madam Shen paid no mind and hurried over to her, eyes brimming with tears.
"My dear… is this my precious granddaughter? So beautiful. All these years, your grandmother has missed you every single day. Originally, your third sister Ruoyou and I were in seclusion at the temple, but upon hearing of your return home, we rushed back overnight.
How wonderful. From now on, our Marquis's Manor will be reunited, and I can rest in peace even if I die."
Jiang Yanqing remained silent. Old Madam Shen continued, "Qingqing, you are the only legitimate daughter of our Marquis's Manor. How can you eat such coarse food? Put it down quickly. I heard the kitchen caught fire, so I sent someone to buy breakfast from Heyun Pavilion for you. Try it now."
As she finished speaking, Nanny Lan beside her opened a food box and presented it to Jiang Yanqing. "Fourth Miss, please enjoy."
Though Nanny Lan's words were polite, they couldn't conceal the disdain in her eyes and tone.
Jiang Yanqing didn't even look up. "I won't eat. I'm afraid you've poisoned it to harm me."
"Outrageous!" Shen Changfeng scolded. "Your grandmother cares for you so dearly, yet you treat her as an enemy. She comes to see you, and you don't even rise to greet her—utterly lacking in manners. Is this how your mother taught you when you were young?"
"Shut up!" Jiang Yanqing's sharp gaze cut toward him like a knife. "You ungrateful wretch, what right do you have to mention my mother?
For over twenty years since my mother married into this family, every single person in your Marquis's Manor has been living off her dowry. You're all despicable, lowly parasites, and you dare lecture me about manners? I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget!
Hmph! It's precisely because my mother raised you all too well that you've forgotten your place.
Get out, all of you. Don't disturb my meal."
Old Madam Shen took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the anger in her heart.
"Qingqing, you've misunderstood. Our Marquis's Manor is a noble household with many estates and businesses. How could we possibly need your mother's dowry?
Besides, while your mother was alive, her family's business was already declining. Most of her dowry was used to support her own family, and what remains now isn't much. When you marry, it will all be given to you as your dowry."
Jiang Yanqing narrowed her eyes and sneered, "After living as a refined noblewoman for most of your life, have you lost all sense of shame in your old age?
I may have been away for thirteen years, but I haven’t gone stupid, nor have I died. Did you think I’d let you deceive me about everything?
Spare me the nonsense. Just give me every last tael of silver I’m owed."
Old Madam Shen said, "Qingqing, your mother and grandfather truly didn’t leave much wealth behind—just two houses, three shops, and a few sets of jewelry. If you want them now, I’ll give them all to you.
Besides, the most important thing in a woman’s life is to marry a good husband. We brought you back so we could arrange a good match for you.
This is nothing like the countryside where you can be casual. From now on, Qingqing, you must dress properly."
At this point, Shen Ruoyou, who had been supporting Old Madam Shen all along, spoke up. "Fourth Sister, I’m your third sister. Since you’ve just returned, my mother didn’t have time to have the tailor make clothes for you. I brought a few sets of mine instead. I hope you won’t mind."
Jiang Yanqing slowly rose and slapped her across the face.
"The mistress of the Marquis's Manor died long ago. You’ll never have a mother in this lifetime! As the third young lady of the Marquis's Manor, how dare you call a concubine 'mother'? Is this how Old Madam and the Marquis taught you?
The clothes of a mere illegitimate daughter are fit for me to wear? At eighteen, you still don’t understand the slightest bit of propriety. What respectable family would dare marry you?
In my opinion, the Marquis's Manor can’t go on without a proper mistress. Our manor has no legitimate son, and as the legitimate daughter of the Marquis's Manor, I absolutely cannot stand by and watch it decline.
Starting today, I will find women for the Marquis, so he can remarry a well-educated and reasonable wife to properly manage the household.
Most importantly, the new wife must bear a legitimate son for the Marquis's Manor to inherit the title. Otherwise, won’t the Marquis's Manor be left without an heir?"