Hou Furen stammered, “Your wounds had already been stitched up at that time and didn’t seem serious, so I didn’t take it out.”
Although Houye wasn’t as biased as Hou Furen, he didn’t want to lose face in front of everyone either. He scolded, “Suihuan, as the elder sister, why are you competing with your younger sister? It’s just a Millennial Ginseng. When your brother returns from the border, he can bring another one.”
Brother? Jiang Suihuan suddenly remembered that Hou Furen did have a son named Jiang Yu.
Jiang Yu had been very close to Jiang Meier since childhood. After the original host returned to Houfu, Jiang Yu probably thought she had stolen Jiang Meier’s identity and became quite cold toward her, so their relationship wasn’t close.
On the day the original host got married two years ago, Jiang Yu led troops to guard the border. Before leaving, he didn’t even offer any words of blessing.
Not a single person in this family was on her side. Jiang Suihuan suddenly felt a headache coming on.
Seeing that both her parents were on her side, a flash of triumph crossed Jiang Meier’s eyes. She grabbed Jiang Suihuan’s hand and pretended to be generous, saying, “Sister, don’t be angry. Father and Mother aren’t being biased; they’re just worried about my health. Since you want it, I’ll give you half of the ginseng.”
She thought Jiang Suihuan would angrily refuse and shake her off, giving her a reason to play the victim and leaving Jiang Suihuan with a reputation for being jealous.
However, Jiang Suihuan not only didn’t refuse but also held her hand in return. “In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony and will accept it.”
“Huh?” Jiang Meier was dumbfounded, and regret instantly flooded her heart.
Jiang Suihuan smiled happily. Getting half a Millennial Ginseng for free—today was truly a fruitful day.
Since Jiang Meier wasn’t ill, the guests gathered around and began offering congratulations.
“Today is truly a double blessing! Congratulations, Prince! Congratulations!”The lord is also fortunate to have such sensible and well-behaved daughters.” We are truly envious.”
…
Jiang Suihuan couldn’t be bothered to watch these people flatter and exchange pleasantries. She retreated from the crowd and intended to thank Gu Jin but found that he had left at some point.
After the banquet started, Jiang Suihuan looked at the greasy big fish and meat in front of her and had no appetite. She found an excuse to leave the banquet and wandered around Nanming Wangfu to get some fresh air.
After walking for a while, she unexpectedly arrived at the woodshed. Just as she was about to turn away, she suddenly saw Gu Jin’s figure.
She was taken aback and asked, “Why is the Prince here?”
Gu Jin replied without changing his expression, “This prince is lost.”
“…What a perfunctory answer. Jiang Suihuan’s mouth twitched. “If the Prince doesn’t mind, I can take you back.”
“You’re very familiar with this place?” Gu Jin looked down at her.
“After all, I lived here for two years. I still remember the general layout.”
Gu Jin was silent for a moment. “In that case, please lead the way for this prince, Miss Jiang.”
“Alright.” Jiang Suihuan led Gu Jin back toward the banquet area. She rehearsed her words of gratitude in her mind and said, “Thank you for helping me earlier…”
Before Jiang Suihuan could finish, Chu Jue appeared out of nowhere, quickly approaching the two.
When he saw Jiang Suihuan, he frowned. “What are you doing with my Imperial Uncle?”
“I can be with whoever I want, what’s it to you?” Jiang Suihuan said with curved eyes. “Your Imperial Uncle is handsome, being with him puts me in a good mood. What can you do about it?”
Chu Jue’s face turned livid with anger. If Jiang Suihuan had dared speak to him like this before, he would have slapped her long ago. Unfortunately, they had already gone through Heli, so he could no longer lay hands on her as he used to.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. It hadn’t been long since their divorce, yet Jiang Suihuan was already walking and laughing with his Imperial Uncle. Somehow, he felt as if he’d been cuckolded.
“What do you want with me?” Gu Jin spoke coldly.
Chu Jue restrained his temper and bowed respectfully. “Imperial Uncle, Father Emperor has sent someone to request your return to the palace.”
Jiang Suihuan, perceptive of the situation, took a step back. “I’ll take my leave now. You two talk.”
Having said that, Jiang Suihuan hurried away without so much as glancing at Chu Jue, as if one more look would make her vomit yesterday’s meal.
Chu Jue’s rage grew increasingly intense, but he didn’t dare show it in front of Gu Jin, forcing himself to suppress it.
“Imperial Uncle, please stay until Mei’er and I offer you a toast. You can leave after drinking.”
Gu Jin glanced at him sideways. “No need.”
Chu Jue gritted his teeth secretly. After a moment, he said somewhat unwillingly, “Imperial Uncle, that woman Jiang Suihuan is malicious and cunning. It would be better for you not to get too close to her.”
“Are you telling me what to do?”
Gu Jin’s tone was light, yet it pressed down on Chu Jue like a small mountain, forcing him to lower his head. “Your nephew wouldn’t dare.”
The news of Chu Jue and Jiang Meier’s wedding quickly spread throughout Jingcheng. Everyone learned that Jiang Meier had gone bald, angering her so much that she didn’t leave home for half a month.
During these two weeks, Jiang Suihuan had been continuously looking at houses. She had viewed seven or eight properties – some were too expensive to afford, others were too dilapidated with repair costs exceeding her budget, and some were in poor locations.
One particular house happened to be right next to a brothel. When she disguised herself as a man to view it, she was nearly dragged inside by the soliciting women at the brothel’s entrance, frightening her so much that she fled without even seeing the property.
She slumped over the table sighing, “Jingcheng is so big, how can there not be a single satisfactory house?”
As soon as she finished speaking, the door was pushed open with a bang. Ying Tao rushed in excitedly, “Miss, miss! I heard on the street that someone is selling a house that perfectly meets your requirements!”
Jiang Suihuan perked up. “Oh? Where is this house?”
“Next to Fuqing Academy, a large three-courtyard residence with the moat behind it. The location is excellent.” Ying Tao, clearly having run back, was panting heavily.
“The location is indeed good.” Jiang Suihuan nodded, then asked the most crucial question, “How much silver are they asking?”
Ying Tao extended three fingers. Jiang Suihuan’s eyes widened, “Three million taels?”
“No, no! Three hundred thousand taels!”
“That can’t be right.” Jiang Suihuan thought Ying Tao must have misheard. How could a house in such a good location and so large cost only three hundred thousand taels?
Ying Tao shook her head vigorously. “I didn’t mishear. It’s really three hundred thousand taels. Miss can go see it right now.”
“Alright.”
Jiang Suihuan immediately changed into men’s clothing and went out with Ying Tao.
The two arrived at the house Ying Tao had mentioned. The property was indeed very large and appeared no different from the surrounding houses. Jiang Suihuan couldn’t understand why it was being sold so cheaply.
Ying Tao stepped forward to knock on the door, but no one answered after a long while.
A passerby approached Jiang Suihuan and asked, “Young master, are you here to buy this residence?”
Jiang Suihuan nodded, “Just here to take a look first. Are you the owner of this house?”
“Not at all.” The passerby quickly waved his hand, then lowered his voice, “I advise you to leave quickly.”
“Why?” Jiang Suihuan furrowed his brows.