Jiang Yixi always believed that Meng Cimo was wise and resilient. Even after losing his sight, he wouldn’t have chosen the path of trading his life for another’s unless absolutely desperate. No matter how difficult, he would have clung to life to reclaim his dignity. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have urged her to “live on.”
She wondered what had driven Meng Cimo to that point.
Regret gnawed at Jiang Yixi’s heart.
If only she had sent her master away a day earlier, if only she had gone to find him sooner to tell him she could cure his eyes—would he still have died?
The day Meng Cimo, who had been her reason to live, died, a part of Jiang Yixi died too. When she awoke again, she had returned to six years earlier…
This time, she must not let things reach that point. That wretched woman’s life wasn’t worth sacrificing Meng Cimo’s or her own.
Recalling the past, Jiang Yixi yearned to claw that woman’s face with sharp nails, kick her to the ground, slap her with a shoe sole, and finally have her sent to the execution ground for beheading.
Jiang Yixi entered the main chamber of the Hall of Auspiciousness.
Old Madam Jiang and Lord Jiang sat in the seats of honor, both visibly anxious, perching on the edge of their chairs. The old madam was dressed extravagantly, even wearing the phoenix hairpin with pearl pendants and the forehead ornament inlaid with cat’s eye gemstones, which she reserved for New Year’s and grand occasions.
Duke Chengguo and his wife sat in the upper seats to the left and right. Duke Chengguo, Meng Daoming, was in his forties with a short beard, thick eyebrows, and phoenix eyes—the very picture of an upright gentleman. Madam Meng, in her early thirties, appeared delicate and charming, looking even younger than her age. A flash of icy disdain flickered in her eyes.
Jiang Yixi curtsied to Old Madam Jiang and Lord Jiang, then bowed with a wanfu salute to Duke Chengguo and Madam Meng. She remained silent, head bowed.
This woman was cunning; Jiang Yixi must not reveal any emotion toward her now.
Old Madam Jiang frowned. Even if they declined the marriage proposal, basic courtesy was still necessary. How provincial—to falter in such a grand setting.
She forced an awkward smile at Madam Meng. “The child has never seen such formal occasions and is too frightened to even greet anyone.”
Madam Meng laughed softly. “She is quite an endearing young girl.”
Her voice was gentle and pleasant, filled with apparent kindness. In this room, only Jiang Yixi knew how cruel this woman’s heart was and how deeply she despised her.
Madam Meng’s facade had fooled almost everyone, including the current Duke Chengguo.
In his eyes, his wife was the most virtuous, gentle, and considerate of women. He believed every word she said and thought his eldest son—who disapproved of her—was unfilial and ungrateful, blind not only in eyes but in heart…
Duke Chengguo had an extremely poor impression of Jiang Yixi. He glanced at her disdainfully before looking away, shifting his posture.
Jiang Yixi snorted inwardly. In her previous life, Duke Chengguo had looked at her the same way.
Old Madam Jiang smiled. “My second son was the most handsome among his brothers, and Xiniang takes after her father.”
Jiang Yixi suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Everyone said she resembled her birth mother, Mrs. Hu, the most.
Ignoring the old madam, Madam Meng looked at Jiang Yixi and said, “At the Peach Blossom Banquet hosted by the Grand Princess of Yichang, Second Miss Jiang pulled Yu’er into the water with her. Regardless of the reason you dragged Yu’er into the water… well, what’s done is done, and we must find a way to remedy it. General Jiang died on the battlefield saving Mo’er, and the Duke and I have always remembered this debt of gratitude. If Second Miss Jiang is willing, we will decide on the marriage between you and Yu’er.”
She expressed the intention to propose marriage while implying they were compelled to do so.Duke Chengguo snorted coldly. If not for his old father threatening to whip him, he would never have proposed this shameless girl to his second son. Alas, poor second son.
In her previous life, Madam Meng had said the same thing, and Duke Chengguo had worn the same displeased expression. Yet Old Madam Jiang had ignored their reluctance and readily agreed. Upon learning of it, Jiang Yixi hadn’t found anything amiss either, believing she would eventually win Meng Ciyu’s heart.
After the engagement was settled, Jiang Yixi had frantically studied poetry and music, hoping to harmonize with Meng Ciyu like zither and harp.
She had truly been bewitched back then.
Having mentally prepared herself, Jiang Yixi calmly turned her gaze to Madam Meng.
“Your Grace, Madam Meng, allow me to explain first. That day when I pulled Third Young Master Meng into the water, it wasn’t out of any desire to climb social ranks, but rather the desperate reaction of a drowning person grasping for a lifeline. I didn’t even clearly see that it was Third Young Master Meng—I didn’t even notice whether it was a person or a tree. It was only after waking up that I learned it was Third Young Master Meng. My sincere apologies.”
After speaking, she curtsied slightly in apology.
Her words infuriated Duke Chengguo and Madam Meng—so she regarded their son as mere grass or a tree? Was she trying to marry into the Meng family while still preserving her reputation?
Old Madam Jiang and Lord Jiang were terrified, fearing Jiang Yixi had overplayed her hand and would instead offend them.
Madam Meng’s face darkened. “Second Miss Jiang, are you suggesting that our coming to propose was an act of unwarranted affection?”
Jiang Yixi gave a slight smile. “Madam Meng misunderstands. I was merely stating my genuine reaction at the time.” She curtsied again and said, “Thank you, Your Grace and Madam Meng, for still remembering my father’s kindness, and for coming to propose despite the misunderstanding.”
“However, I must decline that marriage proposal. If my father’s spirit in heaven exists, he would not wish for his family to use him to seek advantages, let alone a marriage. He saved Young Master Meng not so his family could claim repayment, but out of comradeship.”
“Third Young Master Meng is a gentleman like jade, of noble birth and possessing the talent of Cao Zhi. I dare not entertain such presumptuous thoughts. I also wish Third Young Master Meng a smooth life ahead, success in his official career, and may he find a good match in the future.”
Her voice was clear and unhurried.
By the time Jiang Yixi had spoken halfway, Duke Chengguo was regarding her solemnly, doubt appearing in his eyes. Had this girl really pulled his son into the water by accident?
Madam Meng was also somewhat surprised. This girl was eloquent, spoke with reason and propriety, and carried herself with grace… Was this really a young lady from the Marquis Wuxiang Estate?
Old Madam Jiang and Lord Jiang maintained calm expressions but were extremely displeased inwardly. Jiang Chen had died saving Young Master Meng—had given his life—so why couldn’t their family seek some benefit? They gritted their teeth, not daring to voice their thoughts.
Madam Meng smiled. “Quite a clear-minded and determined young lady. Think again—do you truly refuse that marriage proposal?”
Jiang Yixi shook her head and declared firmly, “I have no intention of climbing beyond my station.”
Duke Chengguo’s face brightened with pleasure. He stood and said, “Since we misunderstood, and Old Madam Jiang, Lord Jiang, and Second Miss Jiang have no intention regarding that marriage, my son will not overreach.”
Madam Meng glanced at Jiang Yixi and rose as well. If she wanted to change her mind now, there would be no opportunity.
The two of them walked out the door without seeing Jiang Yixi chase after them to retract her words.
Old Madam and Lord Jiang saw them out.
Jiang Yixi stood rooted to the spot, her body trembling with excitement. That marriage arrangement had truly been rejected—her life’s path had finally changed.
Lord Jiang helped Old Madam back to her seat, and both cast a grim glance at Jiang Yixi before sitting down. Their hearts ached from having to decline the marriage proposal, yet this girl had to twist the knife in their wounds.