In the Hall of Auspiciousness of the Jiang residence, the atmosphere was unusually cheerful as everyone chatted and laughed with the Old Madam after dinner.
Several servants of the Jiang family returned one after another with news from outside. The story of Duke Chengguo and his wife seeking a marriage alliance for Third Young Master Meng with Second Miss Jiang, only to be rejected by the Marquis Wuxiang Estate, had already spread throughout the capital. The streets and alleys were abuzz with discussions, praising the Duke Chengguo Estate for remembering past favors and actively seeking the marriage despite the circumstances. They also commended the Marquis Wuxiang Estate for its righteousness, showing no desire to climb socially and refusing to force their daughter into the Duke Chengguo Estate by leveraging past kindness…
The Old Madam and Lord Jiang grew increasingly pleased as they listened. Unexpectedly, losing one thing only to gain something better, their painful decision to reject the marriage proposal had actually enhanced the family’s reputation.
The younger generation enthusiastically flattered them, praising the Old Madam and Lord Jiang for their wisdom, foresight, and clear understanding of the situation. They declared that under their leadership, the estate would surely prosper even more. The Old Madam beamed with joy, her face crinkling like a chrysanthemum, while Lord Jiang’s hearty laughter never ceased. At that moment, they firmly believed this outcome was the result of their brilliant decision-making.
Only Jiang Xun felt somewhat indignant. He wanted to say something, but seeing his sister’s calm and composed demeanor, as if she knew nothing at all, he thought she was truly remarkable. He realized, as she had pointed out, that he was too impulsive and too transparent. He needed to change!
Jiang Yiyan asked an unpleasant question, “Grandmother, since the matter is resolved, does Second Sister still need to be punished by being sent to the manor?”
The Old Madam glanced at Jiang Yixi and said regretfully, “Although the outcome is good, the incident did happen. Alas, Xi Girl should go to the manor for now to avoid attention. Once the fuss dies down, I’ll have someone bring you back.”
Lord Jiang added, “Don’t feel wronged, Xi Girl. This is also a lesson for you. No matter the situation, always be mindful of your surroundings. Think about it—why, among so many people, did that person bump into you, and why didn’t you manage to avoid it?”
Ignoring Jiang Yiyan’s crisp, mocking laughter, Jiang Yixi replied, “You’re right to remind me, Eldest Uncle. I don’t feel resentful.”
She had been wondering all along: Who had pushed her with such force? She had asked the other Jiang girls and their maids who were present, but none of them had clearly seen the girl who bumped into her. That person had fled in fright immediately after the collision.
As everyone left the Hall of Auspiciousness, First Madam Jiang asked Jiang Yixi if she had any requests before going to the manor.
Jiang Yixi shook her head and said she had none.
First Madam Jiang continued, “The maid Shui Lu is already quite old. Her mother has arranged a marriage for her, so she won’t be accompanying you to the manor. With one spot vacant, I’ll select a reliable maid for you.”
Jiang Yixi said, “Then assign Silly Girl from the kitchen to me. She’s strong, and having such a maid by my side in the countryside will make me feel safer.”
First Madam Jiang was surprised that Jiang Yixi would ask for Silly Girl. She shot a reproachful glance at Jiang Yiyan, who had burst out laughing, and immediately agreed.
Watching Jiang Yixi’s retreating figure, Jiang Yiyan whispered, “Mother, has Second Sister gone foolish from being soaked in water?”
First Madam Jiang chided, “Look at you, already discussing marriage prospects, yet still acting like a child.”
Jiang Yiyan shyly twisted her handkerchief and asked softly, “Mother, can that matter be settled?”
First Madam Jiang replied, “You are the daughter of a lord, and marrying the nephew of a marquis is a suitable match…”
When Jiang Yixi returned to the Blazing Courtyard, Shui Lu had already packed her belongings. Carrying a small bundle, she came to kowtow and bid farewell to her mistress.
Jiang Yixi only said, “Take care of yourself.”
After Mama Wu left, Shui Xiang quietly pulled a pouch from her bosom and handed it to Jiang Yixi, her cheeks flushed as she inwardly cursed that shameless little hussy.
“Miss, is this the pouch?”
Jiang Yixi took it—a peach-colored satin pouch embroidered with a pair of mandarin ducks, with the character “Lu” discreetly stitched in an inconspicuous corner. Shui Lu had inherited her mother Mama Xia’s skill, and her embroidery was among the finest among the maids; the mandarin ducks were vividly rendered.
She smiled and said, “This is the one. Hmph, the engagement isn’t even settled yet, and she’s already embroidering mandarin ducks. She must be desperate for a man.”
This was an item to use against Shui Lu, though it wouldn’t come in handy until later.
Though Shui Xiang wondered what use her young lady had for such a vulgar object, she didn’t dare ask.
Jiang Xun came to deliver The Instantly Visible Medical Compendium. Seeing that Shui Lu had been dismissed, he was happy for his sister.
“That maid only ever smiled at the First Household. Good riddance.”
Jiang Yixi chuckled, “You’re quite perceptive, little brother.”
“Of course, I’m not stupid. I just wish Granny Qin could be reassigned to me. In my heart, her smile is the gentlest. Oh, and your smile is gentle now too.”
Afraid his sister might take offense, he added two ingratiating chuckles.
Jiang Yixi naturally wasn’t upset—she hadn’t smiled much at her brother before. Her mind conjured the image of a delicate young woman with crescent-shaped eyes when she smiled.
That was Granny Qin, Jiang Xun’s wet nurse and formerly Mrs. Hu’s personal maid. Not only was she good to Jiang Xun, but she also treated Jiang Yixi very well. While attending to Jiang Xun, she often visited Jiang Yixi and even embroidered pretty handkerchiefs for her. When Jiang Xun was four, Granny Qin’s husband contracted consumption, and fearing contagion, First Madam Jiang sent their whole family to an estate in Dingzhou.
Jiang Yixi asked Mama Wu, “Nanny, do you know how Granny Qin is doing lately?”
Mama Wu was puzzled; she had mentioned Granny Qin twice before, but the young lady had remained silent. Today, however, she was asking voluntarily. Sighing, she replied, “Chun Mei has had a hard time. Her husband died of illness two years ago, and she’s been struggling to raise a son and a daughter on her own. Alas, Dingzhou is hundreds of miles from the capital—it’s difficult to offer any help. My son Fu Ge only managed to send her money twice.”
Chun Mei was Granny Qin’s maiden name.
Jiang Xun’s eyes reddened.
Both Granny Qin and Mama Wu’s family had been part of Mrs. Hu’s dowry, meaning they belonged to Mrs. Hu and not the Marquis Wuxiang Estate. Thus, their indentures should now be in Old Madam’s possession. However, since Granny Qin had married a steward from the estate, her family fell under First Madam Jiang’s jurisdiction.
Jiang Yixi thought that if an opportunity arose in the future, she must retrieve their indentures.
She took Jiang Xun’s hand and said, “Don’t worry. On the third day of the month, I’ll go to Hu Estate and have Fu Ge make a trip to Dingzhou to find a way to bring Granny Qin and her family back.”
Of course, it would be best if Granny Qin could return to serve Jiang Xun. Mama Wu had once mentioned that Chun Mei had been by Mrs. Hu’s side since she was eight—they grew up together, studied with a tutor, and learned to read and write. She was gentle and refined. With her caring for Jiang Xun, Jiang Yixi would feel at ease.
After Jiang Xun left, Jiang Yixi read The Instantly Visible Medical Compendium until midnight before retiring.
She slept soundly. There were no dreams of “catching adulterers,” nor did she dream of Meng Cimo. That nightmare had finally stopped haunting her.
The morning breeze drifted through the small window, and birds chirped cheerful songs. From one corner of the window, a patch of morning glow could be seen painted across the azure sky, brilliantly crimson and radiant.
It was a new day again.
Jiang Yixi felt this morning was particularly different—even the wind seemed sweeter than usual.