Chapter 24: A WarningFirst Madam nodded.Jiang Mingzhu couldn’t wait to ask, “Mother, what clever plan do you have?”First Madam dismissed the servants and explained her plan to her two daughters.After hearing it, Jiang Mingzhu immediately agreed, “This is a good plan, a very good plan.”Jiang Mingjiao, however, looked reluctant.Compared to Jiang Mingzhu’s outgoing personality, Jiang Mingjiao was much more reserved.Noticing her expression, First Madam asked, “Mingjiao, do you have something to say?”Jiang Mingjiao replied, “Fourth Sister no longer likes Young Master Cui, so what’s the point of him showing up?”“That doesn’t matter. As long as Young Master Cui appears, we just need her to make a mistake,” Jiang Mingzhu interjected.First Madam nodded.Jiang Mingjiao fell silent.Jiang Mingzhu turned to First Madam and said, “Mother, let’s do it this way.”First Madam nodded. “Alright.”A smile finally appeared on Jiang Mingzhu’s face as she thought to herself, “Jiang Yiyue, just you wait.”Jiang Yiyue had no idea that Jiang Mingzhu and her mother and sister were plotting against her.She was currently discussing hair-washing solutions with the Countess of Jingnan.“This also contains fleeceflower root, soapberry, Chinese honey locust, and elm bark,” the Countess of Jingnan explained.“Wow, so many ingredients,” Jiang Yiyue marveled. “Grandmother, how did you think of using these?”“It was all discovered through gradual experimentation.”“Grandmother, you’re truly amazing,” Jiang Yiyue said with genuine sincerity.“I never realized before how sweet-tongued you are,” the Countess of Jingnan said, her eyes crinkling with laughter.Just then, Nanny Li approached and said, “My Lady, Madam Yun has arrived.”Madam Yun was an old friend of the Countess of Jingnan.The two had long agreed to meet today.The Countess of Jingnan had become so engrossed in discussing handicrafts with Jiang Yiyue that she had forgotten about the appointment.Jiang Yiyue, ever perceptive, said, “Grandmother, you must be busy. I’ll come back tomorrow to learn more about the hair-washing solution.”The Countess of Jingnan nodded. “Very well, you may go back now.”Jiang Yiyue stood up, bowed, and left Qinghe Hall with Xiangcao.Just as she stepped out, Madam Yun happened to be approaching.“Greetings, Madam Yun,” Jiang Yiyue said gracefully, bowing.Madam Yun’s eyes lit up. “Is this the Fourth Jiang Young Lady?”“Yes, it’s been a while, Madam Yun. You look even younger now,” Jiang Yiyue replied with a bright smile.She radiated vitality, like the rising sun.What elder wouldn’t appreciate a sweet-tongued and lively young lady?After chatting with Jiang Yiyue for a moment, Madam Yun entered the courtyard and praised, “The Fourth Young Lady has truly become so well-mannered now.”The Countess of Jingnan nodded. “I’ve only recently noticed how much she has changed.”“Indeed, her appearance has grown even more lovely.”“You flatter me, Madam Yun,” the Countess of Jingnan said modestly, though she felt quite pleased inside.Madam Yun replied, “We’ve known each other for so many years. Every word I say comes from the heart.”The Countess of Jingnan took Madam Yun’s hand and said, “Alright, alright, come in and sit for a while.”The two spoke loudly enough for Jiang Yiyue to overhear just as she was leaving.It seemed her performance today had been quite successful. Both the Countess of Jingnan and Madam Yun had formed a much better impression of her.Feeling pleased, she continued on her way.“Young Lady, Madam Shen said that after you meet Heir Ji, you should go to her place,” Xiangcao reminded her.“Alright,” Jiang Yiyue replied, turning toward Songtao Courtyard.Madam Shen was once again standing at the doorway, looking out anxiously.Seeing Jiang Yiyue approach, she hurried forward and took her hand. “Yiyue, are you alright?”“I’m fine. What were you looking at from the doorway?” Jiang Yiyue asked."When did you arrive? Come, let's talk inside." Madam Shen pulled Jiang Yiyue into the warm chamber."Mother." Seeing the worry on Madam Shen's face, Jiang Yiyue asked, "What's wrong?""What did you say to Heir Ji?" Madam Shen asked anxiously.Jiang Yiyue shook her head. "Nothing much.""Then why did the Countess summon you to Qinghe Hall?"Jiang Yiyue recounted everything that had happened that day.Madam Shen exclaimed in surprise, "Your grandmother praised you?"Jiang Yiyue nodded. "Yes.""She also rewarded me with many things." Jiang Yiyue turned her head and called, "Xiangcao.""Yes." Xiangcao stepped forward, holding a small box.Jiang Yiyue reached out and opened it.Madam Shen immediately saw the bottles and jars inside.Jiang Yiyue introduced them, "This is for washing hair, this is for fading scars, and this is for repelling mosquitoes."The Countess of Jingnan enjoyed concocting all sorts of little things.They were all quite effective.She rarely gave them to others.Yet this time, she gave so many to Jiang Yiyue.Madam Shen asked in astonishment, "Has your grandmother truly started to like you?""Of course! Who wouldn't love someone as adorable as me?" Jiang Yiyue confidently lifted her chin.In Madam Shen's eyes, her daughter was naturally the most adorable.However, as the saying goes, "Even when raising a child for a hundred years, worry lasts for ninety-nine."She said, "Your grandmother's fondness for you, growing slowly because of the tools you made, is still somewhat shallow.""She'll come to deeply like me in the future!" Jiang Yiyue declared."How can you be so certain?""Because I'm clever and adorable."Madam Shen said seriously, "You must never become arrogant."Jiang Yiyue took her hand and said earnestly, "I know, Mother. With our combined efforts, things will only get better."Looking at her radiant daughter, Madam Shen felt a surge of confidence in the future.She smiled and nodded.Jiang Yiyue picked up a small jar. "Mother, this hair-washing liquid is excellent. I'll leave it here for you to use.""Your grandmother gave it to you; you should use it well." Madam Shen, always one to follow propriety, refused outright.Jiang Yiyue didn't press further and said, "Alright."Madam Shen thought of another issue. "Second Miss suffered a loss because of you; she might cause trouble.""We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Jiang Yiyue patted her stomach. "Mother, is there any food? I'm so hungry."Seeing her daughter so carefree, Madam Shen didn't want to dampen her spirits and said, "Have lunch with me.""Great."After having lunch at Songtao Courtyard, Jiang Yiyue lazily reclined on Madam Shen's soft couch, basking in the sun.It was utterly delightful.Madam Shen fetched an ointment and gently applied it to her body.She frequently asked whether it hurt or itched.She was very attentive.Having lived two lifetimes, this was the first time Jiang Yiyue had been so sincerely cherished.She looked at Madam Shen and said, "Mother, you truly are the best mother in the world.""Now that little mouth of yours is truly glib." Madam Shen smiled tenderly.Jiang Yiyue giggled.At nearly the same time, Ji Shuhuai left the Jingnan Estate and entered his carriage.Ji Feng followed him inside, noticing the sudden gloom that had settled over Ji Shuhuai's face.He asked in confusion, "Young Master, what happened?""Investigate," Ji Shuhuai said."Investigate what?" Ji Feng was puzzled."Investigate how the people of the Jingnan Estate have been bullying Fourth Miss Jiang.""They haven't been bullying her, have they? This humble servant saw that Fourth Miss Jiang looked much better." Ji Feng felt that Jiang Yiyue was glowing with vitality.He continued, "Besides, Young Master has already warned Count Jingnan. I believe Jingnan—"Ji Shuhuai shot a sharp glare his way.Ji Feng promptly replied, "Yes."Ji Shuhuai continued to stare at Ji Feng."Your Highness, what's the matter?" Ji Feng asked anxiously.

The Aloof Grand Minister Doted on Her Until She Cried