Seeing no movement inside the carriage, Nanny Li had to raise her voice and shout, “Welcome Jiang Second Miss, back to the estate!”
As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding crowd watching began to chatter again.
“Jiang Second Miss? Which second miss?” someone asked curiously.
Another person spat out, “Which Jiang second miss could there be? It’s that second miss who was abandoned and raised in the countryside since childhood.”
“No wonder I heard someone say a few days ago that the Chancellor’s Estate was bringing back that crude second miss raised in the countryside…”
“Hey, I heard that too. Apparently, it’s some unsophisticated country bumpkin…”
“Yikes, such a crude person compared to Jiang First Miss, that stunning beauty, is like heaven and earth.”
“That’s right. How can a country bumpkin raised in the countryside compare to the noble ladies of the capital?”
“So, the one in the carriage must be…”
At this moment, a crisp voice rang out from inside the carriage.
“Miss, let me help you down.”
Everyone turned their gaze toward the sound, wanting to see the appearance of the Chancellor’s Estate’s second miss.
Seeing the carriage was simple and worn, clearly shabby, they thought the country bumpkin inside couldn’t be much better.
Just as they showed disdainful expressions, a slender, white-as-jade hand emerged from the carriage.
Then, supported by the maid Xiuzhu, Jiang Wantang stepped down from the carriage.
She wore a thin, plain white dress, with no hairpins or accessories. Her face was rosy and peach-like, her skin as smooth as cream. That bright, small face, without makeup, was already breathtakingly beautiful. Suddenly, all the spring scenery of Shengjing City couldn’t compare to her even half.
A pair of charming, affectionate peach blossom eyes were truly captivating.
Especially that beauty mark at the corner of her eye—when she smiled, it was deadly.
The originally lively and noisy courtyard instantly fell silent after Jiang Wantang stepped down.
Jiang Wantang walked forward, and wherever she went, the crowded crowd automatically parted to make a path for her.
The girl was stunningly beautiful, dressed in plain clothes, without makeup, her long hair hanging down, swaying with the wind. She seemed pure and innocent, unaware of worldly affairs, but in reality, every smile and gesture was enchanting and captivating, like a bewitching spirit.
Everyone present widened their eyes, filled with awe and shock.
This crude girl raised in the countryside was even more beautiful than Jiang Wanfu, the Jiang family’s first miss renowned throughout the capital.
All around, everyone was captivated by this suddenly appearing stunning girl.
Only when she reached the entrance of Xiangfu did they react.
Suddenly, someone exclaimed in amazement, “So the Chancellor’s Estate’s legitimate second miss raised on the Rural Estate is actually a heavenly beauty!”
A noble son holding a folding fan praised, “Her beautiful face rivals flowers, her fair complexion rivals spring’s red. Beautiful, truly beautiful!”
“This girl’s appearance is breathtaking, her demeanor noble and pure, truly rare in this world!”
“Indeed! I’ve lived this long and never seen a girl born with such unparalleled beauty.”
“Chancellor Jiang truly has good fortune. First, there was Jiang First Miss, a gem before, and now comes Second Miss, even more stunning. Probably no one in the entire capital is better at having daughters than him.”
“Ah, Chancellor Jiang was the Tanhua Lang personally selected by the late emperor back in the day. With such excellent lineage, all his children are exceptionally good-looking. However, this second young lady’s beauty is truly too striking.”
“Yes, indeed…”
“…”
Nanny Li watched anxiously as passersby cast various glances—admiring, curious, jealous—all lingering on Jiang Wantang.
The moment she first saw Jiang Wantang at the rural estate, she understood why the Chancellor had insisted on sending her to such a remote manor back then.
If this young lady had been raised in the capital, the eldest young lady of the estate would have been completely overshadowed.
Yet, despite all precautions, in the end, they still couldn’t prevent it…
After today’s incident, the entire capital would know that the Chancellor’s Estate had a stunningly beautiful legitimate second young lady. No one would be able to overshadow her radiance anymore.
Not even the Jiang family’s eldest young lady.
Compared to the stigma of being a country bumpkin, this was what those in the estate feared most.
Jiang Wantang stood at the entrance, gazing at the three large characters “Chancellor’s Estate” on the plaque, a cold smile curling at the corners of her lips.
In the eyes of those in the Xiangfu, she was an unsightly existence.
In her previous life, the Xiangfu despised her as a country bumpkin who would tarnish the reputation of the Chancellor’s Estate, forbidding her from appearing in public.
Moreover, Jiang Wanfu had spread rumors throughout Shengjing City long before her return, labeling her as a crude, unsophisticated country girl unfit for high society.
As a result, no matter how hard she tried or how outstanding she became, she could never shake off the stereotype of being a crude country bumpkin whenever people mentioned her.
But this time, she would return openly and honorably.
She would let the entire capital know that the second young lady of the Chancellor’s Estate had returned.
They had given her darkness and disgrace, but she would stride toward light and brilliance.
Facing the scrutinizing gazes of the crowd, Jiang Wantang smiled, her expression growing even more radiant and captivating.
Jiang Zhixu, Jiang Wanfu… I’m back again!
This time, the reputation and status that are rightfully mine will not be missing a single one.
In this life, she would no longer yearn for that laughable bloodline kinship or hypocritical marital affection.
Jiang Zhixu held a high position, and his legitimate eldest daughter, Jiang Wanfu, was renowned as the Capital’s First Beauty. Today was her birthday banquet, already an exceptionally grand affair, but with the appearance of the Jiang family’s country-born second young lady, it became increasingly uncontrollable.
Soon, the crowd gathered at the entrance of the Chancellor’s Estate grew larger and larger, completely blocking the entire long street.
Guests already seated inside, hearing the commotion, also came out to watch the spectacle.
Xiuzhu glanced at the surrounding crowd, gently tugged at Jiang Wantang’s sleeve, and whispered, “Young lady, don’t be afraid. I will stay by your side and protect you.”
Jiang Wantang was amused by her earnest vow and patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry. The ones who should be afraid are them.”
Today was deliberately orchestrated by her, intentionally choosing Jiang Wanfu’s birthday banquet to return to the estate.
As the saying goes, to strike a snake, you must hit its vital spot.
To take revenge on someone, the best way is to take away what they cherish most.
And what Jiang Wanfu had always prided herself on was her reputation as the Capital’s First Beauty.
She was arrogant, conceited, and always looked down on others from her lofty perch.
This time…
Hmph, Jiang Wanfu, the Capital’s First Beauty?
Soon, you won’t be anymore!
Today, she would step on Jiang Wanfu’s lifelong fame to vindicate herself, the “country bumpkin.”
She wanted to make the entire Jingcheng aware that even though she was a country girl, she remained an existence beyond their reach.
The servant at the door greeting guests was momentarily stunned upon seeing Jiang Wantang leading the group, then hurriedly called someone inside to report.
He pulled Nanny Li aside and whispered, “Oh dear, Nanny, how could you bring her back at this time?”
“Today is our eldest lady’s birthday banquet!”
“Didn’t the Prime Minister instruct that she should enter through the side gate?”
“Look at this situation now, how could you handle things like this… oh!”
“I, I… oh!” Nanny Li was also inwardly lamenting endlessly, yet found it difficult to explain, all her words could only turn into a sigh.