“Enough!” A sharp pain gripped Old Madam Jiang’s chest. Her vision darkened, and she nearly fainted. “Wenxiang, Wenxiang, divorce Cai Xiumei immediately and elevate Ruoliu to the position of principal wife. Then Yue’er, Rui’er, and the other children will all be legitimate sons and daughters.”
At the mention of divorcing the wife, Shen Ruoliu’s heart began pounding with excitement. Over the years, no matter how much Jiang Wenxiang doted on her or how deeply he disliked Cai Xiumei, he had never been willing to divorce his wife and make her the mistress of the household. Now that the old madam had given the order, surely he could no longer refuse.
As for Cai Xiumei, the suggestion of divorce threw her into immediate panic. Having remained silent in a corner until now, she stepped forward toward Jiang Qingran.
Before Jiang Qingran could react, Cai Xiumei pinched her hard. “You wretched girl! Is that how you speak to your grandmother? Get on your knees and apologize to her at once!”
Jiang Qingran stared at her in astonishment, just as she had years ago, unable to believe it. But the shock lasted only a moment. In a voice devoid of warmth, she said, “Cai Xiumei, do you really think your status outranks Jiang Wenxiang’s? Let me make this clear. To me, you’re no better than he is. Neither of you is worth anything. Get lost.”
“I…”
“Enough!” Jiang Wenxiang barked. “Stop making a scene. Is this household not chaotic enough already? There is a distinction between legitimate and concubine-born children. Ruoliu, from now on, you and the children should show Fifth Miss the respect she deserves. Yuanrui, go find a physician and have your arm set immediately.”
For now, the priority was to coax Jiang Qingran into entering the Seventh Prince’s residence. There would be plenty of opportunities to deal with her afterward.
Shen Ruoliu had remained in Jiang Wenxiang’s favor for more than twenty years not only because they had grown up together, but also because she always appeared obedient, virtuous, and considerate. Lowering her head, she replied meekly, “This wife understands. Thank you for your guidance, Master.”
Jiang Qingran let out a small breath. “Serve the meal. I’m hungry.” Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she added: “Oh, right. I’ve often heard Prime Minister Jiang praise Concubine Shen for her intelligence and gentle nature, and Fourth Miss for her talent and exceptional cleverness. During the meal, one of you can serve me while I eat, and the other can dance to entertain me.”
Shen Ruoliu clenched her fists tightly. A crushing sense of humiliation surged through her heart. Yet for the sake of her daughter’s future, Shen Ruoliu had no choice but to endure the humiliation.
“Yes, Fifth Miss.”
“Eat? Eat what?” Old Madam Jiang swept all the tea service off the table. Porcelain shattered across the floor as she cried out in fury: “My precious granddaughter, whom I’ve cherished and doted on for years, why should she perform like some dancing girl for that jinx?”
How could Jiang Wenxiang not feel distressed as well? But what choice did he have? He had assumed that after being raised on the estate all these years, Jiang Qingran would be timid and submissive, easy to manipulate. Instead, she was not only fierce-tempered; she had somehow learned martial arts. Even the maid at her side was more formidable than the guards of the Prime Minister’s Residence.
If she refused to marry in Jiang Qingyue’s place, then even if they tied her up and forced her onto the bridal sedan, she would still find a way to escape.
With a sigh, he said helplessly, “Since Old Madam has no appetite, help her back to her room to rest.”
The Prime Minister’s Residence meal was lavish, with eighteen dishes that filled the entire table with color, fragrance, and flavor.
As music began to play, Jiang Qingyue slowly started dancing. Far from feeling humiliated, she had deliberately changed into an exquisite dance costume. She wanted Jiang Qingran to see clearly just how stunning and graceful she was, a celestial beauty far beyond comparison with a country bumpkin like her.
At the moment, Jiang Qingran was in an excellent mood. Picking up a wine flask, she poured herself a cup and then deliberately filled one for Jiang Wenxiang as well. With a smile that was three parts teasing and seven parts mockery, she raised her cup. “Come, future Imperial Father-in-Law. A toast to you. When wealth and honor come your way, don’t forget me.”
Jiang Wenxiang cursed inwardly.
Hmph! The hundred thousand taels, the title of future Seventh Prince’s Consort, the wealth and prestige- they all belong to you. Yet you’re the one saying this to me. Isn’t this your way of mocking and disgustingly ridiculing me? Still, he could only force a smile, nod, and drain the cup in one gulp.
After the meal, Steward Jiang Zhu handed Jiang Qingran 100,000 taels in banknotes. He also arranged a clean and comfortable guest room for her.
Once the door was shut, Qinghe could no longer hold back her doubts. “Miss, are you really going to marry that Seventh Prince?”