Cousin-in-law Madam Xiang noticed Jiang Shishu’s awkwardness and tension, so she stepped forward and asked kindly, “Who is this young lady? I don’t believe I’ve seen her before.”
Old Madam Wang finally withdrew her gaze from Jiang Shiyuan and glanced sideways, finding the girl somewhat familiar. “Is she perhaps the Third Young Lady from your household?”
“Grandmother is truly impressive, seeing the truth at a single glance,” Jiang Shiyuan teased.
Having been addressed, Jiang Shishu naturally stepped forward to pay her respects. She was not like her eldest sister; she shared no blood relation with this family. No matter how one looked at it, she was merely here to benefit from her sister’s presence, so she dared not show a hint of arrogance.
“Jiang Shishu greets the Old Madam, the Marquis’s Madam, and the Eldest Young Madam.”
“Since you are A’nian’s third sister, there is no need for such formal titles. Like her, just call us Grandmother, Aunt, and Cousin-in-law,” said Madam Pei, the Marquis’s wife. She was naturally the type not to care for empty etiquette. Seeing that her niece had brought a girl along, she assumed they shared a good relationship, and thus she was much kinder and more patient with her than she had been toward the second daughter, Jiang Jin’er.
“Shishu would not dare,” the girl replied.
Finding her kindness rebuffed, and seeing Shishu still keeping her head low in a submissive manner, Madam Pei stopped speaking. Ultimately, she preferred bright and generous personalities; such excessive humility did not win much favor with her.
Jiang Shiyuan noticed the smile fade from her aunt’s lips and understood the situation clearly. She knew her third sister’s temperament did not quite mesh with her aunt’s, but personality isn’t something that can be changed with a word or two, so she didn’t push the matter further.
After helping the Old Madam sit down, the maids Huamei and Ying’ge served tea and placed it beside Jiang Shiyuan and Jiang Shishu.
Jiang Shishu sat on the lowest-ranking rosewood armchair carved with longevity peaches. Her back was as straight as a board, and her mind was filled with her mother’s warning not to cause trouble, making her extremely cautious.
At the head of the room, Old Madam Wang took Jiang Shiyuan’s hand and refused to let go. With an expression of serious concern, she asked, “Well? How was it after you went back this time?”
“Good, all is well. Father dotes on me, as you know.”
“Hmph, dotes on you? When his own daughter’s marriage was stolen by someone else, I didn’t see him say a single harsh word. If your aunt hadn’t gone there to give them a piece of her mind, they would have thought you were someone easily bullied! Rest assured, if they dare try it again, your grandmother will use these old bones to see what kind of worthless lot is running the Jiang household to dare insult you so!”
Old Madam Wang’s scolding was harsh, showing no regard for the years of marital ties between the two families. Jiang Shiyuan could easily imagine that if her father, Jiang Huaishan, were present, he would be scolded even more mercilessly.
Jiang Shiyuan felt helpless but understood that her grandmother doted on her to her very core. She offered words of comfort.
“Grandmother, please don’t be angry. The imperial physician said you must take care of your health and not worry so much. Father has his own difficulties—with the weight of filial piety toward my grandmother, he can only let things be. Besides, I didn’t want to marry anyway, which is why I agreed to the cancellation. My aunt mentioned finding me someone better; surely Prince Chun’s mansion isn’t the only good match in all of Xijing? It isn’t worth upsetting yourself over such nonsense.”
Her comforting words reached Old Madam Wang’s heart, and even the anger rising in Madam Pei was suppressed.
“A’nian is right. Such an unreliable family is better left unjoined. Be at ease, Mother, I will search thoroughly and pick the absolute best to match our A’nian!”
“Fine. When you find one, bring him to me. My granddaughter’s husband must be top-tier in every way!”
“Understood, Mother.”
The relationship between this mother and daughter-in-law had always been harmonious, so they spoke without the usual constraints found in other households, sounding more like mother and daughter. Jiang Shishu watched them with deep envy.
It was no wonder the late First Madam had been so kind and virtuous, and why her eldest sister was so radiant and charming. Growing up in such a family was truly a great blessing. Comparing this to the life she and her mother led, Shishu couldn’t help but feel a touch of self-pity. Before she could dwell on it, a voice called out from outside.
“Old Madam, the Marquis sent word that the dinner is ready in the Flower Hall. He asks if you would like to head over?”
“I see the sky is growing dark. Are you hungry? Grandmother specifically had the cook prepare your favorite dishes. Eat more this time; I feel your face has thinned a bit.”
Old Madam Wang looked at her only granddaughter with heartache. She had only two sons and a daughter, one of whom died young. She had protected her children fiercely, and since her daughter had passed away, she had transferred all that love to Jiang Shiyuan.
She sent warm blankets in winter and cooling jade mats in summer. She had never spoken a harsh word to her, pampering her every day. With Shiyuan suddenly gone for over a month, the Old Madam had naturally missed her terribly.
Jiang Shiyuan, being of a gentle nature, helped the Old Madam up and said, “Alright, I’ll eat a lot later. I’ll eat a huge bowl, just like Grandmother. How about that?”
With just a few words, Jiang Shiyuan made Old Madam Wang laugh. Madam Pei supported the Old Madam on her other side, and they headed out together.
Madam Xiang walked beside Jiang Shishu and spoke in a gentle, composed voice. “Third Young Lady, do not be so constrained. The elders in the Marquis Mansion are all very kind. Grandmother is loving, and my mother-in-law is straightforward. You will meet your cousins later; they have very lively personalities. You’ll see once you meet them.”
“Thank you for the reminder, Eldest Young Madam. Shishu understands.”
Seeing her strict adherence to etiquette, Madam Xiang felt differently than her mother-in-law. Having seen too many arrogant young ladies from high-ranking families, she actually preferred this humble and gentle disposition. Thus, she made a point to offer the reminder before leading her toward the Flower Hall.
The Marquis Mansion was grand. To get from the main courtyard to the Flower Hall, one had to wind through several mountain-traversing corridors. Shishu had been too nervous to notice on her way in, but as she walked now, she caught glimpses of the scenery. It was stunningly beautiful.
The Flower Hall sat upon a water-side pavilion amidst a picturesque grove. Looking out from the hall, one faced a forest of cedar trees with fluttering red leaves. As they walked, Madam Xiang continued to chat with Shishu.
“It isn’t quite autumn yet, so the cedar forest is still green. When it’s time for autumn crabs, have A’nian bring you over. We can enjoy the red leaves while drinking crab wine; it has a unique charm of its own.”