Сhарtеr 18: Вustling Аctivity
It wаs соmmоn knоwledge throughоut thе entire mаnor that Jiаng Вingrоng dislikеd his lеgitimаte dаughtеr Jiаng Сhuji, yet fаvored his illegitimatе dаughter Jiаng Luоwеi.
Оthеrwise, thе sеrvаnts in the manоr wоuld not hаve dared tо treаt Jiang Chuji with such сontеmpt, shоwing rеspeсt only to thе еldеst уoung ladу.
Аftеr аll, the disgraсeful аffair cоmmitted by Сhen Shi, the mistrеss, was known to еvеrуonе in thе manor. Mеanwhilе, Сoncubinе Zhou had lоng enjоуеd the fаvor of Рrime Ministеr Jiаng аnd had been managing the Chanсеllor’s Manor fоr mаny yeаrs.
In thе eyes of everyone, Prime Minister Jiang had already shown great benevolence by not publicizing the matter and preserving Chen Shi’s dignity, merely sending her to the old estate outside the city for reflection.
Although Jiang Chuji was not yet five years old when Chen Shi committed the disgraceful act, how could one possibly harbor no resentment toward the daughter born of a treacherous woman who had betrayed him?
If the second young lady were as accomplished as the eldest young master, it might have been different. But the second young lady had always been timid and submissive in the past, and now, aside from her face, she had no outstanding qualities.
As soon as Jiang Bingrong finished speaking, a young girl’s voice suddenly rang out beside him.
“Father, you’ve returned.”
Jiang Bingrong turned abruptly, meeting Jiang Chuji’s gentle smile.
The young girl was still dressed in the same simple yet elegant attire from the morning. A plain white skirt, its hem flowing down like drifting clouds. Her unpainted face appeared even more fresh and refined against it.
Her skin was as fair as snow, delicate as if it could be pinched to draw water, glowing with a radiant sheen. Her brows and eyes curved gently, her pupils like clear lake water, exuding warmth and tranquility.
Stunningly beautiful.
Had his daughter always possessed such striking looks?
Being confined seemed to have brought out such radiant beauty in her.
Jiang Bingrong was unsure whether his earlier words had been overheard and couldn’t help feeling a bit uneasy. “Chuer, when did you come in?”
“Just now,” the young girl replied naturally, as if she had heard nothing. “I was afraid of disturbing your conversation with Grandmother, so I didn’t have the servants announce me.”
“I knew Grandmother had no appetite, so I went to the kitchen to fetch some hawthorn appetizer soup for her. I didn’t expect Father to be here as well.”
Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Bingrong looked and saw that the young girl was indeed holding a food box containing a soup bowl.
The hawthorns inside had been simmered for a long time, becoming soft and tender, presenting a rich and vibrant red hue. The melted rock sugar had thickened the broth further.
The sweet and sour aroma wafted out, making one’s appetite stir just from the scent.
Jiang Bingrong grunted in acknowledgment.
However, his expression toward the young girl was far from pleasant.
Frowning, he spoke, “Don’t focus all your efforts on pleasing your grandmother.”
“As a younger sister, watching your elder sister kneeling under the scorching sun without any reaction is unacceptable. You didn’t even go out to accompany her or offer a few words of comfort.”
Several servants present felt Jiang Bingrong’s words were somewhat excessive.
Today’s mistake was entirely the eldest young lady’s own doing and had nothing to do with the second young lady.
Why should the second young lady be required to kneel outside as well?
Sure enough, upon hearing this, the light in the young girl’s eyes instantly dimmed.
She lowered her head and gently bit her lip.
“I’m sorry, Father. I thought that if I could help Grandmother feel better sooner, Auntie and Elder Sister wouldn’t have to continue kneeling.”
“Enough, enough. It’s not Chuer’s fault,” Old Madam Jiang waved her hand. “You may all return now. We’ll dine together this evening.”
Jiang Chuji bowed. “Yes, Grandmother.”Old Madam Jiang had spoken, and Concubine Zhou and Jiang Luowei outside the courtyard were finally freed.
The two had knelt outside for so long that they could barely stand up. Their faces were pale and weak, one paler than the other, and they were drenched in sweat.
Jiang Bingrong was heartbroken, momentarily unsure of whom to help first. He immediately raised his voice and said, “What are you all standing around for? Hurry and help the concubine and the eldest young lady back to their rooms to rest!”
But no one paid any attention to Jiang Chuji in the corner.
As they walked toward Yilan Courtyard, Fuling looked at her young lady several times, hesitating to speak.
Jiang Chuji, however, appeared quite relaxed, even taking the time to admire the osmanthus flowers nearby.
As if knowing what Fuling was thinking, she turned her head and said, “If you have something to say, just say it. There’s no need to hold back in front of me.”
Fuling looked indignant.
“The master is too biased. Even when it wasn’t the young lady’s fault, she still got dragged into it.”
“If the young lady really makes another mistake, who knows what harsh treatment she’ll face? We might even be confined again.”
Hearing this, Jiang Chuji’s expression remained calm.
“I’d actually be glad if he confined me again.”
Fuling was taken aback. “What does the young lady mean?”
Jiang Chuji plucked a branch of flowers and leaves, slowly playing with it in her palm.
Those who harmed her only lost a bit of face and knelt for an hour or two—how could that be enough?
She raised her eyes, glanced at the sky, and narrowed them slightly. “Didn’t Eldest Brother say he would return to the manor tonight?”
“Since everyone will be dining together tonight, why not make the meal a little livelier?”