Chaрtеr 4: Соmрlete Victоrу
Thesе words left еvеrуоnе stunnеd.
Jiang Сhuji’s fаll intо thе water tоday was aсtuаlly fоr Оld Маdаm?
For а mоmеnt, no onе сould rеact. Jiang Вingrong’s brоws instantly furrowеd as hе loоkеd at Fuling kneеling on the ground. “Whаt dо уоu mean bу thаt?”
Sееing this, Jiang Chuji wеnt to рull Fuling, her eхpressiоn seeminglу conflictеd. “Fuling, dоn’t sаy аnуmore.”
Thеn she turnеd tо Jiang Bingrоng, biting her lip аs she ехрlainеd, “I’m sorry, Fаther. Fuling was just tаlking nоnsеnse.”
However, the next sесond, Fuling seemed tо hаve made uр hеr mind. With reddened eyes, she shook her head desperately. “Master, Fuling was not talking nonsense.”
Fuling didn’t know how her young lady had predicted that the eldest young master would pass by the lake, nor how she had foreseen everything that was happening now. But whatever her young lady had taught her to say, she would say it.
Fuling’s voice carried a hint of a sob, clearly reaching everyone’s ears.
“Today is Old Madam’s birthday. Young lady is under house arrest and feels guilty that, as a granddaughter, she cannot accompany Old Madam like the eldest young lady and offer her birthday wishes.”
“As it happened, young lady read a book today. The book said there is a miraculous grass that grows at the bottom of the lake. This grass can be used as medicine to cure all kinds of illnesses, and only those with sincere hearts can find it at the bottom of the lake.”
“Young lady has been worried about Old Madam’s cough, which hasn’t healed for months despite taking countless medicines. So she decided to climb over the wall to find this medicinal grass for Old Madam. But unexpectedly, young lady ran out of strength just as she swam to the center of the lake. Fortunately, the eldest young master happened to pass by and rescued her.”
“That book is still on the table in Plum Fragrance Courtyard. If you don’t believe it, Master, you can send someone to fetch it and see.”
So this was the reason Jiang Chuji had appeared at the center of the lake?
A flicker of surprise crossed Jiang Yanchuan’s expression, and his gaze toward Jiang Chuji grew more complicated.
Half-believing and half-doubting, Jiang Bingrong sent a servant to Jiang Chuji’s residence, Plum Fragrance Courtyard. Moments later, the servant hurried back, indeed holding an ancient book in his hands.
The ancient book looked quite old, its pages slightly yellowed. On the opened page, the legend of the Lake Heart Grass that Fuling had just described was indeed recorded.
Seeing this, Jiang Yanchuan couldn’t help but look at the young girl. “What basis is there for such myths and legends? They’re nothing but fabrications. How could you believe it just like that?”
Jiang Chuji also knelt on the ground, her shoulders trembling slightly in the wind. Her already pale lips seemed even more bloodless.
“It’s all because Chuer is too foolish. I only thought that even if there was the slightest chance to cure Grandmother’s cough and spare her from suffering, it would be worth taking the risk.”
“Chuer overestimated herself, thinking she could do it. In the end, not only did she nearly lose her own life, but she also dragged Eldest Brother into the water. I’m sorry, Father, Grandmother. It’s all Chuer’s fault. Chuer is willing to accept punishment.”
Everyone’s expressions were varied at this moment.
The legend about the Lake Heart Grass was clearly false. If such miraculous herbs truly existed in the world, how could so many people still suffer from illnesses?
Yet, it was precisely such an obviously fabricated tale that Jiang Chuji had believed wholeheartedly.
They say that worry leads to confusion. If she hadn’t been so consumed with the desire for her grandmother to recover her health, how could she have even attempted such a far-fetched method?A frail young woman venturing into the water late at night—if not for the eldest young master happening to pass by, Jiang Chuji would surely have lost her life by now. This was a genuine act of disregarding her own life for the safety of her grandmother.
Such utmost sincerity and filial piety, nearly costing her life and enduring such a fright, only to be further punished by her father with an additional month of confinement. Now, looking at the thin, trembling figure of the young girl kneeling on the ground, who could bear to mock or criticize her further?
Even Old Madam Jiang, who had always disliked Jiang Chuji, could not help but be moved upon hearing that everything she had done was for her sake.
Her expression softened: “…Child, even if it was for me, you must not take such risks again.”
Jiang Chuji lowered her head: “Your granddaughter will remember Grandmother’s teachings.”
Jiang Bingrong had not expected things to be this way and could not help but feel he had been too hasty in his judgment earlier.
Yet, he still frowned slightly: “If that was the reason, why didn’t you explain it yourself earlier? It was your maid who couldn’t stand by and spoke up to defend you.”
Jiang Chuji shook her head: “No matter the reason, it was wrong for your daughter to disobey Father’s confinement and sneak out. I deserve to be punished.”
Jiang Bingrong had not expected that, after three months apart, his daughter would become so filial and sensible.
He nodded, his tone no longer as stern as before: “Chuer, you may rise now.”
Seeing this, Fuling quickly stepped forward and carefully helped Jiang Chuji to her feet.
Once standing, Jiang Chuji bowed to Jiang Bingrong once more.
Lowering her gaze, she said: “Then, Father, your daughter will return to Plum Fragrance Courtyard now. During the remaining confinement, I will never sneak out again to anger you.”
Jiang Bingrong’s address for her had changed from “Jiang Chuji” to “Chuer,” and Jiang Chuji naturally followed suit, shifting from “Father” to “Daddy.”
“Enough, enough,” Old Madam Jiang waved her hand. “This child only did something foolish for my sake. She has been confined in that Plum Fragrance Courtyard for nearly three months now. Let her confinement be lifted.”
Upon hearing this, Concub