"Second Madam, your words are quite strange." Jiang Dan smiled faintly. "Was it I who handed over the marriage agreement to you? No, it was Father and you who schemed to snatch it away from Dan Niang. Third Sister was overjoyed for a long time, yet she never knew that the marriage you chose for her would ultimately send her to the grave." Jiang Dan sighed softly. "What a cruel fate."
Second Madam's legs gave way, and she collapsed to the floor. "You..." She couldn't utter another word because Jiang Dan was right—it was all her fault. She had coveted this marriage, unwilling to accept that Jiang Dan, another concubine's daughter like Jiang Li, could secure such a favorable match. She had even persuaded her own father to intervene and convince Jiang Quan to switch the marriage agreement to Jiang Li. Never had she imagined that her selfishness would lead to her own daughter's demise. Second Madam was consumed by regret!
Jiang Dan watched Second Madam's grief with satisfaction before speaking calmly, "I can empathize with your sorrow, Madam. Today, I came to remind you not to blame the wrong person while letting the true culprit roam free and happy."
"The true culprit?" Second Madam looked up abruptly.
"Yes," Jiang Dan's serene smile twisted slightly as she spoke softly, "Don't you think Third Sister's death was too strange? Admittedly, that marriage should have been mine, so I took the liberty of investigating. Little did I know that this inquiry would uncover something... fascinating."
"What is it?" Second Madam clutched Jiang Dan's hand, her eyes flashing with urgency. Jiang Dan patted her hand gently and smiled. "To be honest, I could hardly believe it myself. Because, in the end, this matter is connected to Da Jiejie."
"Jiang Ruan?" Second Madam's expression darkened. "How could it involve her?"
"Da Jiejie is peerlessly beautiful, and the young men of the capital naturally admire her—even the Third Prince is no exception. On the day of Third Sister's wedding to Left Vice Minister, the Third Prince asked the Vice Minister for a favor—to arrange a meeting with Da Jiejie. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal. But Da Jiejie, priding herself as a virtuous maiden and now associated with imperial relatives, couldn't afford to embarrass the royal family. Third Sister merely wanted to help her husband, but Da Jiejie took offense. In her fury, she orchestrated the events that befell the couple the very next day." Jiang Dan spoke unhurriedly, her storytelling tone only deepening Second Madam's anguish.
Second Madam's face twisted between tears and laughter. After a long silence, she finally forced out through gritted teeth, "Do you have any proof of this?"
Jiang Dan chuckled lightly. "Madam still doesn't believe Dan Niang? Don't you find it odd? The very day after Third Sister's wedding, Da Jiejie entered the palace. Without someone powerful protecting her, how could she act so recklessly? If you don't believe me, you can investigate yourself. But now, even leaving this place is difficult for you. The only one you can trust... is me."Her words struck right at the heart of Second Madam's thoughts. In fact, Second Madam had already believed Jiang Dan the moment she finished speaking. Even if it were all lies, the lies were far too seamless. More importantly, the grief of losing her daughter now made Second Madam utterly unable to bear it. Jiang Li's death had been brought about by her own hands—just the thought of it made her wish she could tear her own heart out. Yet now, Jiang Dan's words had given Second Madam an outlet to vent all her hatred onto Jiang Ruan. How could she not be overjoyed?
"Jiang Ruan, she killed my Li'er! I'll make her pay with her life!" Second Madam clenched her fists, her eyes practically spitting fire.
"Father is already furious with you, Madam. If you want to avenge Third Sister, you mustn't act recklessly. Otherwise, not only will you fail to seek justice for her, but you'll also end up sacrificing yourself."
Jiang Dan's voice was icy, and Second Madam seemed to snap out of her trance. Jiang Dan continued, "If Second Madam still wishes to avenge Third Sister, you'd best listen to me obediently."
Second Madam looked at Jiang Dan's serene smile and couldn't help but shudder. For the first time, she felt that this weak and helpless orphan girl was terrifying. With such cunning, had she truly confronted Jiang Li back then, Jiang Li would have been no match for her. She murmured, "Why are you doing this?"
"Da Jiejie is living too well," Jiang Dan's eyes flashed with malice. "She lives so comfortably while I struggle in the mud. How can I bear it? Why not drag her down with me?"
...
Jiang Ruan had only stayed in the Jiang residence for a few days when, one morning, she unexpectedly encountered Second Madam.
Since Jiang Li's death and the incident at the magistrate's office, Second Madam had been under house arrest by Jiang Quan. Her sudden release now surprised everyone. What was even more surprising was that Second Madam seemed like a completely different person—meek, submissive, and cautious, a far cry from her former domineering self. She might as well have been the bedroom maid Lian Ye. The servants speculated that Second Madam, now that Jiang Li was dead, had no choice but to tread carefully to survive in the Jiang residence. Times had changed. The once-gentle and virtuous Xia Yan, renowned for her talents, and the arrogant, beautiful, and sharp-tongued Second Madam had both fallen from grace. Now, the one managing the household was Fifth Madam Hong Ying, who hailed from the pleasure quarters. With Hong Ying now pregnant, it seemed the Jiang residence was on the verge of upheaval.
Jiang Ruan had once run into Second Madam in the garden, where the latter had behaved with exaggerated deference, though her expression had been somewhat odd. Back in Ruan Residence, Lianqiao remarked, "Miss, Second Madam seemed very strange. Her gaze almost seemed resentful toward you."
Jiang Ruan pondered for a moment before summoning Luzhu. "Go and find out if Second Madam met anyone before her house arrest was lifted, and whether there's anything unusual about her recently."
Luzhu left to carry out her orders.
Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes. Second Madam's gaze wasn't merely resentful—it was something she knew all too well. It was hatred that ran bone-deep, the venomous stare of a snake lying in wait, the hidden arrow in the shadows, reeking of conspiracy.
She wanted to see just what Second Madam was planning.Luzhu was now Jiang Ruan’s personal maid. The servants in the mansion knew she was highly regarded by Jiang Ruan, who held the title of Princess of Great Peace, so they treated Luzhu with much more courtesy than before. Luzhu quickly gathered information and returned. It turned out that Jiang Dan had met with Second Madam once. These past few days, Second Madam had been extremely cautious and polite in the mansion, acting even more submissive toward Jiang Quan and generously tipping the servants. Although Second Madam’s maternal family was wealthy, she was still a concubine-born daughter and, like Jiang Li, was usually stingy and unwilling to reward servants so lavishly. Yet recently, she had been unusually generous. After finishing her report, Luzhu looked at Jiang Ruan eagerly and asked, “Miss, what exactly is Second Madam up to?”
Tianzhu was also puzzled. She was accustomed to killing but not the intricate schemes of the inner household. Lianqiao and Zisu, however, were suspicious. Lianqiao said, “Miss, we should be careful these next few days. Second Madam has always been arrogant, so her sudden humility is quite strange.”
“I understand,” Jiang Ruan said as she stood up. “Since Fourth Sister is so enthusiastic, perhaps we should give her something to do as well.” She narrowed her eyes, her tone suddenly turning cold. “Jin Er, Jin San.”
The two shadow guards abruptly appeared in the room, startling the maids. Jiang Ruan knew that ever since Xiao Shao had sent them, they had been lurking in the shadows to protect her. She said, “Tianzhu is from the mansion and can’t leave easily. You two, go to the Jiang residence. There’s something I’d like your help with.”
Jin Er and Jin San exchanged a glance before replying in unison, “We await your orders, Miss.”
…
Meanwhile, the Jiang residence was shrouded in gloom after Jiang Li’s death. The once prosperous and bustling mansion was now clearly on the verge of collapse. Jiang Quan’s official career, which had been smooth sailing in previous years, had recently taken a turn for the worse, and his relationship with the Xiahou family had also grown distant. His children were even more of a headache—the only two outstanding ones were the least favored in the household before.
Old Madam Jiang’s health had always been weak, and Jiang Li’s death had left her severely ill. The physician who examined her privately hinted that she might not live past this year. At her advanced age, no amount of miraculous medicine could help. In some ways, Old Madam Jiang was a perceptive woman, so she understood that the vast Jiang family would soon decline. Her overwhelming worries only worsened her condition, and day by day, she aged visibly, a far cry from the shrewd and dignified matriarch Jiang Ruan had seen when she first returned to the Jiang residence.
One day, Du Juan came again on Old Madam Jiang’s orders to invite Jiang Ruan to Guilan Courtyard for a visit. Recently, the old madam had been summoning her granddaughters frequently. Since it was Old Madam Jiang’s request, there was no reason to refuse. Jiang Ruan went with Lianqiao and Zisu and happened to meet Jiang Dan on the way back.
Seeing Jiang Ruan, Jiang Dan stopped and smiled. “Da Jiejie.”
“Fourth Sister,” Jiang Ruan replied indifferently.
Unlike usual, Jiang Dan didn’t look aggrieved at her cold attitude. Instead, she seemed in high spirits and asked, “Is Da Jiejie going to Grandmother’s courtyard?”
Jiang Ruan nodded. Jiang Dan then said cheerfully, “Grandmother values Da Jiejie so much now. You’re truly enviable.”
Enviable? Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. “Fourth Sister, there’s no need for envy. I’m sure you’ll be even more valued in the future.”Jiang Dan was taken aback for a moment, her eyes flickering before she turned to Jiang Ruan with a meaningful smile. "Da Jiejie is always so fond of jokes. It's getting late, you should hurry along. If you delay any longer, Grandmother will surely punish Dan Niang again."
Jiang Ruan nodded in farewell. Jiang Dan remained standing where she was, watching Jiang Ruan's retreating figure, a slow, triumphant smile spreading across her face.
...
In the Gui Lan Courtyard, Cai Que and Du Juan stood on either side of Old Madam Jiang, gently fanning her with round silk fans. The breeze they created was just right—cool and refreshing—and Old Madam Jiang, for once, wore an expression of comfort. She was too old to use ice for fear of catching a chill.
This was the scene Jiang Ruan walked into. Old Madam Jiang looked weary, her clothes slightly wrinkled, her hair completely white. Hearing the commotion, she slowly opened her eyes, her gaze somewhat clouded.
She was no longer the formidable mistress of the Jiang household who once commanded the winds and rains. Now, she was merely an elderly woman nearing the end of her days.
"Ruan girl, you're here. Come sit by your grandmother." Old Madam Jiang beckoned her affectionately.
In both her past and present life, Old Madam Jiang had never been this warm and intimate with her. Although she hadn't made things difficult for Jiang Ruan in her previous life, Xia Yan and Jiang Quan's actions had been tacitly approved by her. To Old Madam Jiang, the glory of the Jiang family outweighed everything else. Sacrificing one Jiang Ruan was nothing if it meant the family's prosperity.
In her past life, Old Madam Jiang hadn't survived the winter of this year. By Jiang Ruan's calculations, she had fallen ill around early autumn after Jiang Ruan entered the palace, growing increasingly frail until she passed away near the year's end. Now, she had only a few months left.
Jiang Ruan obediently walked over and sat down beside Old Madam Jiang. Cai Que poured her a cup of tea, and Old Madam Jiang patted Jiang Ruan's hand. "Ruan girl, this is this year's newly gifted Hawthorn tea with mixed fragrance. The ladies in the palace often drink it. Young girls like you prefer sweet things—give it a try."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, took a sip from the cup, and said, "It's very sweet."
Old Madam Jiang looked even more pleased and instructed Cai Que, "Du Juan, pack some of this tea for Ruan girl to take back." She turned to Jiang Ruan, her gaze genuinely affectionate, like a doting grandmother looking at her beloved granddaughter. "How time flies. You were just a tiny pink bundle when you were born."
Old Madam Jiang wouldn't bring this up without reason. Jiang Ruan simply listened with a smile as the old woman continued, "Your mother was unfortunate, leaving you and your siblings so early. That wicked Xia Yan wronged you, and your father has always been weak-willed, letting you suffer all these years. Truly, the Jiang family has failed you."
Du Juan had gone to pack the tea leaves, leaving only Cai Que standing silently to the side. Zisu and Lianqiao exchanged subtle glances, but Jiang Ruan remained as steady as a mountain, her expression unchanged as she listened to Old Madam Jiang's seemingly remorseful words. Noticing her composure, Old Madam Jiang paused briefly before pretending not to notice and clasped Jiang Ruan's hand again. "Thankfully, you and your siblings are blessed. Since returning to the household, your fortunes have improved. I suppose our Jiang ancestors in heaven must be watching over you."
The corner of Jiang Ruan's lips curled slightly. Was she implying that their current good fortune was somehow bestowed upon them by the Jiang family?Old Madam Jiang said, "You are all children of the Jiang family, and naturally, you should support each other. Your grandmother doesn't have many days left, and I hope you siblings can love and care for one another. In the past, your father wronged you, but now I've locked that wicked woman away. Let's not dwell on the past anymore. If the Jiang family prospers, won't you also benefit in the future?" She rambled on, "Your eldest brother serves as an official in the court and needs his siblings' support. As for your future marriage, won't it also depend on the family's standing? I know you're a good girl, so help them out more in daily life. It will be good for you to have their support in the future."
Jiang Ruan lowered her head, then looked up with a faint smile. "What does Grandmother wish for me to do?"
Such directness startled Old Madam Jiang. She had always known this granddaughter was different—the Jiang family had misjudged her in the past, never expecting her to rise to such prominence. But Old Madam Jiang also knew she was in the twilight of her life, with little time left. Watching the Jiang family decline day by day filled her with anxiety. Now, all her hopes rested on Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi, yet these two had suffered Jiang Quan's neglect in the past, inevitably harboring resentment. That was why she had summoned Jiang Ruan today, intending to offer some guidance. But she hadn’t expected such a response.
A surge of frustration rose in Old Madam Jiang’s heart. Yet, Jiang Ruan was now a county princess bestowed by the Empress Dowager, and the General's Residence’s attitude toward her was also intriguing. Faced with Jiang Ruan’s indifferent expression, she felt both powerless and angry. Finally, she forced a smile and said, "Your second brother is doing well now. Since you’re close to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, you could mention him favorably in conversation. And as for Su Su—she is, after all, your younger sister. When you attend gatherings with other young ladies, take her along so she can broaden her horizons."
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel