Chapter 15: Weaving the Net
The door burst open with a sharp "bang," and Chen Fang appeared before Jiang Ruan, followed closely by an exasperated Lianqiao. Both of their clothes were disheveled, evidence of a recent scuffle.
Jiang Ruan didn’t even glance at Chen Fang, her gaze still fixed on the book in front of her. Zisu, standing nearby, carefully blew on the hot tea to cool it for her. Lianqiao, having entered the room, also remained silent, dutifully stepping forward to bow her head before Jiang Ruan.
This left Chen Fang standing awkwardly to the side, completely ignored. She had intended to wait calmly for Jiang Ruan to question her first, but Jiang Ruan showed no sign of even looking up. Chen Fang’s unease grew—such an indifferent attitude left her uncertain, and the atmosphere grew unbearably tense.
After all, she was just a teenage girl, unused to suppressing her emotions. After struggling to hold back, Chen Fang finally blurted out angrily, "Miss, this servant has a question for you."
Jiang Ruan didn’t even lift her eyelids, replying lazily, "Ask."
Chen Fang was taken aback again. Jiang Ruan’s dismissive tone only fueled her irritation. Thinking of the reason for her visit, her anger surged further. "Miss, a few days ago, did you not go to see the Moonlight Beauty flower?"
"Oh?" Jiang Ruan seemed to consider this before answering, "That night, I suddenly felt unwell, so I didn’t go to admire the flowers."
"How could you do that?" Chen Fang’s fury intensified. "We had an agreement! Even if you couldn’t go, you should have at least sent someone to inform me!"
"Hmm?" Jiang Ruan looked at her with slight surprise. "No one told you? Lianqiao, didn’t I instruct you that night to inform Fang’er that I wouldn’t be going? Did you forget my orders because you were too busy playing around?"
Lianqiao bowed respectfully. "This servant would never dare forget your instructions, Miss. That night, I went to the pear garden and waited to tell Fang’er the news, but no matter how long I waited, she never showed up. I assumed she already knew and wasn’t coming, so I left after the third watch."
Jiang Ruan smiled apologetically. "So it was just a misunderstanding. Fang’er, now you’ve heard the truth—this matter has nothing to do with me."
Chen Fang was so furious that the powder on her face seemed to flake off. She hadn’t expected Jiang Ruan to respond with such infuriating calmness, as if all her anger had struck a soft, unyielding cushion, leaving her with nowhere to vent and only a bellyful of resentment.
"But Fang’er," Jiang Ruan frowned slightly, "our agreement was so long ago. Why are you only asking about it now? Could it be that you never went to the pear garden at all, yet were certain I had gone?"
Chen Fang froze, a flicker of panic crossing her face. "No, no! It’s just... I only found out today that you didn’t go. That night... that night, I had something come up and couldn’t make it..." She stumbled over her words, realizing that no matter how she phrased it, her explanation was full of holes.
Jiang Ruan, however, spoke kindly. "If that’s the case, let’s just consider it a misunderstanding."
Chen Fang bit her lip. Though she was seething with resentment, she couldn’t find any justification for her anger. She could only blame herself for rushing over without a proper plan. Just as she was stewing in frustration, Jiang Ruan’s calm voice sounded again:
"You came in such a hurry—I thought something serious had happened. I’m glad it’s nothing."Chen Fang's heart instantly tightened with unease. She glanced at Jiang Ruan, only to meet her smiling gaze. Those eyes were extraordinarily gentle, wrapping around one like the enchanting flow of spring water. Yet upon closer inspection, one could detect waves of lethal intent within that clear, moist gaze, the upturned corners of her eyes brimming with an eerie sharpness.
Unable to help herself, Chen Fang took two steps back. When she looked at Jiang Ruan again, there was nothing unusual to be seen. A sliver of uncertainty suddenly arose in her heart, along with an absurd thought—could this seemingly weak and easily bullied young lady actually know everything? Was she doing this deliberately? Was she the one benefiting from all this?
Chen Fang clenched her fists and shook her head vigorously. Impossible. Jiang Ruan had lived on the estate for five years—she knew exactly what kind of person she was. Besides, who would believe that a twelve-year-old girl could be so scheming? This was just an unfortunate coincidence that had ruined her plans.
Forcing a smile, Chen Fang said, "This servant was at fault for disturbing you, young lady. Please punish me."
"You meant well," Jiang Ruan took a sip of tea. "How could I bear to punish you? It's my misfortune, really. I'm sure the night-blooming beauty must have been breathtaking when it flowered that evening."
Chen Fang felt as though she might vomit blood but managed to reply, "Of course. If the young lady has no further instructions, this servant will take her leave to attend to matters on the estate."
"How dutiful of you," Jiang Ruan said lightly. "Go ahead. The estate can't do without you."
Her words carried a deeper meaning, making Chen Fang's heart skip another beat. Feeling as though something terrifying was following her, she quickly hurried away.
After Chen Fang left, Lianqiao closed the door and spat, "Look at that lawless attitude—does she even remember she's a servant? Who does she think she is, questioning you like that? She doesn't know her place! We really ought to teach her a lesson one of these days!"
"Why wait?" Jiang Ruan closed her book. "She'll get her lesson soon enough."
"Young lady..." Zisu's eyes brightened. "Could it be that night..."
Jiang Ruan nodded. "Since I didn't go, naturally someone else did. It seems Chen Xiaomei invited not just a wolf, but a wolf that only loves gold. Chunying is more capable than I imagined—she saved me a lot of trouble."
Lianqiao grinned. "That girl is so suspicious! I only put on the tiniest act in front of her, and she couldn't wait to take the bait! Though I suppose she was already up to no good—she and Chen Zhao deserve each other."
"You did well," Jiang Ruan praised. "I wonder how much longer Chen Zhao can endure. Chunying, don't disappoint me now."
As one flower blooms, another withers. While Jiang Ruan and her maids turned the tables, the mastermind of this farce was enjoying newfound sweetness.This year, the streets were abuzz with the popularity of autumn-scented flowing smoke satin, a fabric so smooth it reflected a faint glow under sunlight, making it a favorite among the noble ladies for its elegance and beauty. On the table in the room lay two bolts of this satin. Seated before a bronze mirror was a woman in purple, her beauty quite striking as she carefully examined a string of South Sea pearl necklaces around her neck. The pearls were of exceptional quality, each large and perfectly round, emitting a soft pink luster that accentuated the fairness of her skin.
After a while, Chunying finally removed the necklace from her neck. Such an item couldn’t be worn outside—if others saw a mere maidservant possessing such finery, suspicions of ill-gotten gains would surely arise. She rose and walked to the bed, reaching underneath to pull out a small box. Unlocking it with a tiny copper key, she revealed a chest brimming with pearls, jade, and enamel. Placing the pearl necklace inside, she gazed contentedly at the glittering treasures within.
A chest full of such high-quality jewelry was something no servant could amass on their own. Chunying smiled faintly. Chen Zhao, that fool, was quite obedient, readily sending her these adornments.
A few days prior, upon hearing that Jiang Ruan was to enjoy moonlit flower viewing with someone, she had gone to the pear orchard that very night to investigate. Instead of Jiang Ruan, however, she was abruptly embraced from behind. Initially terrified, the man whispered in her ear, "Don’t scream, miss. If others see you with Zhao, you’ll be bound to him for life." Stunned, she listened as he continued, "Zhao admires you deeply, which is why he’s been so bold. Miss, Zhao will treat you well."
Chunying finally realized—this was Chen Zhao, mistaking her for Jiang Ruan. So, Jiang Ruan and Chen Zhao had a secret affair? Before she could react, Chen Zhao began tearing at her clothes. Chunying nearly screamed but stopped herself. Though Chen Zhao was merely the son of the estate’s steward, hardly noteworthy, she knew well the private wealth Old Mother Lan had accumulated over the years. Chen Zhao lived no less luxuriously than a wealthy commoner. As the head maid in the estate, her monthly wages and tips were far from enough. If she could cling to Chen Zhao as her benefactor...
In that brief moment, Chunying weighed the pros and cons and ceased resisting, yielding to Chen Zhao’s advances. She cared little for her chastity—if her body could fetch a good price, why not sell it? Whether she married or became a concubine later, she might never encounter a patron as generous as Chen Zhao again. She had to seize the opportunity.
When Chen Zhao sobered up and realized it was Chunying beside him, he was horrified. Chunying coldly informed him that unless he paid to silence her, she would immediately report him, exposing his assault to the authorities.Chen Zhao never expected that the beauty remained a beauty, but she was a venomous snake. Chunying was different from Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan, being a noble official's daughter, would face devastating consequences if her reputation were tarnished. The Jiang family wouldn't publicize the scandal but would quietly hand Jiang Ruan over to Chen Zhao. However, Chunying had nothing to lose and was utterly shameless and cunning—she might even file a lawsuit. If this matter were exposed, Chen Zhao would be lucky to escape with his life. Left with no choice, he had to comply with Chunying's demands.
But Chunying, having finally latched onto a wealthy patron, was far from easily satisfied. Time and again, Chen Zhao found himself drained of resources, yet Chunying pressed him relentlessly. Eventually, he secretly sold his first plot of land.
A single plot of land was far from enough. Chunying believed she was worth much more—everything had its price, and she considered herself above what Chen Zhao offered. Chen Zhao, however, thought she was being outrageously greedy. Their disputes grew increasingly bitter, and the tender passion of that moonlit night was long gone.
Just as Chunying closed the jewelry box, the door slammed open. A visibly agitated Chen Zhao strode in.
(End of Chapter)
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