Chapter 18: The Incident Unfolds
The next day, Jiang Ruan rose early. Zisu brought in some freshly cooked corn porridge from outside—the corn had been boiled until soft, and the simmered porridge exuded a faint, sweet fragrance. Lianqiao was surprised: "The kitchen is being so generous today? How did we get corn porridge?"
Breakfast at the estate usually consisted of watery coarse rice porridge, barely thick enough to reflect a person's shadow, and a few pickles. Corn porridge was never served—not because the ingredients were expensive or cheap, but simply because the kitchen staff couldn't be bothered to put in extra effort for this side of the estate. When they had first arrived, Zisu and Lianqiao had argued with the kitchen over this, but despite their protests, nothing had changed. With no one in the capital paying any attention or standing up for them, Jiang Ruan had grown accustomed to it.
Zisu smiled. "It was Xiao Yuan who brought it." Ever since she had helped Xiao Yuan mend her clothes a few days ago, the girl had become quite sensible, understanding the principle of reciprocity, and had started visiting more frequently.
Lianqiao paused for a moment. "She's quite sincere, isn't she?" Then she picked up the bowl and said, "Miss, have a few sips. It's good for your health."
Corn porridge could hardly be considered a delicacy, and its health benefits naturally couldn't compare to precious medicinal herbs or nourishing meats. But now, even a simple bowl of corn porridge seemed like a rare treat—proof of how destitute their days had become. Zisu felt a pang of sorrow, but she saw Jiang Ruan pick up the bowl without hesitation and take a sip before urging them to have some as well. Zisu sighed inwardly. Despite such a drastic change in circumstances, her young mistress could still find contentment in small things.
Having grown up alongside Jiang Ruan in the manor, Zisu, as the maid of an unfavored mistress, had endured countless cold shoulders. In just a few short years, she had witnessed the fickleness of human relationships, maturing far earlier and more steadily than other maids her age. Yet she felt that her own patience and composure paled in comparison to her young mistress's. At some point—perhaps after that serious illness—Jiang Ruan had become somewhat inscrutable.
It was rare for anyone to maintain such equanimity amidst life's highs and lows. In the past, whenever Jiang Ruan recalled the happy days in the Minister's residence, she would secretly shed tears in sorrow. But now, she never showed such expressions, appearing utterly composed instead. Thinking of this, Zisu said to Jiang Ruan, "Miss, you seem happier with each passing day."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly but didn't elaborate. The hardships of life meant little to her. What did fine clothes and sumptuous feasts matter? The most terrifying thing was having everything yet feeling as though she possessed nothing—no lover, no kin, no family, no friends. Later, she had thought she'd found love, only to discover it was false.
Besides, compared to being turned into a human pig, trapped in a wooden basin, forced to watch her loved ones humiliated while powerless to act, these days were already far, far better. At least now she had a whole body and freedom. At least she was still alive. As long as she lived, there was always a chance to turn the tables. She had crawled out of hell—not to nitpick over trivial matters.
Just then, someone came rushing in from outside. Seeing Jiang Ruan and the others in the room, the person barged in without even knocking. Lianqiao was startled and scolded only after recognizing the intruder: "Xiao Yuan, what's the hurry?"
Xiao Yuan leaned against the door, panting heavily, her face flushed red. After a long moment, she gasped out, "Miss, it's terrible!"
"Speak slowly," Zisu frowned. "What happened?""Many officers and soldiers have arrived outside, surrounding the manor. They claim someone saw the young lady commit murder," Xiaoyuan said, her eyes filled with panic. "Nurse Lan is leading them this way."
Lianqiao widened her eyes. "How could our young lady kill anyone? This is clearly a false accusation—utterly shameless!"
"No need to worry," Jiang Ruan said calmly, setting down her bowl. "Just wait and see."
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel