Chapter 46: Scapegoat
Jiang Li and Jiang Susu were also delighted, though Jiang Susu appeared calm and composed, her smile was unmistakable. Although Jiang Quan showed no kindness to his legitimate daughter, his affection for Jiang Susu was genuine. In her past life, he had even risked offending the emperor to protect Jiang Susu, which spoke volumes. Jiang Susu was undoubtedly Jiang Quan's proudest daughter, and he spared no effort in showering her with love, even going so far as to use Jiang Ruan as a stepping stone for Jiang Susu. Looking back now, Jiang Ruan wasn't sure whether to feel sorrow or anger.
Perhaps Jiang Quan truly loved Xia Yan, which was why he doted so much on their daughter, extending the same favor to Jiang Chao. In contrast, Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi had never received his attention—no beatings, no scoldings, but no warmth either, as if they were insignificant outsiders. Even Jiang Li, thanks to Second Madam's family influence, could earn a decent look from Jiang Quan, but not the two siblings.
It made sense. Zhao Mei and General Zhao had long severed ties, offering no political advantage. Moreover, Zhao Mei had insisted on marrying beneath her station, gaining neither affection nor leverage. How could Jiang Quan have any pity for her? Thus, she and Jiang Xin Zhi became mere stepping stones for Jiang Susu and Jiang Chao. If they ever obstructed their path, they would be ruthlessly cast aside.
Lost in these thoughts, Jiang Ruan forgot about the tea soup in her hand, spilling a few drops. Zisu, noticing this, quickly said, "Be careful, Miss."
Jiang Ruan snapped out of her reverie, righting the teacup, and asked, "Has Father returned?"
Lianqiao entered from outside and, hearing Jiang Ruan's question, replied, "He just returned and is speaking with the Old Madam and Madam." She glanced around before lowering her voice. "But he doesn’t look too happy, as if something unpleasant happened."
Zisu wondered, "Perhaps it's official business."
Just then, Luzhu rushed in excitedly, a sly smile on her face. Lianqiao scolded, "What’s with this reckless behavior? Don’t disturb Miss."
Jiang Ruan said, "Go ahead, speak."
"Miss, you’re truly amazing!" Luzhu blinked. "I just went to the front to inquire and found out why the master is so upset."
Luzhu was young, quick-witted, and charming, with a knack for blending in with maids and servants, making her excellent at gathering information. Jiang Ruan often sent her out to keep an ear to the ground, ensuring they weren’t left in the dark within the Jiang household. Luzhu was clever and always managed to uncover useful tidbits.
This time, even Lianqiao forgot to scold her and listened intently.
"Apparently, he had a fierce argument with Vice Minister Shen for some reason. The vice minister was furious, and the master argued until his face turned red. Strangely, despite the quarrel, Miss Shen still sent an invitation card specifically for Third Miss, inviting her to visit. But the master was so angry that not only did he forbid Third Miss from leaving the house, he even placed her under house arrest."
"What does this mean?" Lianqiao asked, puzzled. "That day, Third Miss and Miss Shen didn’t seem particularly close. Why invite Third Miss alone and not Second Miss?"Luzhu smiled mysteriously: "The servants are all gossiping that something was stolen from the Shen residence. Acting this way suggests they suspect Third Miss." The maids of Ruan Residence had many complaints about Jiang Li. She usually looked down on everyone, spoke harshly, and was far less adept at handling people than Jiang Susu. The maids and matrons in the residence all harbored some dislike for her. So when trouble befell her, there were plenty who took pleasure in her misfortune.
Zisu said, "To suspect a young lady of the Jiang family like this, no wonder the master is furious. If Third Miss were to go, wouldn’t it be like slapping the Jiang family’s face, admitting to stealing? But why would the Shen residence use Miss Shen’s hand to send an invitation card to Third Miss? Could they really get anything out of her? This servant observes that although Third Miss is usually domineering, she’s not the type to steal. There are many puzzling aspects to this. Besides, the master and Vice Minister Shen are on extremely close terms—would they really quarrel like this over mere material possessions? What exactly did the Shen residence lose?"
What was lost? Jiang Ruan smiled faintly and leisurely took a sip of tea. "It must be something very important."
The uproar in the Shen residence was nothing more than the truth coming to light—Vice Minister Shen had discovered his account book was missing. At the time, as an outsider visiting the Shen residence for the first time, she naturally wouldn’t have known its layout. And since Jiang Li was the only one who had left her seat during that time, it was hard not to suspect her. But Jiang Li wouldn’t have gone to take the account book without reason—it must have been Jiang Quan’s idea. Vice Minister Shen’s suspicion was understandable. The close ties between the Shen and Jiang families were already tangled in unclear interests. If Jiang Quan had gotten hold of Vice Minister Shen’s leverage, the latter would forever be at a disadvantage in front of him. But this was an extremely underhanded move—no wonder Vice Minister Shen was ready to tear off all pretenses.
Jiang Quan was truly wronged now—this matter had nothing to do with him. Jiang Ruan smiled. Human relationships were inherently fragile. Even if Jiang Quan and the Shen residence maintained a facade of friendliness over the account book from now on, today’s events would remain like a thorn deeply embedded in Vice Minister Shen’s heart. One day, that thorn would sprout. The alliance between Jiang Quan and the Shen residence had already begun to crack at this moment.
Jiang Li had tried to harm her but ended up as the scapegoat—a small punishment to teach her a lesson. From now on, the Shen residence would see Jiang Li as a thorn in their side, and Jiang Quan wouldn’t be pleased either. This was Jiang Li’s own doing.
In her past life, Jiang Quan had eventually gotten hold of the Shen residence’s account book, grasping their weak spot. But by then, the Jiang family was already flourishing, leaving the Shen residence with no choice but to submit. Now, in this life, it was still early. The Jiang family still relied heavily on the Shen residence’s support. For their alliance to break prematurely was a misfortune for Jiang Quan, not a blessing.
Jiang Ruan patted her clothes and stood up. "Since Father and Second Brother have returned to the residence, we can’t not go see them. It wouldn’t do for us to be seen as lacking in manners or filial piety. Let’s go. I wonder how my father and second brother, whom I haven’t seen in six years, look now."
In the flower hall, Xia Yan wore a lotus-root-colored satin short jacket and a light green silk skirt, accentuating her slender waist. Though she was already the mother of two children, she still looked as youthful as a maiden. Her skin was dewy and lightly adorned, her hair ornaments elegant and refined. Among the concubines in the room, she stood out like a graceful lotus, her natural air of scholarly refinement making her a rare beauty.Jiang Quan's gaze softened as he looked at her, saying only, "You've worked hard," his eyes filled with tenderness. Second Madam, standing to the side, couldn't bear the sight. Her meticulously groomed willow-leaf eyebrows arched slightly as she deliberately softened her voice, saying, "Master, we've finally welcomed you back."
Second Madam was indeed a beauty, though her beauty carried a hint of sharpness. Her thin face made her appear somewhat harsh, unlike Xia Yan's gentle and affectionate demeanor. Moreover, such forced flattery came off as rather affected. Jiang Quan's expression showed a trace of impatience as he responded indifferently. Seeing this, Second Madam viciously twisted the hem of her dress several times with both hands.
The bedroom maid Lian Ye, dressed in a faded straight skirt, wore a humble smile at the corners of her lips as she timidly retreated to the side. Compared to the two radiantly beautiful maids by Xia Yan's side, she was merely an ordinary-looking second-tier maid. Jiang Quan didn't even glance her way. Jiang Susu stepped forward with a smile and said, "Father, you're back."
(End of Chapter)
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