Chapter 48: The Flower Explorer
This was Fifth Madam Hong Ying, the woman Jiang Quan—a man of considerable reputation—had obstinately redeemed from the pleasure quarters despite all objections. Originally intended as a gift for his superior, she instead became the fifth concubine in the household, tarnishing Jiang Quan's standing. At the time, it was said Xia Yan had quarreled with him over it, though the matter was eventually dropped. Nevertheless, Hong Ying had driven a wedge between Jiang Quan and Xia Yan. Now, though the rift seemed insignificant, it was something that could be exploited.
In Jiang Ruan's past life, by the time she returned to the Jiang residence, Hong Ying had already risen to a position where she could rival Xia Yan, and no one in the household dared to underestimate her. Later, however, when Xia Yan became pregnant, Hong Ying bribed a servant to induce a miscarriage. Somehow, the plot was exposed, and in a rage, Jiang Quan had Hong Ying imprisoned. She then hanged herself.
Looking back now, the fact that Jiang Quan had merely confined Hong Ying rather than beating her to death suggested he had harbored some genuine affection for her. As for Hong Ying's sudden suicide in the woodshed—it was hard not to suspect Xia Yan's hand in it. In her past life, Jiang Ruan had little interaction with Hong Ying, as Xia Yan's influence had made her despise the woman. Even now, Jiang Ruan wasn't entirely sure what kind of person Hong Ying truly was.
The moment Hong Ying arrived, Jiang Quan's gaze settled on her, his expression softening slightly. "We were just discussing Chao'er."
A barely perceptible flicker passed through Xia Yan's eyes—one that Jiang Ruan caught. Though Xia Yan exuded scholarly refinement, a woman from the pleasure quarters possessed a seductive charm absent in noble ladies, a charm that held irresistible allure for men. Jiang Quan admired talented women: Xia Yan was learned, but Hong Ying was no less accomplished, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. While she lacked Xia Yan's dignified bearing, her experience in the pleasure quarters had broadened her horizons, making her more adept at discerning what Jiang Quan liked to hear. In truth, since Hong Ying's arrival, Xia Yan was no longer Jiang Quan's sole confidante.
Hong Ying dipped into a slight curtsy toward Jiang Chao. "I heard the Second Young Master will soon sit for the imperial examinations. I wish you success, that you may top the honors list."
Jiang Chao's gaze had been shadowed with displeasure, but at her words, his brow smoothed. "Thank you for your kind words, Fifth Madam."
Jiang Susu stepped forward with a smile, taking Jiang Quan's arm. "Why is everyone standing? Let's move to the hall. Mother has already prepared a feast, waiting just for Father and Brother."
Old Madam Jiang clapped her hands. "Exactly! Our Second Young Lady is always so thoughtful."
The group cheerfully made their way to the hall. Jiang Ruan watched coldly, waiting until Jiang Quan passed before speaking softly, "Why isn't Third Sister here?"
Second Madam stiffened, then turned back with a forced smile. "The Third Young Lady isn't feeling well today. She's resting in her room."
"Has a physician been called?" Jiang Ruan asked with concern. "If it's nothing serious, perhaps someone should fetch her. After all, today is Father's return—"
"Leave her be," Jiang Quan cut in coldly. "Let her rest for a few more days!"
Jiang Ruan immediately fell silent. Second Madam clenched her handkerchief tightly, her expression darkening, before slowly following Jiang Quan ahead.Jiang Ruan smiled faintly once more. The meal proceeded with apparent cheerfulness, though beneath the surface, everyone harbored their own schemes. After dinner, Jiang Quan did not go to Delicate Splendor Courtyard but instead visited Hong Ying’s quarters. Second Madam was naturally indignant, cursing the "vixen" before leaving, while Xia Yan saw him off with gentle smiles, showing no trace of displeasure. That evening, when discussing the matter in the courtyard, Lianqiao remarked, "Madam is truly formidable. The master went straight to Fifth Madam’s courtyard upon returning, yet she could still smile."
Zisu shot her a glare. "Stop talking nonsense."
"Am I wrong?" Lianqiao, ever straightforward, made no effort to hide her dislike for Xia Yan. "Do you really believe she’s happy about this?"
Luzhu crouched by the brazier, poking at the charcoal, then looked up and blinked. "It must be for the sake of Second Young Master. Isn’t Madam hoping he’ll top the imperial exams? Miss, do you think Second Young Master will pass this time?"
Jiang Ruan, who had been sitting silently at the table staring at the teapot instead of reading as usual, responded with a faint smile. "Second Brother is widely read and exceptionally bright. Father personally tutored him since childhood, and everything has been meticulously arranged. He should pass."
"That would be terrible!" Lianqiao exclaimed. "If Second Young Master really succeeds, Delicate Splendor Courtyard will look down on us even more. The Old Madam will surely favor him."
"No need to worry," Jiang Ruan said calmly. "I said he should pass. But I say—he won’t ."
In her past life, Jiang Chao had indeed passed—not as the top scholar, but as the third-ranked tanhua . Back then, he had ridden high on success, personally honored by the emperor, bringing fame to the Jiang family and even winning the favor of a prime minister’s daughter. Glory, wealth, and beauty—he had it all.
But in this life, how could she let him have his way? In just a few dozen days, she would teach him the taste of falling from the clouds.
The New Year had just passed, and the sun already carried a hint of spring. For several days, the capital basked in brilliant sunshine, bustling with joyous celebrations.
Yet the students of the Imperial Academy had no time to revel in the festive spirit—they were all preparing for the imperial exams in a little over ten days. Inside the halls, scholars debated fervently, while in the courtyard, the registrar spoke with the chancellor.
"For this year’s exams, I believe several candidates show great promise," Registrar Song remarked, glancing inside.
Chancellor Chen, though only in his forties, already had streaks of white in his hair, giving him an air of wisdom. Stroking his beard, he said, "Go on."
"Three names stand out—Mo Cong, Wang Lingping, and Liu Min," Registrar Song mused. "These three excel in the classics, legal codes, and mathematics."
Chancellor Chen did not respond immediately. After a long silence, Registrar Song cautiously asked, "Does Your Excellency find something amiss? Please enlighten me."
At this, the chancellor shook his head. "Liu Min is capable, but his policy essays are biased. He lacks understanding of court affairs and tends toward extremism."
"Ah..." Registrar Song frowned. "Liu Min comes from a poor family. It’s only natural he knows little of court matters."
"I find Jiang Chao promising," Chancellor Chen interjected. "I’ve read his essays—comprehensive and well-rounded. He shows talent."
Registrar Song shook his head. "Too polished. He only parrots empty theories—that’s not necessarily a virtue."The Imperial Tutor Chen's eyes flickered slightly before he slowly smiled. "It's not up to the two of us to decide. In the end, it's all the Emperor's will."
Chief Clerk Song also nodded in agreement with a smile.
After the morning lecture, students began emerging from the Imperial Academy in small groups. At the forefront was Jiang Chao, his face alight with laughter as he chatted animatedly with two close friends.
"Brother Wang's mastery of strategy grows ever more refined, making this younger brother feel ashamed of his own shortcomings," Jiang Chao said, his expression tinged with modest embarrassment.
Wang Ziling clasped his hands in salute. "Brother Jiang mustn't disparage himself so. When it comes to mathematics and calculations, I pale in comparison to you."
(End of Chapter)
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