Chapter 5: The Persistent One
Chen Zhao had just returned from his usual idle wanderings when he spotted several people emerging from the courtyard. Among them was a girl with delicate features, and his eyes instantly lit up. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was Jiang Ruan.
Jiang Ruan usually dressed less elegantly than Chen Fang, so Chen Zhao had rarely paid her any attention. A few days ago, he had merely entertained the whimsical idea of tasting what it was like to have a young lady from an official’s family. To his surprise, this young lady turned out to be fiercely unyielding—she had jumped into the water without hesitation. The memory still filled him with frustration. But today, seeing her now, his eyes gleamed with renewed interest. Perhaps it was because of the New Year, but with just a slight touch of adornment, her features appeared exceptionally refined. Most striking was her composed and icy demeanor, as if she had become an entirely different person.
Chen Zhao narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the girl before him. Jiang Ruan was only twelve, her figure still somewhat youthful, yet her expression lacked any childishness—it even carried a hint of maturity. The juxtaposition of these two contrasting qualities made her uniquely captivating. Even though she was just a twelve-year-old girl, Chen Zhao couldn’t help but swallow hard. After all, in a few years, she would grow up.
Lianqiao couldn’t stand the lecherous gaze Chen Zhao directed at Jiang Ruan. Her expression hardened, and without thinking, she snapped, "How dare you be so insolent! Who allowed you to speak to the mistress with such disrespect?"
Her words, though forceful, had little effect. Chen Zhao wasn’t intimidated. He had heard rumors about the fallen young lady’s standing among the capital’s elite. Judging by Zhang Lan’s attitude, it was possible Jiang Ruan would remain on this estate for the rest of her life. If that were the case, it would be all the better if he could have some fun with her.
Despite these thoughts, Chen Zhao grinned and clasped his hands in a mock salute. "My apologies. From afar, I saw a group approaching, and among them was a fairy-like maiden. She looked unfamiliar, but upon drawing closer, I realized it was the young mistress. I couldn’t contain my admiration—please forgive my impropriety."
At his words, not only Lianqiao but also Zisu paled in anger. "What nonsense are you spouting?" Zisu retorted. "How dare you slander the young mistress’s reputation!"
Chen Zhao feigned shock and took a step back. "Slander the young mistress’s reputation? I would never dream of such a thing! The young mistress is a noble jewel—how could someone like me dare to harbor improper thoughts? I only hope she won’t drive me away. Just being able to gaze upon her from afar would be enough to satisfy me." He had ruined many innocent girls in his time, and his smooth-talking came naturally. Usually, young women would either burst into tears or flush with embarrassment, but today was different.
Jiang Ruan watched him calmly, her clear eyes as cold as a winter pond, devoid of warmth. Her gaze was icy, yet the corners of her lips curled into a faint smile, as if she were observing the antics of a clown. There was no shame, no anger, no tears—just an aloof indifference, unmoved.
Chen Zhao was taken aback. Then, Jiang Ruan spoke unhurriedly, "I certainly won’t drive you away."
Both Lianqiao and Zisu were stunned. Such a rogue should be chased off without hesitation—what did Jiang Ruan mean by this?
Chen Zhao was also puzzled, but soon a smug delight crept in. He cast a triumphant glance at the two maids, thinking to himself that this young lady was surprisingly compliant. But then again, what did it matter if she was from a noble family? After staying in this rural estate for so long, she had clearly lost all sense of propriety. At such a young age, she already understood these things."The other day when you accidentally pushed me into the pond, I caught a chill and was bedridden. Nanny Lan called a physician for me and personally apologized, asking me to forgive you. Since I've already forgiven you, naturally I won't drive you away." Jiang Ruan's voice was soft and gentle, carrying a refreshing coolness, yet Chen Zhao felt his heart sink.
After Jiang Ruan fell into the pond, to avoid suspicion, Chen Zhao had claimed it was an accidental push on his part. Hearing Jiang Ruan's words now reminded him that he should minimize contact with her to avoid gossip. But was she saying this intentionally or inadvertently? At this thought, Chen Zhao studied Jiang Ruan more carefully. The girl stood there, her old and faded clothes not making her appear haggard but rather accentuating her snow-white skin, eyes like inked dots, and brows like painted strokes. Yet there was a chilling solemnity in her expression.
Chen Zhao was startled at first, then his gaze turned infatuated. Having discovered that this Miss Jiang had some flavor to her, he naturally wouldn't let her go. There would be plenty of time—no need to rush. With this in mind, he smirked and bowed again to Jiang Ruan: "This is all Zhao's fault for making the young lady so thin. Since the young lady is going out today, Zhao won't disturb you further. I'll come another day to make amends."
"Who wants you to come make amends?" Lianqiao glared at him. Chen Zhao smiled and left.
Only after Chen Zhao departed did Lianqiao and Zisu breathe a sigh of relief. Zisu frowned and said, "Miss, why did you say that just now? He's trouble, how could you..."
"Yes, yes," Lianqiao chimed in. "I'd love to gouge out both his eyeballs! Disgusting!"
"They will be gouged out," Jiang Ruan said calmly. "If he wants to watch me silently from afar, let him watch to his heart's content."
Zisu and Lianqiao exchanged glances, feeling their young lady's tone was somewhat icy. After a pause, Zisu said, "Never mind him. Let's go out for a walk. There's not much happening at the estate these days—East Street should be quite lively."
"East Street?" Jiang Ruan thought for a moment, then shook her head. "No, West Street."
"West Street?" Zisu hesitated. "Why does Miss want to go to West Street? It's mostly beggars and commoners there, and with the New Year, it's even more chaotic. Miss shouldn't go there. East Street has many cosmetic shops and taverns, and some novelties too. Why not stroll around East Street instead?"
Jiang Ruan shook her head again. "West Street." Though her voice was soft, it brooked no argument—her mind was clearly made up.
Zisu was taken aback and felt increasingly perplexed.
"Oh, let's just listen to Miss and go to West Street," Lianqiao patted Zisu's shoulder. "With us here, what's there to fear? Besides, it's broad daylight—no need for so much fuss. If there's really any trouble, we'll protect Miss. You needn't worry."
Zisu had no choice but to nod, though her confusion only grew. The wealth disparity between East and West Street was stark. West Street, being where the poor lived and gathered, naturally couldn't compare to the bustle and prosperity of East Street. Their young lady had never shown interest in going to West Street before—why this sudden whim? Zisu felt she understood her young lady's thoughts less and less. It was as if overnight, the girl had grown nine more cunning facets. Whenever those jet-black eyes looked at her, she felt a chill.Lianqiao was extremely pleased. Jiang Ruan's current behavior clearly showed she had come to her senses. Compared to her previous passive acceptance of mistreatment, having such a masterly demeanor now was much better—at least those people wouldn't dare bully her openly anymore.
Jiang Ruan didn't notice the complicated thoughts swirling in her maids' minds. She walked forward quietly, though upon closer inspection, one could still see the faint trembling of her fingertips.
Some things should have changed from the very beginning.
(End of Chapter)
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