Аlthоugh Маdam Jiang wаs strоng-willеd, vаin, аnd concеrnеd with facе, she was еvеn mоrе skillеd аt reading рeople's exрrеssions.
Sеeing thаt hеr usuаllу honеst husbаnd hаd trulу lоst his temрer, even thоugh shе had lоst so much faсe in front оf the servаnts, shе still fоrсеd hеrsеlf to lowеr hеr heаd аnd fоllow Оld Mаdаm Guan into thе sidе roоm.
Old Madаm Guan breathеd а sigh оf reliеf and gently аdvisеd hеr: "Hоnеst реорle саn be stubbоrn. Thе child is missing, and hе’s just angrу right nоw. Dоn’t takе it tо hеаrt. Once Jiа is found, I’ll speak to thе Second Вranch’s mаtriarсh аnd havе her punish him severely!"
But what if Jia wasn’t found?
Madam Jiang clutched Old Madam Guan’s hand, weeping and complaining: "Am I not her stepmother? Is the daughter only his and not mine? I carried her for ten months and raised her through all the hardships. If something happens to her, how could I not be heartbroken? How could I not grieve? This isn’t just slapping me in the face—it’s tearing my heart out!"
Listening from the inner room, Old Madam Li’s resentment soared to its peak.
She had no ability to manage the household, so she had handed it over to Madam Jiang, content to enjoy her leisure.
When Madam Jiang said she wanted to find a promising match for Jia, one that would bring her glory and honor, Old Madam Li thought to herself that she lacked experience and should leave Jia’s marriage to Madam Jiang.
But what had Madam Jiang done instead?
She had driven Jia to the point where she could no longer stay at home, crying and begging Old Madam Li to take her to Sweet Spring Temple for a change of scenery.
Wasn’t it all because her own nephew’s grandson had taken a liking to Jia?
When a family has a daughter, a hundred suitors come seeking her hand.
Jia was not only beautiful but also had a gentle temperament. Was it so strange that her nephew’s grandson admired her?
But Madam Jiang had to stir up trouble, causing resentment and unrest in the household.
In the end, it all came down to looking down on the Li family for being merchants.
What was wrong with being merchants?
If it weren’t for the support and help of her own brothers when the old master was alive, how could the Third Branch’s business have grown so large? How could the Third Branch be so wealthy? How could the Second and First Branches even spare them a glance? How could Madam Jiang enjoy such a life of luxury?
Madam Li felt that it wasn’t the Li family she looked down on—it was her, the mother-in-law.
Truly, a gentle horse is ridden, and a kind person is bullied!
Old Madam Li was displeased. Sitting on the bed, she snorted coldly: "It’s true she’s your daughter. But since ancient times, it’s said, ‘If a son is not taught, it is the father’s fault; if a daughter is not taught, it is the mother’s fault.’ Shi is generous and kind—who doesn’t praise him when he goes out? What? Can’t the master say a word to you?"
Madam Jiang gasped in shock.
She hadn’t expected her usually soft-spoken mother-in-law to suddenly become so assertive, nor had she expected her to accuse her of failing to teach her daughter properly. Defying Cheng Lu… if this were taken further, she could even be divorced.
She trembled with anger but knew this wasn’t the time to argue.
Jia still hadn’t been found.
If nothing happened, it would be fine. But if something did, every word and action of hers now would be held against her.
She had no choice but to lower her head and enter the inner room to apologize to Old Madam Li.
Old Madam Li began to cry again.
Her dear Jia hadn’t gone with Li Jing. Where had she gone? If she had been kidnapped and her purity ruined, what would they do?
Old Madam Guan watched the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law clash, her face flushed with embarrassment. She deeply regretted meddling in this matter, but it was too late to withdraw now. She could only patiently try to console Old Madam Li and then Madam Jiang.After hearing Old Madam Guo's handling of the matter at her residence, Cheng Lu thanked her repeatedly before going to see his mother.
Old Madam Li inevitably scolded Madam Jiang again, saying that if Madam Jiang hadn't made Cheng Jia feel so unsettled at home, they wouldn't have come to Ganquan Temple. And if they hadn't come to Ganquan Temple, Cheng Jia wouldn't have been abducted.
Madam Jiang offered no word of defense, only weeping like a rain-soaked flower.
After all, they were childhood sweethearts who had married young. Seeing her like this, Cheng Lu couldn't help but feel some pity.
Torn between his mother on one side and his wife on the other, he felt as if sitting on pins and needles, finding no comfort in either direction.
He could only try to mediate between them. As evening fell and lanterns were lit in Ganquan Temple, with still no sign of Cheng Jia, Cheng Lu grew increasingly impatient. He wanted neither to listen to his mother's complaints nor watch Madam Jiang's tears, so he found an excuse to go to Old Madam Guo's place instead.
Old Madam Guo's quarters were quite peaceful.
Zhou Shaojin sat by the bedside, reading scriptures to Old Madam Guo, who was feigning sleep.
Her soft voice was sweet and mellow like wine, her serene expression tranquil and composed.
Cheng Lu secretly shook his head.
Both were young ladies, yet Cheng Jia couldn't sit still for even a moment, while the Zhou family's second daughter was so gentle and quiet... If only his daughter could be like the Zhou family's second daughter, she might not have gone missing!
At this thought, Old Madam Li's earlier words resurfaced in his mind, making him somewhat dissatisfied with Madam Jiang's domineering attitude regarding their daughter's marriage.
Seeing Cheng Lu arrive, Zhou Shaojin obediently withdrew to the side chamber.
Cheng Lu sat down and discussed the matter at length with Old Madam Guo, yet reached no conclusion. He couldn't help saying, "If only Cousin Chi were home! Then I'd have some help!"
But Old Madam Guo had no intention of letting her son get involved in this matter.
"Indeed!" she sighed. "It's all because he left in such haste—even if I sent someone with a message, they wouldn't catch up to him."
Cheng Lu sighed along with her.
Old Madam Guo then said, "It's getting late. We've considered all possible solutions. Jia'er looks like a blessed child—she's sure to turn misfortune into fortune. You mustn't worry too much. Right now, all the servants are watching us. We mustn't collapse. Let's have dinner first! Once the servants have eaten, they can attend to their duties with peace of mind."
Having long run out of ideas, Cheng Lu respectfully replied, "I'll follow whatever Eldest Aunt decides."
Old Madam Guo then ordered dinner to be served.
Everyone ate the evening meal in silence.
Steward Bai entered and quietly informed Old Madam Guo, "The person still hasn't been found!"
By then, the second night watch had already sounded.
Old Madam Guo, however, grew calmer, stating with unshakable resolve, "We must see her alive or find her body. Reward each person with one tael of silver and continue searching!"
Steward Bai bowed in acknowledgment and withdrew.
Everyone watched helplessly as the sky darkened bit by bit.
Zhou Shaojin brewed a fresh cup of tea for Old Madam Guo and said gently, "You should rest for a while! I'll keep watch here. If anything happens, I'll call you! If you collapse, what will happen to Cousin Jia?"
She felt that relying on the third branch's family members was probably hopeless.
Old Madam Guo understood this as well and allowed Zhou Shaojin to attend to her as she rested.
Zhou Shaojin divided Old Madam Guo's attendants into two groups—one to wait with her, and the other to rest first.
Through the long, endless night, whenever Zhou Shaojin thought about how Cheng Jia might suffer abuse like she had in her past life, she felt terrified.If there truly is such a thing as retribution in this world, it should have fallen upon Cheng Lu.
How could it be Cheng Jia who met with misfortune?
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t understand it.
She missed Cheng Chi even more.
If Uncle Chi were here, he would surely give her an answer.
Zhou Shaojin hugged herself.
Biyu, who was waiting nearby, hurriedly said, "Second Cousin, let me fetch you a cloak."
"No need," Zhou Shaojin replied. "I’m just worried about Cousin Jia..."
Biyu turned her face away, tears welling in her eyes.
Outside, a clamor erupted, accompanied by the bright glow of torches.
Zhou Shaojin sprang to her feet.
Without needing any instruction, Biyu hurried out: "Second Cousin, I’ll go see what’s happening."
Zhou Shaojin nodded.
The courtyard gate was pushed open, and a servant woman called out loudly, "Miss Jia has been found! Miss Jia has been found!"
Overwhelmed with joy, Zhou Shaojin lifted her skirt and ran outside.
Men of all descriptions stood at a distance, while Steward Bai, holding a lantern, accompanied two sturdy women carrying a door plank.
Cui Huan supported the plank, looking disheveled and distressed. Lying on the plank, Cheng Jia was disheveled, her face as pale as gold paper.
"What happened?" Zhou Shaojin asked, looking up.
Steward Bai quickly explained, "She was found on the back hill, bitten by something. She’s been unconscious for nearly an hour. We’ve already sent for a physician. Master Shi Hui will also be here shortly."
Since she was bitten on the back hill of Ganquan Temple, Master Shi Hui might know of a remedy.
Zhou Shaojin nodded and, without further thought, took Cheng Jia’s hand and escorted her inside.
Suddenly, a crowd surged through the doorway, surrounding Cheng Jia and crying out, "My child!" and "My Jia girl!" pushing Zhou Shaojin aside.
Zhou Shaojin let go and watched as Old Madam Li and others escorted Cheng Jia into the side room. She then went to report the good news to Old Madam Guo.
Leaning against a large pillow, Old Madam Guo remained silent for a moment before saying, "It’s good that she’s been found unharmed. It should be about an hour until dawn, and you must be tired. Go and rest now. Tomorrow morning will be the real challenge."
Indeed!
Now that she’s been found, why did Cheng Jia run to the back hill? Did her maid Cui Huan know about it? What exactly bit her? Was her life in danger? These were the crucial questions!
Zhou Shaojin nodded with a smile and returned to her room.
She thought she wouldn’t be able to sleep, but to her surprise, she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. It was only when Chunwan came to wake her that she stirred.
Chunwan told her, "Master Shi Hui suspects Miss Jia was bitten by a small insect unique to the back hill of Ganquan Temple. After administering medicine, Miss Jia woke up briefly at dawn but has since fallen asleep again. Master Shi Hui says that as long as she woke up, she’ll be fine. With two more doses of medicine, she’ll recover completely. Cui Huan refuses to say anything and has been locked in the woodshed. They say they’ll call a slave trader to sell her off..." At this, she shuddered.
Zhou Shaojin had already anticipated this.
In her past life, although Cui Huan had been disrespectful to her, she had been utterly loyal to Cheng Jia.
Just as in her past life, Madam Fan Liu was considered a wicked servant by the Cheng family, but to Zhou Shaojin, she had been a savior.
If the third branch intended to sell Cui Huan, they should at least wait until Cheng Jia woke up.
She quietly instructed Chunwan, "Go and tell Madam Ma Fushan that if the Cheng family intends to sell her, have him buy Cui Huan first."In households like theirs, the senior maids were more dignified than the young ladies of ordinary families. Chunwan and Cui Huan were both senior maids serving their mistresses, and seeing Cui Huan end up in such a state, Chunwan couldn’t help but feel a sense of shared sorrow. Overjoyed by the news, she quickly sent someone to inform Madam Ma Fushan.
At noon, Cheng Jia was forced to drink another bowl of medicine.
After taking the medicine, she remained unconscious and unresponsive.
By evening, when it was time to administer the medicine again, Cheng Jia finally awoke.
Though still somewhat dazed, she showed a trace of conscience, as her first words were to ask about Cui Huan.
The reason Cui Huan hadn’t been sold off immediately was to prevent Cheng Jia from flying into a rage upon waking.
Old Madam Li had Cui Huan brought before Cheng Jia.
Seeing Cui Huan neatly dressed, Cheng Jia smiled faintly before drifting back into sleep.
Old Madam Li and the others breathed a sigh of relief.
Just then, a young maid came to report, "The eldest young master of the Li family has arrived!"
The eldest young master of the Li family was none other than Li Jing.
※
Dear friends, here is today’s update.
Please don’t lose patience—this is a rather important chapter!
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel