Ren Yaoqi lowered her gaze, concealing the complex emotions in her eyes.
"The reason I managed to hold on in the end was... was..." It was because I kept thinking of you over and over again, dreaming of you. I never forgot the purpose of leaving home to join the army, and in the end, I always gritted my teeth and endured.
In the end, Yun Wenfang never spoke those words. He was a proud man, unaccustomed to humbly begging for pity. For what he wanted, he always took direct action. Yet, before Ren Yaoqi, he had stumbled in the biggest setback of his life.
Yun Wenfang did not continue, and Ren Yaoqi was not foolish enough to press further. Silence fell between them.
Ren Yaoqi had originally thought that after three years at the frontier, Yun Wenfang’s perspective and temperament would surely be far removed from that impulsive, easily angered youth of the past. His obsession with her would also fade, especially since in this lifetime, they had never shared any deep connection. As long as she ignored him and did not respond, Yun Wenfang’s youthful infatuation would have no way to persist.
But the Yun Wenfang before her now truly gave Ren Yaoqi a headache.
"My engagement with Jiang Yuan Niang will soon be nullified," Yun Wenfang finally spoke coldly, his tone sounding stiff yet carrying a hint of grievance and stubbornness he himself was unwilling to acknowledge.
Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment and was about to say something when someone hurried over in their direction. Turning her head, she saw it was Shijin, the head maid serving Lady Xu.
Thinking Lady Xu had sent Shijin because there was something else she needed, Ren Yaoqi glanced at Yun Wenfang. Seeing that her maids Pingguo and Sangshen were still standing between them—enough to avoid any misunderstandings—she remained where she was. Unexpectedly, Shijin approached, bowed, and addressed Yun Wenfang: "Second Young Master Yun, our lady has some questions for you and has sent me to request your presence."
Hearing this, Yun Wenfang frowned, suppressing his impatience. "What does Lady Xu want with me?"
Having finally managed to see Ren Yaoqi, Yun Wenfang was displeased at being interrupted. However, since Lady Xu held great prestige in Yanbei and was said to be Ren Yaoqi’s teacher, he could not afford to throw a tantrum.
Shijin lowered her head. "My lady heard that you were nearby when Miss Guo fell into the water and wishes to ask you a few questions."
Upon hearing it was about this matter, a faint, mocking smile curled at the corner of Yun Wenfang’s lips. "What is there to ask? I didn’t push her in. If they enjoy stirring up trouble, let them."
He had seen clearly how Guo Yujiao fell into the water, but he had no interest in getting involved in the scheming among those women—especially when they tried to use him in their schemes, which disgusted him.
"This... please, Young Master Yun, come with me to see our lady," Shijin said cautiously.
Yun Wenfang glanced at Ren Yaoqi and frowned again. Naturally, he did not want to go, but since Lady Xu had sent her personal maid to invite him, it would be inappropriate to refuse outright.
Ren Yaoqi, for her part, wanted to seize this opportunity to slip away, but she feared provoking Yun Wenfang and causing him to lose his temper on the spot.
Just as they were at an impasse, Xiao Jinglin emerged from around the corner.
Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but feel relieved. "Jinglin? What brings you here?"Xiao Jinglin walked over, nodded at Ren Yaoqi, glanced expressionlessly at Yun Wenfang, then said to Ren Yaoqi, "I've been waiting for you for a while. Are you done with everything? Let's go out first."
Although the words were directed at Ren Yaoqi, Xiao Jinglin's gaze seemed to drift subtly toward Yun Wenfang.
Yun Wenfang narrowed his eyes, sneered coldly, then turned his head away.
Back at Jiajing Pass, Yun Wenfang had sensed Xiao Jinglin's hostility toward him. While Xiao Jinglin wouldn’t use her position to hinder him in major matters, there had been minor provocations directed at him early on. Naturally, Yun Wenfang didn’t like Xiao Jinglin either. However, Xiao Jinglin held a higher military rank than him, had repeatedly distinguished herself in battle over the years, and enjoyed considerable prestige among ordinary soldiers and officers. After being tempered by the army for several years, Yun Wenfang ultimately knew to restrain himself in front of Xiao Jinglin.
Ren Yaoqi breathed a sigh of relief and was about to leave with Xiao Jinglin when she noticed that the person following Xiao Jinglin wasn’t Hongying but Nan Xing. Seeing that Nan Xing was still wearing the same clothes as before, she couldn’t help but pause in surprise.
Xiao Jinglin, however, had already taken Ren Yaoqi by the hand and started walking away. Yun Wenfang watched them leave with a cold expression, then followed Shi Jin to see Lady Xu.
Only after Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin had boarded the carriage did Xiao Jinglin say, "If I’d known Yun Wenfang was here too, I should have come to find you earlier. Did he give you a hard time just now?"
Ren Yaoqi shook her head, unwilling to dwell on matters concerning Yun Wenfang. "We only exchanged a few words before you arrived. By the way, did you come looking for me for something?"
Xiao Jinglin replied expressionlessly, "Xiao Jingxi sent me to pick up two people from Xianwang Residence with you." She glanced at Nan Xing.
Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but laugh. "I could have just sent them over myself. There was no need for you to make the trip."
Xiao Jinglin pursed her lips and said nothing, though inwardly she thought it was fortunate she had come today; otherwise, who knew how that scoundrel Yun Wenfang might have bullied someone. But then again, Xiao Jingxi had specifically sent Nan Xing to lead her here to pick up the people—was it really not because he knew Yun Wenfang had come to Treasure Vase Alley?
"Useless!" Xiao Jinglin muttered under her breath, curling her lip.
Ren Yaoqi didn’t catch it clearly and asked curiously, "What did you say, Jinglin?"
Xiao Jinglin replied without changing her expression, "I said I happened to have nothing to do." Xiao Jingxi is so useless!
In truth, Xiao Jingxi was quite wronged. Even if he had intentionally sent Xiao Jinglin to the rescue, it didn’t mean he was afraid of Yun Wenfang—he was simply thinking too much about Ren Yaoqi.
Nan Xing silently glanced at Xiao Jinglin but said nothing. Those trained in martial arts had keen ears and sharp eyes.
Xianwang Residence wasn’t far from Yunyang Academy, so they arrived before long. This was Xiao Jinglin’s first visit to Xianwang Residence. Rong Shi had Ji Fuying come out to greet them.
Now, whenever Ren Yaoqi saw Ji Fuying again, she would curtsy respectfully as a junior, addressing her as Aunt Ji. Ji Fuying and Li Tianyou’s wedding was scheduled for early next year, though not many people knew about it yet.
Xiao Jinglin was extremely respectful and courteous in front of Rong Shi. After Ren Yaoqi explained their purpose to Rong Shi, although Rong Shi was somewhat surprised, she said nothing and immediately sent someone to bring Leshan and Leshui over.Leshan and Leshui were eleven years old, but because the sisters had practiced martial arts, they appeared half a head taller than girls their age, with long limbs. Although they were not as delicate and frail as typical inner courtyard maids, having been taught etiquette and manners by people from Xianwang Residence, they did not seem crude. Instead, they carried the demeanor of senior maids from prominent noble families.
Xiao Jinglin also observed them carefully for a long time, her eyes showing interest. Having practiced martial arts since childhood, she naturally recognized that Leshan and Leshui were promising talents. If they hadn’t been Ren Yaoqi’s people, Xiao Jinglin would likely have taken them under her wing. So, no matter how much Princess Xiao openly or secretly looked down on her own brother Xiao Jingxi, siblings were still siblings, and many similarities were innate.
Xiao Jinglin sat for a while longer before taking her leave. Rong Shi kept Ren Yaoqi to talk, so Ren Yaoqi had to see Xiao Jinglin out first.
After bidding farewell to Xiao Jinglin and returning, Rong Shi got straight to the point without any beating around the bush: “It was Xiao Jingxi who wanted them, wasn’t it?”
Ren Yaoqi: “…”
Rong Shi shook her head, gently tapped Ren Yaoqi’s forehead, and said helplessly, “You…”
Ren Yaoqi lowered her head and whispered, “I thought it wouldn’t hurt for Leshan and Leshui to learn more skills.”
Rong Shi raised an eyebrow. “And then, after learning, they become part of Yanbei Prince’s Mansion?”
Ren Yaoqi was taken aback. Rong Shi, both amused and exasperated, said, “Think about it—what can Yanbei Prince’s Mansion teach that Xianwang Residence cannot?”
Ren Yaoqi blinked, momentarily speechless.
Rong Shi sighed. “It’s nothing more than the rules and taboos of Yanbei Prince’s Mansion, the social interactions of Yanbei Prince’s Mansion, the network of relationships in Yanbei Prince’s Mansion, the…”
As Rong Shi listed them one by one, Ren Yaoqi’s face gradually flushed.
“Do you really not understand, or are you pretending not to?” Rong Shi glanced sideways at Ren Yaoqi.
Ren Yaoqi: “…”
Rong Shi actually laughed, but after laughing, she sighed again. “He truly is thoughtful, considering all these things for you.”
If Leshan and Leshui spent a year at Yanbei Prince’s Mansion and were then gifted back to Ren Yaoqi by the Princess Consort or Xiao Jinglin, the two maids would not only rise several levels in status but also gain more confidence when facing the servants of Yanbei Prince’s Mansion. Moreover, they would become familiar with the interpersonal dynamics of Yanbei Prince’s Mansion in advance, ensuring that Ren Yaoqi wouldn’t be left in the dark or suffer hidden losses if she ever entered Yanbei Prince’s Mansion.
Xiao Jingxi was always someone who planned three steps ahead with every move he made. He hadn’t casually appeared before Ren Yaoqi with Nan Xing, Hongying’s twin sister.
Even Rong Shi, who didn’t have high hopes for Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jingxi, couldn’t help but be moved. Moreover, Rong Shi could see that Xiao Jingxi wasn’t the only one invested in this. With Ren Yaoqi’s intelligence, how could she not understand Xiao Jingxi’s intentions?
“Qi’er, have you truly made up your mind?” Rong Shi stroked Ren Yaoqi’s head and suddenly spoke seriously.
Rong Shi had discussed the issue of Xiao Jingxi with Ren Yaoqi more than once. Her attitude had always been one of disapproval, and even now, she hoped her granddaughter would find an ordinary and smooth marriage—not seeking great wealth or status, only stability and peace.Ren Yaoqi stared blankly for a moment, then finally sighed and took Rong Shi's hand. Her tone was remarkably calm: "Yes, Maternal Grandmother, I've made up my mind."
Rong Shi was instead taken aback by her directness, and could only shake her head with a helpless, bitter smile. After pondering for a long while, she sighed, "Very well, then."
Ren Yaoqi nestled close to Rong Shi, holding onto her arm and gently leaning her head against her shoulder.
Rong Shi stroked her head and said softly, "With your Maternal Grandfather and me here, we will certainly not let you suffer any grievances this time." Her only daughter had endured a lifetime of hardship; her granddaughter would absolutely not follow the same path.
Not many days after the Warming Stove Gathering, another major event occurred in Yunyang City that provided fresh fodder for gossip.
The Yun family's second young master wanted to break off his engagement.
The incident stemmed from the fact that at the Warming Stove Gathering, the Eighth Miss of the Jiang Family, who was engaged to the Second Young Master Yun, pushed the eldest daughter of the Guo family into the lake. Naturally, the Guo family went to the Jiang Family to demand an explanation.
Originally, this was merely a conflict between two girls who had a disagreement—nothing too serious. However, the next day, it was revealed that the eldest daughter of the Guo family had been secretly and desperately in love with the Yun family's second young master.
It turned out that three years ago, the eldest daughter of the Guo family had developed an infatuation for the Second Young Master Yun. Even though she knew he was already engaged to the Eighth Miss of the Jiang Family, she refused to give up. The Guo family had originally intended to accept a marriage proposal from the Qiu Family, but upon learning of this, the eldest daughter of the Guo family was unwilling. After causing a scene, she ran off to her aunt's home in Yunyang City.
Coincidentally, the Yun family's second young master had returned to Yunyang City at this time. Over the past few days, the eldest daughter of the Guo family had seen him several times. Despite not having seen him for three years, her admiration for the Second Young Master Yun had not diminished but had instead grown stronger, to the point where she could neither eat nor sleep in peace.
On the day of the Warming Stove Gathering, upon learning that the Second Young Master Yun would also be attending, the eldest daughter of the Guo family found an excuse to go as well, where she happened to encounter the two Jiang sisters.
The eldest daughter of the Guo family had originally been somewhat acquainted with the Eighth Miss of the Jiang Family, but because of the latter's engagement to the Second Young Master Yun, she had come to resent her and had cut off contact over the past few years. However, for reasons unknown, she still invited the two Jiang sisters to go boating on the lake.
In the end, the eldest daughter of the Guo family and the Eighth Miss of the Jiang Family still ended up arguing over the Yun family's second young master. In a fit of anger, the Eighth Miss of the Jiang Family pushed the eldest daughter of the Guo family into the lake.
If the matter had ended there, it would have been nothing more than a petty squabble between two young girls vying for favor—something people would laugh about after hearing and then forget. The Second Young Master Yun could not very well break off the engagement over such an incident.
What truly blew the matter out of proportion was after the eldest daughter of the Guo family's aunt, First Madam Meng, once again interrogated several of the Guo eldest daughter's personal maids. It turned out that the eldest daughter of the Guo family inviting the two Jiang sisters out for a boat ride during the Warming Stove Gathering was not simply to enjoy the cold breeze and have an argument.
By a stroke of luck, the eldest daughter of the Guo family had learned a secret of the Eighth Miss of the Jiang Family. She had called them out to lay her cards on the table.
Several years ago, at the Thousand Gold Banquet, the reason the Jiang family's sixth young lady was unable to participate was not because she was unaccustomed to the climate, but because the Eighth Miss of the Jiang Family had poisoned her own cousin, causing the Jiang family's sixth young lady's face to break out in red rashes, forcing her to remain confined in the Jiang Family's villa in Yunyang City.No one knew how the eldest daughter of the Guo family had learned of this matter and obtained evidence. At the time, she had only wanted to turn the Jiang sisters against each other or force the Jiang family to take the initiative in breaking off the engagement. However, in the end, this secret was exposed by First Madam Meng.
The world was in an uproar.
If minor squabbles among young girls could be considered trivial matters, then scheming against one's own flesh and blood for the sake of a marriage alliance was crossing a line. Such a vicious and despicable woman naturally would not be welcomed into any respectable family.
Thus, upon learning of this, Second Young Master Yun was the first to refuse.
The Yun Family was not one to be easily swayed by rumors and gossip. Old Madam Yun and Madam Yun sent people to investigate the events of three years ago, and indeed, they uncovered evidence that Jiang Yuan Niang had harmed Jiang Qianniang.
Three years ago, Old Madam Yun had also suspected something regarding Jiang Qianniang's illness and had sent people to investigate. However, the doubts that had been covered up three years ago were now exposed, leaving Jiang Yuan Niang with no way to deny it.
Old Madam Yun and Madam Yun were also deeply angered.
When Second Young Master Yun proposed to dissolve the engagement, the elders of the Yun Family could hardly say anything against it. They could only send someone to invite the Jiang Family to come and negotiate.
At this time, the Jiang Family was also weathering a major storm.
Jiang Yuan Niang and Jiang Qianniang's great-grandfather, Jiang Zhenwen, was advanced in years. For nearly a year, he had spent most of his time bedridden, paying little attention to external affairs. Just a few days earlier, Jiang Zhenwen had suddenly opened the ancestral hall and, in the presence of several elders of the clan, announced his intention to pass the position of clan head to his eldest legitimate grandson, Jiang Yan.
Jiang Zhenwen had two legitimate sons. His eldest legitimate son, Jiang Shi, had passed away early, and in recent years, most of the Jiang Family's affairs had been managed by his second legitimate son, Jiang Huai. Although Jiang Huai did not hold the title of clan head, he effectively acted as one. The late Jiang Shi had a son, Jiang Yan, who was Jiang Qianniang's father. As a scholar, Jiang Zhenwen placed great importance on the principles of distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate lines and respecting seniority. Therefore, his preferred candidate for clan head was not his second son but his eldest legitimate grandson.
Having managed the Jiang Family for so many years, Jiang Huai was naturally unwilling to simply hand over the position to his nephew. This was why, three years earlier, Jiang Yuan Niang had gone to great lengths to secure the Yun Family as an ally for her own branch.
No one had expected that the main branch, which had been submissive and obedient to the second branch for so many years, would stage a comeback. Coincidentally, the marriage alliance between the Jiang Family's second branch and the Yun Family also ran into trouble at this critical juncture.
Not long after returning from the ancestral hall, Old Master Jiang Zhenwen's condition worsened. Jiang Yuan Niang and Jiang Qianniang were also preparing to return to Shunzhou to visit him, as it was likely the old master would not survive the winter.
As for Jiang Yuan Niang's poisoning of her sister, the matter had already caused an uproar outside. If it had been exposed three years earlier, she might have been able to work with her mother to cover it up or find a scapegoat. Unfortunately, the incident was only exposed three years later, precisely when tensions between the main and second branches of the Jiang Family were high. Jiang Yuan Niang had no way to defend herself. This also revealed the caution and patience of the person behind the scheme.
On the day before the Jiang sisters left Yunyang City, Yun Wenfang once again met the maid from Jiang Qianniang's side in a private room at a restaurant.
The maid bowed her head and conveyed her mistress's gratitude to Yun Wenfang.
Without even glancing at the maid, Yun Wenfang said, "It was merely a matter of mutual benefit. Besides agreeing to the engagement with Jiang Yuan Niang three years ago, I did nothing else. So don't pin this on me."The maid was taken aback upon hearing this and hurriedly said, "My mistress did not mean it that way..."
Yun Wenfang raised his head and drained the wine in his cup, then said coldly, "I don’t care what your mistress meant. Go back and tell her to rest assured—my engagement with Jiang Yuan Niang ends here. The Yun Family will not interfere in the conflict between your first and second branches. If Jiang Yan truly has the ability to become the head of the Jiang Family, the Yun Family will not hold a grudge against the first branch because of today’s events. What I promised her back then has been fulfilled."
Yun Wenfang’s dislike for Jiang Yuan Niang did not mean he held any goodwill toward Jiang Qianniang.
Three years ago, Jiang Qianniang had already known that Jiang Yuan Niang had poisoned her, yet when the Yun Family investigated the matter, she covered for Jiang Yuan Niang, all for the sake of delivering a fatal blow to Jiang Yuan Niang at a critical moment.
Yun Wenfang had known about this from the start, which was why he agreed to cooperate with Jiang Qianniang. Three years ago, he needed a woman to help him secure the position of fiancée; three years later, he needed an excuse to make that fiancée disappear.
Although Yun Wenfang did not intervene in Jiang Qianniang’s use of Guo Yujiao to deal with Jiang Yuan Niang, he understood the situation clearly. He was thoroughly disgusted by the conflicts among these women, especially since Jiang Qianniang’s use of Guo Yujiao had also implicated him, which displeased him. At the warm stove gathering that day, he had left in a hurry after only a few words with Ren Yaoqi precisely for this reason—he did not want Ren Yaoqi to become entangled in the struggles between the Jiang sisters.
Yun Wenfang felt that since his engagement with Jiang Yuan Niang was about to be dissolved, the mutually beneficial cooperation between him and Jiang Qianniang had also come to an end. There was nothing more to say, and he could not be bothered to deal with these insignificant people any longer.
The maid actually wanted to say a few more words, but seeing Yun Wenfang’s attitude, she dared not speak further. In the end, she could only retreat meekly.
Meanwhile, at the Jiang Family’s villa, Jiang Qianniang looked at Jiang Yuan Niang, who was crying as if rain were falling on pear blossoms, with a complex expression. After Jiang Yuan Niang had cried enough, she gently patted her back and comforted her in a soft voice, "We have been sisters for so many years; I naturally believe you. When we return and face our great-grandfather, I will also speak on your behalf. You can rest assured."
Jiang Qianniang’s voice was as gentle and tolerant as ever, showing no trace of resentment.
The Jiang sisters left Yunyang City the next day.
Not long after the Jiang sisters departed, Yun Wenfang and Jiang Yuan Niang’s engagement was formally dissolved. The Yun Family’s second young master had achieved his wish, while Jiang Yuan Niang’s elaborate schemes ultimately came to nothing.
Without the backing of the Yun Family, Jiang Huai had far fewer advantages in his struggle with his nephew for the position of family head. Although he had controlled the Jiang Family for many years, Jiang Yan had the support of Old Master Jiang and some of the Jiang Family’s elders. The Jiang Family ran an academy and, compared to ordinary families, placed greater emphasis on legitimacy. Moreover, over the years, while Jiang Yan had ostensibly obeyed his second uncle, Jiang Huai, in everything, he had secretly laid many traps. Like his father, Jiang Yan was no ordinary man.
Thus, after half a year of internal strife within the Jiang Family, following the death of Old Master Jiang, Jiang Qianniang’s father, Jiang Yan, ultimately succeeded to the position of family head.
Thank you to CadySS for gifting the Spiritual Pet Fate—Di Mou has gained another alliance leader! ~o(∩_∩)o~
The long-awaited Chun Chang Jun has made a delightful appearance
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