Madam Jiang and Jiang Qianniang exchanged glances upon hearing this. Jiang Qianniang smiled and said, "Shall we talk while walking in the garden? Does Young Master Han need me to step aside?"
Han Yunqian glanced at Jiang Qianniang and nodded, "Alright, there's no need for Miss Jiang to leave."
Jiang Qianniang returned a smile to Han Yunqian, seemingly having anticipated that she wouldn't be dismissed by him. Indeed, it would have been inappropriate for Han Yunqian to send Jiang Qianniang away and speak only with Madam Jiang, as it might lead to unpleasant rumors if seen by others. Moreover, Han Yunqian now needed to reassure the Jiang Family. If he valued this marital alliance, he had to consider their feelings.
Thus, Han Yunqian accompanied Madam Jiang and Jiang Qianniang for over half an hour in the garden. As for what they discussed, no one knew except the three involved.
A few days later, Jiang Qianniang, accompanied by Madam Jiang, went to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion to request an audience with the Xiao Family's young madam, who also received them. Outside, it was speculated that the Jiang Family's sixth young lady and the Xiao Family's young madam had hit it off.
Ren Yaoqi once again met Madam Jiang and Jiang Qianniang at Yingya Pavilion.
It seemed that this time, Madam Jiang and Jiang Qianniang were prepared to be much more direct.
Madam Jiang was the first to speak, "Recently, our Han Family made some mistakes. Thank you, young madam, for your magnanimity in not holding it against us. The Han Family promises to act with caution in all matters from now on, and we hope for your forgiveness."
Ren Yaoqi did not feign ignorance this time. She smiled faintly and looked at Madam Jiang, saying, "Is this a guarantee made by Madam Han?"
Madam Jiang quickly replied, "As a woman, how could I make such a decision? Today, I am merely here to deliver a message on behalf of those in the Han Family who have the authority to make decisions. Rest assured, young madam, this was personally stated by Young Master Han, and he will not go back on his word."
Ren Yaoqi was not surprised to learn that this was Han Yunqian's intention, though she feigned surprise in her tone, "Oh? Is Young Master Han now in charge of the Han Family?"
Madam Jiang paused for a moment before sighing, "Young madam, you may not be aware, but our family's patriarch designated his successor not as my husband but as Young Master Han. I only learned of this after marrying into the Han Family. Although I am a stepmother, I must admit that Young Master Han is more suited to lead the family than my husband. To speak somewhat unfilially, our family's patriarch is, after all, advanced in age and may not see things as flexibly as the younger generation. So... the Han Family members are willing to follow Young Master Han."
As Madam Jiang spoke these words, her tone carried a hint of resignation. She was not a woman without ambition; she had once fantasized about taking charge of the Han Family after bearing a child. However, she knew deep down that such thoughts were now mere delusions. Even if she gave birth to a son now, he would be twenty years younger than Han Yunqian. Once the patriarch passed away, she and her son would have to live under Han Yunqian's authority.
She still remembered what Han Yunqian had said the day before. He promised that if she bore a son in the future, even if he took charge of the family, he would not withhold what rightfully belonged to her son. If she had no son, the Han Family would still ensure she was well-treated.
Han Yunqian had made this promise in front of Jiang Qianniang, meaning he had given his word in the presence of her natal family. He would surely not dare to break it. Madam Jiang thought it over and realized this seemed to be the greatest benefit she could secure for herself and her future child under the current circumstances.Ren Yaoqi, observing Madam Jiang's complex expression, could guess most of what was on her mind. After a moment's thought, she smiled and said, "In that case, I'll wait to see Young Master Han's sincerity."
At this point, Madam Jiang's face showed a hint of difficulty again.
Seeing this, Ren Yaoqi asked with a smile, "Does Young Master Han have any other message to convey?"
Madam Jiang glanced at Jiang Qianniang, then hesitantly said to Ren Yaoqi, "Our young master also said that, as a descendant, he has already been extremely unfilial by defying his elders, so there are some things he must do no matter what. He mentioned wanting to retrieve something that belonged to his ancestors..."
Madam Jiang didn't fully understand this statement herself. At the time, she had pressed Han Yunqian about what exactly belonged to his ancestors, but after a long silence, he didn't specify, only instructing her to convey the exact words to the Xiao Family's young madam.
Now, Madam Jiang felt uncertain, unsure whether this young madam would understand Han Yunqian's meaning or agree to it.
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment, then said to Madam Jiang, "Please convey to your young master that as long as he keeps his promise, what belongs to whom shall remain so—I will not interfere in this matter. Regarding this, even if the Han Family employs any means, I will not question it."
Ren Yaoqi knew that Han Yunqian was referring to the Ren Family's current residence and its contents.
These originally belonged to the Zhai Family, and it was only right for Han Yunqian to reclaim them. Ren Yaoqi would not stand in his way. Her purpose in intervening in the affairs between the Han and Ren Families today was simply to hope that after reclaiming what was rightfully theirs, the Han Family would know when to stop and leave a path for the Ren Family to survive.
Seeing Ren Yaoqi agree, Madam Jiang couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, as did Jiang Qianniang.
Although they still had only a partial understanding of the entire matter and remained unclear about its origins, they were pleased that it could be resolved peacefully. This meant that the Jiang Family's affairs could also be settled, and Madam Jiang could use this opportunity to secure her footing in the Han Family—truly a win-win situation for all.
With the matter settled, Madam Jiang and Jiang Qianniang tactfully took their leave. This time, Ren Yaoqi had her steward, Pingguo, personally escort them out.
After returning, Madam Jiang relayed Ren Yaoqi's words verbatim to Han Yunqian. The Han Family's eldest young master listened in silence for a long while, then nodded and left.
In truth, Han Yunqian hadn't expected Ren Yaoqi to agree so readily. When he had Madam Jiang propose reclaiming the Zhai Family's possessions, it was merely a test—like in business, allowing room for negotiation. He hadn't anticipated the other party agreeing without any conditions, which instead made Han Yunqian feel that he was less decisive than a woman.
Especially since, starting the day after Madam Jiang and Jiang Qianniang returned from the Yanbei Prince's Mansion, the Han Family's situation began to improve. Their streak of bad luck seemed to dissipate, and their various businesses once again proceeded smoothly as before.
The entire Han Family rejoiced at this, and even Old Master Han's smiles grew more frequent. Yet, Han Yunqian felt even more pressure because of it.He had originally intended to resolve this matter gradually, as a deep-seated grudge could not be dissolved overnight, and persuading Old Master Han to let go of his hatred was no easy task. However, Han Yunqian had not expected Ren Yaoqi to be so decisive and true to her word, which in comparison made him appear somewhat indecisive.
Whenever he thought of this, Han Yunqian couldn’t help but smile bitterly. It seemed that from the very beginning until now, he had never truly won against her. Still, he didn’t want to lose too disgracefully.
The Han Family’s salt wells in the northwest still had unresolved issues, so after the other branches of the Han Family’s business began to regain order, Old Master Han decided to personally travel to the northwest to address the problems, leaving Yunyang City.
After Old Master Han departed from Yunyang City, Jiang Qianniang also prepared to return to Shunzhou.
Madam Jiang urged Jiang Qianniang to stay a while longer, to which Jiang Qianniang replied with a smile, "My father wrote earlier saying the Gao Family has already agreed to make concessions. I’ve been hiding away here at Auntie’s place for so long, enjoying a leisurely time. If I don’t return soon, my parents might forget what I look like."
Hearing this, Madam Jiang teased her playfully, "I think it’s not that you’re afraid your parents will forget your face, but that something good is about to happen, isn’t it?"
At this, Jiang Qianniang pursed her lips and smiled.
Seeing her reaction, Madam Jiang couldn’t help but sigh softly, hesitating before saying, "Qianniang, I heard that the marriage your family arranged for you... the groom’s health isn’t very good? If... if you’re unwilling, I could speak to your parents about it?"
In truth, the groom’s condition was more than just poor health—Madam Jiang had heard he was a mute, unable to speak.
Although his family background was excellent, his wealth abundant, and he was the legitimate eldest son of the main branch—indeed, the only legitimate son of that branch—being unable to speak was still a great injustice to Jiang Qianniang. Madam Jiang couldn’t understand why the Jiang Family would arrange such a marriage for her. In the past, she had never thought her brother and sister-in-law were the type to be blinded by wealth and short-sighted—how could they wrong their only legitimate daughter like this?
Madam Jiang spoke these words out of genuine concern for her niece. Over these days of interaction, she and Jiang Qianniang had developed some affection. Jiang Qianniang was a sensible and thoughtful young woman, impossible to dislike. During her stay with the Han Family, not only had Han You grown close to her, but even Old Madam Ren often enjoyed calling her over for conversation. In short, Jiang Qianniang was a clever and well-mannered young woman, impossible to dislike.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Qianniang instead took Madam Jiang’s hand and comforted her, "Auntie, there’s no need to worry about me. I agreed to this marriage myself. He... is very good."
Madam Jiang noticed that when Jiang Qianniang said "he is very good," there was none of the shyness typical of a young woman speaking of her betrothed. Instead, it sounded like an objective assessment, which left her momentarily stunned.
Jiang Qianniang looked at Madam Jiang with a faint smile and said calmly, "My parents also feel they’ve wronged me, but I actually think it’s quite good. Isn’t marriage about mutual benefit?" At this point, she blinked playfully at Madam Jiang. "Auntie, do you know what my childhood wish was?"
Madam Jiang shook her head. During her time in the Jiang Family, she hadn’t been close to Jiang Qianniang and had little interaction with her.
Jiang Qianniang said jokingly, "When I was little, I always wished I were a man. That way, I could be the master of my own fate. Only when everything is in your own hands is there nothing to fear, right?"Madam Jiang thought Jiang Qianniang was joking and tapped her forehead with a smile. "Then I wish you fulfill that wish in your next life."
Jiang Qianniang beamed brightly, but only she knew she wasn't speaking in jest.
Everyone has different aspirations, and hers simply differed from those of most women. Others hoped their husbands would be accomplished and stand tall, but she felt that if men were too capable, women could only become appendages and ornaments.
Just like in the Han Family—since the eldest young master Han was so capable, even if her aunt were highly competent and gave birth to a son in the future, she still wouldn't be able to take charge of the Han Family.
Although she admired men like Han Yunqian, she would absolutely never marry such a man.
The author is back~ (^o^)
I adjusted to the time zone during the day and took a nap, only to wake up when it was already dark~
Since I couldn't log in yesterday, I asked someone to post a leave notice for me.
And then... 〒_〒
That so-called signature—officially denied!!!
Rolling around begging everyone to forget it!!!!!!!!!!!!
OpenNovel