Who would want to see bloodshed on such a joyous day? Unless they didn’t want this marriage to proceed. The Xiao family understood this but deliberately pressured the Jiang family. The Old Madam realized it too but intentionally put on a show for the Xiao family. When Du Furen spoke so clearly, the Xiao family didn’t react much, but the Old Madam still angrily insisted, “We must punish them severely, or things will get out of hand in the future.” She ordered the two old women to be dragged away for punishment. The women loudly proclaimed their innocence, their faces full of indignation.
The Xiao family members conferred quietly for a moment. Since the Old Madam had already made her stance clear, there was no need to pursue the matter further. Wu Shi stepped forward to play the role of peacemaker: “Let’s drop this. I’ll ask for leniency on behalf of these two women. Perhaps there’s some misunderstanding we’re unaware of. Let’s put this aside for now and deal with it after the wedding.”
Du Furen’s gaze was sharp as a sword. A misunderstanding they were unaware of? Wasn’t that referring to her? However, she didn’t show it, instead smiling and saying, “The Young Madam is merciful. I agree. Old Madam, what do you think about handling it this way for now?” Given the Old Madam’s personality, once let go, the matter would likely be forgotten. Xiao Xuexi would have more to suffer later.
The Old Madam didn’t truly intend to punish these two, so she went along with it, reluctantly saying, “Very well. We can’t let these two ruin the big event and affect everyone’s mood. Lock them in the woodshed for now. We’ll deal with them slowly after the wedding.” Then, with a forced smile, she looked at Wu Shi and said, “Young Madam, rest assured that we won’t mistreat Xuexi when she marries our family.”
Wu Shi bowed and began speaking politely: “Then we can set our minds at ease. She’s been spoiled since childhood. If she’s disrespectful or improper in any way, please don’t hold it against her, Old Madam and Madam. Scold her when needed and teach her as necessary.”
With that, everyone seemed to forget the earlier incident and began exchanging insincere pleasantries. The atmosphere gradually became lively.
Jiang Changyi, who had been straining his neck to listen from behind, finally relaxed upon hearing the good news. Suddenly, he heard the maid Cailian announce from outside, “The Concubine is here.” Then, Concubine Xian entered, looking worried and sickly, with tears in her eyes: “Third Young Master, are you alright?”
Hearing Concubine Xian address him as “Third Young Master,” Jiang Changyi felt a pang in his heart. He quickly went to help her sit on the couch, gently reproaching her, “Concubine, why aren’t you resting? Why did you come here?”
Concubine Xian looked like a startled deer: “I know I shouldn’t come and trouble you at this time. But I was worried about you and couldn’t rest until I saw you.”
Jiang Changyi sighed: “Concubine when no one’s around, don’t be so formal with me. Who would… call their own… um, address you like this?”
A sweet, satisfied smile appeared on Concubine Xian’s face. She gently stroked Jiang Changyi’s clothes: “It’s all my fault for making you suffer like this. If you had been lucky enough to be born from the Madam’s womb, how could you endure such injustice?”
Jiang Changyi showed slight impatience: “I’ve told you so many times not to mention this. It’s useless, and it’ll cause trouble if others hear.”
Concubine Xian quickly covered her mouth, looking fearfully at Cailian. Cailian smiled slightly and retreated. Jiang Changyi then said, “Don’t worry about Cailian; she’s on our side.” Seeing Concubine Xian’s expression, he softened his voice: “Concubine, focus on recovering. Don’t worry about me. You’ll see, I’ll take good care of you.”
Concubine Xian said softly, “I’ll wait, I’ll wait. But Yi’er, this Miss Xiao is already so formidable before even entering the household. I’m afraid you’ll suffer in the future.”
This was certain, but it wouldn’t last long. Apart from his birth mother worrying about him suffering under Xiao Xuexi, no one else in this family would be concerned for him. His purpose for existing was the same as Jiang Yunqing’s – he’d only be valued if he was useful to the family; otherwise, he was nothing. Jiang Changyi sighed inwardly but said firmly, “Don’t worry, it won’t happen. Concubine, you should go back now. It’s not good if others see you here.”
As Concubine Xian was about to leave, Jiang Changyi called her back: “I heard the First Sister-in-law is pregnant. When you’re feeling better, help her with some needlework.” Jiang Changyang had sent him quite a generous amount of valuables yesterday.
Concubine Xian hesitated: “But I’m ill. They might find it distasteful.”
Jiang Changyi shook his head with a slight smile: “She doesn’t lack for such things. It’s the thought that counts. Just do it.” He then dug out half a ginseng root from the deepest part of a box, wrapped it in a handkerchief, and tucked it into Concubine Xian’s sleeve, saying in a tone that brooked no argument, “Take this back and use it. When no one’s looking, slice a piece and keep it in your mouth.”
Concubine Xian left with tears in her eyes.
Jiang Changyi sat silently for a moment before getting up to find Jiang Zhong. At Jiang Zhong’s study, he found no trace of him and asked the guard, who replied, “After leaving the Old Madam’s place, he went out. He changed into formal clothes and put on a cloak, probably went riding somewhere.”
Jiang Changyi pondered for a while, unable to guess where Jiang Zhong might have gone. He then headed to Du Furen’s courtyard, where only Songxiang was sitting and doing needlework. Seeing him, she smiled, “Congratulations, Third Young Master. Are you here to see the Madam? She’s outside with the Xiao family guests.”
Jiang Changyi replied, “I know. I’ll wait for her here. It’s getting cold; go brew some tea for me.”
Songxiang, not daring to leave him alone, quickly went to the door to call a young maid, then returned to keep him company. She poked at the charcoal brazier and offered him some fruit. Jiang Changyi knew she was wary of him but pretended not to notice, chatting with her about the day’s events and expressing gratitude to Du Furen.
Soon after, the gathering outside dispersed, and Du Furen entered the courtyard looking exhausted. As soon as she reached the gate, a young maid reported Jiang Changyi’s presence. She pondered silently, wondering why he had come. His wings were growing stronger, and sooner or later, he wouldn’t respect her as his stepmother. It was precisely because she saw through this that she couldn’t be bothered to be overly polite with the Xiao family. Despite her thoughts, she entered with a smile, warmly saying, “Yi’er, why are you here?”
Jiang Changyi stood up obediently, hands at his sides, respectfully saying, “Mother, I’ve caused you trouble and come to apologize. Thank you for your help today.”
Hearing his words, Du Furen felt an inexplicable shock, feeling as if he had seen through everything. She quickly concealed her reaction and smiled, “What nonsense are you talking about?” She emphasized, “Yi’er, I raised you. Apart from Zhong’er, you’re the closest to me. Do you understand?”
Jiang Changyi gratefully replied, “Mother, I never dare forget your kindness.”
Du Furen pulled him to sit beside her and sighed, “Today’s events… Alas… I don’t know what the Xiao family was thinking. Perhaps they wanted to establish some authority for their daughter, but this was too much. The Xiao family is one of the most prestigious, and Minister Xiao is a pillar of the court. No one would dare slight her when she marries in. I was planning to hand over the household affairs to her so I could enjoy some leisure. What good does this commotion do?”
Why was she bringing this up on her own? What was her intention? Jiang Changyi lowered his head silently, then after a while said, “With that temperament, she won’t be able to manage household affairs. Mother, there’s no need to elevate her. How could she manage better than you?”
Du Furen shook her head: “No, she’s still a daughter of a noble family. She can’t be that bad. Even if there are things she doesn’t understand, your grandmother and I will teach her slowly. We’ll surely be able to teach her well.” She then smiled, “You don’t believe me, do you? I know you’re not my birth son, so there’s a barrier between us.
If someone stirs up trouble, our relationship could quickly deteriorate. But just wait and see, I don’t want to manage the household anymore. After she enters the family and completes the return visit, I’ll hand things over. Your eldest brother and sister-in-law aren’t returning home, and with their situation, your second brother is far away, and his marriage is uncertain. I’m counting on you to take care of me. Let’s talk about this in front of your father.” She then sent someone to invite Jiang Zhong.
Jiang Changyi knew Jiang Zhong wasn’t there but didn’t say anything, sitting silently to wait. Soon, the person sent to invite Jiang Zhong returned, saying, “The Duke has gone out on horseback and took the family carriage as well. He ordered extra padding to be added and had the Yingxue Hall prepared. They’re currently lighting the braziers there.”
Du Furen frowned slightly, then smiled faintly, “He’s probably gone to pick up your eldest brother and sister-in-law.” Going personally to bring Jiang Changyang and Mudan back to stay, with such grand preparations, yet without saying a word to her, the household matriarch. What did he take her for? Was this legitimate eldest grandson so important?
Jiang Changyi, being considerate, softly comforted her, “He’s probably worried that eldest brother and sister-in-law won’t be able to come tomorrow, which would invite ridicule.”
Du Furen neither agreed nor disagreed, massaging her forehead as she said, “I’ve invited a newly arrived imperial physician for Concubine Xian. I heard he’s quite skilled at treating her illness. In a few days, after things have settled, we’ll have him try.”
Jiang Changyi hesitated for a moment, carefully gauging his words, and said softly, “Thank you, Mother.”
“What are you thanking me for? This is my duty,” Du Furen sighed. “I’m tired. You may go now.”
Jiang Changyi left obediently.
Baixiang lowered her head, not daring to look at him, only peeking at his boots through her lashes. Then she heard Du Furen say, “Songxiang, escort the Third Young Master out.”
Songxiang hesitated for a moment, put down what she was holding, and accompanied Jiang Changyi out. This was unprecedented. The Third Young Master was about to get married, and Xiao Xuexi would inevitably become Du Furen’s enemy. Du Furen would certainly place someone by the Third Young Master’s side. At this crucial moment, sending Songxiang to escort him, could it be…? Baixiang’s mind went blank for a moment, feeling so upset she could hardly breathe.
Du Furen watched her quietly and said softly, “Baixiang, if I asked you to serve the Third Young Master, would you be willing?”
Baixiang’s heart immediately leaped to her throat. She looked around anxiously and saw Jiang Changyi’s black boots pause outside the curtain for a breath before moving on without stopping. She composed herself for a moment, looked up at Du Furen, and said loudly, “Madam, I am not willing!”
Du Furen’s eyes were dark and deep, the corners of her mouth curling into an enigmatic smile. “You’re not willing, eh…”
Baixiang waited silently for her next instruction. After a long while, Du Furen changed the subject, saying, “Go to Yingxue Hall and see if anything needs to be added. Make sure everything is prepared properly.”