The next day, Jiang Ruan rose early. Bai Zhi brought in some freshly cooked corn porridge from outside. The corn was cooked until soft and mushy, the simmered rice porridge giving off a faint sweet fragrance. Lian Qiao was surprised: “The kitchen is so kind today—how is there even corn porridge?”
The breakfast on the estate was usually thin rice gruel so watery you could see your reflection, with a bit of pickled vegetables. There was never corn porridge—not because of the cost of ingredients, but because the kitchen people were unwilling to spend extra effort for this side. When they first arrived at the estate, Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao had quarreled with the kitchen over this matter. Though they argued, ultimately nothing changed. With the capital paying no attention and not even having someone in charge, Jiang Ruan had grown accustomed to it.
Bai Zhi smiled: “Little Yuan brought it.” Since helping Little Yuan mend her clothes a few days ago, Little Yuan had become quite thoughtful, understanding reciprocity, though she had been coming over more frequently.
Lian Qiao was stunned: “What a sincere child.” She then picked up the bowl: “Miss, drink a few sips—it’s good for your health.”
No matter what, corn porridge could hardly be considered a delicacy, and its health benefits naturally couldn’t compare to precious medicines or nourishing fish and meat. But now even a bowl of corn porridge seemed so precious—life had indeed become rather destitute. Bai Zhi felt somewhat sad, but saw Jiang Ruan unhesitatingly pick up the bowl and take a sip, then invite them to eat as well. Bai Zhi was moved. Facing such great changes, it was rare that her mistress could still accept things with such contentment. She had grown up with the young lady in the mansion since childhood. As a maid to an unfavored mistress, she naturally endured cold stares and had seen through human warmth and coldness in just a few short years, becoming more mature and steady than other maids her age. Yet she felt that all her endurance and composure were nothing compared to her mistress. She didn’t know when it started—it seemed to be after that serious illness—but the young lady had become somewhat inscrutable.
It’s rare in life to maintain an ordinary heart through great joys and sorrows. Her mistress used to secretly shed tears when thinking of the joyful times in the Minister’s mansion, but now she never showed such expressions again—instead appearing completely at peace. Thinking of this, Bai Zhi said to Jiang Ruan: “Miss seems happier day by day now.”
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly but didn’t elaborate. Life’s pressures weren’t really anything—what did fine clothes and rich food matter? The most terrifying thing was having everything yet feeling you possessed nothing—no lover, no relatives, no family, no friends. Later thinking she had found love, but that too was false. Moreover, compared to being made into a human pig trapped in a wooden basin, watching one’s relatives being humiliated while powerless to help, these current days were far, far better. At least now she still had a complete body and freedom. At least she was still alive, and as long as she lived, there was always a chance to turn everything around. She had crawled out of hell—not to quibble over such small matters.
Just then, they saw someone running over in great haste. Seeing Jiang Ruan and her three servants in the room, the person rushed in without even knocking. Lian Qiao was startled, and only after seeing clearly did she scold: “Little Yuan, what are you running so urgently for?”
Little Yuan leaned against the doorframe gasping for breath, her face flushed red. After a long while she said: “Miss, trouble!”
“Speak slowly,” Bai Zhi frowned: “What happened?”
“Many soldiers have come outside and surrounded the estate, saying someone saw Miss kill a person.” Little Yuan’s eyes were full of panic: “Nanny Lan is leading them this way.”
Lian Qiao’s eyes widened: “How could our Miss kill anyone? This is clearly slander—how shameless!”
“No need to worry,” Jiang Ruan calmly set down her bowl: “Let’s wait.”