Inside the carriage, the legendary eldest daughter of the Jiang family finally appeared before everyone, supported by her maid.

They beheld a young woman in the prime of her youth, dressed in simple cloth with wooden hairpins. She wore only an oversized, dark green old cotton jacket with diamond-shaped patterns, with a pale gray coarse cloth skirt below. Her long hair was loosely pinned up with a simple wooden hairpin, with two strands of stray hair hanging by her ears, setting off her delicate small ears that seemed carved from white jade, compelling one’s gaze.

She slowly lifted her head, revealing an exquisite oval face. Though Jiang Susu’s skin was already quite fair, hers was three degrees fairer still, as if it could emit a watery glow. Perhaps due to the weariness of travel, two faint blushes had risen on her cheeks. Her clear, lustrous eyes gently swept the surroundings, the upturned corners carrying a barely perceptible charm that made all who saw her feel their hearts skip a beat. While Jiang Susu’s refined attire made her appear ethereally beautiful, this girl’s worn clothing actually made her seem brilliantly radiant. One couldn’t help but wonder what magnificent colors she would display if dressed in bright, vivid garments.

Generally speaking, the more striking a woman’s beauty, the more easily it could become vulgar. Pure and refined beauty like Jiang Susu’s was considered lasting perfection. However, this girl dressed in plain cloth and wooden pins possessed features of extreme beauty and radiance, yet her expression was gentle and distant, carrying an inexplicable sense of depth, as if she had experienced many heavy years. She showed no frivolity, only a steady, mature beauty. Though clearly still young, her every gesture carried a mature elegance.

She walked step by step toward the Jiang manor gates. Those with keen eyes noticed that her hem remained perfectly still, and looking at the walking girl, her spine was ramrod straight, each step impeccable. Originally expecting the Jiang family’s eldest daughter, raised without proper supervision on the estate, to surely conduct herself unsuitably in public, they now saw that this girl was not only of noble bearing but extremely well-educated, with outstanding beauty that could rival the Jiang family’s second daughter, Jiang Susu.

Xia Yan hurriedly came forward to greet her, quickly walking to Jiang Ruan’s side and carefully examining her before grasping her hand and saying gently: “My dear child, you have suffered.”

Jiang Ruan smiled as she looked at her. Xia Yan’s eyes held tears, her gaze filled with sincerity. If not for the lessons of her previous life, Jiang Ruan herself might have nearly believed the other’s genuine care. Still, she softly said: “Jiang Ruan has been unfilial, causing Mother worry.”

Jiang Susu then also stepped forward, tilting her head to examine Jiang Ruan before laughing: “Elder Sister has finally returned. Just a few days ago, Mother was constantly talking about Sister’s return. Now that we finally see you in person, Mother can finally breathe easy.”

Jiang Ruan smiled as she turned her gaze to her. Jiang Susu was exactly as she remembered – pure and refined, innocent and carefree, like an otherworldly fairy in the clouds, naturally meant to be without worry or care. The beauty mark beneath her eye was still bright, though one wondered if it had grown so red from drinking its fill of the Zhao family’s blood.

Even though she had reminded herself countless times, seeing Jiang Susu in that instant, Jiang Ruan still couldn’t help but hold her breath for a moment as overwhelming hatred crashed over her. It was this pure and harmless face that had destroyed her entire life.

Jiang Susu sensitively noticed the change in Jiang Ruan’s gaze. Somehow, though the other was smiling, her eyes were incomparably cold, as if carrying terrifyingly suppressed emotions. Jiang Susu’s heart jumped in alarm, unconsciously stepping back two steps, her smile becoming somewhat stiff.

Jiang Ruan took a deep breath and smiled: “It’s nothing, I’ve returned now.” She spoke gently and softly, her smile beautiful and kind, yet somehow made Xia Yan and her daughter feel an inexplicable ghostly chill, as if those words had been spat out viciously.

Amid these undercurrents, the crowd remained completely unaware. They only thought that the Jiang family’s eldest and second daughters standing together was truly a feast for the eyes – one with bright eyes and gleaming teeth, graceful in every glance, the other delicate as a willow in the breeze, serene as floating clouds. With both beauties present, their impression of Jiang Ruan deepened, and the identity of the Jiang family’s legitimate eldest daughter was now indisputable.

However, among the Jiang manor’s crowd came a somewhat sharp voice: “Long time no see, Elder Sister has become even more beautiful.”

Jiang Ruan looked up to see the speaker was Jiang Li, the concubine-born daughter of the Jiang family’s Second Concubine. Jiang Li’s features favored Jiang Quan’s, appearing somewhat harsh and lacking feminine softness. She looked at Jiang Ruan, then suddenly covered her lips with a smile: “Elder Sister has such lovely features, so why dress in such clothing for contrast? Could it be you fear your sisters would envy your fine garments and deliberately hid them away?”

These words were suggestive, making it seem as if Jiang Ruan had deliberately worn old clothes to invite criticism. The crowd never lacked those eager for drama, and understanding the intricacies of wealthy households, they watched with interest to see how events would unfold.

Jiang Ruan’s hands folded across her chest moved slightly, her smile deepening, though the smile didn’t reach her eyes. Xia Yan was indeed too impatient. This was the first battle upon returning to the Jiang manor. If she couldn’t resolve this matter perfectly today, whether she could establish her position in the manor in the future, or maintain her reputation as the Jiang family’s legitimate daughter in the capital, would require new planning.

“The wind is strong outside, take care that Mother and sisters don’t catch cold. Let’s return inside to talk,” Jiang Ruan said softly. This appeared to find an excuse to avoid Jiang Li’s pointed words, and disappointed looks appeared in the crowd, thinking this Jiang family eldest daughter was also one who hoped to pass her days peacefully, no longer possessing the sharp spirit she’d shown in court that day. Then they heard Jiang Ruan continue: “Lian Qiao, Bai Zhi, bring the chest into the manor as well.”

Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi nodded in acknowledgment. The two lifted the carriage curtain, and everyone could see clearly there was only one chest in the carriage. Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi carefully lifted it down from the carriage, seemingly unable to bear its weight, becoming somewhat breathless over just a few steps. People began speculating about what treasures it contained. After all, the Jiang manor was considered a wealthy noble household. Judging by this display, the chest contained considerable treasure. Could this Jiang family eldest daughter truly be concealing her wealth while pretending poverty to gain sympathy?

Jiang Li smiled slightly, whispering a few words to a maid beside her. The maid then walked several steps to Lian Qiao’s side. Jiang Li laughed: “Seeing how much trouble Elder Sister’s two maids are having, it must be quite heavy. Let Cui’er help you.”

Without waiting for Lian Qiao to release her grip, Cui’er actively grasped the chest. Before Lian Qiao could let go, Cui’er had already taken two steps forward. The chest broke apart with a “pa la” sound from the middle – the clasp on top had already been loose, and with this drop it burst open. The entire lid tilted over, and half the chest’s contents spilled out with a “hua la” sound.

The noise drew everyone’s attention. Jiang Li’s smile became even more delighted, everyone craned their necks to look inside. Xia Yan’s mouth hung slightly open, Jiang Susu looked curious, and only Jiang Ruan alone let out a soft sigh.