Jiang Chao wore an indigo blue robe with gold thread, which made his usually flamboyant demeanor appear more composed and gave him an air of wealth and nobility. Though he deliberately concealed it in his speech and manner, he ultimately had the bearing of someone from officialdom. This disgusted Jiang Ruan, but in Madam Jiang’s eyes it was extremely satisfactory. Even her stern face showed a trace of loving smile: “Chao-er will take the examinations after the New Year. What does the Imperial Academy say?”

Jiang Chao’s face broke into a broad smile, which he tried hard to suppress, saying: “They didn’t say anything particular.”

“Passing should be no problem,” Jiang Quan glanced at Jiang Chao: “It’s just a matter of what ranking. In any case, the necessary arrangements have been made.”

Second Aunt’s eyes flashed as she covered her lips and smiled: “That’s truly wonderful. Madam’s two children are both talented in writing. Second Young Master will surely gain scholarly honors this time. In this concubine’s opinion, he must certainly be the top scholar.” Though Second Aunt disliked Xia Yan, Jiang Quan always maintained appearances in the manor. Moreover, praising Jiang Chao would also please Madam Jiang—speaking flattering words never brought loss.

Madam Jiang indeed said: “Foolish talk—such words shouldn’t be spoken carelessly.” Yet her face showed no trace of reproach, smiling broadly. Jiang Chao also laughed along. Xia Yan nudged Jiang Quan, and the whole room began laughing together, truly like a harmonious and affectionate family.

Just as everyone’s atmosphere was harmonious, an abrupt voice interjected: “What is everyone discussing to be laughing so happily?”

Jiang Ruan slightly raised her lips. From outside the door gracefully entered a beautiful woman. Compared to Xia Yan and the other aunts, she appeared extremely young, wearing mugwort-green cloud-goose fine brocade clothing with a smoke-cloud butterfly skirt, her hair arranged in a hundred-flowers style. Her hair bore no hairpins, only a pale yellow plum blossom. She walked with shallow smiles, possessing a smoky, ethereal beauty that ordinary official wives lacked—a tenderness without a trace of affectation, as if weakness were carved into her very bones.

This was Fifth Aunt Hong Ying. Jiang Quan, despite his considerable reputation, had ignored all opposition to redeem this courtesan from the pleasure quarters. Originally intended as a gift for his superior, she ultimately became the manor’s fifth aunt. This damaged Jiang Quan’s reputation, and it was said Xia Yan had quarreled with him over it, though the matter ultimately came to nothing. However, Hong Ying had created a rift between Jiang Quan and Xia Yan. Though this rift seemed insignificant now, it could be put to good use.

In Jiang Ruan’s previous life, during the period when she returned to the Jiang Manor, Hong Ying had reached the point of rivaling Xia Yan’s position in the manor, with no one daring to slight her. Later, however, when Xia Yan became pregnant, Hong Ying bribed servants to cause Xia Yan’s miscarriage. Somehow the plot was exposed, Jiang Quan flew into a rage and had Hong Ying confined. Yet Hong Ying hanged herself in her cell.

Thinking of it now, even at that point Jiang Quan hadn’t beaten Hong Ying to death but only confined her, suggesting he had genuine feelings for Hong Ying. For Hong Ying to hang herself perfectly well in the woodshed was suspicious—likely Xia Yan’s handiwork. In her previous life Jiang Ruan had little contact with Hong Ying, as she greatly disliked Hong Ying due to Xia Yan’s position. She still didn’t know what kind of person Hong Ying was.

With Hong Ying’s arrival, Jiang Quan’s gaze fell on her, his face showing some tenderness: “We’re discussing Chao-er’s affairs.”

Xia Yan’s eyes barely flickered—almost imperceptibly, yet Jiang Ruan caught it. Xia Yan naturally had a scholarly air, but women from the pleasure quarters possessed an allure that official family daughters lacked—an allure particularly attractive to men. Jiang Quan loved talented women. Xia Yan had talent, and Hong Ying was no less gifted, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Though lacking Xia Yan’s dignity, having seen many people in the pleasure quarters, her experience had grown accordingly, making her better at understanding what Jiang Quan liked to hear. In fact, since Hong Ying entered the Jiang Manor, Xia Yan was no longer Jiang Quan’s only understanding companion.

Hong Ying curtsied slightly toward Jiang Chao: “I hear Second Young Master will take the imperial examinations soon. This concubine wishes Second Young Master success in gaining honors and winning first place.”

Jiang Chao’s gaze toward Hong Ying had been somewhat dark, but hearing her words, he couldn’t help but relax his brow: “Thank you for Fifth Aunt’s kind words.”

Jiang Susu smiled as she walked to Jiang Quan’s side: “Why is everyone standing? Let’s go to the hall—mother has long prepared fine dishes, just waiting for father and brother.”

Madam Jiang also clapped her hands: “Exactly, Second Girl is so thoughtful.”

The room full of people happily walked toward the hall. Jiang Ruan watched coldly. When Jiang Quan passed by, she spoke softly: “Why don’t I see Third Sister?”

Second Aunt paused in her movement, turning back to force out a smile: “Third Miss is somewhat unwell today, resting in her room.”

“Has a physician been called?” Jiang Ruan asked with concern: “If it’s nothing serious, perhaps someone should still summon her. Today father has returned to the manor…”

“Don’t interfere,” Jiang Quan interrupted her coldly: “Let her rest a few more days!”

Jiang Ruan immediately fell silent. Second Aunt again viciously twisted the handkerchief in her hands before slowly following Jiang Quan ahead.

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly again. The meal was eaten with everyone in high spirits, though only on the surface—each had their own schemes. After dinner, however, Jiang Quan didn’t go to Yanhua Courtyard but to Hong Ying’s courtyard. Second Aunt was naturally indignant, cursing the vixen before departing. Xia Yan, however, saw him off warmly, seemingly without a trace of displeasure. That evening when discussing this matter in the courtyard, Lian Qiao said: “Madam is truly formidable. Master just returned to the manor yet went to Fifth Aunt’s courtyard, and she can still smile.”

Bai Zhi glared at her: “What nonsense are you speaking?”

“Have I said anything wrong?” Lian Qiao had always been straightforward, not concealing her dislike for Xia Yan: “I don’t believe she’s truly so happy inside.”

Lu Zhu crouched on the ground poking at the charcoal in the brazier, looking up and blinking: “It must be for Second Young Master’s sake. Madam wants Second Young Master to become top scholar. Miss, do you think Second Young Master can pass this time?”

Jiang Ruan wasn’t reading as usual but sat at the table staring at the teapot, lost in thought. Hearing this, she smiled faintly: “Second brother is learned and has an excellent memory. He’s been clever since childhood, personally taught by father, with arrangements made above and below. He should pass.”

“Then wouldn’t that be terrible,” Lian Qiao was greatly alarmed: “If Second Young Master truly passes, Yanhua Courtyard will look down on this side even more. Madam will likely favor Second Young Master.”

“What’s there to fear? I only said he should—I’m saying Second Young Master definitely won’t pass.” Jiang Ruan said indifferently.

In her previous life, Jiang Chao had indeed passed, though not as top scholar, he was a genuine third-place scholar. At that time he was immediately in high spirits, personally honored by the emperor. The Jiang Manor became famous throughout the capital, thus also gaining the favor of the prime minister’s daughter. Fame, profit, and beauty were all complete.

But how could she let him have his way in this life? In just a few dozen days, she would teach him the taste of falling from the clouds.