Jiang Yi was in the prime of her youth at twenty years old. Her beauty was dignified, with a delicate smile gracing her fair, oval face, making her appear gentle and approachable.
Jiang Si gazed steadily at Jiang Yi.
Although it had been only a few months since she had last seen her elder sister, in reality, they had been separated for years.
This very winter, her elder sister had been divorced for having an illicit affair. Shortly after returning to Earl Dongping’s manor, she had taken her own life by hanging.
Jiang Si examined Jiang Yi carefully.
The current Jiang Yi had full cheeks and relaxed features, appearing content. Unlike the last time she had seen her elder sister in her previous life, when she had been so pale and frail, like a thin paper doll that could disappear with a gust of wind.
Jiang Yi had walked over and linked arms with Jiang Si, smiling as she said, “We haven’t seen each other in months. Don’t tell me you don’t recognize your sister?”
As she said this, Jiang Yi felt very guilty.
Her fourth sister had always been proud and aloof, never particularly close to her. After her fourth sister’s engagement to the Duke of An’guo’s family was called off, she hadn’t been able to return home to comfort her due to pressure from her mother-in-law. It was only natural for her fourth sister to harbor some resentment towards her now.
After all, she had failed in her duty as an elder sister.
Jiang Si tightened her grip on Jiang Yi’s hand, her voice sweet and soft, “I missed you, Elder Sister.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi’s eyes reddened instantly.
Not only did her fourth sister not blame her, but she also spoke to her in such an affectionate tone. It was clear she had matured.
A light chuckle was heard: “Cousin Yi, Cousin Si, are you trying to make me jealous with such pure sisterly affection?”
Jiang Yi smiled at the approaching young woman, “Cousin Shuang just loves to tease us.”
Jiang Si greeted the young woman, “Cousin Shuang.”
The young woman’s name was Su Qingshuang, the daughter of Jiang Si’s maternal uncle.
The Old Madam of Marquis Yining had two sons. The eldest son’s branch of the family was quite lively, with two legitimate grandsons, one legitimate granddaughter, and two concubine-born granddaughters. The second son’s branch was much smaller, currently with only a five-year-old son.
Although Su Qingshuang was the only legitimate daughter of the Marquis Yining’s family, she had a pleasant disposition. She was always warm towards both Jiang Yi and Jiang Si, and while somewhat cool towards her two concubine-born sisters, she maintained a facade of harmony.
In her previous life, Jiang Si had envied this cousin the most.
Su Qingshuang smiled at Jiang Si and complained, “I sent an invitation earlier asking Fourth Cousin to come play, but you ignored me.”
Shortly after Jiang Si’s engagement to the Duke of An’guo’s family was called off, Su Qingshuang sent an invitation asking her to come to the Marquis’s manor, essentially showing her support.
At that time, Jiang Si had been preoccupied with other matters, and since her mother had passed away long ago, it wasn’t appropriate for Su Qingshuang to visit her at the Earl’s manor. As a result, the cousins hadn’t seen each other for quite some time.
“I was feeling down then, thought it was embarrassing,” Jiang Si casually found an excuse.
Su Qingshuang blinked, “And now? I see Fourth Cousin looks even better than when we met at the beginning of the year.”
Jiang Si smiled faintly, “Now, of course, I’ve come to my senses. It’s not worth being upset over irrelevant people. Instead of wasting time wallowing in self-pity, it’s better to spend more time with my sisters.”
Su Qingshuang clapped her hands, “That’s the right attitude, Fourth Cousin.”
Sitting in a corner, a young woman in pink clothes whispered to another in green beside her, “Have you noticed? Our Fourth Cousin Si isn’t as haughty as before. She’s even learned to say pretty words.”
The girl in green clothes sneered, “What’s so strange about that? She’s always been proud of her beauty and acted aloof since childhood. Then she got that good engagement with the Duke of An’guo’s family, and her ego soared to the sky. Now that she’s fallen from heaven, it’s about time she came to her senses.”
The girl in pink was named Su Qingxue, and the one in green was Su Qingyu. They were the two concubine-born daughters of the eldest branch.
The two carefully tried to conceal their schadenfreude, but their expressions betrayed them.
Jiang Si didn’t spare them even half a glance. Trampling on others when they’re down was something many people did. Since she dared to come, she had already anticipated such treatment.
The Marquis Yining’s manor was very lively today. Many families, with varying degrees of closeness, had either sent people or stewards to deliver birthday gifts. Those guests who weren’t considered close relatives only attended the banquet in the front courtyard. Only the true relatives were allowed to personally offer birthday wishes to the Old Madam of Marquis Yining.
Jiang Si soon followed the crowd to the main hall to wish the Old Madam a happy birthday.
The hall was bustling with activity. The Old Madam of Marquis Yining sat at the head, surrounded by people. The pigeon egg-sized ruby on her forehead ornament glittered brilliantly, making the old lady appear spirited and festive.
Jiang Si quickly swept her gaze across the crowd in the hall, following behind Jiang Yi to offer birthday wishes to the Old Madam.
Originally, she was just a junior member, an insignificant role on such an occasion. But when she stepped forward to pay her respects, the hall suddenly grew quiet, and countless meaningful gazes fell upon her.
Jiang Yi, sympathizing with her sister’s situation, couldn’t help but frown deeply.
Jiang Si, however, remained unperturbed, calmly and gracefully paying her respects to the Old Madam.
Seeing that her granddaughter wasn’t wallowing in self-pity, the Old Madam of Marquis Yining revealed a loving smile and offered a few words of encouragement.
Su Qingxue again whispered to Su Qingyu, “Look how biased Grandmother is. Jiang Si and their Earl Dongping’s family have repeatedly disgraced themselves, yet she doesn’t seem to care at all.”
Su Qingyu glanced at Jiang Si, who had retreated to Jiang Yi’s side, and scoffed, “It’s not our Marquis Yining family’s reputation at stake, why should Grandmother care?”
Su Qingxue giggled, “You’re right.”
The banquet soon began, and Jiang Si finally got a chance to speak with Jiang Yi privately.
“Elder Sister, Second Brother asked me to send his regards to you.”
Hearing Jiang Si mention Jiang Zhan, Jiang Yi’s eyes curved in a smile, “How is Second Brother lately? Has he been causing trouble and getting beaten?”
Jiang Si couldn’t help but laugh, “Second Brother is still the same as always.”
Jiang Yi shook her head, “Second Brother always makes people worry. Fourth Sister, I can’t go back often, so you must advise him more. He’s not young anymore and should start behaving more maturely.”
“I’ll keep an eye on Second Brother. But Elder Sister, we rarely see you except during festivals. How are you doing? We’re all very concerned.”
Mentioning herself, Jiang Yi smiled, “I’m doing fine, don’t worry about me.”
Jiang Si carefully observed her elder sister’s expression. Seeing that she didn’t seem to be pretending, she became even more confused.
From what she could see now, her elder sister indeed seemed to be doing well. Why then, would such a shocking event occur in the coming winter?
No matter what, she didn’t believe that her elder sister would have an illicit affair.
“Elder Sister, do you and Brother-in-law argue? Is your mother-in-law kind to you?”
Jiang Yi was startled by these questions, “Why do you ask?”
“I’m just curious about what it’s like to be in a completely unfamiliar environment. Elder Sister, you don’t know, but before my engagement with the Duke of An’guo’s family was called off, I used to ponder these questions all day long. After the engagement was broken, I secretly felt relieved thinking I wouldn’t have to leave home for a while…”
Jiang Yi felt her sister’s thoughts were somewhat dangerous and shook her head repeatedly, “Fourth Sister, it’s normal for you to have such concerns, but as long as you learn to be accommodating, you’ll get along with others eventually.”
Her eyes sparkled with joy, “Your brother-in-law treats me very well. Although my mother-in-law can be a bit strict, she’s not harsh. And Yan’yan is clever and adorable… I’m very content with this life.”