Jiang Si couldn’t detect any unusual tone in Jiang Yi’s words. Not wanting to press further, she changed the subject, “I was just about to ask, Elder Sister, why didn’t you bring Yan’yan today?”
At the mention of her beloved daughter, Jiang Yi’s expression turned both tender and melancholic. “Yan’yan has had some diarrhea these past two days, so I didn’t bring her along.”
Jiang Yi had been married to the Zhu family for several years and had only given birth to one daughter, now three years old, nicknamed Yan’yan.
“Is Yan’yan alright?” Jiang Si, not wanting to overlook any irregularities concerning Jiang Yi, asked anxiously.
In her previous life, when Jiang Si had attended this banquet, she had been the illustrious daughter-in-law of the Duke of An’guo. Surrounded by people eager to converse with her, she hadn’t had the opportunity to chat much with her elder sister, nor had she even noticed whether her niece was present.
Thinking of this, Jiang Si couldn’t help but feel regretful.
Her sister’s concern warmed Jiang Yi’s heart. She smiled gently and said, “It’s nothing serious. Children are prone to falling ill when they’re young. The physician said Yan’yan has a strong constitution, and she’ll gradually improve as she grows older.”
“That’s good to hear.” Jiang Si sighed in relief upon learning that Yan’yan wasn’t seriously ill.
She had been worrying that Yan’yan’s severe illness might have triggered the series of unfortunate events that followed, but now it seemed she had overthought the situation.
At this moment, Su Qingshuang approached them. “Once Elder Sister Yi and Younger Sister Si start talking, there’s no room for anyone else. It’s clear that blood sisters are different from cousins.”
Though she pretended to be displeased, there was a hint of a smile in the corners of her eyes.
Jiang Yi responded softly, “That’s not true. In my heart, Cousin Shuang and Fourth Sister are the same.”
Jiang Yi was a sincere person, and Su Qingshuang could hear the truth in her words. She sighed, “Elder Sister Yi, with your kind nature, be careful not to let others take advantage of you.”
The saying “a good horse is often ridden, a kind person often bullied” held some truth.
Jiang Yi was also puzzled as to why her sister and cousin seemed so concerned about her being taken advantage of today. Changing the subject, she asked Su Qingshuang, “Why didn’t I see Young Master Bao during the birthday wishes earlier? I noticed Second Aunt doesn’t seem to be in good spirits either. Is Young Master Bao unwell?”
Jiang Si’s Second Uncle and Second Aunt, Madam Xu, had been married for many years before having Young Master Bao, their only son and the only child of the second branch. There was no reason for him to be absent from Old Madam’s birthday celebration today.
A flicker of unease crossed Su Qingshuang’s face. “Young Master Bao is ill. Second Aunt is probably tired from taking care of him.”
Hearing this, Jiang Yi couldn’t help but worry. “What illness does Young Master Bao have? The physician who usually treats Yan’yan is quite good—”
“Elder Sister Yi, don’t worry. Young Master Bao is almost recovered,” Su Qingshuang interrupted.
Jiang Si had remained silent, coldly observing Su Qingshuang’s expression. She felt that her cousin was hiding something.
This didn’t make sense. Even if Young Master Bao was ill, why was Cousin Shuang being so evasive? Unless—could Young Master Bao have contracted an epidemic disease?
Epidemic diseases were contagious, and it would indeed be inappropriate to mention such an illness to outsiders during Grandmother’s sixtieth birthday celebration.
As Jiang Yi was about to speak again, Jiang Si discreetly tugged at her sleeve.
Jiang Yi then dropped the subject.
In the northwest corner of the Marquis of Yining’s mansion, near the garden, a high stage had been set up. After the banquet, a large group moved to watch the opera. After two acts, the Old Madam of the Marquis of Yining spoke up, “I know you young ones don’t enjoy this. Go and play, don’t sit here feeling uncomfortable.”
Jiang Yi remained seated, and seeing that Jiang Si wasn’t moving either, she asked in a low voice, “Fourth Sister, why aren’t you going to play with Cousin Shuang and the others?”
Jiang Si smiled, “I’ll stay with you, Elder Sister.”
Jiang Yi stood up, pulling Jiang Si along. “Alright then, let’s take a walk together. We might even run into Second Brother.”
Although the male and female guests didn’t dine or watch the opera together, they might all stroll in the garden. These people were, at most, cousins, so there weren’t too many restrictions.
Jiang Si had no desire to sit and watch the opera anyway; she only wanted to stay with Jiang Yi. Naturally, she didn’t refuse when Jiang Yi suggested a walk.
It seemed Jiang Zhan had the same idea, as the two sisters encountered him not long after they began their stroll in the garden.
Jiang Zhan, unable to hide his delight, strode towards Jiang Yi. “Elder Sister!”
The young man walking with Jiang Zhan, seeing the siblings’ excited expressions, tactfully refrained from interrupting. His gaze turned to Jiang Si, and he nodded with a smile. “Cousin Si.”
Jiang Si curtsied, “Elder Cousin.”
The young man was Su Qingxun, the heir to the Marquis of Yining. Although Jiang Si had often stayed at the Marquis’s mansion before, she had little interaction with this calm-natured cousin. Especially after Jiang Si’s engagement, the cousins would merely exchange greetings on the rare occasions they met.
Today, Su Qingxun was more talkative than usual. “How have you been lately, Cousin Si?”
“Thank you for your concern, Elder Cousin. I’ve been well.”
“That’s good to hear.” Su Qingxun’s gaze swept towards Jiang Zhan, seeing that Jiang Yi was still talking to him. He turned his attention back to Jiang Si. “Cousin Si, if you ever encounter any troubles in the future, don’t forget that you still have the Marquis’s mansion. This will always be your maternal family’s home.”
Jiang Si nodded slightly, saying nothing more.
Elder Cousin and Cousin Shuang were indeed kind, but she knew that the First Madam was not easy to get along with. In her previous life, after she became a widow, the First Madam’s change in attitude towards her had already taught her the fickleness of human nature.
Jiang Yi, having calmed down from the excitement of seeing her brother, greeted Su Qingxun.
“Some gardenias are blooming nicely up ahead. Let me show them to you, cousins,” Su Qingxun suggested.
The four of them walked forward together.
Su Qingxue emerged from behind a nearby trellis, pouting at the departing group. She said to Su Qingyu, “Did you see how friendly Jiang Si was being with Elder Brother? Who knows what she’s thinking.”
“Surely she wouldn’t dare?” Su Qingyu replied.
“A woman’s latter half of life depends on who she marries. Now that Jiang Si has lost her engagement to the Duke of An’guo’s family, how could she find another good match? If she could marry into the Marquis’s family, she’d probably be grinning in her sleep. Don’t you think she’d have the courage?”
Su Qingyu nodded, “Second Sister, you’re right. But Elder Brother has always been cold towards Jiang Si. He certainly won’t take a liking to her.”
Su Qingxue scoffed, no longer bothering with Su Qingyu.
This is why Third Sister is considered slow-witted, she thought. Doesn’t she remember how cold Jiang Si used to be towards Elder Brother? Someone as proud as him wouldn’t have pursued her then. But now, if Jiang Si lowers herself, who knows if Elder Brother might not be moved?
With these thoughts, Su Qingxue quickly found an excuse to part ways with Su Qingyu and went to curry favor with her stepmother.
The First Madam, Madam You, was accompanying the Old Madam of the Marquis of Yining in watching the opera. Having drunk too much tea, she wanted to use the restroom and was heading out with her maid when she encountered Su Qingxue returning.
“Mother, I have something to tell you,” Su Qingxue said, keeping her eyes lowered respectfully in front of Madam You.
Madam, You had always been indifferent towards her two stepdaughters, but she did appreciate their attempts to please her. Hearing this, she moved to a nearby pavilion, sat down, and asked, “What is it?”
Su Qingxue glanced around, then stepped forward and spoke in a low voice.
Madam You’s expression changed from initial nonchalance to a dark scowl. By the end, her round face was clouded with anger. She demanded, “Are you certain of what you saw?”
“I wouldn’t dare deceive you, Mother. Third Sister was there too.”
Madam, You slammed her hand on the table, letting out a cold laugh. “How very nice indeed!”