The winter of the 18th year of Jingming was exceptionally cold. Even before the winter solstice, snow had fallen.
Snowflakes drifted down like fine needles, landing on eaves and streets, gradually forming a white blanket.
The blue-gray stone roads, covered with a thin layer of snow, formed a pale white with a bluish tinge. As people’s boots trod upon it, a faint creaking sound could be heard, and it was somewhat slippery.
It was bitterly cold.
People on the streets rubbed their hands and covered their ears, quickening their pace.
On such a cold day, unless compelled by livelihood or urgent matters, no one would willingly venture out.
However, the Earl of Dongping’s residence received guests today.
When Jiang Si was summoned to Cixin Hall by a maid, she was puzzled.
With the winter solstice approaching, it was a major holiday for every family, and even the imperial court would hold a grand assembly. Why would guests come at such a time?
As she reached the entrance of Cixin Hall, the sound of laughter and conversation drifted out.
“Fourth Miss has arrived,” announced the maid.
The room fell silent.
Jiang Si surveyed the scene.
Madam Feng sat cross-legged on the kang. A young woman of about eighteen or nineteen sat near the edge, her head lowered demurely, her face not immediately visible.
Third Miss Jiang Qiao, Fifth Miss Jiang Li, and Sixth Miss Jiang Pei were all present, as was Third Madam Guo.
Jiang Si removed her cloak and handed it to a maid, then stepped inside, curtsying at Madam Feng and Madam Guo. “Grandmother, Third Aunt.”
Madam Feng, with a rare gentle smile, said to Jiang Si, “Come here and meet your Cousin.”
Then, to the young woman beside her, “This is the Fourth Miss.”
The young woman raised her head and greeted Jiang Si first, “Fourth Miss.”
Jiang Si could now see the young woman.
She wore the hairstyle of an unmarried woman, had a beautiful oval face, and moist almond-shaped eyes. She appeared to be a quiet person.
Cousin?
Jiang Si’s mind raced, trying to determine the young woman’s identity.
Someone she would call “Cousin” could be either the daughter of her grandfather’s sister or the daughter of her grandmother’s sibling.
Her grandfather had passed away years ago, and given her grandmother’s personality, she wouldn’t bother with that side of the family. So this young woman was most likely the daughter of her grandmother’s sibling.
Having no memory of meeting her before, it was difficult to determine exactly which family she belonged to.
While pondering this, Jiang Si didn’t hesitate in her actions. She gave a slight bow to the young woman, “Greetings, Cousin.”
“Please, Fourth Miss, no need for such formality,” the young woman said, making a gesture of support and smiling demurely.
Seeing the young woman’s quiet and shy demeanor, Jiang Si felt a bit of fondness towards her.
At this moment, Madam Feng spoke up, “Your cousin is the daughter of your maternal great-aunt. She’s just arrived from Jinsha and will be staying in our residence from now on. You should all get close to your cousin.”
Jiang Si finally understood the young woman’s identity.
Madam Feng’s youngest sister had married into a family surnamed Dou in Jinsha County, south of the capital. Being over a decade younger than Madam Feng, her children were quite young. Unfortunately, she didn’t live long and had passed away more than two years ago.
So, this cousin had just completed her mourning period?
At this thought, Jiang Si’s eyelid suddenly twitched, giving her an uneasy feeling.
She couldn’t pinpoint the source of this feeling, but she chose to trust her instinct.
Having such a cousin arrive just before the New Year, regardless of her character, made Jiang Si feel that Grandmother was up to something again.
Jiang Si couldn’t help but take another look at the young woman.
With her graceful features and serene expression, she did indeed seem like a lovely young lady.
Could it be that Grandmother planned to support her younger sister’s daughter by bringing her to the capital and arranging a good marriage for her?
That would be understandable.
But Jiang Si still couldn’t shake off that uncomfortable feeling.
At least the cousin was of a different generation, so she wouldn’t be after her brothers.
Of course, Jiang Si didn’t look down on relatives seeking support, but she was wary of her grandmother. Anyone associated with her grandmother warranted her attention.
After all, her grandmother prioritized benefits above all else.
The young woman lowered her gaze, avoiding Jiang Si’s eyes, secretly surprised: compared to the other three misses, this Fourth Miss had such sharp eyes, as if she could see through people’s hearts.
Moreover, Madam Feng’s attitude towards the Fourth Miss surprised her even more.
When the other three misses entered, her aunt had shown the typical attitude of a grandmother towards her granddaughters. But when this Fourth Miss came in, her aunt’s relaxed demeanor changed, and she seemed to become more alert.
This level of attention didn’t seem like a grandmother towards a granddaughter, but rather—
The young woman couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it felt odd, and because of this, she paid extra attention to Jiang Si.
“Madam Guo, is Qinfang Court ready?” Madam Feng asked.
The usually quiet Madam Guo spoke up, “It’s been prepared, but we weren’t sure what style of screens and curtains your cousin would prefer. If she doesn’t like them, we can change them.”
The young woman hurriedly said, “Third Sister-in-law, you’re too kind.”
Madam Feng patted the young woman’s hand, “No need to be so formal. From now on, the Earl’s residence is your home. If there’s anything you’re not used to, remember to tell your Third Sister-in-law.”
Jiang Si was increasingly surprised.
Qinfang Court was the closest courtyard to their main residence and hadn’t been occupied since her aunt had married out.
Among Jiang Ancheng’s generation, there were four siblings in total. Only Third Master Jiang was born of a concubine; the other two sons and one daughter were all born to Madam Feng.
Naturally, Madam Feng doted on her only daughter. Even after she married far away, the courtyard wasn’t left to decay, with servants regularly cleaning and maintaining it.
For Grandmother to let Cousin Dou stay in Qinfang Court showed how much she cared for her.
Care? Jiang Si quickly dismissed this thought.
If she didn’t have much of such feelings for her granddaughters, how could she have them for her sister’s daughter?
Madam Feng continued, “By the way, your cousin’s brother is having tea with your father. You should meet him later too, so you recognize your elders living in the residence.”
Jiang Si only then realized that besides Cousin Dou, there was also a male cousin who had arrived.
“Si’er, Qinfang Court isn’t far from Haitang Residence. Why don’t you and your Third Aunt escort your cousin there?”
“Certainly,” Jiang Si smiled in agreement, deciding to observe the situation for now.
After accompanying Madam Guo to escort Cousin Dou to Qinfang Court, Jiang Si went to visit Jiang Yi briefly, mentioning the Dou siblings’ long-term stay at the Earl’s residence.
Perhaps because the process of uncovering Zhu Ziyu’s true nature had been so brutal, leaving Jiang Yi no room for self-deception, after these days of recovery, her condition was much better than Jiang Si had imagined.
Hearing this, Jiang Yi frowned, “From what I remember, that male cousin has a very lively personality. Sister, you shouldn’t get too close to him.”
“Have Cousin Dou and his sister visited before?” Jiang Si asked.
“Yes, they have, but you were too young to remember then. In any case, Fourth Sister, it’s best to keep your distance from Cousin Dou.”
“Don’t worry, Big Sister, I understand. Besides, Cousin Dou won’t be staying in the inner courtyard, so we probably won’t see each other much.”
After chatting for a while, Jiang Si returned to Haitang Residence.
In the afternoon, to her surprise, Fifth Miss Jiang Li came to Haitang Residence for a short visit.
Jiang Li was someone who preferred to avoid trouble and rarely left her quarters, so her visit to Haitang Residence was quite unusual.
Jiang Si suppressed her surprise and entertained Jiang Li. After a short while, Jiang Li left.
Feeling that something was odd, Jiang Si pondered over what Jiang Li had said. Suddenly, one sentence caught her attention:
“Mother must not be feeling well today. She lost her temper quite badly.”