Chapter 8

He smiled as he spoke, his kind tone delivering words that were anything but gentle—a manner that could easily be mistaken for intimidation.

Jiang Jingchun replied, “I’m no child anymore.”

She wasn’t afraid, not one bit.

The smile in Gu Huaisheng’s eyes gradually faded. He said, “I’m not trying to scare you.”

Of course, if he could frighten her, that would be even better.

She always said she liked him, yet she didn’t truly understand what kind of man he was.

He felt it necessary for her to know that there was blood on his hands as well.

Turning his head away, Gu Huaisheng made no move to continue the conversation with Jiang Jingchun.

Seeing his reluctance to speak further, Jiang Jingchun held her tongue as well.

The play on stage was nearing its final act. The actors exited, their voices fading away, and the place grew noticeably quieter. Jiang Jingchun remained silent, lost in thought, unsure if Gu Huaisheng’s words had unsettled her.

Only when Madam Li called her to return home did Jiang Jingchun respond. She rose, bidding farewell to Madam Gu and Gu Huaisheng before following Madam Li out.

After they left, only Madam Gu, Gu Huaisheng, and Gu Huailang remained.

Madam Gu summoned Gu Huaisheng to sit beside her.

Seeing the weariness etched between his brows and eyes, she guessed he had been out since early morning.

She asked, “Out so early, what kept you busy?”

Gu Huaisheng answered truthfully, “There’s a case at the magistrate’s office that’s being closely watched. We’ve just gotten some leads, so I rushed over.”

Madam Gu nodded in understanding.

They sat in silence for a moment. Nearby, Gu Huailang had set down the Kongming lock he had been fiddling with—apparently having solved it. Gu Huaisheng glanced at him, and seeing that Madam Gu had nothing more to say, prepared to leave. But she suddenly called out to him, “Fuyan.”

Gu Huaisheng turned back, a hint of confusion in his eyes, uncertain why she had suddenly stopped him.

Madam Gu thought back to earlier—his movement when he went over to Jiang Jingchun.

She noticed that he seemed especially indulgent towards her.

She considered that if it were trivial matters, he would always acquiesce to her.

Was he truly just a cousin to his cousin?

Yet he was not so lenient with others.

Madam Gu herself could never quite understand this son of hers.

He had always kept his distance from her.

When she gave birth to Gu Huaisheng, she nearly died from complications. Having come so close to death, she had no intention of having another child. Yet Gu Huaisheng was distant, affectionate only in childhood but withdrawn as he grew older.

Now, she found herself contemplating having another child.

Once the thought took hold, she quickly acted on it.

Gu Huaisheng had always been thoughtful and reserved, so deep that even his mother often couldn’t fathom his thoughts.

After a moment’s reflection, she spoke, “You’re at a proper age now—twenty-one. Many are eager to establish ties with our family.”

Twenty-one was indeed no longer young. Men his age were often fathers by then. But Gu Huaisheng was pure and indifferent, showing no interest in such matters. A servant girl with striking looks had been brusquely removed by him without expression before.

There were no shortage of suitors seeking alliance with the Hou family; the threshold was nearly worn down with visitors.

Madam Gu joked lightly but felt uneasy inside. She watched Gu Huaisheng’s expression closely for any reaction.

But he responded immediately, with no hesitation or surprise, “I leave it all to Mother’s arrangements.”

With that, he left.

His answer was more decisive than she had expected. Relieved to have the answer she wanted, she did not detain him.

It seemed she had overthought the matter earlier.

After Gu Huaisheng left, Madam Gu turned to Gu Huailang with dissatisfaction, scolding, “Why don’t you get closer to your brother? Why stay so far away?”

Though brothers by blood, their closeness did not compare to that between Jiang Jingchun and him.

Gu Huailang hung his head, muttering, “Brother doesn’t like me. If I get close, he pushes me away.”

He was not like Jiang Jingchun; if someone disliked him, he would not cling to them.

At six years old, he was old enough to understand but not mature enough to reason. His thoughts were simple: who liked him, he liked in return; who didn’t, he disliked.

So since Gu Huaisheng disliked him, he disliked Gu Huaisheng back.

Madam Gu was at a loss with his words, unsure how to reason with a six-year-old. It was natural that Gu Huaisheng didn’t like him; no one welcomed a brother suddenly appearing.

They all knew what such a brother meant.

Madam Gu could only sigh and crouch down to look at him. “Your brother treats everyone like this. It’s not that he hates you. You’re still young—don’t think too much.”

Gu Huailang wasn’t so easily fooled, clearly disbelieving her. He whined, “No, he’s not like that with Jiang family’s sister.”

Madam Gu patted his head, “You’re clever beyond your years. What do you know?”

She dismissed his words and took his hand, leaving.

*

The sun dipped below the horizon, fiery clouds spreading across the sky.

After returning to the Jiang household, evening was near. Madam Li intended to take Jiang Jingchun directly back to Chongming Hall.

But Jiang Jingchun insisted on staying with the Old Madam, showering her with soft coaxing.

Unable to argue further, Madam Li relented and let her go.

Nearby, Lin Shi, who had watched the entire scene, unusually refrained from her usual mockery. Upon returning to the second household, she immediately sought out her husband Jiang Cheng, insisting Jiang Jingfang also be sent to the Old Madam’s side.

She claimed it was for Jiang Jingfang to learn the palace maid’s rules, but in truth, she wanted her daughter to have what Jiang Jingchun possessed.

In their room, Jiang Cheng sat at the table as Lin Shi rambled.

“Why must the first household always get all the advantages? Learning the rules? If Jiang Jingchun were truly obedient, pigs could climb trees. Being with the Old Madam is far better than not. She’s always favored the eldest son. Back when you and the eldest brother were young, she only cared for him. Now among the younger generation, she’s still close to the eldest. Are you even a man? How can you tolerate this?”

Since her return, Lin Shi’s complaints never ceased.

Jiang Cheng frowned at her harsh words. “Can’t you speak properly? It’s my own fault—I’m unremarkable and have achieved nothing in my studies. If Mother had distracted herself with me back then, the Jiang family would have been finished.”

Jiang Cheng was no fool. He understood that when food was scarce, only one son could continue his studies, naturally choosing Jiang Nan.

Only by cultivating Jiang Nan to succeed could the Jiang family regain prominence in the capital.

Looking back, the Old Madam’s choice was indeed wise.

Jiang Cheng harbored no great ambitions; as long as his brother thrived, there would be broth for him to drink.

Hearing this, Lin Shi’s anger flared anew. She lashed out, “Who even knows if Jiang Jingchun has Jiang blood? Yet the Old Madam spoils her so—what is she after?”

Jiang Cheng quickly retorted, “Stop saying such things. If your sister-in-law hears, there’ll be trouble!”

“What? Not even allowed to speak in our own house? Am I wrong? Remember when Jiang Jinghui went missing for a month? When she was found, her name was changed. I distinctly recall that Jiang Jinghui had a birthmark on her hand—I saw it once. Jiang Jingchun doesn’t have one. You say there’s nothing suspicious? I don’t believe it.”

Jiang Jinghui had disappeared at age three. Jiang Nan searched for a full month with no success. During that time, Li Wannian seemed mentally unwell, clinging to anyone, begging for her child back.

They hadn’t taken her child—where would they return her from?

Eventually, Jiang Nan, Li Wannian, and Jiang Runchu visited a temple to pray. There, they unexpectedly found the abducted Jiang Jinghui.

However, a temple master advised that the name Jiang Jinghui was ill-omened, leading to misfortune. Thus, the child was renamed Jiang Jingchun.

Whether the found Jiang Jingchun was truly Jiang Jinghui was a secret likely known only to the first household.

Jiang Cheng clearly wished to avoid further discussion. “Enough! Stop being so suspicious. Why dwell on these things?”

“Fine. Whether or not she is, if Jiang Jingchun has it, my daughter must have it too!”

Eventually, Lin Shi wore him down, and Jiang Cheng sought out the Old Madam.

*

Night fell, the full moon hung high.

It was now the hour of the dog. Lin Shi, fearing the Old Madam would rest early, urged Jiang Cheng to hurry to Rongde Hall.

Upon arrival, Jiang Cheng saw the inner room still lit, knowing the Old Madam was awake. He lingered at the door, pacing but hesitant to enter.

A nearby maid approached, asking, “Second Master, are you here to see the Old Madam?”

Jiang Cheng snapped back to himself and, knowing he must not delay, dismissed the maid and entered.

Just inside, he met Jiang Jingchun, who carried an almost empty bowl with some leftover porridge.

They collided unexpectedly. Jiang Jingchun greeted him, “Second Uncle.”

Jiang Cheng awkwardly scratched his nose and responded, then asked, “Has Mother’s stomach ailment flared again?”

When the Old Madam’s stomach acted up, she refused food—even porridge. Jiang Jingchun was skilled enough to coax some down her throat.

Jiang Jingchun replied, “Yes, but after the porridge, she feels better and is resting inside.”

After brief pleasantries, Jiang Cheng entered.

The Old Madam lay on her couch, pale and still unwell.

Jiang Cheng spoke softly, “Mother.”

Though somewhat relieved, her stomach still churned with discomfort. She didn’t open her eyes, but murmured a response.

Seeing her furrowed brow, Jiang Cheng knew she was still suffering.

He continued, explaining his purpose. “Mother, I’ve noticed Jingchun has improved much after staying by your side. I thought Jingfang might also learn the rules and gain some skills. What do you think?”

The Old Madam opened her eyes to look at him, her expression unreadable.

“You wife’s idea?”

Jiang Cheng hurried, “She means well for the children, nothing else.”

The Old Madam sighed lightly. “For the children? Everything I taught Jingchun, Jingfang already knows. What would she come to learn? Would she even want to?”

She was old and wise enough to see through their schemes.

Jiang Cheng considered, “I heard there’s a palace maid here. Maybe Jingfang could learn something from her.”

The Old Madam understood: today he was determined to push this through.

“My health is failing. Jingchun alone is enough trouble.”

Still unwilling.

Jiang Cheng, wishing to avoid conflict with Lin Shi, tried one last tactic: “Mother, Jingfang is your granddaughter too.”

The Old Madam’s gaze turned colder but eventually relented.

“Fine. I erred focusing on your eldest brother and neglecting you. If you want Jingfang here, so be it. Don’t say I’m unfair. But I warn you—this isn’t a life of ease. If she can’t endure it, don’t bother me with complaints.”

Jiang Cheng often dredged up the past to gain favors from the Old Madam. Perhaps out of genuine guilt, she always indulged him. He asked, she gave.

This tactic never failed.

Feeling cornered by her words, Jiang Cheng was silent, then left.

From that day, Jiang Jingfang also came to Rongde Hall to stay with Jiang Jingchun.

Upon waking, Jiang Jingfang was devastated at the prospect of being sent to the Old Madam. She had no desire to suffer.

Besides, she already knew embroidery, tea ceremony, and etiquette.

What was the point of going to Rongde Hall?

Though reluctant at first, seeing Jiang Jingchun punished repeatedly by Lady Liu during lessons cheered her up. She stopped resisting.

However, as Jiang Jingchun improved and began to catch up to her, alarms sounded in Jiang Jingfang’s mind, and she began to secretly compete.

Still, no further trouble arose.

*

Days passed steadily until April 18th— the Old Madam’s sixtieth birthday.

Jiang Shangshu, a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel and a man of integrity, was well respected. Many sought his favor.

On the Old Madam’s milestone birthday, numerous distinguished guests from prominent families in the capital attended.

The banquet was held in the main room of Rongde Hall, golden curtains shimmering as guests came and went.

Jiang Nan and Jiang Cheng greeted the male guests outside, while Madam Li and Lin Shi mingled among the ladies.

Jiang Jingchun, having stayed by the Old Madam’s side these days, finally found a moment of leisure.

The feast had yet to begin. Rarely did the Old Madam don her first-rank official robe; seated in the inner chamber, many guests passed in and out to pay respects, paying little attention to her.

Chen Muqing was also present; her mother was with Madam Li.

Jiang Jingchun slipped out, blending into the crowd.

As they chatted, a sharp tap of boots sounded, followed by a ponytailed youth’s head poking around a corner.

“Hey, Jiang Jingchun, where have you been all this time? You haven’t gone out at all.”

The two were startled, turning to look.

The newcomer was a handsome youth of seventeen or eighteen, clad in fine silk with simple yet elegant embroidery. His brows were sharp, eyes bright—a striking figure.

It was Song Xuan’an.

Song Xuan’an was a mutual friend; his grandfather was a Grand Secretary. Only two or three years older, the three were close companions, often inseparable.

Recently, Song Xuan’an noticed Jiang Jingchun hadn’t left the house—a mystery he wished to solve.

“Busy learning etiquette,” Jiang Jingchun answered, adding, “Don’t bother me these days.”

Learning etiquette?

Song Xuan’an raised an eyebrow, amused, about to tease her when she cut him off, “Sir Song, the palace maids say men and women should keep their distance.”

Her voice carried, drawing attention.

The two were baffled—just before, they had stayed out late playing, and now she preached “no contact”? Had learning etiquette scrambled her mind?

Song Xuan’an opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by the sound of servants greeting someone at the door.

He turned to see a man enter. Clad in a narrow black brocade robe, simple but rich embroidery on the sash, flowing sleeves and wide belt. His sharp eyebrows and starry eyes carried a cold expression but also an imposing grace that drew many gazes.

Gu Huaisheng glanced their way, evidently noticing the commotion.

Song Xuan’an understood now why Jiang Jingchun had suddenly changed—Gu Huaisheng had arrived.