Chapter 27: Her Reputation Is Ruined, She Is Unworthy of Pei Xingzhi

The hall was bathed in flickering, dim candlelight that cast long shadows across the faces of those gathered. While it illuminated their somber expressions, it failed to reveal the hidden turmoil churning within their hearts.

Jiang Lingyao lowered her gaze, her long lashes veiling the dark intensity in her eyes. She remained silent, lost in a daze. Ever since Song Lian'er had entered the manor, she had not celebrated a birthday of her own. It had begun with a single remark from Song Lian'er: "To think that I share the same birthday as the Sixth Young Lady, yet I have never once had a celebration. Each year, only Father would cook me longevity noodles, and now, even those are beyond my reach." From then on, while the birthday banquets were still held in Jiang Lingyao’s name, the guest of honor had invariably become Song Lian'er. This year, it was even worse—she had been omitted entirely.

"Mingzhu! What on earth is going on?"

Jiang Lingyao snapped out of her reverie and looked up with a smile. "Grandmother, if there were truly anything amiss, I would have come to you with my grievances long ago. Am I the type to suffer in silence?"

The Matriarch sighed. Jiang Lingyao was indeed not the type to endure injustice, but she was too kind-hearted, always considering others before herself. How could the Matriarch not worry for her?

As the words were spoken, the others chimed in, and the atmosphere finally began to warm.

"Mother, you are overthinking this."
"Grandmother, Mingzhu is the apple of the manor’s eye. How could she possibly be wronged?"
"Exactly. With her fiery temper, who would dare bully her?"

The scene became lively and harmonious, as if nothing had ever happened. Jiang Lingyao felt a brief moment of disorientation. She watched the smiles on everyone’s faces and joined in, though her heart felt bitter. She felt a sense of melancholy; this was likely the last reunion dinner she would ever share with them. Once she left, she would never see this sight again.

Suddenly, the Matriarch spoke gently: "Mingzhu, you have come of age. It is time to put your marriage on the agenda. My health is failing, but after I rest for a few days, I will start making arrangements. I hope to have you betrothed by the end of summer and married by next spring. How does that sound?"

Everyone present changed color. Song Lian'er gripped her palms tightly, her face turning pale as she looked with wounded eyes toward Jiang Xiuyuan and the Duke of the State seated at the head of the table.

Startled, Jiang Lingyao ignored the reactions of the others and quickly replied, "Grandmother, I wish to stay by your side for a few more years."

The Matriarch gazed at her, her eyes glistening with faint tears. Her voice was heavy. "I know you are the most filial child; you are the one I raised with my own hands. But I know the state of my health. Mingzhu, I cannot hold on for much longer, and I cannot rest easy regarding your future."

Jiang Lingyao’s heart felt as if it had been struck, a sudden ache causing her nose to sting. Her grandmother was the person who loved her most in this house, yet she was frail and unable to attend to much. Jiang Lingyao did not want her to worry.

"I must see you settled in a good home, knowing your life will be smooth, so that I may depart in peace."

The Matriarch’s gaze was tender yet heavy. Jiang Lingyao wiped her eyes, about to speak, when she was suddenly interrupted.

"Grandmother, if Mingzhu is in no hurry, please do not rush. She is still young; let her stay with you a while longer." It was Jiang Xiuyuan who spoke, seated beside Song Lian'er.

Song Lian'er’s eyes brimmed with tears, as if she were the one being robbed of a marriage prospect. Jiang Lingyao subconsciously frowned, a sense of weariness washing over her. To her annoyance, Jiang Xiushu joined in, raising an eyebrow at her. "Besides, this match isn't a certainty. Pei Xingzhi is the Emperor’s favorite now; every noble lady in the capital fancies him. If he doesn't take a liking to our Sixth Sister..."

"What do you mean, he wouldn't take a liking to her!" The Matriarch slammed her hand on the table, her smile vanishing, her voice laced with warning. "My Mingzhu is so wonderful, how could she not be a match for him?"

Jiang Xiushu froze. Stung by the Matriarch’s admonishing gaze, he turned his head away in embarrassment. Grandmother favored Jiang Lingyao above all others; even the grandsons had to step aside. But why? Did she not know how embarrassing Jiang Lingyao had become over the past few years? As for who was a match for whom—only Lian'er was worthy of Pei Xingzhi!

Song Lian'er said, looking aggrieved, "Grandmother, Third Brother spoke without thinking. Please do not blame him."

Hearing this, Jiang Xiushu felt even more unsettled and clenched his fists. The Matriarch withdrew her gaze and sighed. "Mingzhu, I will personally see to your dowry. I will make sure you are the most radiant bride in the capital."

Jiang Lingyao opened her mouth, her throat dry, her eyes brimming with tears. But she could not wait, nor could she marry Pei Xingzhi. How was she to tell her grandmother that she had to leave?

For a moment, meeting the expectation and concern in her grandmother’s eyes, Jiang Lingyao’s resolve faltered. She had never felt such internal conflict; it was as if she were being torn in two. Even though she had made up her mind to leave, the mere sight of her grandmother made her heart tremble uncontrollably.

On the other side, upon hearing the word "dowry," Song Lian'er let out a low sob, tugging at Jiang Xiushu’s sleeve. "Third Brother, does this mean I can't marry Brother Pei? I am so sad. Why can't the younger sister let me have this one thing?"

Jiang Xiushu gripped his fists, staring fixedly at Jiang Lingyao. Seeing the smile on her face, his anger surged. She was unworthy! Such a fine marriage—she didn't deserve it at all! Besides, she owed Lian'er so much; what was a mere marriage proposal compared to that? Why not just give it to Lian'er?

He stood up abruptly and shouted, "Grandmother! Jiang Lingyao’s reputation is in ruins. Everyone knows about her being punished for shattering the Buddha statue. She is simply not worthy of Pei Xingzhi!"