Chapter Sixteen: Forsythia, Look at Prunella—Somehow, They Resemble You in a Way

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Moreover... she looked at the third young lady, Jiang Yan, standing beside the second madam, and warmth flickered in her eyes. She was the only person in the Jiang family who still harbored goodwill toward the original owner. Jiang Ping was very pleased with Jiang Nian’s performance today; only a daughter so meticulous and thoughtful could be entrusted to enter the palace with peace of mind.

When Jiang Li entered, she saw this harmonious scene, and jealousy and hatred surged fiercely within her. She should have received the same treatment as Jiang Nian, yet now she was despised by both grandmother and father, uncertain when she might ever rise again.

After paying respects, she was about to withdraw, but unexpectedly, Qiao Qingrong cast her a very kind glance. “Is this Sister Li?”

Jiang Li suddenly looked up. “Great Aunt…”

Qiao Qingrong took her hand and, from the box held by a maid, took out a pair of jade bracelets of exquisite luster and fastened them onto her wrist.

“Good child, if you ever face difficulties, come find Great Aunt.”

In front of the old madam, of course, she could not mention the second madam, lest she arouse her displeasure. But the meaning behind her words was clear: You have just lost your mother and are not favored by your father; it’s truly pitiful. Great Aunt will take care of you.

Jiang Li’s eyes reddened, and her voice trembled. “Thank you, Great Aunt.”

Qing’er stood behind Jiang Nian, observing the two with a calculating gaze, thinking, “The young lady’s judgment was indeed correct!”

Jiang Nian’s eyes grew cold. Qiao Qingrong was most skilled at wielding power and manipulating hearts.

In the original story, the original owner was injured and scarred, unable to enter the palace, and was thus married into the Qiao family. Qiao Qingrong was both her stepmother and aunt, resulting in her suffering at both her natal and marital homes.

In this lifetime, she would never again let her trample her so completely.

After the third madam also gave Jiang Li a gift for their meeting, nearly all the legitimate and concubine-born granddaughters of the household had gathered, except for Qiao Qingrong’s youngest daughter, born prematurely and unfit to go out.

The younger generation then paid respects to the old madam.

Jiang Old Madam was over fifty, stern and unsmiling, with deep wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and lips. Her cold and severe face bore an even harsher air, and even when she smiled, it carried a chilling edge.

In the original story, Jiang Nian was somewhat intimidated by this face.

Now, however, she was unbothered, having seen many human vicissitudes and private schemes.

This Jiang Old Madam was just an old troublemaker waiting to be dealt with.

Next, Qiao Qingrong led the younger members of the first and third branches to pay respects to Jiang Second Master.

Jiang Second Master also prepared gifts for their meeting—items originally prepared by the second madam, naturally part of her dowry.

Seeing these, Jiang Li’s eyes darkened with hatred.

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Afterwards, Jiang Nian and Jiang Li met with the household’s sisters one by one, concluding the kinship recognition.

As for Jiang Old Madam, the grandmother, she did not give a single penny from start to finish.

Firstly, her own resources were limited; secondly, she was biased towards males; thirdly, she believed it was the younger generation’s duty to show filial respect to her.

Jiang Nian smiled inwardly at the strange glances exchanged among the legitimate and concubine-born sisters of the first and third branches.

This household would soon be thrown into chaos.

...

Most of the arrangements for Jiang Nian’s courtyard were complete, except for some personal preference items that were still outstanding.

In the evening, Madam Qiao sent a servant to deliver curtains.

“Third Young Lady, the cushions and pillowcases won’t be ready until tomorrow from the sewing room; for now, I’ve brought the curtains to hang in your chamber.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian lifted her eyes, a spark of hidden fire flickering within them.

The maid grew somewhat uneasy under her gaze. “Third Young Lady, is something wrong?”

Jiang Nian lightly shook the fan in her hand, a smile curving her lips. “Nothing. It’s just that you bear a striking resemblance to Lianqiao by my side. I almost mistook you just now. What is your name?”

“I am your servant, Xia Ku.”

Xia Ku? That name was hardly auspicious.

Jiang Nian smiled. “Lianqiao, look at Xia Ku; somehow she resembles you in appearance and figure. Bring over the garment you recently made and give it to her.”

Thinking the young lady wished to win favor, Lianqiao quickly fetched her newly made garment and handed it to Xia Ku.

“This is made from the fabric the young lady awarded me a few days ago. I made two pieces; this one hasn’t been worn yet. Please take it.”

Xia Ku examined it closely; indeed, it was similar to Lianqiao’s dress, though the subtle patterns on the hem differed.

“Thank you, Third Young Lady. I like it very much.”

Jiang Nian smiled. “Put it on and show me.”

Xia Ku smiled in response without much thought.

Now that Madam Qiao was the eldest madam overseeing the household’s internal affairs, Xia Ku was one of her attendants; it was no surprise the third young lady showed her favor.

After changing into the new garment in her side chamber, Xia Ku returned to show Jiang Nian. Indeed, her face and figure bore some resemblance to Lianqiao.

Jiang Nian smiled warmly. “Not bad, like a pair of sisters. You two should get along more in the future.”

Upon hearing this, Xia Ku was even more convinced the third young lady was aiming to win hearts. “Thank you, young lady, for your kindness.”

Just then, Qing’er entered. “Young lady, a maid from the sewing room has come. They say we haven’t chosen the color for the window gauze yet and ask that you assign a trusted maid to visit them, so they can finish it promptly.”

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Lianqiao stepped forward. “Young lady, I’ll go.”

Jiang Nian shook her head. “I have other matters to entrust to you. Let Xia Ku go. She has tasks to attend to as well. As for the window gauze, I have no particular preferences; something simple and elegant will do.”

Just rewarded, Xia Ku happily agreed. “Third Young Lady, rest assured, I will handle the task well.”

Jiang Nian smiled. “Go ahead.”

Dressed in her new clothes, Xia Ku set off joyfully.

Once she left, Jiang Nian’s smile gradually faded... Xia Ku and the little maid went toward the sewing room.

The housekeeper heard that the third young lady had sent someone to select window gauze and hurried along to assist in choosing.

Since the great master had acknowledged her as the household’s legitimate eldest daughter, caution was necessary until the situation was clear.

Xia Ku was also perceptive; considering the items Jiang Nian preferred, she selected a few refined and modest pieces before heading back.

The sky had darkened considerably; it was barely light enough to see the path.

Xia Ku hurried along, unaware that a shadow was following her.

Suddenly, rustling came from the nearby bushes.

Startled, Xia Ku instinctively looked down; before she could see clearly, someone forcefully covered her mouth and nose from behind!

Terrified, Xia Ku struggled and whimpered, trying to pry the attacker’s arm away.

But the person’s strength was great; she could not break free and was dragged into the shadowy thicket...

At the Jade Pavilion.

Lianqiao had already made the bed. “Young lady, you must be weary from your journey. Please rest early tonight.”

Jiang Nian removed her hairpin and asked, “Has that maid named Xia Ku returned with word?”

“Not yet, young lady. You should rest; I will wait for her reply.”

But Jiang Nian insisted, “Send someone to inquire.”

Soon after, a breathless little maid hurried in to report, “Third Young Lady, Xia Ku—”

“Xia Ku is fine!” came Qiao’s voice, cutting off the maid’s words.

Jiang Nian quickly rose and bowed. “Mother, why have you come so late?”