Chapter 10

Early in the morning, as the sun gently rose, the women of the various branches of the Jiang family set out together toward the Wei Marquis’s residence.

The Great Yin Dynasty had stood for nearly two centuries. From its founding through countless ceremonies of merit and reward, many noble families had risen and fallen; grand mansions were built and demolished in turn—it was all ordinary in the ebb and flow of time.

Yet the Wei Marquis’s estate was different. Since the Lin family was granted nobility at the dynasty’s inception, each generation had outshone the last. In this current generation, the heir Lin Gao was a paragon of both literary and martial talents, a true dragon among men.

A few years prior, when the Lin family sought a marriage match for Lin Gao, countless noble maidens of the capital had their hearts stirred, yet ultimately the bride was chosen from the Jiang family. Jiang Shan, the eldest legitimate granddaughter of the Jiang clan, married into the Marquis’s household, sparking envy and admiration alike.

This match had been a great source of pride for Madam Xie. Even years later, whenever she spoke of her daughter’s in-laws, a glow of honor would cross her face without needing many words.

Today, the women of the third branch came to the Marquis’s mansion to present gifts meant to hasten childbirth.

Jiang Shan was already seven months pregnant, her condition unmistakably evident.

Leading a retinue of servants, she personally went out to receive her maternal relatives.

Upon seeing her daughter’s pronounced belly, Madam Xie exclaimed, “Shan’er, how can you be out like this?” She hurried forward, gently supporting Jiang Shan with utmost care.

Jiang Shan was beautiful, her figure fuller from pregnancy, her demeanor composed and gentle, exuding a sense of refined elegance. Her speech and manners were measured, every gesture befitting a lady of distinction.

Behind her, a nanny held a little girl of about two years old, known as Sister Ru—Jiang Shan’s eldest daughter, Lin Huiru. Shy by nature, Sister Ru resisted even Madam Xie’s persistent attempts at affection.

“I haven’t been attentive to Sister Ru during this pregnancy, which has made her wary of strangers,” Jiang Shan murmured, touching her belly with a hint of melancholy.

Madam Xie worried that her daughter might be overthinking and quickly reassured her, “It’s nothing serious. Sister Ru is still young. Once you have this child, you’ll raise them both together without trouble.”

“Mother, you’re absolutely right,” Jiang Shan smiled, beckoning the others to follow her to the main courtyard of the Marquis’s residence.

Madam Hua, the Marquis’s second wife, was present. She had married into the family after Lin Gao had already grown to adulthood and thus never dared to assert herself before her stepson. She was also extremely eager to ingratiate herself with her daughter-in-law’s family.

Accompanying her was a young woman adorned with jewels—her niece, Hua Jinniang. Though not unattractive, her attire was somewhat overdone, giving an impression of clutter rather than elegance. Her gaze, particularly upon seeing Jiang Gu and Jiang Si, was tinged with contempt, her lips curling in disdain.

However, the true mistress of the household was no longer Madam Hua but Jiang Shan herself.

As Jiang Shan’s mother, Madam Xie’s attitude toward Madam Hua was polite but lacked warmth. Madam Yu and Madam Gu followed suit, neither daring to become too familiar with Madam Hua.

After the formal greetings, Jiang Shan led her kin to her own quarters.

The Marquis’s estate was even more splendid than the Jiang family home. As the heir’s wife and future lady of the household, Jiang Shan’s residence was grander than Madam Xie’s own Qingfeng Court.

Madam Xie surveyed everything carefully, asking many questions. Seeing all the exquisite furnishings and hearing how doting Jiang Shan’s husband was, she finally felt reassured.

Jiang Shan, heavy with child, half reclined on a brocade couch.

Soon, a nanny approached, carrying something.

Everyone fixed their gaze, then exchanged glances.

“Chan Jie’er,” Jiang Shan called to the sixth young lady, Jiang Chan.

Jiang Chan was the youngest daughter of the Jiang family and the only daughter of Madam Yu, the second wife. Madam Yu had borne a son and a daughter; the son, Jiang Wei, was second among his brothers but tragically died at ten.

Jiang Chan was born years after that loss, cherished dearly yet raised with strict discipline.

Before setting out, Madam Yu had given her daughter instructions, so Jiang Chan was obedient and quiet, afraid to offend Jiang Shan.

Jiang Shan beckoned again, “Chan Jie’er, come to your eldest sister.”

Jiang Chan glanced at her mother, who nodded slightly, before stepping forward.

“It’s been months; you’ve grown quite a bit,” Jiang Shan said, taking Jiang Chan’s hand and pointing to the nanny, “Chan Jie’er, there are two pairs of socks here. Which do you think would suit the child in your eldest sister’s belly?”

Everyone then understood the significance of the nanny holding one red and one blue sock.

Madam Yu grew nervous. “Shan Jie’er, your little sister is too young to understand—”

“Second Aunt, it’s fine. I’ve heard that the younger the child, the truer their words,” Jiang Shan replied, touching her belly. Though the imperial doctors all said she was carrying a boy, she still felt uneasy. Previously, she had tried with Sister Ru, but the child cried and refused to choose, so she gave up. “Chan Jie’er, don’t be afraid. Choose whichever you want.”

At six years old, Jiang Chan was oblivious to adult subtleties and unaware of the socks’ symbolic meaning. Most children naturally favored red.

She reached out absentmindedly and immediately grabbed the red sock.

Madam Yu’s face went pale, nearly fainting.

The others also looked uneasy, especially Madam Xie, who tried several times to speak but was silenced by Jiang Shan’s warning glance.

As the atmosphere grew tense and solemn, Jiang Si stepped forward, snatched the sock from Jiang Chan’s hand, and said, “Chan Jie’er, that sock is for yourself. Now choose one to give to the eldest sister’s child.”

With the red sock taken, only the blue remained.

Jiang Chan had no hesitation and handed the blue sock to Jiang Shan. “Big sister, this sock is for your eldest nephew.”

She mimicked Jiang Si’s words, calling the child in Jiang Shan’s womb her “eldest nephew.”

Madam Yu’s dark eyes brightened, and she was the first to exclaim joyfully, “Congratulations, sister-in-law! Congratulations, Shan Jie’er! This child is surely a boy!”

She then cast a look of deep gratitude toward Madam Gu, conveying an unspoken message.

Madam Xie’s long-held worry finally eased, and her brows relaxed.

She smiled warmly at Jiang Si and said to Madam Gu, “Fifth girl seems so childish but is truly a most sensible child. Third sister-in-law, you are indeed blessed.”

Madam Gu, proud of her daughter, enjoyed hearing such praise. Though she spoke modestly, she secretly felt her daughter, though frail, was obedient and a comfort from childhood.

When the third branch had returned to the capital, Jiang Shan had already married, so her impression of Jiang Si was limited to two things: her beauty and her frailty.

A beautiful but weak cousin, born of a concubine, was destined not to marry a noble first son or become the head lady. Naturally, Jiang Shan had paid little attention.

Now, upon seeing her again, a new impression was added: sensible.

Given her status, Jiang Shan’s social circle was no mere acquaintances; if her maternal cousins were troublesome, it would be better not to associate. But a sensible cousin from a concubine’s line—she would not reject.

“I will thank your eldest nephew on your behalf,” Jiang Shan said, accepting the sock. Though her nerves remained taut, perhaps only when the child was safely born would she truly be at ease—or perhaps no less determined.

Taking advantage of the conversation about her unborn child, the women found endless topics to discuss—from childbirth to dietary taboos, their chatter lively and warm.

Amid the merriment, Jiang Shan smiled at Jiang Gu and Jiang Si, saying, “Look at you two, flushed and shy, no doubt unwilling to hear such things. Very well, go stroll in the garden; a few chrysanthemums are blooming rather nicely at this time.”

Madam Xie agreed, urging the sisters to go out and subtly gestured to Jiang Gu, “If you meet anyone, mind your manners.”

Jiang Gu nodded, biting her lip.

Before coming to the Marquis’s residence, her stepmother had privately instructed her: the main purpose was to bring gifts to her eldest sister to encourage childbirth; the secondary, to observe the third son of the House of Fang, relatives of the Duke of Xianguo.

Her heart was set on the heir, and she had resolved to fight for him; how could she entertain other suitors?

Such matters inevitably aroused some gossip. Madam Yu was somewhat aware, and Madam Gu had her suspicions.

“Yu Ge’er, you and your fourth elder sister mustn’t wander off,” Jiang Si cautioned.

Jiang Gu obediently followed Jiang Si.

The Marquis’s garden was vast, more than twice the size of the Jiang family’s, with a lotus pond that, though showing only withered lotus leaves, still possessed a unique charm.

The two stopped near the pond, not venturing further.

Jiang Gu forced a smile. “Fifth sister, you did very well just now.”

Offstage, Jiang Si showed no pretense.

“Is that so?” she replied nonchalantly.

“Of course,” Jiang Gu said distractedly, taking in the estate’s grandeur. “The Marquis’s household is truly magnificent. Everyone says our eldest sister is blessed, and it’s certainly true.”

The House of Xianguo was related by marriage to the Marquis’s family—currently, the Duke of Xianguo was Lin Gao’s maternal uncle. It was said the Fang family’s third son’s mother had once been a maid, and he himself had no reputation or talent.

Though born of the same father, different mothers made all the difference: some rose higher in status, marrying talented and handsome young nobles, whereas she was matched with a son of a concubine, and one whose family had to extend the invitation.

“Fifth sister, we are both of lower standing; no matter what, we cannot compare ourselves to eldest sister. Why must we compete and make things difficult for each other?” Jiang Si said as she walked toward the water’s edge. “You once asked me what I would do if you insisted on competing with me. Now I have my answer.”

Jiang Gu’s heart stirred; she followed.

“What would I do?” Jiang Si lowered her gaze, sighed softly, “I think—”

Suddenly, she swayed as if seized by urgency, grabbing Jiang Gu, then, as if fearing to upset her, quickly released her with a force that pushed Jiang Gu outward.

Splash!