Chapter 2

The next morning, the dawn was faint and gentle.

Madam Gu arrived early, bustling about both inside and outside without pause.

Jiang Si was cared for like a delicate doll; Madam Gu had always been meticulous in raising her adopted daughter, even personally overseeing the smallest details, such as which clothes she should wear.

She selected a dress of peach blossom hue for Jiang Si to change into and layered it with a crimson cloak. Stepping back to survey her, she grew increasingly pleased.

“My precious Jade Girl, you look beautiful in anything.”

Jiang Si saw her reflection in the mirror—her face radiant like a peach blossom in full bloom.

“All thanks to my mother.”

Madam Gu smiled so brightly it was as if she had tasted honey.

When sending her daughter off, she carefully instructed the attendant Zhu An, then slipped a deep emerald embroidered pouch containing a sleeve warmer into Jiang Si’s hands.

Under Madam Gu’s concerned gaze, Jiang Si left the courtyard, passing through a moon-gate, and immediately spotted a young woman standing by the rockery, about seventeen or eighteen years old.

The young woman wore a pale moon-white dress and a cloak of the same shade, simple and elegant, yet her beauty was undeniable, worthy of being called a flower-like face and moon-like appearance.

“Fifth Sister, over here!”

Jiang Si lifted her eyes, a faint chill stirring in her gaze.

There were six daughters in the Jiang family this generation: three from the main branch—one legitimate, two concubine-born; two from the second branch—one legitimate, one concubine-born; and only one legitimate daughter in the third branch.

This young woman was the fourth sister, a concubine-born daughter of the main branch named Jiang Gui, and also the female lead of the story.

Jiang Gui approached gracefully, taking Jiang Si’s hand. “Heaven be kind, Fifth Sister, you’ve grown even thinner and weaker. I wanted to visit you yesterday, but Aunt San forbade anyone from disturbing your recuperation.”

“Thank you for your concern, Fourth Sister; I am better now.”

The two sisters held hands, and anyone who saw them would believe their bond was deep and heartfelt.

Of the six Jiang girls, three were already married. Those remaining at home were Jiang Si, Jiang Gui, and the sixth legitimate daughter of the second branch, Jiang Chan. Jiang Chan was still young and confined under Lady Xie’s care, not yet sent to school.

The school they were attending was not a female academy for inner quarters but the clan school run by the Jiang family itself. Besides clan members, there were students who had come attracted by its reputation.

Upon entering the school, the sisters, both exceptionally beautiful, immediately drew many gazes. Jiang Gui’s refined elegance and Jiang Si’s tender charm invited inevitable comparisons.

“Before, Fourth Sister was considered the most beautiful, but now it seems not necessarily so.”

“In my opinion, Fifth Sister surpasses her. No wonder even the heir apparent has taken notice.”

Everyone knew who the heir apparent was.

The heir apparent of the Prince of Fortune’s Mansion: Murong Sheng.

The Prince of Fortune was one of the two princes remaining in the capital under the emperor’s favor, enjoying uninterrupted royal favor for years.

There were several heirs apparent in the Jiang clan school, but among them, the title and standing varied. No other heir apparent’s household in the capital could match the prestige of the Prince of Fortune’s heir. Thus, while others might be called “a certain heir,” the title “Heir Apparent” referred solely to Murong Sheng.

The chatter was loud; both Jiang Si and Jiang Gui heard it.

Jiang Gui’s delicate brows furrowed slightly as she pulled Jiang Si aside, her expression tinged with guilt. “Fifth Sister, don’t believe what they say.”

“What do you mean?” Jiang Si looked at her with clear, limpid eyes.

Biting her lip, Jiang Gui said, “It’s about… the heir apparent favoring you. I don’t want to hide it from you any longer. The heir apparent’s affections are for me. In the past, when he spoke those things that made you misunderstand, it was all to provoke me. Please don’t take it to heart.”

“Oh.”

“Fifth Sister, did you not understand what I meant?”

“I understood.”

“Then why—”

“What should I do?” Jiang Si countered. “Fourth Sister, you and the heir apparent are fond of each other. Knowing he was teasing me, why didn’t you tell me clearly from the start?”

They stood beneath a parasol tree. Its sturdy trunk concealed Jiang Si’s body but left half her face visible. She was shy; her eyelids and lashes fluttered together.

“Fifth Sister, I am a concubine-born daughter. I know better than anyone that my background does not match his. Though he favors me, I dare not accept it. When he got angry with me, he pretended to be close to you… Do you know how many tears I have secretly shed?”

“When you were secretly sad, did he comfort you?”

“Of course.”

Jiang Si responded with another “oh.”

Jiang Gui grew suddenly uneasy. “Fifth Sister, please don’t be angry with me.”

“I’m not angry,” Jiang Si shook her head. “How could I be angry with you? Because of me, you suffered grievance after grievance.”

“Please don’t say that, Fifth Sister,” Jiang Gui’s shame deepened.

Only heaven knew how happy she was when she learned Murong Sheng was fond of her. As a concubine-born daughter, even born into a prominent family like the Jiang, marrying a noble heir was no easy feat.

She feared Murong Sheng was merely attracted to her beauty without intentions of marriage, so she dared not accept his feelings. Yet she did not want to miss the chance and was tormented alone by this dilemma.

When Murong Sheng repeatedly provoked her through the Fifth Sister to make her angry, then coaxed and pampered her afterward, she felt his true affection.

Had Fifth Sister been less beautiful, she would not have worried at all. But with such beauty, though she prided herself on her own, jealousy inevitably arose, making it impossible to rest easy.

“The heir apparent is someone hard to resist. But as a concubine-born daughter, I dare not indulge in vain hopes. Others may not know my pain, but I’m sure you understand.”

The difference between a legitimate daughter of a concubine-born son and a concubine-born daughter of a legitimate son seemed trivial in words.

Jiang Si understood her unease and subtle thoughts, but what fault did the original owner have?

She was someone whose birth was not good enough, seemingly a bit insecure, but possessing extraordinary beauty and pride.

An insecure yet proud person, hesitant to admit she might be the luckiest, yet hoping to be so, adopting a posture of reluctant acceptance—frankly, it was just affectation.

“Fourth Sister, why tell me this today? Are you afraid I will truly believe the heir apparent’s words, or that he might truly fall for me?”

Jiang Gui’s face paled, disbelief in her eyes.

What did Fifth Sister mean by this?

If Fifth Sister also had feelings for the heir apparent, would she compete with her?

“Fourth Sister, rest assured, I have no interest in the heir apparent,” Jiang Si saw through her thoughts and said, “Please tell him not to bother me anymore.”

Her heart settled somewhat, though hesitation lingered. “I have no standing; the heir apparent wouldn’t listen. Since you know his intentions, best not to take it to heart. There’s no need to bring it up and create trouble.”

Jiang Si looked at her steadily, then said faintly, “I understand. I will handle this myself.”

…

Murong Sheng, being the son of a prince, was naturally of noble status. Even setting aside his lineage, his personal qualities alone made many a young lady secretly sigh.

With rosy lips, pearly teeth, and a face as flawless as jade, he wore a silver-brocaded robe shimmering like moonlight, exuding dignity and honor. His slightly upturned eyes carried a hint of casual indifference.

Upon entering the school, his gaze did not first seek Jiang Gui, but instinctively went to Jiang Si. That splash of peach-pink was impossible to overlook, like the arrival of spring itself.

“Jiang Five, I heard you were ill. Why are you here at school?”

Jiang Si glanced at him with little emotion. “I’m better. I cannot neglect my studies.”

Someone nearby stifled a laugh.

He smiled faintly, teasing, “When others say not to neglect studies, I believe them all. But when you, Jiang Five, say it, I find it most amusing.”

“Believe it or not, it’s your choice.”

His expression faltered slightly.

He pulled the person sitting nearest Jiang Si aside, then took his seat leisurely, resting his chin on his hand, watching Jiang Si as if seeking some secret.

Jiang Si felt a surge of irritation. This damned male lead was such a scoundrel—did he not realize his behavior could ruin someone?

Her glance shifted, and Jiang Gui’s aggrieved yet stubborn expression was like a thorn in her throat.

Ha!

“Jiang Five, what’s wrong with you today?” Murong Sheng suddenly stood, brushing his hand over Jiang Si’s forehead. “You don’t have a fever!”

Meeting Jiang Si’s clear black-and-white eyes, his Adam’s apple bobbed oddly, and as his hand withdrew, it slid over her alabaster cheek.

At that moment, everyone fell silent, watching them.

Jiang Si pushed him away sharply. “Heir apparent, please show some respect!”

He was caught off guard and staggered.

Usually, when teased like this, she would be filled with joy and bashfulness. What was wrong today?

“Jiang Five, are you upset because I didn’t keep my promise the other day?”

The original owner had fallen ill because of his teasing—waiting an entire hour in the cold wind, catching a persistent fever.

“I’m not upset. I know the heir apparent’s intentions.” Jiang Si glanced meaningfully at Jiang Gui. “I wish the heir apparent success in his desires and ask he not drag innocent people into this.”

“You say you’re not upset?” He understood then, suspecting Jiang Five was jealous of his affection for Jiang Four and was acting out.

Strangely, he was not angry at all, even secretly pleased.

His attitude and reaction made Jiang Si feel as if she had swallowed a fly.

Did Murong Sheng not understand human speech?

Amid the eerie silence, someone suddenly shouted, pointing outside incoherently.

“Th-that is…”

Two people approached the school. One was a lean old man, aged but sharp-eyed, with a white face and a beard, dignified and imposing—Jiang Si’s grandfather, Grand Tutor Jiang.

He respectfully spoke to a young man beside him, who wore a broad black robe. Tall, graceful, and radiant as snow-capped mountains, he was the imperial prince.

“Little Imperial Uncle!” Murong Sheng whispered with reverence.

Jiang Si’s heart stirred, and she rose to meet them.

She first bowed to Grand Tutor Jiang, addressing him, “Grandfather.”

Then she bowed to the young man, saying, “Your Highness, the heir apparent has behaved improperly before all. Please judge on my behalf!”