Chapter 32: The Fourth Young Lady’s Malicious Intentions

Clearing her throat, she offered an explanation.

"Mother, you are wronging both your daughter-in-law and Jin'er. We have never heard of these rumors the eldest sister speaks of. Their veracity is yet to be confirmed, let alone being a reason to decline today’s meeting. Would that not be blatantly trampling Jin'er's reputation into the dust? Besides, that is the Third Young Master of a Prince’s Mansion. Even if he is born of a concubine, his status is far above that of ordinary folk. Who is this girl to assume he would even favor her? Why speak as if the marriage is already set in stone? If you ask me, the eldest sister is merely fear-mongering. If you do not wish to marry, do not spoil the prospects of your sisters."

Second Aunt Zhang launched a tirade at everyone present, not forgetting to cast aspersions on Jiang Shiyuan at the end. She wished nothing more than for the girl to leave the banquet immediately, so she would stop spreading "rumors" and ruining her plans.

Her words left Old Madam Jiang, who usually trusted her, feeling uncertain.

Jiang Shiyuan knew that what her grandmother cared about most was her father’s official position and her eldest brother’s future, so she had to raise the stakes.

"True or false, it is not difficult to verify. There are many in the Ministry of Justice who are aware of these matters. If Father sends someone to inquire tomorrow, he will know the truth. But I must warn you: the Princess Consort Chun’s family has relatives serving in the Imperial Academy. If today’s matter is not handled properly and affects my eldest brother’s future, Grandmother, it would shake the very foundations of the Jiang family."

Jiang Shiyuan’s words struck fear into Old Madam Jiang.

She cared most in this life for her eldest grandson, born to her eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Wang. He was the apple of her eye; a hundred granddaughters combined could not compare to such a precious grandson. This hit her where it hurt most. Regardless of whether the original matter succeeded or not, she cast a stern look at her second daughter-in-law, Zhang, and a fleeting glance at Jiang Shiyue, before commanding solemnly:

"A-Nian is right. It is better to be safe than sorry. The Spring Imperial Examination is not far off, and Hui'er has studied for years for this opportunity. If we hinder him, the loss to our Jiang family will be irreparable. In that case, Yue'er, it is best you do not step forward. Wait until your eldest uncle has thoroughly investigated the matter before speaking further!"

Jiang Huaishan nodded, intending to add his own thoughts, but was interrupted by Jiang Shiyue, who suddenly ran over and knelt before Jiang Shiyuan, sobbing, "Eldest Sister, save me! I do not want to marry such a man."

Her words sent Second Aunt Zhang, already dissatisfied, into a towering rage. Regardless of the circumstances, this was a member of her second branch, and as the legal mother, she certainly had the right to discipline her.

She had intended to use this girl to pave the way for her own daughter in the Prince’s Mansion. Now, before they had even met or achieved anything, this little wench had changed her tune and wanted to defect to the "enemy camp." How could she tolerate it? She rose immediately to confront her.

"Good! When you begged me to find you a future, you were crying like a flower withered by frost. If I hadn't felt pity for you, I wouldn't have let Jin'er go out of her way to arrange this match. And you? Now that you've found someone to shield you, you step all over my and Jin'er's faces? Jiang Shiyue, you had better think carefully about who runs the second branch! If you truly want to beg the eldest sister to turn down this meeting, I cannot stop you, but if you ever want to come back, I tell you, it will be impossible!"

Second Aunt Zhang was merciless. Her eyes swept over Concubine Hai, and seeing her trembling violently, she felt a measure of spiteful satisfaction. Over the years, whenever Zhang felt slighted outside, she would invariably vent her anger on her upon returning to the courtyard. Thus, Concubine Hai, who had borne a son and daughter, held a lower status in the household than even Mother Du, the Old Madam’s servant!

Jiang Shiyue’s hands, which had been clutching Jiang Shiyuan’s dress, slowly loosened.

At such a young age, she exuded a sense of utter despair that made onlookers feel pity. Yet, Jiang Shiyuan’s gaze remained cold. It seemed this courtyard was not entirely populated by fools; this fourth sister of hers, though young, was quite calculating.

She did not like being used as a pawn, but since the words were out and the fourth sister had placed her on this pedestal, if she did not resolve the matter, there would surely be endless trouble in the house. For the sake of domestic peace, Jiang Shiyuan helped her up, wearing a distant smile as she said:

"Fourth Sister, get up quickly. Second Aunt only spoke harshly out of anxiety. If she truly wanted to harm you, would you still be alive today?"

With this remark, she pointedly addressed everyone in the second branch. While Second Aunt Zhang was indeed narrow-minded and ruthless, Jiang Shiyue, raised under Concubine Hai, was clearly no pushover—adept at playing the victim to manipulate others.

Jiang Shiyue had not expected her own hidden agenda to be seen through so quickly by her eldest sister. Panic flashed in her eyes, but she could only lower her head, pretending not to understand.

Soon, hurried footsteps sounded outside. Through the curtain, the steward raised his voice and announced:

"Old Madam, the Heir of Prince Chun’s Mansion, the Heir’s Consort, and the Third Young Master have arrived at the mansion."

Jiang Huaishan and Old Madam Jiang exchanged looks; today’s affairs had to be concealed. They turned to Jiang Shiyuan and instructed:

"A-Nian is not in good health, and she likely won't enjoy such a banquet. Take your two sisters and return to Ting-Shi Pavilion."

"Father is right. My head is indeed aching terribly."

Seeing this, Jiang Shiyue immediately wiped her tears and reached out to support her, more agile than even the maids, Liuhua and Lüluo. By comparison, Jiang Shiyu appeared somewhat dull; she stood frozen until Concubine Yang nudged her. Only then did she react, hurrying forward to assist her eldest sister as the three of them left the banquet.

Once they had gone, there was no reason for the two concubines to remain. Just as they were about to leave, Jiang Huaishan spoke with calm detachment:

"Stay. Concubine Yang, take this opportunity to learn the rules of hosting guests. Also, Lin'er is older now; in a few days, he shall move out of the inner courtyard to live in the front quarters. I will have it prepared."

The "Lin'er" he referred to was Jiang Shilin, the only son of the second branch and Concubine Hai’s child. Though listed on the genealogy under Zhang’s name as the legitimate son of the second branch, he had lived with Concubine Hai his whole life. While it was said he was raised by his legal mother, he had actually grown up under Zhang’s constant intimidation. Thus, despite being twelve, he was timid and poor at his studies.

Jiang Huaishan had finally seen the true face of his sister-in-law. He would not let her ruin the children of the house, so it was better to keep them under his own watch.

Second Aunt Zhang had failed today. Not only had her matchmaking scheme collapsed, but her eldest brother-in-law had also taken the second branch’s only son away from her control. If the boy truly flourished, would he not turn against her? Looking at the ecstatic Jiang Shilin and the visibly moved Concubine Hai, she grew cold. However, she was trapped; if she stormed out now, it would only cause her own daughter to lose face. For her daughter’s sake, she had to endure it and join the others in welcoming the guests.

She would settle the score later!