Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Jiang Xi looked at her mother in confusion. She saw Madam Jiang staring expressionlessly at the so-called elegant and dignified ladies and daughters of noble families before them, and quietly sought her mother's protection.
Lady Lin continued to mock, "I heard that Lady Jiang has broken off her engagement with Young Master Huo. After all, the Regent's status is noble and powerful, far superior to Huo Xingwen, who is merely a Deputy Minister for now. If she marries the Regent, she would truly be soaring to new heights."
Madam Jiang frowned, inwardly scoffing at the so-called official wives and noble daughters that Jiang Xingzhi praised daily; they were nothing more than a group of common street women.
Madam Jiang spoke lightly, "Miss Lin certainly has quite the connections to receive an invitation from the Huai'an Princess. Shangshu Lin has been in office for over thirty years and has finally climbed to the position of Minister; it is only fitting that he seizes this opportunity to build a good relationship with the Princess."
Lady Lin's arrogant demeanor instantly extinguished as she nervously asked, "Madam Jiang, what do you mean by that?"
Madam Jiang smiled faintly, "It means nothing much. Master Lin has had a hard time in office, and given his age, he likely has no further opportunities for promotion. Both of you dare to ridicule my daughter in front of me, the Prime Minister's Wife; you truly have some nerve!"
Lady Lin's heart sank as she realized she had been too focused on her own verbal triumphs and had forgotten about the other party's status.
Although everyone knew that the Prime Minister looked down on his legitimate wife for being from a merchant family, even if she was not favored, she was still the Prime Minister's Wife, and Jiang Xi remained the eldest daughter of Feng Yang.
Lady Lin showed an awkward expression and stammered an explanation, "I didn't mean any harm."
Madam Jiang had no interest in her insincere excuses and raised her gaze to the onlookers.
Jiang Xi had not willingly been brought into the royal residence by the Regent; as Lady Lin had just mentioned, the Regent's status was noble and powerful—something the Jiang Family could not contend with.
"I know that now Xi'er’s reputation is difficult to defend. After all, there are many ignorant people like Lady Lin here who always harbor malice towards others and are quick to label them with accusations at the slightest provocation, regardless of the truth." The other ladies felt embarrassed and angry at Madam Jiang's words.
Jiang Xi watched her mother’s back with a faint smile.
Her mother usually ignored unreasonable provocations from concubines and illegitimate daughters but today spoke up for her, silencing a group of gossiping ladies.
The feeling of being protected was wonderful. Madam Jiang looked down at the ladies with an imposing presence. "So Xi'er also considered Huo Xingwen’s feelings when she canceled their engagement. I hope you all understand this point. As for soaring to new heights, I dare not say anything else; just looking at it now, which of your daughters can compare to my Xi'er? Who among them is of higher status or wealthier than her?"
"Today, I could buy this Pavilion with just a few words. While you ladies hesitate over a piece of jewelry and then feel regret for days after purchasing it, that's the difference."
The faces of several ladies turned pale, feeling the sting of her words, a mix of embarrassment and anger washing over them.
"So even if my Xi'er doesn't soar to great heights, she is still no less than a phoenix. Instead of gossiping about others, you ladies might as well return home and think carefully about which branch your own daughters should aspire to."
Han Yue secretly gave a thumbs up, thinking how well she spoke.
Madam Jiang continued calmly, seemingly unfazed by the expressions on the ladies' faces, as she took her daughter's hand.
"Moreover, the Regent holds my Xi'er in high regard and even sent guards from the palace to escort her home today."
Finally seizing her chance, Han Yue stepped forward eagerly, casting a cold glance at the group of gossiping women. "What Madam Jiang said is absolutely correct. Our lord has declared that Miss Jiang Xi will be the future mistress of the Regent's Palace and the future princess. Who dares to bully her? If I report this truthfully to our lord, you all can explain yourselves to him."
At this point, Han Yue turned to Jiang Xi. "The lady from the Lin family and her daughter have been excessively rude. Perhaps we should inform our lord and have them expelled from the capital?"
Lady Lin's face turned white as she hurriedly pleaded with Jiang Xi.
Jiang Xi nodded slightly. "Let’s do as you suggest."
Han Yue pointed at them. "You, you, and you! I heard everything you said clearly. You claimed our lady was abandoned by the lord, right? You said she was climbing high branches out of disdain for poverty, correct? Let me tell you, our lord cherishes her greatly and wouldn't let her suffer even a little bit of grievance. He actually hopes that Lady Jiang would climb his high branch."
A warm feeling surged within Jiang Xi, difficult to describe.
Although Han Yue served under Fong Yang's orders to protect her, how could this girl be so endearing?
Lady Lin had already regained her composure and feared that Han Yue would truly report back to the Regent. She quickly tried to salvage the situation.
"Lady Jiang, I meant no harm; I truly didn't know that Lady Jiang hadn't received an invitation."
Han Yue stood in front and coldly said, "Lady Lin, there's no need for explanations. My young lady has already received the invitation, so we are here today to choose a congratulatory gift. Have you made your selections? Would you like my young lady to offer some suggestions?"
Her master was incredibly strong, and Han Yue's imposing demeanor matched. Lady Lin and her companions, who had initiated trouble, had already faced Madam Jiang's wrath. With Han Yue as their trump card, they now appeared particularly humble. "We'll take our leave first. Madam Jiang and Lady Jiang can take their time selecting. We will visit you at the Minister's residence for tea another day; I will certainly host you well."
With that, they quickly pulled away with her daughter, and the other ladies hurriedly found excuses to leave as well.
Madam Jiang watched the fleeing ladies with a cold sneer. "I thought they were all so brave! Yet upon hearing the Regent's name, they turned pale with fear. How dare they mock others in public? Isn't that just asking for humiliation?"
Han Yue agreed, "You're right, Madam. They are just idle people who take pleasure in others' misfortunes."
Now that the new emperor had ascended the throne, his foundation was still weak, and most of the power in court remained in the Regent's hands. With just a word from him, even the emperor couldn't save those whom the Regent wished to deal with.
Jiang Xi deeply felt the sense of being protected and remained silent for a long time, her eyes slightly moist.
Han Yue suddenly noticed that Jiang Xi's eyes were a bit red and hurriedly stepped forward to ask, "Miss, what's wrong? Do you feel wronged? If you feel wronged, I can go back and tell the prince to handle these arrogant ladies."
Jiang Xi shook her head and smiled, "No, I'm just a bit touched."
Han Yue was taken aback and blurted out, "Really? Just this little scene has moved you so much? The prince should treat you even better in the future; will you be so moved that you'd offer yourself to him? I must report this to the prince properly."
Jiang Xi was unaware of Han Yue's thoughts at that moment; she was simply reflecting on how heaven had shown her mercy by giving her a chance at rebirth—perhaps to allow her to repay those who had treated her kindly.
Comment 0 Comment Count