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Jiang Jiao suppressed her emotions and called out, "Sister, I was foolish before. From now on, I will serve Mother well. Please forgive me this time, okay?"
Jiang Xi smiled faintly. "I'll be watching your performance in the future. I hope you can keep your word."
Thinking she had a chance, Jiang Jiao felt a surge of joy and was about to speak when Jiang Xi interrupted her. "What is this? You and your mother come here to cause trouble in one day, and even brought Father along. Do you really think I'm just a paper tiger without any temper?"
Jiang Jiao couldn't hold back any longer and was about to reveal her true self when she suddenly met Jiang Xi's cold, distant gaze filled with chilling intent. In an instant, all her anger was extinguished, leaving only fear. She thought to herself: This is like seeing a ghost. Sister, why do you suddenly have such a fierce aura? It's even more unsettling than those princesses.
"Go back. From now on, don't step foot into Listening to the Rain Pavilion without Mother's permission."
After saying that, Jiang Xi closed the door firmly. Han Shuang, standing guard at the door, spoke with authority, "Why are you still here? Get lost!"
Jiang Jiao, who did not get what she wanted, left with a pale face and fiery eyes but could only walk away.
Madam Jiang tried to comfort Jiang Xi. "Jiang Jiao and her mother are just spoiled by their temper. If they really had any schemes, it would only elevate them. So, Xi'er, don't take them too seriously."
Jiang Xi nodded. "You're right, Mother."
What truly deserved her attention was actually Jiang Yue's mother, the Liu.
The Liu had once been a courtesan in a brothel, possessing unparalleled beauty and excelling in Qin, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting.
She was exceptionally understanding and easily captured the hearts of men.
Even Jiang Xi's self-righteous father could not escape the charm of the Liu and had redeemed her sixteen years ago.
As she thought about this, Jiang Xi suddenly furrowed her brow. She realized that her father had maintained a relationship with the Liu for sixteen years while she herself was only sixteen years old. This meant that when her mother was pregnant with her, her father was already involved with the Liu.
The Liu, a courtesan of exceptional beauty and cunning unmatched by ordinary people, easily won over Jiang Xi's father's heart.
The self-righteous Jiang Xingzhi redeemed her and even had a cunning daughter named Jiang Yue.
Feeling somewhat angry, Jiang Xi asked her mother, "Mother, my father has been involved with the Liu for sixteen years."
Madam Jiang shook her head. "It's not like it was always maintained. After all, the Liu is a woman from the pleasure district, and your father values his reputation, so they were cut off for several years."
"I was completely in the dark about this at first and had no idea of the Liu's existence. When I was pregnant with you, your father began to bring Concubine into our home, and many official wives deliberately tried to befriend me, emphasizing the notion that men should have multiple wives."
"Over time, I seemed to accept this idea, but I never expected your father to go even further, taking in one concubine after another. My disappointment in him grew."
At this point, a mocking smile appeared on Madam Jiang's lips. "Perhaps after achieving success and fame, he no longer valued the help of a wife who had fallen from grace."
Jiang Xi felt that there was more to the story. How did Jiang Yue come into existence?
Sixteen years ago, the Liu was a hot commodity, a courtesan in high demand; how could the madam possibly allow her to become pregnant?
Madam Jiang sighed and said slowly, "I only learned when you were six years old that after spending a night with your father, the Liu secretly gave birth to a girl. Even your father was kept in the dark about this."
Jiang Xi furrowed her brows, confusion evident in her eyes as she softly asked, "How did Mother find out about the Liu's child?"
Madam Jiang did not hide anything and calmly replied, "It was told to me by a guard by my side."
Jiang Xi felt puzzled; she had never seen any guards around her mother but chose not to ask further.
Madam Jiang continued, "It wasn't until three years ago when your father became Prime Minister that the Liu sent someone to inform him of this news. Even after all those years, she still exuded charm, and they quickly rekindled their relationship."
Jiang Xi's expression grew serious as she frowned slightly. "When my father first met the Liu, he wasn't even Prime Minister. For his career and reputation, he wouldn't truly entangle himself with her. Yet the Liu gave birth to this child alone and waited until my father became Prime Minister before revealing herself. One must admit, her patience and cunning are indeed admirable."
Madam Jiang nodded in agreement. "Yes, while I look down on her, I can't help but admire her patience and strategy."
Jiang Xi remained puzzled and pressed on. "How did the Liu know for sure that my father would succeed?"
Madam Jiang pondered for a moment before analyzing, "The Liu came from the pleasure district and has seen all kinds of men; perhaps she could tell at a glance that your father would achieve greatness. Just like how I unconditionally supported him in his studies and exams because I believed in his talent and ability."
"Xi'er, why are you so interested in your father's relationship with the Liu today?"
Jiang Xi replied softly, "Because I have to be cautious of the Liu. Jiang Yue is eager to enter Feng Yang; there may very well be some instigation from the Liu behind her ambitions. I can't afford to underestimate Jiang Yue."
Madam Jiang looked at Jiang Xi in confusion. "Why do you seem to harbor more hostility towards Jiang Yue than even towards Jiang Jiao?"
Jiang Xi nodded slightly. "Jiang Jiao only brings humiliation upon herself; teaching her a lesson is enough. But Jiang Yue is a matter of life and death."
Madam Jiang felt a sudden shock in her heart and couldn't help but wonder what had happened to make Jiang Xi harbor such intense hatred for Jiang Yue.
The daughter of a concubine was not as much of a threat as Jiang Jiao. As long as she did not agree, she could control the finances within the household, and Jiang Xingzhi would have to think twice.
Moreover, even if the Liu family could enter the household, her status would forever be that of a Concubine, never able to become the legitimate wife.
Feng Concubine and Jiang Jiao were already recognized as legitimate concubines and daughters of the household.
Given Jiang Xingzhi's affection for Feng Concubine, it was likely he had plans to depose the legitimate wife and elevate Feng Concubine to that position.
The Feng family came from a prestigious background, far surpassing the Liu family, which had emerged from the brothels. How could Jiang Xi forsake the Feng mother and daughter and direct her hostility towards the Liu family and Jiang Yue? What hidden truths lay beneath this?
Since returning from the Regent's Palace, Jiang Xi had clearly changed; she had broken off her engagement, turned against Huo Xingwen, and made an enemy of Jiang Yue.
What had transpired during that month at the Regent's Palace?
Madam Jiang did not ask further. Whatever her daughter wanted or wished to do, she would support wholeheartedly.
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