Chapter 44: Past Grudges (Part Six)

“What?” Jiang Wu was staring at Liang Qian, her eyes wide with disbelief. “You’re saying Bai Su is actually Lord Chu’s sister?”

Today, Liang Qian had a serious expression, saying he had something important to tell her. The two of them were alone in the room, and Jiang Wu was puzzled by his solemn demeanor, wondering what news could be so grave—only to hear such astonishing information.

Liang Qian understood her surprise well, as he himself had been shocked when Lord Chu first revealed it. Still, he signaled Jiang Wu to keep it a secret.

Jiang Wu nodded, covering her mouth as she digested the news for a long moment. No wonder Lord Chu’s gaze had often unconsciously drifted toward Bai Su that day. Yet, she still voiced her doubts, “But Bai Su doesn’t look anything like Lord Chu.”

“That’s not unheard of for siblings,” Liang Qian replied. “Lord Chu has no reason to lie. Besides, that day, he specifically asked me what my relationship with Bai Su was. I said…” He hesitated, embarrassed. “I said she was my sister, and Lord Chu’s expression was quite strange.”

Now that he mentioned it, that made sense.

“Lord Chu said,” Liang Qian continued, “his sister ran away from home to avoid an arranged marriage and ended up in this situation. His official inspection trip is actually a covert search for her.”

Just as Jiang Wu had suspected, a wealthy family’s scandal like this wasn’t something to publicize.

So this half-truth found no room for rebuttal from the couple.

Yet, Jiang Wu couldn’t shake a lingering unease.

“But what if, just what if… this is just Lord Chu’s excuse? What if he’s actually taken a fancy to Bai Su and wants to take her away? What then?”

It wasn’t that Jiang Wu was maliciously suspecting Lord Chu of lust; just the thought of such a possibility made her unable to let go easily.

Liang Qian was stumped by the question, and after a long pause, he said, “If Lord Chu really had such thoughts, you and I…”

He left the sentence unfinished, but Jiang Wu understood perfectly.

If Chu Ling truly intended that, no one could refuse.

In fact, he wouldn’t even need to find such an excuse.

Still, Jiang Wu remained uneasy. Seeing her distress, Liang Qian could only hold her gently and comfort her.

“I’ve known Lord Chu for some time and don’t think he’s that kind of man. Or I can ask some contacts in the capital to discreetly find out more.”

Jiang Wu sighed but said nothing. Even though it had only been a few months, she had come to regard Bai Su as her own sister. Now, the thought of sending her away—so far off to the capital—was painful.

The next day, she specially made Bai Su’s favorite pastries.

The young girl ate happily but couldn’t help mentioning the name: “Sister Jiang, these Happy Cakes sound so rustic. We should change the name.”

In the past, Jiang Wu would have rolled her eyes, telling her to be grateful to have food. But today, she said nothing and just watched her.

Though the girl ate quickly, she was very particular—taking small bites, waiting until her mouth was clear before speaking, and wiping crumbs immediately if any stuck.

From the start, Jiang Wu had suspected this girl was born into a wealthy family, and now it was confirmed.

Putting herself in Bai Su’s shoes, if her own Mingzhu ran away, she would be frantic. Now that her family had found her, it was only right to encourage her to return home.

“Bai Su.”

“Hmm?” Bai Su looked at her, sensing her unusual mood today, her eating slowing.

“What about Lord Chu? When you look at him, do you feel… familiar?”

Bai Su actually nodded. “Yeah!”

“Hmm?”

“It’s just… I inexplicably want to punch him,” Bai Su said, giggling, then resumed eating.

Could it be that siblings usually tease and quarrel like this? Jiang Wu thought. “Then… if your family came to find you, would you want to go back?”

At these words, Bai Su stopped eating, her eyes reddening instantly, looking so pitiful.

“Sister Jiang, do you not want me anymore?”

Jiang Wu was at a loss for words seeing her like this. “Just kidding!” she said, pushing the pastries toward her. “Eat quickly.” That was enough to placate her.

***

Though Chu Ling had revealed Bai Su’s identity, he had not mentioned when he would take her away, as if leaving enough time for them to adjust.

Jiang Wu tried several times but didn’t know how to broach the subject with Bai Su.

This day was her regular monthly visit to help at the clinic. She asked the doctor if Bai Su’s condition might improve. If only Bai Su could regain her memory now and happily leave with Chu Ling, that would be perfect.

“I’m just a country doctor. If you really want her to recover her memory, you should take her to the capital. There are better doctors and better medicines—maybe she’ll remember.”

His words were more like a suggestion than a promise.

Jiang Wu brushed off some herbs clinging to her clothes. “Then I’ll be going back first.”

“What’s the matter? Are you really taking her to the capital?”

Jiang Wu didn’t answer.

As she stepped outside, a sudden heavy rain began. The old doctor asked her to wait for the rain to ease, but Jiang Wu was worried and her daughter hadn’t been weaned yet. Having been out all day, she didn’t want to wait and set off under her umbrella.

At first, she passed hurried pedestrians, vendors rushing to pack up, and parents calling their children home. But after crossing the bridge, the street was nearly deserted.

Only the sound of raindrops pattering on the cobblestones accompanied her. The rain was heavy, so her pace was slow.

She heard the sound of a carriage approaching and stepped aside, wary of water splashing from the wheels.

Unexpectedly, the carriage didn’t speed past but stopped nearby.

Curious, Jiang Wu heard Chu Ling’s voice through the heavy rain, low and steady, clear despite the noise.

“Madam Liang.”

Startled, she didn’t dare raise her head and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Lord Chu.”

“No need for formalities. Madam Liang, are you heading back to the manor?”

She lifted her head and straightened up. Having kept her gaze lowered, she couldn’t see his expression and could detect no emotion through his calm voice.

“Yes, Lord.”

“The rain is heavy. Allow me to give you a ride.”

Jiang Wu hesitated. A man and woman alone in a carriage—especially with her being married—was improper. She wanted to refuse but wasn’t sure how to decline Lord Chu.

While she pondered, his voice came again.

“Actually, there’s something I wish to discuss with you, Madam Liang.”

Only then did she look up.

She raised her umbrella slightly, meeting Chu Ling’s gaze through the carriage window.

Behind the veil of rain, she was drawn into the depths of his dark eyes.

“What matter does Lord Chu wish to speak of?”

With her head bowed before, all she could see was the white paper umbrella, rain sliding down its surface.

Finally, under the umbrella, the small face appeared.

Her expression was respectful, keeping a careful distance, choosing words cautiously not to offend—completely lacking her usual vivacity around others.

Yet Chu Ling’s impatience remained undiminished.

At this moment, seeing Jiang Wu’s solemn face, he recalled the fleeting glimpse of spring he had once secretly witnessed.

His fingers, resting on his lap, curled involuntarily. Never had anyone so easily stirred his desire—especially not one who had long avoided women.

His fingers tapped lightly, his face betraying no emotion. “It concerns… Bai Su.”

Jiang Wu’s heart tightened.

This matter could be discussed with Liang Qian; why bring it to her? But since it involved Bai Su, she wanted to hear him out.

She glanced at the carriage, then mustered courage to speak.

“There’s a fine teahouse in Tonghuai. Would Lord Chu do me the honor of visiting?”

Her careful approach might seem excessive to a powerful figure like him who probably never overthought such things.

She feared he would grow impatient.

Yet the man merely said, “I hadn’t considered that. Madam, please lead the way.”

Jiang Wu sighed in relief. When she looked back, the carriage window curtain had been drawn, concealing his reaction.

The coachman, clad in a raincoat, waited for her to lead.

She didn’t dare delay and hurried forward under her umbrella.

The carriage followed slowly behind—a strange sight. The teahouse was quite a distance, and she didn’t want to walk so oddly for so long. After all, it was just a place to talk.

When they arrived at the nearest teahouse, she said, “Lord Chu, we’re here.”

A waiter holding an umbrella helped Chu Ling down.

His gaze lingered briefly on the humble decor and the sign, making Jiang Wu uneasy. A shabby place might not be fitting.

But Chu Ling merely glanced and entered without a word.

Remembering her role as the hostess, Jiang Wu quickly closed her umbrella and followed. Though covered, the rain had soaked half her shoulder.

“Oh, Madam Liang, you’re here!”

The waiter recognized Jiang Wu immediately.

She brushed the raindrops off and said quickly, “This gentleman is a distinguished guest of the magistrate. Please prepare a private room and the finest tea.”

Her tone was confident. Since there was nothing improper, no one questioned her. Seeing Chu Ling’s otherworldly aura, the waiter was respectful and quickly complied, “Right this way, please.”

Jiang Wu added, “Lord Chu, after you.”

She kept a respectful distance. Chu Ling didn’t insist on her going first but glanced at her before following the waiter upstairs.

Only when his back was turned did Jiang Wu hurriedly fix her damp hair and clothes, then followed.

In the private room, the windows and door were wide open, and Chu Ling’s attendant stood guard at the door, which eased Jiang Wu’s nervousness about facing Chu Ling alone.

No sooner had she sat than he spoke plainly, without beating around the bush.

“Madam Liang, what I wish to tell you today is that Bai Su is not my sister.”