Chapter 6

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Upon hearing these words, Jiang Runchu felt an even sharper headache, but continuing to argue with her would be futile. He rose and went to Rongdetang. As expected, after informing Jiang Jingchun of the matter, she returned briefly to Chongming Hall. There was no other way—Li Shi was too adept at manipulating her. She had barely been firm for a few days before falling once again under her mother’s domineering influence.

However, since she had to attend the governess’s lessons later that evening, she needed to leave early and return promptly. At dusk, Li Shi met with the person she wished to see. Jiang Jingchun stood at the doorway, peeking inside. Li Shi glanced over and snorted coldly, “I waited for you for over ten days without a sign of your return. Now that I hear you’re going to the Marquis’s residence, you suddenly deign to lower yourself and pay me a visit.”

Li Shi’s sharp tongue was predictable, and indeed, her behavior was somewhat unfair. Smiling awkwardly, Jiang Jingchun stepped inside. Before Li Shi could reproach her further, she threw herself into her mother’s embrace, saying, “Mother, please don’t be so harsh...” She had always known how to coax her; as long as she behaved, her mother would remain cheerful.

Li Shi’s expression softened slightly, casting her a sidelong glance. “With such a heartless nature, why do you even bother returning? I don’t want to see you.”

Jiang Jingchun hurriedly replied, “Mother, don’t speak so cruelly. If you don’t want to see me, why do you send people daily to inquire about me? I know everything. Besides, I’m only going to grandmother’s to learn proper manners. Once I’ve mastered them, I will naturally come back. See how much weight I’ve lost these days? Aren’t you worried?”

Hearing the words “learning manners,” Li Shi looked at her and indeed saw her face had thinned considerably. The old madam was notoriously strict, so Jiang Jingchun must have suffered greatly during her time there.

Still, Li Shi refused to say anything kind. “You chose to go, so you deserve whatever comes.”

Jiang Jingchun noticed her tone softening gradually. She said more soothing words and, after some time, promised that once she had learned her manners, she would return. Only then did Li Shi finally relax and agree to accompany her to the Gu family.

*

In early April, the day came to visit the Gu family. Jiang Jingchun first went to report to her grandmother and then happily boarded the carriage with Li Shi bound for the Gu residence. Among their party, besides the mother and daughter from the main branch, members of the second branch were also present.

After Jiang Nansheng was promoted to Minister, he moved into the Minister’s Mansion, a compound with five inner courtyards and three outer gates. The main branch’s family had ample space, so they invited the second branch to move in as well. Now both branches resided in the Minister’s Mansion.

The second branch’s master was Jiang Cheng, several years younger than Jiang Nan. He had missed the prosperous times and endured a few difficult years. After the family was demoted and the old madam focused all her support on the eldest son Jiang Nan, little care was given to Jiang Cheng. As a result, he never made significant progress and now only held a fifth-rank official post at the Ministry of Personnel, thanks to Jiang Nan’s status.

Jiang Cheng’s wife was Lin Shi, whose family background was modest. Compared to Li Wannian, Lin Shi’s status was somewhat inferior. Perhaps because Li Shi and Lin Shi’s temperaments clashed, they looked down upon each other. Li Shi disparaged Lin Shi’s humble origins, deeming her unworthy of standing in society, while Lin Shi resented Li Shi’s hauteur and arrogance.

The two ladies were at odds, casting a shadow over the relations between the main and second branches, both openly and behind the scenes. However, as the Gu madam invited guests, she could not exclude the second branch without risking displeasure from the old madam, so members of the second branch were present this time.

The old madam always felt she had neglected the second branch in favor of the eldest and now made more effort to care for them.

Following Lin Shi was her daughter Jiang Jingfang, who was about a year younger than Jiang Jingchun. The two branches encountered each other as they set out, colliding unexpectedly.

“Oh, what a coincidence! Sister-in-law, are you also going to the Marquis’s residence?” Lin Shi spoke first, then glanced at Jiang Jingchun. “I heard that our eldest miss has been at the old madam’s learning manners and even summoned a palace governess. I thought she had settled down. How come today she’s back to playing around? This kind of ‘three days fishing, two days drying nets’ attitude won’t do.”

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Lin Shi’s tone was dripping with sarcasm. Li Wannian felt a surge of anger but restrained herself, preparing to retort. Unexpectedly, Jiang Jingchun spoke first.

“Aunt, no need to trouble yourself. It’s getting late, and the performance will start soon. If you’re not in a hurry, take your time. We’ll be going ahead.”

Without waiting for any response, she took Li Shi’s hand and left. This sudden action stunned not only Li Shi but also Lin Shi and her daughter, who were momentarily speechless.

Previously, Jiang Jingchun would likely have argued back alongside her mother. Both women had fiery tempers, and Li Shi especially detested losing face. Their quarrels would drag on endlessly, and even if the second branch instigated conflicts, the main branch would not earn a good reputation.

Now, Jiang Jingchun had clearly grown wiser. It seemed the old madam’s lessons had not been in vain. Lin Shi thought to herself about when she might send her own daughter there to learn as well. It would be unfair for the main branch to monopolize all the good opportunities. This way, they could acquire better knowledge and grow closer to the old madam, which would only be beneficial.

The Minister’s Mansion was not far from the Marquis’s residence; it took no more than half an hour to travel. Due to the earlier provocation by Lin Shi at the Jiang family gate, Li Shi was unwilling to show her any kindness. After alighting from the carriage, she strode inside without waiting for anyone else.

Lin Shi paid her no mind and followed behind as if nothing had happened. The longstanding resentment between the two branches was evident. Li Shi was not one to hide her feelings—whether fond or not, it was all plainly visible on her face. The servants at the Marquis’s residence, having witnessed this many times, understood the tension but chose to turn a blind eye.

Jiang Jingchun followed quietly behind her mother, unusually obedient and composed. She kept her head bowed and eyes fixed on the ground throughout, avoiding glancing around.

Today, she wore a pale green dress, without the flashy jewelry she usually adorned herself with. She no longer resembled a little peacock flaunting her feathers everywhere. Her hair was styled in twin hanging buns, moving gently with each step, and her modest makeup made her appear more dignified than usual.

She had changed greatly, but the one constant was that she remained stunningly beautiful.

Everyone sensed that Jiang Jingchun looked different today. They wondered what had caused such a transformation.

Jiang Jingchun noticed the curious gazes but paid them no mind, walking with proper decorum.

At that moment, a startled voice came from behind: “Cousin.”

Then Lin Shi said, “Fu Yan, have you just returned from outside? We happen to be going to your mother’s place. Care to join us?”

It was April 10th, and Gu Huaisheng was not on duty that day, so he must have just come back from an errand. The two groups happened to meet.

Lin Shi felt triumphant. Seeing Jiang Jingchun’s solemn demeanor earlier, she thought it was all an act. Everyone knew Jiang Jingchun’s true nature—what was the point of pretending to be so proper?

Just then, Gu Huaisheng returned. Whenever he appeared, Lin Shi would jump about, calling out “Cousin Gu” loudly, as if afraid he might not see her.

Now that he was here, Jiang Jingchun would surely reveal her true self.

Hearing Lin Shi’s words, Gu Huaisheng showed little expression and responded faintly. He did not look at Lin Shi or her daughter but focused his gaze ahead, unconsciously noticing the figure who had not yet turned around.

In the past, his gaze never lingered on her, nor did he pay attention. But somehow, she had started forcing herself into his sight, regardless of who was around or the situation. She persistently stayed close to him, so much so that this unusual behavior had gradually caught Gu Huaisheng’s attention.

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The once unruly little girl was now astonishingly quiet.

Yet his gaze remained fixed ahead, only stealing glances with his peripheral vision. He told himself he was merely curious and nothing more.

Finally, Jiang Jingchun turned around.

She showed no excitement like a young girl meeting her beloved, only proper manners. Her hands were neatly folded in front of her as taught by Governess Liu, and she bowed slightly to Gu Huaisheng.

“Cousin, many blessings,” she said softly.

Unlike before, her voice was gentle and tender, like a breeze brushing across one’s brow, smoothing away any frown.

Yet this change did not stir any emotion in Gu Huaisheng. His expression remained unchanged throughout.

Only now did his gaze fall openly upon her face.

He realized that his cousin had become almost a different person.

He recalled that a few days ago, she had stood before him, stubbornly asking, “Cousin, what kind of person do you like?”

The little girl’s thoughts were easy to read. She was as pure and transparent as untouched paper. Gu Huaisheng did not even need to think to know what was on her mind.

As for what kind of person Gu Huaisheng liked, even he did not know.

Yet somehow, Jiang Jingchun had misunderstood him and thought he liked someone like her.

He was happy to let her believe so—it meant peace and quiet for him.

No more incessant chatter in his ears.

A faint smile appeared at the corner of his eyes. Those eternally cold, peach-blossom-shaped eyes finally blossomed with a hint of spring warmth.

Graceful and clear, with bright eyes and delicate brows.

These words involuntarily surfaced in Jiang Jingchun’s mind.

Just like that, she found herself gazing at him in admiration again.

It seemed he had replied to her with, “Cousin, many blessings,” but she no longer heard a word.

Gu Huaisheng stepped forward into the residence.

She withdrew her gaze, suppressing the impulse to follow.

Her cousin did not like her to behave that way.

Therefore, she must not be like before.

She must not trail after him wherever he went.