The return of the old couple, Mr. and Mrs. Jiang, brought the first wave of reunion joy to the Jiang family. Soon after, news came that the second old couple, Mr. and Mrs. Jiang, were also on their way back home, bringing a second wave of happiness to the Jiang family. When he was young, Second Master Jiang had been an official in a distant place, saying that his elder brother was filial at home, so he brought his family to live abroad for many years. Every few years, they would bring their children back to celebrate the New Year. This time, missing his elderly mother, he rushed back before the New Year with his eldest son and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Jiang returned home, they first visited Old Lady Jiang. Mr. Jiang smiled and coaxed Old Lady Jiang, saying: "Its the new year, well accompany Mother to welcome the new year, I also think that I should listen carefully to Brothers teachings." These words delighted Old Lady Jiang immensely, she turned to Mr. Jiang who was standing beside her and said: "Look at this younger brother of yours, hes still as useless as ever. Hes just like before. You must discipline him well."
Mr. Jiang glanced at his brother, who was smiling back at him with a pleased expression, and then looked at his mother, who had a smile on her face, and nodded in delight. Mr. Jiang was quite speechless when it came to his own brother, but the good thing was that although his brother had been mischievous since he was young, he had never been muddled-headed when it came to important matters. Over the years, his reputation and official career had been quite impressive.
Mr. Jiang and Second Master Jiang chatted with Old Madam Jiang for a while before the two brothers bid farewell and headed to the study together. Second Master Jiang waved his hand at the followers behind him, and they quickly dispersed. The follower of Eldest Master Jiang also cast a sharp glance, and after getting Eldest Master Jiangs tacit consent, he too quickly distanced himself.
Mr. Jiang Dà looked at Mr. Jiang èrs expression and asked, "You changed your mind and returned home a year early. Is there something you want to tell me?" Mr. Jiang èr nodded upon hearing this and leaned in close to his older brother, saying, "Big brother, have you heard any news about the Yú family?" Mr. Jiang Dà thought carefully and shook his head, saying, "I havent been back for many days, I havent heard anything big happening with the Yú family over the past two years."
Mr. Jiang turned his head and saw that his family members were following far behind, so he spoke in a low voice to Mr. Jiang: "Brother, I heard from an official under me that among the younger generation of the Yu family, there are two particularly outstanding young men." Mr. Jiang didnt say much more, as he had already revealed what he knew. The memory of how Yu XiXi was forced to marry Jiang Anhe back then still lingered vividly in his mind. Although the two families were connected by marriage, they also became sworn enemies.
Mr. Jiang sighed and said, "Zhan Cai, the things that happened back then, although An He was wrong, but the Yu familys daughter was also at fault. However, until now, the Yu family only remembers how our Jiang family harmed them, without thinking about how Yu Xi almost caused unrest in our household. If it werent for my mothers righteousness, An Hes official reputation would have been ruined from then on. With Yu Xis temperament, how could she be a respectable mistress? Alas, let alone the Yu family blaming us, I think they also have their own temper."
Mr. Jiang II sighed as well, but he still whispered to Mr. Jiang I: "Brother, in the past, the Yu family especially doted on Yu XiXi. Although she caused them heartache, they are after all a family, you should think of a way to talk to An He and at least superficially comfort Yu XiXi. The feud between the two families cannot be deepened, its best to gradually fade away."
Mr. Jiang looked at Mr. Jiang and nodded heavily, saying: "I understand what you mean. Its just that things have come to this point, and Im afraid we can only satisfy ourselves in terms of food and clothing. Yu XiXis daughter has already been engaged orally to Lian Jia Si Shao Ye Zi Mo, and once Wan Yi and Wan Yans marriage is settled, they will draw up a written agreement and set a date. No matter what, she is still a girl from the Jiang family. In this regard, An Hes legitimate wife did well."
Jiang Wanmu, who was sitting in the room, was listening to Jiyuan telling stories about Jiang Erlaos family. She saw him gesturing with his hands as he said: "Miss, Erlao looks like Dalao, but Erlao always has a smile on his face, and he doesnt make people feel afraid like Dalao does. Its just that he doesnt reward us as generously as Dalao." Jiyuan sounded somewhat disappointed when talking about not getting the reward money.
Jiang Wanru didnt know much about the Jiang familys affairs, but as Mugen grew older over the past two years and his social circle expanded, he would occasionally mention some things about the Jiang family to her. Jiang Dailao was an official who had been appointed by the emperor himself to be sent out for external posting; as long as he didnt make any mistakes, after a few years, he would definitely return to the capital. On the other hand, Jiang Er Lao was his superior and had been dispatched to serve as an official in a distant region.
Ji Yan saw that Jiang Wans face didnt have a joyful expression, and after thinking for a moment, he felt that he had misspoken. The old master and mistress of the Jiang family had returned several days ago, and they had seen all their grandchildren, but they hadnt mentioned Jiang Wan at all. Ji Yan glanced at Jiang Wans calm and peaceful eyes, thought for a moment, and then softly spoke to her in a slightly awkward tone: "Miss, the young master has taken another concubine, I heard that the mistress is even happily arranging a room for her."
Jiang Wanru was speechless with laughter, her own mother being a rare and virtuous wife. The Jiang family would indeed arrange for Jiang Anhes first wife candidate, but if it were to be Yu Xixi as the first wife, with her temperament, these concubines would all be eye-sores. Jiang Wanru thought of Yu Xixi and then remembered what Mu Genniang had said last night "Miss, Madam Yu has not been feeling well lately."
Jiang Wanru thought that the Jiang family was now filled with joy, and no one would think of her and her mother. As for Yu Xi, she didnt know if she had come to terms with it or if her heart was already dead. Two years ago, she told Qian Chun, who was accompanying her as a maid, "I dont want to see her again. Its better for the two of us to not see each other often." When Jiang Wanru heard these words at that time, she immediately became stunned and stood there for a long time before coming back to herself, thinking that she had overthought things.
Jiang Wan looked at Jiyuan with a glance, thinking of Yus subtle disappointment, and then thought of the current bustle in the Jiang family. She said to Jiyuan: "Theres nothing going on here, go take a look at your mother. Dont be too conspicuous, dont let many people see you." Jiyuan heard Jiang Wans words without moving, but instead looked up at her again, then lowered his head and rubbed his hands, and after a while, he raised his head and said: "Miss, Ill accompany you to take a look from afar?"
Jiang Wanmu gazed at her and shook his head, saying: "You go out, I want to calm down for a while." Ji Yan turned back again, only to see Jiang Wanmu lowering her eyes, her long eyelashes reflecting downwards, with an elegant and quiet temperament. The door closed quietly, also closing the heavy sigh in Jiang Wanmus heart.
When Jiang Wan heard Mu Gen Niang mention Yu Xi Xi, a crying face would always appear in front of her. After Mu Gen Niang finished speaking, she immediately said to Jiang Wan: "Miss, the meaning of asking Chun Niang is just to let you know the situation, but I dont hope you go see Yu Niang. Shes also worried that if Yu Niang sees you, shell cry again and hurt her body."
Jiang Wanru nodded to Mugen Niang after asking, "Nanny, have you seen Yu Niang in close proximity over the past two years?" Mugen Niang shook her head and said, "I often see Qiu Chun Niang, she always comes to the kitchen to cook some medicinal soups. Yu Niang rarely leaves the courtyard these years. Qiu Chun Niang also said that when they were at the Yus house before, everyone said Yu Niang was the joy of the family. Who knew that after entering the Jiangs household for less than two years, she would cry every day without stopping."
Jiang Wanru thought of Yu Xixi, who also sighed endlessly. The person involved had to walk into a dead end, and no one could help her. At this time, she missed her mother from her previous life, who was a strong woman for her child. After losing her husband, she could smile and treat her daughters enemy with kindness, until she met another good match. But in this life, her mother was killed by her own family. After the loss, she only remembered to cry for herself, forgetting that she still had a young girl who couldnt stand on her own.