The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort

Du Juan and Cai Que who were surprised, the Old Jiang Madame’s perceptive gaze also rested upon Jiang Ruan, piercing in its intensity.
There was not a flicker of change in Jiang Ruan’s expression; she continued smiling slightly as she locked eyes with the Old Jiang Madame.

The Old Jiang Madame looked away and said without emotion, “You have grown older, and have somewhat matured.”

She affected a cold demeanour to suppress the trace of surprise she felt.
She had already lived most of the years of her life and was quite accurate at reading people.
The Jiang Ruan of the present was an entirely different person from the Jiang Ruan of the past.
If one were to compare the two young ladies of the fu, just from this aspect of Jiang Ruan’s ability to remain unruffled, Jiang Su Su had lost greatly.
However, the Old Jiang Madame could not understand what kind of opportunity Jiang Ruan could have had at the countryside residence in order to develop such an imposing and assertive manner at such a young age.

“Your visit today wasn’t just to come and pay respects to your zumu, was it? What else is there?” the Old Jiang Madame asked.

Long before Jiang Ruan arrived, a servant had already brought news of the earlier situation outside the entrance of Yan Hua Yuan.
That Jiang Ruan would seek her out to settle this matter caused the Old Jiang Madame great astonishment.
However, after the initial surprise came the clarity of understanding.
This eldest girl was not in favour with Jiang Quan, and her stepmother was not the type to be benevolent.
So, relying on zumu must be the only route open to her.
However, if she intended to curry favour in order to help Zhou momo, she would find that the Old Jiang Madame would not be willing to help.

Jiang Ruan had yet to say anything, when the voice of a servant outside was heard announcing, “Furen has arrived.”

Immediately after that, a crisp and melodious voice said, “Zumu!”

Jiang Ruan did not turn around.
She saw a white-clothed figure dash past her and climb onto the Old Jiang Madame’s bed with an air of familiarity.
Like a cat, she curled up against the Old Jiang Madame’s side and joyfully said, “Zumu, look, I have brought your favourite almond cakes.” Then, she placed the woven straw basket in her hands carefully onto the table, as if it were a precious treasure.

Almond cookies

“Su niang[1], look at the way you are behaving.
What should we do if you agitate zumu?” Xia Yan’s voice sounded from behind.

[1] Niáng ( 娘 ) – Young lady

Jiang Su Su curled her lips and said, “That’s of no concern. Zumu won’t blame me for anything.”

“Naughty child,” the Old Jiang Madame said in reprimand, but a smile appeared on her face.
“You have such disregard for proper etiquette, that when you are married in the future, you will be a laughing stock.”

“What is zumu saying?” Jiang Su Su’s face reddened.
With a turn of her head, she appeared to have just noticed Jiang Ruan, and exclaimed in surprise, “Da Jiejie[2] is also here.”

[2] Dà Jiějie ( 大 姐姐 ) Eldest sister

Jiang Ruan smiled and nodded.

Jiang Su Su looked at the Old Jiang Madame, then again at Jiang Ruan.
Suddenly, she said, “Zumu, are you and Da Jiejie whispering secrets behind Su Su’s back? Su Su wants to hear them, too. Da Jiejie, what were you both doing just now?”

She blinked several times.
Her eyes, as beautiful and luminous as misty clouds, were lively with intelligence and full of emotion.
Her bright red, tear-shaped birthmark was like a little flower and her attitude was innocent and guileless.
She seemed just like a fairy who had fallen into the mortal realm, causing humans to feel for her.

Old Jiang Madame did not say anything, and simply turned her indifferent gaze towards Jiang Ruan.

Cai Que looked at Jiang Ruan with some trepidation.
This room was very lively and bustling with noise, but Eldest Miss seemed to be all alone in the midst of it; isolated, with nary a person to speak on her behalf.

Xia Yan smiled.
“Su niang, don’t talk nonsense, your eldest sister .
.
.”

Before she could finish speaking, Jiang Ruan sighed gently, and spoke slowly, her voice soft and gentle.
“Su niang is wrong.
I am here today only to visit zumu.
Su niang, you are also aware that I was in the other residence for five whole years, which means five years of not being able to meet zumu.
The sacred Buddhist scriptures speak of striving for perfection.
In this world, I think perfection is most closely achieved when families reunite.
Unlike you, Su niang, I have not been able to enjoy this perfection at all times.
For me, today’s meeting with zumu has been the most perfect moment in the past five years. Zumu and I have not been colluding.
I .
.
.
I only wanted to be close to my family.”

Translated by : irisu, shl, togekiss

Edited by :  Anks & Ely