Chapter 21: Well-Intentioned Efforts

“Wait!” Lady Shen picked up her teacup and spoke unhurriedly, “Cousin has been in the Jiang household for so many years. By rights, we should have prepared a dowry for your future.”

“But now you are being expelled from the residence for committing an offense. According to the household rules—you may only take what you brought with you when you arrived. Everything else must stay!”

Lady Shen had been troubled by the incident at Tingfeng Pavilion all day and was further threatened by Jiang Jin. At this moment, she was filled with pent-up anger with nowhere to vent.

If she couldn’t touch Jiang Jin, she could still deal with Cheng Wan!

“You—I—”

Cheng Wan was furious and was about to say something when Jiang Jin sternly interrupted her.

“Wan-mei!”

Jiang Jin bowed to Lady Shen, “Mother is right. It is already a kindness that Wan-mei has been cared for in the residence for several years. However, the weather is growing colder. I hope Mother will show mercy and allow her to take a few more old clothes.”

Lady Shen took a sip of tea and replied casually, “Granted.”

Then, she turned to Nanny Lin, who was waiting nearby, “Take a few people and escort Cousin ‘properly’ out of the residence. Don’t let others laugh at our Jiang family!”

Nanny Lin acknowledged the order and soon approached Cheng Wan.

“Cousin, the weather is about to change. Please!”

Cheng Wan was unwilling. She tugged at Jiang Jin’s sleeve, her fingers hooking around his knuckles.

But Jiang Jin remained silent, allowing Cheng Wan to act without responding as he usually would.

At that moment, Cheng Wan’s world—collapsed!

Cheng Wan thought to herself, Cousin has given up on her!

Grief welled up in her heart, and she was led out of Xuesong Studio, weeping all the while.

With Cheng Wan’s matter resolved, there was no reason for Jiang Jin to stay any longer.

She stood up, ready to take her leave.

But the next moment, Jiang Jin suddenly spoke, “Third Sister, wait. I have one more thing to ask you.”

Jiang Jin looked at him, “What does Second Elder Brother wish to ask?”

“I heard that Third Sister has taken a liking to a maid named Cuiyu in my courtyard and wants to take her away. Is this true?”

Jiang Jin nodded. There was no need to hide this matter.

“I remember… Cuiyu used to work in the residence’s embroidery workshop. She shouldn’t have any connection with Third Sister. Why did you suddenly take an interest in her?”

Jiang Jin narrowed his eyes slightly, as if trying to discern something from Jiang Jin’s expression.

But Jiang Jin’s expression remained calm. She said gently, “Second Elder Brother has been at the academy and knows little about household matters. I won’t hide it from you—a treacherous maid was discovered by my side. I dismissed her two days ago and naturally need to add another sensible one.”

“That dismissed maid stole money and harbored ill intentions. She somehow obtained Brother-in-law’s sachet, hid it, and falsely claimed she had embroidered it herself.”

“If Cuiyu hadn’t been present and recognized that the fabric of the sachet was extraordinary—something a lowly maid could never afford—that person might have remained by my side, waiting for an opportunity to harm me!”

As she spoke, Jiang Jin’s tone carried anger.

Her clear, beautiful eyes, tinged with relief after a narrow escape, looked at Jiang Jin.

“Cuiyu’s embroidery skills are excellent, she is attentive, and she helped me greatly. Naturally, I like her.”

Jiang Jin’s expression relaxed slightly. Observing Jiang Jin’s earlier demeanor, he believed most of what she said.

But he was still somewhat concerned and continued to ask, “If Third Sister wanted a maid, why didn’t you write to me? Your Second Elder Brother is not such a stingy person!”

Jiang Jin smiled, “Second Elder Brother is diligent with his studies at the academy. How could I dare disturb you with such trivial matters?”

She lowered her gaze and sighed softly, “If Grandmother were to find out, she would surely say I lack understanding!”

After speaking, she turned to Minister Jiang, “Father, don’t you agree?”

Minister Jiang nodded, “Exactly! A’Yu, look—your own sister is more sensible and cares more about you! As for your cousin… well, let’s not even mention her!”

Listening to his father’s words, Jiang Yu clenched his fists, resentment simmering in his heart, though his expression remained respectful.

He replied, “Father’s reprimand is justified.”

Then, he cupped his hands toward Jiang Jin, “It was Second Brother who misunderstood. Please don’t blame me, Third Sister.”

Jiang Jin shook her head, “Second Elder Brother is too polite.”

Minister Jiang stood up and waved his hand, “Alright, alright. I’ve been off duty for so long now, and I’m tired. You may all return.”

“As for the matter of the maid, let Madam handle it. Jiang Yu, if your courtyard is short of servants, your mother will arrange for more. If not, there’s still your grandmother!”

“What’s most important right now, I believe you understand clearly. Once you pass the imperial examination with honors, your mother will go to the Grand Tutor’s residence to propose marriage on your behalf. As for those irrelevant people… it’s best to keep your distance from them in the future!”

“I understand, Father.” Jiang Yu bowed with cupped hands and soon left Xuesong Studio.

On his way back to Tingfeng Pavilion, he instructed the servant beside him, “Go and have the luggage delivered to Cousin. Remember, send it out from Qinghe Courtyard!”

————

“Miss, everything has been taken care of.”

Furong approached, draping a cloak over Jiang Jin’s shoulders.

Jiang Jin raised an eyebrow, “What did you discover?”

“Some luggage and… a spy!”

“Oh!”

Jiang Jin was somewhat surprised, “Who is it?”

Furong leaned in and whispered, “A cleaning maid named Ru’er. She was sent by Old Madam when we returned to the capital!”

Jiang Jin fell silent for a moment, then smiled self-deprecatingly, “Grandmother is truly… so thoughtful!”

Not only did she plant someone in her granddaughter’s courtyard, but she also entrusted this person to Jiang Yu—as if afraid he might suffer even the slightest disadvantage in this household!

“How did you handle it?” Jiang Jin asked again.

Furong replied, “I didn’t touch her. I only swapped the items in the package. The original gold hairpin was replaced with a silver one; the hundred taels in silver notes were reduced to just one or two notes and a few pieces of broken silver.”

Jiang Jin smiled, “Well done. These items were likely prepared by Second Brother for Cheng Wan. He truly spares no effort for her, planning every possible path for her. I suspect the residence outside was rented for her long ago!”

Items leaving her courtyard wouldn’t be questioned by the gatekeepers.

But if they came from Tingfeng Pavilion, not a single coin would make it out!

Second Brother didn’t want Cheng Wan to suffer, so he went through such great lengths—truly a hardship for him.

Studying at the academy while worrying about his cousin at home.

The more he cared like this, the more Jiang Jin believed Cuiyu’s words.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have asked her that question earlier!

Returning to her room, Furong closed the door.

She added, “Miss, Sister Muyu came earlier. She brought you some food on the orders of His Highness Ning Wang. I originally intended to bring Sister Muyu to find you, but she received some urgent news and had to leave in a hurry.”

Jiang Jin was surprised but quickly realized something.

Earlier in the carriage, when Ning Wang commented on the pastries from the main kitchen, his remark of “average” was already sparing her feelings.

What he seemed to truly mean was—she had never tasted anything truly good!

Thinking of this, Jiang Jin looked at the food box placed on the table, her mood suddenly turning rather complicated.