Chapter 24: Choosing the Path for the Rest of One’s Life
Jiang Jin answered truthfully, “I don’t know either.”
In her heart, she did not want to go. Even though she knew Ning Wang would help her escape this marriage, going there would merely be a formality.
Yet the grudges from her past life ran too deep. Just hearing the words “Yong’an Marquis Mansion” made her uneasy—how could she willingly go and listen to their empty words of congratulation?
But if she did not go, she would be disregarding her parents’ face.
As parents and children, it had taken her ten years to see their favoritism clearly.
Yet the occasional affection they had shown her in the past was real, and the comfortable life she now enjoyed was indeed provided by them.
Jiang Jin fell silent for a long while, then lowered her head and suddenly thought of the letter from the Zhangshi.
She quickly made up her mind, rose from the bed, and went to fetch the box even before putting on her shoes.
By the time she retrieved the box, her ankles were red from the cold.
Furong watched with concern, hurriedly helping her put on her shoes.
“Miss, the weather is cold. Your health has never been strong—please don’t catch a chill,” she said, fetching a cloak to drape over Jiang Jin’s shoulders.
Jiang Jin nodded. “I was in a hurry to fetch something and forgot for a moment. Don’t worry.”
Furong hummed in acknowledgment, then went to find the hairpin that concealed the key and handed it to her.
“Miss, are you planning to take it with you now?” Furong asked, puzzled.
Jiang Jin nodded as she unlocked the box. “Yes. Since the Zhangshi mentioned in the letter that I should carry this jade pendant with me at all times, perhaps… he has arranged for someone within the betrothal procession. It won’t hurt to start wearing it from now on.”
After a simple wash, Jiang Jin fastened the jade pendant to her waist.
The pendant was far too important. Before setting out, she checked several times to ensure it was securely fastened, then finally left.
As she walked, the jade ornaments at her waist tinkled softly.
Listening to the clear, crisp sound, Jiang Jin had to admit—it was no wonder this had been Consort Yu’s favorite possession during her lifetime.
Because of this, she took even greater care.
When she arrived at Xuesong Studio, Lady Jiang, née Shen, was having breakfast.
Seeing Jiang Jin, she nodded and beckoned her over to join her.
Jiang Jin took a seat, and Lady Shen placed a piece of pengao on her plate.
“Try this. I remember you used to love pengao the most.”
Jiang Jin looked at it, remained silent for a moment, then simply said, “Alright.”
Pengao was made by boiling tender mugwort leaves, mashing them into a paste, then steaming them together with rice flour and sugar.
Back in Jingzhou, pengao had been Jiang Jin’s favorite treat.
But after returning to the capital, few in the Jiang family enjoyed it, so the main kitchen seldom prepared it.
The last time Jiang Jin had eaten it seemed to be a year ago.
Now, suddenly serving a plate of it felt almost like a farewell meal…
In truth, after this meal in her past life, Jiang Jin had not tasted pengao again for many years.
The household affairs of Yong’an Marquis Mansion were controlled by Lady Yong’an. When Jiang Jin first entered the household as a bride, Lady Yong’an, perhaps mindful of appearances, had delegated some authority to her.
But later, she orchestrated misdeeds through her subordinates and gradually reclaimed those insignificant powers.
Within the marquis estate, without favor, status, or the goodwill of her mother-in-law, anyone could bully her.
If she particularly craved something to eat, she had to spend a considerable amount of silver to obtain it.
Pengao was not difficult to make, but it was not essential either. Naturally, Jiang Jin could not justify spending extra silver just to taste it again.
She lowered her lashes, picked up the pengao, and placed it in her mouth.
It was sweet, soft, and glutinous—but compared to what she had eaten in Jingzhou, it still fell short.
However, being able to eat this now was still quite good, and Jiang Jin had nothing to complain about.
Seeing her eat one piece, Lady Shen immediately served her another.
“Eat slowly. I had the main kitchen prepare plenty. Once the Nazheng matters are settled, I’ll have some sent to Qinghe Courtyard.”
As she spoke, Lady Shen began discussing the next steps with Jiang Jin. “Once the marriage is finalized, I should write to your maternal grandmother.”
“It’s just uncertain when the wedding date will be set. Though nominally you’re entering as a successor wife, Linyuan has already promised your father and me—whatever ceremony your eldest sister had for her wedding, you’ll have the same. Nothing will be lacking for you!”
“If your eldest sister knew in the afterlife, she would be happy for you.”
Jiang Jin paused briefly as she picked up the mugwort cake, then calmly placed it in her mouth.
She chewed slowly, the fragrance of mugwort lingering in her mouth, but the earlier sweetness had vanished entirely, leaving only a numb bitterness.
“Jin’er, why aren’t you saying anything? Did Mother say something wrong?”
Lady Shen turned to look at Jiang Jin, her expression puzzled.
Jiang Jin set down her chopsticks and shook her head. “No.”
She looked at Lady Shen, seeing the joy in her eyes that she couldn’t conceal—as if she truly believed this marriage was a rare and joyous occasion.
Jiang Jin parted her lips slightly. “Mother, this marriage… is it really already set in stone?”
Hearing this, Lady Shen’s brow unconsciously furrowed.
“What kind of talk is that? The people from Yong’an Marquis Mansion bringing the betrothal gifts are already on their way to our home. Are we supposed to turn them back now?”
“Jin’er, you’ve always been sensible. Why are you being so stubborn about this matter?”
Jiang Jin sighed softly in resignation. “Mother, I—”
But Lady Shen cut her off directly. “Jin’er, you must believe me. Every choice I make is for your own good!”
She took Jiang Jin’s hand and gently stroked it.
“You’re the flesh that fell from my body after ten months of pregnancy. How could I ever bear to harm you? I only want what’s best for you!”
“Although Yong’an Marquis Mansion holds a noble title, the Jiang family—and your father—still carry some weight in the court. We chose for you to marry Linyuan not because we’re desperate to climb the ladder of his marquis estate’s wealth, but because we know his character. We know he keeps his promises and will surely treat you well!”
“Moreover, when a woman chooses a husband, she’s choosing the path for the rest of her life. Once you make the wrong choice, it’s hard to turn back.”
“Rather than seeking someone with risks, why not find someone you know well to protect you!”
Jiang Jin fell silent.
Her mother’s words sounded reasonable on the surface, but they were all empty talk.
If Brother-in-law Song Linyuan truly kept his promises, when he made vows to her eldest sister back then, he certainly didn’t fulfill them all.
Not to mention, in her previous life, those ten years of endless suffering…
Out of ten times, he probably didn’t believe her nine!
And protecting her…
Jiang Jin thought about it and found it utterly laughable!
Seeing that Jiang Jin didn’t argue back, Lady Shen thought she had truly taken her words to heart.
Her eyes curved into a gentle smile as she spoke softly again. “Besides, Yuan’an is still young and needs his maternal aunt to care for him. Raise that child well, and in the future… when I pass on to the afterlife, I’ll be able to give your eldest sister a proper account!”
Hearing Yuan’an’s name, Jiang Jin’s expression softened slightly.
That child was clever and kind-hearted, raised well by her eldest sister from the start.
Even though Lady Yong’an would occasionally speak ill of her in front of him later on, Yuan’an still trusted her.
This child was her greatest comfort during her ten years in the Yong’an Marquis Mansion!
It’s just a pity… Lady Yong’an’s heart was truly biased beyond measure!
And trapped in her predicament, she could neither help Yuan’an nor save herself…