Chapter 31: Gratitude, Isn’t That Also a Kind of Affection?

The imperial decree arrived swiftly, and before Jiang Jin could even gather her thoughts, she was hurried to the main gate to receive it.

Looking past the crowd, she saw the eunuch holding the bright yellow edict and nervously clenched her fingers.

Yet the next moment, she noticed Auntie Meng standing beside the eunuch, giving her a gentle nod.

Jiang Jin quickly understood—this decree was in her favor!

Seeing Jiang Jin standing, the eunuch cleared his throat and announced, “All members of the Jiang family of the Shangshu Mansion, hear the decree.”

Jiang Jin immediately knelt, followed by Lady Shen and the rest of the household behind her.

“Now, Ning Wang has been of age for over a year, yet his mansion lacks a principal consort or concubines. Only you, Jiang Ajin, third daughter of Bingbu Shangshu Jiang Xun, of noble lineage, gentle disposition, well-versed in rites and teachings, and praised for your grace and composure, are deemed suitable to be his consort. This aligns with court regulations. Thus, you are hereby appointed as the principal consort of Ning Wang. Go forth and fulfill your duties!”

“Third Miss Jiang, receive the decree.”

Jiang Jin extended her hand. Though thunderstruck inside, her expression remained calm and composed.

Auntie Meng watched and nodded in approval.

As Jiang Jin took the marriage decree, the slight trembling of her fingers betrayed the turmoil within.

Auntie Meng stepped forward and said softly, “Third Miss, this decree was personally requested by His Highness Ning Wang from Her Majesty the Empress Dowager!”

“That day when you entered the palace, His Highness Ning Wang was in the side hall.”

“Her Majesty the Empress Dowager wondered why His Highness lingered for so long, only later realizing his intentions.”

Jiang Jin’s pupils trembled slightly. She hadn’t expected Ning Wang to be there that day!

Then, could the sudden appearance of the little white dog also have been…

Jiang Jin longed to ask for clarity but knew this wasn’t the time for such questions.

Rather than asking Auntie Meng, it would be better… to ask Ning Wang Xie Chengzhi himself later.

The arrival of this marriage decree shattered the fragile peace Lady Shen had worked so hard to maintain.

She looked at Jiang Jin with a complex expression, unsure of what to say.

Once the palace envoys had left, Jiang Jin turned and walked back into the mansion.

Frowning, Lady Shen followed her inside.

Returning to Xuesong Studio, Lady Shen asked Nanny Lin, “Where is Jin’er now?”

Nanny Lin replied, “Third Miss has gone to the ancestral hall.”

Lady Shen was surprised. “Why did she go to the ancestral hall?”

Nanny Lin sighed helplessly. “This old servant asked as well. Third Miss said that since it was your command, as your daughter, she could not disobey.”

Lady Shen was quickly angered into a bitter laugh by Jiang Jin’s words.

“Hmph, if she truly thought that way, she wouldn’t have argued with me earlier.”

“Now, she’s relying on the Empress Dowager’s decree…”

“Wait.” Lady Shen furrowed her brows. “Why would the Empress Dowager suddenly issue a marriage decree?”

“Jin’er had no prior connection with Ning Wang. She even said herself that her gratitude toward him wasn’t significant, and Ning Wang had already sent gifts in thanks. If so, why would the Empress Dowager do this?”

Nanny Lin also found it strange. After all, since Ning Wang’s return to the capital a full year ago, the Empress Dowager had been arranging this matter for him. From time to time, rumors surfaced about candidates for the principal consort of Prince Ning’s Mansion. Yet each time, within half a month, the news would fade away.

But today, the position of principal consort had unexpectedly fallen to their Third Miss, astonishing everyone.

“Then, Madam, shall we summon Third Miss to ask?”

Lady Shen hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Yes.”

Nanny Lin quickly left, but just as she reached the door, she heard Lady Shen say, “Wait.”

“Madam, what is it?”

“I’ll go see her myself!”

Lady Shen finished speaking and rose from the armchair.

Her steps were swift, and before long, she arrived outside the ancestral hall.

At that moment, Cuiyu was guarding the entrance. Upon seeing Lady Shen, she hurriedly bowed. “Madam.”

Lady Shen glanced at her but said nothing.

Nanny Lin quickly signaled to Cuiyu, “Open the door.”

Cuiyu nodded, then pushed the door open and called inside, “Third Young Miss, Madam is here.”

Hearing the voice, Jiang Jin did not turn around.

She knelt on the prayer cushion, her eyes fixed on the ancestral tablets above, her gaze steady.

Footsteps drew closer and finally stopped beside her.

Jiang Jin remained silent.

So did Lady Shen.

Looking at her daughter, she inexplicably sensed a wave of sorrow emanating from her.

The feeling came swiftly and faded just as quickly.

The howling wind outside beat against the windows, rustling loudly, breaking Lady Shen’s reverie.

She asked, “Are you still angry? Unwilling to even call me ‘Mother’?”

Jiang Jin raised her eyes and turned her head toward Lady Shen. “I have called you ‘Mother’ countless times before, but Mother… how many times have you ever responded?”

In her past life, she had pleaded desperately, wanting only to leave Yong’an Marquis Mansion. She had called out “Mother” countless times, but she… had never answered!

Lady Shen frowned, disapproving of Jiang Jin’s words. Yet, when she thought of the slap she had given her earlier, of how she had defended Yong’an Marquis Mansion, for a moment… she found herself unable to say anything.

“Mother, have you come to ask about the Empress Dowager’s decree?” Jiang Jin turned her head back, continuing to watch the burning incense, her expression gradually calming.

“Yes, but not only that,” Lady Shen said, then glanced at Nanny Lin.

Understanding, Nanny Lin quickly led the maids Furong and Cuiyu away.

The moment the door closed, Jiang Jin curved her lips and suddenly let out a soft laugh.

“Mother, why have you never considered that perhaps the Empress Dowager summoned me, found me pleasing, and only then bestowed this marriage?”

Lady Shen shook her head. “Jin’er, though I may not understand the Empress Dowager, I understand you!”

“You are a filial and sensible child, but unlike your sister, you are not adept at pleasing elders. Moreover, the Empress Dowager has many grandchildren. Aside from Ning Wang, no one else can gain favor in her presence.”

“She met you for Ning Wang’s sake!”

“If she truly liked you as a person, there would have been palace rewards sent to our estate when you returned home, not waiting until today.”

As she spoke, Lady Shen suddenly realized something. “So… the Empress Dowager’s marriage decree can only be for Ning Wang!”

“But our family, while suitable for marriage with a marquis estate, is not worthy of a union with the imperial family!”

“Yes, as you say, what does our family have to be coveted?” Jiang Jin said, suddenly lowering her eyelashes. “So from beginning to end, it was merely a matter of personal affection!”

“Isn’t gratitude also a form of affection?”

At first glance, Jiang Jin’s words seemed reasonable.

But Lady Shen had lived in the capital for many years. Though she had little interaction with the imperial family, she had frequent exchanges with noble households.

The wealthier the family, the more discerning they were in choosing a daughter-in-law.

Often, they did not choose based on personal preference but on who was most suitable!

At the same time, she was well aware that given her daughter’s circumstances, she would not be considered in any regard.

Especially since her heart ailment was the greatest liability.

“Jin’er, even in front of your mother, are you still unwilling to speak the truth?” Lady Shen spoke earnestly, reaching out to gently pat Jiang Jin’s shoulder.

“You are flesh of my flesh. Could it be that in your heart, I am not even worthy of hearing a single honest word?”