Chapter 4
Jiang Zhaoli was a little hesitant at first, but suddenly he remembered that his grandfather told him in the attic today that he lost his parents when he was young and was adopted.
That means living under someone else's roof... Even now that we're married we're still living under someone else's roof.
He has no parents, no relatives, and his wife doesn't love him.
When you think about it, it’s pretty miserable.
If he died of depression because of this, she would inevitably feel guilty and would have to find another son-in-law in the future, which would not be worth the loss. She might even be accused of being a husband-killer.
Anyway, the conditions he proposed were not excessive, as long as he didn't go out and cause trouble for her in the name of the Jiang family.
Seeing Jiang Zhaoli agreed, Yin Su finally relaxed his mouth. His big, bony hands pressed lightly on Yin Zhu, and his fingertips instantly turned red. Yin Su paused, then suddenly looked up at her.
Jiang Zhaoli's chest suddenly stagnated, and he looked at him suspiciously, huh? Why didn't he continue? Could it be that he suddenly regretted and refused to accept this contract?
Yin Su smiled and said, "Don't be nervous, Madam Jiang. I'm just afraid that I might wrinkle the paper."
After saying that, he put the books on the table in order and placed them on the bookshelf one by one, then spread the contract flat on the table. His fingertips were stained red again, and he stared at the dense lines of text, and pressed down at the end of the last line without hesitation.
Jiang Zhaoli stared at the red color at the end of the trail, his eyebrows moving.
Done.
She walked closer to the table and placed her fingerprints on it.
Jiang Zhaoli could not hide her joy. She carefully folded one of the contracts and locked it in a small box that had been prepared nearby.
She handed the other copy to Yin Su and warned him earnestly, "Keep this one safe. If you lose it, you will have no money left. This is a contract between the two of us. You must not let a third person know about it, otherwise it will be invalidated."
Yin Su raised his eyebrows: "What if Madam Jiang tells others?"
Jiang Zhaoli subconsciously denied: "How is that possible?"
"…If…if there really is one, I will double your money."
Yin Su's amber eyes were filled with smiles. He imitated Jiang Zhaoli and folded the contract into a small piece and put it in his arms, then he cupped his hands and said, "Madam Jiang is really unique. I really admire you. It's worth it for me to be married to Madam Jiang for two years."
In the next two days, Jiang Zhaoli went in and out of Wenming Cuiyuan and never saw Yin Su again. The two seemed to have tacitly agreed that this marriage was just a show, and they didn't need to be so anxious to act like a loving couple before getting married.
Jiang Zhaoli was quite satisfied with Yin Su's behavior. He was an obedient person and did not cause trouble for her because of his title as the future son-in-law of the Jiang family.
At this time, the door was knocked three times, and Madam Hong's voice came through the gap: "Miss, the old man said that if you have nothing to do, go to the front hall to observe the knowledge of the third lady."
As soon as Jiang Zhaoli opened the door, he heard the wet nurse telling him everything that had happened today word for word.
"The Third Miss was scolded by the teacher today, and the old man happened to pass by and saw it. The reason was that the Third Miss was caught by Master Ren while reading a picture book in the school. The old man was very angry now, and he even asked someone to invite the Second Master and the Second Madam to go together, saying that he wanted to test her in front of everyone what she had learned recently. The Third Miss made a fuss and refused, and insisted that the girl test her."
Jiang Zhaoli shook his head helplessly. This third sister was really getting bolder. It was ok for her to read it in private on weekdays, but this time she actually ran to Master Ren’s school to read the picture book and was caught red-handed.
Master Ren was a serious and stern person, and he was even more harsh in his words and actions when it came to students making mistakes. No matter who came, it was useless.
My grandfather has always been very concerned about his reputation. Now that this matter has come to him, he is afraid that he will lose face and will not know what method he will use to punish my third sister. My third sister has always been delicate and cannot bear to be beaten with a stick like a man for making a mistake.
"Let's go." Jiang Zhaoli stepped out of the room.
After passing the courtyard, I arrived at the central hall. Before reaching the central door, I could vaguely hear the endless scolding coming from inside.
The third sister was kneeling on the ground with her head hung down, biting her lips and twisting her hands nervously.
"Second sister, you're here." Hearing the footsteps, Jiang Yuxing suddenly turned her head to look at her, hope flashed in her eyes, and tears of grievance filled her eyes.
"Second sister, Grandfather usually listens to you the most. Go and persuade Grandfather. Grandfather said that my sister's knowledge is not up to par today and she needs to be taken care of by the family rules. Third sister is weak and had a serious illness a few years ago. How can you take care of her? I'm afraid she can't handle it."
Jiang Yi Che, the eldest son of the Jiang family, looked at his third sister who was kneeling on the ground with eyes full of heartache. Her head was slightly lowered, and she curled up into a ball, looking aggrieved. Jiang Yi Che clenched his fists tightly, with anxiety in his eyes.
Today he was outside at Wanpinlou, drinking tea and dancing with his good friends, when his mother sent a servant to tell him that his third sister had gotten into trouble and that his grandfather was going to punish her.
He knew his grandfather's methods. He had been beaten by his grandfather many times since he was a child. He was horrified when he thought about it now. What's more, his third sister was a girl. He didn't dare to delay for a moment. He left his good friend behind and hurried back home.
"Shut up! How dare you speak?" Liu Congying interrupted Jiang Yiche angrily.
If it weren't for this good-for-nothing son who only knew how to eat, drink and have fun all day and behaved in a dissolute manner, why would the Jiang family fall into the hands of Jiang Zhaoli and now have to ask her for help.
She treats people kindly now, but if the old man passes away a hundred years later, will there still be a place for their second branch in the Jiang family?
Jiang Zhaoli said respectfully: "Li'er greets grandfather, second uncle, and second aunt."
She lowered her eyes and glanced at Jiang Yuxing: "Grandfather, no matter what the third sister did, tomorrow is Li'er's wedding day, and it is a time for the whole family to be happy. Grandfather, there is no need for you to be angry with the third sister at this critical moment. Although the third sister is naughty, she is still innocent. She can often make you laugh. Grandfather, can you spare the third sister for Li'er's sake?"
"The guests will arrive tomorrow. Today, the maids have cleaned the house from top to bottom. Grandfather, please review the list of tomorrow's guests."
Old Master Jiang snorted coldly: "You don't have to plead for her. I will look at the list later. She is like this now because of you guys. If I don't punish her today, she will ride on my head in the future."
Jiang Zhaoli smiled, her tone was calm, and her voice, like a trickle of water, instantly calmed people's irritable hearts: "Grandfather, the third sister is the youngest among us. Isn't it natural for us to care for her? Besides, doesn't our dynasty advocate caring for children?"
Old Master Jiang snorted coldly. Although his face was stern, the anger in his eyes had mostly dissipated. He had to say it just to save face: "As long as her knowledge is good enough, I will not pursue today's matter."
Jiang Zhaoli said angrily, "Grandfather, how can we have time to examine Third Sister's knowledge now? Just now, the nurse was explaining to Li'er the details of the wedding tomorrow. Before the wedding, we don't know how complicated the details are. Just now, Li'er was about to try on the wedding dress to see if it fit her when she received a message from the servant. Now the tailor who is making the new dress is waiting in Wenming Cuiyuan."
Old Master Jiang glanced at the box of inappropriate books and waved his hand in annoyance, "In that case, let's talk about it after the second girl gets married. Come on, take away all of the third girl's inappropriate books and throw them away. They are not allowed to appear in the mansion again in the future."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yin Su came in, wearing a dark-colored robe with narrow sleeves. His figure was as tall and straight as a green pine, with a face as handsome as jade and handsome features.
Jiang Zhaoli looked sideways and saw him coming like a spring breeze. The colorful light outside fell on him, as if it was inlaid with a faint golden edge, and he slowly came with the light that seemed like salvation.
After not seeing him for two days, he seemed to be even warmer and calmer, making it hard to look away.
He walked calmly to the central hall until he stood side by side with Jiang Zhaoli.
One is gentle and elegant, the other is beautiful and charming, they are truly a perfect match.
Jiang Zhaoli glanced at him, their eyes met, and then they quickly looked away.
Yin Su pursed his lips and said humbly and politely to the elders sitting in the upper seat and around him: "My son-in-law greets all the elders."
Jiang Zhaoli twitched his lips. "Son-in-law?" They hadn't gotten married yet, but he got into the role pretty quickly.
Yin Su looked at Old Master Jiang and said in a neither humble nor arrogant manner, "Grandfather, you said yesterday that you would send your son-in-law to meet him in the hall today."
Old Master Jiang paused. Yes, he sent someone to tell Yin Su yesterday evening to come to the hall today in order to find out his personality, knowledge and views on business. However, after the incident with the third girl, he forgot about Yin Su's matter.
Mr. Jiang's anger instantly disappeared, and he said kindly, "I tend to forget things when I get old. I can't remember what I told you to do yesterday. I'm really old. I'm afraid that in a few years, I'll be buried in the ground."
Yin Su: "Grandfather, you are joking. Grandfather has always been in good health and will live a long life. I have heard that Grandfather is kind and benevolent. He has donated money to help the poor many times. I have heard of Grandfather's reputation many years ago. He is a person I admire."
"God is merciful and will bless grandpa with a long life."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Jiang's expressionless face suddenly turned into a smile, and his smile even spread outside the main hall. Even the servants waiting at the door looked at each other and whispered that the old man had changed his personality today, as they had never seen him laugh so happily before.
After saying this, Mr. Jiang waved his hand to everyone and said, "That's enough for today. Everyone, go away."
Then his eyes fell sharply on Jiang Yuxing, and his tone was serious: "Third girl, I will not punish you today. Go back today and reflect on your mistakes. If you do it again in the future, don't blame me for using family rules."
Seeing that Jiang Yuxing had no reaction, Li Congying kicked her lightly with her toes. Jiang Yuxing's wet eyes drooped slightly, and then she buried her face very low, and replied in a muffled voice: "Yes, Grandfather, Ah Xing knows, and I won't do it again in the future."
Seeing that his grandfather was not pursuing the matter, Jiang Yiche immediately smiled, stepped forward to help Jiang Yuxing up, and kneeled down to wipe off her dirty dress distressedly: "Sister, are you okay?"
Jiang Yuxing shook her head, her eyes fell on the anxious Jiang Yiche, and she smiled: "Brother, I'm fine, don't worry."
What she felt distressed about was the box of books that were about to turn to ashes. They were the ones she had collected by wandering around the streets and alleys. Jiang Yuxing looked at the books piled up like a small wall on one side, her eyes filled with tears and reluctance.
Jiang Yiche saw through Jiang Yuxing's thoughts at a glance. He rolled his eyes, coughed, and immediately had an idea in his mind: "Grandfather, let's withdraw first. Let your grandson handle these. You talk to this...this brother-in-law Yin first. After all, the marriage of the third sister is important."
He winked at the servants beside him, and the two servants immediately carried the books away.
After everyone left, Liu Congying scolded Jiang Yuxing for a while, then left in anger.
The others were strolling in the courtyard. Jiang Yuxing immediately hugged Jiang Zhaoli's arm and said coquettishly, "Second sister, thanks to your and second brother-in-law's help, I was able to save my book today."
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