Jiang Huaiyu frowned slightly and said seriously, "You respect my father so much that you don't mind the Jiang family's treacherous behavior?"
Bai Yujing was slightly taken aback, then asked in return, "Why do you say that?"
Jiang Huaiyu stared into his eyes and said, word by word, "Originally, the Jiang family had arranged a marriage between the Jiang and Bai families, with the Jiang family originally intending to betroth Jiang Shuqin to you. However, they suddenly changed their minds and betrothed me, the fake heiress, to you instead. Did you really not feel a single bit of resentment?"
Bai Yujing had not expected her to ask such a sudden question, and was momentarily stunned. Then she slowly shook her head, her tone tinged with helplessness: "Why would I harbor resentment?"
Jiang Huaiyu's eyes were clear as water, and she said calmly, "But you and I both know that my sister is the true bloodline of the Jiang family, and her status is much higher than mine as an adopted daughter. Even if I say all the right things to others, it cannot change this undeniable fact. By marrying me, you are actually taking on an unfair burden."
Bai Yujing was slightly taken aback, and a look of surprise appeared on her face. "Huaiyu, I have never had such a thought before."
Jiang Huaiyu gazed at him for a long time, then suddenly smiled. "Now that I've become your wife, let's put aside the grudges of the past for the time being. In any case, I should thank you for your meticulous care of me these past few days."
Bai Yujing gently shook her head, her eyes filled with deep affection, "Now that we are married, why be so polite?"
He continued, "Besides, how could I forget my father-in-law's great trust? He entrusted you to me, so I should treat you with all my heart and soul. Otherwise, how could I live up to his profound kindness to me?"
It seems it all stems from that debt of gratitude...
“I almost forgot,” Jiang Huaiyu suddenly stopped and turned to look at Bai Yujing, “Husband, on the day my sister got married, she specifically asked me to pass on a message to you.”
Upon hearing this, Bai Yujing's expression shifted briefly before returning to calm. She asked softly, "What did she say to you?"
"When Shuqin left you in the capital that autumn, she was unable to express her gratitude to you in person, and she has always felt uneasy about it. Therefore, she specifically asked me to convey her deep gratitude to you. She sincerely thanks you for escorting her back to the Jiang family, allowing her to reunite with her long-lost parents and enjoy the warmth of family again."
In those turbulent years, as Jiang Huaiyu's birth mother lay dying, Jiang Shuqin finally learned the secret of her own birth.
Filled with longing, she resolutely embarked on a journey to find her relatives, venturing alone into the distant capital. However, the journey was arduous, fraught with danger, and as a vulnerable woman, she was robbed by outlaws along the way.
Those thugs not only robbed her of all her money, but also tried to assault her. At this critical moment, Bai Yujing stepped forward and bravely rescued her.
Upon learning that Jiang Shuqin's purpose was to go to the capital to find her relatives, and that Bai Yujing was also going to the capital to visit a highly respected scholar, the two decided to travel together.
With Bai Yujing's escort, Jiang Shuqin finally arrived safely at the Jiang family home. It was this protection that made Jiang's father value Bai Yujing highly.
Upon learning that Bai Yujing was a talented scholar about to take the imperial examination, the Jiang family not only gifted him a rich collection of books but also arranged accommodation for him in the capital. Jiang's father frequently invited Bai Yujing to discuss the classics and to guide his writing.
It is no exaggeration to say that Bai Yujing's early success in the imperial examinations was inseparable from the meticulous guidance and support of Jiang's father.
Since Jiang Shuqin returned to the Jiang family, she has had no chance to meet Bai Yujing again.
This arrangement was actually made to protect Jiang Shuqin's reputation by Jiang's father and Hao's family.
Although she and Bai Yujing embarked on their journey to the capital together and maintained a pure and innocent relationship, rumors were inevitable, causing unnecessary damage to her reputation.
Therefore, since then, the two have cut off all private contact, and all social activities have been handled by Mr. Jiang himself.
Until one day, the Marquis's mansion clearly expressed its desire to form a marriage alliance with the Jiang family. Jiang's father and Hao's wife did not want Jiang Shuqin to fall into a pit of fire, so they hurriedly arranged her marriage and finalized her engagement to Bai Yujing.
At the same time, they cleverly allowed Jiang Huaiyu to stand out in front of Lady Jingyuan, thereby consolidating the marriage agreement between the Marquis's family and the Marquis.
Whether in this life or in the memories of a past life.
Jiang Huaiyu always believed that the reason the Jiang family betrothed Jiang Shuqin to Bai Yujing was because they valued his character and talent.
But upon closer reflection now, things don't seem to be entirely like that.
Otherwise, how can that mysterious portrait be explained?
The two supported each other on their journey to Beijing, spending several days together. As a young and vibrant single man and woman, it was only natural that feelings would develop between them.
Therefore, in her previous life, Jiang Shuqin willingly married into the Bai family. However, due to her tragic experiences in her previous life, she resolutely switched marriages with Jiang Huaiyu after her rebirth.
Jiang Huaiyu finally saw through the truth of everything, and a bitter feeling instantly filled her heart.
It turns out that they had long harbored an unspoken, secret love for each other.
So, what does it mean for me to marry Bai Yujing at this moment?
Bai Yujing's voice echoed in the air, "The deep kindness of the Jiang family far surpasses the meager gratitude I showed when I escorted her to the capital. I am truly unworthy of this thanks."
Is it unbearable, or unwilling to give up?
Jiang Huaiyu made up her mind and gritted her teeth, saying, "There's one more thing... I really can't bring myself to say it."
“Huaiyu, please speak freely.”
Jiang Huaiyu seemed unusually hesitant. After a long pause, she slowly said, "I shouldn't be saying these words, but... this is my sister's request before she left, and I cannot go against her wishes."
Her gaze was firm as she looked directly into Bai Yujing's deep eyes, and she whispered, "My sister once said that she was the one who let you down."
At this moment, Jiang Huaiyu only wanted to confirm what he thought.
As expected, Bai Yujing's expression changed several times in an instant upon hearing this, clearly shaken and unsettled by these words.
He was utterly shocked. "Huaiyu, you...you knew all about this?"
"Yes." Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, her tone revealing a hint of determination and sorrow.
After a long silence, Bai Yujing finally let out a long sigh, her voice filled with endless sorrow: "Miss Jiang owes me nothing. It's just that my fate with her is shallow. When I learned that she had married into the Marquis's family, I was also relieved that she had found a good match."
Despite being mentally prepared, Jiang Huaiyu still felt dizzy when those words came out of his own mouth.
Was all her anticipation and waiting just a joke?
She tried her best to suppress the turmoil in her heart, forced a smile, and said softly, "In this way, you can also put down the burden in your heart, little sister."
Bai Yujing looked down and saw that her face was as pale as a fish's belly, and her figure seemed to be swaying in the wind. He was startled and immediately reached out to support her.
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