A strong sense of regret welled up in Jiang Shuqin's heart. The problem remained unsolved, and instead, it added even more worries.
She didn't linger any longer, resolutely got up, and left the room with firm steps.
Jiang Huaiyu gazed at her retreating figure and sighed softly, his eyes filled with a mixture of helplessness and complex emotions.
This was a consequence she sowed on her own initiative, and it had nothing to do with anyone else.
In his previous life, the Marquis's family did the same thing, trying their best to conceal the truth about the humiliation suffered by Prince Jiang Huaiyu. Even after he recovered, they did not marry him for two years under the pretext of recuperating.
She conducted an in-depth investigation and also caused a major disturbance.
In order to quell the turmoil, Lady Jingyuan told her that the Prince of Qin was unable to consummate the marriage due to the aftereffects of his injury.
Jiang Huaiyu went through a long process from shock to acceptance, and it also took time to recover from grief to calm.
Even later, when she learned that Prince Qin had homosexual tendencies, she was not greatly affected. After all, for her, the outcome of living as a widow was no different; it was just that others looked at her with a little more sympathy.
...
On the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival, both of his married daughters returned home, much to Jiang Wenyuan's delight.
Today, he chatted and laughed with Bai Yujing, and during the meal, he kept raising his glass to invite her to drink with him.
Hao couldn't help but interject with a smile: "It's rare to see your father-in-law so happy, Yujing, why don't you have a few more drinks with him?"
"Yes, ma'am," Bai Yujing replied with a smile.
Seeing that Bai Yujing's cheeks were flushed after drinking several cups, Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but feel worried and quietly tugged at his sleeve.
Bai Yujing noticed her worry and comforted her in a low voice, "Don't worry, Madam, I can still hold on."
After several rounds of drinks, Jiang Wenyuan suddenly raised his wine glass and walked to Bai Yujing's side.
He patted Bai Yujing on the shoulder and laughed loudly, "Yujing, I'm really hoping that you'll win the top prize next year and become the champion!"
After saying that, he tilted his head back and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp.
Regardless of how he treated Jiang Huaiyu, Bai Yujing was, after all, his son-in-law, whom he had personally chosen. He was extremely satisfied with both Bai Yujing's character and talent. Therefore, his high regard for Bai Yujing was heartfelt.
"I will do my utmost." Bai Yujing raised his wine cup and drank it all in return.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Shuqin scoffed softly and muttered, "In his past life, he couldn't even become the top scholar. In this life, he's still dreaming big. He should take a look in the mirror and see what he's really made of. He's just a poor, pedantic scholar who can only manage to become a minor official at best..."
Hao Shi, unable to hear clearly, asked in confusion, "Shuqin, what are you whispering about?"
"It's nothing, Mother. I was just saying that the food at home is even more delicious!"
"Since it's delicious, eat more. Although the delicacies in the Marquis's mansion are priceless, they can't compare to the familiar taste of home."
Others may not have heard it, but Jiang Huaiyu was sitting right next to Jiang Shuqin and heard every word clearly.
However, she appeared unusually calm.
Although these words were all true, in his previous life, the Bai family was not at peace because of Jiang Shuqin's interference, and Bai Yujing was also implicated. Although he was on the list, his ranking was very low, and he was unable to stay in the capital to serve as a public official. In the end, he could only be sent to the provincial administration as a sixth-rank official.
However, in this life, apart from that one accident at home, everything seemed harmonious and peaceful. Bai Yujing also joined the Tu Jijiu's school early on, studying diligently and tirelessly.
Jiang Huaiyu had full confidence in him and firmly believed that he would achieve even greater success in this life.
After being reborn and marrying into the Marquis's mansion, Jiang Shuqin could no longer tolerate her father's excessive care for Bai Yujing and couldn't help but ask, "Father, when I came back, my father-in-law specifically told me to greet you and ask when you would be free to visit the Marquis's mansion?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Wenyuan was overjoyed.
She hurriedly put down her wine glass and nodded in response, "I'm available anytime, but I don't know when you, sir, will be able to spare your precious time?"
He couldn't hide his joy. "Speaking of which, I was able to be promoted to the position of Principal of the Ministry of Rites entirely thanks to your great help, Father-in-law. I should personally come to express my gratitude."
Jiang Shuqin smiled and said, "Father, what's the big deal?"
"My father-in-law said that with your talent, you are not only capable of being a mere Principal of the Ministry of Rites, but you could even be a fifth-rank official. However, since you have been working in the Hanlin Academy, it will take you some time to become proficient in external affairs, so you are starting as a Principal. In the future, my father-in-law will make arrangements for you."
Jiang Wenyuan, seemingly drunk with excitement, his face flushed, exclaimed, "Your Excellency is far too kind! How can I possibly accept such a favor!"
Jiang Shuqin replied with a smug look, "After all, I've married into the Marquis's mansion. Now that the heir has become your son-in-law, who else would my father-in-law take care of if not you?"
Amidst laughter and cheers, Jiang Wenyuan burst into laughter: "Hahaha! Well said! Shuqin, our Jiang family has benefited greatly from your success. From now on, in the Marquis's mansion, you must serve your parents-in-law even more diligently and be considerate of the young master, understand?"
"My daughter will always remember this."
Jiang Shuqin's face was full of pride. She glanced at Jiang Huaiyu and Bai Yujing, her tone laced with sarcasm: "So, Father, you should understand the difference between primary and secondary matters."
"The Marquis of Jingyuan's mansion is a prestigious family in the capital. With the protection of the Marquis's mansion, the Jiang family will surely have a prosperous future. As for those insignificant people, if Father wastes too much energy on them, he will probably end up with nothing to show for his efforts..."
Although she did not say it explicitly, everyone could understand who she was referring to.
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Jiang Wenyuan's face.
As a peer, he did feel pity for Bai Yujing, this talented young man, and he also kept in mind Jiang Huaiyu's previous advice.
If Bai Yujing can truly achieve something, the Jiang family will gain a powerful boost, and establishing themselves in the capital will no longer be difficult.
However, compared to the Marquis's mansion, Bai Yujing at this time seemed like a newborn calf...
Noticing his embarrassment, Madam Hao quickly changed the subject, "Shuqin, you are right. I will definitely visit your mother-in-law in person another day. I just hope she won't find us too uncouth."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Shuqin's face lit up with joy.
"How could that be? The Qin family is a family of generals, and my mother-in-law has mentioned many times that she has the utmost respect for scholars and gentlemen like our Jiang family. If you go to visit her, she will be overjoyed!"
Jiang Shuqin felt very restricted in the Marquis's mansion, and she longed for her family to visit her often.
Once the topic was changed, the atmosphere at the table became relaxed and harmonious again.
After a moment's thought, Jiang Huaiyu raised her wine glass and stood up: "Congratulations, Father, on your successful career. I'd like to offer you a toast."
"I, your son-in-law, would also like to offer a toast to my father-in-law." Bai Yujing also stood up.
Seeing how well-behaved they were, Jiang Wenyuan felt a little comforted and happily shared a drink with them, but his attitude towards Bai Yujing was no longer as enthusiastic as before.
After toasting, Bai Yujing's gaze lingered on Jiang Huaiyu for a moment, a fleeting, enigmatic thought flashing in his eyes.
Jiang Huaiyu noticed, but did not respond. She simply sat down quietly and continued to enjoy the food.
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