The sun had not yet risen, and the May morning was still somewhat chilly.
Tan Yue helped Old Madam Jiang stroll along the pond in the Jiang family compound, easing her pent-up emotions.
She hesitated several times before speaking, but kept quiet due to her status.
Madam Jiang couldn't help but chuckle, "Ask whatever you're curious about."
"Madam," Tan Yue could no longer suppress her doubts, "was the young lady really abandoned by her biological mother?"
This would be extremely shocking news even in Fengjing.
Even cows know to lick their calves, how come humans are less than animals?
"You could say it's her, or you could say it's the Liao family," Old Madam Jiang sighed. "Back then, she gave birth prematurely and was too weak. For the first few months, I took care of Nannan. Six months later, when she felt better, she insisted on taking the child away, and I, as her grandmother, couldn't stop her."
As a result, this letting go lasted for eleven years.
"The clues we found stemmed from Jiang Chenghuan's overly slender frame," Old Madam Jiang said frankly. "The old general was tall and strong, and I also have a bit of a frame. Our children, whether Chengyuan, Chengfeng, or Chengyu, are all tall but not slender."
“Even when Nannan was an infant, her calves were round.” Madam Jiang gestured with her hand. “But only Jiang Chenghuan is delicate and fragile, yet stubborn and sensitive, unlike any of the other children in the Jiang family.”
At first, I was just puzzled, but then I started investigating.
Old Madam Jiang could never understand, "If Liao came to take revenge on the Jiang family, she treated Chengyuan very well. I can't understand why she had to abandon Nannan and the eldest daughter of the Jiang family."
The investigation eventually traced it back to the Lü family, who were related to the Jiang family.
Because of a serious mistake he made back then, the entire Lü family was implicated, demoted, had their property confiscated, and were punished severely.
The Lü family suffered a blow and soon died of illness. The Lü family's sons became despondent and frequented brothels. Their infant daughter, who was left to nurse, had to be sent back to the Liao family and disappeared without a trace.
"Could it be that Madam was coerced by the Liao family into abandoning the young lady and accepting the third young lady?" Tan Yue suddenly became agitated, but quickly denied it. "But Madam's attitude towards the young lady is too cold. It's as if she deliberately abandoned her own daughter to give her niece a bright future."
How heartbroken I would be if the girl found out!
Fortunately, she still has her grandmother.
"I have no concrete evidence of what the Liao family has done, and I have been holding back until Jizu comes back to deal with it." Old Madam Jiang said coldly, "If the Liao family can be more sensible and consider the bigger picture, they will have a few more good days ahead of them."
But it only lasted a few days.
No one could continue to thrive by sucking the blood of the Jiang family after the eldest daughter of the Jiang family was replaced.
Whether it's the Liao family or any other family, those who harbor such intentions will pay the price.
Madam Jiang let out a cold laugh and strolled away with Tan Yue.
The sun mischievously peeked out from the east, bringing the warmth of summer to the world. I wonder if the little girl, fast asleep, has woken up from the heat.
Tan Yue helped Old Madam Jiang back to De Ren Hall, only to find that Jiang Sheng had already gotten up.
She was still a little sleepy, holding a sandalwood box in her hands, inside which was a complete set of sapphire jewelry, so luxurious it was dazzling.
The talkative maidservant said with envy, "Third Miss is so generous, giving such expensive jewelry. She's more generous than the eldest young master, and even more generous than the madam. It's just a bit late..."
It was actually sent by Jiang Chenghuan.
Old Madam Jiang's eyes dimmed as she slowly walked into the room.
Jiang Sheng finally came to her senses, stood up holding the sandalwood box, and said softly, "Grandmother, please return it for me. I already refused, but she insisted on giving it to me, saying that she was apologizing on behalf of Madam Jiang."
Old Madam Jiang's gaze deepened as she glanced at Tan Yue.
Tan Yue quickly accepted it, saying, "I'll return it for you, Miss."
He then turned away hastily.
Jiang Sheng finally breathed a sigh of relief, and some inexplicable emotions disappeared.
Old Madam Jiang affectionately patted her head, "Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"
Jiang Sheng scratched her head. "I've already had enough sleep. If I sleep any longer, I'll just be lying in bed with my eyes wide open. My brothers never stay in bed too long. They work so hard, and I need to work hard too."
Only after she finished speaking did she realize that this was not the second courtyard. She lowered her long eyelashes to hide her emotions.
Madam Jiang sighed deeply.
Some moments, once missed, are gone forever; even the deepest love cannot change the situation.
Just like Jiang Sheng's favorite people, they have always been her brothers.
Old Madam Jiang could hardly suppress her heartache, yet she felt she should be happy, because at least Jiang Sheng had five vibrant young men by her side during her most difficult time.
“Your brothers are all very outstanding,” she said softly. “And they are all very kind people.”
After recovering, he did not abandon his seemingly most useless younger sister.
“Of course.” Jiang Sheng became proud again. “My older brother’s literary talent is unmatched. He always gets first place in every exam. I’m still waiting for him to become the top scholar.”
"My second brother is the best at abacus calculation, my third brother is the best at kung fu, my fourth brother is a kind-hearted doctor, and my fifth brother is the smartest."
She said these things more than once, but she always brought them up with great enthusiasm.
Old Madam Jiang went along with her, "Oh? Is she really that outstanding?"
"Not a drop of water added!" Jiang Sheng said, hands on her hips, chattering away.
From fighting for the county magistrate, to passing the imperial examination for children, then becoming a scholar, and finally a provincial graduate.
From the dilapidated temple, to Xieyang County, then to Anshui Prefecture, and finally to Fengjing.
They have met many people and dealt with many things. They have been bullied and they have also vented their anger. Their lives are wonderful and their future is brilliant.
Madam Jiang listened with great interest.
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