Chapter 4: Has Cousin Linglongxin Never Rebelled?
Cui Yiluo returned to the yard and had just finished changing her clothes and washing up when the servant reported that the second lady had arrived.
The second wife was her aunt, the only relative on her mother's side. What comforted Cui Yiluo was that her aunt, who married into a wealthy family, did not have the airs of a noble lady. Every year on her birthday, her aunt would send her gifts.
Cui Yiluo still remembers the amazement she felt when she received the exquisite ruby headpiece at the age of seven. It was the first time she received such precious and exquisite jewelry. Each ruby was as rich and bright red as blood, and was crystal clear with distinct textures.
The seven-year-old girl touched them one by one and thought that her decision to use all the money she had to prepare a birthday gift for her aunt was the right one.
She carefully stored the headgear in her bedroom, taking it out from time to time to check its existence. She was still too young at the time, and many of the Yao family members in the courtyard would disappear in less than half an hour for various reasons if they were left in the storeroom.
For several years, the birthday gift sent by her aunt was the only thing she could afford - until she managed to get back the few shops owned by her mother, and she became much more financially secure.
Her aunt became the only person she could rely on to escape from the Cui family, but when she was seventeen years old, when she learned that her stepmother had begun to look for a marriage for her, she held on to a faint hope and wrote a letter to her aunt, hoping that she could take her to Beijing.
Her aunt politely declined, which was within her expectations, as her aunt was not her mother after all.
But after Yao arranged a marriage for her, her aunt unexpectedly took her to the Jiang Mansion to prepare for her marriage.
Maybe he felt sorry for her, but he was still kind to her sincerely.
A tall and noble woman walked in from the door, her rings making crisp sounds. Her well-maintained face was full of worry, her brows were furrowed. Upon closer inspection, her eyebrows and eyes were somewhat similar to Cui Yiluo.
Next to her was a beautiful woman, who also looked a little nervous.
Cui Yiluo called out, "Aunt, cousin."
Lan Hui walked up quickly and carefully examined Cui Yiluo inside and out. After confirming that only her ankle was injured, she put her hand on her chest and felt relieved.
Lan Hui was still terrified. "Luckily you're alright. How could you have run into bandits? I was nearly frightened to death. When I received the news yesterday, the city gates were already closed. Otherwise, I wouldn't have left you alone in Baoming Temple."
Cui Yiluo's eyes also turned red: "Aunt, thanks to my cousin, otherwise I don't know if I can still see you."
Lan Hui held Cui Yiluo's hand lovingly and sighed, "Shenzhi is indeed a good child who knows etiquette and is kind and righteous."
Cui Yiluo lowered her eyes.
At this time, the woman next to Lan Hui interrupted and said, "I'm glad my cousin is okay. Those bandits are really bold. They even dared to rob the Jiang family's carriage! But bandits appeared in the suburbs of Shengjing. I don't know if Jingzhao Yin..."
Lan Hui interrupted sharply: "Zhao Yue, you must not make irresponsible remarks about state affairs!"
Jiang Zhaoyue knew that she had said the wrong thing and stopped talking in anger.
Lan Hui turned to Cui Yiluo and asked with concern, "Yiluo, tell me what was so special about those bandits yesterday? Although Shen Zhi has sent people to investigate, I'm still worried."
"That group of people are highly skilled in martial arts, their moves are ruthless, and they are well-trained. Other than that, there's nothing special about them."
Lan Hui's face darkened, the corners of her mouth drooping tightly. After pondering for a few breaths, she patted Cui Yiluo's hand and said, "Yiluo, don't leave the Jiang Mansion unless necessary these days. Even if you do go out, be sure to bring guards with you. I'll assign you some more guards from my courtyard later."
Cui Yiluo agreed obediently.
Lan Hui gave Cui Yiluo a few more instructions on how to take care of her feet, and then she felt relieved and turned to her daughter beside her and said, "Zhaoyue, Yiluo was frightened yesterday. You should stay with her for a while."
Jiang Zhaoyue responded and asked, "What about you, mother?"
Lan Hui smiled at the two of them and said, "I have an appointment with the Imperial Concubine, so I need to go to the palace."
The Imperial Concubine mentioned by my aunt has been favored for many years. Her popularity even surpasses that of the Empress. She is the Imperial Concubine Qiong who is deeply loved by the Emperor.
This extremely favored imperial concubine seemed to have a very good relationship with her aunt and they often got together. Cui Yiluo had heard about this before she came to Beijing.
Because she had an appointment with Concubine Qiong, Lan Hui was a little anxious when she left.
Before leaving, Lan Hui said seriously, "Yiluo, your aunt is here, and no one will hurt you."
Cui Yiluo had never seen her aunt so serious, as if she was making a promise. She was a little bewildered and clenched Lan Hui's hand. "Aunt... Yiluo thanks you, aunt."
Lan Hui also smiled slightly, but the smile was very forced.
After Lan Hui left, the doctor invited by the servant Jiang Yunjin came and brought medicine for the wound.
Cui Yiluo expected that Jiang Yunjin would not come in person.
After examining the patient, the doctor simply said that the patient needed to rest for a few days and prescribed some internal medicine.
After seeing them off, Jiang Zhaoyue sighed at her delicate cousin and said with pity, "Poor thing, you've just arrived in Shengjing and you've run into something like this. Luckily, the injury isn't serious, so I don't think it will delay the Lotus Feast in a few days."
"Lotus Feast?"
"The Imperial Concubine holds a banquet every summer. You've arrived just in time this year, so Mother will definitely take you to the banquet." Jiang Zhaoyue saw Cui Yiluo looking thoughtful and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Don't you want to go?"
Cui Yiluo smiled and shook her head: "I couldn't ask for more to attend the banquet hosted by the Imperial Concubine. How could I dare to refuse?"
Jiang Zhaoyue looked at her bright smile, wanting to say something but stopping himself.
"cousin?"
Jiang Zhaoyue opened and closed her mouth, but finally couldn't help but said, "I can only say this to you in private, you are not allowed to tell anyone."
Jiang Zhaoyue made Cui Yiluo repeatedly assure them that only the two of them knew about this matter before she spoke out confidently, "When you first entered the mansion, I wanted to say that your smile was somewhat similar to that of the Imperial Concubine. However, it's not just a resemblance in appearance, but more likely... a resemblance in spirit."
Cui Yiluo was stunned. It turned out that this was the reason why her cousins had been staring at her face in a daze these days.
She immediately smiled and said, "I heard that the Imperial Concubine is a first-class beauty. If I could resemble her, it would be my blessing."
Jiang Zhaoyue disagreed: "Cousin, you are being too modest."
After saying this, he thought about his cousin, who was going to marry someone like that in two months. Jiang Zhaoyue didn't like Cheng Jiancheng very much, so her smile faded.
Cui Yiluo understood what she was thinking, revealing a bit of worry and vulnerability: "Cousin, can I go with you to the Lotus Banquet?"
The thieves and bandits had not been found yet, so my cousin was inevitably afraid and needed someone to accompany her. Jiang Zhaoyue felt even more pity for her, and even her eyes were filled with more sympathy.
"Of course, even if you don't say it, I think so."
Cui Yiluo curled her lips and smiled sweetly, "Then I'll trouble you, cousin."
Jiang Zhaoyue was always the one being taken care of and cared for by everyone, so she thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of being relied upon. She was extremely satisfied to have her beautiful and delicate cousin trust her so much, and she added, "Luckily, my eldest brother happened to be passing by yesterday. Don't look at me as if he's usually cold and doesn't want to say a word to anyone, but in times of crisis, he's still very reliable."
People always praise Jiang Yunjin for being polite and steady.
Yesterday, when he was about to give up, he tried his best to protect her behind him.
Cui Yiluo rolled her eyes and asked, "Cousin, has my eldest cousin always been like this since he was a child?"
Jiang Zhaoyue said, "Big brother is the only son of the eldest wife. Ever since he was little, my uncle and aunt have taught him that he shoulders the family's honor and disgrace, and that he must never slack off. As far as I can remember, Big brother has always been up before dawn to study, and he doesn't rest until midnight. He rarely even goes out with his classmates, and it's almost like he's never had a day off. Even after becoming an official, he's maintained this routine. But Big brother must have gotten used to it. Anyone else would have been sick from all the work, but he hasn't been sick even once all year."
"When I was young and ignorant, I went to look for my eldest brother to play with me in the daytime. As a result, when I turned around, I was met with my uncle's serious face. I was scared to death. I had nightmares for several days after I came back. I dreamed that my uncle was chasing me with a book and a ruler!" Jiang Zhaoyue touched his chest and shuddered. "It almost scared me sick. After that, I never dared to go to my eldest brother's yard again."
Jiang Yunjin actually grew up under such strict etiquette.
"No wonder my eldest cousin has been well-mannered since he was young, but has he never been rebellious?"
Jiang Zhaoyue shook her head subconsciously, and suddenly remembered something: "There was one time, but this matter... I can't tell you."
Cui Yiluo hurriedly pulled her hand and acted coquettishly, but Jiang Zhaoyue, who was always easy-going, was particularly firm this time and refused to say a word.
"Cousin, no one in the Jiang family is allowed to mention this matter. If I tell you, and my father and grandmother find out, they will definitely punish me by making me kneel in the ancestral hall!"
Jiang Zhaoyue spoke so seriously that Cui Yiluo had to temporarily give up her plan to pry the matter out of her mouth.
"But why hasn't my eldest cousin married yet? There's not even any sign of getting engaged?"
Most men in this dynasty married after the age of eighteen, and even those who married later were usually engaged. Jiang Yunjin held a high position, shouldering the responsibility of his family's prosperity, so marriage was naturally a matter of great caution. However, it was somewhat strange that he was already twenty-one and had yet to show any signs of engagement.
Jiang Zhaoyue replied, "My eldest brother was already nineteen after he finished mourning for his parents. My grandmother became anxious to arrange things for him after he finished. Initially, many noble ladies in the capital were interested in marrying him, but he himself had no intention of getting married. He was busy with state affairs all day and never attended any of the matchmaking banquets. Those ladies were all from high-class families and had other options. Seeing that my eldest brother was so cold-hearted, they naturally found other suitable partners over time. In addition, my grandmother was picky and strict. She was worried that if my eldest brother didn't like the wife she chose, it would only disturb the peace of the family. Seeing that my eldest brother's position in the court was becoming increasingly stable, she let him do what he wanted. Isn't it? It has been delayed until now."
Cui Yiluo nodded thoughtfully.
Jiang Zhaoyue slowly realized that something was wrong and observed Cui Yiluo's expression: "Why are you asking these questions? Could it be..."
Cui Yiluo looked at her without blinking.
Jiang Zhaoyue looked at Cui Yiluo's clear eyes and felt that he was overthinking. How could his cousin, who was simple and gentle, have such thoughts about his elder brother?
Jiang Zhaoyue immediately felt guilty for misunderstanding her cousin. To make amends, she offered to take Cui Yiluo to choose some jewelry to wear at the Lotus Banquet, and she settled the matter despite Cui Yiluo's repeated objections.
The two had a very pleasant conversation. Jiang Zhaoyue felt that she and Wanrou's well-behaved cousin got along very well. Although her cousin tried to hide the fact that she was being treated harshly by her stepmother in her words, she was keen enough to hear clues from the details.
My cousin has had a miserable life, which is really pitiful. Jiang Zhaoyue sighed secretly. Fortunately, she is now in the capital and has her mother with her, so life will be better.
It was not until the sun was at its zenith that Jiang Zhaoyue left reluctantly to have lunch.
The Jiang residence had four living quarters, and except on festive occasions, each room had its own meals. Cui Yiluo's injured foot prevented her from going to the dining hall, so she hadn't been dining with everyone these days. Instead, she had her meals delivered to her room.
However, Cui Yiluo didn't care and decided to have dinner without seeing Jiang Yunjin.
Jiang Yunjin was the only one left in the main room, and he always ate alone. However, due to his busy official duties, his return time was irregular, so eating alone was quite convenient.
Cui Yiluo remembered what Jiang Zhaoyue had just said, that Jiang Yunjin had done something against the rules. This was beyond her expectation, and Jiang Zhaoyue refused to say anything no matter what. This meant that the matter was so extraordinary that if outsiders knew about it, it might ruin the reputation of Jiang Yunjin and even the Jiang family. It would be quite difficult for her to find out about this matter.
But what exactly did Jiang Yunjin do to make it so serious?
Meanwhile, on the other side, a man with an air of noble aloofness sat beneath a lush tree. Sunlight filtered through tiny cracks, casting dappled shadows across his handsome nose. Slender fingers slowly grasped the teacup, and he sipped from his thin lips. Behind him, the cold mountain was shrouded in mist, a hazy, cloud-covered landscape. The man's cold expression seemed to blend seamlessly with the mist.
"According to what you said, they must have been the ones who did it." Another man sitting opposite him spoke. He had a noble, gentle and steady temperament. He looked to be only in his early twenties, but his manners were exceptionally mature and steady.
He sneered: "It seems that your cousin is a big threat to them."
Jiang Yunjin put down the teacup and asked, "What are your plans, Your Highness?"
Xiao Jing didn't answer his question, but instead showed regret: "Your cousin has had a hard time. Her stepmother arranged for her to marry a man who could be her grandfather. She came thousands of miles from Ningzhou to prepare for the wedding, and..."
Jiang Yunjin remained expressionless until he was almost taken aback at the last part, "Ningzhou?"
Xiao Jing looked at him with a hint of doubt. "Yes, don't you know? That's right, you probably wouldn't take the initiative to pay attention to the young lady. Miss Cui's father hasn't been promoted in many years. The second wife he married appears virtuous and generous, but secretly abuses his stepdaughter and has another son, who is only five years younger than Miss Cui. Miss Cui has a stepmother who treats her poorly, a father who doesn't care about her, and a younger brother who has been domineering since childhood."
Xiao Jing sighed and said sympathetically, "It's easy to tell that she's having a hard time."
Jiang Yunjin opposite him lowered his eyelids, covering his pupils, staring at the green tea in the porcelain cup, as if he was distracted.
Seeing that he had remained silent except for suddenly asking about Ningzhou just now, Xiao Jing guessed that given his personality, he was not interested in this matter, so he did not continue talking.
He placed his hands flat on the stone table, and said in a serious tone with a hint of request: "Shenzhi, she is useful to us. Now she is staying in your house. I am afraid I will have to trouble you to mediate between us."
Jiang Yunjin's expression didn't reveal his willingness or dissatisfaction. He nodded calmly and said, "I understand."
Xiao Jing's tense body visibly relaxed, and he smiled, "I originally thought you wouldn't agree."
After all, Jiang Yunjin is known for his cold temperament and is unwilling to get close to women.
A heavy burden lifted from his heart, and Xiao Jing smiled a little more. "It's almost lunchtime. I've grown some vegetables in this farmyard. Would you like to try some?"
"Your Highness is kind, but I have other official business to attend to, so I won't bother you any more."
After Jiang Yunjin finished speaking, he stood up and saluted. His every move showed the demeanor of a noble young man brought up in a noble family.
Xiao Jing didn't care either. He waved his hand casually and said, "I also expected that you would only focus on official business. Never mind, go now."
"I'll take my leave."
Jiang Yunjin walked out of the farmyard and saw Wen Feng waiting on the side with his horse. He hurried forward and handed him the reins.
But the man didn't answer, just staring at the distant green mountains in a daze.
He called out doubtfully, "Sir?"
Jiang Yunjin seemed to come back to his senses and took the reins.
"Let's go."
After lunch, it was time for a nap. The Jiang Mansion became quiet under the scorching sun. The servants unconsciously lowered their voices while working. The cicadas that loved to chirp had been killed off in early summer, and the surroundings were peaceful.
Cui Yiluo did not sleep yet. She was still rummaging through the bags she brought with her, and then placed a jar with a green chrysanthemum petal pattern on the table.
Suddenly, anxious footsteps were heard in the yard, and Lilan walked into the room with an irritated look on her face. Cui Yiluo instantly guessed what was going on.
"Miss, Cheng Jiancheng is here."
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A Luo: I really want to know what my cousin did [question mark]
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