Chapter 52: Where does Aunt Zhao come from?
After she finished bathing, the noodles were already on the table. Jiang Yu asked the maid to serve Xia He a bowl as well, and told her to sit next to her and eat.
Xia He often went out with Jiang Yu, and they weren't so formal when they were out. They often ate together, so she sat down without hesitation. When Granny Liao, who was standing to the side, saw this, she opened her mouth, but in the end, she didn't say anything.
After spending a few days with her, she realized that once this young lady made up her mind, it was difficult for anyone to change it. Every master has their own rules, so she decided to leave it alone.
After eating noodles, Jiang Yu was digesting in the courtyard, with Xia He and Chunxue keeping her company. A little while later, a commotion arose outside, and without being told, Granny Liao ran out to see what was happening.
A short while later, she returned and said, "It's the young master and the eldest young master's courtyard."
Jiang Yu gave a faint "hmm" and then said, "Don't ask too many questions, go back and rest."
It must have been the Duke of Chu who made the move. Jiang Yu didn't know if he would spare anyone, but she had no intention of stopping him. Although her education in modern society clashed with the rules here that allowed masters to control the lives of their servants at will, she felt somewhat uncomfortable.
But she also understood that if the Duke of Chu did not take drastic measures, the entire Chu family might soon face a life-threatening crisis.
This is the cruelty of this society.
After a quick wash, she lay down on the bed. Xia He helped her lower the bed curtains, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Miss, what if the servants in the young master and eldest son's courtyards are all dead?"
Jiang Yu looked at her and asked, "Are you scared?"
Xia He shook her head, "This servant just feels that the young master and the eldest young master..." are deeply sinful.
She didn't say what came next, because it wasn't something a maid like her could say.
Jiang Yu closed her eyes and said, "Everyone has their own fate. Don't think too much. Go to sleep."
"yes."
Xia He lowered the curtain and walked away quietly. Jiang Yu turned over. Society is inherently unfair; those in power hold the lives of those below them in their hands. Therefore, if you don't want your fate to be controlled by others, you must take power yourself.
If she hadn't transmigrated, and wasn't the eldest daughter of the Duke of Chu's mansion, she would either be driven to death by Qi Yuanhong and Su Yuezhen, or forced to cower in a corner, unable to leave the house.
If it weren't for her alertness in discovering that Jiang Chengye had been set up to smuggle salt, he would have been exiled or killed soon after.
I took a soft breath, letting go of that slight discomfort, and soon fell into a deep sleep.
.........
In the front courtyard, the light in the Duke of Chu's study remained on. The Duke of Chu leaned back on a soft couch, holding a book in his hand, reading by the light.
A moment later, Li Zhong's voice rang out from outside. The Duke of Chu put down his book and let him in, asking, "Has everything been taken care of?"
“Yes,” Li Zhong said, “The sons born into the family were all handed over to their families, and the others were buried outside.”
The Duke of Chu nodded and said, "Those with families will receive one hundred taels of silver each."
"Yes, Your servant will take care of it tomorrow," Li Zhong replied immediately.
The Duke of Chu rose, supporting himself on the table, and Li Zhong immediately went to help him up. The Duke of Chu asked him, "Has Yu'er rested?"
Li Zhong helped him walk outside and said, "When Granny Liao came back just now, the young lady had already retired for the night and didn't ask about the front yard."
The Duke of Chu nodded, "I'm afraid she'll be soft-hearted."
Li Zhong smiled and said, "This old servant thinks that the young lady has the same charm as you did back then."
The Duke of Chu laughed twice, then sighed, "It's just a pity I didn't grow up by your side; our bond is still a bit shallow."
Li Zhong helped him into the bedroom. "Miss is a very sentimental person. You can tell from her affection for her adoptive parents. Her affection for you is gradually deepening."
The Duke of Chu sat on the bed and sighed again, "I'm afraid I won't live to see that day."
He looked at Li Zhong and said, "You've followed me for so many years, I know you're loyal. Assist Jiang Yu well in the future, and she won't treat you unfairly."
Li Zhong immediately knelt down, "This old servant will definitely assist the young lady well. Your Excellency, please don't say that. Your health is clearly much better than before."
The Duke of Chu waved for him to get up, saying, "I know my own body, but you don't need to worry. I have to pave the way for her, so I can live for a while longer."
Li Zhong felt bad when he heard him say that, but he still smiled and said, "Miss is not lacking in intelligence and methods. Once Miss is on the right track, you can take a break. Your health will be even better then."
The Duke of Chu laughed twice more, "I hope so."
.........
The next day, Jiang Yu got up early again to practice her boxing in the yard. Looking up at the blue sky in the east, she said in a good mood, "Today is another beautiful day."
Xia He and Chun Xue also looked up towards the east, both looking confused. Xia He asked, "Miss, how do you know it's a sunny day? The sun hasn't risen yet."
Jiang Yu said mysteriously, "I calculated it. You'll see."
Xia He and Chun Xue both looked at her with admiration. Jiang Yu secretly smiled and started practicing her boxing. Xia He followed behind her and practiced as well.
Chunxue tried to practice by moving her arms and legs, but couldn't keep up; her movements were awkward and quite comical. Granny Liao stood by, watching with a smile...
After finishing her boxing practice and having a simple breakfast, she was about to go to the Duke of Chu's place in the front courtyard. Just as she stepped out of her room, Granny Liao whispered to Jiang Yu, "Miss, Aunt Zhao has been peeking around outside our courtyard."
Jiang Yu was stunned for a moment before she remembered who this Aunt Zhao was. She was the beloved concubine of her biological father, Jiang Chengye, and the biological mother of Jiang Jiamu.
She nodded and walked out. She had only taken a few steps out of the courtyard when she saw Aunt Zhao's still charming figure.
Aunt Zhao, looking flustered upon seeing her, quickly walked over and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Miss."
"Hmm, has Auntie had breakfast yet?" Jiang Yu asked.
"I've already eaten, I've already eaten." Aunt Zhao said somewhat nervously, "This humble servant had breakfast and came out to digest, I didn't expect to run into Miss."
Jiang Yu nodded. "Then Auntie, continue your digestion."
As she spoke, she started walking forward. Aunt Zhao's face panicked again. She quickened her pace to catch up with Jiang Yu and said with a smile, "This humble concubine...this humble concubine heard that the young master and the eldest son were imprisoned, and I couldn't sleep all night because I was worried. I wonder...I wonder how the young master and the eldest son are now?"
Jiang Yu stopped and looked at her, saying, "Father stole Mother's dowry, and Grandfather was very angry and wanted to teach him a lesson."
"Then, what is the young master's purpose?" Aunt Zhao asked again.
Jiang Yu looked at her expression, which remained unchanged, and said, "Father stole Mother's dowry; it was the eldest young master who instigated it."
"This...this...."
"This was Grandfather's decision, and no one can plead for it. Aunt, please don't ask any more questions."
After Jiang Yu finished speaking, she took a step forward. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Aunt Zhao tightly clutching her handkerchief, her face full of worry.
Jiang Yu asked Granny Liao, "Who is this Aunt Zhao?"
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