Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Uncle is in great health
Lu Changji was bathing in the moonlight, his narrow, almond-shaped eyes fixed on Jiang Shu, his gaze calm and gentle.
Jiang Shu's breathing stagnated for a moment, and her heartbeat accelerated. She took a deep breath, took the handkerchief from Lu Changji's hand, hurriedly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and whispered, "I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, uncle."
Lu Changji said it was okay and asked gently, "What difficulties did you encounter?"
If she hadn't encountered an unsolvable problem, she wouldn't have been crying alone outside the yard in the middle of the night.
He didn't ask "Have you encountered any difficulties?" but "What difficulties have you encountered?", which made it clear that he wanted to help her.
Jiang Shu raised her head and, under the cover of night, boldly looked at Lu Changji. Lu Changji was tall, with broad shoulders and body, and his back was straight, showing that he was in very good health.
With a physique like his, he is indestructible and will definitely not disappoint her repeatedly like Lu Changyi.
The darkness covered the light and also made Jiang Shu become wanton and bold. She opened her mouth and almost expressed her needs.
She really needs help, and only Lu Changji can help her. Unfortunately, she can never and dares not express her needs.
Jiang Shu pursed her lips and whispered, "I'm not in any trouble. I'm sorry to bother you, uncle."
Lu Changji didn't like to force people. Since Jiang Shu was unwilling to tell the truth, he would not force her. However, it was late at night and although the mansion had guards, it was not as safe as during the day. He could not leave Jiang Shu alone sobbing by the lake.
Lu Changji said to Jiang Shu in a gentle voice, "It's late at night and the dew is heavy. I'll take my sister-in-law back to Xinchun Garden!"
Jiang Shu has never been a person who would act casually. After Lu Changji gave the order, she followed him back to Xinchun Garden.
The night was quiet and the two of them stopped talking. Only when they passed the stairs did Lu Changji give a low reminder.
Jiang Shu slept soundly that night, and when she woke up she found that she was still holding Lu Changji's handkerchief in her hand.
She clearly hadn't done anything wrong, but she felt uneasy for no reason. Jiang Shu walked to the side room holding a handkerchief, and only spread out the handkerchief after sending Zhu'er out.
The handkerchief was snow-white in color, with a clump of green bamboo embroidered on the lower left corner. The lush bamboos stood tall and majestic, and they had a bit of Lu Changji's aura.
The handkerchief was a personal item, and she couldn't keep it for herself. Normally, she should wash the handkerchief and return it to Lu Changji, but she thought about how she had just entered Canaan Courtyard a few days ago on the pretext of returning a cloak. If she went to return the handkerchief again, she was afraid that people would misunderstand that she did it on purpose.
Jiang Shu stroked the handkerchief. It felt thin and soft to the touch, probably made of Hangzhou silk. It was a small piece, and if you looked closely, it wasn't worth much. She was afraid her uncle had already forgotten about it. She didn't need to attract attention because of it.
Jiang Shu opened the closet and put the handkerchief inside. Although the handkerchief was placed properly, she was still worried, so she pushed the handkerchief to the bottom of the closet and then turned and left.
In the blink of an eye, it was Yang's birthday. The mistress's birthday was a big event. Jiang Shu asked Zhu'er to go to the warehouse to get some dried fruits, food, and clothing materials. She also personally selected a set of headpieces inlaid with yellow Xiuyan jade as a birthday gift. All the things were packed into two large boxes.
Just before leaving, Jiang Shu was surprised to see Lu Changyi getting up as well. "Why did the prince get up so early today?"
Lu Changyi held her hand in his palm and said gently, "Today is my mother-in-law's birthday. It is only natural that I should be there to celebrate."
Lu Changyi meant well, but Jiang Shu's palms broke out in a cold sweat. She forced a smile and said tactfully, "I appreciate your kindness, my mother. I'm sure she'll be very pleased to know. However, the Jiang residence is quite far from the Xinyang Marquisate, and the carriage is bumpy. Your Highness should just rest at home. Why suffer so much?"
Lu Changyi knew that Jiang Shu was thinking about his health, but what man would be willing to be looked down upon by the one he loved?
He said, "Although my body is useless, it is not made of paper. I can still withstand going out."
A man's dignity is higher than the sky. At this point, Jiang Shu couldn't stop him. But she was still worried and whispered, "Why don't you ask Fang Yu to go to Yanxi Hall and inform mother that you are going out?"
"My mother controls what I wear and what I eat. Don't I even have the freedom to go out?" Lu Changyi's tone became hurried and his face became paler.
He was most afraid of getting angry, and Jiang Shu was afraid that he would get hurt, so she smiled and said, "Your Highness, do whatever you want. You are of noble status, and I wish you could come to the Jiang family to support me."
As she spoke, she looked at Zhu'er and said, "Take out the ice jar from the carriage and put two thick layers of cushions on it. I couldn't be happier that the prince is accompanying me back home today."
The group marched into Tongque Street in a mighty procession. Upon hearing that the prince had come in person, Jiang Wenhuan hurriedly took Yang to the door to greet him.
The carriage of the Xinyang Marquis's Mansion was six meters long and four meters wide, and was hung with pearls and jade. It made a clear sound when it moved, and it was luxurious and exquisite.
Those who came to celebrate Yang's birthday were all from families of similar status to the Jiang family. They had never seen such a magnificent carriage before, and they could not help but admire it, sighing that Jiang Shu had married in a prestigious manner and brought honor to the neighbors.
Amidst the admiration of the crowd, Jiang Shu helped Lu Changyi get off the carriage. She was wearing a bright red brocade jacket and a gold-threaded headpiece with beads. She had fair skin and was beautiful. She was so charming that even the half-new gate of Jiang's house looked more glorious because of her.
Mrs. Kang was the first to exclaim in admiration: "No wonder Sister Shu was able to marry into a wealthy family. Look at how beautiful she is. Even the goddesses and fairies in heaven can't compare to her."
Mrs. Yu also echoed: "I have grown up for nearly thirty years, and this is the first time I have seen a lady as beautiful as Sister Ru Shu. Today I have really broadened my horizons."
As everyone was talking, they surrounded Jiang Shu and led her into the main door. Jiang Shu was a junior and should have sat at the back seat, but because of Lu Changyi's distinguished status, Yang had to arrange the couple to sit at the front seat.
Lu Changji was very popular, and the people present had no way to make friends with Lu Changji, so they tried their best to please Lu Changyi, some toasted him, some poured him tea, and Yang became a foil.
Yang glared at Jiang Shu, secretly blaming her for stealing the spotlight from the birthday girl. Unfortunately, it was Yang's golden day, and if she lost her temper, it would only be her own loss of face. She endured it silently, waiting for the banquet to end before entering the inner room with a sullen face.
Yang opened the curtain and immediately saw the aggressive Jiang Ran. Jiang Ran whispered, "Mother, look at Jiang Shu's smug look. Didn't she marry the prince of the Xinyang Marquisate? She's so arrogant that she can't even tell east from west."
"You are just too good-natured. You let your concubine's daughter steal the limelight at such a good birthday banquet. If I were you, I would not be able to face the housekeeping anymore."
"Oh, are you blaming me for being incompetent and not being able to control a concubine's daughter?" Yang was angry and no longer tolerated Jiang Ran. The mother and daughter started to quarrel with each other.
Seeing Yang's displeasure, Jiang Ran didn't dare to be sarcastic anymore and softened his tone, saying, "Mother, Jiang Shu is so arrogant just because she married a sickly prince. If my daughter could marry Lu Changji, she would definitely be a hundred times more prosperous than her."
"Once my daughter has achieved success, you will be the mother-in-law of the Prime Minister, and our family will also rise in prominence. Let's see who dares to ignore you."
Jiang Ran's words made sense, but she had already lost the opportunity to marry Lu Changji. What else could Yang do? Yang said, "Mother knows that if you marry Lu Changji, it will bring many benefits to the family. But a man like Lu Changji, without an introduction, how can we marry him?"
Jiang Ran blinked. "Mother is getting more and more confused. Prime Minister Lu is the prince's elder brother. If the prince is willing to act as a matchmaker, my daughter may not be able to gain Prime Minister Lu's favor."
This was a good idea, but when she thought of Lu Changyi's cold and arrogant look, Yang was frightened again. Lu Changyi had seen through her trick of wanting Jiang Ran to marry in place of Jiang Shu and punished her severely. Now, whenever she thought of Lu Changyi, she felt uneasy.
Jiang Ran said, "My daughter knows that mother cannot control the prince, but the prince treats Jiang Shu like the apple of his eye. As long as Jiang Shu asks for something, the prince will definitely agree."
Yang clapped her hands in agreement and immediately called Jiang Shu into the house. Without beating around the bush, she said directly, "Your sister has a noble character, beautiful appearance, and both good character and appearance. She is a perfect match for your uncle."
"If you really care about your family, you should ask your son-in-law to act as a matchmaker between your second sister and Prime Minister Lu. That would be a good thing."
Jiang Shu almost laughed out loud. She never expected Yang to be so shameless. Not to mention the difference in family background between the two families, just talking about their personalities, the difference between the two was as huge as heaven and earth.
Lu Changji is a man of extraordinary talent, as noble as a jade or a jade. Jiang Ran, on the other hand, has been domineering and rude since childhood, and is used to bullying others. She even covets her brother-in-law. These two people cannot be said to be a match in any way.
Since Yang had brought up the matter openly, Jiang Shu would not indulge her and said directly, "The prince is frail and usually doesn't even go out. Not to mention me, even the Marquis's wife doesn't dare to trouble him.
Mother, please don't make things difficult for me. I married into the Marquis's mansion alone, my pregnancy wasn't successful, and I have no one to rely on. If I anger the prince, how will I live in the future? "
The more Jiang Shu spoke, the sadder she became. She frowned, with the corners of her mouth slightly curved. She looked like a pear blossom in the rain, so pitiful.
Whenever Lin felt wronged, she would act like this, and Jiang Wenhuan would always protect her. Seeing Jiang Shu like this, Yang became inexplicably irritated and slammed her palm on the table, shattering the cups and plates on it.
The noise in the inner room was so loud that it disturbed the distinguished guests in the outer room. If it were another man, he would never have entered the inner room to avoid suspicion.
However, Lu Changyi would never be bound by worldly things. He stood up suddenly, opened the door curtain and walked into the house. Seeing that he looked unhappy, Jiang Wenhuan hurriedly followed him in.
Inside the house, Yang's face was ashen, with broken porcelain pieces beside her. Then she looked at Jiang Shu, whose expression was so delicate that it was obvious that she had suffered a great injustice.
Lu Changyi sat on the kang by the window, glaring at Yang and cursing, "You old hag, who are you? How dare you let Shu'er suffer injustice? If you dare to say or do something indecent again, I'll skin you alive."
Yang had experienced Lu Changyi's power before, but she didn't expect him to be so unscrupulous.
There is no right in the world for a younger generation to scold an elder. According to Yang's personality, she should have scolded back directly, but thinking of the power of the Xinyang Marquis Mansion, she did not dare to act rashly, so she turned her eyes to Jiang Wenhuan, hoping that Jiang Wenhuan could make the decision for her.
Jiang Wenhuan was also caught off guard by Lu Changyi. People in officialdom valued decency, and even if they were extremely angry, no one would ever curse at him.
Logically, he should have protected his wife, but seeing Lu Changyi's angry look, he was afraid that he would be affected as well, so he retreated to the outside silently.
The only person she could rely on had gone to the outer room. Yang had no hope at all. She did not dare to argue with Lu Changyi. She suddenly collapsed on the chair and burst into tears.
Yang was fat and strong, and her crying was louder than others. Lu Changyi was so shocked by her that his head hurt. He rubbed his temples, called Changshun and went home.
After they left, Yang finally vented her anger. She kicked over the table in the room, still not satisfied, and chased Jiang Wenhuan out again, sarcastically accusing him, "Other people's masters are the pillars of the family, but ours is much better. When we encounter difficulties, our master escapes faster than a rabbit. From now on, why call him Master? Just call him Rabbit Lord."
Jiang Wenhuan had done something inappropriate and felt guilty, but he did not refute Yang. He just sat there and let Yang scold him.
Yang scolded until her mouth was dry, and seeing that Jiang Wenhuan did not respond at all, she was too lazy to scold anymore. She turned around and went back to the bedroom, and ordered the maid to lock the door, determined not to let Jiang Wenhuan get on her bed.
Everything was silent. Jiang Ran tossed and turned on the couch but couldn't fall asleep. When he thought of Jiang Shu surrounded by so many people, he felt like being pricked by needles in his heart.
She obviously had a better background and was more talented than Jiang Shu, so why should she be suppressed by Jiang Shu? The more Jiang Ran thought about it, the angrier she became. She suddenly stood up, rushed into the main house, and knocked on Yang's door.
Yang thought that Jiang Wenhuan had come to admit his mistake to her, and besides being angry, she felt some other emotions as well.
She cleared her throat and tried to make her voice sound softer. "I thought you had already gone to sleep at Lin's place, so why are you here again?"
"Since you won't protect me, you don't need to enter my room anymore. It's better for us to sleep separately than to sleep in the same bed but have different dreams. When we encounter difficulties, we will only protect ourselves."
"Mother, what are you talking about?" Yang Shiqing was waiting for Jiang Wenhuan to come and comfort her, but unexpectedly she heard Jiang Ran's voice.
Yang was startled and hurriedly gathered up the dress that had fallen to her shoulders, got out of bed and opened the door.
Her face flushed slightly, and she said to Jiang Ran in a harsh voice, "It's the middle of the night, why are you here instead of sleeping?"
Jiang Ran's mind was on Jiang Shu. She didn't think about Yang's words carefully and said directly: "Mother, Jiang Shu and the prince are bullying us too much. Are we just going to let them bully us like this?"
"Why don't you call Jiang Shu home, give her a good lesson, and vent your anger."
Yang had always been the one who had the final say in the Jiang family and had never been wronged. However, this was the first time in her nearly forty years of life that she had been pointed at and scolded, and she was very angry.
She had originally wanted to flatter Jiang Shu and have her find a good marriage for Jiang Ran, but she hadn't expected Jiang Shu to be so smooth-talking. She said nice things, but refused to put in any effort, causing trouble one after another. Since Jiang Shu wasn't willing to make plans for the Jiang family, she shouldn't be blamed for being ruthless.
Yang pulled Jiang Ran to the tea table and said, "What good will it do to teach her a lesson? It's just a way to vent your anger, but it won't hurt her at all.
Why not plan carefully and kill her with one strike when the time comes, so that she can never raise her head again in the Xinyang Marquis's Mansion. Then we'll see how she can still show off her power in our family."
Jiang Ran just wanted to vent her anger, but she didn't expect Yang to cut off Jiang Shu's escape route. She stared at Yang with wide eyes: "Didn't you say that you would use Jiang Shu's connections to find a way for your father? If you really let Jiang Shu lose face, how can she help our family in the future?"
Yang thought Jiang Ran was too naive. She raised her eyebrows and said sarcastically, "I used to think Jiang Shu was an honest girl, but now I understand. Don't be fooled by her gentle appearance. She is very determined in her bones.
She dares to disobey me now. Once she has established a firm foothold in the Xinyang Marquisate, she will cause chaos. Rather than being unable to control her in the future, it is better to cut off her future now and let her never escape our grasp again.
After careful consideration, Jiang Ran felt that Yang's words made a lot of sense, but Jiang Shu was with Lu Changyi nine out of ten days, so how could they reach out to Xinyang Marquis Mansion? Jiang Ran asked Yang blankly: "Although what mother said is true, it is not easy to implement. How could Jiang Shu let us control her?"
Yang reached out and patted Jiang Ran on the shoulder, sighing softly, "You, you are really too young, without any cunning at all.
There are some things that your mother must teach you as soon as possible, otherwise you will be helpless and be manipulated by others when you marry into your husband's family."
Yang took out an invitation and placed it in front of Jiang Ran. "The Governor's wife invited me to visit her family's villa in five days. Jiang Shu will also be there. The villa is crowded and guarded. If Jiang Shu loses her innocence, it's not my fault."
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