The main street of the capital gradually became lively. Now that the imperial concubine selection was over, the selected young women should be returning home to await the imperial decree. The homes of the chosen young women were filled with joy and decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, while the homes of those who were not selected were quiet and still. This was the norm for all the young women's households.
The Jiang family, the Vice Minister of Rites, was the only exception; neither being brightly decorated nor desolate seemed appropriate.
The fact that one's young lady had gained the Emperor's favor and was appointed as a prince's concubine should have been a joyous occasion, but instead, the Emperor criticized her and demoted her from the principal wife to a concubine. This situation was quite unpleasant.
The position of principal wife, which should have been within her grasp, slipped through her fingers because of a trivial matter. If she hadn't known, it wouldn't have been so bad, but the fact that she did find out caused such a huge psychological blow, which was truly unbearable.
When Jiang Jing received the news, he wished he could strangle Jiang Changle, that idiot, on the spot. That was the position of the principal wife! The principal wife meant she could be listed in the imperial jade tablet, a proper wife, and the benefits and entanglements that came with it were something a concubine could never provide.
Most importantly, Jiang Changle actually displeased the Emperor. Jiang Jing had worked diligently for decades, finally getting a chance to shine in the Emperor's presence and earning a lot of favor, but all of that was ruined because of this foolish daughter.
It's likely that in the future, whenever the emperor sees him, he will remember the shameful incident of his failure to properly educate his daughter, and his political enemies will use this incident to attack and slander him, almost staining his bright and beautiful resume with a stain that can never be removed.
That's just how things are in this world; people always link parents and children together. Once one person has a bad reputation, their relatives will also face the same accusations and criticisms. Jiang Jing has even received a letter from his clan, accusing him of failing to properly educate his daughters, thus ruining the reputation of all the girls in the Jiang family.
In ancient times, it was a matter of shared honor and shared misfortune. If one girl's reputation was ruined, no girl in the same clan could expect a good one. All the good reputation he had cultivated over the years was destroyed by this daughter.
The magnificent carriage turned its wheels, the horses' hooves clattering on the bluestone pavement, and finally came to a stop in front of the Jiang residence's gate.
A maid in a pink dress walked to the tightly closed gate of the Jiang family and knocked on it. Her clear voice was urgent, "Open the door, open the door quickly, the young lady is back!"
The gatekeeper, who was standing guard outside the door, heard the noise but did not go to open the door. Instead, he turned around and went to the main hall to report.
Inside the main hall, a middle-aged man in a dark brown robe, his hair meticulously combed into a bun and secured with a jade hairpin, sat in the main seat, his face contorted with rage. He exuded an aura of impending storm, like a volcano about to erupt.
Beside him sat a woman in a light blue dress, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her simple updo yet graceful. A few silk flowers adorning her hair accentuated her beauty, and a hairpin dangling from her hair swayed slightly with her movements.
Wuyou took a sip of tea, then calmly put down his cup; the gatekeeper's report was finished. He glanced sideways at the anger on Jiang Jing's face and couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
What a good father! He dotes on his daughter when she's useful, but is so cold-hearted when she makes a mistake.
"Father, my sister didn't mean it. After all, he's now the Third Prince's concubine. We can't just keep him out and hurt our father-daughter relationship, or make my sister angry. As time goes by, this matter will pass, and no one will bring it up again. After all, the sisters in the clan and my sister aren't born of the same mother." With a gentle smile on her lips, Wuyou spoke as if it were unintentional.
Hearing this, Jiang Jing looked at Wuyou with satisfaction. This daughter truly suited his taste. Compared to Jiang Changle's feigned gentleness and virtue, this daughter was genuinely gentle. She was thoughtful in everything she said and did, and she learned things very quickly. If she were a boy, she would surely have a successful career in officialdom. It was a pity that she was born a girl.
However, having such a clever daughter, if properly trained and utilized, would be an excellent thing for him, and would certainly benefit his official career.
However, they're not from the same mother? If he registers Wuyou under Madam Jiang's name as well, he might be implicated by Chang Le and have his reputation ruined. It seems he needs to reconsider registering her under Madam Jiang's name.
"Wuyou is so sensible and well-behaved. Then I'll listen to you and go invite the young lady in!" To avoid being laughed at by others outside, Jiang Jing didn't say the last sentence, but Wuyou had already understood his meaning from his expression.
After waiting for about half an incense stick's time, the gatekeeper finally opened the gate. The maid complained a couple of times, but the most important thing was that her young mistress's condition was not suitable for her to stay outside any longer, so she hurriedly went to invite the person down.
She wore a light purple dress, her hair was styled into a simple bun and secured with a few jade hairpins, and a veil of the same color covered most of her face, revealing only a pair of bright and captivating eyes.
Jiang Changle dared not, and did not want to, look at the eyes of those around him. Supported by his maid, he hurriedly entered the gate. After a long while, he slowly let out a sigh of relief. He could not bear the way others looked at him, filled with pity and sympathy, so he tried his best to avoid the crowd.
It's alright. As time goes by, these people will gradually forget about it. Even if he goes out and socializes, he will still be the perfect eldest daughter of the Jiang family in other people's eyes.
Jiang Changle kept reassuring herself, and her rapid breathing gradually calmed down. She managed a not-too-force smile. She straightened her dress and put on an elegant mask for the outside world.
Rouge carefully supported Jiang Changle, her heart trembling. Even though she had been by Jiang Changle's side for more than three years, she had never seen him with such a terrifying and sinister expression. She was afraid that she would displease him and become his punching bag.
"Father, your daughter is back." Jiang Changle bowed respectfully, not noticing Wuyou standing to the side. Although he had been designated as a prince's concubine, the title made him feel ashamed. Moreover, since no ceremony had been held, he was not yet a proper prince's concubine, and at home, his status still had to be respected.
Jiang Jing had hoped to receive his father's gentle treatment and have his wounded and saddened heart soothed, but he appeared much more indifferent than usual, and the smile on his face had diminished slightly.
"It's good that Chang Le is back. It's an honor for our Jiang family that you can become the Third Prince's concubine. You must serve the Third Prince well from now on..." The old father gave his earnest instructions, his words full of gratitude for the Emperor's great favor and a gentle reminder to his daughter.
“Father, why are you saying so much? Sister has just returned and should rest properly. We can talk about other things later; there will be plenty of opportunities.” Wuyou covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her clear voice drifting over and instantly attracting Jiang Changle’s attention.
Noticing Jiang Changle's questioning gaze, Jiang Jing did not seem as guilty as one might expect. "Changle, this is your sister Wuyou. From now on, you two sisters must support each other and work together to protect the honor of our Jiang family."
Upon hearing this, Wuyou looked at Jiang Changle, and sure enough, his expression changed.
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