The night was still and cold, with a biting wind blowing and snow swirling around. Scattered snowflakes relentlessly pelted people's faces, bringing a chill.
A woman, dressed in a dark blue fur cloak and meticulously wrapped from head to toe, walked ahead, followed by a maid carrying a food box. The only sound in the silence was the squeaking of her embroidered shoes on the snow.
The dim candlelight flickered gently, casting a warm yellow glow over the entire room. A middle-aged man dressed in a blue robe sat upright in the study, with many documents laid out on the desk, intently handling official business.
Although Jiang Jing's character is questionable, he does have some personal ability. Otherwise, he could not have climbed to such a high position by relying solely on scheming and nepotism.
Knock knock knock... Someone knocked on the wooden door, followed by a woman's soft voice, "Father, it's me, Chang Le, here to bring you chicken soup."
"Come in!" Jiang Jing didn't even look up. Ever since Jiang Changle returned from the talent show, she had often personally brought him chicken soup late at night, and he had gradually gotten used to it.
With a creak, the door was pushed open, and Jiang Changle waved away the maid and walked into the study carrying a food box. She skillfully took out the chicken soup, and a rich and fragrant aroma instantly filled the entire study, making people feel a little hungry.
Jiang Jing took the chicken soup, squinting his eyes with a look of enjoyment. Being able to drink rich chicken soup on this warm winter day was indeed a great pleasure. What mattered even more to him was the deeper meaning behind the soup. It proved that Jiang Changle had matured considerably compared to before, knowing how to maintain a good relationship with his father, and was no longer as domineering as before.
"Chang Le, you've really worked hard. From now on, let the maids handle these small matters. You're getting married soon, so you should focus on embroidering your wedding dress in your room. Don't worry, your father will always be your strongest support. I'll help you with anything you need, because you're my most beloved daughter."
Jiang Jing reached out and led the person to sit down beside him. His words were sincere and earnest, but Jiang Changle's heart did not warm up with his words. Instead, it was eerily calm.
He had previously held onto some illusions, but it turned out that his father was just using him. His kindness towards him was only because of his background and future status, and the enormous benefits that his father could bring him.
But it doesn't matter. He's no longer the naive Jiang Chang Le he once was. She was using him too; after all, a commoner's daughter has no right to become a prince's concubine. It's just a mutually beneficial relationship. He's already withdrawn the last bit of his sincerity.
He still has to rely on the other party now, but that may not be the case in the future.
“Precisely because your daughter is about to get married, she should stay by your side and fulfill her filial duties. There is another matter I have come today, and I hope you will grant me permission.” Jiang Changle poured more chicken soup for Jiang Jing, her tone quite calm.
"Go ahead," Jiang Jing said with great enthusiasm, waving his hand dismissively. In his view, it was nothing more than needing some jewelry and clothing for protection; it was no big deal.
“My daughter will be getting married soon, but I’ve been worried about my younger sister’s marriage. I’ve mentioned it several times before, but Father has never agreed. This time, I’ve specially found a husband for my sister. He’s a scholar from Jinling City in Jiangzhou. He’s very talented, and he and my sister are a match made in heaven.” Jiang Changle smiled, her handkerchief tucked into her hand, her malice in her eyes undisguised.
Having seen through his father's true nature, he also realized where he had gone wrong. Before, he was the daughter of the Jiang family, and everything was decided by his father; he had no say in anything. But soon he would become a prince's concubine, a person of high status, and he couldn't believe that the other party wouldn't agree.
Jiang Wuyou was like a thorn in his side, something he couldn't bear to leave unremoved. He was determined to make the other man pay a heavy price, to teach him that opposing him would never end well. Wasn't Jiang Wuyou known for his sharp tongue? He'd rip out his tongue and see how he could still be so eloquent then.
Jiang Jing was also shocked by these words. He almost stood up from his chair and looked at his daughter with a look of surprise and uncertainty. His eyes were more serious than ever before, as if he were seeing her for the first time.
"Why are you looking at me like that, Dad? Is there something wrong with me?" Jiang Changle blinked, looking completely innocent.
"Cough, it's nothing. I just noticed you looked different today, so I glanced at you a couple more times. Don't worry about Wuyou's affairs. It's not your business anyway. He has a bright future ahead of him, so it's best if you don't make enemies with him."
Jiang Jing coughed lightly to cover up his lapse in composure, then picked up his brush again and continued writing the official document, his tone much calmer. These words were a heartfelt expression of his feelings; he only hoped his daughter wouldn't do anything foolish.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Changle clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging. Wuyou's words echoed in his mind.
"So what if you are of noble birth? I am the one who is most beneficial to Father. I will climb higher than you and show you and your mother who is more powerful. You don't know yet, do you? The Fifth Prince has already asked Father for my hand in marriage, and I will be his principal wife. You are just the Third Prince. What right does a concubine have to challenge me? You will have to bow to me when you see me."
Jiang Changle didn't believe these words at first. He didn't think that a prince would take a fancy to a concubine born to a woman of low birth, even if she was a prince of similarly low birth.
But when he found out, he discovered that it was true. The Fifth Prince had reached marriageable age, and this selection of concubines should have been used to appoint a principal wife, secondary wives, and several concubines for him. But strangely, the Emperor did not appoint a principal wife for the Fifth Prince; instead, he appointed two secondary wives and several maids.
Compared to the other princes, whose principal wives and concubines were all available, the Fifth Prince's harem was eerily clean. Even if the Emperor were biased, he wouldn't be so blatant, especially since he had always treated all five princes equally.
That can only be because the Fifth Prince asked for it himself. Who was he going to give the position of principal wife to?
Then Jiang Changle bribed the servants in the mansion and learned that the Fifth Prince had visited the house several times. Each time he left, Jiang Jing would be very happy and even drink a few more cups of wine.
All the signs pointed to one point, making her think more deeply.
"I understand, thank you for reminding me, Father. I will definitely try to get along well with my sister and won't let you worry." Forcing a smile, Jiang Changle maintained her composure and played a game of tai chi with Jiang Jing for a while before turning and leaving.
Jiang Jing remained oblivious to his daughter's unusual behavior, focusing solely on his work. He secretly planned to present a memorial to the Emperor when Wuyou came of age, hoping to see if the Emperor would take the matter seriously. He was confident that with his encouragement, Wuyou would become a favored concubine, and then, whatever the Emperor desired would be a simple matter of whispering in his ear.
Little did he know that as soon as the person left his sight, Jiang Changle's face darkened, and his eyes seemed to be filled with venom.
Jiang Wuyou, how could I possibly pretend that you've become the Fifth Prince's principal wife and allow you to step on my head?
You think I'd bow to you, you worthless wretch? Dream on!
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