After a brief moment of sadness, she inquired about Jiang Tian's life, including how she survived, how she spent her adolescence, and where she worked now.
She was like a gentle elder, showing deep care for the younger generation.
Jiang Tian answered each question carefully.
Upon learning that Jiang Tian's adoptive parents had died in a car accident, Madam Cui's face showed an indescribable sadness and sympathy: "Life is like this, full of unpredictability, and it can never develop in the way we expect."
“It’s all in the past, and people always have to look forward. My experiences from childhood have taught me this lesson—if you stay in the same place, you will soon be swept away by the torrent of life. So, Madam, I hope you can cheer up as soon as possible. There are still many people around you who care about you, including the young master,” Jiang Tian comforted her.
"Don't mention him. I know you're trying to speak well of him, but it's really unnecessary. Jiang Tian, tell me, what kind of life do you want?"
Madam Cui seemed unwilling to mention her son, only wanting to focus on Jiang Tian's life.
"The life I want is very simple: no inequality, everyone starts on the same footing. Even if the wealth accumulated by our ancestors gives some people a higher starting point, at least I don't need to be trampled underfoot by others," Jiang Tian said, describing her ideal life.
Upon hearing this, Madam Cui's eyes widened in astonishment: "Have you ever said such a thing to anyone else?"
“No, I only told you. You are the only elder I trust in this world, and I know you won’t tell anyone else,” Jiang Tian said earnestly.
Madam Cui naturally wouldn't spread the word; she just hadn't expected time to change so much.
“I didn’t mean anything by it, but since you asked, I’ll answer truthfully. I don’t want to lie to you,” Jiang Tian added.
Madam Cui smiled helplessly: "So you don't have any other wishes? Perhaps I can help you realize other dreams."
"No, really no more," Jiang Tian replied firmly.
Madam Cui smiled at her, beckoned her closer, and patted her hair: "You're a good girl, you know how to pursue a better life. I want to ask, what stage are you and Su Yuyao at now? Does he have any plans to marry you? You two have to get married, you can't just be in love without any future, that's not good for your reputation."
Jiang Tian shook her head: "We haven't considered marriage, nor do we plan to. As you know, the conflicts between nobles are very sharp. In their eyes, commoners are just expendable commodities, tools to satisfy their ambitions. I can't marry him. His feelings for me are just a passing fancy. Once he returns to his original life, he will find that a non-noble partner is so incompatible."
Jiang Tian's words were calm and rational, without the slightest hint of blind optimism.
Madam Cui agreed with her words and seemed to be thinking about something.
After a while, she touched Jiang Tian's hair again: "I was wrong back then. If I had stopped you in time, maybe you wouldn't have suffered so much. Now that I see you are doing well, have your own independent thoughts, and don't follow the crowd, I am very gratified. You should pursue something better."
"Life is good enough as it is now. I only hope that after my love game with Young Master Su ends, I can return to my own life and continue to maintain inner peace, instead of being tormented by the huge gap between nobles and commoners like I am now. Once I'm back in my own circle, I can shut myself off from the world and stop thinking about so much."
Jiang Tian's words sounded somewhat willful.
But Madam Cui trusted her even more because of this, and her words became even gentler: "It's alright, there are some things you should think about. Why are we born to own the means of production? You should think about this question. Only in this way can you prove that you haven't been completely worn down by the world and become a numb person."
“I’m so grateful that you came to see me today. I was even more surprised and delighted to hear you speak your heart. I feel that our connection shouldn’t have ended so many years ago. The fact that we met again last time is a kind of omen. Please come to see me more often in the future, okay? I won’t let you stay here, for fear of bringing back bad memories for you, but I really hope that you can come and keep me company often. When I’m with you, I feel less pessimistic.”
Jiang Tian nodded: "Okay, please try the rice dumpling candy I made. It was made especially for you. You used to give me candy when I was little, so this time it's my turn to give it to you."
Seeing that jar of rice dumpling candy, Madam Cui's eyes were filled with nostalgia and surprise.
A slight smile played on her lips: "Okay, I'll try it... It's really sweet... Remember to bring me more of this candy when you come to visit me."
Mrs. Cui's words were full of expectation.
"Okay." Jiang Tian agreed readily, as if the two had reached some kind of tacit understanding.
When Jiang Tian left, Madam Cui still had a smile on her face.
However, as soon as Jiang Tian reached the corner, she saw Cui Linye with a blank expression.
Cui Linye looked at Jiang Tian with a meaningful gaze.
“I’m really surprised that you and my mother get along so well,” he said.
Jiang Tian did not show any surprise on her face.
Cui Linye is about to become the official head of the family. If he wants to know the information in his mother's room, he only needs to install a listening device.
With his abilities and methods, this is not a difficult task.
“Yes, Mrs. Cui is very kind to me. She asked me many questions and cares a lot about my life. She still gives me warmth, just like when I was a child,” Jiang Tian replied calmly.
Cui Linye's expression became increasingly unpredictable. He stared intently at Jiang Tian, scrutinizing her closely.
At this moment, a servant hurried over to Cui Linye and said, "Young Master, Madam says she wants to see you. Can you go see her now?"
Hearing his biological mother call him, Cui Linye's gaze remained fixed on Jiang Tian, who calmly met his eyes for a long time.
After a while, Cui Linye said to Jiang Tian, "You just wait here and don't leave. We'll continue our conversation after I finish talking to my mother."
“No, I have to go. I have things to do back home, and I have my own work. You can come see me if you have time. Madam Cui is still there, so please don’t restrict my freedom,” Jiang Tian refused.
Cui Linye's expression turned even more unpleasant.
Jiang Tian nodded to him restrainedly, then turned and left.
Watching her departing figure, Cui Linye came back to his senses.
He stopped dwelling on it and went into the room he hadn't entered for many days.
His mother disliked him; this was a secret known to everyone in the castle, and he himself knew it all too well.
"Mother, did you need something from me?" Cui Linye asked.
He looked somewhat serious and earnest, even with a hint of inexplicable tension.
It was as if the person he was about to meet was not his own biological mother, but a rare and distinguished guest.
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