Chapter 12, Chapter 12: The Old Madam
"Later..." Granny Gui's voice lowered, "The old lady came to Lin'an from Guangling to visit a friend and rescued an injured young nobleman. That young man fell in love with the old lady at first sight," she shook her head heavily, full of regret and helplessness, "Alas! They are worlds apart, not even in sync!"
"That young master's mother, that noble lady from the wealthy and powerful family," Granny Gui's voice was filled with barely suppressed resentment, "how could she tolerate her precious son taking a fancy to a woman from a merchant family who spends her days in public? She used a vicious method..."
She took a deep breath, as if the old injustice still burned within her: "They actually tampered with a batch of Yun brocade that the Jiang family presented as tribute. They claimed that the silk was soaked in a deadly poison, causing her to be 'poisoned and on the verge of death.' This catastrophic disaster has struck, and even if the Jiang family were to exhaust all its wealth, it would not be able to atone for this enormous crime! It seems... it seems that the family is about to be destroyed, and the century-old foundation will be ruined in an instant!"
"Later, the Jiang family was able to escape their predicament," Meng Yutong said, her heart skipping a beat, "was it related to the scar on Grandmother's face?"
Granny Gui's body trembled violently, and tears instantly filled her eyes. She nodded slowly and heavily, "The old lady did this to save her parents and the entire Jiang family, which was in dire straits..."
Her voice choked with sobs, "She...she did something no ordinary person would even dare to imagine. With her own hairpin..." Granny Gui's hand trembled as she gestured to her cheek, "...she used her own hands...to cut...her face! Right there! A woman's most important asset—her appearance! She just ruined it...and that was it!"
"It was snowing that day. Blood splattered on her red silk skirt and flowed into the snow. She smiled and said to the noble lady: 'Jiang Yunshang's appearance is ruined. She is no longer worthy of the young master. I only beg the lady to be merciful and spare the Jiang family.'"
Meng Yutong's heart clenched suddenly. In a daze, she seemed to see that spirited young girl in bright clothes, holding a blood-stained gold hairpin, resolutely breaking off her life's pride and glory amidst the swirling snow.
A chill ran through her chest, and her hand unconsciously reached for her abdomen. Although she had already started over, there was still a lingering pain there.
My grandmother must have been in a lot of pain back then.
She heard Granny Gui say softly, "On that same day, the old master rode a fast horse from Guangling and said in front of that nobleman that the Meng family and the Jiang family had a marriage agreement and would be married soon, and that there was no possibility between the old lady and that young master. The old lady held the blood-stained hairpin and stared at him for a long time that day, which can be considered as agreeing to the marriage."
What's the story with my grandfather and grandmother?
Granny Gui gently stroked the worn-out coarse cloth on her knee and continued, "The old master and the old lady were childhood friends, but one of them had a temperament like a gentle, flowing spring stream, while the other was like a sudden thunderclap in the height of summer, sharp and flamboyant. But who could have predicted that when disaster struck, it would be the usually mild-mannered one who single-handedly stormed into Lin'an City."
"However, even though the old lady went to such lengths, that lady was still unwilling to give up easily and insisted on keeping the person under her watchful eye. She said that as long as the old lady lived a peaceful life, the Jiang family would have no worries."
"The old master was a kind man who truly respected the old lady. The whole family moved to Lin'an. After the old lady married into the family, he used all his wealth to help the Jiang family through their difficulties. The old lady was grateful for this kindness and completely settled down."
"Those days of riding horses, practicing medicine, and traveling all over the country were like a dream, which she extinguished with her own hands. She put away all her flamboyant nature and used all the energy she used in the business world to manage this family. She was a good wife and mother, and behaved herself properly."
Granny Gui's tone was complicated, "The old master treated the old lady very well, and the old lady gradually regarded this place as her home. Although those days did not begin with deep affection, they were peaceful and harmonious. Unfortunately... the old master was not blessed and passed away early."
"After the old master passed away, the old lady completely changed."
"She has experienced loss and knows the feeling of being in turmoil, so she values this family property that can shelter her from the wind and rain even more, valuing it more than her own life. That decisiveness and toughness is probably the last little spark left of the fire she had when she was young."
Granny Gui looked at Meng Yutong with the wisdom of someone who had been through it all: "Young lady, the scar on the old lady's face is visible. But the scar in her heart... that's what's truly tormenting."
"Does Granny know about that young master's family..." Before Meng Yutong could finish speaking, Granny Gui suddenly grabbed her hand, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes: "Miss, don't ask! Knowing too much about some things can be a disaster."
Meng Yutong felt a chill run down her spine. The fact that the "young master" could bring down the Jiang family, make her grandmother risk disfigurement, and make Granny Gui so secretive about him showed that his identity was extraordinary, and that he was probably someone the Jiang family could never afford to offend back then.
“In that case,” she said in a very soft voice, with a barely perceptible sigh, “Grandmother has had a very difficult time all these years guarding this huge family business.”
“Who says otherwise!” Granny Gui’s eyes reddened again, her fingers clenching her handkerchief tightly. “The old lady had hoped that the master could stand up and smoothly take over this responsibility. But… alas!”
She sighed heavily, her voice filled with exasperation and helplessness. "You know the master's temperament! Every time he goes out to discuss business, he disappears for three to five years without a trace, indulging in debauchery and squandering money like water. He hasn't made many legitimate deals! How can the old lady dare to let go?"
"Over the years, the old lady has been stubbornly holding on with her old bones, gritting her teeth and struggling to survive! Those shallow-minded people in the mansion have been gossiping behind her back, saying that the old lady is clinging to the key and unwilling to let go, that she is greedy for this little bit of power... Little do they know that the old lady is guarding this huge family business, and she can't sleep at night with her head on the account books. Her heart has never been at ease!"
When Granny Gui got to the painful point, she couldn't hold back any longer and used her handkerchief to press the tears from the corners of her eyes: "This old servant...this old servant only hopes that after Miss gets married, she can come back to visit the old lady often during the New Year and festivals, so that...so that she won't become estranged from her."
"Don't worry, Granny," Meng Yutong replied softly, her voice gentle and devoid of emotion, still immersed in the past. "That's only natural."
"These words I spoke today... were repeatedly instructed by the old lady not to utter a single word to you."
Granny Gui lowered her voice, with a hint of apology and relief, "But with Miss's big day fast approaching, it's time for this old servant to retire and return to my hometown."
"Since you've asked, this old servant will boldly tell you everything. It's a great relief, and I can finally sleep more peacefully in the countryside."
"Is your hometown in Ciyunling, Fuyang County, Granny?" Meng Yutong changed the subject and asked at the right time.
“Exactly! Exactly!” Granny Gui nodded repeatedly, a hint of longing for her homeland on her face. “That place has beautiful mountains and clear waters, and the climate is very pleasant! If Miss has some free time in the future, she must go and stay there for a few days to relax.”
"You didn't see it, but during the hottest days of summer, Lin'an City is like a steamer. But by the mountain streams of Ciyun Ridge, the wind carries a cool breeze, and you need a thin blanket to sleep at night!"
Meng Yutong smiled and nodded, her gaze gentle. Then, seemingly casually, she changed the subject, her tone considerate: "By the way, Granny, you just said you would only retire and return to your hometown after I get married?"
Meng Yutong and Ji Yun's wedding date is set for July.
Granny Gui's plans were naturally based on this date.
Upon hearing Meng Yutong mention it, she blurted out almost without thinking, "Of course! Miss, I watched you grow up. If I don't see you leave this house in such a grand manner and get into the bridal sedan chair, how can I rest easy? How can I return home in peace?"
A faint yet resolute look of satisfaction flashed across the depths of Meng Yutong's eyes.
She then revealed an even warmer smile, naturally reaching out to gently tidy a stray gray hair at Granny Gui's temple, and said softly, "Granny, I understand your kindness towards me."
"But you are getting old. In the future, if you encounter windy or rainy weather, you should stay at home and rest instead of going out and running around."
"It's slippery outside. If someone gets hurt, wouldn't that be heartbreaking? If anything happens, just tell those nimble little maids to run errands."
"Knock knock knock".
Just then, three clear and respectful knocks came from outside the door, followed by the crisp announcement of a young maid, breaking the warmth inside:
"Reporting to Miss, the Old Madam has returned to the manor and is currently at Songfeng Courtyard. Please go and pay your respects immediately."
A note from the author:
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