Although it's called an old house, it's actually a manor outside the city, less than a hundred miles from Beijing.
Jiang Su was not born to the legal mother, but he was raised by her and became the head of the Jiang family despite being a son of a concubine. The legal mother had a son named Jiang Heng, who had excellent calligraphy skills. Even the emperor praised him for his masterful style, and scholars would go to great lengths to obtain a copy of his calligraphy.
Unfortunately, fate was cruel to the talented Jiang Heng, who died of illness in his early twenties. His stepmother was devastated and fell ill for three years. Later, a sorceress was consulted, who said that Jiang Su's official career was too prosperous and would bring bad luck to them. So, the stepmother took Jiang Heng's wife and daughters and moved to a manor left by Jiang Su's father.
That's what they say to the outside world, but many people know that Jiang Su doesn't have a good relationship with his stepmother and his brother's family. Some even say that the old lady disliked Lin Shi, which is why Jiang Su kicked her out.
The carriage stopped outside the mansion, where the old servant was already waiting.
Qin Ma instructed the servants and the manor manager to move five boxes of things inside.
Jiang Heng's wife, Madam He, greeted them outside the main hall, saying, "Brother and sister-in-law, you've come over for a simple meal, why did you bring so much stuff?"
"The old house has everything it needs."
Lin's expression remained calm. "Whether it's lacking or not, it's all about the goodwill of the Prime Minister and me."
"Your sister-in-law works hard taking care of our mother, so I brought you some new fabrics."
Mrs. He grinned, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. "Thank you, sister-in-law."
She looked behind the two of them, her gaze landing on a slender figure, deliberately glancing past Jiang Yanwan, "This must be Qingwan, right?"
"Wow, she's really good-looking."
“My mother has been thinking about this for a long time and has wanted to see me for a long time.”
Jiang Yanwan was in a bad mood the whole way, and now that He Shi was ignoring her, she was about to speak when the old lady called from inside, "It's cold outside, come in and talk."
Madam He smiled and said, "Elder brother and sister-in-law, please come in."
After saying that, she went straight to Lin Qingwan, affectionately took her hand, stared at her intently, and kept talking, "Look, this nose is a nose, and these eyes are eyes."
"Our family is missing such a beautiful daughter."
Jiang Yanwan gritted her teeth so hard she almost broke them, silently following behind Madam Lin to greet the old lady.
When it was Lin Qingwan's turn, Madam He pulled her in front of the old lady and said, "Mother, look at Qingwan, isn't she the prettiest girl in our family?"
The old lady was dignified and well-off. Although she was old and her hair was gray, she had a good complexion. When she looked at Lin Qingwan, her eyes shone with sharpness.
"Her bone structure is better than Yan Wan's, but she's too thin," the old lady said, hitting the nail on the head. "You can tell from the outside that she hasn't been well taken care of."
She pulled Lin Qingwan's wrist and said, "Good girl, are you not used to living in the Prime Minister's residence? You've been back for more than half a month and you haven't gained any weight."
Her voice was kind yet authoritative, seemingly concerned for Lin Qingwan, but in reality cooperating with Madam He to test her.
Lin Qingwan sighed inwardly, realizing that the old lady's dissatisfaction with Jiang Su and his wife was probably long-standing. And she herself had unfortunately become the pebble that stirred up the lake.
Lin Qingwan first performed the full kowtow, looking slender and delicate, yet her every move was graceful and poised. "Qingwan greets her grandmother."
"Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. Everything is fine at the Prime Minister's residence, and Qingwan is used to living here. It's just that her health is not good; she has been thin since she was a child, which has caused you worry."
Her voice was clear and cold, and her words were respectful, unlike those delicate noble ladies in the capital.
Heaven knows that seeing how well-behaved she was, Lin felt a huge weight lifted off her shoulders.
The old lady narrowed her eyes slightly. "The ground is cold. Get up and talk."
Madam He personally helped her up and also received a bow from Lin Qingwan. "Qingwan greets Aunt and thanks Aunt for her kindness."
Mrs. He praised her highly, saying, "Look at her, not only is she beautiful, but she is also so well-mannered and polite. Your sister-in-law comes from a prestigious family, and all the children she has raised are excellent."
“Unlike me, Yun’er is used to being idle on the estate, like a wild girl.”
Madam Lin chuckled, "Yun'er is so straightforward, sister-in-law is too modest."
"No, no. I really wish Yun'er could be half as good as Qingwan."
Lin said, "Sister-in-law, please stop praising her, lest she become arrogant and cause trouble unintentionally."
Lin Qingwan lowered her eyes. Her mother really doted on her and couldn't stand others praising her.
"The food is ready, let's eat while it's hot," the old lady said, and everyone moved to the side hall.
The He family had a son and a daughter. Jiang Mingting and Jiang Mingyun stepped forward to greet Jiang Su and his wife, and looked at Lin Qingwan with curiosity.
These two siblings are twins, and they look like He Shi, with single eyelids and small eyes, which makes them look rather unimpressive.
Lin Qingwan now thinks that what Madam He said is quite right. Jiang Mingyun is not only inferior to her, but also far behind Jiang Yanwan.
The meal was unpleasant. Everyone, from the old to the young, had different thoughts and feelings. Lin Qingwan found it hard to enjoy her meal with these people. She decided to have something to eat on the way back.
After dinner, as darkness fell, everyone stayed with the old lady around the stove, chatting.
The old lady inquired whether Jiang Su was tired from his daily work and instructed him to serve the court well, but she didn't say much to Lin Shi. Therefore, the conversation ended awkwardly.
Jiang Mingting asked, "Isn't the Valiant Cavalry on holiday today? I was hoping to see my elder brother and have him give me some pointers on archery."
Jiang Zhenlin's matter has even reached the Jingzhao Yin (Prefect of the Capital), how could they not know about it?
This was deliberately intended to embarrass Jiang Su and his wife.
After enduring for a long time, Madam Lin put down her teacup. Jiang Su then spoke up, "A few days ago, A-Lin got into a conflict with someone, and I punished him by making him reflect on his mistakes. Therefore, he cannot come to pay his respects to Mother."
He feigned surprise, "What made my elder brother so angry that he had to punish Ah Lin on such a festive occasion?"
Jiang Su remained expressionless, showing no intention of answering.
Madam Lin glanced at Madam He and said, "As the son of the Prime Minister, Ah Lin has to be more cautious in his words and actions than others, unlike Ming Ting who is more carefree."
Madam He's expression darkened, and she sighed, "Sister-in-law is right. If my husband were still alive, Mingting would have had his father to properly guide him."
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