Chapter 45: Joy Throughout the Household, Secret Resentment in the Second Branch (Extra Chapter)

Lady Wang observed that although Lady Pei was reserved in temperament, she was not one to harbor petty grievances. Feeling relieved that such a woman would be her granddaughter’s mother-in-law, she turned to her daughter-in-law, Madame Pei, and said:

"Very well. In that case, go to the Jiang residence later today to inform them of this matter. Remind Jiang Huaishan that the Wenyuan Marquis Mansion will oversee the entirety of A'nian's wedding preparations. Should there be any further mishaps, he can answer directly to Chuniang."

Chuniang was the name of Jiang Shiyuan’s mother, who had passed away ten years prior. Mentioning her now was an expression of the resentment Lady Wang harbored. When the previous marriage arrangement with the Prince of Chun’s estate had fallen through, it was due to the meddling of the Jiang family’s second daughter. If things went wrong this time, Lady Wang would no longer care about the bonds of kinship; she was determined to show the entire Jiang household the formidable power of the Wenyuan Marquis Mansion.

"Rest assured, Mother. This time, I shall oversee the matter personally; there will be no errors!"

Madame Pei’s words were firm and resonant. Those present who were perceptive understood the implication, while those who were not—such as the Pei siblings—grew curious, exchanging glances and resolving to investigate the matter.

The Marquis Mansion’s plans were well-laid. After settling the three members of the Pei family, Madame Pei set out. She went alone, refusing the company of the other children who had wished to join her. However, by the time she arrived, the members of the Jiang family were gathered in the Tai'an Courtyard, listening to the Old Madam’s inquiries.

"When all is said and done, it is the eldest granddaughter who has the most influence. Many people spend their entire lives without even catching a glimpse of Princess Qinghuan’s true face, yet you, remarkably, managed to get the obscure third granddaughter inside. Don't take offense at your second aunt’s meddling, but we are all kin; if you have such connections, you ought to look out for the others in the family as well."

Jiang Shiyuan was sipping her tea. She did not even lift her eyes at her second aunt’s words, but since the remarks had reached the ears of the Old Madam, the latter chimed in with a supplementary comment:

"Your second aunt is right. It is always good for family members to support one another. There are other brothers and sisters in this house; if A'nian has other avenues, do make arrangements for them as well."

Jiang Shiyuan found the request somewhat amusing, though she kept her expression neutral.

"Grandmother, the Third Sister’s entry into the Princess’s estate to embroider a congratulatory gift was purely a coincidence. It was because the Princess’s attendant, Nanny Shen, happened to see the handkerchief in my hand and admired the embroidery. I merely made the introduction. It was really a testament to the Third Sister’s own diligence in her needlework; I merely spoke a word in accordance with Nanny Shen’s wishes. I truly did not expend any effort."

She did not wish to take credit for the favor, so she spoke plainly. However, her second aunt, Madame Zhang, had long been resentful of the situation and had struggled to keep her peace until today. Hearing this, she could not let it go and retorted:

"Look at that. Being from a different branch means a lack of affection. The eldest granddaughter thinks only of the third granddaughter, while the other siblings in our house have no such fortune with her. Mother, let it be. After all, the eldest granddaughter was raised by the Wenyuan Marquis Mansion; she remains, in some measure, a stranger to our Jiang family."

Liu Hua and Lu Luo, hearing this, wore displeased expressions. Every time they visited the Old Madam, this Second Madame would always make snide, unpleasant remarks, causing their mistress unnecessary trouble and offense.

Jiang Shiyuan understood as well. She had previously ignored the second aunt to avoid complications, but today, she felt a sense of irritation. She asked in a light, casual tone:

"Second Aunt, what is the matter today? You keep harping on about us being from different branches. When the Crown Princess Consort was seeking a match for the fourth sister the other day, I never said anything of the sort. If we are to count it that way, what was the Crown Princess Consort’s intention?"

"You!"

Madame Zhang faltered, her words tumbling out in confusion. She wanted to offer a retort, but nothing she could say seemed to hold ground. Seeing Jiang Shiyuan sitting there as calm as a chrysanthemum while she herself was filled with indignation only fueled her frustration.

"Enough, enough. We are all one family; why say such things?"

The Old Madam did not wish to favor her second daughter-in-law, yet she was even more unwilling to show affection to her eldest granddaughter, so she intervened to stop the bickering. Just as she was about to continue, someone arrived from outside.

"Old Madam, the Mistress of the Wenyuan Marquis Mansion is here, saying she has matters to discuss with you."

Glancing at her still-composed eldest granddaughter, the Old Madam looked puzzled. The scene of that Marchioness arriving last time to heap insults upon them was still fresh in her memory. What could she want this time?

Upon hearing that Madame Pei had arrived, Madame Zhang’s expression soured. In terms of status, she was worlds apart from the Marchioness, and this lady was known for having a tongue that left her with no room to counter. The news made her quite apprehensive.

Apprehension notwithstanding, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law exchanged a look and had no choice but to invite her in. Compared to their unease, Jiang Shiyuan seemed to grasp the purpose of her aunt’s visit; a faint smile played on her lips, and her mood lifted considerably.

Although Madame Pei came alone, she did not skimp on the grandeur befitting a Marchioness. Followed by over a dozen maids and servants, she walked with an imposing, whirlwind-like momentum. Even upon entering the Old Madam’s courtyard, she did not humble herself or offer the concessions of a guest.

"Please, Marchioness."

Nanny Du lifted the curtain to let Madame Pei inside. Her gaze fell immediately upon her niece, Jiang Shiyuan. Seeing her standing there, smiling faintly at her, the Marchioness’s previously stern expression softened instantly.

Before she could speak, the Old Madam stepped forward and said, "What wind has blown the Marchioness our way? Do you have an urgent matter for visiting today?"

The Marchioness was still composing her expression, and being interrupted so abruptly did not please her, especially when she caught sight of Madame Zhang. Her tone hardened by several degrees as she addressed the Old Madam:

"Greetings, Old Madam. My visit today is indeed for an urgent matter. My mother-in-law has been quite distressed of late, so she did not make the trip herself. The Jiang family has shown little concern for A'nian’s marriage, so the Wenyuan Marquis Mansion has taken the liberty of finding a suitable match ourselves. It is all but decided. We shall arrive tomorrow to finalize it. I ask that the Old Madam keep the household in check; it would be unfortunate if A'nian’s future in-laws were to witness anything untoward."

"A marriage contract? Tomorrow? You cannot be serious, Marchioness," the second aunt interjected, her eyes wide with disbelief.

The Marchioness did not even spare her a glance, stating coldly, "Your house truly is in need of instruction. I am speaking to the Old Madam; why is it that every Tom, Dick, and Harry feels entitled to interrupt?"

Madame Pei gave Madame Zhang no face whatsoever. Though the latter was furious, she dared not lash out, fearing the consequences.

The Old Madam was embarrassed to see her daughter-in-law scolded, but she was even more shocked by the news. She asked with a grave expression, "How can A'nian’s marriage be settled so suddenly? We have only just heard of it. May I ask which family you have chosen?"

"A'nian is young and lacks wise elders to guide her. Countless malicious people have been casting dirt upon her reputation behind her back, and we are too weary to explain each slander. It just so happens that my nephew has come to the Western Capital to celebrate my birthday, and he seems an excellent match, so we have settled on him."

Madame Pei spoke with studied nonchalance. Having learned from the previous debacle—where she had boasted of a Crown Prince's heir only for the second branch to sabotage it—she now offered no details, even though her nephew was a man of exceptional talent. She simply left it at that.