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Princess Chang’an is not much smaller than Princess Changting, often just referred to as Changting without the title “Fourth Princess”.
Princess Changting and Princess Chang’an have never gotten along since childhood, she has a hunch that Chang’an’s intentions are not good. She said, “If it’s annoying, it won’t be a good thing. Let’s not talk about it.”
Princess Chang’an, feeling frustrated, gritted her teeth and insisted, “It’s about Miss Shu. I feel sorry for her and want to help. You said it yourself, her current situation is a result of your family’s cancellation of the engagement. The Crown Prince has praised you for your virtues and propriety multiple times, can you just stand by and watch that delicate girl become a nun? If she truly shaves her head and becomes a nun, others will bring up how you forced the illegitimate grandson to cancel the engagement. Those idle censors will surely impeach you.”
Princess Changting immediately became cautious and asked, “What do you suggest?”
Princess Chang’an smiled, “Just let Zhanwei take Miss Shu as a concubine. Miss Shu is virtuous and loyal, even if she becomes Zhanwei’s concubine, she would agree. If you want to give her a good reputation, have the Empress issue an edict granting her the status of a secondary wife, that would be even better.”
Princess Changting, frowned and said, “Our family affairs don’t need interference from outsiders. Turning Miss Shu, a pure girl, into both a concubine and a secondary wife would tarnish her reputation for no reason. If you truly care for her, find her a good match and let her become the main wife. Don’t say she’s too old to find a good family, as long as her eyes are on her face, there are plenty of suitable matches. Let’s not forget, Wang Haobai hasn’t settled down yet, right?”
Princess Changting not only scolded Princess Chang’an but also criticized Wang Haobai.
Princess Chang’an, was furious, unable to understand why Princess Changting suddenly turned hostile and spoke so harshly.
Princess Chang’an forgot the purpose of her visit and began scolding Princess Changting, accusing her of only caring about reputation, persecuting the illegitimate grandson, meddling in others’ affairs, shamelessly seeking titles for her sons and grandsons, and pretending to be virtuous. Although Jiang Zhanwei was clearly provoked by her, she still staged the play “The Princess Teaches her Grandson” and had the nerve to…
Princess Changting became even more displeased and then turned to scold Princess Chang’an, mentioning her lack of discretion in her youth, causing trouble for her husband, which led to his premature death before the age of fifty. She failed to set a good example for her descendants, who learned from her bad behavior, all becoming immoral individuals…
The two old ladies sat facing each other, sipping tea, pointing out each other’s past mistakes. Though internally furious, they maintained their composure, exchanging words while keeping a dignified demeanor, creating a somewhat comical scene.
The servants were too scared to intervene or eavesdrop, rushing to find Princess Mingyang and Princess Fengyang to mediate the situation.
The two princesses managed to hold back their laughter and each pulled one person apart, finally separating the two. Princess Chang’an, infuriated, left for home early, putting an end to any further discussion about the marriage proposal.
That evening, the Princess left Jiang Zhanwei in the Crane Hall and recounted Princess Chang’an’s words to him. She intentionally asked, “What are your plans, Zhanwei?”
Jiang Zhanwei never expected these thoughts from the others. Although he felt guilty towards Miss Shu, he never considered having any further involvement with her.
He quickly responded, “Of course not. Grandmother wouldn’t agree, right? Even if she did, her grandson wouldn’t accept.”
Pressing his thin lips together, standing tall and straight, he was no longer the same person as before. If his grandmother dared to agree, he would let his other cousins handle this task.
Princess Changting angrily tapped his head and scolded, “You brat, this old lady isn’t that foolish. Chang’an and Empress Wang are in cahoots, pushing Miss Shu towards our family, that’s not good. I initially felt sorry for Miss Shu, thinking we had interfered with her marriage due to the canceled engagement. But that doesn’t mean I’ll let those people manipulate her way into our family and cause turmoil. Hong is still locked up in the Southern Courtyard. Moreover, if she enters, what about your wife? Lu Man is my most favored granddaughter-in-law, I cannot hurt her feelings.” She snorted, “If not for my authority, Empress Wang’s edict would probably have been issued by now. The Shu family is asking for trouble, daring to seek refuge with the Wang family, pushing their own daughter towards us. Once the truth about the Crown Prince’s lineage is revealed, the Wang family will be destroyed. This is what happens when the master can’t see clearly, women and children are dragged into harm’s way.”
If the Shu family aligns with the old Wang family, the truth about the Crown Prince will lead to their demise. If Shu Mingwei doesn’t marry, she won’t escape a tragic fate. This is the aspect where Jiang Zhanwei feels most guilty towards Shu Mingwei.
It’s been heard that the Princess rejected the proposal, which relieved Jiang Zhanwei. He said, “It’s good that Grandmother declined, one good woman is enough.” Then hesitatingly added, “Grandmother, Miss Shu was indeed delayed by our family. If she doesn’t marry, she will be burdened by the family. Can you help her find a good family and arrange a marriage for her?”
The Princess stared at Jiang Zhanwei, making him feel uneasy. He said, “Grandmother, I just don’t want Miss Shu to have bad luck.”
The Princess let out a cold laugh, leaning back in her chair, and remarked, “I used to think my third grandson was a tough guy, but now it seems he’s quite sentimental.”
Jiang Zhanwei blushed deeply, his face turning red, and hurriedly said, “Grandmother, I didn’t mean anything else.”
The Princess snorted, “Hmph, I’ll help find a match. But even if we find one, will the Shu family agree? Will Miss Shu be willing to marry? If she remains stubborn and doesn’t settle down soon, she’ll have to accept her fate. We rise and fall together, and since she was born into the Shu family, she must bear the consequences. If you truly mean no harm, stay away from her and avoid complicating matters.”
Jiang Zhanwei nodded, understanding he should keep his distance. Remembering how Lu Man didn’t open the door for him after hearing rumors, he felt a bit anxious and added, “Lu Man appears gentle on the outside but is strong-willed inside. Keep this in mind, Grandmother. Don’t let her know, I fear she won’t take it well.”
After spending a considerable amount of time with her, the Princess had grasped Lu Man’s character. She seemed gentle and accommodating but became rigid and uncompromising in certain situations.
However, seeing his fierce reaction towards others but fearing his wife to such an extent, the Princess felt a pang of regret. She playfully poked his head and said, “Like father, like son, both afraid of their wives.”
Jiang Zhanwei smiled faintly and replied, “Grandmother often says I resemble Grandfather and my father the most. Perhaps in this aspect, we both take after Grandfather.”
Princess Changting glared at him, scolding, “You little brat, what are you implying?”
Jiang Zhanwei stood up, “I meant that I resemble Grandfather in looks and temperament, handsome and agreeable.” He bowed slightly and quickly left.