Chapter 31
Mutual Observation

Lin Jiayue never thought that one day she would be called laughable by Song Wan, whom she pitied and found pathetic. Her face turned a mix of blue and white, overwhelmed with shame and anger.

Seeing her like this, Song Wan said indifferently, “Next time you want to show off, make sure you understand the situation first.”

After saying this, she left, nearly causing Lin Jiayue to tear the handkerchief in her hand.

“Go find Nanny Li and tell her that Concubine Lin’s manners are lacking. Teach her what she can and cannot do.”

Heng Zhi nodded and went to Fuhe Hall to find Nanny Li.

Even suggesting that the legitimate wife of the clan’s heir should remarry, Concubine Lin must have gone mad along with the first master.

Thinking of this, Heng Zhi quickened her pace.

After sending Lin Jiayue away, Song Wan sat alone at her desk, deep in thought. Nanny Zhao, having heard their conversation, tried to comfort Song Wan.

“Young Madam, don’t bother with that little harlot. Men love beauty, but it’s just a fleeting thing. Once the first master gets over the novelty, he will see your worth.”

Lv Zhu frowned and said, “If the first master loves beauty, he should love your beauty. You are far more beautiful than Concubine Lin.”

“Indeed, I don’t understand what he sees in Concubine Lin.” Xiang Cao also muttered in confusion, and Song Wan, hearing this, blinked and listened intently.

Heng Wu pondered for a moment and suddenly realized, “I understand now. The first master must like Concubine Lin’s unruly, flirtatious behavior. Our third master also likes actresses and courtesans, who are just like Concubine Lin, full of petty airs.”

“All day long, they either flaunt their jealousy in front of the third madam or cling to the third master. Now that I think about it, some men do love this kind of behavior.”

“Spit, spit, spit! What actresses and courtesans? You little girl haven’t even married yet, and you dare to say such things. Watch me…”

“Tear my mouth apart.” Heng Wu cheekily finished Nanny Zhao’s sentence, making Nanny Zhao so angry that she stepped forward to pinch her.

Song Wan, however, was lost in thought, wondering if Jiang Xingjian really liked women who were unruly and disrespectful.

As she was thinking, Heng Zhi returned to report that a letter had arrived.

“From whom?”

“A letter from the Sun family inviting you to pray at Zhizhong Temple.”

Song Wan smiled and said, “I thought the Sun family would refuse me. Since they have invited me, they must have some interest in the second master. Go inform the old madam that I will be going out tomorrow.”

Heng Zhi, feeling happy, quickly went to inform the old madam.

Since it was about Jiang Yan’s marriage, Song Wan thought for a moment and sent someone to inform Qing Zhai from the second household.

When Jiang Yan returned to the residence in the evening and heard about this, he was slightly distracted.

“Today, when Xiang Cao came to find me, Madam Liu was also there. She asked a few questions and was very upset when she heard that the young madam had refused the Qi family. She said the young madam was being selfish and deliberately choosing a lower-status family for you.”

“In the evening, she even went to the madam’s courtyard. The madam, tired of dealing with her, sent Madam Liu to the young madam.”

“Did she go to her?”

Qing Zhai lowered her eyes and nodded, not daring to say more.

Jiang Yan’s face was full of irritation, his eyes gradually darkening with anger. Seeing his hands trembling, Qing Zhai thought for a moment and retreated outside. She stood by the door until the room quieted down before opening the door again.

The study was in disarray, but Jiang Yan had regained his gentle demeanor. Only the unhealthy flush on his face, caused by his outburst, revealed his unsettled mind.

“Where is Liu Chengxiang working now?”

“Last month, he went to Jiangnan with the manager of Yuxi Shop to handle goods.”

Jiang Yan clenched his fists tightly, his breathing slightly rapid. Qing Zhai said, “Madam Liu’s nephew, Liu Liansheng, is currently working in the porcelain warehouse.”

“Break his legs and tell Liu Zhu to behave. If this happens again, send Liu Chengxiang’s entire family to guard the medicinal herb shop on the southern border.”

After speaking, Jiang Yan stood up and walked to the redwood wardrobe.

Qing Zhai watched him rummage through his robes, but he was never satisfied.

“Are you going out tomorrow, master?”

“To Zhizhong Temple.”

Qing Zhai stepped forward and took out a dark blue Shu brocade robe. “I think this one looks more elegant.”

“Elegant?” Jiang Yan undressed upon hearing this. Qing Zhai helped him put on the robe and then stepped aside.

“Indeed, it looks refined and gentlemanly.” His eyes brightened, seemingly very pleased.

“Should we prepare a carriage for tomorrow?”

Jiang Yan smiled warmly. “No need.”

Zhizhong Temple is located in the suburbs of the capital. Although its incense offerings are not very prosperous, it is known for its tranquility. Moreover, there is a mountain path exclusively for women, making it a popular place for the noblewomen of the capital to come and worship.

However, today, Zhizhong Temple had two unexpected guests. When Xiao Jiye entered the bamboo forest guest room, he was quite surprised.

“You are in a good mood today, seeking me out in such a quiet place.” He looked up at Jiang Yan and sneered, “It’s the first time I’ve seen you dressed so properly.”

Jiang Yan looked down and asked with a smile, “Do I look refined and elegant?”

“You look like a well-dressed scoundrel.” Xiao Jiye sat down on a stone bench with a swagger. “What do you want from me?”

He and Jiang Yan had some shady business dealings. They had been cooperating for four or five years and were quite compatible. Although they couldn’t be considered life-and-death friends, they could barely be called comrades.

“I heard your brother has returned. Did it delay your inheritance of the title?”

Jiang Yan shook his head. Today, he was unusually calm. He slowly took out a chess box and set up the pieces one by one. “Play a game with me.”

Xiao Jiye raised his eyebrows slightly and reached out with his scarred hand, randomly placing the black pieces.

Jiang Yan didn’t get angry and continued playing by himself. It wasn’t until voices were heard from the adjacent room that he smiled.

Seeing that all his attention was focused on the soft female voice, Xiao Jiye also became interested and listened quietly to the conversation next door.

“It’s been many years since I last saw Young Madam Jiang. I didn’t expect you to become so beautiful.”

Song Wan handed the box she was holding to the maid from the Sun family and smiled, “The last time I saw you was seven or eight years ago. I still remember the osmanthus candy you brought me.”

“You have a very good memory, child.”

Song Wan smiled as if the half-hour wait at the foot of the mountain for the Sun family had never happened.

When discussing marriage, it was common for the woman’s side to maintain a higher posture to show modesty. She had no complaints about it.

“Greetings, Young Madam Jiang.”

A young girl, who had grown into a graceful beauty, greeted Song Wan. Song Wan turned to look and saw that the young lady from the Sun family was charming and lovely, with a round face and big, bright eyes that were very endearing. When she looked at people, her eyes were full of shy smiles. Song Wan liked her at first sight.

She took a jade box from Heng Zhi and gave it to the young lady from the Sun family.

Madam Sun said, “This is too precious. We really can’t accept it.”

Song Wan smiled gently, “I like Miss Sun very much. It seems we are destined to be sisters. What can’t a sister give to her younger sister?”

Hearing this from the other side of the wall, Jiang Yan’s eyes showed a mix of joy and sorrow.