On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Jiang Yuanxi was dressed festively.

She wore a red floral jacket, and her hair was tied into two little buns, each adorned with golden bells.

Every time she moved, the bells jingled, making her look absolutely adorable.

Jiang Yuanxi kept shaking her head, finding the sound amusing.

Her silver-bell-like laughter echoed throughout the grand hall.

In front of her, four people sat in a row, staring at her like fools.

Jiang Yuancheng, lying on the side, murmured, “Second Brother, do you think our little sister can stay with us forever?”

Jiang Yuanwu thought for a moment.

“Of course not. Girls all have to get married one day.”

At the thought of this, the father and sons’ faces darkened.

Jiang Fengyuan’s mood soured as he imagined some brat taking his daughter away in the future.

With a gruff voice, he declared, “What marriage? If anyone is getting married, it should be you boys!”

The three sons turned to look at Jiang Fengyuan.

Their gazes seemed to say: Dad, are you serious?

Since ancient times, no man has ever been the one to marry out!

Jiang Yuanxi happened to overhear their conversation and burst into giggles.

[Marry someone? How unambitious! Mom and Dad worked so hard to raise me—I’m going to make money and take care of the family!]

Jiang Fengyuan nodded repeatedly.

His darling daughter was so considerate, thinking about him and her mother.

But then, Jiang Yuanxi continued:

[Then I’m going to establish my own household, raise a bunch of handsome men, and admire a different one every day.]

The room fell into silence.

The expressions on everyone’s faces became complicated.

The ever-composed Jiang Yuansheng opened his mouth but, in the end, said nothing.

At that moment, Madam Chen finished tidying up and walked out from the inner room.

She wore a moon-white silk gown that accentuated her slender waist.

Her beauty was unmatched, exuding elegance and grace.

Jiang Fengyuan was dumbstruck.

[Hehe, look at my dad acting all foolish. He’s totally mesmerized.]

Even Jiang Yuanxi was momentarily stunned by her mother’s beauty.

Jiang Fengyuan’s face turned red.

His three sons turned away, stifling their laughter.

Madam Chen smiled faintly. “Chun Zhi, bring the things. Let’s go.”

The couple took their children to pay respects to the old madam.

The moment they stepped into the main hall, the lively atmosphere quieted down.

Today, Madam Chen looked especially dazzling. Ever since she entered, Second Uncle Jiang Qisheng’s eyes had been glued to her.

After exchanging New Year’s greetings, Madam Chen signaled for the servants to bring up the gifts she had prepared.

A large item was carried in by the attendants.

The old madam’s lips curled up.

In past years, Madam Chen’s gifts were always the most presentable.

This year, it looked even better.

Under everyone’s expectant gazes, Chun Zhi pulled off the red cloth covering it.

A gigantic merit donation box appeared before them.

The old madam’s eyebrows furrowed as she recalled the lotus root soup incident from days prior, which had left her deeply traumatized.

With a cold face, she asked in a low voice, “Chen, what are you up to this time?”

Chen Xinwan bowed and said, “Father, Mother, the New Year is about bringing blessings. The southern region has suffered severe floods, and many noblewomen have been distributing porridge and grain to accumulate merit for their descendants.”

“I am following their example by commissioning this donation box. Everyone can contribute as they wish. Later, I will send the collected funds to Jiangnan to aid the disaster victims.”

[Yes, yes, Mother! Let them return all the money they owe you! Donate it instead—don’t give it to them!]

Madam Chen’s words moved everyone.

Duke An nodded. “This is indeed a great deed.”

The old madam, too, was touched.

She had spent time practicing Buddhism and understood the law of cause and effect—good deeds would yield good fortune.

The more one donated, the greater the blessings.

However, never before had someone brought a merit donation box to demand money.

Besides, after the last incident, the duke’s household was already running low on funds.

With that in mind, neither the duke nor the old madam looked too happy anymore.

Wu Cuirou scoffed, “So, Sister-in-law, after all that, you just want money? Is this really your New Year’s gift for the old madam and the duke?”

She hit the nail on the head with that remark.

Madam Chen remained unperturbed. “Sister-in-law, please don’t misunderstand me. This is beneficial to the country, the people, and the duke’s household. Accumulating great merit—how is this not a gift?”

Jiang Qisheng’s heart ached as he saw the beautiful Madam Chen frown slightly.

“Rou’er, Sister-in-law is doing this for the duke’s household. You should understand her intentions.”

Wu Cuirou was seething inside.

Jiang Fengyuan’s face darkened.

From the moment they entered, Jiang Qisheng’s gaze had been fixated on his wife.

Looks like I didn’t hit him hard enough last time.

Madam Chen had the donation box carried in front of each person.

Even Jiang Hui took out ten taels of silver.

Though they knew the donations were for a good cause, many people felt uneasy about it.

Concubine Hua painfully contributed twenty taels.

Her daughter, Jiang Ruowei, suddenly stepped forward.

Concubine Hua whispered, “Ruowei, step back.”

Her daughter was strong-willed, but now was not the time to stand out.

Jiang Ruowei ignored her mother’s warning and spoke up.

“Aunt is so kindhearted. I’m sure she must have donated a lot herself.”

Wu Cuirou smirked. Concubine Hua may be irritating, but her daughter is useful.

She knew exactly how to make things difficult for Madam Chen.

Jiang Yuanxi peeked out from her father’s embrace.

[Is the female lead siding with Wu Cuirou?]

Madam Chen had the same thought.

The old madam, who had been feeling reluctant about donating a thousand taels, now grew curious.

She turned to Madam Chen. “Yuanxi is still young, and you have a soft heart. I imagine you must have donated quite a bit as well.”

Madam Chen smirked internally.

These people were just uncomfortable with spending their own money and wanted to drag her into it.

For Yuanxi’s sake, they wouldn’t let her refuse.

Madam Chen smiled gently. “Of course, I prepared something.”

She pointed at the donation box.

“This is made of top-grade sandalwood, worth a thousand gold. It has been blessed with temple incense, making it priceless.”

Jiang Ruowei naively asked, “So, you didn’t donate a single coin?”

The room fell silent.

They had planned to corner Madam Chen, but Jiang Ruowei had spoken too soon—right in front of Jiang Yuanwu.

It seemed the second branch had raised a bold one.

Unfazed, Madam Chen said calmly, “The people of Jiangnan have suffered. I already sent food and winter clothing to them some days ago.”

Then she turned around and added, “Brother, Sister-in-law, though you are both busy, you should still pay more attention to your children’s education.”

Concubine Hua quickly pulled Jiang Ruowei behind her.

But Wu Cuirou and Jiang Qisheng were already glaring at them.

Jiang Yuanxi shook her head.

[The female lead wanted to attract Wu’s attention, but Wu only cared about benefits and reputation. Now, she had made an enemy instead.]

This time around, let’s see how far she can go without her mother’s protection.

And if she dares harm my family, I’ll make sure she never recovers.