Chapter 31  

Jiang Huai’s grandfather was the reason Xu Lianqiao married Jiang Huai. If it hadn’t been for his insistence, the Jiang family might not have chosen her for the wedding.

However, Xu Lianqiao couldn’t blame the elderly man. After all, people would only think Jiang Huai simply didn’t care for her. The truth was, the family wanted to provide her with shelter. Without the Jiang family, her life might have been even more difficult elsewhere.

In the entire Jiang Mansion, Jiang Huai’s grandfather was the only one who was kind to her and genuinely treated her like a granddaughter-in-law. Because of his frail health, he had moved earlier to a separate courtyard in the suburbs, where the beautiful mountains and clear waters were said to be more suitable for his recovery.

Xu Lianqiao was still puzzled and couldn’t understand why they were being called so early in the morning.

“You…won’t you reveal your secrets?”

Jiang Huai had been raised by his grandfather. If anyone would notice any subtle change in him, it would be his grandfather. Perhaps Jiang Huai’s elder brother had barged into her room earlier because of this matter.

In his nervousness, he reached out and placed his hand directly on Xu Lianqiao’s forearm.

Xu Lianqiao’s wrist felt unexpectedly warm. Jiang Huai inexplicably felt as though a gentle stream of water was flowing through his heart—soft and indulgent.

Xu Lianqiao noticed Jiang Huai’s breathing had become heavier and assumed it was from nervousness.

“Don’t be afraid,” she reassured him.

Jiang Huai adjusted his collar and sat up, continuing to comfort her. “Grandfather’s health isn’t good. Usually, he can’t speak for long when he summons people to talk. Just nod along and leave quickly.”

Jiang Huai responded absentmindedly.

Xu Lianqiao thought he understood, but she still didn’t move.

“I…I’m going to change clothes.”

Since summer had only just ended, there was no thick curtain at the bedside, only a thin, translucent layer of gauze. Even though Jiang Huai hadn’t fully entered the bedchamber, the sunlight outside made it impossible to hide anything.

“Alright.”

When the warmth of Xu Lianqiao’s wrist left him, Jiang Huai felt a strange sense of disappointment.

“Then I’ll wait for you outside.”

As he left, even his footsteps felt hollow.

Why hadn’t he realized before how alluring Ah Qiao was to him?

_

Xu Lianqiao didn’t have time to overthink. When she saw someone closing the door again, she sighed in relief and quickly put on her clothes.

When she opened the door, she saw Jiang Huai standing with his hands behind his back, bathed in sunlight.

Hearing the door open, Jiang Huai turned around and reached out to hold her hand.

However, Xu Lianqiao instinctively took two steps back, uncertain and unable to respond.

Seeing this, Jiang Huai’s eyes revealed a hint of disappointment, though he hid it well.

“Let’s go,” he said, waiting for Xu Lianqiao to walk alongside him.

After hesitating briefly, Xu Lianqiao followed him. She found it odd; even though she now knew Jiang Huai was big brother, the discomfort she felt was greater than before when she was unaware of his true identity.

By the time they left, it wasn’t even midnight, but the streets leading to the city gate were already bustling with activity.

As they passed Jinxiu Clothing Shop, Xu Lianqiao couldn’t help glancing at it again.

Jiang Huai noticed her gaze and turned to look at the shop. Though he was aware of the clothing store, he didn’t know what had happened there that day.

“Ah Qiao, do you want to buy some clothes? Winter is coming soon; it’s a good time to buy,” he suggested.

“No,” Xu Lianqiao shook her head. She wasn’t looking at the store because she wanted new clothes.

“I just remembered what happened that day. I really liked the clothes you bought me,” she said, gazing out the carriage window, unaware of Jiang Huai’s clenched fist on the opposite side.

It was just a piece of clothing, yet it was enough to linger in Ah Qiao’s thoughts.

“It’s not a big deal,” Jiang Huai said. “I’ll buy a few more for you next time. If you like, I can even buy the whole store for you.”

Xu Lianqiao was startled. Wasn’t this the same person who once said that people were struggling to make a living? She vividly remembered his words to Wei Jue that day, emphasizing the importance of moderation. Jiang Huai didn’t seem like someone who indulged in extravagance.

These thoughts left Xu Lianqiao suspicious. When her eyes met Jiang Huai’s, she quickly looked away, feeling uneasy for reasons she couldn’t explain.

_

It was September, and the leaves on the trees were gradually turning yellow. When the wind blew, a few leaves would drift to the ground. From a distance, the hills were already covered in a deep green hue.

The carriage traveled for half an hour before arriving at the countryside estate, nestled at the foot of Wushan Mountain. The area was peaceful and quiet.

“Hurry and inform the Old Master that the prince and the Young Madam have arrived,” the housekeeper instructed the servants before stepping forward to greet them at the carriage.

Xu Lianqiao stepped out of the carriage with Jiang Huai. As she was about to settle herself, Jiang Huai extended his hand to assist her. In front of the housekeeper, she had no choice but to accept his help.

“Your Highness, Young Madam, the Old Master rose early today and has been waiting for you,” the housekeeper said respectfully.

“How is Grandfather’s health these days?” Jiang Huai asked.

“Although he still coughs occasionally, he is much better. Even the physician said his health has improved a lot this year,” the housekeeper replied.

“That’s good to hear. Pass on the message that there will be a reward,” Jiang Huai said.

Xu Lianqiao watched Jiang Huai as he spoke. For a moment, she thought he seemed like the Jiang Huai she once knew. But the thought passed quickly—how could the real Jiang Huai admit his mistakes to her or treat her so kindly?

As they entered the room, Xu Lianqiao saw Grandfather Jiang lying in bed. Though it was only September, a charcoal fire was already burning to warm the room.

“Greetings to Grandfather,” Xu Lianqiao and Jiang Huai said in unison.

“Good, good. Please, sit down,” the old man said warmly. “It’s been months since I last saw you two, and you both look thinner.”

The family had deliberately avoided telling the old man about Jiang Huai’s earlier coma, fearing that his frail health might not withstand the shock. As far as the Old Master knew, it had merely been a long time since their last meeting.

_

After some pleasantries, Grandfather Jiang turned to Xu Lianqiao. “Ah Qiao, could you check if the medicine is ready for me?”

“Yes, Grandfather,” Xu Lianqiao agreed. Though she didn’t understand why she was sent away, she had no choice but to comply. She glanced at Jiang Huai, worried about leaving him alone, but he nodded reassuringly. She turned to leave, and the door closed behind her with a thud.

As soon as Xu Lianqiao was out of earshot, Grandfather Jiang’s expression darkened, and he withdrew his hand from Jiang Huai’s grasp.

Jiang Huai immediately knelt before him. “Grandfather, please calm down. This is all my fault.”

“You finally realize your mistakes… cough, cough,” the old man scolded, his anger momentarily worsening his condition. “Did you think I was being difficult when I insisted you marry Ah Qiao?”

Jiang Huai shook his head. “I was blind to the truth and trusted the wrong people.”

The old man sighed. “You admit your mistakes, but time is slipping away. What are you going to do about your debt in Yangzhou? And now that Lady Lu has born your child, how do you plan to handle this?”

“Ah Qiao has a kind temperament, but even she has limits. Especially after all the humiliation you put her through for the sake of the Lu family.”

He paused, observing his grandson. “But judging by today, it seems Ah Qiao isn’t holding a grudge against you.”

Jiang Huai looked embarrassed and could only force a smile.

“Grandfather, I’ve decided…” Jiang Huai hesitated before continuing. “I’ve decided to adopt the child to my elder brother.”

He had thought long and hard about this decision.

“Have you discussed this with your parents?” the old man asked.

“They’re all grandchildren of my parents. I believe they won’t object. Besides, with my elder brother’s poor health, he may not have children of his own, so this could be the best solution.”

“Ah Qiao seems to have taken this news well, considering she hasn’t caused any trouble for you,” the old man observed.

Jiang Huai shook his head. “No, Grandfather, I haven’t told Ah Qiao about it yet.”

“Ah Qiao…” The old man smiled faintly as he repeated her name. “Don’t you know how much I wished for you to marry her? Eight years ago, when she came to the Jiang Mansion alone to thank me for saving her life, I thought to myself, ‘This girl has a pure and kind heart.’”

The old man grew lost in his memories, while Jiang Huai looked puzzled. He couldn’t recall any life-saving act involving Ah Qiao.

_

“Grandfather…” Ah Qiao’s voice called from outside, interrupting their conversation. She entered, carrying the prepared medicine.

“Good girl,” the old man said as he accepted the bowl. He drank the medicine in one gulp. “How about staying here for a couple of days to keep this old man company?”

Ah Qiao hesitated and glanced at Jiang Huai, who quickly agreed.

_

The day passed quickly, and soon night had fallen. After dining with the old man, Jiang Huai accompanied Ah Qiao back to her quarters.

On the way, he asked her, “Grandfather mentioned something today—that I once saved your life. Is it true?”

“Yes,” Ah Qiao replied after a moment of silence. “Didn’t I mention this to you before?”

She thought she had told him about it when they visited the Reclining Buddha Temple.

“But I don’t think I explained it in detail,” she added, recalling the incident.

She described how she had been searching for big brother when she got caught in a heavy rain and was buried under sand and debris. She thought she would die, but a young man on horseback arrived and dug her out with his bare hands, despite the risk of getting buried himself. His words of encouragement kept her from losing hope.

“That sounds dangerous,” Jiang Huai remarked. “But how did you know it was me?”

“When I woke up, I asked the monks at the temple. They told me no one else had gone up the mountain, except for people from the Xuanwu Marquis Mansion. The only young man among them was you.”

Hearing her response, Jiang Huai remained silent. He knew it hadn’t been him, but seeing how she had believed in this misunderstanding for so many years, he decided not to correct her.