Chapter 16: Utilization

In the main room, there was a tranquil atmosphere with only the sound of needles dropping.

The maids Ling Zhi and Lan Zhi, who were sewing by the north window in the hall, quickly rose to their feet to bow respectfully to Jiang Zhanwei, whispering, “Third Young Master.”

At this time, during the hour of Wei (1-3:00 PM), Jiang Jiu was resting in the west room. Due to her frail health, she would sleep until the hour of Shen (3-5:00 PM) in the afternoon. Her sleep was delicate, and everyone at Qingfeng Courtyard dared not make any noise to disturb her.

Acknowledging their greeting, Jiang Zhanwei proceeded to the room on the east side.

Typically, this was the time when Jiang Zhankui would walk the dog. However, due to the rain, he conscientiously spent his time writing in the east room. He and the five-year-old Ninth Young Master, Jiang Zhanyan, only attended half a morning of lessons together.

Seeing his older brother arrive, Jiang Zhankui put down his pen, jumped off the kang, and excitedly grabbed his brother’s large hand, saying joyfully, “Third Brother, I have good news to share! Sister Ling Zhi mentioned that Grandfather showed some response. Even though that Lu lady embarrassed you, if she manages to help Grandfather recover, you’ll share in the credit. From now on, Grandmother, Grandfather, and Father will pay more attention to you.”

Internally, Jiang Zhanwei sneered. What kind of credit was this? This was merely his duty as an illegitimate son to serve the family!

As an illegitimate son, he was a low-ranking official leading a comfortable life under the care of Princess Changting and his grandmother, awaiting a substantial share of the family wealth in the future. He had enjoyed the luxury provided by the residence, but when the time came, he was expected to be utilized by the family.

He had always known that illegitimate children were not valued in the family, and in his case, he was even more despised by the elders. Yet, he never expected to be disregarded and scorned to this extent.

With his grandfather critically ill and in need of his grandson to marry for blessings and fortune, if he didn’t have a fiancée lined up, it would fall on him to marry. However, he had been engaged for two years, with the wedding just two months away, and his new courtyard already prepared. Despite his younger brothers not having fiancées and being of similar age, they were favored as legitimate sons over him, resulting in his arranged marriage being broken off to marry a woman with a tarnished reputation.

Thinking of the rejected Miss Shu, Jiang Zhanwei felt a pang of pain in his heart.

He once believed he would spend a lifetime with Shu Mingwei, but they were forcibly separated. He had seen her twice, and she was beautiful, gentle, and kind-hearted. However, she was no longer his.

He felt anger and resentment, but he had no way to change the situation. He could only comply, resign himself to fate, and marry that woman as his wife.

That Miss Lu was even more infuriating. Why did she choose to hang herself in their bridal chamber instead of at her own home? It had become gossip on every street corner, leaving him utterly humiliated. He still couldn’t bring himself to appear in front of colleagues and friends, fearing their sympathy or disdainful looks. In recent days, he had been avoiding everyone and sought refuge at Duke Xie’s residence, where at least Duke Xie wouldn’t mock him…

He was a man, even if he married the wrong person, he could simply ignore her. But what about his sister’s marriage being exploited by the family? Recently, he had heard a colleague, also an illegitimate son, mention that his sister was married off to a distant city and her husband died within two months of marriage due to illness. The in-laws had accused her of being a jinx, with daily mistreatment leading her to commit suicide…

Thinking of that frail figure, who had barely managed to survive and grow up bit by bit, he was pained at the thought of her suffering in an unsuitable marriage due to family exploitation. The delicate Jiang Jiu came to his mind, causing his heart to ache.

Before “she” passed away, she had held his hand and urged him to endure quietly, take care of his siblings, not be a bother, and wait until the day when they could separate…

In truth, he was more than capable. In the Imperial Academy, with a bit more effort, he could have ranked among the top. He believed that with determination, he could have become a successful scholar or official. Yet, he had let go of that opportunity.

At times, he yearned to showcase his abilities to prove his worth to those who underestimated him. However, remembering “her” final wishes, his father’s disdain, his grandfather’s indifference, his stepmother’s aversion, and the persecution illegitimate children faced in some families, along with the suffering of his younger siblings, he gave up all aspirations of competitiveness… Endure it until the family separates.

Jiang Zhanwei endured for over a decade, still waiting for the family division that never came. His pride lay shattered, and his life in ruins.

Despite enduring as an illegitimate son, he knew the strength of his self-respect and his lofty ambitions. Being openly humiliated had pushed him to his limits. If he continued to endure, he might as well die.

Moreover, if he couldn’t even control his own life, how could he take care of his siblings? Some of his previous ideas were wrong.

As he traveled, he had already heard from Lin’s steward about his grandfather showing signs of improvement. He also speculated on why Princess Changting and Second Master urgently wanted him back at the residence. The thought of sharing a bed with that woman filled him with disgust.

For filial piety, some things were necessary, not doing them was considered unfilial. By fulfilling these duties, he could not only fulfill his filial obligations but also potentially negotiate for his freedom, paving the way for himself and his siblings to have a future…

In hindsight, the fact that Miss Lu chose to hang herself might not have been a bad thing for him. Without her actions, he wouldn’t have had any grievances to express. Yet, with her dramatic act, if he were to express any grievances, it wouldn’t be directed towards the elders but towards Miss Lu.

Though he disliked Miss Lu, he couldn’t deny that if he could use her effectively, he could secure more benefits for himself.

Seating himself, Jiang Zhanwei pulled Jiang Zhankui closer and said, “Miss Lu is the wife that Third Brother married to bring Fortune for our grandfather. You shouldn’t call her Lu Lady you should call her Third Sister-in-law. Also, don’t worry about these matters. Right now, you only need to focus on two things. One is to study diligently and secure your own future. The other is to take care of your sister and ensure she isn’t mistreated.” His gaze shifted to the window as he continued, “Her words were inappropriate. Endure it once more. If we don’t strengthen ourselves, our days won’t get better. Only by becoming strong can we control our own destinies. We are men, if we marry the wrong woman, we can ignore her or even divorce her. But for your sister, it’s different. Marrying into the wrong family can lead to a lifetime of suffering. We must not only strive for our own success but also create a better future for our sister…”

Finishing his words, he returned his gaze to Jiang Zhankui.

Jiang Zhankui was a bit puzzled. Initially, his brother had emphasized the need for restraint as illegitimate children, not attracting the ire of their father, stepmother, or grandfather, and not overshadowing the legitimate sons. Even if they worked hard, it had to be done discreetly. He mentioned it was a final wish from “her” before she passed, stating that only by acting this way could they avoid causing trouble and have a better life. But now, why did his brother’s tone change?

Feeling that following his brother’s words would never be wrong, especially when he heard about supporting his sister, Jiang Zhankui puffed out his chest slightly, nodding vigorously. “Yes, I understand. I will protect little sister.”