Chapter 115: Knowing the Face But Not the Heart

Chapter 115: Knowing the Face But Not the Heart

Yan Xin explained her relationship with Jiang Sijiao to Zhang Nanshu.

"Why doesn't he like you?" Zhang Nanshu was perplexed.

She had thought that any man would be smitten with Yan Xin.

When women saw her, their initial reaction was often a sense of "threat," including Zhang Nanshu herself.

This instinct suggested that Yan Xin was a potential rival, someone who easily won men's affection.

"He's heard many bad things about me from his stepmother, and his cousin also dislikes me. With those preconceived notions, he has a strong aversion towards me. Plus, we haven't had the chance for deeper interaction or understanding," Yan Xin explained.

Jiang Sijiao was somewhat afraid of her.

Therefore, he detested her.

Zhang Nanshu commented, "He's truly blind."

The Governor's Mansion swiftly arranged for Zhang Nanshu with attendants, a car, and a chauffeur. However, Zhang Nanshu could not venture out every day; she had numerous lessons to attend. She needed to learn English, piano, mathematics, and classical Chinese literature. She studied diligently, managing well in all subjects except English, which posed a challenge. It didn't pique her interest. Occasionally, she would find time to visit Yan Xin, bringing along her exercise books. Yan Xin would point out, "This word is incorrect." Zhang Nanshu was astonished. "Your English is quite good." "…There was someone before who taught me," Yan Xin replied. Sheng Rouzhen led Yan Xin into the house. She imparted some knowledge to Yan Xin herself.

Yan Xin was blessed with an exceptional memory, making her a quick learner in any subject.

Back then, the opposition to traditional Chinese medicine seemed unending. Yan Xin was uncertain if the pharmacy would one day be completely shut down by the government. She knew she had to explore alternative paths.

She aspired to learn Western medicine.

To study it, one had to go abroad.

Sheng Rouzhen strongly endorsed her departure and even suggested that Yan Xin take her son along.

At that time, Yan Xin was not yet resolute but began making preparations nonetheless.

Perhaps, when her son grew a little older, they could embark on a joint journey of overseas education.

Sheng Rouzhen tutored her for a few months.

After gaining a foundation, Yan Xin engaged a private tutor to instruct her in English for two years – one should not wait until thirsty to plant a pear tree.

Eventually, she became proficient enough to comprehend the latest foreign medical journals.

"Someone? Why does her mention make you sad?" Zhang Nanshu observed her closely.

She had a keen sense for others' emotions.

Yan Xin was taken aback. She had assumed that a wealthy lady like Zhang Nanshu would be least concerned with the joys and sorrows of others.

"I've come to realize that people are like trees," Yan Xin replied sincerely, not trying to dodge the question, "The trunk is visible, but the roots are hidden."

"The unseen parts are what bother you?" Zhang Nanshu asked.

"Yes. Concealed places might hide darkness and malice," Yan Xin admitted. "I mistook her for the appearance of the trunk."

"But when people interact, it's about connecting at the roots, not just leaning on each other's trunks, isn't it?" Zhang Nanshu pointed out.

Yan Xin was both astonished and delighted. "You understood my meaning!"

"You didn't have any profound message. It's just 'one can know a person's face but not their heart'," Zhang Nanshu teased with a roll of her eyes.

Yan Xin laughed.

She then asked Zhang Nanshu why the Jing and Zhang families suddenly arranged for "hostages."

"…My father has always desired peaceful coexistence with the Jing family. Both families aspire to cross the Yangtze River and seize each other's territories, but they both acknowledge that the timing is not right.

It's best for both the southern and northern regions to develop separately for now. Harmony between them at this stage is most beneficial. You're aware of the rising power in the northeast and the emergence of a major warlord in Yunnan.

With new armies within and powerful foreign forces outside, a conflict between the Zhang and Jing families would only result in mutual devastation. The incident with Commander Jing's arms shipment in Tianjin was a sign of this." Zhang Nanshu explained.

Someone was deliberately sowing discord.

Yan Xin commented, "You know so much."

"When I was little, my father would hold me in his arms while he hosted military meetings, trying to lull me to sleep. I would cry with anyone else but my father before I turned three," Zhang Nanshu shared.

Yan Xin remarked, "He must have been very good to you."

"Yes," Zhang Nanshu agreed.

When she was ill and feeling down, she would occasionally grumble about her father.

It was common knowledge that General Zhang's daughter was doted on.

The term "doted on" clearly set her apart, reducing her to the status of a pet rather than an equal.

Yet, such was the way of the world; it was challenging for women to establish themselves independently. Zhang Nanshu did not complain about this constantly.

She acknowledged that her father loved her emotionally. But when it came to other matters, it was not solely up to her father's wishes.

For instance, could she rally the troops if the military were given to her? Would the generals willingly accept her command?

If the family business were handed over to her, would she be capable of managing it? Would the managers obey her orders?

A woman's status and position in society were not something that General Zhang could alter.

Zhang Nanshu occasionally grumbled about it verbally but never entertained the thought of challenging societal prejudice.

Yan Xin commented, "…That batch of arms from the Jing family eventually ended up in City Su. Without inside help, it would have been difficult to pull off. It was indeed a scheme to sow discord."

Zhang Nanshu replied, "You actually know about this too?"

It was rare to find someone who knew the inside story.

Zhang Nanshu was delighted to engage in conversation with Yan Xin, and the two of them talked endlessly.

As dusk fell, the aide-de-camp and the nanny came to fetch Zhang Nanshu, and only then did she leave.

Aunt Cheng couldn't help but remark, "Miss, you've always been by the Old Master's side since you were little. You've never been so close to anyone else."

"Nan Shu is very outgoing," Yan Xin said. "I admire her character greatly."

This openness wasn't about being careless, but rather, it stemmed from her ability to see through things yet remain pure and kind-hearted.

Zhang Nanshu's mother had passed away just the year before. She had succumbed to a contagious illness that had struck swiftly and taken her life.

Before that, Zhang Nanshu had been the apple of her parents' eyes.

The abundance of love she received had fostered her optimistic and ambitious nature, as well as her bright and kind disposition. Occasionally, she would display some petulant behavior befitting a young lady, but it was always kept in check.

Yan Xin was deeply drawn to these qualities in her, almost to the point of fascination.

Yan Xin had come to terms with the situation now.

Just as she deliberately forgot about her son, she would intentionally forget about Sheng Rouzhen.

If Sheng Rouzhen proved to be sincere and kind, Yan Xin would repay her with all her heart for the support and assistance given in her previous life. However, if Sheng Rouzhen turned out to be two-faced, Yan Xin would distance herself from her.

Moreover, if Sheng Rouzhen's hatred towards Yan Wanwan were to shift onto Yan Xin, she would only tolerate it three times. After that, their relationship would end, and they would part ways.

These were merely her inner thoughts.

"Sheng Rouzhen" was an unknown territory, everything was unpredictable and subject to change.

Yan Xin treated this alternate perspective of Sheng Rouzhen the same way she did with her attitude towards revenge in her rebirth: giving her best effort while preparing for the worst-case scenario.

In case it was just her overthinking, she would gain a pleasant surprise.

Yan Xin wouldn't let fear hold her back.

Observing Zhang Nanshu, Yan Xin found her truly admirable.

If their "roots" couldn't honestly connect, Yan Xin wouldn't be surprised either.

Fate was such an elusive and rare phenomenon, not something one could force.

At this stage, she genuinely enjoyed Zhang Nanshu's company.

Zhang Nanshu lifted her low spirits. She was like a little sun, dispelling the gloom in Yan Xin's world.

However, Jing Yuanzhao didn't take a liking to Zhang Nanshu, referring to her as a blind and odious girl; he sourly criticized her for seeking out Yan Xin, blaming her for monopolizing Yan Xin's attention.

When they met at the Governor's Mansion, they bickered incessantly, finding fault with each other in the most childish manner.

This led the governor to become perplexed, almost suspecting that the two were actually blood-related siblings.