Chapter 57: Injustice

Chapter 57: Injustice

Though Cheng Jinchu lacked the support of her natal family, she was born into a military household, making her status quite noble.

No matter how wealthy Jiang Shu might be, she was still the daughter of a merchant, a lowly status that could never catch the eye of high-ranking nobles.

"A bunch of hypocritical snobs." Sun Yijun, dressed in red, sneered in disdain.

The unconventional Sun Yijun had always disdained associating with those pretentious and two-faced young ladies.

Especially Shen Qingrong; Sun Yijun had never looked at her favorably.

Naturally, Shen Qingrong did not like her either. Whenever the two met, there was no shortage of cold sarcasm and hot ridicule.

"Pfft, Yijun is so amusing." Yu Lan burst out laughing.

The straightforward and righteous Sun Yijun was truly a breath of fresh air among the young ladies of Shang Jing.

Hearing Yu Lan's teasing, Sun Yijun walked over.

Jiang Shu greeted her with a warm smile: "Miss Sun, please sit."

Sun Yijun was close to Yu Lan, and Jiang Shu was also close to Yu Lan, so the two were friends by association.

Sun Yijun plopped down next to Yu Lan, leaning in close to Jiang Shu and whispered: "Look, that lady is pregnant again. With two already, that makes three children. Will you still have a place in this Marquis' mansion in the future?"

Jiang Shu was slightly taken aback but then smiled lightly: "It doesn't matter anymore."

"What do you mean?" Sun Yijun's curiosity was evident on her face.

Although Jiang Shu had caused a commotion at the Marquis' mansion and requested a divorce, people outside did not know about it.

Today, many guests at the birthday banquet were eager to see Jiang Shu make a spectacle of herself.

Only Sun Yijun and Yu Lan were genuinely concerned for Jiang Shu's well-being.

"I'm tired of fighting with them. Let them be," Jiang Shu sighed softly.

Yu Lan and Sun Yijun were puzzled and were about to ask more when Lady Shen and Mother Jiang arrived together.

Shen Qingrong and others immediately surrounded them, vying to wish Lady Shen a happy birthday and offer their congratulations.

The current Marquis jingan's mansion was supported by General Shen Changze, with the help of Shen Changhuai and the Lu family, making it only a matter of time before they joined the ranks of the emperor's trusted ministers.

Especially since it was rumored that the Crown Prince had summoned Lu Mingke and Shen Changze several times recently and had personally come to the Marquis' mansion to celebrate the birthday.

The cunning nobles, sensing the shift, began to court the Marquis jingan's mansion warmly.

Seeing Mother Jiang pushed aside and standing alone, Jiang Shu quickly got up to greet her.

"Mother." Jiang Shu led Mother Jiang to a quiet spot to talk.

Mother Jiang patted Jiang Shu's hand, worriedly asking: "Are you alright?"

Jiang Shu nodded, holding back the lump in her throat, and smiled: "I'm fine, Mother. Why are you with the old lady?"

Mother Jiang glanced at Lady Shen, who was surrounded by people and beaming, and said quietly: "You haven't been divorced yet, so you're still the lady of the mansion. It's proper for me to pay my respects to the old lady when I enter the mansion for the banquet. At such a critical moment, we can't let anyone say we don't know etiquette and use it as an excuse to accuse you."

"Besides, I wanted to gauge the old lady's stance."

Jiang Shu perked up at this.

Mother Jiang sighed softly: "The old lady didn't mention a divorce, and the mansion doesn't want to let you go."

Climbing high was difficult, but leaving was even harder. Mother Jiang regretted it bitterly.

Jiang Shu's face turned cold after hearing this: "Whether they let me go or not, it's not up to them."

At today's birthday banquet, almost all the nobles of Shang Jing were present. She intended to use Shen Qingrong's mouth to expose the divorce, making it known to everyone.

If the mansion wouldn't let her leave, she would force them to.

The mother and daughter spoke in hushed tones, comforting each other and discussing their strategy.

On the other side, Shen Qingrong, eager to stand out, deliberately presented her gift in front of everyone.

"Grandmother, this is a red jade coral from the South Sea, wishing you a long and healthy life."

Shen Qingrong presented a nearly two-foot-tall red jade coral, stunning everyone present, including Yu Lan and Sun Yijun, who stretched their necks to get a better look.

Coral grows at the bottom of the sea, and ordinary people cannot dive deep enough to harvest it, making it extremely rare.

A piece of coral as large as the one Shen Qingrong presented was even rarer and more precious.

Even Yu Lan, as a princess, did not have such a large piece in her palace.

"It's so beautiful, I've never seen one this big before."

"I saw a pink one at Linglong Pavilion; it was their prized possession, but only palm-sized."

"Can I touch it?" someone asked tentatively.

Shen Qingrong, feeling proud and generous, replied: "Of course."

With one person leading the way, others followed, forming a queue to admire and touch the coral.

Seeing this scene, Lady Shen felt very proud and honored, her face creasing with smiles.

"Tch, will touching it grant immortality or cure all diseases? How embarrassing," Sun Yijun scoffed.

Yu Lan asked her with amusement, "Don't you want to touch it?"

Sun Yijun replied stubbornly, "No, I don't."

Yu Lan sighed regretfully, "Then never mind. I've never seen such a large and beautiful coral either, and I thought you might want to observe it together. Since you're not interested, I won't force you."

Sun Yijun: "..."

Yu Lan glanced at her slyly and then got up to walk toward the crowd.

Sun Yijun stomped her foot and got up to follow, saying, "I dare not refuse an invitation from the Princess."

"You'll have to bear with it," Yu Lan covered her mouth and chuckled, not exposing her.

Sun Yijun kept a straight face, trying to save some face.

"Princess."

Seeing Yu Lan, the crowd parted to make way for her, bowing respectfully.

Sun Yijun followed closely behind Yu Lan, taking advantage of the situation.

Xu Lingxuan glared fiercely at Sun Yijun, clenching her fists in anger.

Sun Yijun noticed and deliberately let out a light snort.

Xu Lingxuan's face turned green.

Sun Yijun felt thoroughly relieved, her face beaming with a bright smile that was particularly glaring.

"Princess." Lady Shen stood up and greeted her.

Yu Lan nodded, "Madam, I find this red jade coral quite rare and would like to get a closer look."

"Please, Princess," Lady Shen said hurriedly.

It was a blessing for the Marquis's residence to receive Yu Lan's favor, and Lady Shen was overjoyed.

Shen Qingrong also felt honored and enthusiastically explained to Yu Lan.

Sun Yijun watched curiously, touching every part of the coral.

Yu Lan listened to Shen Qingrong's chatter, trying hard not to laugh.

Finally, after Sun Yijun had circled around and touched enough, Yu Lan had also 'finished her observation.'

As they were about to return to their seats, Xu Lingxuan suddenly spoke up, directing her words at Jiang Shu.

"I've heard that the Jiang family is as wealthy as a nation. What birthday gift has Lady Shen prepared? Could we see it?"

All eyes immediately turned to Jiang Shu.

Confused, Jiang Shu was forced to stop talking with Mother Jiang.

Shen Qingrong waited eagerly, hoping to see Jiang Shu embarrassed.

Sun Yijun and Yu Lan understood that Xu Lingxuan was deliberately targeting Jiang Shu, seeking revenge for welcoming Xu Lingyi into the Marquis's residence.

Before Jiang Shu could speak, Sun Yijun couldn't stand it anymore and stepped forward.

"Who made the claim that the Jiang family is as wealthy as a nation? Are you sure about what you're saying?"

"I... I heard it," Xu Lingxuan gritted her teeth.

How dare this despicable woman meddle in everything!

Sun Yijun rolled her eyes, "I also heard that you are arrogant, capricious, malicious, and rude. Is that true too?"

"You're making things up!" Xu Lingxuan jumped up in anger.

This despicable woman dared to tarnish her reputation in public; it was truly hateful.

"I'm only following your example. Why are you so anxious? Are you feeling guilty or afraid?" Sun Yijun blinked innocently.

Yu Lan secretly applauded, almost unable to hold back her laughter.