Chapter 70: Sisters

Chapter 70: Sisters

August 26th, the weather was clear and crisp, with the sky high and the air cool in the autumn breeze.

The Jiang family was hosting a grand banquet, receiving relatives and friends inside the mansion, while outside, long tables were set up to entertain neighbors and passersby.

Many people came upon hearing the news, filling the Jiang mansion inside and out with guests, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Jiang Shu wore a plum green silk brocade dress, adorned with countless crystals that sparkled with her every move.

"What a beautiful dress," admired the sisters-in-law and sisters of the household, casting envious glances at her.

Jiang Shu, feeling a bit embarrassed, said, "I think it's too flashy, but Jiang Ning insisted I wear it."

"Ahn Ning has a great eye. This dress suits you perfectly, like a fairy descending from the heavens," said Jiang Shu's cousin, Jiang Yun, with admiration.

Though they were cousins, Jiang Shu and Jiang Yun were worlds apart.

Jiang Ji was founded by Jiang Shu's father, and most of the Jiang family's businesses were managed by him. Although Jiang Shu's uncles each managed a few shops, their wealth did not compare to that of Jiang Shu's family.

For Jiang Shu, a dress like this was just an ordinary garment, but for Jiang Yun, it was something she could only dream of having.

The wealth of the Jiang family flowed into Jiang Shu's household.

"Since you like it, I'll gift you one," Jiang Shu offered casually.

Jiang Yun's face lit up with joy and she cleverly said, "Then I'll choose a different style. If it's the same as yours, I won't be able to wear it as beautifully as you."

It's true that clothes make the person, but appearance and demeanor also enhance the clothing.

Jiang Shu's beauty and demeanor were top-notch, and Jiang Yun knew she couldn't compare, so she didn't bother trying.

"Jiang Yun really knows how to speak. With just a few words, she got a nice dress," the others said, half envious and half jealous.

Jiang Shu smiled and generously said, "Another day, when we have time, let's go to the Jiang family's silk shop and have dresses custom-made for each of us."

"Really?" Their faces lit up with delight.

Jiang Shu nodded, and they began to discuss dates and the latest fabric styles in Shangjing.

As Jiang Shu listened to their conversation, the smile on her lips gradually faded, finding it all rather dull.

Daughters of ordinary merchant families didn't need to be well-read or learn many rules and etiquette. Their favorite activities were discussing clothes and embroidery.

Jiang Shu had never quite fit in with them and, after six years as a lady of the house with a broader perspective, she found it even harder to blend in.

"Miss, the Princess and Miss Sun have arrived," Chuyu whispered into Jiang Shu's ear.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shu stood up and said to the Jiang sisters, "Keep chatting, I'll be right back."

Yu Lan and Sun Yijun were both daughters of noble families and it was inconvenient for them to appear in public, so Chuyu led them to Jiang Shu's Shutong Courtyard.

"Princess, Miss Sun, what brings you here?" Jiang Shu was quite surprised to see them.

Jiang Shu was aware of the disparity in their status and knew it was inconvenient for them to attend the banquet, so she hadn't sent them invitations.

Their uninvited arrival both surprised and delighted Jiang Shu.

"What, don't you welcome us?" Yu Lan teased on purpose.

Sun Yijun added, "Whether you welcome us or not, we're here and we're going to eat before we leave."

Jiang Shu was amused by their banter and played along, "How dare I, your presence honors my humble abode, it's a great fortune."

"Pfft!" The three burst into laughter.

Chuyu hurriedly instructed the kitchen to send a banquet to Shutong Courtyard.

After the meal, the three of them chatted in Jiang Shu's boudoir, asking about the day Jiang Shu left the Marquis's mansion.

Knowing their curiosity, Jiang Shu told them in detail.

Sun Yijun, angered, slammed the table, "That's too much. If Shen Qingrong dares to return, I'll make sure to deal with her."

Yu Lan was startled and, placing a hand on her chest, said, "Why are you so angry? Didn't she already get her revenge?"

"Besides, according to Young Master Lu, Shen Qingrong's life in Pingyang won't be easy after she returns."

"Serves her right," Sun Yijun said with schadenfreude.

Yu Lan and Jiang Shu exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

Sun Yijun's clear distinction between good and evil and her hatred for wrongdoing were truly endearing.

Before leaving, Yu Lan said to Jiang Shu, "Now that you're free, come visit me at the General's mansion when you have time, or go to Zhaojue Temple for incense."

"And me too, you have to include me in your future meetings, or I'll be upset," Sun Yijun chimed in, sticking her head in.

"Yes, yes, you'll be the first to receive an invitation," Yu Lan and Jiang Shu said in unison.

"Hmph!" Sun Yijun proudly lifted her chin.

Jiang Shu gently pulled down her veil and said, "Today the Jiang mansion is a mix of people. Make sure you're well-covered so no one sees you."

After making sure she was properly covered, Jiang Shu personally saw Yu Lan and Sun Yijun out of the mansion.

The carriage was waiting at the Jiang mansion's entrance, and Yu Lan and Sun Yijun were quickly helped into the carriage by the servants, remaining completely hidden.

After seeing them off, Jiang Shu returned to continue entertaining the Jiang sisters and sisters-in-law.

"Sister Shu, you’re finally back." Jiang Yun warmly took Jiang Shu’s arm and led her to sit with them for a casual chat.

“I heard that the Eldest Princess came to the Jiang residence. Is that true?” someone probed.

Yu Lan had arrived openly and could not be hidden, so Jiang Shu had no choice but to admit it.

“Yes, she left just a moment ago.”

“What does the Eldest Princess look like? I’ve never seen a princess before,” a younger sister curiously asked.

Jiang Yun patted her on the head and mocked, “What status do we have? The Eldest Princess would never see us.”

At this, several of them looked at Jiang Shu enviously again.

Though they were sisters with the same family background, their fates were entirely different.

“By the way, Sister Shu, my cousin passed the imperial examination for a scholar two years ago. He is handsome and very learned. I think he would be a good match for you. Should I arrange for you to meet him?”

Jiang Yun remembered the important task her mother had given her.

Jiang Shu was stunned, not expecting Jiang Yun to bring this up.

After a moment of hesitation, Jiang Shu declined gently, “No need. I’ve just returned home and have no plans to discuss marriage for now.”

“It’s okay to meet him later.” Jiang Yun was not giving up.

Jiang Shu’s pretty face turned slightly serious, a little annoyed, and she said indifferently, “Sister Yun, you’re not young anymore. If you find him suitable, why don’t you consider him for yourself?”

Jiang Yun choked, her face turning red with embarrassment.

Her cousin, though a scholar and handsome, had an ordinary family background with little prospect. She didn’t want to marry into hardship.

Seeing Jiang Yun’s embarrassment, the others secretly mocked her in their hearts and abandoned their own ideas.

They had all been given a task by their parents to sound out Jiang Shu and seize the opportunity to play matchmaker.

But it seemed today was not a good time.

Late at night, after seeing off all the guests, Jiang Shu removed her hairpins, let down her hair, and prepared to bathe.

“Miss, someone sent something over.” Chuyu entered the room holding a brocade box.

Jiang Shu put down her comb and suspiciously took the box and opened it.

Inside was a crystal-clear jade cicada, exquisitely carved and lifelike.

Under the jade cicada was a piece of paper.

Jiang Shu pulled it out and unfolded it. There were only a few words.

“Congratulations on your new beginning, Yu Zheng.”

Jiang Shu’s beautiful almond-shaped eyes widened in surprise. She picked up the jade cicada and examined it carefully.

The cicada, having transformed from a pupa, gains a new life. Yu Zheng’s gift was one she truly appreciated.

She just hadn’t expected that Yu Zheng would send her a gift.