Chapter 170: The Letter

Chapter 170: The Letter

Hearing their vicious curses, Jiang Shu looked at them coldly with her almond-shaped eyes, responding calmly.

"Indeed, it is because our ancestors are watching over us from the spirit world that my father and I are safe and sound, and those two wolves who disregarded familial bonds have been sent to prison."

"Since you know that I am about to become Prince Jing's wife, you should show some respect and think twice before you speak or act. Even if I do not pursue the matter, Prince Jing will not let you off."

"With the things you just said, if they were to reach Prince Jing's ears, it would be enough to send your entire family to the afterlife."

Jiang Shu's delicate face was cold, her voice icy, and her presence intimidating, causing Jiang Lishi and the other to feel a sudden chill of fear.

They wanted to save Jiang Shaohé and Jiang Shaohua, but they couldn't afford to get themselves involved, as it would be too costly for them.

Exchanging a glance, the two hesitated.

Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Ning said, "Are you leaving or not? If not, I'll send someone to Prince Jing's mansion."

"No, no, we're leaving, we're leaving." Jiang Lishi and the other fled in a disheveled state.

Watching their hurried and panicked backs, Jiang Ning felt a sense of satisfaction and deliberately loudly instructed the servants, "If they come again, take them straight to Prince Jing's mansion and have Prince Jing arrest them and throw them into prison."

Hearing this, Jiang Lishi and the other trembled and ran even faster.

Once they were outside the Jiang residence's main gate, the two walked to a street corner, looking back at the 'Jiang residence' sign under the dusky sky, feeling both resentment and more fear.

"Are we really leaving like this?"

"What else can you do? They have connected with Prince Jing; we can't afford to provoke them. We can't afford to go down together."

If that were to happen, there wouldn't even be anyone to claim their bodies, and they'd be thrown into a mass grave to feed the wild dogs.

"They are too heartless, not even saving their own blood brothers."

"Hmph! Just wait and see, they'll face retribution. Jiang Yun and her father will haunt them even as ghosts."

"We wasted so much time kneeling, my knees are scraped raw, it hurts to death."

Cursing and complaining, Jiang Lishi limped away, leaning on the wall for support.

Back in the Jiang residence, Jiang Shu and the others returned to the dining table. Jiang's father was still sitting there, his bowl of rice only half-eaten, but no one had the appetite to continue eating.

Jiang's father furrowed his brow and asked a few questions. Jiang Ning said, "Don't worry, father, they won't dare come back again."

Jiang's father didn't ask further; it was probably just the same old story.

Sighing, Jiang's father said solemnly, "You'll be going to school in a few days. Take advantage of these leisurely days at home to help your mother prepare your dowry."

"Yes, father," Jiang Ning agreed.

Jiang's father then said to Jiang Shu, "The royal court has strict protocols. Although Prince Jing is particularly lenient with you, we must still know our limits and be sensible. In the future, leave unnecessary matters to the managers and try to avoid drawing attention to yourself."

"Yes, father, I will remember," Jiang Shu responded gently.

The three of them knew that Jiang's father was upset about Jiang Lishi and the other causing a scene and was reminded of Jiang Shaohé and Jiang Shaohua. He was making conversation to distract them, not wanting to worry them.

Speaking of which, Jiang Shaohé and Jiang Shaohua were sentenced to execution after the autumn harvest; there weren't many days left.

After all, they were blood brothers, and when the time for their execution came, Jiang's father would likely be upset for a few more days.

Fortunately, the upcoming joy of Jiang Shu's wedding helped keep Father Jiang's emotions relatively stable.

In the days that followed, Jiang Shu stayed home unless it was important, focusing on embroidering sachets as she prepared for her wedding.

On the twenty-ninth of July, two matrons and three embroiderers from the palace arrived to take Jiang Shu's measurements for her wedding gown.

For ordinary high-ranking families, the bride prepares her own wedding dress. However, for royal princes, the wedding gowns are prepared by the palace's Clothing Bureau.

"Miss Jiang, you have such a wonderful figure. When you wear the wedding gown made of imperial brocade on your wedding day, you will surely be the most beautiful in Shang Jing."

The matrons and embroiderers praised Jiang Shu with smiles as they took her measurements.

Mother Jiang, hearing this, was pleased and gave each of them a bag of silver as they left.

Holding their heavy bags of silver, they came with joy and left with happiness.

After being fussed over for half the day, Jiang Shu sighed in relief and was about to finish her sachet when a servant brought an invitation.

It was from Yu Lan, inviting her and Sun Yijun for a small gathering at the Pingxi General's Mansion, and it was for today.

Since she had been cooped up at home lately, Jiang Shu went back to change her clothes and headed to the Pingxi General's Mansion with Tanyu and Leng Xing.

Sun Yijun had arrived a little earlier. When Jiang Shu entered, she was already drinking tea with Yu Lan.

The table was set with an assortment of snacks, fruits, and several types of tea for them to enjoy.

The three of them lounged lazily, chatting and enjoying the snacks and tea, completely at ease.

"Your wedding is on the fifteenth of October. Why is it so rushed? Yu Yuan and I got engaged before you," Sun Yijun said, sounding surprised.

Jiang Shu's face turned slightly red, unsure how to respond.

Yu Lan glanced at Jiang Shu and smiled, "It's not that they're in a rush; it's my parents who are eager."

Sun Yijun was left speechless.

Jiang Shu then asked casually, "When is your wedding date with Yu Yuan?"

"Next March," Sun Yijun pouted. "I feel it's a bit too early. I didn't want to marry so soon, but no one listened to me."

Jiang Shu and Yu Lan exchanged glances and smiled without saying a word.

They both knew that with Sun Yijun's temperament, if she really disagreed, the wedding date couldn't have been set. Her words were merely a display of a young lady's shyness.

"You are my good friend, and Zheng is my own brother. For your wedding, I must prepare a grand gift," Yu Lan said with a mischievous glint in her beautiful eyes as she looked at Jiang Shu.

Jiang Shu felt a tightness in her scalp, sensing something unsettling.

"Knowing you, the gift is likely anything but ordinary," Sun Yijun said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she leaned closer to Yu Lan. "What kind of grand gift?"

"It's a secret," Yu Lan replied.

Then Yu Lan added, "Don't worry, I will also prepare a generous gift for you when it's your wedding."

"You really don't need to go to such lengths," Sun Yijun said, waving her hands quickly.

"This isn't about being polite; it's about following proper etiquette," Yu Lan said seriously.

Sun Yijun: “……” This level of formality is over the top. It’s really not necessary.

Jiang Shu smiled slightly, her lips barely parting. With Sun Yijun by her side, she felt a lot less anxious.

As the sun set in the west, Shen Changze returned to the Jing'an Marquis Residence, bathed in the last rays of the setting sun.

Ever since he last asked Yu Zheng, Shen Changze had been investigating Jiang Shu's interactions over the years. Despite his thorough investigation, he only discovered that Yu Lan had shown special care for Jiang Shu.

Shen Changze suspected that Yu Zheng had instructed Yu Lan to do so. Apart from that, Jiang Shu had no contact with Yu Zheng.

Shen Changze sat in the Listen Bamboo Pavilion, feeling utterly defeated and lost in thought.

Was it possible that he had made a grave mistake, and Jiang Shu had left, completely disillusioned and heartbroken?

"My lord, the second young master has sent a letter," Huo Chong presented the newly received letter.

Shen Changze jerked back to reality, snatched the letter, and ripped it open.

Shen Changhuai had no urgent matters to report; the letter contained only a few words, all of which were admonitions.

One particular sentence struck Shen Changze deeply.

"A man's true ambition is to make a mark on the world. If you want Miss Jiang to respect you more, you need to rise to the occasion and accomplish something great."

His throat tightened, and Shen Changze clenched the letter in his fist. He stood abruptly, grabbed the wine jar from the table, downed a large gulp, and stormed outside, hurling the jar down from the balcony with a roar.