Chapter 54: Endless Conflicts

Chapter 54 Endless Strife

Jiang Wan didn’t call her father out on his boasting. After pulling her parents into the house, she cautiously had Qing Zhu and Zi Yu guard the door in the yard, then quietly filled them in on what happened that day and what Li Yanxiu had just let slip to both parents.

The Jiang couple listened with grave expressions.

"I always said you’ve got a smart face but a dumb gut—why on earth did you run back to save Li Laosi?"

Hearing her father’s criticism, Jiang Wan looked wronged and turned to her mother, opening her mouth to explain clearly.

"Those men in black had already caught up and seen me and Third Brother. If I hadn’t run back to rescue Li Chengxiu and draw those people away, once they succeeded, they would’ve definitely chased after us and wiped out all the witnesses too!

Just because I’m strong doesn’t mean I’m skilled in martial arts. Leading those people on a chase for a stretch of the road could buy Second and Third a bit more time to escape! What’s the problem with that?"

Jiang Wan didn’t think there was anything wrong with what she said. She was the eldest sister—she had been since the day she opened her eyes in this life.

Xu Shi took her eldest daughter’s hand, her eyes filled with ache and guilt. But some thanks just couldn’t be said out loud, as it would hurt the child’s sincere feelings.

"There’s nothing wrong. Your father just can’t put things right. But Wan Jieer, listen to me, child."

Her mother’s hand was very warm, just like her loving heart, making Jiang Wan—who had lacked parental love for many years in her previous life—cling to that warmth.

"What is it, Mother? Please tell me."

"Mother knows you’re a good child and a good elder sister. But you must understand that in Mother’s heart, you, Second, and Third are all the same—you’re also a child. So next time you encounter such danger, if you can run, you run as fast as you can!"

Xu Shi’s voice trembled slightly.

"Even if you can’t protect your younger siblings, it’s alright—if one gets away, that’s what matters! Understand?"

This was making it clear that if they encountered such life-and-death situations again, Jiang Wan could think of ways to save her own skin first.

She had memories in her mind; the experiences of so many years felt as if she had lived through them herself. So she had always known her mother loved her dearly, but she truly hadn’t realized her mother could be even more partial to her!

Yes, partiality.

In this life, she had finally become someone favored by another. No longer was she a pitiful creature unwanted by anyone.

"Mother, what nonsense are you saying?"

She blinked, trying to make her voice sound normal and relaxed.

"I’m much cleverer than Second and Third, better at physical skills, and stronger too. With such high innate talent as a chosen one, wouldn’t it be unreasonable not to stay behind and cover the retreat?

Don’t worry, chosen ones usually have plot armor—even if they fall off a cliff, they won’t lose arms or legs! I’m definitely destined to live a long life, until you’re sick of seeing me around.

When that time comes, don’t you go getting all annoyed with me, you old lady, or that would truly hurt!"

"This child, Mother is speaking seriously with you, and you start running your mouth again."

Distracted by her daughter’s playful teasing, Xu Shi no longer dwelled on so many worries and laughed along with her child’s lightheartedness.

Jiang Huailiang, who had accidentally misspoken earlier, finally dared to breathe a soft sigh of relief and piped up.

"Hey, that’s more like it. Whether you’re happy or worried, you still have to live through the day—why overthink it? Living by enjoying today without worrying about tomorrow, isn’t that what makes life comfortable?"

"Father, your easygoing attitude is very admirable, but it’s better to think carefully about what needs thinking about!"

Jiang Wan cut off her father’s words, frowning as she asked quietly.

"Father, Mother, think about it—who exactly went after the Li family's sons this time?

I heard from Li Chengxiu that those masked men were mainly after Li Yuanxiu and Li Yanxiu.

But Li Chengxiu is strong and lucky—he managed to cover his older brother so they could escape. That’s why Li Yuanxiu got the short end of the stick and is now fighting for his life on his sickbed. If things go badly, he might die young…"

The last sentence was muttered through clenched teeth, yet it sent chills down the spines of the Jiang couple.

"Stop talking nonsense!"

"Watch your words, my child!"

Her parents spoke in unison, and Jiang Wan shut up, knowing better.

She knew she shouldn’t spoil the plot too early. Given her past history of madness and foolishness, shooting her mouth off would only scare her parents and serve no good purpose. Sigh.

Jiang Huailiang stood up and walked to the door, opening it to ensure he could see the two maids guarding the courtyard outside before returning to sit beside his wife and children.

He jabbed a thick, rough finger angrily in his eldest daughter’s direction. If she weren’t a girl, he would have picked her up and spanked her!

Look at her—no filter on her mouth. Who did she learn that from? After a moment’s thought, he decided it was best to spell everything out now, to avoid any future misunderstandings or trouble.

"Prince of Huai—no, the Emperor—has already taken the throne in the capital city. You get that? Regardless of how grand or modest the coronation was, he is now truly the Emperor!

I was ordered to return to fetch the imperial consorts and the royal children into the palace. Once we reach the capital, many of the Li family’s status will change."

His voice dropped even lower, full of concern.

"There are some matters whose complexities you’re unaware of, so I might as well spell it out for you today.

The Emperor was able to escape with his life back in Guangping Prefecture thanks to Madame Zhao saving him. Later, with the Zhao family’s full support, he achieved what he's accomplished today.

However, the Qiao family also pulled their weight."

Jiang Huailiang let out two heavy sighs before explaining the messy situation in the capital to his wife and daughter.

"As I’ve told you before, Madame Qiao is the Emperor’s first wife, and their relationship was very strong. If they hadn’t been backed into a corner back then, the Emperor would never have ended up bringing in all these women and kids around him to secure various factions.

The more the Emperor loves Madame Qiao, the more guilt he feels toward her! What’s more, over the years, the Qiao clan followed the Emperor through countless battles—five of Madame Qiao’s six brothers died!

Even more clansmen and nephews were lost too. Man, you should've seen it.

In the recent attack on the capital, even Qiao family boys as young as twelve or thirteen were on the front lines."

The complexity of Jiang Huailiang’s words was instantly grasped by the clever Xu Shi and Jiang Wan.

"So, the capital is a real mess right now?"

The burly man rolled his eyes at his delicate daughter.

"What do you think?"

"I don’t need to guess."

Jiang Wan snorted.

"Anyone could figure it out—after investing so many years into this venture, it’s finally paying off big. As the two biggest partners, the Zhao and Qiao families are bound to go at each other's throats!"

Some of the terms their daughter used were unfamiliar, but her parents understood the meaning. Xu Shi also frowned and sighed.

"It’s not just as you said. The two families aren’t only fighting over the position of Empress—they’re also fighting over the legitimate lineage!

From what your father said, all these years, the Li family has essentially been managed by two matriarchs.

Officially, the Princess of Huai is Madame Zhao, but the one controlling the family’s finances and supplying the army was Madame Qiao."