Chapter 38 Stunning Beauty

Chapter 38: A Striking Beauty

After being rebuffed by Jiang Shuning, Jiang Tianci was seething with resentment and took the matter straight to Chancellor Jiang and Madam Jiang to kick up a fuss.

Chancellor Jiang summoned Jiang Shuning to his study.

Not yet recovered from his son's death, his face was etched with weariness. "Your mother and I have decided to adopt your second cousin as our son. You must have heard about this by now. It was a hasty decision, but your mother was so moved when she saw Tianci that she burst into tears... She had been listless and had little appetite for days, but now she finally shows some signs of life. I couldn't bear to disappoint her."

Jiang Shuning nodded slightly and said solemnly, "It's true Second Cousin looks like Elder Brother, but similar looks don't mean similar temperament and character. Regarding the adoption, I urge you and Mother to consider it carefully and not make a hasty decision, or else the Second Branch could use it to control our family's fate."

In the noble families of Daye, it was common to adopt young sons to continue the family line. However, adopting a grown child like Jiang Tianci might make it difficult for him to become truly close to his adoptive parents, and he would likely remain attached to his biological parents.

Therefore, the character of the adoptee should be given even greater consideration.

Chancellor Jiang let out a long sigh, his eyes filled with helplessness. "Forget it. If they want to control us, let them. Your brother is gone. Eventually, you and Zhen'er will marry and leave this household. The family estate will inevitably fall into the hands of the Second and Third Branches sooner or later."

Jiang Shuning lowered her gaze and said earnestly, "I will of course defer to you and Mother, but the candidate for adoption must be carefully evaluated. We cannot judge by appearance alone; character must also be considered."

The memory of Jiang Tianci squandering wealth in her previous life, nearly gambling away the Second Branch's entire fortune, filled her with irritation.

She certainly didn't want such a wastrel adopted into her parents' household. She feared that before her parents grew old, he would have already squandered the Chancellor's estate.

As she left the study, Jiang Shuning whispered to her attendant, Ling Wu, "Come with me to the Third Branch."

Her second aunt was shrewd and calculating. If Second Cousin were truly adopted into their branch, it wouldn't be long before the Chancellor's estate was drained dry.

She needed to visit the Third Branch to see if there might be a more suitable candidate for adoption before the Second Branch succeeded completely.

Jiang Shuning's third uncle, Third Master Jiang, had been dashing and romantic in his youth, but also dissolute and unrestrained, often frequenting brothels.

As he grew older, respectable families avoided him. Eventually, he redeemed a fading courtesan from a brothel and made her his official wife.

This woman became Jiang Shuning's third aunt.

After entering the Jiang family, Third Aunt left her former flirtatious ways behind, conducting herself with dignity and composure.

Even when the late Old Madam Jiang had criticized her, she kept her head down and remained obedient, maintaining harmonious relationships with her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law without a trace of discord.

Jiang Shuning didn't have a deep impression of this third aunt, remembering only a few brief encounters. Each time, she was struck by her breathtaking beauty—no wonder Third Uncle had insisted on marrying her into the family despite opposition.

The Third Branch was currently temporarily settled in the western courtyard of the Chancellor's estate.

When Jiang Shuning entered the western courtyard, Third Master Jiang and Third Madam Jiang were busy sorting through their things. Seeing her arrival, they were both surprised and delighted.

"Shuning is here!" Third Master Jiang laughed heartily. "You've really blossomed! You've become even more graceful and elegant, more beautiful than before!"

Third Madam Jiang remained as stunningly beautiful as Jiang Shuning remembered. Even dressed in plain clothes, her natural loveliness was undeniable.

She addressed Jiang Shuning with the utmost respect: "Eldest Miss."

Jiang Shuning smiled gently and affectionately took Third Madam Jiang's hand. "Third Aunt, just call me Shuning. Today, I brought a few kingfisher-feather blue hairpins. I think they suit your temperament very well. If you don't mind, please accept them as a gift to welcome you into the estate."

As soon as she finished speaking, Ling Wu presented an exquisitely carved wooden box.

Third Madam Jiang took the box and opened it. Seeing the hairpins inside, she was flustered and honored. "Shuning, you are so thoughtful. But I... I didn't prepare a return gift."

"We are family; there's no need for such formalities," Jiang Shuning replied with a smile, then asked casually, "Where is Third Cousin?"

Third Master Jiang and Third Madam Jiang had a son named Tianze, a few months younger than Jiang Shuning and Jiang Yaozhen.

Hearing this, Third Madam Jiang quickly called toward the room, "Tianze, come out quickly and greet your Eldest Cousin!"

A moment later, a young man stepped out of the room. He was exceptionally handsome, his eyes gentle and clear.

He smiled at Jiang Shuning and bowed respectfully. "Hello, Eldest Cousin."

Jiang Shuning was momentarily stunned. Even having witnessed Xiao Lingchuan's extraordinary beauty, she was still taken aback by her cousin's excessively pretty face.

In her previous life, she had little contact with the Third Branch and was almost a stranger to this cousin.

Now, seeing that he was not only good-looking but also well-mannered, with a demeanor so different from Second Cousin Tianci's arrogance, she couldn't help but feel a sense of favor toward him.

If the Chancellor's estate had to choose an heir, Jiang Tianze might be a good candidate.

Jiang Shuning smiled warmly. "Third Cousin is truly handsome. With looks like this, I'm afraid you'll captivate many young ladies in the capital in the future."

Jiang Tianze lowered his head with a smile, the tips of his ears slightly red as if a little shy. "Eldest Cousin flatters me. I only wish to read more books and learn some skills. I dare not think about such romantic matters."

Hearing this, Jiang Shuning felt greatly relieved.

It seemed this cousin was not like Third Uncle.

She led Jiang Tianze to sit down beside her and inquired in detail, "What books do you usually read, Third Cousin? Besides reading, what else do you enjoy?"

Jiang Tianze thought for a moment and replied, "I usually enjoy reading historical texts and military strategy. In my spare time, I also like to practice martial arts to strengthen my body."

He paused, as if afraid Jiang Shuning might think him too much of a martial artist, and added, "However, I also have some skill in calligraphy. My regular script is passable."

Hearing this, a flicker of delight appeared in Jiang Shuning's eyes.

She leaned forward slightly, her tone becoming more enthusiastic. "Oh? You even like martial arts? That's not simple! While there are many martial arts masters in the capital, good ones are hard to find. If you are truly interested, I can speak to Father about finding you a top-notch master. How about that?"

Jiang Tianze was momentarily taken aback, seemingly not expecting Jiang Shuning to be so enthusiastic.

A complex emotion flashed in his eyes, and he said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Eldest Cousin. I... I will work hard and not disappoint your kindness."

Jiang Shuning smiled, stood up, and patted his shoulder. "Then it's settled. Also, don't always stay cooped up in your room. When you have time, visit Father and Mother more often. They are getting older and always hope for more liveliness in the household."

Jiang Tianze lowered his gaze and replied gently, "Yes, I will remember that."

When Jiang Shuning left the western courtyard with Ling Wu, the sky was already growing dim.

Ling Wu whispered, "Miss, you seem particularly interested in Third Young Master. Do you truly intend for him to be adopted into the Master's household?"

Jiang Shuning nodded. "This Third Cousin has more drive than Second Cousin. If he could be adopted into Father's household, I would feel more at ease."

According to Daye law, family property must be inherited by male heirs.

If an heir was not designated early, after Chancellor Jiang's passing, the Jiang family assets might be confiscated by the state.

Moreover, she had a vague premonition that in this life, she and Jiang Yaozhen were destined for a life-or-death struggle.

Regardless of the final outcome, she hoped her parents would have someone to rely on.

Back in the western courtyard, as soon as Jiang Shuning left, Third Master Jiang couldn't help but speak up. "What is my niece really up to? Could she truly want Ze'er to be adopted into the First Branch?"

Hearing this, Third Madam Jiang's expression changed drastically, and she quickly shook her head. "Husband, Elder Brother and Sister-in-law prefer Tianci. Why would they choose Tianze?"

Third Master Jiang snorted coldly, stroking his chin. "That's not necessarily true. That Tianci kid is full of himself. As soon as he entered the Chancellor's estate, he tried to take over Shuning's courtyard. He must have offended my niece. And my elder brother listens to his daughter very much. He might actually choose Tianze. If that happens, we'll be sitting pretty!"

He grew more excited as he spoke, his eyes gleaming with greed.

Upon hearing this, Third Madam Jiang trembled and said, "Husband, you know perfectly well that Tianze..."

Before she could finish, Third Master Jiang shot her a sharp glare and snapped, "Silence! Mind your tongue—don't ruin my plans!"

His wife immediately fell silent, lowering her head and pressing her lips tightly together.

Her fingers clutched the hem of her robe so hard that her knuckles turned white, and a flash of naked panic crossed her eyes.

Jiang Tianze stood by, quietly observing his parents' argument. The corners of his lips lifted slightly, revealing a sinister smile.

If he were truly adopted into the main branch, the real fun would begin.

After all, he wasn't actually a Jiang by blood.