Chapter 40 Once Yearned for a Daughter

Chapter 40: A Past Longing for a Daughter

Jiang Tianci's expression froze upon hearing this.

He had long known that Jiang Yaozhen and Jiang Shuning did not get along, but he hadn't realized the rift ran so deep.

"Sister Yaozhen, Shuning is, after all, your own sister..."

"Own sister?" Jiang Yaozhen sneered, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. "Second Brother, you probably don't know how hard-won my position as the Third Prince's Consort truly is. The Third Prince was initially smitten with me at first sight, but my dear sister, consumed by jealousy, secretly tried to seduce him, nearly stealing my fated marriage! If I don't plot against her, who knows who would end up as the Third Prince's Consort?"

Jiang Tianci grasped her meaning. Jiang Yaozhen feared her position as the Third Prince's Consort was unstable and wanted to strike first, ruining Jiang Shuning's reputation to completely sever any possibility between her and the Third Prince.

However, destroying a woman's virtue was a vicious tactic. It wouldn't just end Jiang Shuning's chance with the Third Prince; it would ruin her entire life.

Truly, a woman's heart can be the most venomous!

The more Jiang Tianci thought about it, the more frightened he became, cold sweat beading on his forehead. "Yaozhen, this... isn't appropriate, is it? Shuning is, after all, Uncle's daughter. If the truth comes to light and Uncle is enraged, what if the magistrates investigate? Wouldn't I be the one to suffer the consequences?"

Jiang Yaozhen chuckled lightly, her tone casual. "Second Brother, you worry too much. A woman's virtue is as fragile as paper; it doesn't require involving the authorities. Just create a little incident, spread some rumors, and our goal will be achieved."

Jiang Shuning had the highly skilled Ling Wu by her side, and there were also those black-clad men secretly protecting her. Even if Jiang Tianci hired someone to violate her, it might not succeed.

Rather than taking such a risk, starting with rumors was safer.

Jiang Tianci's eyes darted, and he smiled. "That method is simple. Don't worry, Sister. Leave it to me!"

This way, even if Uncle investigated, he wouldn't be able to find any evidence against him.

Once Jiang Shuning's reputation was in tatters, Uncle would surely be eager to marry her off. Then, she would no longer be able to obstruct his path to inheritance!

It was killing two birds with one stone!

The corner of Jiang Yaozhen's lips lifted slightly. "Then I shall await your good news, Second Brother."

—

As Chancellor Jiang and his wife grew closer to Jiang Tianze day by day, a weight lifted from Jiang Shuning's heart.

Coincidentally, the day she was to meet with the Fifth Prince, Xiao Huaijin, arrived. As agreed, she entered the palace to teach Princess Ronghua riding and archery.

Hearing she was going to the palace, Ling Wu thought she was visiting the Fourth Prince, Xiao Lingchuan, and said happily, "The Young Miss is so concerned about the Fourth Prince; he will surely be very moved."

Jiang Shuning smiled slightly but didn't offer further explanation. She headed to Consort Rong's palace.

Consort Rong was regal and magnificent, her brows and eyes carrying a hint of languor. Her every gesture exuded an innate grace, completely different from Consort Xi's flamboyant beauty.

She was clearly a woman raised in a carefree, privileged environment from childhood, above worldly strife, her demeanor naturally poised.

"Your humble subject pays her respects to Your Highness the Imperial Consort, Your Highness the Princess." Jiang Shuning bowed to Consort Rong and Princess Ronghua.

Consort Rong smiled and said, "I heard the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor's residence is dignified, elegant, and as refreshing as a spring breeze. Seeing you today, the reputation is indeed well-deserved."

Jiang Shuning responded neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Thank you for your undeserved praise, Your Highness."

She discreetly observed Princess Ronghua beside Consort Rong.

The little princess was adorable as jade and snow, her delicate, doll-like face paired with a pair of lively, sparkling large eyes, utterly endearing.

In her past life, she had envied Consort Rong—her maternal family was illustrious, she had a pair of outstanding children, and she lived in the palace without contention, truly a winner in life.

Consort Rong gave a gentle smile and introduced her to her daughter, "Rong Hua, this is Sister Jiang. From now on, she will be teaching you riding and archery."

"Thank you for your trouble, Sister Jiang!" Princess Ronghua's voice was soft and sweet, adding to her innocent charm.

"It is my utmost honor," Jiang Shuning replied with a smile.

After the formalities, Jiang Shuning took Princess Ronghua to the rear garden.

Just as Jiang Shuning was demonstrating archery, the Fifth Prince, Xiao Huaijin, strolled over.

"You practice; I'll just watch casually," he said.

He saw Jiang Shuning nock an arrow, her movements fluid and seamless. The arrow shot through the air, striking the center of the target.

Several more arrows followed, each one precise and accurate.

"Sister Jiang is amazing!" Princess Ronghua exclaimed excitedly, clapping her hands.

But when it was her turn to shoot, due to her young age and lack of arm strength, she tried several times without hitting the target. Her little face fell, somewhat dejected.

Seeing this, Jiang Shuning comforted her softly, carefully wiping the sweat from her forehead. "Don't be disheartened, Your Highness. You will improve with gradual practice."

Encouraged by Jiang Shuning's words, Princess Ronghua regained her confidence and continued practicing.

Xiao Huaijin stood to the side, quietly watching this scene, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

Consort Rong sent a palace maid to summon Xiao Huaijin to the main hall for tea. His gaze remained fixed on Jiang Shuning as he replied absentmindedly, "Tell Mother I'm not thirsty."

The palace maid had no choice but to say, "Her Highness has something to discuss with Your Highness."

Only then did Xiao Huaijin reluctantly move towards the main hall.

Seeing him enter, Consort Rong smiled meaningfully. "Jin, is this Miss Jiang the one who holds your heart?"

Upon hearing this, a faint blush immediately colored Xiao Huaijin's face.

Seeing his reaction, Consort Rong's smile deepened. "It seems I guessed correctly. This Miss Jiang is indeed dignified and proper. I had heard before that her culinary skills were exquisite and she knew something about dietary therapy, but I didn't pay it much mind. I never expected her archery to be so outstanding as well. Her performance today is no worse than her sister's, and she is extremely patient with Rong Hua. I am quite satisfied with her. If you truly like her, I can request an imperial marriage decree from His Majesty for you."

Xiao Huaijin said shyly, "Mother, that matter is still far from settled. Moreover, Miss Jiang has already obtained an imperial edict from the Empress Dowager granting her autonomy in marriage. Even His Majesty would likely find it difficult to intervene."

Consort Rong pondered. "If it only requires her consent, then it might be easier. However, it is now known throughout the court that Chancellor Jiang is aligned with the Third Prince's faction, while your maternal grandfather has always steered clear of factional struggles. Whether Miss Jiang is willing to marry you—you still need to carefully sound out her feelings."

Xiao Huaijin responded respectfully, "Yes, Mother."

Princess Ronghua still couldn't hit the bullseye. She threw a few small tantrums, but Jiang Shuning patiently coaxed her, even building a snowman with the palace servants to cheer her up.

The little princess's tears turned to laughter, and Jiang Shuning finally breathed a sigh of relief.

In their short time together, Ronghua sensed Jiang Shuning's doting affection and grew increasingly dependent on her, acting even more spoiled.

Consort Rong took in this scene and said with a smile, "Rong Hua has an impatient temperament. Even I often feel at a loss. It's rare for Miss Jiang to have such patience."

Jiang Shuning smiled. "The Princess is innocent and lively. I couldn't be fonder of her; how could I bear to let her be unhappy?"

Now sixteen years old, she appeared only six years older than Princess Ronghua, but within her lived the soul of a twenty-nine-year-old mature woman.

In her past life, after marrying Xiao Lingchuan, she had once longed for a daughter.

If he hadn't schemed against her in that past life, if he hadn't made her drink those contraceptive concoctions for so many years, perhaps their child could have been as old as Princess Ronghua by now... At this thought, Jiang Shuning's eyes darkened momentarily, and she quickly concealed the trace of melancholy within them.

Well, what's done is done.

You've always got to look ahead.

In this life, she believed she would surely have a lovely daughter like Princess Ronghua and enjoy the joys of family life.

Over at Jinghe Palace, Xiao Lingchuan sat in the front hall sipping tea, dressed in vibrant, luxurious brocade robes.

His features were already strikingly handsome, and now adorned in such vivid attire, he was dazzling, impossible to look away from.

When the Seventh Prince entered and saw him dressed so elaborately, he couldn't help but laugh. "What's the special occasion? Fourth Brother went to all this trouble with his look."

Xiao Lingchuan lifted his eyelids slightly, cast him a faint glance, but offered no reply.

The attendant Ling Feng leaned close to the Seventh Prince's ear and whispered, "Ling Wu just sent word that Miss Jiang entered the palace today."

The Seventh Prince immediately understood. "No wonder Fourth Brother is dressed so splendidly—he's waiting for his lady!"

He marveled inwardly, never imagining his fourth brother would go to such lengths for a woman, like a peacock strutting its feathers.

He took a seat beside Xiao Lingchuan and waited with him.

However, as the sun set and the palace lanterns were lit, Jiang Shuning had still not appeared at Jinghe Palace.

Xiao Lingchuan's expression gradually darkened with the wait.

He abruptly stood up and ordered sharply, "Ling Feng, go investigate! Find out what she's been doing in the palace all day!"