Jiang Jingshu was momentarily stunned. The sister in front of her seemed somewhat unfamiliar to her.
But soon she thought she must have been seeing things. She straightened her face and coldly said, "Since sister has chosen the path of being forsaken by all, if you end up in a bad situation in the future, don't blame me and mother for not trying to persuade you today..."
After saying that, she flicked her sleeves and stepped out of the door.
Jiang Sihe slightly pursed her lips. Her younger sister was still as arrogant as ever. It was a pity that without her managing things in the villa this time. She was eager to see how long her sister could maintain her haughty airs.
The First Lady was impatient. After Nanny Qiu returned and reported to her, she rushed to Jiang Zongyuan's study to discuss the matter of adoption with him.
"You want to adopt Concubine Ruan's eldest daughter?"
Jiang Zongyuan put down the pen in his hand and looked up at the First Lady.
"So, sir, you don't agree?"
Jiang Zongyuan never liked to interfere in the affairs of the inner courtyard. It was just a matter of adopting a concubine's daughter. What reason did he have to object?
"If the lady fancies the girl, it's her good fortune."
Wang Mingyi smiled and reached out to pour a cup of tea for Jiang Zongyuan. "Sir, regarding the matter you asked me to inquire about some days ago, father has sent back a message. There's a vacancy in one of the four departments of the Ministry of Rites. You can fill it in a few days..."
Jiang Zongyuan's eyes showed a gentle smile. He took the teacup and held Wang Mingyi's hand. "Thank you for your trouble, my lady. I remember the wisteria in Chunhua Pavilion is in full bloom at this time. I've been thinking about enjoying it for a few days. How about I stay in Chunhua Pavilion for a while..."
Wang Mingyi's eyes immediately sparkled with joy. "Sir, do you mean you'll stay in Chunhua Pavilion?"
"Does the lady not welcome me?"
Wang Mingyi quickly replied, "How could that be? I..."
As soon as the words came out, she immediately composed herself, remembering her mother's teachings. As the mistress of the mansion, she should be dignified and self - restrained.
"I'm naturally willing to serve my husband!"
Looking at Wang Mingyi's dignified and proper appearance, Jiang Zongyuan couldn't help but feel a bit bored.
Concubine Wei was more to his liking. Her coquettish and clingy ways always made him lose his mind.
But Wang Mingyi's father was the Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Even if he didn't like her, she still had to be the mistress of the Jiang Mansion. He had to give her enough face.
After leaving Jiang Zongyuan's study, the First Lady was beaming with joy.
"Lady, did sir agree?"
"He did," the First Lady nodded. "You go to the kitchen later and tell them to prepare more of sir's favorite dishes for dinner and send them to our courtyard. Also, light the incense that sir likes best in the room. Sir will be staying in Chunhua Pavilion for the next few days..."
Nanny Qiu was also overjoyed when she heard this. Since Concubine Wei gave birth to the only male heir of the eldest branch of the Jiang family, sir had been partial to her. Although on the surface he respected the First Lady, in his heart he favored Concubine Wei. The number of times he came to Chunhua Pavilion every month could be counted on one hand.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind...
The First Lady had just mentioned adopting the Second Miss, and sir was moving back to Chunhua Pavilion. This Second Miss was really the First Lady's lucky star.
Nanny Qiu was happy for her and then quickly asked, "Lady, should we start taking the prescription that the princess sent you some days ago?"
The First Lady frowned. She had taken countless prescriptions in order to have an heir. Later, after Concubine Wei gave birth to a son, sir always stayed with her. So she had stopped taking those medicines for the past few years.
"Yes, tell Jinlan to decoct it!"
The First Lady's face was gloomy. Thinking that she had failed to give birth to a legitimate son for the Jiang family, she always felt inferior.
Nanny Qiu nodded in agreement. "I'll tell Jinlan as soon as I get back."
"You go to the courtyard where Concubine Ruan lives tomorrow... no, go there right away and bring the Second Miss to our courtyard!"
Nanny Qiu knew that the First Lady was impatient. Since sir had already agreed to the adoption, she was eager to bring the Second Miss to Chunhua Pavilion.
"Lady, the ungrateful Fourth Miss and Concubine Ruan have already returned to the villa today. If sir finds out, he might think you're being intolerant..."
Hearing the name Concubine Ruan, the First Lady felt her mood dampened.
"Those who don't know their place don't deserve our attention. The most important thing now is to take good care of the Second Miss and make sure she recovers well. Don't let her get any lingering ailments!"
Nanny Qiu lowered her head and replied, "When I get back, I'll tidy up the west wing for the Second Miss to live in!"
"Let her live in the east wing!"
"The east wing?" Nanny Qiu seemed surprised that the lady would treat the Second Miss so well.
"Since she's being adopted under my name, she's the legitimate daughter of the eldest branch. It's more proper for her to live in the east wing."
"The lady is so thoughtful!"
After returning, Nanny Qiu called a few maids to tidy up the east wing and then went to pick up Jiang Sihe.
...
Jiang Sihe had slept for half a day and was woken up by the pain in her back. She moved her neck slightly, and the sharp pain made her let out a soft hiss.
"Second Miss, does the wound hurt?"
Danfeng was sitting by the bed fanning her. Hearing the noise, she gently asked.
Jiang Sihe didn't expect this little maid to take such good care of her.
"The doctor prescribed some pain - relieving medicine. I've kept it warm on the stove. Second Miss, if you're in pain, don't bear it. I'll go and get the medicine for you..."
Jiang Sihe felt a bit uncomfortable being served so attentively. She turned her head slightly. "Then please go and get the medicine for me..."
"Second Miss, I'm here to serve you. Just tell me if you need anything!"
After saying that, Danfeng put down the fan and got up to get the medicine. Soon she came in with a blue porcelain bowl.
"Second Miss, let me help you take the medicine!"
In her previous life, when she entered the Marquis Mansion, no servant had ever served her like this. Now she had such a considerate maid.
Danfeng was smart. She noticed Jiang Sihe's thoughts and softly said, "Second Miss is the master of the mansion. I was sent by the First Lady to serve you. It's my good fortune..."
Danfeng's words were natural. She didn't mention the matter of adoption. She just regarded Jiang Sihe as the Second Miss of the Jiang Mansion, making her feel at ease.
After drinking the medicine, Jiang Sihe broke out in a thin sweat. Danfeng put down the medicine bowl and picked up the fan to gently fan her.
"It's hot. Second Miss has a wound and can't take a bath. You must be suffering..."
In both of her lifetimes, Jiang Sihe had never been cared for like this. She was naturally pleased by Danfeng's words.
"Is the Second Miss awake?"
Nanny Qiu lifted the curtain and came in with a smile on her face.
Jiang Sihe was a bit surprised to see Nanny Qiu come at this time.
"Nanny!" Danfeng bowed to Nanny Qiu.
"The First Lady has informed sir about the adoption, and sir has agreed..."
Hearing Nanny Qiu's words, Jiang Sihe was naturally happy, but she remained calm on the surface.
"I'm sorry to trouble the First Lady on my behalf. Nanny, please sit down and rest..."
But Nanny Qiu shook her head. "The Second Miss looks in good spirits. Does your wound still hurt?"
Jiang Sihe replied obediently, "It's nothing serious. Thank you for your concern, Nanny!"
"Second Miss, you're making me feel unworthy. It's actually the First Lady who's concerned about you. I'm here on her behalf to deliver another message!"
Jiang Sihe was a bit confused. "Does the First Lady have any instructions?"