The stars in the night sky seemed to be the same as before, but the situation outside had undergone earth-shaking changes. On the surface, there seemed to be nothing going on in the palace, but in the dark, it had already turned the world upside down.
Zuo Jiang's reputation was now ruined, and his backer, Imperial Consort Chen, had already fallen from power. For the sake of his own reputation, Xuan Li absolutely did not dare to use him again. His entire official career had been ruined by Jiang Li. When he saw the people of the Jiang fu who had come to offer their condolences, it was difficult to conceal the anger in his eyes.
Fearing that Second Yiniang would do something out of line again, Jiang Quan did not bring her along. Jiang Ruan followed behind Jiang Quan and offered incense to Jiang Li's memorial tablet in the mourning hall. Zuo Jiang, dressed in mourning clothes, looked coldly at Jiang Ruan. In Zuo Jiang's view, Jiang Ruan must have played a part in the incident at the Lang Zhong fu. If Jiang Li had humiliated him, then Jiang Ruan was the main culprit.
Jiang Dan's voice was cold, and Second Yiniang seemed to come back to her senses. Jiang Dan continued, "If Second Yiniang still wants to avenge Third Jiejie, then you'd better listen to me obediently."
Because of Xia Yan's matter, Jiang Su Su harbored some anger towards Jiang Quan and was no longer as respectful as before. At this moment, Jiang Quan was on the other side and did not hear Jiang Su Su's words. Jiang Su Su's words were so unrestrained, but Jiang Dan timidly smiled and said, "Second Jiejie, don't tease Dan Niang."
"What nonsense are you saying!" Second Yiniang slapped the maidservant's face. "If I hear you say such treasonous words again, see if I don't tear off your mouth while you're still alive and sell you to the most despicable brothel!"
Yangliu glanced worriedly at Second Yiniang. When she met Jiang Dan's eyes, she was shocked. The previously weak and incompetent Fourth Young Mistress now had a pair of eyes that seemed to have knives in them. It made people feel cold just by looking at them, as if they were a snake waiting for its prey. Yangliu gritted her teeth and braced herself to say, "Then I'll have to trouble Fourth Miss." She lowered her head and ran out.
The ground was covered with dust and cobwebs, and there was a smell of decay in the air. The windows of the house were not open, as if the people inside were extremely afraid of sunlight. The curtains were drawn tightly, emitting a damp stench in the summer.
Now, the Jiang family only had three daughters left. Jiang Ruan was charming, Jiang Su Su was elegant and pretty, and the only remaining daughter, Jiang Dan, seemed to have suddenly shed off her lowly outer shell and was reborn. Although her appearance was not as beautiful as the two di daughters, she had a delicate and pitiful temperament. This kind of temperament could arouse a man's desire to protect her. Zuo Jiang was startled at first when he heard that voice. His gaze fell on Jiang Dan, who was dressed in white silk mourning clothes. Jiang Su Su was used to wearing white clothes, so she had a kind of immortal aura. Jiang Dan, on the other hand, was much more popular. She was like the beautiful girl next door, pure and lovely, delicate and moving.
Agitated by the scorn in Jiang Ruan's gaze, Zuo Jiang's gaze became somewhat crazed. He only felt that those unpleasant memories, the humiliation of being ridiculed and ridiculed in the past few days, had all welled up in his heart, and he was almost unable to control himself from rushing forward. At this moment, he heard a gentle voice say, "Brother-in-law, restrain your grief and accept the vicissitudes of life."
However, no matter what the outside world said, Jiang Li was after all a daughter of the Jiang family. As the eldest di daughter of the Jiang fu, there was absolutely no reason for her to stay in the palace and refuse to return to attend the funeral. The Jiang family did not say anything, but it seemed that Second Yiniang had lost her mind and brought people from her paternal family to fight. As a result, the people of the Doctor fu responded with cold faces, saying that a married daughter was like spilled water. Jiang Li had lost her chastity first, so no matter what, it was not Second Yiniang's place to demand an explanation. When Jiang Quan learned of this matter, he hurriedly went to take Second Yiniang away, and Second Yiniang's status in the fu plummeted.
With such a sudden change in the palace, Jiang Ruan calmly prepared to return to the Jiang fu. Because — Jiang Li was dead.
Jiang Su Su's expression was somewhat complicated. On one hand, she naturally rejoiced in Jiang Li's misfortune, but Jiang Li's mishap had also implicated the reputation of the other daughters of the Jiang family. In the future, it would also have a certain impact on her marriage. Thinking that Xia Yan was still imprisoned in the Little Buddha Hall, and that Jiang Quan had no intention of letting her out, she could not help but feel a trace of irritation in her heart.
"Yes," Jiang Dan's tranquil smile instantly became somewhat strange. She softly said, "Doesn't Yiniang feel that Third Jiejie's death is too strange? Admittedly, Third Jiejie's marriage should have been undertaken by me. Therefore, regarding this matter, I specially inquired about it. Who knew that it would have been fine if I had not inquired about it, but after doing so, I found out about a wonderful matter. "
The courtyard where Second Yiniang resided in the Jiang fu was now desolate. The flowers in front of the window had not been watered for a long time, and in one night, it was as if they had all died. Weeds grew everywhere. Second Yiniang had always been the most particular about such things, and she also loved to decorate things that were grand and majestic. The courtyard had always been filled with jade wares, gold and silver, but now, it was as if it had been robbed, and the shelves were completely empty.
Second Yiniang was acting so crazily that the servant girl was so frightened that she did not care about her pain, and hurriedly said, "Yiniang, Yiniang, your illness is acting up again. Please drink this medicine, you will feel better after drinking it."
Such a lukewarm attitude, and no anger, caused Jiang Su Su's eyes to flash, and she could not help but feel a sense of melancholy. Jiang Ruan had always been a scheming person, and she also had the Empress Dowager and the Zhao family to rely on. Now, even Jiang Dan had become so difficult to deal with. The more she felt, the more resentful she felt.
"Jiang Ruan, she harmed my Li 'er, I want her to be buried with her!" Second Yiniang clenched her fists tightly, and her eyes were practically spitting fire.
Originally, she had thought that with Jiang Li married to Lang Zhong's wife, and Xia Yan banished to the Little Buddha Hall, the Jiang fu would now be under the sole control of Second Yiniang. Who knew that on the day of the wedding, such a scandal would occur? Now that Jiang Li was dead, it could be said that she had completely shed all pretense of cordiality with Lang Zhong's fu. Jiang Quan was already angry at Jiang Li's actions, and when he saw Second Yiniang shamelessly demanding an explanation from Lang Zhong's fu, he was also filled with resentment. Thus, he simply put Second Yiniang under house arrest.
The person who had come was dressed in a light yellow skirt, and her smile was quiet and shy. She said softly, "I have come to console Second Yiniang."
Jiang Ruan calmly looked him in the eye. Her skills were inferior, and she was willing to admit defeat. Zuo Jiang had thought that he could climb the road to meteoric success, but who knew that it was merely a shortcut to hell.
Second Yiniang finally raised her head, and fiercely glared at Jiang Dan, "That should have been your end. Li 'er died in your place. You jinx, it was you who caused Li' er's death. Return my Li 'er …" As she finished speaking, she was about to pounce on Jiang Dan with bared fangs and brandished claws. However, she had been locked up in the room for a long time, and these few days, she had become so haggard that she had lost her human form. Jiang Dan only needed to twist her body slightly to avoid her.
But today, seeing Jiang Dan, his eyes could not help but brighten. He thought to himself that this was what should have been his wife. His wife should have been such a gentle and virtuous lady. The more he thought about it, the more he recalled Jiang Li's shamelessness, and the more unwilling he felt.
"Now, Father is very angry with Second Yiniang. If Second Yiniang wants to avenge Third Jiejie, you cannot act rashly. Otherwise, not only will you not be able to redress Third Jiejie's grievances, but you will also lose your own life."
"Second Yiniang's words are very strange." Jiang Dan smiled, "At that time, was it me who wanted to throw the marriage to Second Yiniang? No, it was Father and Second Yiniang who thought of a way to snatch the marriage away from Dan Niang's hands. Third Jiejie was happy for a long time, but she did not know that the marriage that Second Yiniang had chosen for her would ultimately send her to the Yellow Springs. "Jiang Dan sighed softly," What an injustice. "
When Jiang Li died, the Lang Zhong fu did not immediately notify the Jiang fu. Therefore, only one day after Jiang Ruan returned to the fu, it was the day of Jiang Li's funeral. As the Lang Zhong fu, Jiang Li's funeral was also handled by the Lang Zhong fu. It was inevitable that some people would talk about Jiang Li's death. A wife who had lost her chastity died a few days after marrying into the family. If one were to say that Zuo Jiang did not play a part in this, no one would believe it. The Zuo family seemed to have considered this point, and Jiang Li's funeral was not the least bit sloppy. However, the people who came to mourn could see the displeasure on Zuo Jiang's face.
"What is it?" Second Yiniang grabbed Jiang Dan's hand, a trace of anxiety flashing in her eyes. Jiang Dan smiled and patted her hand, "Speaking of which, I also did not dare to believe this matter, because, in the end, this matter is related to Da Jiejie."
Every word of her words poked into Second Yiniang's heart. In fact, after Jiang Dan finished speaking, Second Yiniang believed her. It was a lie, and this lie was too flawless. More importantly, the pain of losing her daughter was something that Second Yiniang could not bear. Jiang Li's death had been caused by her. Whenever she thought of this matter, Second Yiniang wished that she could dig out her heart. But now, Jiang Dan's words gave Second Yiniang an outlet to vent. To be able to vent all her hatred on Jiang Ruan, how could she not be happy?
Tian Zhu noticed Jiang Ruan's small movement, and the expression in her eyes changed. She looked thoughtfully at Jiang Dan and Zuo Jiang, and her gaze returned to confusion.
However, Jiang Dan seemed to be a little afraid of Zuo Jiang's fixed gaze. She took two steps back and said, "Brother-in-law..."
That voice did not come from the thoughtful Jiang Su Su, but from the delicate and timid Jiang Dan.
"The real murderer?" Second Yiniang suddenly raised her head.
Second Yiniang looked at Jiang Dan's peaceful smile and could not help but shiver. For the first time, she felt that this weak and incompetent orphan girl was so terrifying. With this kind of scheming, if she had really fought against Jiang Li, Jiang Li would not have been her opponent. She murmured, "Why did you do this?"
…
The servant girl lifted the bowl of medicine in her hands and said softly, "Yiniang, it's time to take your medicine."
Jiang Dan smiled lightly, "Yiniang still doesn't believe Dan Niang's words at this time, don't you think it's strange? On the day of Third Jiejie's wedding, Eldest Jiejie entered the palace. If not for the protection of someone in the palace, how could Eldest Jiejie be so unscrupulous? If Yiniang doesn't believe me, you can go and ask around yourself. However, it's difficult for Yiniang to leave now, and the only person you can trust is me. "
However, ever since Second Yiniang's accident, Jiang Quan had placed her under house arrest, and only Yang Liu was left to serve her. When Second Yiniang went crazy, how could Yang Liu hold her back alone? Jiang Li's death had a huge impact on Second Yiniang. These few days, she often acted as if she had lost her mind, and the physician only prescribed some calming prescriptions. It turned out that such a reckless and arrogant person had unexpectedly fallen to such a miserable end, which made one unable to help but sigh.
Jiang Ruan did not seem to hear the conversation between the two, and her aloof attitude caused Jiang Dan to look at her a few more times.
Second Yiniang's body trembled, and she howled even more painfully. However, Jiang Dan slowly said, "Yiniang is originally an intelligent person, and has always been ruthless. That's why you acted so swiftly and decisively to snatch Dan Niang's marriage fate. What, now you actually want to play the fool to escape the pain?"
The two words' Fourth Sister 'were enunciated with great emphasis, as if it contained some indescribable emotion. Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes, and her long eyelashes drew a demonic arc. The corners of her lips slightly curled up, and she actually smiled.
Second Yiniang was still holding her head and rolling on the bed in pain. Jiang Dan quietly walked in front of her, and lowered her head to admire her for a while before she opened her mouth to speak, "Yiniang, what is the consequence of snatching another person's marriage fate?"
Jiang Li looked at Second Yiniang's sorrowful expression with satisfaction for a while before saying faintly, "I can also feel Second Yiniang's sorrow. Today, I am here to remind Second Yiniang not to blame the wrong person and let the real murderer live freely."
The servant girl's arm was in pain from Second Yiniang's grasp, but she did not dare to struggle free. Her eyes were red as she cautiously said, "Yiniang, Second Miss is already dead."
After many twists and turns, apart from First Yiniang, who had never been involved in the affairs of the fu, the power to take care of matters in the fu ultimately fell into the hands of Fifth Yiniang, Hong Ying.
The person on the bed was tightly curled up into a ball, and her hands were hugging her shoulders. Her almond-shaped eyes, which had always been somewhat arrogant, were now bloodshot, and her gaze was protruding with a kind of frenzy.
Second Yiniang's expression fluctuated unpredictably, as if she wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. After a long time, she squeezed out a sentence with difficulty from the gaps of her teeth, "Do you have any evidence for what you say?"
If Imperial Consort Chen had not lost her power, Jiang Li's death was bound to set off even more waves. However, Imperial Consort Chen had been banished into the Cold Palace, and Jiang Li's death was like a small stone thrown into the vast bottom of a lake. It did not cause any waves, and just quietly sank like that. And because of Jiang Li's death, the rumors aroused among the common people were also suppressed by the rumor that Imperial Consort Chen had become a demon that would bring calamity to the country.
As if she had completely awakened from her delusions, Second Yiniang suddenly jumped up, grabbed the servant girl, and anxiously said, "Why are you still taking medicine? Li 'er is still being bullied in the Lang Zhong fu. That wretched Zuo family actually dared to treat Li' er like this. I must definitely demand an explanation for Li 'er!"
Zuo Jiang then remembered that this slender and elegant young girl in front of him should have been the girl who had been engaged to him three years ago. At that time, he had saved a life and left a marriage predestined by fate. However, that marriage predestined by fate had led to the wrong person. At that time, both the Lang Zhong fu and the Jiang fu had agreed that it was Jiang Li, so he could only acquiesce. He had already inquired about Jiang Li's temperament and knew that Jiang Li's temper was much worse than Jiang Dan's. Originally, he had some dislike towards Jiang Li, and later on, there was a scandal. Even before Jiang Li died, she still wanted to drag the Lang Zhong fu down with her. Every time he thought about it, Zuo Jiang would have a stomach full of anger.
"Eldest Sister was born with an outstanding beauty, and all the disciples in the capital admired her endlessly. Even His Royal Highness was no exception. On the day of Third Sister's and Zuo Lang Zhong's wedding, His Royal Highness asked Zuo Lang Zhong for a favor so that he could meet Eldest Sister. Originally, this was not a big deal. However, Eldest Sister prided herself on being a virtuous and virtuous girl, and now that she was related to the Imperial Family, she naturally could not lose face for the Imperial Family. Third Sister merely wanted to help Brother-in-law, but did not expect that Eldest Sister would take her anger out on her. In a fit of anger, Eldest Sister caused Brother-in-law and Third Sister to have an affair the next day. " Jiang Dan spoke unhurriedly, as if she was narrating a story. When Second Yiniang heard this, she felt even more aggrieved.
And Xuan Li, who had always won people over with his virtue and talent, really displayed the side of a filial son. After kneeling outside Jing Yang Palace for three days and three nights, he finally fainted from exhaustion. The Emperor was furious and sent him back to his fu, ordering him not to enter the palace.
"Jiang Ruan?" Second Yiniang's expression changed as she said, "How could it be related to her!"
Yang Liu turned around and was startled. She stammered, "Fourth, Fourth Young Miss."
Perhaps because the atmosphere here was too awkward, everyone's gaze was fixed on them. Jiang Quan hurriedly said a few words and then left. The Old Jiang Madame seemed to have aged ten years overnight. One of the Jiang family's daughters had been lost for no reason, and in such a disgraceful manner. The Jiang family's decades of clean and pure image had been completely destroyed in a few short years.
The matter of mourning at Lang Zhong's fu passed just like that. Most likely, it was a daunting experience, but not a mishap. Zuo Jiang came again midway. His expression was extremely respectful, but his gaze was faintly discernible as it drifted towards Jiang Dan. The meaning behind this was unknown. Because of this, the Old Jiang Madame flew into a rage and rained curses on Jiang Quan. She only said that if Jiang Quan and Second Yiniang had not caused so much trouble, the Jiang family would not have fallen to the point where they were a joke to others. Jiang Quan responded with an ashen face, but his expression was so gloomy that it could drip water.
Looking at the little pitiful Jiang Dan, who looked like a blooming chrysanthemum, Jiang Su Su's tone carried a bit of ridicule. "Fourth Younger Sister, just now, Third Brother-in-law really cared for you in every possible way. Come to think of it, at that time, this marriage should have been between you and Brother-in-law. Who knew that Third Younger Sister would snatch it away first. So, this matter of marriage should not be randomly decided. Fourth Younger Sister, now that Third Younger Sister has passed away from illness, perhaps it is a hint from God that it is not too late. Why not continue the previous fate with Brother-in-law? "
The servant girl covered her face with tears and did not dare to speak. Second Yiniang suddenly looked at her apologetically. "Yang Liu, I did not hit you on purpose. Right now, the only person I can trust is you …" She suddenly hugged her head and cried out in pain. "My Li 'er is dead, she's dead! She died in Lang Zhong's fu. She was killed by the Zuo family. She's dead, my Li 'er! "
"Da Jiejie is living too well." A trace of ruthlessness flashed in Jiang Dan's eyes. "She is living so well, but I am struggling in a quagmire. How can I be willing? Why not follow me and sink into oblivion together?"
Zuo Jiang abruptly returned to his senses and raised his head to meet Jiang Quan's displeased gaze. Jiang Ruan did not look at him, but Jiang Su Su's expression showed some interest. Hong Ying supported the Old Jiang Madame. Zuo Jiang lowered his head and faintly said, "Thank you very much for Fourth Younger Sister's consolation."
Great Master Hui Jue continued to act as his State Preceptor as usual. Now that this matter had passed, his position was becoming more and more stable. However, the Fifth Prince, Xuan Hua, and Concubine De did not show any signs of joy. In fact, they were even more cautious and cautious than before. Now that the Emperor's mind was deep, no one wanted to take the initiative to provoke bad luck.
Second Yiniang's body softened and she collapsed to the ground. "You …" She could not say a single word, because what Jiang Dan had said was right. It was all because of her. Because she wanted this marriage, she was not reconciled to the fact that Jiang Dan and Jiang Li were both shu daughters, yet Jiang Dan could marry so well. She had even let her paternal family's father speak up and persuade Jiang Quan to replace the geng invitation with Jiang Li. How could she have known that her own selfishness would ultimately harm her own daughter? Second Yiniang was filled with regret!
Just as Yang Liu was at a loss as to what to do, she heard the room's door creak open. A gentle and clear voice rang out, "You can leave, I'm here."
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