Jiang Chao was dressed in a long, indigo robe embroidered with gold, which made his usually high-spirited expression appear more steady, and he also had a trace of the aura of nobility. Although his speech and mannerisms were deliberately concealed, he still had the style of an official. In Jiang Ruan's eyes, this was shameful, but in the eyes of the Old Jiang Madame, she was extremely satisfied. On her stern face, there was also a trace of an affectionate smile, "Chao 'er will be participating in the examinations after the new year, what did the Imperial College say?"
Jiang Chao's face revealed a big smile, but he did his best to suppress it as he said, "They did not say anything."
"There should not be a problem with passing the first place," Jiang Quan glanced at Jiang Chao, "I just do not know what the ranking is. In any case, what needs to be done has already been done."
Second Yiniang's eyes flashed, and she covered her mouth as she laughed, "That is really good, Furen's two children both know how to write articles. This time, Second Young Master will certainly strive for a scholarly title. From what I can see, he will definitely be a zhuangyuan." Although Second Yiniang did not like Xia Yan, Jiang Quan still had to put up a good front in the fu. Moreover, if he were to flatter Jiang Chao, the Old Jiang Madame would also be happy.
Sure enough, the Old Jiang Madame said, "Silly, such words cannot be spoken carelessly." On her face, there was still no hint of reproach, and she was all smiles. Jiang Chao also laughed, and Xia Yan nudged Jiang Quan. Everyone in the room began to laugh, truly like a harmonious and affectionate family.
Just as everyone's atmosphere was harmonious, an abrupt voice interrupted, "What is everyone talking about? Why are you all laughing so happily?" Jiang Ruan slightly raised her lips.
Jiang Ruan slightly raised her lips as a beautiful matron leisurely walked in from outside the door. Compared to Xia Yan and the other yiniangs, she appeared to be extremely young. She was dressed in an artemisia green brocade robe with fine cloud and goose feathers, and a misty cloud butterfly skirt. Her hair was combed into a hundred-flower bun. There was no hairpin inserted into the bun, only a pale yellow plum flower. As she walked in, she had a light smile on her face. She had a kind of beauty that was like falling smoke. Unexpectedly, she had a delicateness that ordinary madams of official families did not possess. There was not the slightest trace of pretentiousness. It was as if the frailty was carved into her bones.
This was the Fifth Yiniang, Hong Ying. Jiang Quan was a rather reputable person. Disregarding all obstructions, he had forcibly redeemed this Qing Yiniang from the brothel. At first, he had wanted to gift her to his superiors, but in the end, she had become the Fifth Yiniang of the fu. This had damaged Jiang Quan's reputation. At first, it was said that Xia Yan had quarreled with him, but in the end, the matter was left unsettled. However, Hong Ying had ultimately caused a rift in the relationship between Jiang Quan and Xia Yan. Although this rift now seemed insignificant, it could be used well.
In her previous life, when Jiang Ruan had returned to the Jiang fu, Hong Ying had already reached the point where she could stand up to Xia Yan as an equal, and no one in the fu dared to look down on her. Later on, because Xia Yan had become pregnant, Hong Ying had bribed the servants to cause Xia Yan to miscarry. In the end, no one knew how this matter had come to light. Jiang Quan was furious and had Hong Ying locked up, but Hong Ying had hanged herself.
Now that she thought about it, even at that point, Jiang Quan had not beaten Hong Ying to death, but had instead locked her up. Presumably, he had also treated Hong Ying with some true feelings. As for Hong Ying hanging herself in the woodshed without rhyme or reason, one could not help but suspect that it was Xia Yan's handiwork. In her previous life, Jiang Ruan had not had much contact with Hong Ying, because Xia Yan had detested Hong Ying to such an extent that she still did not know what kind of person she was.
As soon as Hong Ying arrived, Jiang Quan's gaze fell on her. His face also became somewhat gentle as he said, "We are talking about Chao 'er."
Xia Yan's gaze was slightly sluggish, almost indiscernible, but Jiang Ruan caught it. Xia Yan naturally had a strong scholarly air, but as a woman from a brothel, she naturally had a charm that a young lady from an official's family did not possess. This charm, for men, just so happened to be extremely attractive. Jiang Quan loved talented women, and Xia Yan was talented. Hong Ying was not bad either. She was proficient in the four arts of zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Although she was not as dignified as Xia Yan, she had seen many people in the brothel, and her experience had also grown. Thus, she knew better than Xia Yan what Jiang Quan liked to hear. In reality, ever since Hong Ying had entered the Jiang fu, Xia Yan was no longer Jiang Quan's only understanding flower.
Hong Ying slightly curtsied towards Jiang Chao, "I heard that Second Young Master will be taking the imperial examinations in a few days. Qie wishes that Second Young Master will pass the imperial examinations and seize the championship in one fell swoop."
Jiang Chao's gaze towards Hong Ying was somewhat dark, but after hearing Hong Ying's words, he could not help but relax his brows, "Many thanks to Fifth Yiniang for your kind words."
Jiang Su Su smiled as she walked to Jiang Quan's side, "Why are you all standing? Why don't we go to the hall? Mother has already prepared delicacies and is just waiting for Father and Older Brother to join us."
The Old Jiang Madame also clapped her hands, "Exactly, Second Girl is still the most considerate."
Everyone in the house happily walked towards the hall. Jiang Ruan watched them with cold eyes, and when Jiang Quan walked past, she softly said, "Why don't I see Third Younger Sister?"
Second Yiniang, who was standing to one side, paused, turned her head, and forced out a smile, "Third Young Miss is not feeling well today, and is resting in the room."
"Has a doctor been invited?" Jiang Ruan asked with concern, "If it is not a problem, send someone to call her. Today is Father's return to the fu..."
"Don't worry about it," Jiang Quan interrupted her coldly, "Let her rest for a few more days!"
Jiang Ruan immediately fell silent, and Second Yiniang fiercely twisted the handkerchief in her hand before slowly catching up to Jiang Quan, who was in front.
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly again. During the meal, everyone was in high spirits, but it was only on the surface. It was unknown what each of them was plotting. After the meal, Jiang Quan did not go to Yan Hua Yuan, but to Hong Ying's courtyard. Second Yiniang was naturally indignant, and after cursing him as a vixen, she left. However, Xia Yan gently sent him off, and did not seem to be unhappy at all. At night, when this matter was brought up in the courtyard, Lian Qiao even said, "Furen is really amazing. Master has just returned to the fu, and immediately went to Fifth Yiniang's courtyard, and she can still smile."
Bai Zhi glared at her, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Did I say anything wrong?" Lian Qiao had always been a straightforward person, and she did not conceal her dislike of Xia Yan, "I just don't believe that she is really so happy in her heart."
Lu Zhu squatted on the ground and fiddled with the charcoal in the brazier. She raised her head and blinked, "Of course it's for Second Young Master. Doesn't Furen want Second Young Master to take the examinations? Miss, do you think that Second Young Master will pass this time? "
Jiang Ruan did not read as she usually did. Ever since she returned, she had been sitting at the table in front of the teapot, thinking about something. When she heard this, she smiled faintly, "Second Brother has a good memory, and he has been extraordinarily intelligent since he was young. Father has personally taught him since he was young, and he has taken care of everything. He should pass the examinations."
"Isn't that bad?" Lian Qiao was greatly alarmed, "If Second Young Master really passes the examinations, Yan Hua Yuan will look down on this place even more. Old Furen will probably side with Second Young Master. "
"What's there to be afraid of? I'll just say that it should be. I'll say that Second Young Master will definitely not pass the examinations," Jiang Ruan said faintly.
In his previous life, Jiang Chao had indeed passed the examinations. Although he was not the Zhuangyuan, he was a solid Tanhua Lang. At that time, he was flushed with success, and the Emperor had personally conferred him the title. The Jiang fu's name had spread throughout the capital, and he had also gained the favor of the Prime Minister's daughter. Fame, fortune, and beauty were all perfect.
But how could she let him have his wish in this life? In just a few short days, she had to teach him a taste of falling from the clouds.
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