The father and son of the Zhao family were silent.
The three generations of the Zhao family were all generals. Madam Su had given birth to three sons and one daughter. Zhao Mei was the third. Towards this only daughter, the entire Zhao family could not wait to dote on her. Although Zhao Guang was a general, and his actions were rough, he was extremely patient with Zhao Mei. From a babbling infant to a delicate little girl to a slender and elegant young lady, Zhao Guang had raised them all in the palm of his hand. Zhao Mei liked to ride horses, so he sent people to spend a lot of money to find a batch of pure colts. Zhao Mei wanted to learn archery, so he taught her step by step. Zhao Yuanjia's three sons were usually harshly scolded by Zhao Guang. Only Zhao Mei never said a word harshly.
The Zhao family only had this one daughter, and Zhao Guang already doted on her so much. Su Shi and Old Madame Zhao doted on her even more. Zhao Yuanjia and a few of his brothers also protected Zhao Mei, and no one dared to bully Zhao Mei in the circle of nobles in the capital.
Zhao Mei was blessed by the heavens, so she naturally grew up with an innocent and unaffected temperament. She was warm and generous, but she just had to meet someone like Jiang Quan.
At that time, Jiang Quan was a new official in the court. He was young and handsome, and came from a scholarly family. He had a refined and scholarly air, and to Zhao Mei, who was used to seeing careless martial artists, he had a fatal attraction. She was quite bold, and tried to get close to him, but Zhao Guang saw through her.
Zhao Guang did not think well of Jiang Quan. Although he was a general, he was not a man with brute force and no brains. Having been immersed in the bureaucracy for many years, he could see the ambition in this new official's eyes.
Ambition aside, ever since Xiao Shao stopped the Yellow Emperor from appointing a Crown Prince, the court fought openly and secretly, and many court officials secretly took sides. At that time, the Zhao family belonged to the neutral faction, and insisted on not getting involved in the muddy water of the struggle for the throne. At that time, Jiang Quan's actions hinted that he wanted to rely on the Eighth Prince.
Even if there came a day when they had no choice but to take sides, the Zhao family would never choose the Eighth Prince. Xuan Li was unfathomable, and dealing with him was tantamount to asking a tiger for its skin. Zhao Guang did not like Jiang Quan.
Although Madam Su's heart ached for her daughter, her opinion on this matter was exactly the same as Zhao Guang's. This was because, as someone's wife, she could see that Jiang Quan's gaze towards Zhao Mei did not contain the slightest trace of affection between a man and a woman. On the contrary, when he was facing the most talented woman in the capital, Xia Yan, his eyes were filled with affection. Madam Su was merely a married woman. If Jiang Quan truly liked Zhao Mei, then it would have been fine. However, he clearly did not like Zhao Mei, yet he still proposed to marry her. This showed that he had other considerations in his heart.
Unfortunately, at that time, Zhao Mei wholeheartedly wanted to marry Jiang Quan and would not listen to anything.
A rebellious girl, a stubborn father.
Zhao Guang and Zhao Mei quarreled for the first time, locking Zhao Mei in her room. Who would have thought that Zhao Mei would jump out of the window and escape, meeting up with Jiang Quan.
Zhao Guang was furious and threatened to sever all ties with Zhao Mei.
Although Zhao Mei felt sad in her heart, she also thought that Zhao Guang was, after all, his own flesh and blood. Zhao Guang was in a fit of anger, so naturally he would say such things. After she and Jiang Quan were married, Zhao Guang's anger would subside, and he would pay a visit to apologize properly. After that, they would still be family. The Jiang family also thought so. After all, the Zhao family was a meritorious family with a distinguished status. The Old Jiang Madame did not say anything and arranged the marriage in private.
However, on the day of their return, the Zhao family did not acknowledge Zhao Mei. They were determined to draw a clear line between themselves and Zhao Mei.
Zhao Mei was naturally heartbroken. As time passed, seeing that the Zhao family showed no signs of reconciling with Zhao Mei, the Jiang family's attitude towards Zhao Mei gradually became cold. Not long after, Jiang Quan accepted Xia Yan and became even colder towards Zhao Mei.
Her husband was so cold, and the Jiang family was so indifferent to human relations. Zhao Mei thought about many things on her own. She felt that she did not have the face to meet her parents and brothers, and did not want to involve the Zhao family in the muddy waters of the Jiang family. Later, when the Zhao family heard about Xia Yan's matter and came to visit, they used an extremely harsh tone to send the people who came.
Gradually, the Zhao Clan and the Jiang Clan became like strangers to each other.
The atmosphere in the hall became very strange.
Zhao Guang looked at Jiang Ruan with a complicated expression.
All these years, it was not that he had not sent people to the Jiang fu. When Zhao Mei was there, her attitude was always very harsh, as if she was facing an enemy. As time went by, Zhao Guang's heart became cold, and he just pretended that he did not have this daughter. He even turned a blind eye to the entire Jiang family, and no news of the Jiang family could reach the General fu.
Now, this granddaughter had suddenly come. Not only that, but the wet nurse who had previously served Zhao Mei had also brought such shocking news. The Zhao family was the most protective, and upon hearing this, they would certainly be furious.
Zhao Yuanping, who had been silent all this time, said, "So, you are my niece? Why did you give out porridge before? "
Jiang Ruan raised her head to look at him. This man, who was rumored to be the smartest man in the Zhao family, was born with the elegance of a scholarly official. She smiled faintly, "Eighth Prince wants to use this opportunity to disperse the Zhao family's wealth and reduce their influence. Since Second Maternal Uncle calls me his niece, it is only a slight effort."
"Where did you get the money?" Zhao Yuanping stared at her, not letting go of any trace of expression on her face.
Jiang Ruan's expression did not change, "Nowadays, the price of grain has increased more than ten times, but, I bought it more than a month ago."
Zhao Yuanping ridiculed her, "Could it be that you can predict the future?"
"It was just a coincidence." Jiang Ruan nodded.
A glint flashed across Zhao Yuanping's eyes. He was not like Zhao Guang, who was muddled by familial affection, nor was he like Zhao Yuanjia, nor was he like Zhao Yuan Feng, who only cared about being surprised. As the calmest person in the Zhao family, after a brief moment of shock, he had been observing Jiang Ruan. Although Jiang Ruan looked very much like his deceased third sister, Jiang Ruan and Zhao Mei were completely different people. For example, right now, there was not a single flaw in her expression. From beginning to end, she had watched the Zhao family's agitation without a trace of emotion.
She was even calmer and more self-controlled than any enemy he had ever met. But, she was only a niece.
"Ridiculous! How do you know Eighth Prince's plan? "Zhao Guang asked sternly.
Jiang Ruan's words shocked them. However, a young girl in the boudoir should not know such matters of the imperial court. She had said it so bluntly, which made it even more strange. It made people suspect that this was just one of Jiang Quan's schemes.
"Wait," the one who was the most impatient was Zhao Yuan Feng. His mind was completely focused on the matter of his niece, so he said, "What are you talking about? You did not come today to acknowledge your ancestors and return to your family?"
Jiang Ruan smiled as she looked at him. This was the youngest uncle that Zhao Mei had said was the closest to her. Now, after so many years, his temperament had not changed at all. She said, "Acknowledging my ancestors and return to my family depends on General and Madam's wishes. Ruan niang's identity is not important. Today, I have come to ask for a deal."
"What deal?" Zhao Guang's face turned cold. If it was related to Jiang Quan, then Jiang Ruan's purpose for coming today was suspicious.
Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, "I have helped the Zhao family gather most of their assets and saved the life of the City Garrison Officer. The City Garrison Officer can be considered the lifeblood of the Zhao family. Ruan niang believes that this kind of favor is enough. As for the deal, I hope that General can save my eldest brother's life. If we are to count it by blood, half of my eldest brother's blood belongs to the Zhao family."
"Your eldest brother?" Zhao Guang frowned, "What about your eldest brother? Also, what do you mean by you saved Yi 'er's life? "
Before Jiang Ruan could open her mouth, Zhao Yi said, "Grandfather, the young lady we met on the way to Chong Xin Manor that day is this young lady."
Zhao Yuan Jia was stunned, "So that's how it is."
Jiang Ruan said, "That's how it is. As for my eldest brother, he is currently safe and sound. However, the situation is critical. Xia Yan and Jiang Quan want to kill him."
She did not even call him father and directly called Jiang Quan by his name. It was clear how much she loathed Jiang Quan.
"Niece, you have to make this clear. What does the Jiang family want?" Zhao Yuan Ping said with a smile that was not a smile.
"My mother passed away five years ago. I was sent to the manor and my eldest brother joined the army. This is also the first time I have returned to the capital at the end of the year. I had the fortune of meeting the son of the General of the Army and asked him to help me find news about my eldest brother. My eldest brother has been promoted to Deputy General and will return to the capital in a few days. My maidservant heard of Jiang Quan and Xia Yan's plan and was prepared to murder him. "
"Niece, did you hear wrongly?" Zhao Yuan Jia was shocked, "In any case, he is Jiang Quan's own flesh and blood. How could he be so vicious?"
Jiang Ruan glanced at him indifferently, "Jiang Quan doted on Xia Yan's son and daughter. Without my eldest brother, Xia Yan's son, Jiang Chao, could inherit the entire Jiang family. If Eldest Brother returns, Jiang Chao's position will be in imminent danger. Moreover, now that Eldest Brother has become Deputy General, he is a great threat to Jiang Chao, who is still a commoner. Us siblings have long become a thorn in Xia Yan's side. As for the familial love you speak of … "Jiang Ruan smiled," Eldest Maternal Uncle may have lived comfortably for too long and does not know how difficult it is for us stepmothers to make a living. If Jiang Quan was concerned about familial love, the matter of Xia Yan bribing a Taoist priest to slander me as a heavenly cursed lone star, placing me in the manor and repeatedly trying to harm me would not have happened. If it were not for my good fortune, I'm afraid that there would have been a coffin next to my mother's grave. "
"What heavenly cursed lone star?" Zhao Guang asked coldly.
"General does not like the affairs of the Jiang fu, so naturally, you do not know. I think that the matter of Xu Kong Dao Zhang, which has caused an uproar in the capital a few days ago, must have been heard by the City Garrison Daren."
Zhao Yi looked at Jiang Ruan in astonishment. He walked around all day, and when he drank, he would gather with his colleagues. He had also heard about the matter of Xu Kong Dao Zhang of the Jiang family. At that time, he had wrung his hands and sighed on behalf of the innocent Eldest Jiang Miss, but he did not know that Eldest Jiang Miss was his paternal aunt's daughter, his biological cousin.
"This is too much!" Zhao Guang slammed his fist on the table, his heart bleeding. He was wrong. As Jiang Ruan had said, Mei 'er was not doing well at all. Why did she not seek help from her family? Why did she use such harsh words to drive out the people he had sent? She was afraid of implicating the Zhao family! He was wrong. When Zhao Mei returned to her family, he should have acknowledged her. So what if the Jiang family wanted to borrow the Zhao family's power? At least Jiang Quan would not dare to bully Mei 'er like he was doing now, and force her children!
"My mother was killed by the Jiang family. Although I have yet to find evidence, I will find it one day." Jiang Ruan said, "My mother never hated the Zhao family. When I was very young, she often talked to me about the Zhao family."
Jiang Ruan looked at Zhao Guang. "I have a blood feud with the Jiang family that needs to be avenged, but now, I only hope that General can make this deal with me and save my eldest brother."
She was not sure how deep the Zhao family's feelings for Zhao Mei were. She had said so much, but it was only to make Zhao Guang feel guilty. This deal seemed very worthwhile, but the Zhao family had always been stubborn. If Zhao Guang felt remorseful, he would agree to her help. She swept a glance around the hall. The Zhao father and son's eyes were filled with resentment. Obviously, she had aroused their anger towards Jiang Quan. Except for one... Jiang Ruan met Zhao Yuan Feng's probing gaze and smiled faintly.
Yes, that was it. No matter how much the Zhao family loved Zhao Mei, she had been dead for many years. Someone who had died many years ago, and who had disobeyed her parents and severed ties with them, would their feelings for her fade?
Jiang Ruan did not know.
She could only rely on the words that Zhao Mei had once said about the Zhao family to win over their hearts bit by bit.
Apart from the slightly calm Zhao Yuan Ping, the Zhao father and son's eyes were red. They were emotional people, and Jiang Ruan was talking about the Zhao family's most beloved youngest daughter. Naturally, they were indignant. Looking at Jiang Ruan's words again, although she had played it down, how could the matter of being framed by her stepmother in the rural residence be easy? Jiang Quan and his wife dared to harm Zhao Mei and even dared to kill Jiang Xin Zhi. How many dangers had Jiang Ruan experienced to live until now?
Zhao Guang was furious.
Jiang Ruan looked at him quietly. "General, do you accept this deal or not?"
"What if I don't?" Zhao Guang asked.
"I will stop giving out porridge. Since General has received His Majesty's praise and does not wish to compensate me, I cannot take advantage of you for nothing. As for Lord Garrison's life, saving a life is better than building a seven-storied pagoda, but Lord Garrison is not so lucky every day. "
Zhao Guang looked at him for a while and suddenly laughed. "Good!"
At first, he felt that this little girl had a cold aura all over her. She was young and unpredictable, so he was very suspicious. Now that he knew about Zhao Mei, his heart was filled with regret and hatred. His suspicions of Jiang Ruan disappeared, and he only treated her as his own granddaughter. How could he look at her? She was proud of her advance and retreat, generous in her conduct, and her intelligence was also top-notch. The daughter of the Zhao family should have this kind of bearing!
"What General," Zhao Guang said coldly. "Call me grandfather."
Jiang Ruan raised her eyebrows and readily accepted his advice. "Grandfather."
Zhao Yuan Feng was the first to jump up and walk to Jiang Ruan's side. "You really are my niece." After he finished speaking, he looked her up and down and shook his head. "Ah, your looks are more outstanding than Mei 'er, but your personality is not as cute as Mei' er."
Zhao Mei was gentle, but she was not a gentle person.
Zhao Yuan Jia and Zhao Yi were naturally happy. Only Zhao Yuan Ping remained calm and collected as he sat on the spot and looked at Jiang Ruan again.
As they spoke, a few voices came from the back of the hall.
"Yulong, don't run."
"Even father can't guess who the noble person is today. Naturally, I have to go see. Mother, grandmother, don't follow me."
"Second brother, wait for me, I will go too."
"Both of you, stop right there."
Immediately after, the curtain at the side was lifted and two youths walked out.
They both looked to be fourteen or fifteen years old. The slightly taller one was handsome and refined, somewhat similar to Zhao Yuan Ping. The shorter one was in high spirits. When the two saw a beautiful young girl standing in the hall, they were both stunned.
"Yulong, flying boat." Two beautiful matrons walked out of the hall and called out gently. When they saw Jiang Ruan, they were also slightly stunned. The last one to walk out was the gentle and virtuous Su-shi. She smiled and said, "These two rascals can't be stopped."
ZhaoYi pulled Jiang Ruan to Su-shi's side. "Grandmother, look who this is?"
Su-shi was over forty years old, but her eyes were still surprisingly good. When she saw Jiang Ruan from afar, her body trembled. When ZhaoYi pulled Jiang Ruan over to see her more clearly, tears suddenly fell like rain. "My Mei 'er!"
She hugged Jiang Ruan.
Jiang Ruan gently let her hug her. After Zhao Mei passed away, no one had hugged her so gently. Su-shi's embrace also made her feel a little absent-minded.
ZhaoYu Long walked in front of Zhao Yuan Ping and said, "Father, who is she?"
Zhao Yuan Ping forced a smile. "She is your aunt's daughter, your cousin."
Su-shi, who was hugging Jiang Ruan, trembled when she heard this. She slowly released Jiang Ruan and looked at her with tearful eyes. Just now, the pleasant surprise gradually faded. She thought that the heavens had given her a chance to meet her daughter in the netherworld. Then, another wave of joy filled her heart. She said, "You are Ruan 'er?" When Zhao Mei had just given birth to Jiang Ruan, she had also asked around.
Jiang Ruan nodded.
Su-shi looked at her and for a moment, did not know what to say. She only caressed her hand. "Really good, you are as beautiful as your mother. You are already a young lady."
Zhao Feizhou stood beside his mother and looked at Jiang Ruan curiously.
Su-shi said, "After so many years, I thought that I would never have the chance to see you again. Ruan 'er, does your father know that you have come out like this?"
Just as the Zhao family did not like the Jiang fu, the Jiang fu also did not like the General fu. Su-shi was afraid that Jiang Ruan would suddenly come over and be punished by Jiang Quan.
Jiang Ruan looked at this gentle woman. Maternal grandmother? Unexpectedly, there was no ill feeling at all. She smiled and said, "I will handle it myself."
Seeing that her temperament was steady and her actions were appropriate like an adult, Su-shi was both excited and gratified. "Your mother has taught you very well, very well."
Hearing this, Zhao Guang and his son's expressions dimmed.
"Ruan 'er, why have you suddenly come over? Have you forgiven maternal grandmother for her mistakes? In the past, it was all maternal grandmother's fault. I should not have ignored your mother and you. I don't know if you have been wronged? "
Su-shi seemed to be protected in the palm of the Zhao family's hands, so she did not know the dangers outside. Jiang Ruan pondered for a moment and smiled. "Why does maternal grandmother say this? It is because Ruan niang has not fulfilled her filial duties and has not come to visit maternal grandmother in so many years. I have been living very well. The Jiang fu does not lack food and clothing, and no one has wronged me. "
Wronged? She would naturally take her revenge slowly.
Seeing that Jiang Ruan had concealed the matters of the Jiang fu, Zhao Guang and his son's hearts were slightly moved. Su-shi had been depressed for so many years after Zhao Mei's death. If she knew that Jiang Ruan and her sister had suffered, her heart would certainly be in extreme pain. However, Jiang Ruan did not mention it. In the end, she had taken care of Su-shi's feelings.
She smiled slightly. "This time, I have specially come to see maternal grandfather's family."
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