To Marry the Elder Brother of One's Late Husband - Chapter 12

Chapter 12: He Likes Clever People

Jiang Shu’s heart jolted. A chill rose from the soles of her feet to the crown of her head, leaving her body feeling as if it were encased in ice, making even the slightest movement an ordeal.

She opened her mouth, struggling for a long moment before she finally found her voice. “Brother-in-law, I did not plot against my own flesh and blood for no reason. There is a cause behind this.”

Though the Marquis of Xinyang was the master of the house, he had long since retired. Currently, the entire Xinyang Marquis Mansion relied on Lu Changji.

It was one thing to plot harm, but she had used Lu Changji as the bait. Putting herself in his shoes, if she were Lu Changji, she would never forgive the culprit who used him to harm others. If Lu Changji perceived her as a woman of a malicious heart and developed a prejudice against her, how could she ever stand firm in this household again?

Jiang Shu stared tensely at Lu Changji, meticulously observing his expression, trying to fathom his thoughts.

Unfortunately, Lu Changji said nothing more after that single sentence. He lowered his eyes, his long fingers holding the teacup as he slowly and methodically savored his tea.

The longer he remained silent, the more nervous Jiang Shu became. She rubbed the hem of her clothes and, like beans spilling from a bag, recounted the entire sequence of events from beginning to end.

When she finished, Lu Changji was still silent. Unable to read him, Jiang Shu felt as if a hundred claws were scratching at her heart. She was so anxious she nearly cried, the corners of her eyes turning red like a smear of vivid sunset in the western sky.

Jiang Shu was never one to wait for death. Whether she was to be executed or spared, she had to probe Lu Changji’s attitude to find peace of mind.

She gripped her sleeves and looked directly into Lu Changji’s dark eyes, whispering, “Perhaps Brother-in-law believes a woman should be virtuous, gentle, and kind. But the environment I grew up in did not allow me to be a submissive person.”

“My legal mother is not as open-minded as the Marchioness. When she was in a bad mood, I couldn’t even eat my fill. Before the age of thirteen, I never wore new clothes; whichever garment my second sister disliked, my mother would ‘bestow’ upon me.”

“I am two years older than my second sister. Wearing her clothes always left my wrists exposed. In winter, my hands were covered in chilblains. Later, I took the opportunity while serving tea to my father to deliberately spill the hot tea on my hands. Only then did I finally get clothes that fit.”

“And then there was my marriage. If the Heir hadn’t suddenly come to the door and exposed my mother’s scheme, the one married into the Xinyang Marquis Mansion right now would be my second sister.”

“I have suffered grievances since I was a child. Any time I failed to please my mother, she would torture me in a thousand ways. A few days ago, on her birthday, simply because I refused her request, she plotted to destroy my purity. I know my methods are ruthless and sinister, but in the final analysis, I am merely paying them back in kind.”

Jiang Shu paused, a resolute light flickering in her eyes. “If I had to do it again, I would still do the same!”

Jiang Shu was accustomed to being cautious; she had never been so reckless as she was now. This was the riskiest gamble of her life—she had cut open her heart and laid her fatal side bare before him.

If she didn’t gamble, she would surely lose. By gambling, there was at least a chance of winning. She was betting that he was a man who harbored a sense of goodness.

Jiang Shu stared at Lu Changji, waiting for his judgment. She knew that if he didn’t speak soon, the string inside her would snap, and there would be no room left for turning back.

Time passed second by second. Just as Jiang Shu was on the verge of collapse, Lu Changji finally spoke: “I never speak in ironies.”

When he said she had “clever schemes,” it was a pure compliment of her high-level tactics.

He had drifted through the sea of officialdom for years and was accustomed to the fickleness of the world. People came and went like floating light and passing shadows; one mountain rose while another vanished. A mansion that was thriving one day could become a ruin the next.

Only those who were truly clever would stand the test of time. Lu Changji appreciated clever people.

Seeing that Jiang Shu’s face remained as pale as paper, Lu Changji spoke even more clearly: “Your actions were not wrong. If someone wants to harm you, you ought to crush them under your feet so they can never rise again.”

Joy arrived unexpectedly. Jiang Shu felt as if she had been granted a general amnesty. The tension inside her snapped, and the tears she had been holding back finally streamed down her cheeks.

She didn’t want to lose her composure, but she simply couldn’t control herself. Her tears were like a floodgate that had been opened.

Jiang Shu hurriedly wiped her face and whispered to Lu Changji, “My behavior is unseemly; I have made a fool of myself before my Brother-in-law. I estimate the Heir is about to wake up. I must go back to accompany him for dinner. Please suit yourself, Brother-in-law.”

With that, she did not linger. Picking up her skirt, she walked toward the door. Having been tense for too long, her sudden relaxation made her footsteps feel light and unstable; she had to lean against the doorframe to keep from falling.

Her rouge-colored sleeve slid to her elbow, revealing a section of her wrist adorned with a jade-green bracelet. The contrast between the translucent white and the deep green made her wrist look as fair as snow.

Lu Changji quickly shifted his gaze back to the teacup in his hand and said warmly, “Walk slowly, Little Sister-in-law.”

Jiang Shu bowed to Lu Changji and returned to Xinchun Court.

…

In the blink of an eye, the day of the banquet hosted by the wife of the Provincial Administration Commissioner arrived. The carriage of the Xinyang Marquis Mansion was grand and luxurious. Lady Yang, wishing to borrow the prestige of the Marquis’s house, had sent a servant ahead of time to inform Jiang Shu that they would travel together.

Jiang Shu remained noncommittal and had the driver take the carriage to the Jiang residence. As expected, Jiang Ran was wearing a pale purple jacket today, with matching silver willow-leaf tassels in her hair. Though the outfit wasn’t flashy, it was elegant and refreshing.

Jiang Ran still held a grudge against Jiang Shu. She didn’t even greet her, simply boarding Jiang Shu’s carriage of her own accord. Jiang Shu had no intention of being overly friendly to someone who didn’t appreciate it; she ignored Jiang Ran, exchanged a few pleasantries with Lady Yang, and then fell silent.

The carriage traveled for about half an hour before arriving at the villa. Upon disembarking, Jiang Shu saw the hostess, Madam Pan.

Madam Pan was a straightforward person. If it weren’t for Jiang Shu’s sake, she wouldn’t have invited Lady Yang at all. Consequently, she remained lukewarm toward Lady Yang while being very enthusiastic toward Jiang Shu.

Lady Yang was displeased but didn’t dare offend Madam Pan. She looked for a way to dismiss Jiang Shu, wanting her out of sight. “There are many girls playing pitch-pot in the apricot orchard. Shu’er, you and Ran’er go play there. There’s no need to feel restrained around us elders.”

Jiang Shu nodded and went to the apricot orchard with Jiang Ran. Unmarried girls were less preoccupied with status than the mistresses of households, so despite Jiang Shu and Jiang Ran’s lower standing, they quickly mingled with the group.

After playing for a while, they moved on to a poetry game. Jiang Shu had never attended a formal girl’s school and could barely recognize all the characters, so she naturally couldn’t participate. Jiang Ran, however, possessed some talent and made quite a name for herself during the poetry session.

After the festivities, it was time for lunch. Since it was summer, the courtyard was cooler than indoors, so Madam Pan arranged the banquet outside. Moving water was diverted into the courtyard, and the food drifted slowly downstream—a very elegant “winding stream party” set against the blooming flowers.

The villa was vast and couldn’t be toured in just half a day. After lunch, Madam Pan invited everyone to take a nap in their rooms, intending to continue the fun in the afternoon.

Jiang Shu and Jiang Ran, being sisters of similar age, were arranged into the same bedroom. While they were drinking plum tea, there was a knock on the door, and Zhu’er pushed her way in.

Zhu’er was usually loud and boisterous, but this time she was uncharacteristically quiet, as if guarding against something. She leaned in and whispered a few words into Jiang Shu’s ear. Jiang Shu’s lips curled into a slight smile, and the mistress and servant walked toward the door together.

Seeing Jiang Shu acting suspiciously and fearing she might not go to the Goldenrain grove as planned—thus ruining the scheme—Jiang Ran stood up to intercept her. “Where is Sister going?”

A blush suddenly brushed Jiang Shu’s fair cheeks. She pursed her lips and whispered, “The Heir has come to the villa to rest. I am going to see him.”

Seemingly afraid Jiang Ran would overthink, she added, “The Heir is resting with his father and brother. I’m just going to say hello and will be back soon.”

Hearing that Lu Changyi and Lu Changji were together, Jiang Ran’s heart immediately began to pound. She said to Jiang Shu, “Since the Marquis is also here, as a junior, I ought to pay my respects. Why don’t I go with you?”

Jiang Shu shook her head firmly. “The Marquis might be taking a nap. It’s better if Second Sister doesn’t disturb his elderly self impulsively.”

She was determined not to let Jiang Ran show her face. Though angry, Jiang Ran had no choice but to give up the opportunity to see Lu Changji. She suddenly thought of the time agreed upon with the thugs. Fearing Jiang Shu might be delayed, she said, “Sister should hurry. I heard the Goldenrain grove in this villa is quite a sight. When Sister returns, let us go there together.”

Jiang Shu gave a “fine” and stepped out.

Watching Jiang Shu’s hurried departure, Jiang Ran stamped her feet in rage. This wench, Jiang Shu! When they were at home, she used to yield to everything. Now, just because she married Lu Changyi, she dared to put on airs.

She threw a pear she was holding onto the ground and stomped on it several times to vent her frustration. Fortunately, her mother had planned everything. Once those men violated Jiang Shu, let’s see how arrogant she could be then.

While Jiang Ran was still secretly gloating, the door was knocked upon once more. She opened it to find an unfamiliar young servant standing there. He was ordinary-looking, but his clothes were of high quality—the kind she had seen the servants at the Xinyang Marquis Mansion wear.

Jiang Ran assumed the servant had missed Jiang Shu and was looking for her. She said crossly, “What are you here for?”

The servant ignored her angry face and said warmly, “This humble one is a follower of the eldest Master Lu. By my Master’s order, I invite Second Miss to the Crepe Myrtle grove to admire the flowers.”

Lu Changji wanted a secret meeting with her? This windfall was enough to make Jiang Ran dizzy. Normally, she might have had a sliver of doubt, but thinking that Jiang Shu had already gone to visit the Lu men and seeing that the messenger was wearing the Marquis’s livery, she cast all her hesitations aside.

She hurried back into the bedroom, checked the time—it was just the first quarter of the Wei hour (1:15 PM), a full hour before the scheduled time at the Goldenrain grove. After she finished talking with Lu Changji, she would still have time to lead Jiang Shu to the trap.

Jiang Ran smiled, tidied her makeup in the bronze mirror, and followed the servant to the Crepe Myrtle grove. The servant was very discreet, stopping at the entrance.

Seeing his behavior, Jiang Ran was even more delighted, assuming Lu Changji wanted to share intimate words. She quickened her pace into the depths of the grove.

The crepe myrtles were brilliant and delicate, making the scenery beautiful, but the grove was empty. Lu Changji was nowhere to be found.

For some reason, a sudden trace of fear rose in Jiang Ran’s heart.

“Lord Lu!” Jiang Ran called out in a low, anxious voice.

As soon as she spoke, she heard a rustling of footsteps. Overjoyed, she assumed she and Lu Changji were of one mind and looked toward the sound.

The person who emerged was not the celestial Lu Changji, but three men with wretched expressions and faces full of lust.

Fear was magnified a hundredfold. Jiang Ran knew she had been set up. What “Lord Lu”? It was clearly a ruse to lure her. She was terrified; her legs went weak, and she could barely stand, but she knew that showing fear now would only make them bolder.

Jiang Ran straightened her back and feigned composure. “Whose followers are you? If you have any sense, leave this place quickly. The Commissioner’s wife will be here soon to admire the flowers. If you are slow, you will surely be punished.”

Jiang Ran was naturally beautiful, and with her careful dressing today, she was even more radiant. The three men looked at each other and let out dirty laughs. Today’s job was quite a bargain—not only would they get paid, but they could also taste beauty. It was truly a win-win for wealth and lust.

…

The ladies woke from their naps and gathered in the flower hall to discuss where to go. Jiang Shu, changing her quiet demeanor from the morning, spoke up first: “I heard long ago that the Crepe Myrtle grove at the Commissioner’s house is as beautiful as a painting. I wonder if I have the fortune to admire it today?”

Jiang Shu was a distinguished guest, and Madam Pan was more than happy to please her. She said with a smile, “Flowers are scarce in summer, but the crepe myrtles are at their most brilliant. I am thinking the same as the Heir’s wife. Let us all go to the Crepe Myrtle grove first!”

As she spoke, she led the way.

Lady Yang only then noticed that Jiang Ran was missing. She leaned toward Jiang Shu and whispered, “Where is Ran’er? Why are you out alone?”

Jiang Shu’s palms were sweaty, and she felt nervous. She coughed lightly, trying her best to look normal. “Second Sister felt the weather was too hot and wanted to sleep a bit longer. She said she would wake up at the fifth quarter of the Wei hour (2:15 PM), and then we would go to the Goldenrain grove together.”

Jiang Ran was naturally willful and never followed the rules. Lady Yang didn’t discipline her much, so sleeping a bit longer was nothing—as long as Jiang Shu could be lured to the Goldenrain grove.

Despite Jiang Ran’s laziness, Lady Yang didn’t want Jiang Shu to air it out in public. She glared at Jiang Shu and hissed, “Ran’er is respectful and diligent; she would never stay in bed just because of the heat. She must have suffered a heat stroke and is resting a bit longer.”

It was natural for a legal mother to scold her children. Jiang Shu lowered her head and took the lecture: “I have misspoken. Mother, please do not be angry; if it harms your health, it would be my sin.”

Normally, since Jiang Shu apologized, Lady Yang should have let it go. However, she was used to being domineering in the Jiang household and didn’t know how to restrain herself in public. She snorted and said crossly, “Since you know you were wrong, you should be more careful with your words in the future. Apologize to your sister later, and we’ll consider the matter settled.”

This was pushing it. Everyone could see Lady Yang was covering for Jiang Ran, and a few words of reprimand toward Jiang Shu should have been enough. Why was she being so relentless?

Usually, others wouldn’t interfere in the Jiang family’s affairs, but Madam Pan couldn’t stand it. She stepped forward to smooth things over. “It’s a matter as small as a sesame seed; is it worth an outburst, Mrs. Jiang? Let us hurry to the Crepe Myrtle grove. Once the sun starts to set, we won’t be able to see the flowers at their best.”

Hearing Madam Pan’s intervention, Lady Yang could no longer continue her tirade. She closed her mouth sullenly and followed them. Just as they reached the entrance, they suddenly heard a woman’s scream, followed by the sound of tearing silk.

They were all experienced women; hearing those sounds, they could guess exactly what was happening in the grove. The guests today were all wealthy and noble; if an accident really happened, it would be difficult for Madam Pan to save face as the hostess. Her expression changed drastically as she rushed into the forest.

Unexpectedly, Lady Yang was even faster, flying into the Crepe Myrtle grove like a gust of wind.