To Marry the Elder Brother of One's Late Husband - Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Sister-in-law, to think you’ve brought such low-class tactics into…

Like a cheating student caught by a teacher, Jiang Shu was already feeling guilty. How could she possibly let Lu Changji check her pulse?

She forced a thin smile and offered a strained explanation: “The weather is sweltering, and feeling a bit out of sorts is common. I just need to rest for a while; there’s no need to trouble Uncle.”

Lu Changji replied smoothly: “We are family; it is only right that we look after one another. Checking a pulse is no trouble at all. Why is my sister-in-law being so polite?”

Jiang Shu gave an awkward laugh: “Uncle truly misunderstands. You are a pillar of the imperial court, busy with matters of great importance. A person of my low status shouldn’t occupy your time.”

The slight smile on Lu Changji’s face gradually faded. Though his expression remained calm, it was tinged with a hint of displeasure. He said to her: “Sister-in-law keeps making excuses—could it be that you don’t trust my medical skills?”

Having reached this point, further refusal would be seen as ungrateful and rude. Having witnessed Lu Changji’s ruthlessness before, Jiang Shu didn’t dare cross him. She bit the bullet and stammered, “Then… I shall trouble Uncle.”

She rolled up her sleeve and extended her arm toward him.

The wrist before him was slender and fair, more delicate than the finest suet jade. It was so white it was almost dazzling.

Lu Changji’s hand paused for a beat before resting steadily on her pulse. The pulse beneath his fingers was rhythmic and strong—neither floating nor sinking—indicating a very healthy state.

He withdrew his hand and looked at Jiang Shu. She was pretending to be calm, but because of her guilt, her eyes were wide and clear, cleaner than the waters of the lake.

He swallowed the words that had come to his lips and instead said: “Your body is indeed not quite right. Drink two doses of cooling tonic after returning to the manor; you’ll recover in two days.”

Lu Changji was not one for idle talk. Hearing him say this, Jiang Shu actually began to worry about her health. She had always been robust; even when she was mistreated and poorly fed by her stepmother, she rarely fell ill. Why would her health suddenly fail now that she lived in luxury at the Marquis Manor?

But since Lu Changji wasn’t a professional doctor, she didn’t press him, only mentioning she had urgent matters and heading back to the main house.

…

Matchmaking Success

Madame Wen greeted her with a warm smile. “Yunzhi is off-duty today and has plenty of time, so I’ve instructed him to escort Rong-er home.”

She added considerately, “Rong-er is in the carriage, and Yunzhi is riding ahead on horseback. They are perfectly proper; they won’t cross any lines.” She winked, her smile brightening. “I see that both children are very fond of each other. If your parents approve of Yunzhi, we shall soon be family.”

Jiang Shu knew that Lin Yunzhi’s status was far above Jiang Rong’s. While some parents might hesitate due to his “wife-killer” reputation, Madame Yang and Jiang Wenhuan were social climbers; they would never pass up such an opportunity.

Still, Jiang Shu kept her response modest. “Vice Minister Lin is excellent in both character and appearance. To me, he is a perfect match, but as a junior, I dare not presume my parents’ thoughts.”

Madame Wen, an expert in these matters, understood. “I will discuss it with my sister-in-law and choose an auspicious day to visit your house for the formal proposal.”

…

The Carriage Ride

As Jiang Shu prepared to leave, Master Wen accompanied Lu Changji into the main courtyard. Lu Changji spoke up: “Sister-in-law, don’t trouble Madame Wen. I happen to be returning to the manor as well; we can travel together.”

Jiang Shu was extremely reluctant to be alone with him, but she couldn’t embarrass him in front of others. She had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Master Wen walked them to the gate, marveling at how “harmonious” the Lu family appeared.

Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was different. Though it looked modest from the outside, the interior was luxurious, featuring a tea table, a small bookshelf, and a daybed. Lu Changji immediately sat by the bookshelf to read.

Jiang Shu sat as far away from him as possible, boredly observing the daybed. It was made of Shu brocade embroidered with honeysuckle. She noticed the yellow stamens were made of actual gold thread.

Suddenly, the carriage jerked to a stop. Lu Changji’s silver bookmark fell at Jiang Shu’s feet. She leaned down to pick it up and handed it to him.

As her snow-white wrist reappeared before him, Lu Changji forced his gaze away, but a faint, sweet fragrance—like a warm spring breeze—filled his senses.

His long eyelashes flickered. He took the bookmark and said, “The carriage is bumpy; sit back down.”

Jiang Shu realized they were standing quite close, their arms nearly touching. She quickly retreated to the side. The rest of the journey was silent, save for the sound of the wheels.

…

The Night Banquet and the Scheme

Upon returning, Madame Zhao summoned Jiang Shu to Yanxi Hall. Surprisingly, she wasn’t there to lecture her about children. Instead, she handed Jiang Shu the management tokens. “There is a night banquet tomorrow. It requires more care than a daytime one; help me organize it.”

Jiang Shu was delighted. She wanted to learn how to manage a household independently rather than being a “dodder flower” clinging to a man. She worked tirelessly until late into the night.

The next evening, the guests arrived. Madame Yang and Jiang Ran were among them, invited through Jiang Shu. Jiang Ran smelled strongly of agarwood incense—exactly as Jiang Shu had planned.

“Sister Ran is so beautiful today,” Jiang Shu praised. “With your looks, you will surely find a fine husband.”

Jiang Ran, pleased, gave Jiang Shu a pair of gold hairpins—a rare gesture of “gratitude.”

Jiang Shu whispered to her: “The Marquis is hospitable. After drinking, he will have the servants lead the guests for a moonlit walk in the garden. You should go; you might ‘accidentally’ meet a young talent.”

During the banquet, Jiang Shu arranged for Jiang Ran to sit where she could see the male guests through a carved screen. Jiang Ran’s eyes landed on the Heir of the Earl of Kaiyang—a man of high status she would normally never meet. The two shared an “accidental” glance, and before the banquet ended, both had slipped away.

Jiang Shu followed at a distance. Through a window in the garden wall, she saw Jiang Ran and the Zheng Heir sitting close together. The Zheng Heir, a known womanizer, soon pulled Jiang Ran into his arms. Jiang Ran struggled slightly—a classic move of “playing hard to get”—which only made the Heir more captivated.

Jiang Shu felt a cold satisfaction. The Zheng Heir was known for tiring of women quickly and even beating concubines to death. Jiang Ran had tried to destroy her; now, Jiang Shu would ensure Jiang Ran’s “good life” came to an end.

As the night wind blew, Jiang Shu felt a chill and turned to head back to the hall.

Upon turning, she ran straight into Lu Changji.

He was dressed in black, his dark hair flowing over his shoulders, almost blending into the night.

Lu Changji curled his lips, his gaze icy and piercing: “Sister-in-law has quite the wit, to bring such low-class tactics into the Xinyang Marquis Manor.”