Chapter 10: No Apologies Accepted

In the Marquis Jiang’s residence, Lady Jiang wore a look of heartfelt concern as she tried to persuade Jiang Lin.

“Lin’er, I know asking you to marry Shen Qingyun is a grievance for you, but the General’s Estate and the Duke’s Estate can offer you great advantages. Once you rise in rank, there will be no woman you desire who would refuse you.”

“Mother, you know I am fond of Sisi. Since childhood, I have always regarded her as my future wife. Now you want me to exchange her for a country bumpkin who’s only just begun to learn her letters. Why, marrying Sisi would be ideal in every way—both helpful to our family and worthy of the title of the heir’s wife.”

Seeing Jiang Lin’s displeasure, Lady Jiang sighed deeply. “Lin’er, others may not know, but Shen Sisi is not Han Rou’s biological daughter. I tested Han Rou’s attitude today as well; she clearly only cares for Shen Qingyun. If you truly like Shen Sisi, just take her as a concubine.”

After all, the Duke’s Estate and the Marquis’s Estate were evenly matched; only with the General’s support could they truly gain an advantage. Moreover, in Lady Jiang’s eyes, Shen Sisi was nothing more than a girl carrying the title of the Duke’s daughter—no one even knew her true origins. She was hardly worthy of Jiang Lin, and being his concubine was already a favor.

“That’s impossible, Mother! Sisi would never be a mere concubine. I must marry her openly, as my rightful wife!” Jiang Lin protested loudly.

“Exactly, Mother, have you lost your senses?” Without anyone noticing, Jiang Miaodan had been listening at the door and now burst in. “Sisi is gentle, gracious, and understanding. Look at that Shen Qingyun—she’s as dull as a block of wood! She embarrassed me so thoroughly today, and you want her to be my sister-in-law? She’s not worthy! I don’t agree either!”

Seeing both her son and daughter oppose her so obstinately, Lady Jiang was so angry she nearly fainted. “Young lady, have you no shame in your words? Why did you make things difficult for Shen Qingyun today? I haven’t even scolded you yet; weren’t you told to treat her well?” Lady Jiang pointed at Jiang Miaodan, her voice trembling with fury. “Tomorrow, you will prepare a gift and go to the Duke’s Estate to apologize. Tell them you spoke without thinking.”

“I won’t! Besides, was I wrong in what I said about her? She really is ignorant of the world. And you want me, a marquis’s daughter, to apologize to a country girl!” Jiang Miaodan’s eyes filled with angry tears. She had always been admired by others—when had she ever had to bow her head?

“You—you!” Lady Jiang, overcome with anger, suddenly blacked out and collapsed, frightening Jiang Lin and Jiang Miaodan out of their wits.

Jiang Lin was quick to support Lady Jiang. “Mother, what’s wrong? Are you all right?” Jiang Miaodan was so scared she just stood there, eyes brimming with tears, not daring to move.

A nearby maid hurried to bring a cup of hot tea, and Lady Jiang sipped it to steady herself. “Will you only be content when you’ve driven your mother to her grave?”

Jiang Lin gritted his teeth. “Mother, I understand. Tomorrow, I’ll bring a gift and apologize on my sister’s behalf.”

Only then did Lady Jiang nod in satisfaction. At least her son still listened to her. In her heart, though, she grew more resentful toward Shen Sisi. Who knew the girl could be such a vixen at such a young age?

The next day, Jiang Miaodan still refused to go to the Duke’s Estate herself. Jiang Lin had no choice but to prepare two gifts—one for Han, and one for Shen Qingyun. He bowed respectfully as he apologized: “Madam Han, my sister is young and spoke carelessly, which caused Qingyun distress. I’ve brought a small gift today and hope Qingyun will not take it to heart.”

Han looked at Jiang Lin standing before her—his jet-black hair tied up and capped, dressed in a snow-white robe, a broad sash embroidered with auspicious clouds at his waist, a piece of black jade hanging from it. His demeanor was gentle and polite, and she was quite pleased, a smile appearing in her eyes.

“Children sometimes speak without thinking; just be more careful next time. It was considerate of you to come all this way.”

Shen Qingyun accepted the gift and returned the courtesy. “Thank you, Heir Jiang.”

After that, she simply stood beside Han, saying nothing more.

Han assumed she was just shy. After a few more words with Jiang Lin, she smiled and asked Shen Qingyun to escort him out, pleased with the young man and hopeful for their engagement—wishing they might spend more time together.

The two walked in silence, Shen Qingyun’s pace brisk as if the exit were miles away.

Jiang Lin glanced at the young girl beside him. Perhaps because she was at home, her hair was casually pinned to the side with just two simple hairpins inlaid with kingfisher feathers. She wore a light green gauze skirt with scattered floral patterns, her waist outlined by a sash of fine golden silk. There was a certain airy grace about her that was hard to describe.

Was this really Shen Qingyun? She looked quite different today.

Gazing at her delicate profile in the sunlight, Jiang Lin was inexplicably struck by the thought that perhaps marrying Shen Qingyun wouldn’t be so unbearable after all.

But then, remembering Shen Sisi, he spoke: “Qingyun, I’m sure you know there’s an engagement between our families. You and your sister…”

Shen Qingyun abruptly stopped and interrupted him, her face expressionless. “Don’t worry, Heir Jiang. I’m well aware of your childhood bond with my sister and your mutual affection. You needn’t worry—I won’t come between you. I wish you both happiness together.”

Jiang Lin was stunned by her words, suddenly feeling both embarrassed and irritated. “Don’t speak nonsense. Sisi and I are entirely innocent. As for you, just know your place.”

“I hope you do as well.”

“How ungrateful! I came specifically to apologize with gifts today—what is the meaning of this attitude?”

“Nothing at all. I do not accept your apology.”

“Shen Qingyun, are you playing hard to get? If you’re trying to use such tricks, it’s really pointless.”

“Heir Jiang, you’re mistaken, and you think too highly of yourself. Let me say this once more: I won’t interfere with your engagement to Shen Sisi. In the future, don’t presume to appear before me again!” Shen Qingyun gave a cold laugh and gestured for him to leave.

Never before had Jiang Lin been so thoroughly dismissed by a woman, but now he could only glare at her fiercely before striding away.

Shen Qingyun found it all rather amusing. He had always looked down on her, and in her past life, had discarded her like yesterday’s news. Now that she took the initiative to let go, he acted as if he’d lost something.

“Miss, are you all right?” Yicui, who had accompanied her, looked on with concern. She couldn’t understand it—Heir Jiang was, after all, a fine young man, but judging from her mistress’s demeanor, she seemed thoroughly fed up with him.

“It’s nothing. Let’s go. I told Mother yesterday I wanted to go out and buy some clothes and jewelry.”

Seeing that Jiang Lin had indeed left, Shen Qingyun felt more at ease. After checking her attire, she led Yicui and a guard out of the residence.

She had more important things to do today.