Chapter 9: The Ordinary Man, Jiang Lin

As soon as the maid called Jiang Miaodan over, Lady Jiang immediately put on a stern face. "Miaodan, I told you to take good care of Qingyun. What happened? Hurry and come apologize."

It was the first time in her life that Jiang Miaodan had lost face before so many ladies and young misses. Tears welled in her eyes as she saw the crowd watching her humiliation with relish. Gritting her teeth, she turned and fled.

"Miaodan! Miaodan! You silly girl!" Lady Jiang quickly turned to Han with an apologetic look. "Rou’er, this child is spoiled by me. Don't worry, I will strictly discipline her and make her apologize to Qingyun."

Though her words sounded severe, the pain and affection on Lady Jiang's face were plain for all to see.

Madam Han sighed. She was indeed angry, but this was her dear friend's daughter. How could she press the matter?

Shen Qingyun watched the scene unfold from the side, graciously expressing that she didn't mind. She only wished for her mother to gradually lose hope in the Jiang household, abandoning the idea of marrying her off to them.

In her previous life, Madam Han had truly considered Shen Qingyun’s well-being. The General’s Manor had assisted the Marquis’s Household many times, and Lady Jiang was her closest friend, trustworthy enough to look after Qingyun. Jiang Lin was elegant and refined, and there was already an engagement—where could she find a family with better status and character for her daughter?

But after today’s events, Madam Han’s heart was beginning to change.

While chaos reigned up front, Jiang Lin had just finished coaxing Shen Sisi. As he heard a maid summoning her, he pretended to have run into her by chance and escorted her over.

When he entered Lady Jiang’s courtyard, he bowed to her. "Mother, I happened to meet Sisi in the garden and, hearing you were looking for her, I came along to pay my respects to you and the other ladies."

At his words, the ladies' expressions turned awkward.

On any other day, Lady Jiang would have taken the opportunity to show off her outstanding, handsome son. Now, she wished she could pretend not to see him.

She could only smooth things over. "I know you are filial, but this is a gathering of women. It’s not appropriate for you to stay. Go on now."

Jiang Lin bowed again and was about to leave when he caught sight of the young girl standing beside Madam Han. She resembled her mother greatly, though her attire and manner were still somewhat naïve—yet she was charming and delicate. At this moment, she stared at him unblinkingly.

She must have taken a fancy to him, he thought. Such shamelessness. It was his fault for being too attractive. A country girl with a bit of looks—if she dared use the engagement as leverage, he might grant her the position of a concubine at most. Only someone like Sisi, blessed with both beauty and talent, kind and gentle, was worthy to be his wife.

If Shen Qingyun had known what he was thinking, she would have spat blood. She could only think that she must have been blind in her past life to fall for such a scoundrel. Looking at Jiang Lin now, aside from his well-defined features, what other merits did he have? She’d simply been foolishly in love.

How laughable.

Both harbored mocking thoughts.

Madam Han, unwilling to linger, took Shen Sisi and Shen Qingyun home, citing urgent matters.

Seeing the situation, the other ladies also left in groups, eagerly anticipating sharing today’s gossip with friends. Inevitably, someone brought up the engagement between the Duke Han’s family and the Marquis Jiang’s household, guessing that the intended bride must be the elder miss—understandable, really.

In the carriage, Shen Sisi noticed her mother’s dark expression and, puzzled by their sudden departure, couldn’t help asking, "Mother, why are we returning home so early today?"

That question was a mistake. Madam Han could no longer contain herself. "You have the nerve to ask! Why did you leave your sister behind to secretly meet with the Marquis’s son?"

Shen Sisi’s face paled. "Mother, what are you saying? Brother Lin—Jiang Lin only happened to run into me and escorted me over. There was no secret meeting. How am I to face others if you say this?"

"Big sister, I’m sorry. I got lost on the way back from the restroom and saw you and Jiang Lin embracing. I was so shocked that I accidentally let it slip. It’s all my fault."

What!

"Qingyun, is that true?" Madam Han nearly fainted.

Shen Sisi was so stunned she forgot to cry, staring at Shen Qingyun in disbelief. How could she have seen that? And what did she mean by letting it slip?

"Mother, though I grew up in the countryside, I know the proprieties between men and women," Shen Qingyun said seriously to Shen Sisi. "Sister, I saw you from a distance and felt awkward, so I didn’t approach. But I understand how important a woman’s reputation is, so I only told mother that I saw you and the Marquis’s son together. You mustn’t do this again—if others had seen, rumors would already be flying."

Thus, what was clearly Shen Qingyun’s deliberate exposure had become her attempt to protect Shen Sisi’s reputation; Shen Sisi should thank her instead.

Of course, Shen Qingyun had her own concerns. If Shen Sisi caused a scandal, it would implicate the entire Shen family. As long as her mother trusted her, that was enough.

"Sisi, you really are thoughtless, not half as sensible as your sister. You are not to go out for a while—stay home and copy the Rules for Women and the Admonitions for Women a hundred times each and bring them to me!" Madam Han clutched her chest, clearly furious. Shen Qingyun quickly stepped forward to comfort her.

Shen Sisi’s face turned ashen, her mind buzzing. After a long moment, she knelt before Madam Han, sobbing, "Mother, I didn’t do it. My sister was far away—she must have been mistaken. I did speak with Jiang Lin, and we were a bit close, but there was nothing inappropriate."

Madam Han closed her eyes, unwilling to look at her again.

Soon they arrived at the Duke’s manor. Maintaining appearances, Madam Han shot Shen Sisi a cold glance. Shen Sisi hurriedly wiped her tears as Madam Han took Shen Qingyun to the Warm Jade Pavilion.

Before leaving, she reminded the coachman to keep silent about whatever he may have overheard.

Once only Madam Han and Shen Qingyun remained in the room, Madam Han finally relaxed, leaning against the soft couch, rubbing her forehead in fatigue, and looking at Shen Qingyun with motherly affection. "Qingyun, you met Jiang Lin today. What do you think of him?"

Shen Qingyun was startled—her mother still hadn’t given up on the engagement with Jiang Lin. She could only feign ignorance. "Lady Jiang’s son is naturally outstanding."

Madam Han sighed. "Qingyun, I won’t hide it from you. Our Shen and Jiang families have a marriage contract. Now that you’re back—"

"Mother, I don’t want it," Shen Qingyun anxiously interrupted, clutching Madam Han’s arm and acting spoiled. "I want to stay with you forever. I’ve just come home, and you’re already talking of marrying me off. Besides, I saw today that my sister and Jiang Lin seemed fond of each other. If there’s an engagement, let them have it."

Madam Han frowned at this, but still tried to persuade her. "Qingyun, Sisi and Jiang Lin are familiar, but perhaps you misread the situation. We can discuss this matter later."