Chapter 218 - Chapter 218: Xue Ru Stays In Jiang Mansion
Chapter 218: Xue Ru Stays In Jiang Mansion
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Older sister, why the formality? We are all family; no need for polite words.”
At this moment, people from the second and third households of the Jiang family came to greet. The Old Madam Xue distributed the gifts for the occasion.
After the greetings, Old Madam Jiang said to Old Madam Xue, “Elder sister, you should stay in the mansion during this time. It’ll save the trouble of tidying up, and we can chat.”
“It’s not much of a bother. I had someone clean our residence in the city when I arrived,” Old Madam Xue replied with a soft chuckle.
Hearing Old Madam Jiang’s words, Old Madam Xue laughed softly.
The Xue family has a residence in the capital, but no one had lived there for many years.
However, no matter how Old Madam Jiang tried to persuade her to stay, Old Madam Xue insisted on staying in her own residence. Seeing that she insisted, Old Madam Jiang did not say anything more.
Instead, he looked at Xue Yan and said, “Yan Er, send your mother over with Hong Er later. See if there’s anything that’s missing and help to get everything ready.”
“Yes, mother.”
After dinner, Old Madam Xue took her leave.
Jiang Hong and his wife escorted the Xue family members back.
However, after leaving the Chrysanthemum Hall, Xue Ru suddenly said,” Grandmother, 1 don’t have anyone to talk to when we return to our residence. Why don’t you let me stay in Aunt’s residence?”
As she spoke, Xue Ru’s gaze swept across Jiang Changbai from time to time.
Xue Ru also saw Xiao Nanye, but after what happened in Qingzhou, she no longer dared to think about Xiao Nanye. She didn’t even dare to make a sound in front of Xiao Nanye.
Jiang Peihuan remained silent, but thinking about the incident in Qingzhou and Xue Ru’s current demeanor, she couldn’t help frown.
But looking at Old Madam Xue and her mother, she still didn’t say anything.
“If you need company, just come over in a carriage. It’s better not to disturb your aunt,” Old Madam Xue replied coldly to Xue Ru.
Before Wang Fengyi could say something, she closed her mouth upon seeing the chill in Old Madam Xue’s eyes.
“Grandmother, 1 genuinely wish to stay here. Aunt hasn’t seen family for many years. I can keep her company,” Xue Ru pleaded, her eyes admiring the luxurious surroundings of the general’s mansion.
Seeing the mansion’s splendor even at night, it was far grander than the Xue residence.
When Old Madam Xue heard this, anger appeared in her eyes. However, when Xue Yan heard this, she immediately said, “Mother, if Ru Er likes it here, let her stay. Huan Er and Sijin are also here. The girls can keep each other company.”
“Yes, mother-in-law,” Jiang Hong added.
Hearing Jiang Hong and his wife’s words, Old Madam Xue didn’t object anymore. Instead, she warned Xue Ru, Since you are staying, don’t cause trouble for your aunt.”
“Rest assured, grandmother.”
Seeing that Old Madam Xue had agreed, Xue Ru’s eyes were filled with smiles.
Old Madam Xue’s eyes were filled with displeased.
She hadn’t initially intended to bring Xue Ru, but the girl had secretly hidden in the carriage. By the time they discovered her, it was too late to send her back. Yet, this was not something she could share with the Jiang family.
“Huan Er, take care of Ru Er,” Xue Yan instructed.
“Don’t worry, mother,” Jiang Peihuan replied.
Hearing Xue Yan’s words, Jian Peihuan replied softly.
Subsequently, Xue Yan and Jiang Hong escorted Old Madam Xue out.
After Old Madam Xue left, Xue Ru immediately approached Jiang Changbo, “Cousin Changbo, what’s fun in the capital?”
As she spoke, Xue Ru’s hand directly hugged Jiang Changbai’s arm.
Jiang Changbai was stunned. After a few seconds, he pulled his hand away.
When she tried to approach again, he stepped back and said softly, “If you want to know fun places, ask Huan Er or Sijin.”
“Huan Er, I’m a bit tired. I’ll go rest first.”
After saying this, Jiang Changbai immediately ran away.
Watching his departing figure, Xue Ru’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, while a chill seemed to pass through Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.
However, when she turned to look at Xue Ru, Jiang Peihuan still smiled, saying, “Cousin Ru, shall I show you to your courtyard?”
“There’s no hurry. Let me go with you to take a look at your courtyard first.”
Jiang Peihuan wanted to refuse subconsciously, but for some reason, she nodded in agreement.
Standing to the side, Jiang Sijin observed the scene. She felt something was off but couldn’t pinpoint what it was.
“Sijin, it’s getting late. Go back to your courtyard and rest.”
“Yes, elder sister.”
Jiang Sijin initially wanted to get closer to Xue Ru, but for some reason, she didn’t like this cousin very much. This feeling was even stronger than her dislike for her second sister.
After Jiang Sijin left, Jiang Peihuan took Xue Ru to her own Plum Garden.
Along the way, Xue Ru carefully observed the plum garden. Seeing the scenery along the way, Xue Ru’s eyes were filled with jealousy.
Back in Qingzhou, her garden was considered exceptional among those of young ladies. But now, after seeing Jiang Peihuan’s Plum Garden, she understood the true meaning of opulence.
“Cousin Peihuan, you don’t need to find another courtyard for me. I’ll just stay in yours…”
“Huan Er?”
Before Xue Ru could finish, a deep voice interrupted her. She turned to see Xiao Nanye sitting in the courtyard.
Upon seeing him, Xue Ru’s face changed immediately.
Jiang Peihuan glanced at the man, then turned back to Xue Ru, “Cousin Ru, what were you saying?”
“I was saying that any nearby courtyard will do. No need to go out of your way.”
“Alright, 1’11 have Yue Er lead you there.”
“Young Miss, let me show you.”
Although Yue Er did not know what had happened, she knew Jiang Peihuan’s temperament very well. Just by listening to Jiang Peihuan’s tone, she knew that her eldest miss did not like this cousin.
After Yue Er escorted Xue Ru away, Jiang Peihuan went to the man’s side.
Because of the snow, the pavilion had been sealed with cloth, but it was still a little cold.
Looking at the man sitting on the bench, Jiang Peihuan smiled gently, “Didn’t you say you’d go back to the mansion first? Why are you sitting here?”
“Why is she in the general’s mansion? Didn’t the old Madame Xue go to the Xue’s residence in the capital?”
Mentioning Xue Ru, a hint of annoyance flashed in Xiao Nanye’s eyes.
Jiang Peihuan took a seat opposite him and softly said, “She wanted to stay, so I let her. It saves my mother from the dilemma.”
As she spoke, Xiao Nanye poured her a cup of hot water. Placing it beside her, he whispered, “It’s late, and it’s cold. Drink some hot water.”
Jiang Peihuan wasn’t thirsty, but she picked up the cup after hearing his words.
As she drank, a silver hairpin suddenly appeared in his hand.
“What is this?”