The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 129 : Old Jiang Madame

Translated by : Shl

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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Jiang Ruan had been staying in the fu for a few days. Then, this morning, for the very first time, she saw Second Yiniang.

From the time when Jiang Li died and Second Yiniang had subsequently gone to Langzhong fu to kick up a fuss, she had been confined to her residence by Jiang Quan. For her to be set free out of the blue was something which took everyone by surprise. What was even more astounding was that she seemed to have become an entirely different person: docile and overly cautious, nothing at all like her previous bossy and domineering self. In fact, she was almost like First Yiniang. The fu's servants were all a-chatter, and they agreed Second Yiniang must have realised that, now that Jiang Li was dead, she would only be able to receive support if she lived out her days at Jiang fu very cautiously. The present time was not like the old days. The gentle and virtuous Xia Yan, whose talent and reputation was widely known, and the bossy and domineering Second Yiniang, glamorous yet mean, had both lost all their power and influence. Now, the person holding the reins in the fu was the one who had come from the brothel, Fifth Yiniang, Hong Ying. Moreover, Hong Ying was pregnant, so it was feared that big changes were in store for Jiang fu.

Previously, Jiang Ruan had met Second Yiniang once in the garden. While Second Yiniang had appeared perfectly respectful, there was something strange about her expression. When they returned to Ruan Ju, Lian Qiao opined, "Miss, something is odd about Second Yiniang because when she looked at you, it seemed as though she was angry."

Jiang Ruan muttered to herself quietly before calling Lu Zhu and instructing her, "You go and ask around. Before Second Yiniang was released from her confinement, did she meet anyone? And, recently, has there been anything of special note?"

Lu Zhu accepted her instructions and left.

Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes. Second Yiniang had not looked at her with anger, she was more than familiar with that kind of expression - it was a bone-deep hatred, like a viper simply waiting for an opportunity to strike, a secretly concealed arrow nocked and ready to fly, reeking of the taste of conspiracy.

She wanted to know just what Second Yiniang intended to do.

Lu Zhu was Jiang Ruan's personal maidservant, and all the people in the fu knew that Jiang Ruan valued her highly. Jiang Ruan was also now a Junzhu, so the fu's people treated Lu Zhu with greater courtesy. It took no time at all for Lu Zhu to make inquiries and bring the information back. As it turned out, Jiang Dan had met with Second Yiniang once, and afterwards Second Yiniang had become very careful and extremely courteous in the fu. Whenever she encountered Jiang Quan, she had been overly deferential, and she was also very generous towards the servants. Although Second Yiniangwas from a well-to-do family, when all was said and done, she was a shu daughter. Usually, she was short-sighted, like Jiang Li, and was unwilling to tip the servants. However, in recent days, she had been remarkably open-handed. After Lu Zhu had finished her report, she said impatiently, "Miss, what's going on with Second Yiniang?"

Tian Zhu also felt that it was strange. She was accustomed to killing people, but was not used to the complicated twists and turns of life in a residence. Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi had their suspicions. Lian Qiao said, "Miss, you ought to be careful over the next few days. Second Yiniang has always been arrogant. Her sudden humble and obsequious behaviour is very odd."

"I know." Jiang Ruan stood up and said, "Since Fourth Sister is so warm-hearted, I might as well find something for her to do." She narrowed her eyes and her tone was icy as she called out, "Jin Er, Jin San."