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

Chapter 162 : Xiao Shao Enters the Jiang Fu

Translated by : Minodayz

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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It can be said that the conferment of marriage by Empress Dowager Yi De's imperial decree was nothing short of impressive. With Xiao Shao's impending departure to go into battle, it was imperative to have this marriage arranged, sealed and settled as soon as possible. And although Jiang Ruan was still in the mourning period and unable to have the marriage ceremony, this decree nominally declared that she was Xiao Shao's.

While commoners were not overly concerned about the various complicated entanglements resulting from the decree, they were envious of the Jiang fu for having a daughter that was able to marry into the Jinying Wangfu. In some circles, it may even be said that the reputation of Jinying Wangye was not that good, but this was not something the commoners were aware of or concerned about; they could only see what was on the surface. Furthermore, the "rebel" Xiao Wangye was the hottest cake* within the imperial courts; for someone to be so young and yet wield such power and authority, Xiao Shao was the first.

* 香饽饽 (xiāngbōbo) – delicious cake / popular person / something that is in high demand.

Currently, the Jiang fu had three daughters and each of them were beautiful. Even though the eldest daughter was raised in the country, her brilliance was outstandingly unmatched. Later, it was unknown as to how she became fortunate enough to not only become a Junzhu but was now considered to be marrying up but inevitably the Jiang fu was rising according to the changing tide.

With such an outstanding person like Jiang Ruan at the forefront, this had caused many to begin to muse over the future of Jiang Su Su. In truth, Jiang Su Su had always held the designation within the capital as a remarkably stunning beauty, and her many talents were renowned far and wide. If Xia Yan had not met with a mishap, one was afraid that the amount of people who would come to propose marriage would have tramped over the main door. However, just because of her mother's misfortune, ultimately Jiang Su Su was also implicated. Presently, those noble families looked down their noses at her, but there were also those who lusted only after her beauty and hence were despised by Jiang Quan as beneath them. In the course of time, this had resulted in her marriage being delayed.

No matter what, since the Empress Dowager had issued the imperial decree, even if Jiang Quan was inwardly sullen and disgruntled, outwardly he had to present himself as happy and pleased. Not only that, he had to make sure that his happy performance was to the point that no one could find anything amiss as Empress Dowager Yi De had eyes on him; she would not tolerate or allow him to try any form of deceit or treachery. Fortunately within the fu, he still had another beautiful treasured flower. Hong Ying had agreed to undertake the task of managing Jiang Ruan's marriage, and all proceedings were left in her hands to organise with Eldest Yiniang assisting. As such there were no flaws in any of the etiquette. So much so that Jiang Quan was very pleased with Hong Ying, and because Hong Ying was still pregnant with the Jiang family's offspring, he was exceptionally considerate and thoughtful towards her.

In actual fact, Hong Ying was concerned about Jiang Ruan as ever since the Empress Dowager's imperial decree, Xiao Shao had not formally come to visit the Jiang fu. In terms of etiquette, this was not right, but Xiao Shao had no parents, so it was impossible for his parents to do it for him. For him to personally come visit, based on Xiao Shao's temperament, that was also quite an impossibility. Even if Xiao Shao were to continue procrastinating, due to Jiang Quan's official position he didn't dare to speak out of turn.

Hong Ying was helping Jiang Quan straighten out his collar when she brought up this matter, " Xiao Wangye ought to visit our fu. This concubine feels that whether Xiao Wangye comes or not, the proper etiquette needs to be observed. How about sending him an invitation, requesting that he make a trip to the fu to talk about Eldest Miss' nuptials?"