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

Chapter 172 : An Alliance

Translated by : Shl

Edited by : Anks & Ely

**********

The days passed, and finally there was good news from the people stationed at the border. After the Xiao Shao-led Jinyi Guards reached Heiguanya, the troops were once again redeployed and their battle formations changed. Hence, they were able to defend against and push back the Tian Jin. After all, with any battle, crucial to success was having a renewed boost of energy. The Tian Jin army had continued their attack, even after their victory, but had not anticipated that reinforcements would arrive so quickly. Thus, they suffered great losses, and broke off their siege for the moment. The two armies momentarily reached a stalemate. This was an advantageous situation for the Great Jin's soldiers as they won some time to rest and reorganise.

On the other front, when Xirong heard that Zhao Guang was leading the Zhao family troops towards them, they hastily retreated beyond the border. Thus, at least for the moment, there was peace and stability.

These two events swept away the previously tense atmosphere in the capital, which then resumed its usual appearance of prosperity and happiness. On this day, Lin Zi Xiang and Wen Fei Fei entered the gate of the Jinying Wangfu to visit Jiang Ruan.

Steward Lin was naturally happy once again. When the old Jinying Wang and his wife were still alive, Jinying Wangfei was a very good-natured person, and got along well with many of the officials' wives. Consequently, there was a steady stream of visitors to the wangfu. Everyday, the area outside the main gate came alive with horse carriages from different families pulling up to park there, a manifestation of the warm and vital relationship the hosts had with other families, and of their popularity. After the old Jinying Wang and his wife passed on, and with the cold disposition Xiao Shao possessed, apart from the few female servants in the fu, it was highly probable that no female had set foot in the Jinying Wangfu. After many years of silence, unexpectedly, although Jiang Ruan looked rather indifferent, her interpersonal connections were actually quite good. Thus, she had only resided in the fu for a short amount of time before her good friends visited her. Wen Fei Fei and Lin Zi Xiang could be considered to be young ladies from the capital's more well-known government officials' families, which naturally incited Steward Lin to order the entire household to receive the guests well.

After Wen Fei Fei and Lin Zi Xiang sat down with Jiang Ruan, Wen Fei Fei dabbed at the perspiration on her forehead as she remarked, "Ruan Meimei, the servants at the Jinying Wangfu all seem to offer you heartfelt obedience. If the servants in my fu would be only half as sensible, I would thank heaven and earth."

Wen Fei Fei was married now, into a military commander's family, whose status was on par with her own. However, a new daughter-in-law would always encounter some unfavourable situations upon entering her husband's household. By nature, Wen Fei Fei was a carefree soul, so she had some trouble managing the servants. One glance at the orderliness of the Jinying Wangfu and the respect that was accorded to Jiang Ruan was all it took for her envy to surface involuntarily.

"She's highly intelligent, and there's no lack of methods to discipline servants, yet you can't seem to learn them," Lin Zi Xiang cut in without hesitation. As straightforward as ever, she continued, "Moreover, she was born beautiful, and Jinying Wang is protective of her. The only thing you know how to do is practise martial arts every day, so how can your husband protect you?"

Wen Fei Fei looked up at the sky, pretending not to have heard Lin Zi Xiang's words.

Lin Zi Xiang turned towards Jiang Ruan and said, "I originally thought that this marriage would not take your interests into consideration, and I was afraid you would suffer many grievances. But, looking at you now, you seem to be enjoying bitterness as if it were something sweet[1]. Anway, Jinying Wang is not in the fu, so you're living comfortably on your own and can avoid awkward situations."