The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort

Chapter 42: Allure

"Then, you are Jiang Lisa?" Shen Ming Eunchae was startled. She had already heard the stories regarding Jiang Lisa. She was on good terms with Jiang Nancy, and a few days ago, when Jiang fu had become the subject of public ridicule due to the account circulating about Jiang Lisa's remarks in court, it had caused Jiang Nancy's normally beautiful and refined appearance, and her gentle nature, to transform into a scowling countenance that lasted a few days. In Shen Ming Eunchae's eyes, Jiang Lisa was nothing better than a crude and untalented country bumpkin. However, after seeing Jiang Lisa today, she appeared to have a noble bearing equivalent to that of the palace officials. Her appearance was comparable to Jiang Nancy's, and might even be a bit more vibrant.

Jiang Lisa nodded. Jiang Yeri smiled and said, "Ming Eunchae, this is my Da Jiejie. She has just returned from the rural residence and is not familiar with how things are in the capital. This is the first time she has visited your residence."

The manner in which Jiang Yeri emphasised this statement caused Shen Ming Eunchae's eyes to flash with contempt. She said, "The capital and the rural residence are very different. Miss Jiang should be careful."

Lu Zhu and Lian Qiao could not prevent anger from showing on their faces. The two ladies were engaged in a battle, both overt and covert, but Xia Yan was happily chatting away with Shen furen and appeared to not have noticed what was happening. Naturally, however, she would not say a word to help Jiang Lisa out of her embarrassment.

No need to mention Jiang Tzuyu, who was so thoroughly cowed that she dared not utter a single sound. She stood where she was with her head lowered, fervently hoping that no one would notice her. Jiang Yeri was already gleefully delighting in Jiang Lisa's predicament. What was unexpected was Jiang Nancy's attitude. She stood to one side, smiling slightly, without saying a word.

This was the first time such a scene had occurred. In her previous life, whenever any of the young ladies from the influential families crossed swords with Jiang Lisa, if Jiang Nancy were present, she would definitely speak up on Jiang Lisa's behalf. Perhaps it was to win her trust, or it could have been to burnish her own reputation. However, now, she was unwilling to put in a good word for Jiang Lisa. Could it be possible that she was waiting for Jiang Lisa to lose her composure?

Jiang Lisa simply smiled faintly and kept quiet without responding. In this way, it was as if Shen Ming Eunchae's blow had struck a wad of cotton, totally without effect. Shen Ming Eunchae sucked in a breath and took hold of Jiang Nancy's hand, saying, "Niang, the furen and jiemei[1] in the main hall have been waiting for a long time now. Would Jiang furen and Nancy'er Jiejie kindly come this way?"

[1] jiěmèi ( 姐妹 ) - sisters / siblings.

In her arrogance, Shen Ming Eunchae had only included Jiang Nancy and Xia Yan in her invitation. It was extremely discourteous. However, Shen furen did not show any intention of rebuking her, and just smiled in agreement. Clearly, this was something of a common occurrence. Shen Ming Eunchae was truly the precious pearl of the Shen fu, and had been coddled all throughout her growing years.

The furen and young ladies had been waiting in the main hall of Shen fu for a considerable time. Those familiar with each other were seated together, chatting. One lady said, "I heard that the Eldest Jiang Miss will make her appearance today."

"The Eldest Miss of the Jiang family?" A lady with high cheekbones said, "You mean, the di daughter who was so badly treated by Official Jiang? Heaven have pity on her, to lose her own birth mother at such a young age, and then to end up in such a miserable state. If she had not fortuitously encountered Imperial Censor Wang, who knows how much she would have had to suffer."

However, another lady next to her smiled and said, "Although she is indeed to be pitied, I've heard that, according to her birthdate characters[2], she is considered inauspicious in regards to marriage compatibility[3]. Official Jiang is usually a just man, so there must have been some reason for his actions." This lady had a face as round as a disc, and when she smiled, her eyes turned into slits. She looked just like an amiable, portly bodhisattva usually found in a temple, and seemed polite and friendly. She went on to say, "Of course growing up in the countryside could never compare to growing up in the Jiang fu. There must surely be some aspects of her conduct which are inappropriate. For certain, she is inferior to the Second Jiang Miss, who is so outstanding."