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

Chapter 129 : Old Jiang Madame

The two secret guards appeared in the room out of nowhere, startling the maidservants. Jiang Ruan knew that the two of them had been lurking in concealment to watch over her ever since Xiao Shao had sent them there. She said, "Tian Zhu is from the fu, so it's not convenient for her to go out. The two of you, go to Langzhong fu- I have something I want you to help me with."

Jin Er and Jin San exchanged glances and chorused, "We obey Miss' command."

* * *

While one could say that Jiang fu was now cloaked in a gloomy shadow because of Jiang Li's death, then the collapse of the once bustling and lively Langzhong fu was just as apparent. For the past few years, Jiang Quan's official career had been smooth-sailing, but nowadays he seemed to suffer increasingly bad luck. At the same time, his relations with Xia fuhad become terribly estranged. Several of his children were giving him headaches, and the only outstanding ones were the two who had initially been the least favoured in the fu.

Old Jiang Madame was already very weak, and she had suffered a serious illness due to Jiang Li's death. The doctor had come to examine her, and had tacitly let it be known that she was unlikely to survive the year. Her body was already old, and no amount of miraculous medicine would be of use. In some ways, Old Jiang Madame was a sensible person and could clearly see that this massive Jiang fu was soon to experience decline. Thus, her heart swelled with anxiety. To make matters worse, she knew that she was ageing day by day, and was a very different person from the dignified and asuste old lady Jiang Ruan had met when she returned to Jiang fu.

On this day, Du Juan had obeyed Old Jiang Madame's instruction to invite Jiang Ruan to visit Gui Lan Yuan; in recent days, she had been calling several of her granddaughters to visit her. Jiang Ruan had no grounds for declining Old Jiang Madame's invitation. She brought Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi with her, and as they made their way there, they met Jiang Dan, who was on her way back.

When she saw Jiang Ruan, Jiang Dan stopped and smiled as she said, "Da Jiejie."

"Fourth Sister," Jiang Ruan said without emotion.

Unlike before, when Jiang Dan would usually show an aggrieved expression when she was met with Jiang Ruan's cold demeanour, she looked to be in a very good mood as she asked, "Is Da Jiejie going to Zumu's residence?"

As Jiang Ruan nodded, Jiang Dan smilingly said, "Nowadays, Zumu really values Da Jiejie, Da Jiejie is truly the object of everyone's envy."

Envy? Jiang Ruan smiled faintly and said, "There is no need for Fourth Sister to be envious. In the future, the day will certainly come when Fourth Sister will be even more greatly valued than I am."

Jiang Dan was stunned. Her eyes flashed, and she looked at Jiang Ruan once more with eyes laden with meaning. "Da Jiejie likes to joke around. It's getting late, Da Jiejie had best go quickly. If I hold you up, Zumu will punish Dan niang."

Jiang Ruan nodded and took her leave. Jiang Dan stood and watched her retreating figure. Slowly, a small smile of elation grew on her face.

* * *

In Gui Lan Yuan, Cai Que and Du Juan stood on either side of Old Jiang Madame, gently waving circular fans at just the right speed so that a gentle breeze could be felt. Old Jiang Madame looked to be at ease, something which was seldom seen. She could no longer use ice to achieve a cooling effect for it would be difficult to avoid catching a cold at her advanced age.

This was the scene which presented itself to Jiang Ruan as she entered: Old Jiang Madame, looking tired, dressed in clothes which were slightly wrinkled, with completely white hair. Hearing some movement, she opened her eyes a crack, revealing eyes which were somewhat clouded over.