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

Chapter 42: Allure

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

In her arrogance, Shen Ming Zhen had only included Jiang Su Su 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 Zhen 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."

[2] ba zi ( 八字 ) - a Chinese fortune-telling method utilizing the astrological concept that a person's destiny or fate can be divined by the two sexagenary cycles characters assigned to their birth hour, day, month and year. For more information, see and . Most commonly used before marriage to check compatibility.

[3] ke qin ( 克亲 ) - the term refers to someone who, in terms of marriage compatibility, is lacking, almost a jinx. She would have to do something deemed auspicious in order to 'balance' the marriage. On the other hand, there is also the possibility that such a person will increase her opportunities and fortunes through marriage. The former perspective is more likely.

As soon as the Second Jiang Miss was spoken of, everyone unanimously thought of Jiang Su Su's talents and appearance, and each nodded in agreement. "Naturally, the Second Jiang Miss is indeed exceptional, just like a beautiful fairy. There is no comparison possible between her and the Eldest Jiang Miss."

"When the Eldest Jiang Miss and the Second Jiang Miss stand next to each other, the contrast is very clear."

"It's enough that the Jiang fu has the Second Jiang Miss; she is the capital's talented lady. The girl who grew up in the wild mountains would inevitably be terribly boorish. Of course, there's no need to talk about her appearance."

The lady with the disc-shaped face smiled even more broadly. The lady with the high cheekbones looked unhappy, but nodded, and unhurriedly drank her tea. The discussion was still in progress when a voice was heard, saying, "Look, Jiang furen and the Second Miss are here."

Everyone looked up. Xia Yan and Jiang Su Su were walking in front of the others. Xia Yan's clothes and ornaments were well suited for the occasion, and perfectly displayed her gentle and scholarly disposition. One could tell she was a gentle and virtuous lady with a glance. Her manner of dressing would also not steal the limelight from Jiang Su Su.