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

Chapter 77: Second Young Master Li

Translated by : Minodayz

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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It had already been raining for nearly a month, but the relentless pitter patter of rain in Great Jin showed no signs of stopping. Many farms were devastated by the flooding, and in turn the price of rice began to escalate, even for stale rice. In this world, naturally there would not be sufficient provisions for everyone. Other than for the wealthy who were capable of paying premium prices for fresh produce from out of town, the common folk could only watch their provisions dwindle with each passing day; there were even some who weren't able to even have a meal. People were praying fervently for this bout of spring rain to come to an end, but alas the sky did not fulfil mankind's desires, and the rain showed no signs of stopping.

Jiang Quan had already settled the matters regarding the private temple and had planned for Jiang Su Su to be taken there in a few days time. Although Xia Yan and Jiang Chao had been trying to dissuade him, Jiang Quan was still determined. Since the Xia family had not interceded for Jiang Su Su because of Xia Jun, this matter was to proceed as planned.

As expected, not long after Old Jiang Madame's longevity birthday celebration, the capital indeed erupted with an increasing number of rumors and gossip regarding the Jiang Family. One top rumor was that of the false prophecy made by Taoist priest, Xu Kong, who, when she was sent to him as a young child, stated that Jiang Ruan had been born under a cursed star. As a result, Jiang Ruan was sent to the countryside residence and made to suffer five years of unnecessary misfortune. Obviously, within the capital there were some from the upper echelon that were neither blind nor deaf. They were wise and insightful enough to see the subterfuge within all of this. The matter regarding Xia Yan's reputation as the genteel, virtuous and talented lady now required some reflection. That said, based on Jiang Ruan's performance the other day, it was evident that her disposition was not to be taken lightly. For a while now, the people of Great Jin were aware that the Jiang Family's di daughter was not one to be underestimated.

Jiang Ruan was lost in thought whilst sitting by the window looking out at the curtain of rain. The hole in the roof of the house had finally been fixed, and on that day, not just the hole, even their monthly allowance had been restored to its rightful amount. In retrospect, it was probably due to Jiang Quan having lost face in the presence of Gu Furen and so he had warned Xia Yan about it.

Lu Zhu carried a flower pot of fresh China Rose and placed it by the front of the courtyard. She was smiling as she entered the house, "Miss, today this servant heard from others that Xu Kong dao zhang was arrested by the city guards because it was said that he was a conniving charlatan, a liar. Furthermore, it appears that while in prison he has received the board as corporal punishment, and it is said that one of his legs has been crippled." She seethed as she continued, "He surely deserved it. Who gave him the right to be so ruthless and lacking in conscience, and to even go to the extent of fabricating the lie about the cursed star to vilify my young miss."

Jiang Ruan declined to comment. That day, there were lots of furens present, and it was inevitable that they would spill the beans on Xu Kong dao zhang. Over the years, Xu Kong dao zhang had not been only of service to Xia Yan's family, and when the other families who had engaged his services came to know of his deeds, naturally it was bound to stir up anger and hatred. In turn, it was to be expected that a formal lawsuit would be submitted to the constabulary[1].

[1] Xunbufang ( 巡捕房 ) - (old) police station in a foreign concession.

Lian Qiao followed Jiang Ruan's line of sight and looked out the window. Sighing deeply she lamented, "Don't know when this rain will stop." Then in a quiet voice she said, "Miss, now that the capital has a shortage of provision, why don't we take some of our provisions to sell. We would be able to make tonnes of money[2]."