Chapter 81
Chapter 81: Jiang Peihuan’s Probing
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Originally, Jiang Yuan maintained a serene expression, but after hearing Jian Mei’s loaded words, evident anger flashed in his eyes. He turned and entered Jiang Ruyun’s room.
...However, he paused, surprised to see Jiang Peihuan there. “Huan Er, you’re here too?”
“Second Uncle,” replied Jiang Peihuan, performing a polite bow. If she previously harbored any doubts about Jian Mei, the words just spoken solidified her suspicion—this woman had hidden intentions.
“Yun Er, how could you behave so arrogantly and disrespectfully? Isn’t this against the manners I’ve taught you?” Jiang Yuan scolded his daughter, his eyes full of disappointment as he stood beside her bed.
Jiang Peihuan was stunned hearing these reprimands. Jiang Ruyun was Jiang Yuan’s only daughter, and he had always showered her with affection, both in his previous and current life.
Now, it appeared he was even willing to scold his own daughter over another woman.
While Jiang Peihuan was shocked, Jiang Ruyun was utterly frozen in disbelief. Her eyes welled up and turned red as she stared at her father, her face pale as she questioned, “Father, are you ignoring your own daughter for her sake?”
Jiang Ruyun’s eyes were filled with accusation. Initially, seeing her injury, Jiang Yuan felt a pang of regret. But her words brought his simmering anger back to the surface.
“Second Uncle, I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” interjected Jiang Peihuan, aiming to prevent any further harsh words from Jiang Yuan.
Hearing her, Jiang Yuan turned his gaze toward her. “A misunderstanding?”
“Yes, it’s a misunderstanding.”
“Lord Jiang, you don’t need to blame Second Miss. I am at fault here. I shouldn’t have disturbed Second Miss, it’s all…”
“Miss Jian, may I speak with my Second Uncle first?” interrupted Jiang Peihuan with a polite smile, seeing Jiang Mei was eager to explain herself.
Despite her courteous smile, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes held not a trace of mirth but only cold indifference.
Meeting Jian Peihuan’s eyes, Jian Mei’s heart skipped a beat. Then, she silently stood aside, putting on a fearful and aggrieved look.
Seeing her in this state, a hint of mockery flashed in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes. She then turned her gaze towards Jiang Yuan and continued, “I heard that Ruyun was hurt, so I specifically came to check on her. I had just sat down when I saw Miss Jian hurrying in.”
“Ruyun wasn’t feeling well, and I was about to send Miss Jian home, but considering her well-meaning intentions, I let her in. However, no sooner had she entered than she began spouting off vague statements. Second Uncle, you can ask the maids in the room. Nobody insulted her, and no one laid a hand on her.”
Jiang Peihuan spoke softly, her demeanor calm. Upon hearing her words, Jiang Yuan instinctively glanced at Jian Mei.
Spotting his furrowed brows, Jian Mei quickly interjected, “Lord Jiang, please don’t misunderstand. I just wish to maintain a good relationship with the Second Miss. After all… we will be family in the future.”
“Family? Earlier in the room, didn’t Miss Jian mention that she was only seeking a place to settle down? I was considering offering her a suitable courtyard from the many we have in our residence. What does this idea of ‘family’ mean?”
Although her words were addressed to Jian Mei, Jiang Peihuan’s gaze rested squarely on Jiang Yuan.
Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, embarrassment flickered in Jiang Yuan’s eyes, but he nonetheless voiced his explanation. “I had too much to drink last night and inadvertently offended Miss Jiang, so…”
So he had no choice but to bring her to the General’s Mansion.
Even though Jiang Yuan didn’t finish his sentence, Jiang Peihuan already understood his implication.
Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Jiang Peihuan’s lips. She looked at Jiang Yuan and lightly teased, “Second Uncle, you’ve been in the military for many years, yet your tolerance for alcohol remains poor.”
“The alcohol Uncle Meng served last night was too strong.”
Hearing Meng Yi’s name caused Jiang Peihuan’s eyebrows to crease. It wasn’t likely that the alcohol Meng Yi served was potent, but rather that something was amiss with the drink.
If there was an issue with the wine, then there must be a problem with Jian Mei too, but these were just Jiang Peihuan’s speculations. Without evidence, she couldn’t take action.
“In that case, Second Uncle, you should accompany Miss Jian home. I’ll stay with Ruyun.”
Jiang Yuan glanced at Jiang Ruyun, noting the wound on her head. He murmured, “Rest well.” Having said this, he turned and departed, with Jian Mei trailing behind him.
“Elder sister, why didn’t you let me speak earlier?”
Jiang Ruyun had tried to interject several times, but Jiang Peihuan had gently held her back. Seeing Jiang Yuan and Jian Mei leave, Jiang Ruyun could no longer contain herself.
Noticing the anger in her eyes, Jiang Peihuan quietly soothed, “I know you’re furious right now, but if you genuinely want to help Second Aunt, you need to stay calm.”
Jiang Ruyun clenched her fist and took a couple of deep breaths to steady her emotions.
Turning to look at Jiang Peihuan, she blurted out, “Elder sister, am I really expected to stand by and watch our father bring that woman into our family?”
“Don’t rush things. If I’m not mistaken, Miss Jian approaching Second Uncle likely has ulterior motives.”
“Of course she has ulterior motives. She’s clearly attracted to the wealth and honor of our General’s Mansion, isn’t she
“Not only that.”
Upon stealing a glance at Jiang Ruyun, Jiang Peihuan spoke softly. On hearing this, the latter’s eyes clouded with confusion. “Eldest Sister, what do you mean?”
“You don’t have to worry about this. When the time comes, you’ll naturally know. I’m only asking you if you want to help Second Aunt.”
“Of course.”
Watching Jiang Ruyun nod firmly, a smile trickled into Jiang Peihuan’s eyes. Although Jiang Ruyun had her flaws, her fierce protectiveness of their mother was a commendable trait.
“Then do as I say.”
Confronted with Ruyun’s puzzled look, Jiang Peihuan beckoned her closer. Leaning in, Jiang Peihuan whispered a few words into her ear.
Whatever Jiang Peihuan had said remained a mystery, but upon hearing her words, Jiang Ruyun’s eyes brimmed with bewilderment. “Eldest Sister, you’re advising me to maintain a good relationship with that woman. What’s the meaning of this? Could it be that you expect me to accept her as father’s mistress?”
“I’ve asked you to befriend her so you can keep a close eye on her, to uncover her reasons for approaching our Second Uncle. It’s the only way to prevent him from welcoming her into our home. Otherwise, how could we, being of younger generations, meddle in the personal matters of our elders?”
“I understand, elder sister. I will do as you say.”
“Mm, you have to tell Second Aunt about this matter. She tends to act impulsively, so do temper her emotions.”
“I understand.”
“Then I’ll go back to the plum garden first. If there’s anything you need, tell Lan Er to look for me.”
As she spoke, Jian Peihuan got up from her chair.” Elder Sister?”
Hearing the voice, Jian Peihuan turned to look at Jiang Ruyun on the bed.
“Elder sister, thank you for helping me..”