Chapter 7 Jiang Shiyuan is considerate of his family
As soon as Aunt Yang finished speaking, Jiang Shiyuan understood.
It is not easy to make a living in the Jiang family's backyard.
My grandmother is mean and ungrateful, and my second aunt is greedy for money. When my mother was around, they could have restrained them a little, but now they are in power. Don't even think about treating them well. I'm afraid they can't even provide enough for basic expenses.
Without mentioning anything else, just looking at the fact that Aunt Yang and Third Sister Jiang Shishu were both dressed in the same styles as in previous years, Jiang Shiyuan knew what they were asking for, and he smiled calmly and continued.
"I was careless. I haven't been feeling well these days since I came back. I didn't come to talk to you because I was afraid that I would pass on my illness to everyone. I do have to go out today. I'm going to my grandparents' house for a family dinner. It's fine if Third Sister comes with me."
Her sincere tone immediately made Aunt Yang's eyes moist.
"Thank you for your consideration, young lady."
Even though she was rejected today, she couldn't find any fault with the girl.
But Jiang Shiyuan's humble appearance now reminded Aunt Yang of the time when the eldest lady was still alive. At that time, they had never been deducted from their food, clothing and other expenses, and they had never had such difficulties when going out.
Aunt Yang was not a sweet-talker, and she couldn't say anything flattering for a moment. Instead, Jiang Shiyuan smiled warmly at the slightly uneasy Jiang Shishu, and then asked Luluo to bring a plate of Yudu cake for the two of them to taste.
"I'm not in good health, so I don't like to eat cakes and pastries on weekdays. But this Yudu cake is different. It's soft and sticky, and it's very easy to eat. Third sister, try it. I remember you like sweet food, so this thing must suit your appetite."
"Big sister, remember I like sweet food?"
"I was six years old when I left home, so I should be old enough to remember things. I still remember that when mother was still alive, you often came to her room to play with me. Sisterly love is rare. Now that I'm back, there shouldn't be any estrangement between us. If you have nothing to do in the future, you can come over and visit me often."
Jiang Shishu was a little surprised. She had thought that she was just an inconspicuous concubine in the mansion and was not worthy of being in the company of others. So she just wanted to hide in the house and pass the time by embroidering. However, she did not expect that the elder sister in front of her, who was like a fairy under the moon, actually remembered these past events.
For a moment, my heart was in turmoil.
Finally, with tears in her eyes, she picked up a piece of Yudu cake and took a small bite. It was indeed soft and glutinous with a hint of sweetness, which was her favorite taste. Then she tilted her head back and smiled at Jiang Shiyuan. The tension on her little face faded a lot, and was replaced by a touch of emotion.
While they were eating, they saw Jiang Huaishan come in. After changing his clothes, he looked even more elegant and refined. As soon as he came in, everyone stood up and greeted him.
"Meet Daddy."
"I've met my lord."
"Are you all ready? Okay, let's go, so as not to keep my mother-in-law and the others waiting for too long."
Jiang Shiyuan glanced at his third sister Jiang Shishu, and couldn't help but chuckle when he saw her patting the cake crumbs at the corner of her mouth and then nodding.
"My daughter is ready and can leave immediately."
Seeing this, Jiang Huaishan said a few simple words and took the two sisters out of the yard.
Aunt Yang stood there, looking at them with a slightly reluctant look in her eyes until the three people had disappeared. Then she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and turned to leave.
The coachman whipped the horse and drove away from Luoying Lane where the Jiang family lived. When they left, the sun had set a little, and the afterglow filled the sky, making the entire capital look like it was coated with a layer of light golden light. When the gatekeeper saw them leave, he sneaked into the courtyard where the second wife Zhang was.
"You read that right?"
"You're right. The master did take the two girls out with him. He said they were going to the Marquis Wenyuan's mansion for a family dinner. The servant at the door said that the third girl was dressed up nicely. I guess she went there for other purposes."
The person who came closer to talk was a plump mother named Qi. She had a sullen look and it was obvious that she was not someone to be dealt with.
The one sitting at the Eight Immortals Table and stewing a bowl of golden marigold and bird's nest was the most proud Second Madam in the mansion, Zhang. She was wearing a long cloud-woven skirt embroidered with bright red flower patterns and a thin shirt of the same color. She was thin and looked a little difficult.
Especially her eyes, which were rolling around, and one could tell at a glance that she was quite dissatisfied with the fact that the third young lady was able to go to the Wenyuan Marquis' Mansion.
"It's been less than a month since Jin'er got married. Why is Aunt Yang from the next door courtyard jealous? Does she also want to send her daughter to the Marquis' Mansion?"
"How can that be possible? Our second young lady is marrying the prince with the red thread of the matchmaker, a match made in heaven. How can this third young lady be compared to him? Besides, with her looks and talent, she wants to enter the Marquis's mansion. Isn't that just wishful thinking? Madam, just wait and see. Even if she enters the Marquis's mansion, she will be the same as her mother, and will only be a concubine."
Mother Qi's words made Second Madam Zhang feel much better. She tapped the spoon against the bowl, put the bird's nest into her mouth in big mouthfuls, and said something with a calculating look in her eyes.
"I haven't been to serve the old lady for several days. Pack up and take the deer antler cream that Jin'er had someone send over last time and go take a look."
Mother Qi reacted immediately and agreed with a smile.
The master and servant were ready to pour out all the evil in their hearts. In the carriage speeding along the Imperial Street, Jiang Shishu, who had not been out for a long time, could not help but look outside.
Wenyuanhou Mansion is located in the northeast corner of Xijing City. To get there from Jiangjia, one has to cross three main streets, including Danyang Road, which runs straight from south to north.
Danyang Road is the Imperial Street.
If the royal family had a ceremonial procession, the streets and roads would naturally be closed, and the people would kneel on both sides, not allowed to see the grace of heaven. But today was an ordinary day, so there were many people on the road, and many people walked along both sides of the Imperial Street to see the prosperity of Xijing City.
The streets were filled with hawking and shouting. As it was almost dinner time, the aroma filled the entire Imperial Street. Some vendors were inside shops, while others simply set up stalls by the Imperial River to sell sugar-coated wontons.
Jiang Shishu had never seen such a lively scene before.
Naturally curious.
"Speaking of which, although I have been in Xijing City for ten years, I have not been to many places in this city. If Daddy is on leave someday, can you take us around the city?"
When Jiang Huaishan was sitting in the carriage with his eyes closed to rest, he heard a familiar voice. He opened his eyes and saw it was his daughter Jiang Shiyuan.
Although the words came from her mouth, Jiang Huaishan could clearly see the meaning. She was speaking for her sister next to her. He reached out and touched the goatee hanging down from her chin, and responded.
"May is an unlucky month. It's not a good time to go out and stroll when the heaven and earth are in harmony. Let's wait until the beginning of July. I heard that Lanyue Tower will hold a Qiqiao Festival. Then your father will take you sisters out for a stroll and join in the fun."
Hearing this, Jiang Shishu's eyes showed a lot more anticipation.