Hearing his precious daughter's understanding words, Jiang's father looked at Jiang Nianzhu with a look of gratification and love, then turned to Jiang Wan with a look of annoyance.
"Alright, let's end this here. You may all leave."
After leaving the tea room, Jiang Wan looked up at the sky and spaced out for a long time. No one knew what she was thinking until a gentle female voice brought her back.
"Is elder sister being held back by the clear sky after the rain? Zhuer hasn't been to elder sister's room to chat with her for a long time. Shall we go back together, elder sister? I can ask for a cup of tea from elder sister."
Jiang Wan turned to look at the woman in front of her, thinking of how much she had loved her. Her heart couldn't help but ache as if pierced by a knife. If it weren't for the experiences of her previous life, who would have thought that this understanding, gentle, and tender girl would have such deep thoughts? And be so good at pretending?
Jiang Wan forced a smile.
"Alright, let's go then."
Inside the room, Jiang Wan and Jiang Nianzhu sat opposite each other. Xitao and Xiguo served tea and snacks, then retreated to the door to wait.
Jiang Nianzhu's smile blossomed, making her look like a pure and adorable, food-loving child.
"Xiguo's pastries are the most delicious. Little sister is just hungry, so don't blame me for being rude, big sister. I'll enjoy them first."
Jiang Wan also wore a seemingly doting expression.
"If you like them, little sister, come and eat them every day."
After pretending to take a bite, Jiang Nianzhu put down the pastry and looked worried, her brow slightly furrowed.
"Zhu'er knows that big sister and Prince Shen have been deeply in love for a long time, but the Emperor has betrothed big sister to General Gu, and you're to be married on the second day of the next month. Zhu'er is really worried. What are your plans, big sister?"
Jiang Wan's expression was calm, but her heart ached.
"We are both daughters of the Prime Minister, and our marriages are not up to us. Although I and Prince Shen have some affection, it's ultimately not legitimate. But there's fate in the heavens. As a subject, I must obey the will of Heaven."
Jiang Nianzhu hadn't expected Jiang Wan to accept the Emperor's marriage decree so readily, without crying or making a fuss. She was so composed, it was as if Jiang Wan had become a different person, her words and actions completely unlike before.
Jiang Nianzhu was puzzled but still patient, trying to persuade her.
"Sister, are you worried about something? Are you afraid the Emperor will blame you? If so, don't worry, Sister. I can speak to Father on your behalf and ask him to go to the palace to beg the Emperor to call off the marriage and betroth you to Prince Shen. I believe the Emperor, seeing Father's loyalty to the country and his position as Prime Minister, will give Father some face."
Jiang Wan looked at Jiang Nianzhu's worried expression and couldn't help but recall how, in her previous life, Jiang Nianzhu had also tried to persuade her this way. In her previous life, Jiang Wan had thought herself fortunate to have such a sister, even though they weren't born of the same mother. But how could she have known then that this was just the beginning of Jiang Nianzhu and Shen Quan, along with her own father, pushing her towards death...
Jiang Wan clasped Jiang Nianzhu's hand and patted it, her eyes full of tenderness.
"I know you only want the best for me, Sister, but as a daughter, I can't trouble Father with such a trivial matter. How can I use Father's lifelong accomplishments to exchange for my marriage? Prince Shen and I are just Kyōka Suigetsu, fated but without a bond. My mind is made up, Sister, so please don't worry yourself over me."
Seeing Jiang Wan's resolute attitude, Jiang Nianzhu, fearing she would ruin everything, racked her brains. Suddenly, her eyes lit up.
Jiang Nianzhu anxiously placed her hand over Jiang Wan's, and said impatiently, "Sister, I have a way to resolve this situation."
Jiang Wan was intrigued. In her previous life, she didn't want to marry General Gu. She had listened to Jiang Nianzhu, who had asked their father on her behalf, so she hadn't heard the subsequent conversation.
Jiang Wan's helpless expression was like a caged bird waiting for Jiang Nianzhu's salvation.
"Sister, what's your plan?"
Jiang Nianzhu's eyes were sincere, but a barely-concealed plot flickered within.
"Sister should wear a veil whenever she goes out. Outside, I'll say I'm Jiang Wan. On the second day of the next month, when you're supposed to marry, I'll take your place and marry General Gu. No one will know. Today, Eunuch Sun came to announce the decree, but you didn't listen to me and wear your veil as usual, which allowed him to see your true face. It's a bit of a problem, but you can offer him some gold and silver. If he keeps his mouth shut, then everything will be fine. If he doesn't know what's good for him, then kill him."
Jiang Nianzhu's originally clear and beautiful features began to twist slightly with the words "then kill him."
Jiang Nianzhu's calculations were clear. If she took Jiang Wan's place, then when Shen Quan ascended the throne, she would be the ruler of the world. Shen Quan, seeing her devotion, would definitely let her divorce General Gu and make her the empress. If Shen Quan failed, she would be the first general's wife in the Shen Kingdom, and none of Shen Quan's affairs would involve her. No matter how she calculated it, she wouldn't lose. As for that bloodthirsty general, she would simply avoid provoking him after taking Jiang Wan's place.
But Jiang Wan hadn't expected Jiang Nianzhu to be so ruthless. Jiang Wan felt contempt, and her amiable voice carried a hint of determination.
"Don't say any more. Eunuch Sun is absolutely untouchable. This marriage will be as the Emperor said – we leave it to fate. The sun is setting. Are you hungry, sister? Would you like to have dinner with me here before you leave?"
Jiang Nianzhu was unwilling to give up but couldn't change Jiang Wan's mind, and her face showed displeasure.
"No need. Think carefully, sister, and don't regret it later. I'll take my leave now."
Jiang Nianzhu walked out of the house and could no longer control her expression. Her face twisted, and her eyes were sharp as a blade, revealing the darkness deep within her heart. Her fingernails dug deeply into her flesh, and she was furious.
"Jiang Wan, if I want you dead, you will not live. If you don't step into the trap I set for you, I will push you in."
Jiang Wan inside the room was in a mess. The hatred and helplessness in her heart had already consumed her, leaving her utterly powerless. All Jiang Wan wanted at this moment was to sleep well.
Jiang Wan looked at the hand she had just held with Jiang Nianzhu and felt a wave of disgust.
"Xitao, go get some water. My hands are dirty."
"Yes, Miss."
Xiguo really didn't understand why Miss would reject Second Miss's suggestion. She asked, "Miss, can you really let go of Prince Shen?"
Jiang Wan felt distressed, and her mind was also very chaotic.
"Xiguo, don't mention Shen Quan anymore. From today onwards, I have no love or affection for Shen Quan, only a hatred that can only be repaid with my life."
Although Xiguo didn't know what had happened, she would listen to whatever Miss said. Miss treated her and Xitao so well, and the only way she could repay Miss was through silent companionship.
After washing her hands, Jiang Wan slept very soundly, without any nightmares to disturb her. When she woke up, it was already the next day.
The next day, there were sounds of birds chirping and insects buzzing everywhere. The bluestone path outside the house was still a little damp. As the sun rose again, it completely took away the traces of yesterday's rain. Inside the room, Xiguo was dressing and making up Jiang Wan, and Xitao's voice came from behind.
"Miss, someone just handed me a letter and asked me to give it to you."
Saying this, Xitao handed the letter in her hand to Jiang Wan. Jiang Wan opened the letter unhurriedly, as if she had already guessed who sent it, and saw it written on the letter.
"Second floor, Armor Room, Cloud Armor Pavilion, noon. Don't leave without seeing me. Quan."
Jiang Wan snorted disdainfully.
"As expected."
Xitao scratched her head, asking in confusion, "Young miss, do you know who sent the letter?"
Seeing Xitao and Xiguo's puzzled faces, Jiang Wan patiently explained, "Someone sent a letter as soon as I was betrothed. Of course, I know who it is without thinking."
Xitao pouted and muttered, "It's because Xitao is too stupid."
Jiang Wan got up and gently stroked Xitao's little head, saying softly.
"My Xitao isn't stupid. She's the smartest girl in the world."
Xitao giggled like a child upon hearing this, teasing Jiang Wan, "Miss has such a sweet tongue. If you marry General Gu, you'll definitely be spoiled rotten."
Xiguo, hearing Xitao tease Jiang Wan, was afraid of stirring up Jiang Wan's sorrows and scolded Xitao, "Xitao, don't talk nonsense."
for more and full book please visit:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/after-rebirth-i-148753793?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link