Chapter 11- Understanding Achieved – Transcendental Translations

Get updated every time a new chapter is released and Get the Passwords to Password Protected Content at our Discord Server -> Click Here to Join now (Protected Content will be available within few days of release)

Chapter 11

Her words carried an innocent tone as she reached out to hold the Third Lady’s hand affectionately. “Aunt cares so much for me, so naturally, I care for Aunt as well.

“Besides, I’ve been thinking. No matter how much you help me with my troubles now, I will eventually have to get married. Once I’m married, I won’t be able to help you with anything.”

She looked at the Third Lady with pleading eyes. The Third Lady had no time for pretense now, not with everything on her plate. Losing Jiang Ruohua as a stepping stone meant her daughter would lose her connection to the royal family. With so much to worry about, especially with Concubine Yuan’s pregnancy, Jiang Ruohua’s offer seemed perfectly reasonable, like any considerate younger generation would make.

“Well…” The Third Lady hesitated, “Hua’er, there are many affairs in the household, and it takes time to get the hang of them. Why don’t we wait until later, when things have settled down a bit, and then I will familiarize you with them?”

“Managing a household is indeed a skill,” she continued. “Before you get married, I’ll make sure to teach you properly. For now, the fact that you have this intention already makes me very happy. Besides, with your foot injured, it’s not the best time. Once you’ve recovered, we can talk about it again.”

Jiang Ruohua pretended to be slightly disappointed and lowered her head. “Alright… I didn’t realize it was so complicated. I just thought that if I could lend a hand, it would ease Aunt’s burden a little.”

After saying this, she didn’t seem discouraged or impatient. She knew the Third Lady wouldn’t reveal her true intentions so easily. She then smiled brightly and beckoned Hua Chan over.

“Aunt, I brought some things for Concubine Yuan.” Jiang Ruohua took the items from Hua Chan, happily presenting them to Concubine Yuan. “I heard from the old maids in the household that pregnancy is particularly tough. One has to eat for two. Since you’re carrying a brother, you must be having a hard time. I received some supplements earlier this year and thought I’d bring them to you.”

Concubine Yuan, looking weary and sickly, managed a forced smile. “Thank you, Eldest Miss.”

“There’s no need to be so formal, Concubine Yuan. Take good care of yourself and make sure to give birth to a healthy baby boy!”

Every word was innocent, but they struck right at the Third Lady, causing her to grow increasingly agitated.

“I recall these supplements were a gift from Eldest Sister’s maternal family, weren’t they?” Jiang Ruoting said with a smile. “Concubine Yuan is indeed fortunate. Since Eldest Sister has brought them out, they must be the best. With Eldest Sister looking after the baby, he will surely be born healthy and strong.”

Concubine Yuan thanked her profusely as everyone gathered around, seemingly filled with expectations for the new life.

“By the way,” Jiang Ruoting said warmly to Jiang Ruohua, “Since Eldest Sister cares so much for the baby, why not let Eldest Sister look after Concubine Yuan? Pregnancy is tough, and Fifth Sister is still too young to understand. Eldest Sister is the most dependable and can help relieve Mother of some of her burdens. What do you think, Mother?”

Jiang Ruohua’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great idea! Second Sister, you’re brilliant. Aunt, what do you think? Let me try!”

Concubine Yuan quickly declined, “I dare not trouble the Eldest Miss. My status is too low.”

“Stop fooling around, you two,” the Third Lady interjected, “Young girls like you don’t understand childbirth. Concubine Yuan has experience; you two would only cause trouble. No matter how much you like the baby, this isn’t the way.”

“We’re not fooling around, Aunt,” Jiang Ruohua pleaded. “Concubine Yuan knows about these things, so I just need to help with whatever she needs. The important thing is the baby. I’m really looking forward to it. Please, Aunt, let me help. Besides, I have maids to assist me, and my foot injury won’t be an issue.”

“Mother, please agree,” Jiang Ruoting joined in, moving to her mother’s side. “You’ve been working so hard lately, and I can see how tired you are. Eldest Sister wants to help and ease your burden. Isn’t that a good thing?”

With both of them pleading, the Third Lady finally relented. “Alright, alright, I give up. You win.”

After giving many instructions, the people in the courtyard finally dispersed. Jiang Ruohua got to work, changing the bed linens to make them more comfortable, replacing the incense with something soothing for Concubine Yuan, and ensuring her diet and prenatal medicine were taken care of.

Concubine Yuan sat upright, clearly uncomfortable with the Duke’s eldest daughter attending to her. She had hoped to keep her pregnancy a secret for a while longer, but now it was out in the open.

Jiang Ruoqi watched from the side, a small figure compared to Jiang Ruohua, looking a bit timid.

“I brought some snacks and candied fruits. After you take your prenatal medicine, eat some to offset the bitterness,” Jiang Ruohua said with a smile. “There are also some things for Fifth Sister. Enjoy them together.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Eldest Miss,” Concubine Yuan said.

“Take care, and remember to send for me if you need anything,” Jiang Ruohua instructed.

“Take care, Eldest Miss,” Concubine Yuan replied, struggling to her feet to see Jiang Ruohua off. “Fifth Miss, please escort the Eldest Miss.”

Young Jiang Ruoqi nodded and walked with Jiang Ruohua to the door.

“I’ll walk you out, Eldest Sister,” Jiang Ruoqi said, looking up at Jiang Ruohua.

“Alright,” Jiang Ruohua smiled. The Jiang family wasn’t large, and from their grandfather’s generation, there had been no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children. The First and Second Houses had few people, and the siblings were always close. “Are you eating well, Fifth Sister? You seem thinner. Don’t neglect your health for the sake of beauty.”

Jiang Ruoqi nodded, her lips pursed. “Thank you for your concern, Eldest Sister.”

“There’s no need for thanks between us,” Jiang Ruohua said warmly. “I have some egg custard and fish soup warming on the stove, along with some fresh vegetables and side dishes. I can’t finish them all myself. Take some back with you. There are also some newly made snacks. I thought they’d be appetizing for the summer, and I think Concubine Yuan will like them too. Take plenty.”

Jiang Ruoqi hesitated but nodded. Jiang Ruohua’s sincerity was hard to refuse.

Jiang Ruohua lived a bit further from the east courtyard where the Third House resided, and her meals were prepared in the Second House’s kitchen. This meant she often had different foods.

She generously packed a lot for Jiang Ruoqi to take back. Jiang Ruoqi’s maid carried the food boxes, and as they parted, Jiang Ruoqi said, “Eldest Sister is so kind to me. Can I come visit you again?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t you be welcome?” Jiang Ruohua patted her head. “Hurry back. It’s getting dark, and Concubine Yuan will worry. Let me know if you need anything. I’m your Eldest Sister, after all.”