Chapter 16- Exchange – Transcendental Translations

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Chapter 16

Yawning,

A few days had passed since that night. Jiang Ruohua kept everything hidden in her heart. Despite her suspicions, she didn’t let anyone notice anything unusual. She had to suppress it; otherwise, how could she manage the bigger picture?

She brought some more items for Concubine Yuan, carefully checking her diet and living conditions. She watched the doctor take her pulse and noted that Concubine Yuan looked much healthier. Jiang Ruohua knew that for now, the Third Madam wouldn’t dare make a move.

Yesterday, her third uncle had also returned early. Thankfully, she had sent someone directly; if she had waited for the Third Madam to report, it would have taken much longer. Some things can’t afford even a moment’s delay as countless possibilities can arise.

Concubine Yuan now had her support back. It was evident from the happiness on her and her third uncle’s faces. Yesterday, her third uncle had brought more things for her, and Jiang Ruoqi also received two bolts of cloth for new clothes. Their mother-daughter pair’s status had suddenly risen.

“Well then, I won’t disturb you any longer. Rest well, Concubine Yuan,” Jiang Ruohua said with a bright smile. “I’ll be on my way now.”

“Okay,” Concubine Yuan replied, her smile more genuine than before, but still cautious. It wasn’t kindness she was showing Jiang Ruohua; it was the rekindling of her own determination.

In the back courtyards, the hierarchy was clear: the main wife had power, while concubines relied on favor. Concubine Yuan’s sweet talk to the third master might allow her to snatch some vitality from the Third Madam.

As soon as Jiang Ruohua left, Jiang Ruoqi, who had been looking at the new fabrics, spoke up, “Mother, I don’t think Eldest Sister is here to harm us on behalf of Aunt.”

“She might be,” Concubine Yuan’s smile faded slightly. “But a lamb kept in the dark, this time her intentions just happened to align with my needs. Fifth Miss, remember, never be careless. Whether I can fight for you and myself depends on the child in my belly.”

To Concubine Yuan, Jiang Ruohua was kind but also naive. She had no time to pity Jiang Ruohua’s ignorance because she herself was walking on thin ice. This time might just be a lucky coincidence, like a blind cat catching a dead rat.

The hierarchy between legitimate and illegitimate children was vast. Jiang Ruohua had the general as her father. No matter what, there was no need for her to pity or ally with Concubine Yuan. It was better to think about how to deal with the Third Madam’s upcoming schemes.

“I understand, Mother,” Jiang Ruoqi nodded. “Should I still give some of this fabric to Eldest Sister? Since she’s been taking care of you, it makes sense to be close to her.”

At eleven or twelve years old, Jiang Ruoqi was not as timid as she appeared. Having suffered a lot, she naturally matured faster than others.

“Go ahead,” Concubine Yuan nodded. “After all, the Eldest Miss is the legitimate first daughter of the Guogong Manor. If she is willing to take you out in the future, your marriage prospects will be better.”

Even though Jiang Ruoqi was her daughter, Concubine Yuan found it difficult to arrange a marriage for her. Besides subtly influencing the third master to care about Jiang Ruoqi’s marriage, she also had to plan other things. Being close to Jiang Ruohua, going out with her to meet noble girls, and making a good impression in front of other ladies could increase Jiang Ruoqi’s chances of finding a good match.

Jiang Ruoqi nodded and, carrying a bolt of fabric, called a maid to follow her as she chased after Jiang Ruohua.

“Eldest Sister!” She called out sweetly, stopping Jiang Ruohua, who hadn’t gone far.

“Fifth Sister,” Jiang Ruohua turned, smiling with arched eyebrows. “Slow down, be careful not to trip.”

Of course, she came.

Jiang Ruohua wasn’t surprised. If there was something good to be gained, it would be strange if they didn’t come rushing.

Jiang Ruoqi smiled, “Father just gave me two bolts of fabric. Eldest Sister, I remember you like this color. Why don’t you take it and make a dress? It will look beautiful on you!”

The fabric was indeed fine, and Jiang Ruohua liked the bright butterfly yellow. However, it was of lower quality compared to the clothes she usually wore.

“This color is indeed beautiful,” Jiang Ruohua complimented. Then, she hesitated, “But this is for you to make clothes, given by Third Uncle…”

Seeing Jiang Ruoqi’s hesitation, Jiang Ruohua suddenly thought of something and said, “I have a bolt of cloud brocade. It’s not suitable for this season, but if you don’t mind, I can exchange it with you. I really love this color!”

Her words sounded innocent but were hurtful. While an ordinary bolt of fabric was enough to make a concubine’s daughter happy, the legitimate daughter casually exchanged it for the rare cloud brocade.

“Eldest Sister, if you like it, please take it,” Jiang Ruoqi smiled. “This color doesn’t suit me anyway. We are going to make clothes soon. Having too many outfits is not practical.”

“Then I won’t be polite,” Jiang Ruohua said joyfully, letting Huachan take the fabric. “I’ll have the cloud brocade sent to you!”

After encouraging Jiang Ruoqi to return, Jiang Ruohua couldn’t hide her joy over the new fabric.

Turning a corner, Jiang Ruohua’s smile faded. She instructed, “Make the dress right away. Also, have someone send the cloud brocade.”

“Miss, this fabric isn’t the best. We have many better ones. You could have exchanged any other,” Huachan said, feeling a bit distressed. “That cloud brocade was a New Year gift from the Madam. You’ve been reluctant to use it.”

Jiang Ruohua might have been reluctant before, but now, such things were just possessions.

“Alright, I know you’re worried,” Jiang Ruohua said, seeing Huachan about to speak again. “Giving her the cloud brocade might seem unworthy, but good things can reveal a person’s greed. Jiang Ruoqi is young, but Concubine Yuan is not a fool. While I plan to help them, I need to see if they have any extra thoughts.”

If Concubine Yuan were smart, she would guess a thing or two. Jiang Ruohua didn’t think it was wrong for Concubine Yuan to strive for her and her child’s benefits. It would be foolish not to. But if she coveted what wasn’t hers, Jiang Ruohua would only help to a certain extent. She was merely using Concubine Yuan to distract the Third Madam.

If Concubine Yuan was sensible, she would know what to touch and what not to. As long as she didn’t overstep, Jiang Ruohua wouldn’t mind helping with Jiang Ruoqi’s marriage or her unborn child, just as she didn’t mind Jiang Ruoqi being close to her now.

“Miss is back.”

Yinqiu greeted her as she entered. Before she could sit down, a servant reported that someone from the palace had arrived.