Chapter 46- Changing Others’ Impressions – Transcendental Translations

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Chapter 46

As she entered the hall, Jiang Ruohua noticed that Lady Qian, Consort of Qin, was also seated below. She offered a respectful greeting to Consort Qin: “This humble subject greets Lady Qian.”

This Lady Qian, or Consort Liu, was the aunt of Liu Xiyun and an elder in the palace. Though not highly favored, she was known for her gentle demeanor and gave Jiang Ruohua an approving look.

“Rise,” came Lady Qian’s soft command.

After standing, Jiang Ruohua glanced around the hall and realized that Princess Shangyang wasn’t present, likely having already left the main hall. She caught a brief exchange of glances between the Empress and Lady Qian before the Empress, with a kind smile, gestured for her to come closer.

“Come here, child,” the Empress beckoned with warmth. “Let me have a good look at you.”

Lifting her skirt slightly, Jiang Ruohua approached, stopping to kneel a few respectful steps away. The Empress regarded her thoughtfully for a long moment, then extended her hand to help her stand, holding Jiang Ruohua’s hand as she asked, “Shangyang is my only daughter. Thanks to your courage in jumping into the lake, she avoided a fate I wouldn’t have been able to bear. Are you all right after what happened?”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. A doctor examined me at home, and I am quite well,” she replied with a smile, subtly demonstrating her physical well-being.

“That’s very good,” the Empress nodded. “By saving my daughter, you have become a benefactor to both of us. I am comforted that my daughter has a friend as steadfast as you.”

It was clearly a subtle test of her intentions, and Jiang Ruohua, slightly flustered, shook her head and replied with a bow, “Your Majesty overestimates me. Before that day, I didn’t know Her Highness, but I happened to be on the barge and, hearing a disturbance, went to investigate.”

With calm sincerity, Jiang Ruohua recounted the events of that day, sharing openly all she knew. “Your Majesty, I must admit I was initially frightened. But when I heard the Marquis’ heir’s name mentioned and saw someone diving into the water to save her, I thought I should help too, knowing how to swim and having learned some basic defense from my father.”

Kneeling once more, she openly displayed her concern for the princess, fully aware that such a dangerous lake usually deterred anyone from diving in. She knew it had to be clear why she had acted so decisively.

“To be honest, Your Majesty, I was scared. But my elders taught me that once a woman’s virtue is compromised, her life can be utterly ruined. My mother’s estate once sheltered several such women, and their fates were so tragic it has always pained me to think of them. I feared the same might happen to Her Highness and felt I couldn’t stand by.”

She spoke with feeling, fully convinced that a woman’s life, once tarnished by violation, rarely saw reprieve, and even surviving meant enduring merciless scorn. Her mother’s estate had harbored many such women. In her dream, the Third Madam had manipulated her into seeing this as something shameful. But now, she recognized that her mother’s actions had offered those women a lifeline.

Life, she now believed, was more precious than anything, and survival was a foundation upon which hopes could be built.

Her words rang with conviction, her gaze sincere, and the Empress saw both strength and compassion in her. It was clear that if someone other than the princess had fallen into the lake, Jiang Ruohua would have acted no differently.

“Your mother…if I remember correctly, she was from the Wens, a family of imperial merchants?” the Empress asked.

“Yes.” Jiang Ruohua nodded.

The Empress seemed lost in thought for a moment, clearly recalling her mother. “Yes, a kind-hearted woman in her time, deeply attached to your father. It’s a pity fate was so cruel…”

With a wistful expression, the Empress looked at Jiang Ruohua, who, close in age to Princess Shangyang, evoked a motherly tenderness within her. “You resemble her greatly, both in looks and in spirit,” she murmured.

These were words that Jiang Ruohua knew better than to respond to, understanding that the Empress spoke from the heart.

“Yes,” Consort Qin chimed in with a smile. “I remember that elegant lady standing beside General Jiang all those years ago. I was much younger then, and now their daughter has grown to such a fine age!”

In front of women like the Empress and Consort Qin, both seasoned and composed, there was no room for evasions or clever little acts. Being straightforward was the best approach. So, Jiang Ruohua simply stood quietly and respectfully, listening intently. As she heard them speak fondly of her mother, her eyes sparkled, revealing her eagerness to learn more.

Seeing her sincere interest, the Empress and Consort Qin exchanged a knowing look but refrained from further comment. After a few more pleasantries, the Empress smiled. “Well, dear child, Princess Shangyang is waiting for you in her palace. Go on, and a maid will lead you there.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After a bow, Jiang Ruohua took her leave, following the palace maid. For these women, competition for favor and power had long faded. Both the Empress and Consort Qin were revered figures in the palace, and neither could bear children. Consort Qin, who had a son, didn’t encourage his ambitions, knowing full well he had neither the aptitude nor desire for the throne.

Her son, Prince Yue, Prince Luo Zechen, was unremarkable among the other princes. What hope could he have for the throne? A quiet life suited him perfectly.

“This Miss Jiang was once just a timid shadow trailing behind Prince Ying,” Consort Qin observed. “Now that the engagement is broken, she finally has the vibrance of a young lady.”

“Yes, the Jiang family has raised her well. She is nothing like the rumors suggest,” the Empress agreed with a nod. “It may be that she simply wasn’t suited for life as a royal wife. Besides, Prince Ying has shown little restraint in his dealings with women.”

After all, what kind of prince ignores his fiancée in favor of another woman?

Just the thought of Zhao Yuexi soured the Empress’s impression of her even further.

“It all comes down to upbringing.”

“Exactly,” Consort Qin agreed. “However, Concubine Yi is clearly not interested in teaching him better, which is unfortunate. Miss Jiang has fine qualities. Had my son’s marriage not already been arranged, I’d happily have her as a daughter-in-law.”

But they knew this was only wishful thinking. Given Jiang Ruohua’s background, she was suited for marriage to a prince, a royal wife rather than a concubine. Anything else would be disrespectful to her family.

“At the end of the day, it’s fate’s doing,” the Empress mused with a smile. “Miss Jiang’s ties to the royal family have ended with the engagement’s annulment. Yet I can see Shangyang is quite fond of her. Perhaps she could stay as a companion. The Jiang family will surely be considering her future. Since she saved my daughter, I’d be happy to ease her way and ensure she has a good marriage.”