Chapter 5

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Her grandfather might have been injured, but he hadn’t completely lost his martial skills.

With a voice that reverberated like thunder, he called out. Hua Chan immediately helped Jiang Ruohua up, and they walked in with great fanfare.

How could the servants dare to stop them?

Without any excuse to block their way, they entered. Jiang Ruohua felt a bit dazed; it had been many years since she last visited this place. Her grandfather looked almost the same as in her memories, except that his leg injury had taken him off the battlefield. On rainy days, his wound still pained him.

“Granddaughter greets Grandfather,” Jiang Ruohua said, her tears still hanging on her eyelashes as she bowed.

The old Duke initially seemed displeased but softened upon seeing her tear-streaked face and dirty dress.

“How did you end up like this?” The Duke, looking at the granddaughter he had once doted on, felt a pang of sorrow.

“I tripped over a broken stone at the gate and took a fall,” Jiang Ruohua replied, lowering her head slightly. “I’m feeling much better now.”

The Duke squinted at her, then motioned for her to come closer.

Jiang Ruohua wiped her tears and sat by the bedside.

“A foot injury is no small matter,” the Duke said, noting her limp. “Fetch some medicine and call for a doctor.”

The two young servants attending to the Duke were sent off.

Jiang Ruohua glanced at Hua Chan, who poured two cups of tea and then left.

“Grandfather, how have you been?” Jiang Ruohua asked, her eyes full of concern. “The Third Lady always says you’re not well. Whenever I come, the servants say you’re already asleep. Let’s have the doctor check on you first when he arrives.”

“You sly fox, you can’t fool your grandfather.” Despite his words, the Duke wasn’t angry. Instead, he looked at Jiang Ruohua’s injured foot with concern. “Why did you pretend to fall so badly? Your father taught you martial arts himself; a small broken stone shouldn’t trouble you. Still, it’s good you came to see me. I’m getting older, and who knows how many more times I’ll see you…”

His words were tinged with sadness, but the Duke hid his emotions, glad his granddaughter wasn’t avoiding him out of dislike.

Jiang Ruohua smiled, feeling as if she were back to being three or five years old. She sat by her grandfather and said, “I’ll visit you every day from now on. No more being fooled by others. Don’t worry about my injury; I heal quickly, and it will be useful.”

“You’re full of tricks,” the Duke chided gently, his aged face showing a trace of worry. “I almost thought you didn’t want to be close to me anymore. They kept saying you were learning etiquette to become a flawless princess for Prince Ying… I regret trusting the wrong person and putting you in her hands.”

Jiang Ruohua understood that her grandfather was referring to the Third Lady. She appeared gentle and had a way with words, always knowing what others wanted and slowly manipulating them, just like in the dream.

Understanding others’ true intentions made her see the sharp knives hidden in the Third Lady’s soft words, each aimed to kill.

“I won’t let her continue,” Jiang Ruohua said, pressing her lips together. “Seeing you today reassures me. Even though you have limited mobility, I will handle things in the mansion.”

“You’re clever but still fell for her lies. Protect yourself and wait until your father returns at the end of the year,” the Duke advised, knowing he was trapped here. His granddaughter was nearing the age for marriage; why should she expend energy dealing with such a venomous woman? If pushed too hard, it could ruin her reputation as a noblewoman.

“Don’t act rashly. You’re to be a princess, and we must protect your reputation,” he insisted.

“I won’t be a princess,” Jiang Ruohua’s eyes reddened. “Grandfather, I went to the palace a few days ago and annulled my engagement with Prince Ying.”

The Duke was startled. “It’s just as well… Just as well.”

“Grandfather, I won’t hide the truth,” Jiang Ruohua’s eyes filled with tears. She didn’t want her family to suffer as in her dream. Even if it was just a dream, the pain was real. “I was enlightened by a wise person and realized I had been kept in the dark for too long. Prince Ying isn’t a good match. The Third Lady said a princess should be tolerant, but having an unmarried girl at his side was an insult. He treated our family as if we were insignificant!”

“Did such a thing happen?” The Duke was incredulous. “Does Prince Ying think nothing of the Duke’s Mansion? This is outrageous!”

Though royal authority was supreme, the Duke’s Mansion had been loyal for generations. Wasn’t that worth some respect from a prince? Prince Ying wasn’t even the crown prince. If he married into a noble family, they would treat his granddaughter with utmost respect. Who would dare not to?

Such behavior would only make Prince Ying dream of Jiang family support. Let him dream on!

Instead of considering his future in-laws’ feelings, he shamelessly flaunted his intimacy with another girl. Whether it was a concubine or a common girl, he showed no regard for propriety. Did he learn nothing of manners?

“Shameful!” The Duke cursed, growing angrier.

“Don’t be angry, Grandfather. I played a little trick. The emperor wasn’t keen on the marriage either. I acted foolishly, giving the emperor a way out. Annulling the engagement wasn’t difficult.”

Grandfather and Father, Jiang Ruohua thought. Her resolve was firm. Some things she had to do herself. Relying on others wasn’t an option: “Don’t worry about me. I won’t act rashly. I’ll wait for Father to return.”

Smart and resourceful, her grandfather often called her a clever little fox. Now it was time for her cleverness to be put to good use. She wouldn’t meekly endure anymore. She would protect what she cherished and strive for what she wanted with her own hands. No more begging others, no more compromising herself.

Her determined expression reassured the old man. Trust needed no further words.