Chapter 54- What Happened to Second Sister? – Transcendental Translations

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Chapter 54

The Empress’ eyes curved warmly as she gazed at Princess Shangyang. Seeing her daughter in such high spirits today, she felt relieved. “This eldest daughter of the Jiang family, I’ve looked into her. She’s a good girl. If you feel the same after today’s conversation, why not let her become your companion reader?”

From a young age, Princess Shangyang had been precocious, and the matter of a companion reader had been left undecided for a long time. While having or not having such a companion might not matter much for a princess, the Empress only had this one daughter. She hoped that as her daughter came of age, she could have a close friend with whom she could share her thoughts.

Unfortunately, the Empress disliked the girls who coveted royal favor, while those who weren’t interested came across as dull and failed to connect with Shangyang. Over the years, this had been a persistent issue for the Empress. Now, seeing an opportunity for resolution, she grew increasingly fond of Jiang Ruohua.

Princess Shangyang did share such thoughts but hesitated after some consideration. “Mother, let’s wait a bit longer. After interacting with her today, I feel the rumors about her from outside aren’t true. Of course, appointing her as my companion reader right now would make me happy, but it could also lead to unnecessary gossip.”

The Empress nodded. That was indeed a valid concern. The Emperor was a suspicious man. While he relied on the Jiang family, he was also wary of them. When it came to Jiang Ruohua, it was necessary to neither slight her nor elevate her too much.

Thinking this over, the Empress sighed internally. There was little choice but to set the matter of a companion reader aside for now.

“Alright, Daier, whatever you say.” The Empress embraced Princess Shangyang. In moments like these, she wasn’t the Empress but merely a mother.

As the sun set, Jiang Ruohua returned home with the gifts she had received, mostly things Princess Shangyang had given her. While not particularly valuable treasures, the fact that they were from the royal household lent them a certain prestige. These items, no matter how ordinary, carried a weight that no external possessions could match.

As one after another was carried into storage, handled discreetly to avoid undue attention, it was impossible to prevent some people from noticing—especially those within the Jiang family, who watched closely.

“The eldest miss truly turned misfortune into fortune. Gaining the favor of the princess is a promising start for her future!”

“Yes, the eldest miss is indeed blessed!”

Jiang Ruohua instructed the servants to carefully store away the items. As royal gifts, there was little risk of anyone stealing or misusing them—tampering with imperial rewards was a serious crime, something ordinary people wouldn’t dare to even consider.

As her gaze swept across those present, Jiang Ruohua noticed Jiang Ruoting standing nearby. Though the latter wore a smile, there was an unnatural stiffness to her expression. Jiang Ruohua smiled and asked, “Second Sister, is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

At these words, Jiang Ruoting’s smile faltered. The Third Madam, seeing this, grew slightly annoyed at her daughter’s inability to maintain her composure. She quickly put on an air of helplessness and said, “She caught a bit of a chill but insisted on waiting for your return.”

“Oh?” Concern immediately showed on Jiang Ruohua’s face. She reached out to take Jiang Ruoting’s hand. “Let’s get inside quickly then. The servants can handle this; there’s no need for you to stay out here.”

As she moved to lead Jiang Ruoting inside, the latter caught the Third Madam’s sharp glare and quickly snapped back to her senses. Pressing her lips together, she said, “I was worried about you, Eldest Sister. You’ve been in the palace for so long, and I couldn’t relax until I saw you safe and sound.”

Jiang Ruoting was adept at saying what was expected of her, but so was Jiang Ruohua. Smiling warmly, she replied with apparent intimacy, “How could anything have happened to me? Thanks to Aunt and the mammas’ teachings, I didn’t forget my manners. Don’t worry, Second Sister. Her Highness the Princess is very kind—not at all as distant as the rumors claim. We simply talked for a long time and lost track of time, which is why I returned so late.”

If Jiang Ruoting liked grandiose words, Jiang Ruohua was more than happy to indulge her. Taking Jiang Ruoting’s arm affectionately, she recounted her day with Princess Shangyang in detail.

Hear that? My relationship with Princess Shangyang is wonderful! And it only took me a single day!

Her wide, innocent eyes looked into Jiang Ruoting’s. Watching Jiang Ruoting’s slightly stiffened smile as she stammered out polite replies filled Jiang Ruohua with satisfaction.

She was truly delighted.

“Her Highness even said that when she has the time, she wants to invite me to go out with her again!” Jiang Ruohua spoke animatedly, glancing at Jiang Ruoting out of the corner of her eye to observe her reaction. Envious? Good! Be as envious as you like—don’t hold back!

The Third Madam, maintaining her usual warm demeanor, placed her hands on both girls’ shoulders and said with a benevolent smile, “Alright, enough. Sit down and tell us more. Ruohua gaining the favor of Princess Shangyang is truly a joyous occasion for our Jiang family.”

This gave Jiang Ruoting a chance to compose herself. Once they were seated in the main hall, Jiang Ruohua maintained her excited demeanor as a young girl brimming with enthusiasm. Turning to the Third Madam, she said, “Aunt, I have a small request.”

“Oh, you little rascal. What is it this time?” The Third Madam feigned exasperation, her tone indulgent.

“I’d like Mother’s countryside estate with the horse farm.”

After carefully setting the stage with talk of her closeness to Princess Shangyang, Jiang Ruohua finally revealed her true objective. Her gaze sparkled with hope as she coquettishly added, “Please, Aunt!”

The Third Madam’s smile stiffened momentarily, but she quickly composed herself, speaking patiently. “Why do you want the estate all of a sudden? That estate hasn’t been very profitable for years. If you’re interested in managing something, wouldn’t it be better to start small? I have a jewelry shop—you and your sister can look into that together.”

“No, Aunt,” Jiang Ruohua countered, her tone still light and playful. “I want it to entertain guests.”

Jiang Ruohua had anticipated this response and had planned accordingly. If she made a straightforward request, the Third Madam would surely try to brush her off with something inconsequential. Outsiders might even think she was being reasonable—after all, managing an estate was no small matter, while running a small shop seemed like a sensible way for a young girl to gain experience.

But this time, Jiang Ruohua was determined not to let the Third Madam have her way. Not only would she get the estate, but she would make the Third Madam willingly hand it over.

“Entertain guests?” The Third Madam began to feel a sense of unease. “I take it you’ve made some new friends among the young ladies. But isn’t the horse farm an unsuitable place for young girls? Why not book a tea garden or host a banquet at home instead?”

“But Her Highness dislikes large gatherings,” Jiang Ruohua replied earnestly. “I just thought we could try something different—invite the princess, along with Miss Xie, Miss Zhang, and a few others, including Second Sister. Just the few of us for a small gathering. The tea gardens feel too ostentatious, and we’ve been to them so often that they’ve become rather dull!”