Chapter 6

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“Little fox, Grandfather has something for you.”

The old Duke knew that his granddaughter’s personality had never changed over the years. Whatever she set her mind to, she had her reasons and always accomplished it. He was old and had lost a leg in battle. Though he disliked seeing his family in turmoil at this age, he understood that maintaining a facade of peace was futile if the rot wasn’t removed.

His youngest son had lost his head over a woman. His second son and daughter-in-law had only one granddaughter. The vast wealth and prestige of the Duke’s Mansion were intended to be left to this youngest son. The eldest died in battle, and the second had no heirs except for this one granddaughter. He couldn’t bear to send the youngest to the battlefield and hoped that he would take care of his brothers’ legacies and his niece after his passing.

Perhaps he was wrong, and now his granddaughter had to clean up the mess.

Looking at her, the Duke felt a pang of regret. If she had been a boy, she would have carried on the family legacy. But now, glory didn’t matter; safety did. He was still a sturdy old camel despite his ailments, and the little he had left could help his granddaughter pursue her ambitions.

Carefully, he got out of bed, leaning on his cane. Jiang Ruohua quickly moved to support him. Seeing the empty pant leg, she made a silent decision.

Annulment of the marriage and removal of the Third House were not enough. Her grandfather, who had given his all, now suffered in his old age. Her father worked tirelessly at the border. Even the suspicious current emperor hadn’t sought to eliminate the Jiang family. The tragic end for her and the Jiang family in her dream was largely due to Prince Ying’s treachery.

As long as she lived, she wouldn’t let Prince Ying prosper as he did in the dream!

She would take everything from that scoundrel! She would reclaim what was owed to her and the Jiang family.

The Duke lifted a stone tile from under the bed and retrieved a small box covered in mold and dust. He handed it to Jiang Ruohua. “Take this.”

Jiang Ruohua received the box, first helping the Duke sit down before glancing at it. With his nod, she sat by the bed and opened the box.

Outside, the young servant returned with a doctor and some medicine. Hua Chan blocked their way, saying, “I’ll take it from here.”

“Hua Chan, you might need help,” the servant suggested kindly.

“If I need help, I’ll call someone!” Hua Chan retorted. She wasn’t going to be polite to these servants. Knowing her mistress was discussing important matters with the Duke, she wouldn’t let them in. “The young miss hurt her foot. The doctor can check on her. If we need help, we’ll call Ying Qiu. Do you think you can get close to the young miss? How audacious! I’ll report your insolence to the Third Lady. You don’t respect the eldest miss?”

“Not at all,” the servant muttered. Women’s reputations were paramount. If this reached the Third Lady, he would be at fault, so he reluctantly backed down.

Hua Chan, acting as the head maid, didn’t give him any good looks. Servants who followed capable masters were respected. They didn’t need to be overly courteous to other servants. Instead, those servants had to show respect to trusted aides like her.

The two servants were chosen by the Third Lady after the Duke returned home injured, claiming young and strong men were better to assist the Duke. But the old servants who had followed the Duke into battle were now managers in the Jiang family’s businesses.

Jiang Ruohua’s injury wasn’t severe but needed proper care. Her foot was bandaged, making it appear more serious than it was.

“Grandfather, rest well. I’ll take my leave,” Jiang Ruohua said as the doctor entered. The Duke kept a stern face while Jiang Ruohua looked slightly upset and pained. Supported by Hua Chan, she gave a slight curtsey and left.

Once they were a distance away, Hua Chan asked, “Miss, did it go well?”

Jiang Ruohua, still stern, nodded slightly. “Let’s go back. The emperor also punished me to copy scriptures. Someone from the palace will come to collect them in a few days.”

“Don’t be sad, Miss. If you don’t want to go, we won’t,” Hua Chan said loudly, showing loyalty and indignation for Jiang Ruohua.

Jiang Ruohua appreciated Hua Chan’s attitude. This girl had always been her best companion, helping her with mischief and lying to cover up their actions, often fooling her father.

As they walked, a young maid nearly bumped into them, scattering a package of medicine on the ground.

“Which courtyard are you from? How could you almost bump into the eldest miss?” Hua Chan scolded, checking if Jiang Ruohua was alright before relaxing.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” The young maid panicked, her face turning pale as she knelt to beg for forgiveness.

“What’s this?” Jiang Ruohua picked up the scattered medicine. Some herbs were now unusable, but the remaining ones were common medicinal ingredients.

“The eldest miss is asking you,” Hua Chan said.

“It’s for Concubine Yuan…” The maid looked at the scattered medicine, her eyes filling with tears. “Miss Yuan saved money for a long time to buy these…”

Concubine Yuan? Jiang Ruohua remembered her. In her dream, Concubine Yuan had fallen ill around this time and later faded away. In large households, concubines who fell seriously ill often met similar fates.

But…

“Stand up,” Jiang Ruohua said, looking at the young maid. “The doctor hasn’t left yet. Hua Chan, go with her. If Concubine Yuan is unwell, it will distress Qi Mei as well.”

She needed to pave her own way now.

“Yes, Miss,” Hua Chan nodded, understanding her mistress’s intent. She picked up the remaining medicine and handed it back to the maid. “Stand up. The eldest miss is kind and won’t blame you. Be more careful next time.”

“Thank you, eldest miss. Thank you!”

Jiang Ruohua smiled gently, maintaining the demure demeanor taught by the Third Lady. “Go on.”

As the maid hurried away, Jiang Ruohua’s expression hardened. The fight was just beginning, and she would see it through to the end.