Chapter 82- Feeling Unbalanced – Transcendental Translations

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Chapter 82

“Big Sister, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long.”

It was early morning, and Jiang Ruoting arrived after about the time it took to drink a cup of tea. Supported by her maid, she moved slowly, her understated outfit carefully chosen to appear refined without overshadowing anyone, yet also not falling short.

“Second Sister, you’re like a fresh lotus today. You look absolutely beautiful,” Jiang Ruohua said without hesitation, always generous with compliments. “This jade-green silk dress suits you perfectly.”

Jiang Ruoting smiled, reaching out to adjust the floral hairpin in Jiang Ruohua’s hair. Following the Third Madam’s constant reminders, she carefully concealed her dissatisfaction. Looking at Jiang Ruohua’s radiant face and the bold red flower in her hair, Jiang Ruoting added with a compliment of her own, “Big Sister, your flower was slightly tilted. It looks even better now.”

The two exchanged smiles, but neither was sincere. Laughing together, they climbed into the carriage, maintaining the appearance of sisterly closeness along the way.

As Jiang Ruoting touched the two small pearl flowers in her hair, she couldn’t help but feel discontent. Although delicately crafted from pearls and jade, her ornaments paled in comparison to the bright red flower in Jiang Ruohua’s hair.

People often said women were judged by their character, not their beauty, but Jiang Ruoting couldn’t stop herself from feeling inferior. That bold flower, which seemed brash on anyone else, looked perfectly natural on Jiang Ruohua, who had an innate grace and poise as if born to stand above everyone else.

The group’s destination was the same, so they soon crossed paths with Xie Shuyan, Zhang Wanyuan, Liu Xiyun, and Ning Zhiyao. With no sign of the royal carriages yet, they decided to ride together in one carriage, laughing and chatting along the way.

“Sister Hua, I brought my riding outfit this time specifically for you to teach me horseback riding. You promised, so you can’t go back on your word!”

“Of course,” Jiang Ruohua replied warmly, turning to Liu Xiyun. Hearing her call her “Sister Hua,” Jiang Ruohua knew the show was about to begin. “Since I promised, I won’t forget. I’ve arranged for the ranch to keep a few gentle horses just for you to ride.”

Liu Xiyun, sitting beside Jiang Ruohua, then leaned forward and asked Jiang Ruoting, “We’re all family. Ting Sister, do you know how to ride?”

Jiang Ruoting was momentarily stunned before realizing Liu Xiyun was addressing her. Even though it was just a simple question, the difference in how Liu Xiyun spoke to them hit Jiang Ruoting like a blow. “I don’t,” she admitted reluctantly. “Big Sister learned from Second Uncle when we were young, but I cried after a fall and never dared to try again.”

It was clear Liu Xiyun had shifted her allegiance to Jiang Ruohua, evidenced by her change in how she addressed her.

And what about Jiang Ruoting?

The jealousy she had tried to suppress bubbled up again, though she tried to swallow it down.

Liu Xiyun naturally continued chatting about the day she had spent with Jiang Ruohua.

“Sister Hua is amazing. She had Zhao Yuexi completely speechless with just one remark. I was so stunned watching her!”

Feigning embarrassment, Jiang Ruohua lowered her head and softly chided, “Oh, Sister Liu, you’re terrible, bringing this up again. If you keep saying it, I’ll be too embarrassed to face anyone!”

But this story was exactly the kind of thing that would make Xie Shuyan and the others admire her even more. Jiang Ruohua didn’t stop Liu Xiyun from telling it, and as expected, the others perked up and teased her, “Sister Hua is incredible. Liu Sister is praising you!”

“Exactly! That must have been so satisfying to see!”

As noblewomen of high standing, they couldn’t tolerate their husbands showing interest in other women. Hearing that Jiang Ruohua had stood up for herself and restored her dignity, they were genuinely happy for her and echoed Liu Xiyun’s praise.

Everyone was in high spirits, and Jiang Ruohua became the center of attention. She laughed and joked with the group, her cheeks slightly flushed from their playful remarks.

Only Jiang Ruoting, sitting on the side, felt increasingly left out.

She had no idea about the incident Liu Xiyun described, nor could she join the conversation. Realizing she was being excluded, Jiang Ruoting felt a pang of panic. The meticulous instructions from the Third Madam were momentarily forgotten in her frustration.

“Shuyan Sister, the rare book you lent me—I’ve finished reading it. I’ll return it to you when we’re back,” she interjected, hoping to redirect the conversation.

The group, caught off guard by her abrupt topic change, paused awkwardly. However, they had been friends with Jiang Ruoting for years, so after a moment of hesitation, they tried to respond politely.

“What rare book?” Jiang Ruohua asked casually, pretending not to mind. If Jiang Ruoting wanted to change the subject, she was welcome to it. After all, showing magnanimity would only enhance Jiang Ruohua’s image as a kind and accommodating person.

Smiling faintly, Xie Shuyan explained, “It’s a rare book by Cheng Qiu, a master from the previous dynasty. Ting Sister showed interest, so I lent it to her.”

“Cheng Qiu, the renowned master?” Jiang Ruohua’s eyes lit up. Xie Shuyan, known for her talent and intellect, naturally had an interest in collecting works by great masters. Cheng Qiu was famed for his calligraphy and painting, and his works were priceless. Jiang Ruohua’s expression turned thoughtful. “His calligraphy is exceptional—fluid and distinct. Replicating it is no easy feat.”

“Exactly,” Xie Shuyan agreed. “I’ve practiced for years and can only achieve a seven-tenths resemblance. The unique charm in his strokes is the hardest to replicate. Sister Hua, are you also familiar with Cheng Qiu’s work?”

“A little,” Jiang Ruohua replied modestly. “I was fortunate enough to see an original piece once. It was as breathtaking as the rumors say. Unfortunately, my skills are far from enough to imitate his works properly. Shuyan Sister, your ability to capture seven-tenths of his style is truly impressive. Perhaps you could demonstrate for us someday?”

Conversations like these came naturally to Jiang Ruohua. She didn’t need to force her way into discussions; her extensive knowledge allowed her to participate seamlessly. She had spent countless nights diligently studying her weaker areas to ensure she could hold her own in any topic.

While Jiang Ruohua and Xie Shuyan delved into a spirited discussion about Cheng Qiu, Jiang Ruoting found herself at a loss.

Unlike Jiang Ruohua, Jiang Ruoting hadn’t actually read the rare book she had borrowed. She only borrowed it to strengthen her relationship with Xie Shuyan, feigning interest. Now, as Xie Shuyan excitedly pulled her into the conversation about Cheng Qiu’s work, Jiang Ruoting opened her mouth but couldn’t think of a single thing to say.