All her life, she had been the center of attention. They didn't have a legitimate daughter, Jiang Yuan was pretty, and Concubine Hua was good at coaxing people. So it wasn't difficult for the older woman to shift the family's love and attention to the Fifth Young Lady. And before long, Jiang Yuan was spoiled with love in the Jiang family's second branch.
As time passed, Jiang Yuan had forgotten that she was merely a concubine's daughter. Now when the legitimate daughter returned to the residence, suddenly someone who was more beautiful than her and someone who had a higher status than her appeared, stealing all the love that was meant for her.
She couldn't accept it.
However, she was grateful that Jiang Ning had a defected leg. At least she had the upper hand in the selection.
What kind of decent family would marry a disabled person as their official wife?
It was even more impossible for the dignified Prince Yu to choose someone like the Seventh Lady.
And Jiang Ruobai's profound words to her and her mother a few days ago, Jiang Yuan felt that she would definitely succeed in the selection. She thought her Father still valued her more than his own legitimate daughter.
Until today, when he shattered her view of him with the announcement, she didn't expect Father to send Jiang Ning to the consort selection too.
Her stunned expression didn't last longer than a moment. She was waiting for her Third Brother to say something, to defend her, or at least to speak up on how ridiculous Father's idea was, but he didn't say anything.
The lack of response made her feel anxious, but she plastered a smile on her face when she finally opened her mouth, "Father, Seventh Sister has just returned and still hasn't adapted to the family yet. Moreover, she's still not in good condition. Wouldn't that be too much for her?"
"You're right," Jiang Ruobai unexpectedly agreed.
"I think it is best to forget about this whole plan," Jiang Yuan hurriedly continued.
"But her name has already been sent to the palace. Even the palace had already accepted her."
"..." Jiang Yuan's heart sank down to her stomach. "Does the palace know about Seventh Sister's… situation?"
"I won't dare to hide this kind of thing from the imperial court," Jiang Ruobai answered evasively, seemingly trying to end the topic. He waved his hand and said, "Yi'er, take good care of Seventh Sister for me. I've already covered all the expenses for you. But you must come back early, so your sister can start her lesson. At least to learn the basic rules of the palace."
Jiang Ruobai had assumed Jiang Ning was not mentally prepared or adapted to the life of a wealthy family. He hoped that with this introductory lesson, it would help her assimilate better and feel more belonged in this kind of world. The world that she was meant to be in the first place.
He wanted his son to bring her out to play, to let her see what an enjoyable life she could have. And it would also allow his other two daughters to have a good time.
Regardless of whether they were chosen, they would have each other to support in the future.
After waving their goodbyes, Jiang Yi pushed the youngest sister's chair to the entrance, where a carriage waited for them. Jiang Yuan and Jiang Yan also followed them, and they were off.
…
When they got off the carriage, they put on small and light curtained hats, which only revealed their chins, but they didn't feel suffocated.
Jiang Yi had been studying in the academy all year round. Returning home was rare, and he cherished the time he could be together with his family.
On their way back to the manor, he met a few good friends, who were either students or children of prestigious and aristocratic families.
After greeting each other, they saw that he had brought his three younger sisters out for shopping, so they didn't want to take his time away from his family for too long.
And besides, it was not polite to hang out with unmarried girls in public. People might misunderstand otherwise.
Although they didn't disturb her or even talk to her, their eyes couldn't help but glance at the young girl sitting in the wheelchair.
They heard about the Jiang family's youngest daughter, who had been missing for twelve years, and the news that the girl had been found. They also heard rumors that the girl was in poor health due to the kidnapping…
'Is she the one?'
Seeing that his good friends were looking at his sisters curiously, Jiang Yi politely introduced them.
When the breeze blew, the veil of Jiang Ning's curtained hat was lifted a little, revealing only half of her fair and bright face, which was already hard for people to look away.
One of them, Shang Lanyi, was immediately fascinated.
He couldn't take his eyes off of Jiang Ning.
Shang Lanyi was also a young master of a noble family and was a good friend of Jiang Yi. He immediately pulled Jiang Yi aside to ask him about his youngest sister.
"My Seventh Sister is indeed beautiful, but you shouldn't be thinking about her," Jiang Yi said with a teasing smile. "My Father has already submitted her name for the upcoming consort selection. "
"Ah,"
Shang Lanyi stomped his feet in annoyance. "I'm the one who doesn't have this destiny."
"Due to her health, I think the possibility of her being chosen is not high. Even given that possibility, I don't think your family would agree if you married someone with a leg disability either."
"Aiya, what's the big deal?" Shang Lanyi whined but couldn't deny Jiang Yi. His parents would definitely would not agree.
Jiang Yuan was trying to pretend that she wasn't listening to the whole conversation, but she couldn't help herself. She loved getting compliments from anybody.
But her heart sank and burned in jealousy when her Seventh Sister was the main topic of their conversation.
In the past, when Jiang Yuan and the Third Brother went out and met other young masters and young ladies, she was always the center of praise. But now, everyone only has eyes for Jiang Ning.