The moment these words escaped Jiang Xuening's lips, Wang Xing's household was left in shock.
Onlookers, including Jiang Xuehui and her personal servant, appeared as if they had witnessed a supernatural event. They seemed unable to fathom that such words could emanate from Jiang Xuening's mouth. "It's one thing not to interfere and indulge in pleasure, but adding subtle sarcasm about her once-favored servant?!"
Wang Xingjia's eyelids began to twitch.
Having previously served alongside Meng Shi, she was one of Meng Shi's most trusted servants. Four years ago, she was tasked with fetching Jiang Xuening from Tongzhou to her home. She knew she was dealing with a good mistress — young, inexperienced, and of high status. However, since Jiang Xuening grew up in a rural area and knew few people in the house, she expected her to feel anxious upon arriving in the capital.
On the journey, Wang Xingjia went out of her way to please Jiang Xuening.
As anticipated, upon returning home, she dropped a few hints, and Jiang Xuening brought her into the Meng family.
From then on, everything in Jiang Xuening's room, big or small, was under her care.
Playing with Lord Yan Xiaohou, everyone in the house would be wary of her, and naturally, her status as the household manager became more dignified.
Never did she expect that Jiang Xuening would make such a statement today!
"Second, the second miss must be jesting. This old servant is not from Sichuan, and I've even encountered the troupe several times. How could I learn the art of face-changing?" Suppressing the doubts in her mind, Wang Xingjia waved her hands and boldly displayed the enthusiasm she had once used to please Jiang Xuening. "You mentioned this suddenly. Do you perhaps wish to enjoy a play? I've heard from my husband that two new theater troupes recently arrived in Jingzhong. Would you like them to perform in the mansion?"
Formerly, Jiang Xuening, upon hearing such flattery, might not have smiled, but she wouldn't have turned her face in anger.
But now, Jiang Xuening…
She casually adjusted the hem of her blue brocade gown, embroidered with silver thread and bamboo leaf patterns, and leisurely settled beside the beautiful figure on the veranda. Dressed as a young man, even with drawn thick eyebrows and lips painted red, her appearance exuded not only the misty charm of hidden green mountains but also the delicate allure of dew-kissed petals.
Only the smile on his lips carried a slight chill.
Shifting her gaze to Wang Xingjia's wrist, Jiang Xuening feigned curiosity, remarking, "The bracelet on my servant's wrist is truly beautiful, but it looks familiar, somewhat resembling the one I couldn't find earlier."
Wang Xingjia's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
Under Jiang Xuening's scrutiny, the once-beautiful bracelet on her wrist began to feel as if it were being scorched by fire, causing her hands to tremble.
However, with years of experience maneuvering through the intricacies of the back house, she possessed the skill to discern people's thoughts.
In just a few thoughts before and after this sentence, she subtly grasped a few points —
Bracelet.
The second young miss's abrupt change in attitude must be related to the bracelet on her wrist.
After handling Jiang Xuening's affairs in the room for so many years, she was accustomed to a domineering demeanor. How could Wang Xing's household tolerate their belongings being questioned by Jiang Xuening?
It was normal for hands and feet to get a little dirty.
Who could have known that today would bring such misfortune?
Swiftly adjusting her emotions, Wang Xingjia immediately launched into an act, saying, "Do you like it? This old servant's bracelet doesn't dare to compare with the young miss's exquisite items. I bought it from a street vendor last time. It's said to have a slight flaw. The vendor, having a son to support, sold it to this old servant at a discounted price. After buying it, I even spent two silver cents to have it re-encrusted. Look, it's right here."
As she spoke, she removed the bracelet with a smile on her face, intending to show Jiang Xuening the purported flaw.
With just a slight touch, an "oops" escaped her.
Wang Xingjia's eyes widened, her face filled with surprise. "How… why is there no flaw?"
Jiang Xuening observed her performance.
Wang Xing's household pondered for a moment, then quickly adopted a bewildered expression and scoffed, "It seems this old servant's memory isn't as sharp as before. I assisted the second miss in arranging her desk yesterday. Fearing that I might damage the newly adorned bracelet, I took it off and placed it aside. Perhaps in the process, I inadvertently mixed up the second miss's good bracelet. After tidying up, I mistakenly picked it up and wore it. I remarked on how moist the bracelet felt when I wore it, sensing a different energy. It turns out it's a precious possession of the miss, containing her ethereal essence!"
Listening to this elaborate flattery, even the most seasoned flatterer might find it challenging to express it so eloquently!
Comparing her treatment of Jiang Xuehui with her behavior towards herself, Jiang Xuening could understand why her previous life arranged for her to come over from the Meng family and assigned her important duties.
She smiled faintly, "So, it truly is my bracelet?"
"It's all due to this old servant's deteriorating eyesight. Misunderstandings can easily arise. Fortunately, the second miss's keen eyes spotted it early on. Otherwise, this old servant might have been accused of appropriating your belongings. It would truly be a murky situation!"
Expressing gratitude, Jiang Xuening sat on the edge of the porch, prompting Wang Xing's household to crouch down, preparing to place the bracelet on her.
However, halfway through the gesture, she recalled something.
"Oh dear, this old servant is quite uncouth. I'm afraid it might sully your ethereal essence if I simply attach it to the bracelet. Allow me to wipe it clean first."
Wang Xing plucked the handkerchief from her waist and meticulously wiped the bracelet. With a smile on her face, she gently lifted Jiang Xuening's left hand and adorned her with the bracelet.
The girl's fingers were long and fair.
The jade-hued bracelet exuded a sky-blue and rainy color, enhancing the snow-like appearance of her wrist.
Amidst the nonsensical ramblings of Wang Xing's household, one thing was undeniably correct: this bracelet, while commonplace for her, became an exquisite accessory on Jiang Xuening's wrist.
"See how stunning you look in it!"
After offering her admiration, Wang Xing's household also sneakily glanced at Jiang Xuening.
If Jiang Xuening had followed her previous conduct in the palace over the past two years, Wang Xing's family would have likely been subjected to severe punishment or even execution based on her orders. Somehow, she managed to survive until the next day.
However, she remained within the Jiang Mansion.
Jiang Xuening, having just experienced rebirth, had no intentions of returning to the palace in the future. Believing in maintaining a low profile due to her current lower status, she decided to exhibit restraint in her demeanor. She casually turned her wrist, as if casually appreciating the bracelet.
Despite experiencing two lives, this was the first time she adorned herself with this particular bracelet. The family heirloom left by Wanniang was undeniably impressive.
However…
It wasn't intended for her.
Her calm eyes lacked joy, showcasing an unwavering indifference. She turned her attention back to Wang Xing's family, offering a smile as she extended her hand to place it on her shoulder. With a gentle expression, she brushed away the non-existent dust on her face and remarked, "My mother has treated me so well."
Wang Xing's family promptly laughed, attempting to demonstrate their loyalty.
However, the next statement delivered by Jiang Xuening shattered the smile on Wang Xing's family's face. She calmly stated, "From now on, if my mother instructs me to go east, I will not go west. I will unquestionably heed my mother's guidance."
Wang Xing's family struggled to maintain their forced smile, the impact of this statement lingering vividly.
Jiang Xuening paid little attention, gradually lowering herself to sit down, and then slowly standing up.
Only then did she cast a glance at Jiang Xuehui, who had been standing beside her.
In the memories of her past life, her elder sister's visage was nearly indistinct, appearing only as a faint outline even in the midnight nightmares. Observing her now, Jiang Xuehui possessed delicate features, not as menacing as Jiang Xuening had once perceived. However, no words were exchanged between them.
Separated by the Meng family, Wanniang, and the whims of life and fate, their personalities had diverged significantly, rendering them entirely different individuals.
Taking a step back, even if Jiang Xuehui harbored no resentment, an unspoken tension remained.
No words needed to be exchanged.
Jiang Xuening turned away and ambled down the corridor. Jiang Xuehui couldn't help but shift her gaze, observing the figure retreating. Jiang Xuening's straight back and the gentle sway of the sapphire bracelet on her wrist imparted an aura vastly different from the norm.
Once the visitor had departed, Wang Xingjia's legs gave way, causing her to collapse.
Her powdered face turned pale, and it was only then that she noticed her vest was drenched in sweat.
While Jiang Xuening's words sounded plain on the surface, the more straightforward they were, the more intimidating they became!
No retribution followed her proclamation; she simply departed, leaving others in a state of fright!
The maid accompanying Jiang Xuehui, named Mei'er, observed the entire ordeal and couldn't help but rub the goosebumps on her arms. She whispered to her mistress, "Second girl, what happened today?…"
It was unusually terrifying!
Mei'er leaned closer to her mistress and continued, "She didn't return all night; she's like a different person. Mistress, could something have happened to the second girl outside?"
"Nonsense, with Lord Yan Xiaohou here, how could anything happen?"
Upon detailed reflection on the incident, Jiang Xuehui found it unbelievable. She frowned, felt a twinge of worry, and glanced at the now-paralyzed Wang Xingjia beside her.
Where was the arrogance she had displayed just moments ago?
She gestured for Mei'er to accompany her and said, "Perhaps this Wang Xing's family has crossed some line with her. In any case, we can't afford to provoke her temper, and we didn't even notice until things reached this point."
Mei'er wholeheartedly agreed, "Yes."
In the early autumn air, a subtle fragrance of early-blooming osmanthus wafted through.
Jiang Xuening strolled along the corridor, eventually reaching her room in the west wing.
Upon entering, she spotted a girl with a double bun sleeping on the table in the outer room. A sewing basket nearby held unfinished needlework.
This was Lian'er, one of her two maidservants in the mansion.
Jiang Xuening didn't call her, simply walking into the inner room from the outside.
Everything felt both familiar and unfamiliar.
The suitcase contained half women's clothes and half men's clothes. A high-quality aloe incense burned on the table next to the window. In front various pearls, hairpins, hair ornaments, rouge, and makeup were neatly arranged…
Wanniang was a master at "makeup."
The thin courtesans from Yangzhou were divided into three categories.
First-class thin courtesans engaged in reciting poems, playing musical instruments, painting, playing the qin and flute, practicing postures, learning makeup, and selling romantic allure;
Second-class thin courtesans were literate, played music, excelled in calculations, and were adept at selling;
Third-class thin courtesans were illiterate and only learned some female etiquette and cooking skills, specializing in household chores.
Wanniang, originally classified as a second-class thin courtesans, possessed innate charm. However, she had acquired a mastery of makeup that even first-class thin courtesans might envy. Before crossing paths with Meng Shi, they all moved in similar social circles.
Which girl doesn't adore beauty?
Having been raised by Wanniang, Jiang Xuening also cherished the tools that enhanced her appearance. She had diligently acquired the skills.
Moreover, being born into the Meng family, she naturally possessed favorable features. At eighteen, although not fully mature, a touch of makeup easily captivated onlookers.
It must be acknowledged that her facial beauty significantly contributed to her success in her previous life.
Note—
The most irrational thing in this world is beauty.
Jiang Xuening quietly stood before the vanity mirror, contemplating the reflection of her beautiful face. At this moment, she lacked the regality of her queenly days, yet this only accentuated the natural charm and allure in the contours of her eyes and brows.
It was a face that men adored and women envied the most.
With a light snort, she pushed down the dressing mirror, removed the bracelet that Wanniang's had adorned on her wrist, and cast it onto the suitcase with a resonant "clang."
In her past life, she envied Jiang Xuehui and snatched the opportunity to study with her. However, upon entering the palace, she faced Princess Leyang's constant harassment;
In her previous life, harboring resentment towards Jiang Xuehui, she stole her marriage, ascended to queenhood but found herself in a treacherous battlefield, surrounded by elites. She couldn't outmaneuver anyone and ultimately lost her life.
This illustrates the interconnected nature of cause and effect in the world.
Divine wisdom remains unclouded.
She released the bracelet and took a seat.
However, the commotion roused Lian'er from her sleep. Startled by the noise, she swiftly stood up. Upon parting the curtain to the inner room, she found Jiang Xuening sitting there. Trembling with fear, her fair complexion shifted to a pallid hue, and she approached, "Lian'er had no idea that the second young lady had returned…"
Jiang Xuening turned her gaze toward her.
This young girl was selected by the Meng family in the Jiang mansion. She had been in Jiang Xuening's service for six years in her previous life and held no malice. After her marriage to Shen Jie, Lian'er might have moved on to serve someone else, no longer in her direct service.
Given her absence last night, the household attendants were likely on edge.
Jiang Xuening had no intention of reproaching her. Observing the dark circles under Lian'er's eyes, she couldn't help but soften her tone and said, "I'm fine. You can return to your room and get some rest."
Upon hearing this, Lian'er, still standing, abruptly knelt down with a resounding "thud."
Her expression now held even more terror than before.
"Miss, Miss, Lian'er pledges never to sleep before your return, and she won't dare to doze off at the table again. Please don't ask the mistress to sell the servants. The servants have parents and younger siblings…"
Recognizing the misunderstanding, Jiang Xuening felt a mix of amusement and irritation. She extended her hand to lift Lian'er up, saying, "It's cold on the floor. Don't kneel. I never mentioned any punishment…"
"…"
Although pulled to her feet, Lian'er's expression remained peculiar.
After scrutinizing Jiang Xuening for a moment, she suddenly dashed outside, calling, "Tang'er, Tang'er, come quickly! The second young lady didn't return all night. I'm afraid something has happened to her. Something is wrong!"
Tang'er is Jiang Xuening's other personal maid.
Lian'er pulled Tang'er inside to inspect, and tears welled up in her eyes. "Just a moment ago, she instructed me to go to bed and explicitly told me not to kneel on the floor. Could it be that the second young lady went out and encountered some trouble? What if something happened?!"
"…"
Upon hearing these words, Jiang Xuening finally grasped why the way Lian'er had looked at her moments ago was amiss. She remained silent for a moment, and as Lian'er continued sobbing and panicking, a slight twitch appeared at the corners of her mouth and eyes, signaling the resurgence of her old temper.
Her brow furrowed, and her countenance turned icy.
"Try shedding tears again!"
"Hiccup!"
Startled by her words, Lian'er hiccupped in fright and immediately ceased her crying.
Though it sounded like a rebuke, upon hearing it, she transitioned from sorrow to delight, laughing amidst her tears. "Alright, alright! So that's how it is! Tang'er, the second young lady is perfectly fine, nothing has happened!"
Jiang Xuening: "…"
For some reason, she was reminded of that cold joke Shen Jie had once shared with her, titled "no problem."
It seemed she wasn't cut out to be a kind mistress.
This girl, she mused, might need to be let go when the opportunity arises.