“Do you know why he was looking for me? They want the Luo family’s support. They let me go look for grandfather to speak favorably for them, and if I don’t help, I’m just heartless and unfilial, cold-blooded and selfish. If I don’t help, it’s just Jing Bo, this son-in-law, that’s heartless and unrighteous, disregarding the wife’s family. To all be like this towards the in-law family, in the future, when entering officialdom, don’t know how ruthless and cold-blooded……………” Sun Yi Jia gradually lost control the more she spoke, shaking all over from anger, “How can they just be shameless to this degree?! Ah?”

If it was just her, Sun Yi Jia wouldn’t even be this furious. In any case, it long wasn’t the first time, and she has long given up on them. It was best to not have anything to do with one another. But, to think that they were this underhanded, wanting to ruin Jing Bo’s reputation, using Jing Bo’s future prospects to threaten her. At the time, Sun Yi Jia just exploded on the spot, no longer concealing the hatred in her heart. In that moment, she really wanted to personally slash them! How was this her family, clearly irreconcilable enemies!

“Who do they take me as? The Heavenly Emperor? I’m merely one of the Head Minister of Appointment’s granddaughter-in-law. Could it be that I can influence a first rank high minister’s decision? Did water enter their brains or what? This kind of idiotic thing, they’re also able to say?”

In front of her two close friends, Sun Yi Jia completely didn’t restrain her emotions, thoroughly unloading, her eyes penetrating with deep-rooted hatred, her expression deranged. Even the beautiful winding branch make-up on her face all appeared malevolent. The blue veins on the back of her hand and her neck were tight and well-defined, no longer having the bearing and cultivation of a noble madam.

The emotions in Jing Wan and Yuan Qiao Qiao’s eyes were all hard to describe. The one that had her forced to this extent originally were suppose to be the ones that cherished her the most, her strongest support. Yet in the end, they would just repeatedly hurt her, cutting her flesh, letting her blood, devouring her heart, disrupting her life, destroying her happiness.

Yuan Qiao Qiao was somewhat helpless, completely not knowing what to say, and at the same time, also somewhat sorrowful inside. The Yuan family although wasn’t very wealthy and esteemed, but the whole family was still considered harmonious and happy. Her parents also wholeheartedly considered for her, and although her maternal grandfather occupied a high position, her family didn’t force her mother to ask for benefits from her maternal grandfather either. Right now, in her husband’s family, although there was a bit of troublesome matter, it actually wasn’t really considered anything.

Jing Wan also didn’t speak, letting Sun Yi Jia first vent out her emotions. This kind of thing, it was still best to vent out. If continuously bottling up inside, Jing Wan still remembered what this sister-in-law was like when they first met. Clearly the most beautiful flower, yet the inside had already dried up, not having the slightest vitality, making one pity.

Jing Wan was very clear, although the Luo family didn’t have any complaints towards this sister-in-law, and the elders were also quite good to her, but if the Ding Duke Manor keeps causing trouble like this, even if it isn’t her fault, gradually, they will still have an opinion towards her. This was human nature. No matter how deep the feelings, it still can’t withstand repeated torment.

However, Jing Wan thought of even more. Because her grandfather was unmoved neither by force nor persuasion, no matter who, all unable to do anything about him, for the Ding Duke Manor, Sun Yi Jia was just like an abandoned chess piece, unable to have any effect. The relationship between the two families can be considered to just exist in name. Everyone was all happy and relaxed, but now, the Ding Duke Manor suddenly came looking, what was the reason?

Was it that without the Empress, the Kang Qinwang faction has really become this hard-pressed? The Empress was full of ambition, so her control shouldn’t be this empty. However, it was also possible that Kang Qinwang got his wall corner dug, and certain people that originally supported him changed sides.

The Ding Duke looking for Sun Yi Jia to go speak for them, indeed appears to be very braindead, yet it also wasn’t considered very thorough, because rather than saying they were threatening Sun Yi Jia, it was better to say that they were threatening Luo Pei Shan. Although Luo Jing Bo was a baishen[1], his current reputation was displayed there. Among his peers in the entire capital, no one was able to stand to his right, his future prospects like brocade. Perhaps, he will even become a pillar of the Luo family in the future. This kind of grandson, Luo Pei Shan naturally doesn’t wish for others to ruin. As such, Luo Pei Shan might yield to the Ding Duke.

If switched with another family, Sun Yi Jia perhaps would’ve gotten divorced. That’s why, it was still her that was the most pitiful and innocent.

After venting, Sun Yi Jia became incomparably defeated.

“Elder sister-in-law, don’t be like this. This matter, grandfather and them will take care of, so please be at ease.”

“Grandfather will take care of? This kind of thing, where do I have the face to tell………….” Sun Yi Jia’s voice abruptly stopped. Because of anger, because of resentment, and because of losing control of her emotions, this while, she finally realized in hindsight, at the time, she’d cause that big of a ruckus, how could it have not drawn her grandparent-in-laws’ attention. At this time, afraid, they’ve already learned everything.

Indeed, that father of hers at the time simply didn’t stop her, not using his identity as her father to suppress her, just having a somewhat angry expression. Turns out, it was simply on purpose, having this kind of intention.

Sun Yi Jia tugged the corner of her mouth, revealing an exceptionally unsightly smile, even somewhat in despair. No matter how noble of a birth, what use was there? This kind of family, this kind of family…………..Fortunate and happy, so what? This kind of family, this kind of family…………..sooner or later can ruin everything for you.

Sun Yi Jia’s matter actually wasn’t impossible to thoroughly put to an end, just it was very difficult, and in fact, can’t be done like that.

Not knowing how to console her, the atmosphere for a moment sunk into silence.

Suddenly, a Luo family servant girl hurriedly rushed over, “Wangfei, third young madam, biao lady, someone has come from the palace, saying that his Majesty has bestowed down things. The old master let everyone go to the front to receive the imperial decree.” Although the servant girl was somewhat out of breath, her words and expression all penetrated with excitement.

This news made Sun Yi Jia’s gloomy mood slightly warm up. The three of them looked to one another. Although his Majesty bestowing things on Xuan’er’s first birthday was somewhat strange, but to insist on explaining, it was also somewhat explainable.

By the time they arrived, the people in the manor for the most part were all present. Jing Wan directly walked to the very front by Li Hong Yuan’s side, curtsying, “Wangye.”

Li Hong Yuan who was originally somewhat nonchalant didn’t say anything, reaching out to have her supported up.

The eunuch that came to announce the decree took it in, greeting her at once, appearing exceptionally deferential.

Jing Wan lightly smiled, nodding her head.

With everyone all gathered, they all knelt down together to receive the imperial decree. Afterwards, learning from the imperial decree that the things this time, rather than saying it was for Xuan’er, it was better to say that it was for Luo Jing Bo, making one baffled, unable to make sense of it.

However, Jing Wan and Li Hong Yuan shared a glance, both understanding inside, this afraid was because of the Imperial Noble Consort’s portrait. Because Luo Jing Bo’s gongbi style came into being, thus that painting was born. Just, Jing Wan really wanted to roll her eyes. This curve really was a bit too long. How long has it been already? After all, if the Emperor wants to reward someone, he can just randomly look for an excuse. Even if there was no reason, it also wasn’t a problem, as long as he’s happy. That’s why, at this time, it really made others baffled.

However, since even Jin Qinwang all said it was fine, and Head Minister Luo also accepted it naturally, everyone also just calmly accepted.

Only Sun Yi Jia had troubles in her heart, feeling guilty towards the Luo family elders, especially the head of the family, Luo Pei Shan, feeling that she’s brought him trouble, and at the same time, also feeling anxious, very much worrying that her peaceful and happy days will be gone forever.

Jing Wan couldn’t bear watching, coiling around Luo Old Madam’s arm and lightly pushing, indicting in Sun Yi Jia’s direction.

“Oh you.” Luo Old Madam was also helpless. Seeing Sun Yi Jia like that, she lightly sighed, waving her hand towards her.

Sun Yi Jia reacted a bit slow, hurriedly walking over, “Grandmother.”

Luo Old Madam patted her hand, “Enough, don’t think too much. Today is Xuan’er’s birthday. You as the mother looking anxious, if the child were to see, won’t she be affected too?”

Sun Yi Jia’s tears instantly fell, hurriedly using the handkerchief to wipe away, “Grandmother……….”

“Alright, why don’t you youngsters have a talk.” Luo Old Madam returned to the rear court on her own.

Jing Wan smilingly winked at Sun Yi Jia.

Sun Yi Jia didn’t know how to thank Jing Wan. She was very clear inside, for the Luo family to have accepted her that well from the start, it was completely because of little sister Wan. Even now, she was still helping her.

“Let’s go, let’s go.” Jing Wan pulled along Sun Yi Jia, directly heading towards the rear court.

Li Hong Yuan watched Jing Wan leave again, not having the slightest intention of leaving the Luo family and returning to the manor, frowning, but in the end, he didn’t stop her. He also knew that Jing Wan had deep feelings towards her maiden family. Forget it, it wasn’t easy for her to come back.

However, Jing Wan won’t really abandon Li Hong Yuan completely. If ignoring for too long, perhaps a certain someone will act up again.

After staying for another two hours, Jing Wan went to bid farewell to Luo Old Madam.

Coincidentally, Zhang-shi was also present, seemingly discussing her shu younger sister’s marriage arrangements. That shu younger sister was just a year younger than her, so indeed should start looking for a family.

“Wan Wan is here. Just in time, you also come listen.” Luo Old Madam waved her hand at Jing Wan.

There were indeed quite a few that wanted to marry Luo Jing You, but for the most part all coming for the Luo family’s influence. Regardless of what Luo Jing You’s position in the Luo family was like, it was just making connections with the Luo family first. At most, it was nothing more than a di son other than the eldest di son, or an outstanding shu son. In any case, they all need to take a wife, and the Luo family’s family style was placed there, so presumably, even if a shu daughter, she won’t be lacking either. This deal, no matter what, all won’t be a loss.

“The previous candidates all weren’t very satisfying. Just, today, the Xie family seems to have the intention of forming marriage ties.”

“The Xie family?” Since her grandmother directly mentioned the Xie family, then presumably, aside from the influential Xie clan, there wasn’t a second option. “Which son of the Xie family?” Based on her understanding towards her grandmother, it absolutely wasn’t just fancying the ‘Xie clan’, but rather fancying the Xie clan young man that will be forming marriage ties with the Luo family, so she naturally was curious as to who the other party was. However, that kind of large influential family forming marriage ties with the Luo family, presumably it won’t be someone that was very favored. Although at present, it wasn’t comparable to the previous dynasty, where the large influential family’s status was very high, and even ordinary shu sons all needed to be picky, those di sons still won’t be brought out to marry a shu daughter from an official family.

“You know him, the one that because of you, entered the Hong Lu Office, Xie Ren Hui.”

[1] Baishen – Essentially a commoner, but usually refers to scholars that don’t have an official post or serve in any government position.

T/N: Xie Ren Hui was introduced in chapter 108, as one of the people that received the Grand Elder Princess’s embroidered pouch, thus indebt to Jing Wan. He’s also the tang younger brother of the top scorer of the previous imperial exam. Xie Ren Hui also has a very complicated standing in his own family, which you can read about in chapter 108.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com