The Eldest Legitimate Daughter is Both Beautiful and Valiant (ELDBBV) - Chapter 25

Jiang-shi found herself in a difficult situation this time. If she had not heard from the Zhongyong Marquis that the Bai family of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence was on the verge of downfall, she would not have dared to act so recklessly and manipulate Bai Jinxiu at will.

She had acted too impulsively, wanting to control Bai Jinxiu. She should have waited until the news of the demise of the Zhenguo Duke and Bai families’ male members spread throughout the capital before taking action. Moreover, behind the Bai family stood the Princess Dowager. Jiang-shi, who had been suppressed by Dong-shi’s family for so many years, felt that she finally had a chance to rise and could not bear the arrogance any longer.

Aunty Wu’s eyes glinted as she poured tea for Jiang-shi, approaching her to say, “Madam, Second Miss, let’s not panic for now! This old servant has been thinking… Even if the Princess Dowager learns about this matter, it won’t escalate beyond control. At most, they will just try to scare Madam and our two young misses. Think about it, Bai Jinxiu has already married into the Qin family. If the Zhongyong Marquis’ residence is in trouble, how can Bai Jinxiu, as a daughter-in-law of the Qin family, fare well? Being Madam’s daughter-in-law, she has to rely on you for her livelihood. With just a word of filial piety from you, Bai Jinxiu can be firmly controlled! The Princess Dowager won’t be unaware of this!”

Jiang-shi nodded at Aunty Wu’s words, quickly calming down. When she thought about how the news from Nanjiang would arrive soon, Jiang-shi’s panic gradually settled.

Seeing Jiang-shi’s improved complexion, Aunty Wu continued, “Furthermore! Didn’t the Bai family’s eldest daughter say that Bai Jinxiu’s martial arts and water skills surpass those of most men in the capital? She survived a sword wound on the frontlines of battle, but she can’t survive being bumped by a stone in our mansion? She was barely alive here, but the moment she returned to the Zhenguo Duke’s residence, she miraculously woke up? This whole thing happened just because the two young misses were playing around with her… It was just an accident that she fell into the water and she’s making a big fuss about it. She’s clearly trying to manipulate you, the mother-in-law, showing no virtue as a daughter-in-law whatsoever!”

Aunty Wu was enraged at the memory of Eldest Miss Bai tying her up and making her lose face throughout the Zhongyong Marquis’ residence. She could not contain her anger! As the most respected maid by the side of the Zhongyong Marquis’ wife, if she could not deal with that Eldest Miss Bai, then she could just torture that Bai Jinxiu to death! She had to take revenge.

Jiang-shi’s chest heaved with anger, “The Zhenguo Duke’s residence is indeed full of calculating people! I knew she had this in mind! She’s deluding herself!”

“Don’t be angry, Madam! This old servant thinks Madam might as well endure it first. After bringing back Bai Jinxiu home, as the mother-in-law, let her come to you and then set some rules. Even if it’s the Zhenguo Duke’s residence, they can’t find fault with it!” Aunty Wu comforted Jiang-shi, gently patting her back and speaking in a low voice.

Jiang-shi took a long breath, straightened her back, and said, “You’re right! But we should still maintain a humble and respectful attitude for others to see! Aunty Wu, go and prepare a generous gift. Tomorrow, after leaving the palace, we’ll visit the Princess Dowager and bring Bai Jinxiu back to the residence. Go to the storeroom and personally pick out the finest thousand-year-old ginseng… No matter what, the more expensive the better!”

“Madam is truly generous. For a mother-in-law to stoop low to visit her daughter-in-law, there is no such kind of mother-in-law in the entire capital! This old servant will go and prepare right away!” Aunty Wu hurriedly left to instruct someone to open the storeroom.

Jiang-shi lifted the tea cup and took a sip, hoping for news of the deaths of the Bai family’s male members in Nanjiang to arrive quickly. Only when she saw the Princess Dowager’s daughter-in-law, Dong-shi, crying and distressed, would she feel happy.

Back when she was a young girl, Dong-shi’s family background, looks, and everything else overshadowed Jiang-shi. Forced by her declining maternal family, Jiang-shi had to lower her head to Dong-shi. She had been hoping for a chance to turn the tables one day. After marrying into the prestigious Zhongyong Marquis’ family, even if she was only the second wife, she could finally suppress Dong-shi. Unexpectedly, Dong-shi married the heir of the Zhenguo Duke’s family within two years, a title even higher than her husband’s.

For two years in the Zhongyong Marquis’ residence, she remained childless while Dong-shi became pregnant the moment she entered the Zhenguo Duke’s residence. After ten months, Dong-shi gave birth to a daughter and Jiang-shi could finally breathe a sigh of relief. However, who knew that the Zhenguo Duke and the Princess Dowager would act as if they were possessed and treat the baby girl as a treasure? They doted on her more than the sons in the residence! Jiang-shi was infuriated.

She had been holding back her anger all these years, not wanting to fall too far behind Dong-shi. She had been counting on the hope that Qin Lang would make a mistake, allowing her son to become the heir of the Zhongyong Marquis, but fate did not favour her!

Now, the heavens had eyes. With the deaths of the Bai family’s male members in Nanjiang, including Dong-shi’s husband, the male lineage of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence would be wiped out. In the future, the Bai family would have no standing in the capital. She could finally release her pent-up resentment.

Thinking about Dong-shi’s future plight, Jiang-shi felt somewhat satisfied. She decided to endure for now and let the Zhenguo Duke’s residence be arrogant for a few more days.

Jiang-shi’s calculations could be considered successful, but before she could submit a letter to the palace, the Emperor had already approved Qin Lang’s request to step down from the heir position and had sent a eunuch with generous rewards.

“The son of the Zhongyong Marquis, Qin Lang, unwilling to rely on his family’s prestige and live an idle life, is full of passion, loyalty, and courage, and has fervently devoted himself to seeking achievements and sharing your burdens and worries. He has set an example as the son of a noble family. He is granted one hundred taels of gold and a residential estate. It is hoped that Qin Lang will study diligently and strive for success. In the upcoming palace examination next year, we… eagerly await.”

Qin Lang, kneeling at the forefront of the crowd at the Zhongyong Marquis’ residence, was instantly moved to tears. He solemnly kowtowed to receive the imperial edict, expressing his gratitude.

The eunuch who delivered the edict smiled at Qin Lang, who stood up with reddened eyes, and said, “Young Master’s heroic spirit and determination in making this decision is truly admirable! The Empress asked this old servant to convey her message to Young Master, that His Majesty values Young Master greatly and hopes that Young Master will not disappoint His Majesty’s expectations. Be a role model for the sons of noble families, live in the new residence and walk a new path, and embrace a bright future ahead.”

Upon hearing that the message was from the Empress, Qin Lang immediately knelt down again and respectfully kowtowed, “Thank you, His Majesty and the Empress, for their concerns! Qin Lang… Will not disappoint His Majesty and the Empress’ expectations. I will strive for diligence and self-reliance!”

The Zhongyong Marquis’ face turned ashen. Although the Emperor had personally issued a decree to praise Qin Lang, the decision for Qin Lang to step down from the heir position had not been discussed with him, the father. Instead, he had sought the assistance of the Princess Dowager. Furthermore, the Emperor’s gift of a residence and the Empress’ advice for Qin Lang to live in the new estate and live a different life had publicly exposed the family’s internal discord. Tomorrow, he would be embarrassed in front of the entire city’s nobility.

The Zhongyong Marquis turned and glared at Jiang-shi with a sharp and terrifying gaze. Jiang-shi’s face instantly turned pale, and she trembled like a sieve.

Jiang-shi knew that not only had her husband, the Zhongyong Marquis, had lost face, but her reputation had also been completely ruined. She had hoped for many years that Qin Lang would make a mistake so the heir position would fall to her son. Now, with Qin Lang voluntarily giving up the heir position, the position she once yearned for had become a hot potato. She was embarrassed to let her son take it.

Qin Lang respectfully placed the imperial edict on the incense table and was about to return to his own courtyard when he was stopped by the Zhongyong Marquis. With a raised hand, he slapped Qin Lang so hard that half of his face was left numb.