It Was A Fake Marriage, But Jiu Qian Sui Took It Seriously - Chapter 6

Jiang Yingwan patted her back gently: “You have been a person with your own ideas since you were a child. After your father passed away, you said that it was your mother who took care of you, but in fact, you were the one who shouldered all the responsibilities.”

“Mother knows that you have held back your temper and stayed by my side in the Marquis’ Mansion all these years. I only hoped that with their protection, life wouldn’t be too difficult for a daughter of our family. Although your grandmother is not my birth mother, she is still fair. You have a dowry, and if you marry into their family, you won’t be too greatly wronged.”

“But I have noticed that you’ve been preoccupied these past few days. Have they done something to trouble you? Don’t worry; even if, as your mother, I am not at my best, I will always stand by your side.”

Tears welled up in Shen Qing Li’s eyes, soaking into her mother’s clothes. She looked up at her, her chin trembling slightly, but in the end, she only shook her head gently.

She had heard from the maid that Mother had coughed up bl00d this morning—how could she possibly bring it up now?

Tears welled up in Jiang Yingwan’s eyes as she looked at her affectionately: “Li’er, you must remember, no matter what, your mother wishes for your happiness. If you are not happy, your mother will not be able to rest in peace even in death.”

Shen Qing Li tightly hugged her mother’s arm, rubbing her cheek against her, and choked out, “Don’t say such things. I don’t want you to speak about yourself that way.”

The mother and daughter had a rare chance to talk for a while, but Jiang Yingwan eventually grew tired and went back to her room to rest. Qing Li felt increasingly sad.

The engagement had to be called off, but many will disagree. How could she manage to end it without worrying her mother?

Several days passed, still Shin Qing Li couldn’t find a good solution, and the wedding date was approaching.

One evening, while she sat on the rooftop watching the sunset, Chun Hua hurried into the courtyard.

Knowing where the young lady was, she quickly looked up and waved at Qing Li.

As soon as Qing Li went down, she approached and whispered, “Young lady, Yun Sheng from the Duke’s side said he’s here to collect something and is waiting outside the small gate.”

Qing Li’s heart tightened as she realized what he had come to retrieve.

She quickly went back to her room to get the cyan oil-paper umbrella, wrapped in ordinary straw paper, and handed it to Chun Hua.

When Chun Hua returned and nodded gently, her heart finally settled.

Her two encounters with him that day had left her anxious, and having his belongings made her uneasy.

“Young lady, I just ran into Young Master Jiang Shi Li again,” Chun Hua reported reluctantly, disliking the entire Jiang family but knowing it was necessary.

In recent days, Young Master Jiang frequently visited the young lady, sometimes bringing her gifts and sometimes speaking to her from outside of the window.

The Shin Qing Li always avoided him, and Young Master Jiang might have grown tired of it. Recently, he only came to the courtyard entrance, said something, and left. It was unclear who he was doing it for.

Qing Li sneered, knowing exactly who—Madam Lu.

Just as she was about to close the door, her cousin Jiang Yuying arrived.

Jiang Yuying’s father was born of a concubine and wasn’t well liked by Madam Lu. When Jiang Yuying first came to the household, she initiated their friendship, and they got along fairly well.

After hesitating for a while, Jiang Yuying finally blushed and explained her reason for coming.

The Duke’s mansion was hosting a lotus-viewing banquet, inviting young men and women from the capital to compose poems. If they found a mutual attraction, it could lead to romance.

Since her father was born of a concubine, she wouldn’t be invited to such a banquet. But her mother said that with her looks, she might attract the attention of a nobleman if she could attend.

“Young lady, I’m just half a year older than you, and you’re already getting married, but I still don’t have a decent match.”

“I heard the Duke’s mansion always sends you an invitation to their banquets. Can I… can I go with you?”

Shin Qing Li felt troubled upon hearing this. Her father had some old acquaintance with the Duke, so they sent her an invitation every year, but she had never attended the banquet.

…going suddenly might be inappropriate.

Jiang Yuying, full of anticipation, took her hand. Living under someone else’s roof for many years, Qing Li had long forgotten how to refuse.

After much thought, she reluctantly nodded.

Jiang Yuying’s face bloomed with joy, and her happiness was contagious. Qing Li thought it might be good to see people outside.

Just as this thought arose, a cold and indifferent face appeared in her mind.

She took a deep breath and shook her head to dispel the thoughts.

Jiang Yuying, immersed in joy, didn’t notice her actions. She whispered excitedly, “I heard that the Duke will also attend. I’ve never seen this legendary figure who captivates so many young girls.”

As soon as she said this, the face she had just dispelled reappeared in her mind.

After chatting for a while, Jiang Yuying left.

Everyone works hard for their own happiness.

What if I take a bold step? Should I try to approach Jun Mo Ran?

He said the other day, why not give it a try?

The worst outcome is just ruining my reputation.

Until the day of the banquet at the Duke’s mansion, she hadn’t had the chance to meet him again. If she didn’t see him today, she would have to elope with her mother.

The banquet was held by an artificial lake, with men and women separated by greenery, both sides filled with poets and painters.

Qing Li didn’t see Jun Mo Ran and felt quite disappointed.

A burst of laughter attracted everyone’s attention.

“Oh! Brother Jiang Shi Li, not bad; your fiancée is so beautiful.” After saying that, he looked at Qing Li through the greenery.

“In my heart, Shin Qing Li is not even one in ten thousand compared to this painting. Our wedding is in half a month, and I hope all of you can attend.”

Laughter and compliments filled the air.

Jiang Yuying, full of envy, said, “Sister, you’re really lucky to have found a man who sees only you.”

Qing Li then realized that Jiang Zhi Li also attended this lotus-viewing banquet.

All sorts of eyes were on her.

She twisted the handkerchief in her fingers, feeling nauseated. She excused herself, saying she wasn’t feeling well, and left alone.

Being young girls with thin skin, everyone smiled kindly, understanding her discomfort.

It didn’t take long for Qing Li to find a rockery standing in the garden, with a pavilion on top.

As she lifted her skirt to climb up, she realized someone was already there.

Jun Mo Ran, in a black robe, with a tall, broad-shouldered, and slender figure, exuded an aloof and noble demeanor. Even his back could make one’s heart flutter.

Qing Li looked up, their eyes met, and finally… Heaven gave her another chance.

Taking a deep breath, she walked up toward him, meeting his gaze.

At this point, what is there to fear?

Jun Mo Ran’s brows were filled with harshness, but as she took each step, it gradually faded. Reaching the pavilion, he was still the aloof and unattainable figure, as if the previous harshness was just an illusion.

Jun Mo Ran’s lips curved slightly, and he said faintly, “So, you’re not afraid of me today?”

Daring to approach him voluntarily.

Qing Li knelt and said seriously, “Greetings, Duke. May I ask if your promise to help me still holds?”

Jun Mo Ran remained silent, examining her.

Qing Li’s confidence grew weaker.

After a moment, his cold voice sounded again: “Of course it holds.”

“What do you want me to do?”

Qing Li swallowed nervously and looked up. “I wish to break off my engagement with Jiang Zhi Li.”

Jun Mo Ran’s indifferent eyes suddenly changed, staring intently at her.