The Young Marquis Regrets Too Late - Chapter 8

Gu Huaisheng spoke with a smile, and his tone remained gentle even while saying those cruel words, which made Jiang Jingchun suspect that he was merely trying to scare her.

Jiang Jingchun said, “I’m not a child anymore.”

She wouldn’t be scared by such a thing.

His smile slowly faded as he replied, “I’m not trying to scare you.”

Of course, if he could scare her, that would be even better.

She always said she liked him, yet she didn’t even know what kind of person he was.

Gu Huaisheng turned his head back. He showed no intention of continuing the conversation with Jiang Jingchun.

Seeing his unwillingness to say more, Jiang Jingchun also held back her words and didn’t continue.

The performance on stage slowly reached its conclusion. The performers retreated from the scene, and the melodious singing ceased, leaving the area much quieter. Jiang Jingchun seemed lost in thought and her mind wandered elsewhere—though whether it was because Gu Huaisheng’s words had frightened her remained unknown. Anyhow, she remained silent after their earlier conversation.

It wasn’t until Lady Li called for her to return home that Jiang Jingchun finally reacted. She stood up, bid farewell to Madame Gu and Gu Huaisheng, and then followed Lady Li out of the Gu family residence.

Once they left, only Madame Gu, Gu Huaisheng, and Gu Huailang remained.

Madame Gu called Gu Huaisheng to sit beside her.

She noticed a hint of weariness in his expression and immediately knew that he must have gone out early that morning.

She asked, “What pulled you out of the house so early today?”

Gu Huaisheng answered truthfully, “There’s a case that I have been closely monitoring. I finally made some progress, so I hurried over.”

Madame Gu nodded to signal her understanding.

The two sat quietly for a moment. Nearby, Gu Huailang had put down the burr puzzle in his hand, which seemed to have been solved. Gu Huaisheng only glanced at Gu Huailang.

When he saw that Madame Gu seemed to have nothing more to say, he prepared to stand up and leave.

However, Madame Gu suddenly called out to him. “Fuyan.”

Gu Huaisheng turned back. His eyes showed a hint of confusion, as if he didn’t understand why she had called him again.

Madame Gu recalled the earlier scene and the way he had moved to Jiang Jingchun’s side.

She realised that he seemed to show Jiang Jingchun a certain indulgence and always gave in to her little requests and whims.

Was it really just because they were cousins?

He certainly didn’t treat other people with such indulgence.

Madame Gu herself couldn’t figure out this son of hers.

He had never been willing to grow close to her.

When Madame Gu gave birth to Gu Huaisheng, she had nearly died in labour. After walking that close to the gates of hell, she decided she wouldn’t bear another child in this lifetime. However, despite all that, Gu Huaisheng remained distant from her. When he was young, he would still linger around her occasionally, but once he grew older, he always preferred to keep to himself.

It was because of this that Madame Gu started to consider having another child.

With that thought, she quickly took action.

Gu Huaisheng had always been intelligent, even as a child. However, he kept his deep thoughts reserved, to the point that even she, his mother, often couldn’t understand what was going on in his mind.

After pondering for a moment, Madame Gu finally said, “You’re of age now—you’re already 21. Many families are eager to form connections with us through marriage.”

21 was indeed not a young age. If they had married early, other men his age would have children capable of running around by now. However, Gu Huaisheng remained indifferent and uninterested in such matters.

Recently, there had even been a maid, who had an exceptionally striking appearance, who attempted to climb into his bed. However, he had her sent out without so much as a change in expression.

Many families wished to connect with the marquis’ household. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that their residence’s threshold had practically been trampled flat by hopeful prospects.

Madame Gu spoke lightly, but her heart was truly anxious regarding this matter. She carefully observed Gu Huaisheng’s expression to gauge his reaction.

However, Gu Huaisheng barely paused, and his face showed no displeasure as he calmly replied, “I’ll leave everything to Mother’s arrangements.”

With that, he left.

Gu Huaisheng’s response clearly caught her off guard. She hadn’t expected him to agree so quickly. Madame Gu, who had received the answer she wanted, let out a sigh of relief and didn’t keep him any longer.

It seemed that perhaps she had been overthinking it earlier.

After Gu Huaisheng left, Madame Gu turned to Gu Huailang and unhappily scolded him, “Why wouldn’t you try to get closer to your elder brother? What were you doing standing so far away from him?”

They were brothers related by bl00d, yet Gu Huailang was more distant from Gu Huaisheng even compared to Jiang Jingchun.

Hearing his mother’s reprimand, Gu Huailang hung his head and mumbled, “Brother doesn’t like me. Even if I try to get close to him, he doesn’t respond.”

He was not Jiang Jingchun. If someone didn’t like him, he certainly wasn’t going to eagerly stick to them.

At six years old, a child could understand things, even if not quite fully. Gu Huailang’s thoughts were simple—he gravitated towards those who liked him and disliked those who didn’t.

Thus, since Gu Huaisheng didn’t like him, he also didn’t like Gu Huaisheng.

Madame Gu found herself with a headache after hearing this. She didn’t know how to reason with Gu Huailang. He was only six, and it was impossible to explain such things to him.

It was only natural that Gu Huaisheng didn’t like him. No one would welcome the sudden appearance of a younger brother so far below their age.

They would all know, deep down, what this younger brother represented.

Madame Gu didn’t know how to explain this to Gu Huailang. In the end, she simply sighed, squatted down, and looked at him, saying, “Your brother is like that with everyone. It’s not that he dislikes you. You’re too young to be thinking so much.”

However, Gu Huailang wasn’t so easily fooled. He clearly didn’t believe her words. He said in his soft, childish voice, “That’s not true. He’s not like that with Cousin Jiang.”

Madame Gu tapped his head lightly and replied, “You little rascal. What do you know about anything?”

She didn’t take his words to heart and didn’t pursue the matter further. She took his hand and led him to leave their rear garden as well.

The setting sun bathed the clouds in fiery hues as the evening glow spread across the sky. By the time they returned to the Jiang family residence, it was nearly dusk. Lady Li hoped to take advantage of their return to directly bring Jiang Jingchun to Chongming Hall.

However, Jiang Jingchun clung to her mother and acted spoiled for a while, but still insisted on returning to the old madame’s side. 

Lady Lin watched the whole thing unfold from the side. For once, she surprisingly refrained from making any sarcastic remarks. However, as soon as she returned to the second household’s residence, she immediately sought out her husband, Jiang Cheng, insisting that Jiang Jingfang should also be sent to the old madame.

She said that she wanted her daughter to ‘learn the proper conduct from a governess who had worked in the palace,’ but in truth, she simply couldn’t stand seeing Jiang Jingchun have something that her own daughter didn’t.

Back at their place, Jiang Cheng sat at the table, listening to Lady Lin’s endless complaints.

“Why should the first branch get all the good things? Learn proper conduct? If Jiang Jingchun could learn any proper conduct, then pigs would be climbing trees! Being by the old madame’s side is certainly better than not being there at all. That old woman is already so biased. Back when you and your elder brother were younger, she only cared about him. And now, even among the younger generation, she’s favouring your eldest brother’s children again. Are you even a man? How can you stand this?”

Lady Lin had been ranting about this from the moment they got back, and she wasn’t about to stop.

Jiang Cheng couldn’t tolerate her harsh words and couldn’t help but frown. He said, “Can’t you speak nicely? It was my own lack of ability that caused it. I didn’t amount to much with my studies. If Mother had spread her attention between us back then, the Jiang family would have been finished.”

Jiang Cheng wasn’t a foolish person. He understood the dire straits their family were in back then. If only one child could pursue an education, it had to be Jiang Nan. Only by pouring all their resources into Jiang Nan could the Jiang family hope to regain a foothold in the capital.

In hindsight, Old Madame Jiang’s decision had proven correct.

Jiang Cheng didn’t have lofty ambitions, either, and his elder brother now also helped his family. Anyhow, as long as his elder brother had enough to eat now, he knew he also wouldn’t go hungry.

Lady Lin grew even angrier upon hearing his reasoning, and her words became more cutting. “We don’t even know if Jiang Jingchun has Jiang family’s bl00d in her veins, but the old madame invests so much in raising her!”

Jiang Cheng immediately scolded, “Stop saying such things. If Sister-in-law hears this, there’ll be trouble!”

“What, we can’t even talk freely in our own home now? Am I wrong? Back when Jiang Jinghui went missing, they searched for her for over a month before finding her. And why did they change her name afterwards? I clearly remember Jiang Jinghui had a birthmark on her hand. I snuck a look once—Jiang Jingchun doesn’t have one. Tell me there’s nothing fishy about this! I don’t believe that she’s their daughter, not at all.”

When Jiang Jinghui was three years old, she had gone missing. Jiang Nan spent an entire month searching but to no avail. During that time, Li Wanning’s mental state had clearly deteriorated. She would cling to anyone she saw and demand that they return her child.

However, how could they return a child they didn’t take?

Later, when Jiang Nan took Li Wanning and Jiang Runchu to a temple to pray for blessings, they miraculously found the missing Jiang Jinghui there.

However, the temple’s monk had apparently claimed that Jiang Jinghui’s name was inauspicious and would invite hardship, so her name was changed to Jiang Jingchun.

Whether or not Jiang Jingchun was truly Jiang Jinghui—only the first branch knew for sure.

Jiang Cheng clearly didn’t want to continue this conversation. “Enough! Stop being so suspicious. Why do you spend your days thinking about nonsense like this?”

“Fine, whatever. Whether she is or isn’t their real daughter, as long as Jiang Jingchun has something, my daughter must have it too!”

Jiang Cheng, exhausted by Lady Lin’s nagging, finally gave in and went to see the old madame.

Night had fallen, and the now full moon hung high in the sky.

It was now the hour of the dog. Lady Lin was afraid that the old madame would retire early, so she hurried Jiang Cheng towards Rongde Hall.

When they arrived, Jiang Cheng saw that the light was still on in the inner hall and knew that the old madame hadn’t gone to bed yet. He paced hesitantly outside the door and seemed reluctant to enter.

A maid noticed him hesitating and couldn’t help but step forward. “Second Master, are you here to see the old madame?”

Jiang Cheng snapped out of his daze at her voice. He knew he couldn’t delay any longer; otherwise, Lady Lin would make a scene. As such, he sighed, dismissed the maid, and entered the hall.

Just as he walked in, he ran into Jiang Jingchun, who was coming out.

She was holding an empty bowl. Some remnants of porridge were still visible inside.

The two of them nearly bumped into each other. Jiang Jingchun spoke first, saying, “Second Uncle.”

Jiang Cheng awkwardly scratched his nose and grunted in acknowledgement. He then asked, “Has Mother’s stomach ailment acted up again?”

Whenever the old madame had stomach trouble, she would refuse to eat anything—not even porridge. It was always Jiang Jingchun who somehow managed to get her to eat a little.

Jiang Jingchun replied, “Yes. She’s feeling better now after having some porridge. She’s resting inside.”

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Jiang Cheng didn’t continue the conversation and entered the room.

Old Madame Jiang was lying down and resting. Her complexion was a little pale, and she still seemed somewhat unwell.

After entering, Jiang Cheng softly called out, “Mother.”

Although Old Madame Jiang’s stomach now felt a little better, she still felt some lingering discomfort, and there was a faint sourness in her mouth and throat that made her feel unwell. She didn’t open her eyes and simply gave a low hum in response to him.

Seeing her slightly furrowed eyebrows, Jiang Cheng knew she was still feeling unwell.

Nevertheless, he spoke up and explained the purpose of his visit. “Mother, I’ve noticed that Jingchun has been by your side, and she’s made a lot of progress. I was thinking that perhaps Jingfang could also come and learn some manners from you and perhaps gain a few more skills. What do you think?”

Upon hearing Jiang Cheng’s words, Old Madame Jiang opened her eyes and gazed at him. He couldn’t tell what she felt—whether she was happy or angry, at that moment.

“What does your wife mean by this?”

Jiang Cheng quickly explained, “She doesn’t mean anything. She just wants what’s best for her child.”

The old madame let out a soft laugh and said, “What’s best for her child? Jingfang already knows everything that Jingchun is learning. What will she learn here? Let her come if she wants, but will she even want to?”

After living to this age, it was only natural that she wouldn’t be oblivious to such tricks.

Jiang Cheng thought for a moment, then said, “I heard there is a governess who came from the palace here. I thought she could learn something.”

The old madame understood now. It seemed Jiang Cheng was intent on forcing Jiang Jingfang onto her today.

“My health isn’t what it used to be, and even with Jingchun, it’s already a bit exhausting.”

Still, she was unwilling to accept her.

However, Jiang Cheng didn’t want to return to his courtyard and argue again with Lady Lin, so he had to use his last resort. He said, “Mother, Jingfang is also your granddaughter.”

This remark hinted at a possible complaint about favouritism.

Old Madame Jiang’s gaze turned cold, but after a moment, she finally agreed to his request.

“Alright. Back then, I focused too much on your elder brother and didn’t pay attention to you. That was my fault. If you want Jingfang to come, let her come. I don’t want people saying I’ve been unfair to you. But let me make myself clear—coming here won’t be easy living. If she can’t handle it, don’t blame me for it.”

Jiang Cheng often brought up old matters to extract favours from her. Perhaps out of a sense of guilt, the old madame was usually lenient with him. Every time he mentioned this matter, she would grant his request.

Over the years, this method had never failed him.

Jiang Cheng knew he was in the wrong at this moment and felt a little embarrassed by her words. He opened his mouth to explain, but the old madame spoke first.

“You all have no conscience.”

“Mother, what are you talking about?”

“It’s what’s in your heart.”

Though the old madame was a bit upset, Jiang Cheng had accomplished the task Lady Lin had given him. After hearing his mother’s words, he didn’t argue further and rose to leave.

From that day forward, Jiang Jingfang also moved into Rongde Hall and stayed with Jiang Jingchun.

In truth, when Jiang Jingfang woke up and heard that her mother was sending her to live with the old madame, she felt like the sky was falling.

She didn’t want to suffer.

Moreover, she indeed already knew the skills that Jiang Jingchun was learning. She had learned all she needed to know about needlework, tea preparation, and proper conduct.

What was she supposed to do in Rongde Hall?

She didn’t want to go, but Lady Lin forced her.

At first, she was reluctant, but over time, she saw Jiang Jingchun being punished for mistakes during the lessons with Governess Liu. This stirred something inside Jiang Jingfang, and she began to feel less resistant to being in Rongde Hall. 

However, as time passed, Jiang Jingchun, who had been punished at first, slowly stopped making mistakes, and eventually, she was even catching up to Jiang Jingfang in terms of skill. This made Jiang Jingfang feel alarmed, and she began to secretly compete with Jiang Jingchun.

Fortunately, other than that, there were no big issues in the Jiang family residence, at least for the time being.

Time passed slowly, and soon it was the eighteenth day of the fourth month—the old madame’s sixtieth birthday.

Minister Jiang was a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel and came from a well-known family. He also had a good reputation. Naturally, many people came to flatter him. On the day of the old madame’s birthday, many guests came—indeed, many prominent families from the capital attended her birthday. The banquet was set in the main hall of Rongde Hall, where golden curtains rustled as guests came and went. Jiang Nan and Jiang Cheng greeted the male guests outside, while Lady Li and Lady Lin socialised with the ladies.

Jiang Jingchun had been staying by the old madame’s side these past few days and finally had some free time today.

The banquet hadn’t started yet. On such an occasion, the old madame wore her first-rank madame clothing and sat in the inner hall. Many guests came in to greet her, and she had no time to pay attention to anything else.

Chen Muqing had also come today, along with her stepmother, who was now socialising with Lady Li.

Jiang Jingchun seized this opportunity and slipped outside to meet Chen Muqing.

While they were chatting, they suddenly heard the sound of boots, and a boy with a ponytail appeared at the side, saying, “Hey, Jiang Jingchun, where have you been these days? Why haven’t you been out?”

The two girls were startled by the sudden voice and turned to look.

The person who had come was a boy who was about eighteen years old, dressed in a light fur coat and adorned with precious items. He had quite a striking, handsome face.

He was Song Xuan’an.

Song Xuan’an was a mutual friend of theirs. His grandfather was a high-ranking official in the Grand Secretariat. He was only a few years older than them, and the three of them often spent time together.

But recently, Song Xuan’an noticed that Jiang Jingchun hadn’t been out for a while. What had she been doing at home all this time?

“I’ve been learning proper conduct,” Jiang Jingchun answered. Then, she added, “So please don’t bother me these days.”

Learning proper conduct?

Song Xuan’an raised an eyebrow. He found it interesting. Just as he was about to tease her, Jiang Jingchun spoke again.

“Young Master Song, my governess told me that men and women should not be too close to each other, so we should keep some distance.”

Her voice was a bit loud and immediately caught the attention of many.

Song Xuan’an and Chen Muqing were left confused by her words. In the past, they used to stay out all night together, and now she was talking about ‘keeping her distance’ with Song Xuan’an? Had she lost her mind while learning proper conduct?

Song Xuan’an was about to say something, but just then, he heard the sound of servants greeting at the door.

He turned his gaze that way.

A man in a black silk robe entered. The embroidery on his belt was simple yet elegant, and his robe fluttered as he moved. His sharp eyebrows and eyes which were as brilliant as the starry night sky made him look cold, though he still exuded a unique charm. As soon as he appeared, he drew the attention of many.

Gu Huaisheng glanced in their direction. He had clearly noticed the commotion they’d made.

Song Xuan’an understood now—no wonder she had suddenly acted strange. It was because Gu Huaisheng had arrived.