Chapter 157: Isn’t This Slapping The Zhong Family In The Face?
“She gave me leftovers, and Father actually thought it was a kind gesture. I see Father has been biased ever since Sister came back.”
Zhong Xintong thought of how Zhong Ding had yelled at her last time because of Jiang Ruanxi, and she felt more and more this way, growing angrier the more she thought about it, finally throwing down her chopsticks directly. “I can’t eat this meal. Eat it yourselves if you want.”
“This child, I’ve spoiled her so much she’s lawless.” Zhong Ding did not chase after her, and his face even showed some apology.
Jiang Ruanxi smiled faintly. “Sir Zhong, if you go on like this, Miss Zhong will misunderstand. Why don’t you go explain it to her?”
“Young Lady, rest assured. After you marry, everything will come to light. Telling her now might not sit well with her, and it could lead to even more trouble.”
Jiang Ruanxi considered Zhong Xintong’s personality. She was indeed the type to cause such a scene, so she said no more.
“By the way, Sir Zhong, is the disaster situation serious now?”
Jiang Ruanxi had experienced the disaster situation in her previous life in the Capital, so she had no real sense of it.
She had only vaguely heard Lin Ningkun mention it. The Jiang Family had earned great merit in this disaster situation, securing their position at court and making a hefty profit.
Now that Jiang Linlei had been arrested, the Jiang Family had no one left in Lingnan, so they could not hope to gain any benefits from this drought.
“It is indeed quite serious. The granary was burned, most of Lingnan’s stored grain is gone, and the city is already starting to face grain shortages.” Zhong Ding’s expression was not good.
As an official in Lingnan, he knew that if the abnormal grain prices continued unchecked, Lingnan would descend into chaos. If not handled well, not only would his official hat be at risk, but their whole family’s lives could be in danger.
Jiang Ruanxi’s eyes darkened.
She remembered He Kui telling her before that Jiang Linlei had hoarded a lot of grain, but he had transported it all away.
If the Crown Prince were to transport grain from afar now, it would inevitably take time. If it arrived in time, that would be fine, but if not, the consequences would be unimaginable.
“Fortunately, the Crown Prince is in Lingnan. I believe this matter will be resolved soon.” Zhong Ding said this, unsure if he was comforting himself or someone else.
Zhong Ding remembered the purpose of inviting her to dine with them today and took an invitation from his bosom. “This is an invitation from the Yu Family. If you have time tomorrow, you can go out for a visit.”
Jiang Ruanxi took the invitation and found it was from the Yu Family for her.
It was thanks to Second Master Yu’s help in the matter with Jiang Linlei this time, so she should go thank him, and this was the perfect opportunity.
“Father, I want to go too.”
Suddenly, Zhong Xintong and Old Madam Zhong, who had left and returned, came back again.
“What nonsense are you talking? What are you going there for?”
“Father, this should be Madam Lin’s invitation, which means that the people going to the Yu Family tomorrow are not just Zhong Ling, but also prominent ladies from Lingnan.”
Zhong Ding did not know what she wanted to say but still nodded.
“In such occasions, elders usually take the younger generation along, so not only do I want to go tomorrow, but Grandmother must go too.”
Old Madam Zhong also spoke up. “Master, Xintong is right. In such occasions, there’s no reason for a junior to go alone while the elders stay behind. That would be slapping the Zhong Family in the face.”
The invitation did not specify they should go; it was just given to him by the Yu Family for Jiang Ruanxi, so Zhong Ding was somewhat hesitant.
“They are still young and don’t understand the rules of great families. If I go with them, I can correct any improper behavior on the spot. Zhong Ling is about to marry soon; we can’t have her cause any jokes at this time, or the Yu Family will hold it over her.”
If it were any other girl, Old Madam Zhong’s reasonable words would make sense.
But Jiang Ruanxi was not like others. Though he did not know her background, she was personally entrusted to him by Second Master Yu, and from her demeanor, she did not seem from a small family.
She knew far more than Old Madam Zhong.
“Master, Old Madam is right. Although I am betrothed to the Yu Family, we are not yet married, so going directly like this is indeed improper. Better let Old Madam take us.”
Before he could speak, Jiang Ruanxi spoke first.
Since Jiang Ruanxi had said so, Zhong Ding no longer insisted and nodded to them.
Old Madam Zhong and Zhong Xintong immediately smiled.
Especially Zhong Xintong.
She had thought she could climb the Jiang Family’s big tree, but before she could act, Jiang Linlei was thrown into prison.
And now the Crown Prince had come to Lingnan, and the Yu Family was the Empress’s maternal home, so he would likely appear tomorrow. If he did, she would have her chance.
She had heard the Crown Prince had a radiant, moonlit appearance, and just thinking about it made her little heart pound.
Knowing his daughter best, Zhong Ding was still a bit worried and solemnly warned them with a serious face. “Mother, the Yu Family is the Empress’s maternal family after all. Tomorrow when you go, don’t cause any embarrassing scenes. Xintong, especially you.”
“Got it, Father.” Zhong Xintong pouted.
“Rest assured, I know my limits and won’t disgrace the Zhong Family.” Old Madam Zhong guaranteed.
Zhong Ding was still uneasy, but thinking Jiang Ruanxi would be there too, nothing should happen.
After Zhong Ding and Jiang Ruanxi left, Zhong Xintong tugged at Old Madam Zhong’s sleeve, bouncing and laughing. “Grandmother, we’ll see the Crown Prince at the Yu Family tomorrow, right? I must dress up beautifully tomorrow and make sure the Crown Prince remembers me.”
Old Madam Zhong fondly stroked Zhong Xintong’s head. “My Xintong is so beautiful; His Highness will surely be captivated by you.”
In Old Madam Zhong’s heart, her granddaughter was the bright moon in the sky, noble and beautiful, more than worthy of the Crown Prince.
“I think so too. I’ll bring out my best clothes and wear them for the Crown Prince tomorrow.”
With that, she bounced away.
Hong Ye got the information and immediately went to report to Jiang Ruanxi.
“Miss, I see those two have bad intentions. Do we really have to take them tomorrow?”
“Yes, with them drawing attention tomorrow, I can quietly go see Second Master and thank him.”
Hearing this and understanding Jiang Ruanxi’s plan, she felt relieved and smiled. “Miss, you’re so clever.”
“The Crown Prince might be there tomorrow too, so Hong Ye, you won’t go tomorrow. Yushui will come with me to the Yu Family.”
Hong Ye nodded, frowning slightly. “Miss, if you run into the Crown Prince tomorrow and he recognizes you, what will you do?”
