Chapter 40: Your Third Sister Isn’t Young Anymore
“Second Sister-in-law, I came this time mainly to ask you for a favor.”
Jiang Ruanxi sneered inwardly.
As expected, no one visits the temple of the Three Treasures without reason; when there’s a matter, she’s sister-in-law, but when there’s nothing, she’s just Jiang Ruanxi.
Seeing that Jiang Ruanxi didn’t respond, Lin Tingting didn’t mind and continued on her own, “It’s like this. I originally wanted to ask Second Brother for help with this matter, but Second Brother has been busy lately and can’t go out, so he asked me to come find you.”
This foolish woman—anyway, as soon as she mentions her own Second Brother, she’ll definitely agree without hesitation.
“Oh, I don’t know what matter Third Sister has that I can help with.”
Jiang Ruanxi also sat down beside her and picked up the teacup to sip some tea.
For her to lower her stance and show goodwill to me, it definitely isn’t a small matter.
“It’s like this. I heard that this year’s Third Place Scholar is the Heir Apparent of Yongning Marquis Manor.”
Jiang Ruanxi instantly understood what was going on. Lin Tingting had long since had her coming-of-age ceremony, but originally no one had come to propose marriage.
It’s just that she was arrogant and looked down on everyone.
Now she actually fancied the Heir Apparent of Yongning Marquis Manor.
To be honest, not to mention that Dingning Marquis Manor has now fallen into decline, even if it hadn’t, Yongning Marquis Manor wouldn’t spare Lin Tingting a glance.
“What’s this, Second Sister-in-law, you’re unwilling?” Seeing that she wasn’t agreeing promptly, Lin Tingting was quite displeased. “If Second Sister-in-law doesn’t want to help, then just say so directly. I’ll explain the situation to Second Brother.”
The implication was, if you don’t help, I’ll tell Second Brother about this matter.
“No need for that. I was just thinking why Third Sister doesn’t choose this year’s Top Scholar. I hear the Top Scholar is exceptionally talented and handsome, with a rather affluent family background.”
Lin Tingting had a look of disdain.
“An affluent family background is fine, but compared to Yongning Marquis Manor, it’s still far inferior.”
It truly was far inferior.
But Lin Tingting didn’t know that although the Third Place Scholar was the Heir Apparent of Yongning Marquis Manor, with good talent, looks, and family, she didn’t know that this Heir Apparent had an extremely perverse temper and personality. Not only did he like beating people, he also liked playing with women. He wasn’t even married yet, and he already had a pile of concubines at home.
That was bad enough, but he was also short-lived. In her previous life, it seemed he died suddenly not long after getting married.
As for the Top Scholar, although his family wasn’t as good as Yongning Marquis Manor, his maternal family had intricate ties with the Crown Prince, and in the end his official career went smoothly, rising meteorically.
“Third Sister, I do want to help with this matter, but since ancient times marriage matters have been decided entirely by the parents. I can inquire for you, but your marriage will ultimately be decided by Mother…”
Lin Tingting was very displeased.
Although her mother was the Old Madam of Dingning Marquis Manor, she came from a small family, inferior even to Jiang Ruanxi.
If her marriage relied on her mother, it probably wouldn’t end well, so she had come to ask for help using her Second Brother’s name.
She had already given her such a huge face, yet she still dared to refuse.
Truly raised by merchants, without any insight at all.
“If Mother agrees, then you’ll agree to this, right?” Lin Tingting said impatiently.
“Third Sister, I’ll go ask Mother first.”
This ambiguous response didn’t directly refuse her and instead gave her hope.
Her objective achieved, Lin Tingting didn’t stay longer.
After Lin Tingting left, Hong Ye couldn’t help but speak up.
“Madam, if you speak like this and the Old Madam ends up agreeing to let you handle Third Miss’s matter, what then?”
The clear light shone on Jiang Ruanxi’s face, making her originally otherworldly face even more ethereal.
“Don’t worry, there’s still Elder Sister-in-law in the family. It won’t fall to anyone else, let alone me.” Jiang Ruanxi set down her cup and said with a profound look.
However, this matter would proceed whether it worked out or not.
She was somewhat looking forward to how Lin Tingting’s life would be after marrying over.
Hong Ye thought about it and agreed. Madam He was the eldest sister-in-law, and as the eldest sister-in-law is like a mother, no matter what, it wouldn’t fall to Jiang Ruanxi to worry about.
“Right, how’s it going with He Kui?”
Speaking of the main matter, Hong Ye also became serious.
“Madam, I was just about to tell you. Shugen told me this afternoon that He Kui has followed Madam’s instructions and hoarded all the medicinal herbs around the capital, especially the few kinds Madam specified. In the entire capital, even within twenty miles around the capital, nowhere else can find them except our family.”
Jiang Ruanxi calculated the timing, and that matter was just about half a month away.
“Tell He Kui to hurry and hoard as much medicinal herbs as possible to the greatest extent.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Jiang Ruanxi looked at the timeline she had drawn on the table with a writing brush. “Right, any news from Master Bian Du?”
“Madam, Shugen found Master Bian Du. He asks you to meet at Guangming Temple five days from now.”
Jiang Ruanxi frowned, but Hong Ye said, “Madam, is Master Bian Du reliable?”
He had no fixed abode. If he really had news of the Nameless Daoist, he could just send it directly. Why be so secretive?
“Don’t speak nonsense. Master Bian Du asking me to go to Guangming Temple naturally has his reason. We’ll just go.”
“But the Marquis is ill recently, and the Old Madam is watching you closely. How do we find an excuse to go?”
This was a difficult problem.
Jiang Ruanxi thought for a moment and said, “Third Miss has been seeking marriage prospects lately, right? You have someone tell Third Miss that seeking marriage at Guangming Temple is the most efficacious.”
Hong Ye suddenly understood, her eyes full of admiration.
“Madam, this servant understands.”
The next day was the first of the month, and the Jiang Family gathered for a meal.
Lin Ningkun was still wearing a hat, his expression not looking good. Jiang Ruanxi sat with him.
Although the person before her was still as refined as jade, whenever she recalled that scene from that day, it was as if she saw a toad swaying before her eyes. Her stomach churned, and she couldn’t eat.
“Jiang Ruanxi, I have something to discuss with you.”
Jiang Ruanxi had no appetite to begin with and was worrying about finding an excuse, but now that Madam Zhou spoke, she found the perfect one. “Mother, we’re all family. Why be polite with me? Just say whatever you have to say.”
“Your Third Sister isn’t young anymore.”
As soon as the words fell, Jiang Ruanxi saw Madam He’s hand tremble slightly.
“I’m old now and it’s inconvenient for me to go out. I don’t know as many people as you young ones do, so keep an eye out for your Third Sister’s matters.”
If it were her previous life, Jiang Ruanxi would definitely take it to heart and inquire about suitable young talents in the capital when going out.
But Lin Tingting wasn’t someone who knew gratitude. In her previous life, she also liked the Heir Apparent of Yongning Marquis Manor, but after learning of his character, she decisively advised against that marriage and kindly suggested the Top Scholar instead.
