Among the four branches of the Jiang Family, the easiest target was naturally Jiang Tingjun, who had no means of self-defense.
If the plan succeeded, Jiang Tingjun would be sold far away. The couple, Jiang Mingrui and Jin Huifang, would be devastated by the loss of their child.
If it failed and the truth came out, the Zhuang family would intervene. Zhuang Meixue would emerge unscathed, but the bond between Jiang Mingrui and Jiang Mingzhe would inevitably suffer.
With the Jiang brothers at odds, the Jiang Family would eventually face ruin.
The thought of the Jiang Family's downfall made Zhuang Meixue smile again.
"You're truly mad, absolutely mad," Jiang Mingzhe spat before turning to leave.
This woman's heart had twisted beyond reason—arguing with her was a waste of breath.
Leaving Qushui Courtyard, Jiang Mingzhe headed to Fanghua Courtyard. He came to apologize on Zhuang Meixue's behalf.
Jin Huifang, who had just calmed down, flared up again at the announcement. "Send him away."
She wanted nothing to do with anyone from the second branch.
Jin Huifang, consumed by grief, refused to engage. But Jiang Mingrui, being Jiang Mingzhe's blood brother, couldn’t let the rift deepen.
After soothing Jin Huifang, Jiang Mingrui went to the parlor to meet Jiang Mingzhe.
"Fourth Brother, I’m sorry. I failed to keep your sister-in-law in check," Jiang Mingzhe apologized sincerely. To show his sincerity, he had brought three large chests.
When opened, they revealed gold, silver, jewels, fine silks, rare antiques, and other treasures.
Most valuable were two property deeds—the deeds to the Jiang Family’s two most profitable shops in Jiangcheng.
"You think these trinkets can buy my forgiveness for Zhuang Meixue? Let me make this clear—never. The Jiang Family may fear the Zhuangs, but I, Jin Huifang, do not. This ends only when one of us is dead." Jin Huifang stormed in and overturned the chests.
Zhuang Meixue couldn’t trade these for her son’s life.
Jiang Mingrui held Jin Huifang back from striking Jiang Mingzhe. "Second Brother, Huifang speaks for me as well. Take these back."
"Consider them a gift from this uncle for my nephew’s first birthday." Jiang Mingzhe had no intention of reclaiming the chests.
He turned to Jin Huifang. "Sister-in-law, your second sister-in-law has been part of the Jiang Family for over a decade. Day after day, she’s shouldered the burdens of managing the household, living a life of hardship.
The fault lies mostly with me. I was always away, too blind to see her suffering, her helplessness, her pain.
Our first child—she waited ten years for it. So did I.
When we lost the child, I drowned in my own grief and failed to notice her despair. That’s how she strayed onto this dark path.
Every mistake is mine.
As a husband, I failed to protect my wife. As an elder brother, I failed to mend our family’s fractures. And because of that, Little Six suffered.
Sister-in-law, whatever punishment you demand, I’ll bear it.
I only ask that, for the sake of my role in bringing Little Six home, you spare your second sister-in-law this once.
I swear I’ll keep her in check. She’ll never harm Little Six again."
Jiang Mingzhe’s words moved Jiang Mingrui.
"I’ll forgive Zhuang Meixue on one condition—she must publicly apologize to Tingjun." Jin Huifang knew Zhuang Meixue’s pride would make this demand nearly impossible.
Jiang Mingzhe, aware of Zhuang Meixue’s state, knew convincing her was hopeless.
"Then let me apologize to Little Six in her stead."
"Second Brother, my terms stand." Jin Huifang refused to yield.
In the end, Jiang Mingzhe agreed, though no one knew how he managed it.
On the fifteenth of May, when the Jiang Family gathered at Zhongle Courtyard to pay respects, Zhuang Meixue stood before them all and spoke.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, it was my momentary lapse in judgment. I waited over ten years for a child, only to have someone take him from me. At night, I dream of the baby crying, asking why I couldn’t bring him into this world. I lie awake for hours. Someone told me my child was cursed, doomed never to be born. They said Jiang Tingjun was the one who brought the curse upon him. I didn’t want to believe it, but with my child gone, I thought sending Tingjun away for a couple of years would help—just until I could conceive again. Who would have thought that wretched wet nurse would sell him to traffickers? It was my carelessness that nearly harmed Tingjun, my failure to see people for who they truly are..." Zhuang Meixue covered her face with a handkerchief and turned away, sobbing.
Standing behind Jin Huifang, Ye Yunniang caught a glimpse of Zhuang Meixue’s eyes—there was no remorse there, only a seething hatred.
"Huifang, your second aunt has apologized. It’s time for you to respond," Old Madam Jiang urged Jin Huifang.
Listening to Zhuang Meixue’s words, Jin Huifang sensed no genuine repentance.
Perhaps that was for the best. It meant she wouldn’t have to hold back.
"Since Second Sister-in-law has apologized, it would be petty of me to dwell on it. The traffickers have been captured by Magistrate Bao. I trust his unwavering justice will ensure every last one of them is punished—no evildoer spared."
"Well said. A family must live in harmony. What’s done is done," Old Madam Jiang concluded, eager to ease the tension. To lighten the mood, she even opened her private storeroom.
Under the pretense of needing to take inventory of long-stored items, she distributed lavish gifts to each household.
As Jiang Tingjun’s wet nurse, Ye Yunniang also received a box from Old Madam Jiang.
Fourth Madam Jiang gifted her another box as well.
The box from Old Madam Jiang contained an exquisite set of auspicious cloud-patterned jewelry, elegant and luxurious. Ye Yunniang adored it, carefully tucking it away.
Fourth Madam Jiang’s box was far more practical. On top lay two silver notes—Ye Yunniang, now literate enough, recognized them as thousand-tael bills. Beneath them was a pile of golden beads.
She scooped up a handful, marveling at their smooth, cool texture.
With this money, her family could finally buy a shop. Whether they ran a business themselves or rented it out, it would mean steady income.
"You like gold," Jiang Mingzhe’s voice murmured behind her.
Ye Yunniang turned to find him standing inside the room.
"Why are you here in broad daylight?" she asked, stepping toward the door to ensure it was bolted. The courtyard outside was silent.
"Nanny Shi is one of mine. She’s keeping watch—no one will notice," Jiang Mingzhe assured her.
He moved behind Ye Yunniang, wrapping his arms around her. His scorching lips brushed the nape of her neck.
"Don’t—" Her protest was smothered as he claimed her mouth.
...
Gasping for air, Ye Yunniang nearly thought she’d suffocate.
"Still haven’t learned to breathe properly?" Jiang Mingzhe chuckled, ready to continue.
She pressed a hand against his chest. "Second Master, why have you come?"
"I missed you," he murmured, tightening his grip just enough to let her feel the depth of his longing.
Through the fabric of her clothes, his heat seared into her, stirring memories of their last intimate encounter.
Her cheeks flushed.
Noticing her arousal, Jiang Mingzhe grew bolder.
"Second Master, can we talk first?" Ye Yunniang caught his wandering hands and retreated a step.
"What is there to say?" He closed the distance, guiding her toward the bed.
"This isn’t right. We should stop."
