The Rebirth of an ill-Fated Consort

Trigger Warning: mention of suicide.

Hong Ying’s brain exploded. Her field of vision began to darken but she was able to narrowly avoid fainting. She only had one thought in her mind- I’m doomed, I’m afraid that today’s matter can no longer be resolved well.

The imperial guard rushed forward with an anxious look on his face, and he appeared shocked when he saw Jiang Su Su’s limp appearance on the ground. “So she was actually here. Who did such a thing to Second Miss for her to end up in such a manner? Are they tired of living well? If Junzhu knew, she would definitely not allow the culprit to get away with this!”

At first everyone had thoughts of just observing the liveliness, but who would have expected this. Seeing how this imperial guard mentioned Junzhu, upon looking once more at how he did not seem like an ordinary person, their hearts rustled in apprehension. Even that rich merchant settled down in the presence of this guard and hesitated before asking, “This young brother, which Junzhu are you referring to? What is the status of this young lady lying on the ground?”

Hong Ying hurriedly replied, “About this, you don’t have to bother because she is someone from my family; I’m bringing her back now.”

But then an unknown loud voice shouted from within the crowd, “Aiyo, just now, didn’t this great lord want to bring the young lady on the ground back to his fu to become his seventeenth concubine? Why isn’t he doing so?”

Once the imperial guard heard this, he did not wait for Hong Ying to speak before he exclaimed, “How brazen! To actually humiliate Miss. Open your beastly eyes and take a clear look. This is Second Miss of the capital’s Minister Jiang’s fu, and the di younger sister of Hong’an Junzhu!

Once these words were uttered, immediately the surroundings were in an uproar.

Jiang Su Su looked as if she was about to pierce her own nails right into the middle of her palm. With the constant tremble of her lips, it was as if her whole body had been immersed in an ice cellar. This person had loudly revealed everything and with one look, one could tell that Jiang Ruan had intentionally gotten this person to do so. The purpose was to tear out her identity for everyone to know and make her feel embarrassed. In comparison to killing her, this felt even more unbearable because with today’s revelation, she had nothing left to hide and with such a reputation, this life of hers could very well be considered as ruined!

Hong Ying’s face also became pale and she hated that she could not smother and squeeze that imperial guard and throw him somewhere to disappear without trace. Looking at everyone’s measuring gazes, Hong Ying truly wanted to find a hole in the ground to bury herself in. More importantly, her heart felt a sudden pang of fear. Under her care, such a big incident had happened to Jiang Su Su. Amongst the three remaining daughters in the Jiang fu, Jiang Su Su was the only one who received Jiang Quan’s genuine love and affection. For such a beloved daughter to have become such a huge joke, it was obvious he would also vent his anger upon her and Jiang Quan would definitely put her to death!

The root of all this lay entirely on Jiang Ruan. Hong Ying could not help but hate Jiang Ruan’s fiery and ruthless tactics because she not only wanted to humiliate Jiang Su Su, she also wanted to completely destroy Jiang Su Su’s reputation. She had even conspired to leave Jiang Su Su with no way left to lift her head amongst others. This, for Jiang fu and Jiang Quan would be a humongous setback and yet, Jiang Ruan had actually not remembered any familial affections. That said, Hong Ying had conveniently forgotten that when she initially was in cahoots with Jiang Su Su to plot against Jiang Ruan, there was not the slightest trace of familial affections either. This could be called, to harm others, one would ultimately harm themselves. It was nothing more than that.

The crowd that had been surrounding them had long since descended into a flurry of discussions. Even the rich merchant, who had previously yelled and bellowed that he wanted to bring Jiang Su Su to his fu to become his seventeenth concubine, had zipped his mouth as he evaluated Jiang Su Su. Everyone’s gazes were full of disbelief, but just then someone finally spoke out from the crowd. “Earlier I said that this young lady seemed ninety percent similar to Jiang fu’s Second Miss, yet you all refused to believe me.”

“Who would have thought,” someone else replied, “however, weren’t there rumours that Second Miss Jiang was like an immortal, so how did she fall into such a state. Was she possibly framed by someone?”

“What framed, look at how she is acting. With that sort of scent around her body, she would make anyone’s blood move. Which young miss from a proper family would have such an amorous disposition, therefore, the way I see it, I’m afraid this Second Miss Jiang has long since possessed this kind of manner.”

“Well said. Sigh. To have been blessed with looks like an immortal, this sort of thing, definitely isn’t like something a proper young lady would do. Thus, it’s no wonder that it was assumed that she was a courtesan from the brothels.”

Whilst such types of discussion did not cease, every sentence was like a hammer into Jiang Su Su’s heart, filling her with bottomless suffering, wrath and indignation. She could not help but wish for her own death. Although what was being said was definitely true, the poisonous looks from the common people of the city streets made it worse. Jiang Su Su had self-learned the art of seduction, and it worked as a sort of enticement that allowed others to be more concerned about her, attracted and even hopeful that she would accept their advances. Normally, men who were more worldly would naturally recognise the meaning of her appearance. Moreover, even if one did not consider the faintly splendorous view before them that she had adorned herself with, which young lady of any family would have such a gentle appearance yet a soft and beautiful figure?

Jin Er had rushed to mix into the crowd and threw a look towards Jin San, who had instigated the rumours and looked thrilled beyond belief. Earlier, due to the urgency of the issue, he had raised his voice to shout out what ought to be heard. Now Jin San raised her voice to loudly speak, though acting as if it was involuntary, “Sigh, for it to actually be Jiang fu’s Second Miss. But now that her body has been seen by all these people, it will fall on these fellow brothers to take responsibility, ah. After all, she’s a pure, untainted, and proper young lady. How can her innocence be taken so lightly.”

As her words fell, suddenly there seemed to be another round of debate. Meanwhile Jiang Su Su and Hong Ying were struck dumb like a wooden chicken. As the crowd continued watching, someone else returned to their senses and yelled out, “This is truly the case! This young miss’ body has been seen by me. This young one is willing to take responsibility, to bring this young miss home to be my lawful wife!”

Although these words were spoken pompously, when one took another look at this person, he was merely nothing more than a rogue who roamed the streets. Everyone present instantly knew that, with the way that Jiang Su Su had been seen in public, and not just by one person, if anyone had the slightest bit of reputation, none would be willing to marry her home to be the main wife. Thus she could be nothing more than the fodder, the laughing stock of others’ dinner conversations. Yet, those rogues and vagabonds, who were mixed amongst the citizens of the street, were different. After all, the Jiang fu was still an official family and Jiang Su Su was also blessed with good looks. If they were to marry into her family, one could just rely on the Jiang fu. For ruffians like them, this would be a wonderful thing. As more thought like this, those willing to ‘take responsibility’ grew by number and amongst their struggle, all of them seemed like they were about to propose a marriage to the Jiang fu.

Hong Ying was unable to bear it any longer, yet as the crowd surrounding them grew more. So Jin Er quietly yelled, “All of you are preposterous.” Then, glancing at the family servants, he remarked, “What are you doing, standing there blankly. Support Second Miss Jiang quickly back to the fu. The details can be discussed in the future!”

He had yet to finish his words, before the roundabout way he spoke boosted the ruffians’ confidence. In their opinion, when such a scandal happened to a big family, it was natural that the young lady would not be able to live any longer. If she did not seek her own end, then it would be a search for a temple to cut her hair and become a nun. Only, the entire capital knew of how Minister Jiang doted upon his second daughter. Jiang Quan would definitely be unable to bear to have his beloved daughter commit suicide or live a hard life. Since those from the noble families would not marry Jiang Su Su, then would it not be their turn, these small fry. As their thought process led to this, the rogues became increasingly excited as they envisioned a scenario where they were dressed in red robes, becoming the most ideal son-in-law of the Jiang fu.

On account of the Jiang fu and Jiang Ruan’s identity as Hong’an Junzhu, these people did not dare to remain violent. Soon the family servants had done what Jin Er had bid and settled Jiang Su Su in the horse carriage on the path back to the fu. However, following majestically behind her carriage was a large crowd of young men; all of them were ambitious men willing to stand firm without rest to ‘take responsibility’ for Jiang Su Su’s innocence. Although they could not be too unruly, among the citizens of the street, these ruffians were best at being bothersome, making a ruckus, and using despicable tactics that would make one be unable to find solace.

And those who were not planning to take responsibility yet had already seen some of the fun, were gesturing with their arms and discussing how the Jiang fu would bring yet another gust of wind and waves (gossip) to the capital.

* * *

Jiang Quan had just finished attending the imperial court when he received the news regarding Jiang Su Su; the whole way back, he was muddle headed and his mind was blank. When he finally arrived back at the fu, as soon as he entered Hong Ying’s courtyard, he saw Jiang Su Su in a bewildered state, sobbing, while Hong Ying was distraught and distressed.

Upon hearing his footsteps, both of them turned in unison. When Jiang Su Su saw Jiang Quan, she cried out, “Father!” And no longer able to hold on any further, the tears began to stream down even more.

If this was in the past, Jiang Quan would certainly feel sorry for Jiang Su Su if she cried in such a manner. However, today’s incident was no trivial matter. It wasn’t too long ago that Xia Yan had shamelessly committed adultery, and now with this incident of Jiang Su Su’s, it was almost like scattering salt on the thing that was taboo in his eyes. Consequently he began to recollect all of those abhorrent things and at that moment, all the pity and tenderness in Jiang Quan’s heart vanished into thin air. Striding forward a few steps towards Jiang Su Su, with nary a word, he viciously raised his hand and with a loud ‘pah’, he gave Jiang Su Su a tight slap.

Jiang Su Su was utterly astounded after receiving the slap from Jiang Quan as in all her life, Jiang Quan had never raised his hand towards her. Although she had caused a rather serious matter today, she still thought that if she just cried in a heartbroken fashion, certainly Jiang Quan would help her clean up the mess. Hence, who would have expected that Jiang Quan would raise his hand against her without saying a word. No matter how stupid Jiang Su Su was normally, seeing Jiang Quan’s unusual behaviour, instantly made her heart begin to panic. Realising that something was amiss, she quickly burst into tears, “Father!”

After Jiang Quan delivered the slap he began to have some regret. Jiang Su Su was his most cherished daughter, so don’t even talk about hitting her, since she was small, he had never raised his voice nor used harsh words. Even in regards to the matter of Xia Yan and her sordid affair, he did not treat Jiang Su Su any differently afterwards. Thus when he looked at Jiang Su Su now covering her face and crying her heart out, his heart softened and he was able to rein in his earlier anger somewhat. Icily he asked, “What in the world happened? The honour of the Jiang family has been lost because of you!”

These words were not false. Word had spread that the Jiang fu ,which was once a noble and unsullied family, now had a foul reputation. Furthermore, so much had happened within only a few short years. Little by little, all of this could be traced back to Xia Yan- the mother and her children. Things had settled down for a period of time after the Xia Yan affair but now this sort of matter burst out. At present, the entire capital regarded them as a joke because just within a few hours, word had spread throughout the entire capital about today’s matter. When he thought about it, Jiang Quan’s heart was full of anger.

Jiang Su Su’s heart leapt and she thought that since matters had already escalated in such a manner, the only way out was to push everything onto Jiang Ruan. So she dropped her head and spoke in a tone filled with hatred and anger, “Father, I was framed by someone to appear like this! Father, you must take revenge for me!”

At this, Hong Ying immediately understood as she hurriedly followed suit, “That’s true! Second Miss is innocent. Now that she has landed in such a state, it’s all because someone has been framing her. Second Miss’ life is truly difficult because without rhyme or reason, she has met with such a disaster and has been framed like this.”

Jiang Quan was not aware that there was such a thing and hearing how Jiang Su Su and Hong Ying echoed one another, he suddenly flew into anger, “Who has such guts, to actually behave atrociously in the Jiang fu? To even dare scheme against my Jiang family’s daughter?”

Regarding today’s incident, even though Jiang Su Su was his daughter who was a precious treasure like a pearl, he was extremely angry. However, now that he learned that she had been framed by someone else, it was as if the fires of fury in his heart suddenly had an outlet to vent. Now, Jiang Quan was single mindedly intent on seeking the person who had framed Jiang Su Su and shredding their bodies into bits.

“It’s… Da Jiejie….” Jiang Su Su spat out those words with extreme difficulty as if she could hardly bear it as she covered her face and sobbed, “It was Da Jiejie who had someone strike me unconscious and brought me outside. There was also Jinying Wang; he was supporting Da Jiejie.”

All at once, Jiang Su Su pushed the responsibility onto Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao. Unfortunately she did not notice that Hong Ying’s expression had changed as she inwardly scolded her for being a stupid fool. Speaking of which, although Jiang Su Su was somewhat precocious, beneath it all were just small cunning tricks that could not bear judgement. In comparison to Xia Yan, she was still lacking by far. Yet, because Xia Yan had protected her too well where she did not need her daughter to ever worry about anything, Jiang Su Su was truly someone without any brains and could only uphold an appearance of an immortal to fool others. Just like how her current reasoning was filled with many holes, it was truly not brillant at all.

At first, Jiang Quan had been wholeheartedly listening to Jiang Su Su speak yet once she finished, his face sank. It was as if he did not recognise this daughter before him at all. Jiang Su Su had been waiting for Jiang Quan to become furious as he sought trouble at Jiang Ruan yet she suddenly realised that something was wrong. His gaze seemed somewhat frightening and she meekly asked, “Father why are you looking at me like this?”

“Evil daughter,” Jiang Quan’s voice trembled a little, and looking at Jiang Su Su’s obviously stunned expression, he said coldly: “You said that Jiang Ruan and Jinying Wang joined hands to harm you. However, one of them is a Junzhu, and the other is a prince. What reason would they have to frame you? On the contrary, why don’t you tell me why you are dressed like this?”

Jiang Su Su’s body slouched back as she spoke filled with aggrievement, “Father, you would actually help an outsider even though I’m your daughter!”

“I do not have such a despicable and lascivious daughter like you!” Perhaps it was due to the sudden fury that caused him to fall into a stupor, but Jiang Quan forcibly spoke such tasteless words that even Hong Ying, who had been listening in at the side, revealed astonishment. Jiang Quan had wholeheartedly doted on this daughter the most, but now he scolded her in such a manner. It was obvious that he was utterly disappointed with Jiang Su Su.

“Help you?” Jiang Quan’s face turned fearfully gloomy, “The kind of plan you conceived, for my Jiang fu to actually have such a daughter who knows nothing about the lengths of the skies and the depths of the earth[1], to have delusions about wanting to climb into Jinying Wang’s bed! You, be clear about what sort of person Jinying Wang is. You seek death, but my Jiang fu is unable to bear such shame against this person who I’m unable to repay in this life!”

[1] 不知天高地厚 (bùzhī tiāngāodìhòu) – not to know the immensity of heaven and earth / an exaggerated opinion of one’s own abilities.

Jiang Quan had been immersed in the officialdom for a long time, and naturally he was not a fool. While what Jiang Su Su said had many holes in its logic, although Xiao Shao was aloof and powerful, he was not someone who naturally sought trouble. From his very bones, this sort of person held a sort of arrogance, that if you did not make trouble with him, naturally he would not lightly make a move against you.

Jiang Su Su had definitely infuriated him in some way and when he looked again at Jiang Su Su’s attire, compounded with what had happened afterwards, Jiang Quan understood more of what was in the heart of this daughter of his.

At this very moment, Jiang Quan could not decide if he felt more disappointment or anger in his heart. He was both furious at Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan for being so ruthless, and also hated Jiang Su Su for being reckless and offending Xiao Shao without considering the consequences. Who was Jinying Wang. He was someone who could even dare to refute the Emperor When one angered him, where would such a person have any fruits of their labour left to have?

What made Jiang Quan even more upset was Jiang Su Su’s actions. If there were some things that Jiang Quan could say he was proud of in his life, Jiang Su Su would definitely be one of them. He had always been proud of himself for having such a daughter. Jiang Su Su was incomparably elegant and beautiful, thus her talent and reputation had spread far and wide. If it weren’t for Xia Yan’s matter, then all of the noble gentlemen from the famous families in the capital would definitely be fighting over each other in eagerness to pursue her. In his mind, Jiang Su Su was definitely qualified to be matched up to any man and only those with supreme status and talent would be worthy of his exceptional daughter. But now that this daughter had behaved like any other brothel woman, even going so far as to try to climb into other people’s beds by such despicable means, he felt a sense of grief that she had met with such misfortune, and yet he also felt indignant and regretful that she did not work hard for better prospects. Before, he had harboured some wishful thinking by wondering if Eighth Prince might fancy Jiang Su Su- this would have been a good future path for her. But now with this matter, proposing such a marriage with Eighth Prince would surely be out of the question.

Jiang Su Su had never seen Jiang Quan like this and felt a sliver of fear in her heart. She wrapped her arms around her legs and cried aloud, “Father, Su Su knows her mistakes. A moment of dizziness rushed to my head when I saw Da Jiejie marrying so well, yet knowing my own reputation, I was not sure what kind of family I could marry into. Thinking of how much Jinying Wang valued Da Jiejie, I was willing to be a concubine and have Da Jiejie’s support and protection, and then I would definitely not have uncomfortable days ahead. However, who could have known that it would turn out like this, Father. Su Su knows how she did wrong, Father, please, don’t ignore Su Su.”

Jiang Quan shut his eyes as he let out a deep breath; Jiang Su Su’s words pierced his heart. When recalling Xia Yan’s matters, this daughter had locked herself in her courtyard and had never come out. He had thought that because she was a young girl of the boudoir, she must have been paying penance for her own mother’s loss of impropriety. Every day, she must have been living in fear about her future prospects of being able to marry into a good household to the degree that as a di daughter, she had even come up with the notion of willingly becoming a concubine. He felt a little guilty because in the end, it was still him as a father who had not been right. Whilst his heart’s scales had always leaned towards Jiang Su Su, when he saw Jiang Ruan, Jiang Quan was particularly unkind although he knew deep in his bones that she was someone of the Jiang fu’s blood. Yet, Jiang Ruan had not the slightest intention of recalling such familial affections. She did not even have the slightest idea of keeping him, this father of hers in her eyes, so perhaps she truly thought that she had someone else to be her pillar of support?

Jiang Quan harrumphed, “Forget it, I will have to reconsider our options regarding this matter. For the next few days, you are not to go out. Where is Jiang Ruan? Have her brought over to see!”

It was obvious that he was going to do some severe reprimanding. Hong Ying and Jiang Su Su’s faces relaxed, as this was like throwing out the scapegoat to take all the blame. Jiang Ruan might have planned well, but this couldn’t stand up against the biases of Jiang Quan’s heart. As long as Jiang Quan was alive, then the person able to make all the decisions within the Jiang fu would always be Jiang Quan. Moreover, Jiang Ruan still had to address him as father and within the fu, she could not gain any benefits nor the upperhand.

Right at that very moment, they saw a stranger dressed like an imperial guard enter. Then addressing Jiang Quan, he cupped his fists, “Reporting to Jiang Daren, my Master said that Young Furen is not feeling well, so he has taken Young Furen back to his wangfu to have Divine Physician Xia attend to her.”

As Jiang Quan listened, internally he felt suffocated with fury. It was obvious that Jiang Ruan was intentionally pulling the rug from under him. He could not demand for her return from the Jinying Wangfu, but this move of Jiang Ruan was too sinister. If the person coming to report was one of Jiang Ruan’s personal maidservants, Jiang Quan could still take out his anger on them, but here was a subordinate of Xiao Shao. He could neither beat nor scold him and he could only look on with extreme difficulty and accept the news.

The imperial guard scratched his head and suddenly glanced at Hong Ying. Hong Ying felt a little numb at that glance. The next second, she heard the imperial guard speak with a voice laden with concern, “Oh right, Young Furen added that Fifth Yiniang is expecting and yet she had been rushing about the whole day so she must surely be exhausted. Therefore, she has especially asked our Wangye to take an invitation card to request an imperial physician from the palace. Now that I think about it, he should be almost here, so he can adequately give Fifth Yiniang a good check up, as we can’t have anything affect the little brother in her womb.”

Hong Ying’s body stiffened, and her complexion instantly paled. Her immediate response was to decline the offer, but before she could respond, she held back. If she were to refuse the offer right at this moment, that would imply that she was like a thief with a guilty conscience. She had learned all too well the lesson from Xia Yan’s mistakes, and was aware that Jiang Quan was more vigilant and alert to such situations. If he were to discover an inkling of deceit, he would doggedly investigate until the truth was exposed. On the other hand, if she was to obediently just stay where she was, then later… there might still arise another reign of terror[2].

[2] 腥风血雨 (xīngfēngxuèyǔ) – lit. foul wind and bloody rain (idiom) / fig. reign of terror / carnage.

Her body began to tremble uncontrollably. If something went wrong at this juncture when Jiang Quan was already in a bad mood, what would happen to her? It would seem that at this juncture, it was too difficult to get off the tiger she was riding[3]– but she couldn’t stop now. Hong Ying had two pillows stuffed in her abdomen, and suddenly they seemed to be too heavy a weight to bear.

[3] 骑虎难下 (qíhǔnánxià) – if you ride a tiger, it’s hard to get off (idiom); fig. impossible to stop halfway.

Once the imperial guard said his piece, he cupped his hands and excused himself. Although Jiang Quan was very displeased with Jiang Ruan, an imperial physician wasn’t someone that just anyone could invite. Today, Hong Ying had been rushing about, and he was afraid that it would harm the unborn child. So if an imperial physician were to come and give her a check up, then undoubtedly he would feel more settled. It did not cross his mind that Xiao Shao would conspire with an imperial physician, firstly because, based on Xiao Shao’s personality, this was not even worth his effort. Secondly, Hong Ying was merely with child, and should there be any issues, at most, they could have another physician take a look. There was no artifice with these kinds of things, afterall.

Jiang Quan’s heart relaxed, but he failed to notice Hong Ying’s tense expression. At that moment, they suddenly heard the sound of a manservant hurrying in a rush to report, “Master, it’s not good!”

“WHAT’S THE MATTER?” With the myriad of situations happening today, Jiang Quan was already hard pressed and under heaps of pressure[4], and felt a rising sense of things going out of his control. To hear such reported words, he barked in annoyance.

[4] 焦头烂额 (jiāotóulàn’é) – lit. badly burned about the head (from trying to put out a fire) (idiom); fig. hard-pressed / under pressure (from a heavy workload, creditors etc).

The manservant was startled, and gave Jiang Quan a timid look before whispering, “There is a large group of people outside- some are beating drums and others the gong. Also, they are carrying betrothal gifts and giving out sweets for the happy occasion. They said that they have seen the body of Second Miss, so are willing to be Second Miss’s husband… and henceforth will be aligned with the Jiang fu and will become in-laws.

“WHAT —” But before Jiang Quan could finish, Jiang Su Su had already begun to shriek and scream.

* * *

At the same time, as they were travelling back to the Jinying Wangfu in Xiao Shao’s carriage, Lu Zhu asked, “Miss, by doing that, won’t it be letting Second Miss and Fifth Yiniang off way too easily? Master will definitely think of ways to protect and shield them. Then, wouldn’t that be a waste of all Miss’ effort?”

“Not at all.” Jiang Ruan looked at the spread of tea and snacks laid on the small table within the carriage. Xiao Shao’s carriage was equipped with everything that was needed. It was very thoughtful and it made a person feel extremely comfortable. Even the snacks were all made according to her preference and taste.

“Second Sister’s heart’s desire is only to marry into an influential family and enjoy having power and authority, but now, she has completely lost the right to such aspirations. So much so that she has become the very type of person she most despises. In this world, there is no such thing as forever being able to rise up above another person, and since she cannot attain that highest pinnacle of influence, then letting her live is more tortuous than having her killed.” Jiang Ruan continued blandly, “As for Hong Ying, do you really think that Jiang Quan will let her off?”

Jiang Quan, this person was outwardly noble and virtuous, but in truth, his heart was not at all lenient and forgiving. Hong Ying had the audacity to deceive Jiang Quan regarding an heir, therefore she had violated Jiang Quan’s biggest taboo. Things for Hong Ying did not look good. Her greed was like a snake attempting to swallow an elephant, and everyone has to pay the price for one’s own greed. The only thing is, the price Hong Ying will have to pay was somewhat high. That’s all.

“They will not be able to escape.” She stated.