Jiang Xing briefly explained a few things, such as being orphaned and joining another family. These were considered rebellious statements, and the young ladies were all greatly surprised.
The old lady carefully worked on Jiang Xing’s face, and after finishing, she put away the cotton thread in her hand. “You may think these words are outlandish, but in my many years of experience, I think your eldest sister Jiang Chan is a rare sensible person.”
Seeing it was still early, the old lady sat down to give these young girls some advice based on her experience.
“For us women to live well, it’s all about having confidence. Where does this confidence come from? First, it comes from your parents and brothers. As long as your parents and brothers are around, they won’t neglect you.”
“Secondly, confidence comes from your husband and children. If you can’t rely on your husband, then devote yourself to raising your children and they will naturally repay you in the future.”
“But ultimately, a woman’s greatest confidence comes from herself. As long as you can stand on your own, everything else is just icing on the cake. It’s best if you have it, but even without it, you can still live a satisfying life.”
These words made the girls bow their heads in thought. Jiang Xing held the jade tiger in her hand, feeling a mixture of emotions. Although the old lady didn’t name anyone, Jiang Xing felt that her words were all aimed at her.
At home, she relied on her parents, and when she went out, she relied on her husband. What’s more, this husband might not even be dependable. Jiang Xing tightened her fingers, brushing away that trace of unease in her heart.
“I have seen the world too. When I was young, I lived in the capital. I have also seen women going out to make a living. Although it’s hard work, they all relied on their own skills to settle down and make a living. They are not inferior to men. I see that your eldest sister is indeed a rare one.”
“Alright, today is your big day. I, this old lady, won’t hold you up here any longer. The person who will help you get dressed will be here soon, so I’ll leave first.”
The old lady tidied herself up a bit and left the room, leaving Jiang Xing and the others, who were deeply affected by her words.
Jiang Chan and Zhou Xing had just left Jiang Xing’s room when they met Jiang Mu and Jiang Miao. Jiang Mu, with a stern face, said nothing. Jiang Chan greeted him politely without looking at his expression.
Jiang Miao was quite enthusiastic, chatting with Jiang Chan for a few moments. Finally, someone called for him, and he hurriedly left.
Jiang Chan glanced around Jiang Mu’s house, then decisively went next door to Jiang Lin’s house. She had already broken ties with Jiang Mu’s family and didn’t want to stay there any longer.
Furthermore, it’s not even certain that Jiang Mu and the others would be willing to see her. It’s better to avoid any unpleasant encounters here.
Seeing Jiang Chan turn around and leave without hesitation, Jiang Mu, who was left behind, became even more sullen. He angrily flung his sleeves and returned to his room, refusing to go out and entertain the guests anymore.
He had hoped Jiang Chan would talk to him, but she only gave him a superficial greeting and ignored him otherwise.
Zhou Xing whispered in Jiang Chan’s ear, “Uncle is angry.”
Jiang Chan didn’t care, “He’s an irrelevant outsider, why should I bother?”
Zhou Xing immediately laughed.
Jiang Chan stayed for a while at Jiang Lin’s house, teasing the serious Jiang Dan and occasionally testing his knowledge. Jiang Sen and Jiang Lin were busy with the guests, while Lin Shi and Zhang Shi were helping Wang Shi with Jiang Xing’s dowry.
The only people left in the Jiang Lin’s home were Zhou Xing, Hongyu, Jiang Chan, and Jiang Dan. The main hall was very quiet, and only the childish voice of Jiang Dan could be heard.
Seeing that Jiang Dan answered well, Jiang Chan nodded in satisfaction, “Good answers. You’ll get a reward when we get home.”
Jiang Dan immediately smiled, tugging on Jiang Chan’s sleeve, “Sister, I want something tasty.”
Jiang Chan tapped his nose, “Little foodie, you’ll get plenty when we go back. Since you like eating so much, you should be nicer to Li Ma. She knows how to make many delicious things.”
Jiang Dan pouted and said, “I’ve already eaten everything Li Ma made. Does big sister have anything I haven’t tried?”
Jiang Chan was exasperated by the little glutton!
Before lunch, Jiang Xing’s husband arrived to pick up the bride. The procession was quite impressive, with a horse-drawn carriage. The groom had a big red flower pinned to his chest, and with all the arrangements, he looked rather decent, quite presentable.
At that time, village girls married off in various ways. Those in better conditions use a donkey cart or a flatbed cart, while those in poorer conditions just walk there themselves.. It was rare to see someone come in a carriage.
Especially when the groom started unloading the bridal gifts from the carriage, the envious looks from the surrounding people made Wang Shi feel proud and happy.
Jiang Chan glanced at Jiang Mu’s yard from Jiang Lin’s. She didn’t intentionally intervene in the fate of Jiang Mu’s family, but after many twists and turns, Jiang Xing still ended up with her husband from her previous life.
It’s uncertain whether Jiang Xing and her husband will live harmoniously in this life. As it stands now, the groom seemed a bit unhappy, judging by his stern expression.
Jiang Chan patted Jiang Dan’s head and looked away. Instead of spending time paying attention to irrelevant people, it would be better to read more books and write more.
Jiang Xing got married, but it had no impact on Jiang Chan’s life. She continued living her life as usual. As her studies progressed, Jiang Sen’s collection of books could no longer satisfy her needs.
For this reason, Jiang Chan developed another hobby which was collecting various kinds of books. Due to the imperial court’s promotion of movable type printing a few years ago, the price of books has indeed become much more affordable.
The bookstores today are no longer desolate and empty. Even ordinary people who want to buy a book to enlighten their children won’t feel financially strained.
Jiang Sen supported Jiang Chan’s action. Money and jewelry are merely external possessions and the only thing that can be passed down forever is knowledge. Moreover, the books collected by Jiang Chan will be a valuable inheritance for future generations.
On this day, Jiang Chan returned from the capital with Hongyu. The carriage was driven by a young boy of about thirteen or fourteen years old. Jiang Chan was now twenty-two years old, making her an old maid in every sense of the term.
But no one dared to mention the term “old maid” in front of Jiang Chan because she had accomplished much over the years. She cared for the children at the charity hospital, teaching them skills.
She is kind and charitable, always helping the elderly, the young, the sick, and the weak whenever she can. Over the years, Jiang Chan’s talents have gradually become well-known, and wherever she goes, her abilities earn her admiration and respect.
Jiang Chan was returning from the capital after collecting books, as the town could no longer satisfy her needs.
As they neared the town, Jiang Chan heard someone outside the carriage, “Kind person, please help me. I haven’t eaten in two days.”
Discover more from Lilly Translations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.