Chapter 93: Say That Again?

When Jiang Chengyan said this, his father stood by the side, looking as though he were deep in thought.

“Such a large item would draw attention. I’ll exchange it for silver notes for you.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Chengyan’s keen ears caught a faint stir from the west room. He spoke to see them out. “She’s waking. It’s not convenient to keep you here.”

Madam Zhao looked somewhat resentful, but Jiang’s father unexpectedly reached out and held her back.

“Still, Ayuan, the girl is marrying into our family, and your mother and I have nothing to give her. Remember to buy her a fine set of jewelry.” Jiang’s father said in his simple, earnest way.

Jiang Chengyan gave a hum in reply, though he already seemed distracted.

Just as Madam Zhao and Jiang’s father were about to leave, the Jiang family courtyard gate was knocked on again.

When the door opened, Old Madam Jiang saw Madam Zhao wearing a mournful expression, as though someone owed her a fortune.

“Who are you putting on that long face for so early in the morning?” Old Madam Jiang said at once, displeased. “Second Branch’s wife isn’t feeling well. Hurry up and help take care of her. Your second brother has business in the city again—unlike the two of you, who are good for nothing.”

Before Madam Zhao could say anything, Jiang’s father frowned. “Mother, Third Sister isn’t feeling well today either. She’s on her monthly course.”

He would have been better off not saying it. The moment he did, Old Madam Jiang’s temper flared as well. “What? A country woman like her thinks she can compare with a noble lady from the city? Hurry up and go boil medicine and tend the fire for Second Branch’s wife.” As she spoke, Old Madam Jiang fixed her gaze on Madam Zhao.

Madam Zhao gave a cold snort and showed Old Madam Jiang no face at all. “If Madam Qian is so precious, why don’t you go take care of her yourself?”

At that, Old Madam Jiang raised her hand as if to slap Madam Zhao across the face.

Jiang’s father immediately stepped in front of Madam Zhao and took the blow squarely himself.

“You!” Old Madam Jiang pointed at him, livid.

“Just look at the two of you. No wonder you raised a son who ran off from home. Look at how useless you both are!” Seeing them as an eyesore, Old Madam Jiang turned on her heel and stormed away.

“Ayuan, your mother and I are heading back first.” Jiang’s father then led Madam Zhao out.

Jiang Chengyan watched them go with an impassive face before returning to the house.

When he pushed open the west room door, he saw Bai Yan still drowsily dressing herself.

“Darling,” she muttered.

“What does ‘on her monthly course’ mean?” Like a curious child, she had many things she did not understand.

“You’ll know when you’re older.” Jiang Chengyan pulled her over and began arranging her hair.

“Older?” Bai Yan drawled. “Do I have to wait until I’m two hundred years old?”

The man fell silent and no longer paid her any mind.

“Hurry up and get dressed. Today we’re taking mushrooms to the county seat.”

...

After Jiang’s father returned home, Madam Zhao scolded him while looking for medicinal herbs. “Honestly, you. When your mother hits someone, why didn’t you dodge? Do you think I’d just stand there and take a beating for nothing?”

“Really, you’re far too honest. Your mother will chew the bones clean off our bodies sooner or later.”

Madam Zhao kept grumbling, while Jiang’s father sat in a chair, lost in thought.

Just as Madam Zhao came over to apply medicine to his injury, he suddenly said, “Third Sister, why don’t we go and rent a shop?”

The herbs in Madam Zhao’s hand fell to the floor from shock.

She crouched down to pick them up, her face full of disbelief. “What did you say?? Say that again!”