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“If you’re capable, you could earn a title for yourself.”

“You…”

Hearing Jiang Yuan’s words, Zhou Rongfang’s expression darkened even further. She glared at him and coldly retorted, “I should’ve never married you, I…”

“Mother.”

Before Zhou Rongfang could complete her sentence, Jiang Ruyun had pushed the door open.

Upon hearing from the maid about the dispute between Jiang Yuan and Zhou Rongfang, Jiang Ruyun rushed over immediately. She heard her mother’s harsh words even before she reached the door. Swiftly, she pushed the door open, interrupting Zhou Rongfang’s sentence midway.

Seeing her daughter, Zhou Rongfang showed a hint of embarrassment but still managed to utter softly, “Yun Er, you’re still not completely recovered. Why did you come here?”

“Father just returned home. I came to chat with him.”

After speaking, Jiang Ruyun turned her gaze towards Jiang Yuan, giving him a respectful bow.

“Please rise.”

Seeing his daughter bowing, Jiang Yuan hastily responded. Despite his stern and serious demeanor, he adored his only daughter, Jiang Ruyun, greatly.

As per the Jiang family rules, a man was allowed to take a concubine only if he turned forty without a male heir.

According to the Jiang family’s rules, a man could only take a concubine when he was forty years old.

Even if the main wife had a daughter, taking a concubine was not allowed. Therefore, it was likely that Jiang Ruyun would be the only child Jiang Yuan would ever have.

“Father, congratulations on your promotion.”

“Your sentiments are appreciated.”

“What’s the use of the promotion? He’s still just an undersecretary in the Ministry of War. How can he stand against the power of the Huainan Mansion?”

Zhou Rongfang, standing nearby, couldn’t contain her rage after hearing the father-daughter conversation. Jiang Yuan, seated in his chair, bristled at her snide remark, retorting coldly, “What’s gotten into you now?”

“Am I acting crazy? Zhao Fuqing injured Yun Er on their wedding night. As her father, can you seek justice for her?”

“When, when did this happen?”

“Moreover, wasn’t it Huan Er who was betrothed to the Huainan Mansion? How did it change to Yun Er?”

Jiang Yuan’s eyes reflected his confusion, whereas Zhou Rongfang’s gaze flickered guiltily. Recalling Jiang Peihuan’s defense of her, Jiang Ruyun stepped up and recounted the whole incident.

Finally, she looked at Jiang Yuan and said, “Father, I’ve divorced the Prince of Huainan. Elder sister has already sought justice for me. Please don’t worry about this anymore.”

Jiang Yuan was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. He was angry that Jiang Ruyun had an affair with Zhao Fuqing before their marriage, but he was also distressed by her plight.

Upon hearing Jiang Ruyun’s words, Jiang Yuan spoke up with a frosty voice, “You must remember the lesson from this incident. Never again…”

“Enough, Jiang Yuan,” Zhou Rongfang cut him off. “Yun Er has suffered so much. It’s bad enough that you won’t seek justice for her, but you even want to lecture her. Is this how a father should behave?”

Before Jiang Yuan could finish his sentence, Zhou Rongfang interrupted him abruptly.

Zhou Rongfang remained silent, which somewhat tempered Jiang Yuan’s mood. However, upon hearing her comments, the fury in his eyes intensified. Staring at Zhou Rongfang, he articulated his resentment, “I’m far off in the Northern territories, utterly unaware of what transpired in Jingdou. As Yun Er’s mother, is this the way you teach your daughter?”

“All daughters of the Jiang family have their share of pride. You… Never mind, let’s not bring this up anymore.”

Jiang Yuan took note of Jiang Ruyun’s reddened eyes and, in the end, chose to keep silent.

Meanwhile, conversations within the Elegant Garden revolved around the events unfolding in the mansion. Liu Xiu relayed to Jiang Ren all occurrences at the General’s Mansion over the recent period, with particular emphasis on Jiang Ruyun’s marriage.

By the time Liu Xiu finished, Jiang Ren’s eyes blazed with anger. “The Zhao family has crossed the line! They must have intentionally disrespected the Jiang family, thinking there are no men at home.”

“Enough. Ruyun and the Huainan Mansion have separated, which means the Jiang family and the Zhao family won’t have any relation in the future.”

Liu Xiu spoke softly, locking eyes with Jiang Ren who sat across her.

Jiang Ren, very fond of Liu Xiu, heard her words and decided not to push the issue. Instead, he brought up another matter, “I’ve heard that you’re now in charge of the mansion, is that correct?”

“Yes, I indeed oversee the house.”

“That so? How did Mother agree?”

Seeing Liu Xiu nod in affirmation, surprise flickered in Jiang Ren’s eyes. Liu Xiu responded with a gentle smile, “The credit actually goes to Huan Er.”

“Father, you’re unaware. In the days when you, First Uncle, and Second Uncle were absent, Eldest Sister accomplished many things.”

Jiang Songbai, who was seated nearby, joined in after hearing his mother’s voice, expressing his admiration for Jiang Peihuan with his words.

Jiang Ren was well aware of his niece’s intelligence, yet her resilience surprised him. He felt a deep pang of sympathy, considering how she, a young girl, had been shouldering the family’s honor.

He turned to Jiang Songbai after a moment’s thought, “Though you are young, you’re a boy. Whenever your uncles and I aren’t present in the mansion, you must stand beside your elder sister, never allowing her to confront hardships alone.”

“Rest assured, Father. I will keep that in mind.”

Jiang Ren was about to add something when a maid’s voice echoed from outside, “Third Master, the Old Madam requests your presence. She wishes for both you and Madam to come together. First Master and Second Master have also been notified.”

“Understood, I’ll be there.”

Having acknowledged the maid, Jiang Ren looked at Liu Xiu with a warm smile, “Ah Xiu, shall we?”

“Of course.”

As Liu Xiu rose, Jiang Ren stepped up to her, extending his hand. A blush graced Liu Xiu’s face at his gesture, but she nonetheless placed her hand in his.

The pair left, their hands intertwined, leaving Jiang Songbai watching the scene with a bright smile on his face.

He deeply admired his parents’ bond and aspired to share a similar loving relationship when he grew up.

Every member of the Jiang family had gathered in the Chrysanthemum Hall.

In the living room, a large round table was already set up. “Quickly now, be efficient,” Nanny Xu instructed the scurrying maids as she looked over the spread of dishes.

Seeing that everything was prepared, Nanny Xu drew back the adjacent curtain, addressing the Old Madam seated at the head of the table. “Old Madam, the meal is ready. We may take our seats now.”

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Jiang nodded. Then, she cast a warm smile towards the room filled with people. “Everyone, please take your seats.”

Old Madam Jiang occupied the seat of honor. To her left were Jiang Hong and his wife, to her right were Jiang Yuan and his wife, followed by Jiang Ren and his wife.

The younger generation of the Jiang family arranged themselves according to their order, waiting for Old Madam Jiang to initiate the meal. Once she picked up her utensils, everyone began to eat.

Being from a military background, the Jiang family didn’t adhere to many formalities, so lively conversation sprung up around the table.

“Yuzhen, place this chestnut cake in front of Huan Er. She’s fond of it,” Old Madam Jiang instructed.

As soon as her words fell, Nanny Xu had already presented the chestnut cake to Jiang Peihuan. “Nanny Xu, your cooking skills are truly excellent,” she complimented with a smile, picking a piece of chestnut cake and taking a bite.

“If you enjoy it, I’ll make it for you every day,” Nanny Xu promised..