Chapter 619: Chapter 617: The Transmigrated Woman Who Self-Destructed 18 Times 48
When Jiang Yuan learned about the Marquis Mansion’s affairs, his expression was quite remarkable, filled with regret.
If he had known in advance about the happenings in the Marquis Mansion, he wouldn’t have hastily brought Shen Nanqiao back.
Now, Shen Zhengjie and his sister are truly of no use to him.
Old Madam Shen and Shen Jun probably loathe Shen Hong to death, and since both of them are Shen Hong’s children, how could they possibly aid him? Originally, Shen Hong hadn’t been accused, and with an official position, he was still useful, but now he has nothing at all.
However, thinking about Daoist Bai Hong’s recent help, his dismay slightly dissipated.
"Go and bring Jin Zhu back," Jiang Yuan said, as Jin Zhu was meant for Shen Nanqiao, and it was unexpected that she would be needed so soon.
He certainly remembered the matter concerning Shen Nanqiao.
Shen Nanqiao knew of the Marquis Mansion’s affairs earlier but truly didn’t expect things to unfold faster than in her past life. Hearing the news from over there, she was completely in a trance. Then she thought, now there was only the Fourth Prince’s ship to board.
Even as a reincarnator, there’s not much she could do to help Jiang Yuan. She felt powerless, capable only of being a virtuous assistant, harboring a sense of frustration.
At this moment, her head maid reported: "Master, His Highness brought back a woman."
Shen Nanqiao’s expression changed dramatically. She quickly asked, "What’s going on? Who is this woman? Where did he bring her from?"
It’s not that Jiang Yuan was without concubines, but based on past life experiences, he wasn’t one to indulge in feminine charms. Except for his failure in succession rivalry, he was quite good among the princes. Despite all the happenings, she hadn’t worried about this aspect.
But now, Jiang Yuan had brought back a woman from outside. This was no simple matter!
Instinctively, Shen Nanqiao stood up and hurriedly walked over, forgetting her own status. She ordered that the woman, regardless of who she was, should come to see her if she was in the backyard.
When she saw Jin Zhu, she almost fainted.
She went up and slapped Jin Zhu, looking at her smug face, filled with hatred. Jiang Yuan didn’t react, and she seemed to forget about scheming against Zuo Lanshuang. In a fit of recklessness, she thought of killing Jin Zhu, who was just a nameless nobody anyway. Jiang Yuan probably showed momentary interest and wasn’t likely to care much about Jin Zhu.
But before she could do anything, Jiang Yuan arrived.
Not only did he come, but he also reprimanded her, as if he was charmed by Jin Zhu, putting Shen Nanqiao under house arrest.
Afterwards, his backyard frequently became a scene of conflict between Shen Nanqiao and Jin Zhu. Jin Zhu was clever, well aware of Shen Nanqiao’s nature, and could easily provoke her.
Before long, Shen Nanqiao’s reputation for jealousy spread.
During the day, Jiang Yuan fought with his brothers, and at night he returned to watch Jin Zhu torment Shen Nanqiao as a form of relaxation. Others who didn’t know the details even felt some sympathy for him.
"Your fourth brother is a bit twisted," Ah Chen said in the space, eyeing Jiang Zhi as if asking whether he had the same inclination.
Jiang Zhi’s subordinates were also watching, showing curious looks.
He quickly shook his head: "Miss Chu, I don’t have such a hobby."
"Fourth Brother’s nature is indeed peculiar. Shen Zhengjie and his siblings schemed against him, so he definitely won’t easily let them go, but instead, slowly torment them."
As an old rival, Jiang Yuan understood him well.
"His nature didn’t form overnight; Fourth Brother’s mother consort used to contend for favor by often making him sick. I happened to witness this once, which is how I know." Jiang Zhi explained that since then, Jiang Yuan harbored resentment against him, frequently causing trouble.
Ah Chen understood, knowing that all twisted people have unpleasant pasts.
She had no opinions on Jiang Yuan, as long as he didn’t cause trouble. Jiang Zhi would handle this.
Seeing Ah Chen’s thoughts, Jiang Zhi sighed. This time, he and his subordinates were urgently entering the space due to encountering an assassination, more dangerous than previous encounters. Initially, he should have returned from the palace banquet, but now it didn’t seem likely. The one who struck was undoubtedly one of his brothers, most probably Fourth Brother.
Fortunately, with the amulet Miss Chu provided, along with this space for replenishment, while dangerous, it’s still difficult for enemies to take their lives.
"Why hasn’t Zheng’an entered tonight?" Jiang Zhi asked again.
Ah Chen replied, "He should be reading."
Jiang Zhi recalled the matter, had some idle chatter, and after Ah Chen left the space, he took his people to rest. Once rested sufficiently, he went out again, continuing on his journey.
Days passed without being able to eliminate Jiang Zhi, leaving Jiang Yuan somewhat frustrated.
He wanted to cause trouble for Jiang Zhi’s companions, like Shen Zheng’an and Chu Chen, but despite their typically gentle dispositions, few could withstand them when they took action. Especially Chu Chen, Jiang Yuan still recalled the sting of her slap.
While the princes were fighting, they all deliberately avoided Ah Chen and Shen Zheng’an, thus their days were relatively peaceful.
Zuo Lanshuang’s days weren’t bad either, and she finally got engaged. After the previous events, she seemed to have seen the light, no longer fixated on Jiang Zhi.
She often sought Ah Chen, considering her a noble person worth befriending for her temperament and abilities. Moreover, she was tactful, never causing Ah Chen any trouble.
Lately, Shen Zheng’an had been busy with his studies, and Ah Chen hadn’t disturbed him. Zuo Lanshuang occasionally invited her out, allowing her to pass the time.
"I heard that the woman in Fourth Prince’s backyard is causing quite a stir," Zuo Lanshuang said, setting down her teacup, "If she keeps this up, her position as Prince Consort will likely be lost. With that status, she could at least survive, but without it, her fate is uncertain."
"Although Fourth Prince may not spare her, doesn’t she have any sense? Jin Zhu alone can throw her into disorder." Zuo Lanshuang expressed some disdain, thinking if it weren’t for that Taoist, she wouldn’t have been tricked by someone as foolish as Shen Nanqiao.
"Speaking of which, she acted so foolishly." Zuo Lanshuang referred to scheming against the Fourth Prince to dissolve the engagement, feeling it was beyond words. "This person is both foolish and venomous."
Among the princes, Fourth Prince was admirable in terms of character, capability, and appearance. He never treated Shen Nanqiao poorly, even reacting quickly to preserve Shen Nanqiao’s face. But given Sixth Prince’s higher chances, Shen Nanqiao chose this course of action, which Zuo Lanshuang couldn’t comprehend.
Ah Chen took a sip of tea. Many reincarnators often believe they hold the upper hand and can foresee everything.
She was quite curious about Shen Nanqiao’s past experiences.
Not to excuse Jiang Yuan, but from Jiang Zhi’s perspective, she understood Jiang Yuan somewhat. Those around him were never treated unfairly, including Bai Hong Taoist’s deeds, which he forgave, indicating some magnanimity, not pettiness. Regarding the succession rivalry, there is no right or wrong, it’s all about skill, and those who embark on this path inevitably get blood on their hands. Soft-hearted ones don’t last long. If you don’t act, others will.
Judging by Shen Nanqiao’s demeanor, she seemed to desire not just to board Jiang Zhi’s ship but also to harbor deep resentment towards Jiang Yuan.
"I’m getting married next year. When will your joyful event with Mr. Shen happen?" Zuo Lanshuang suddenly asked.
Ah Chen withdrew her thoughts and responded with a smile, "After he passes the imperial examination."
Once Jiang Zhi returns, many matters should settle down. This world is different, and she had noticed the recent change in the stars.
