novelhk Chapter 4 What are you afraid of?
Chapter 4 What are you afraid of?
Qin Congyu's tone was anxious, and he spoke more bluntly.
She was devastated by the death of her friend and hated Jiang An to the core. Although she cared about her friend's daughter, she could not take the Prime Minister's daughter with her when she left.
The reason I'm temporarily setting aside my grudges and coming to the Prime Minister's residence is because I simply can't let go of this child all these years.
Jiang Qingyue lowered her head, her long eyelashes trembling slightly. "I'm new here and don't know the rules of the manor. I've also offended Father and..." Jiang Qingyue paused, her eyes darting away, and continued, "I've displeased Father and my sister, so I deserve to be punished."
A single sentence stirred up a storm. Qin Congyu and Granny Wang exchanged a glance, and the latter leaned closer and whispered, "A few days ago, news spread that the Prime Minister's residence had adopted a daughter, who takes the surname Jiang. It is said that this was to find a study companion for the Prime Minister's daughter."
Jiang Qingyue naturally heard what Granny Wang said.
Ever since her adoptive parents brought her to their home, Jiang An felt as if he were facing a formidable enemy. On one hand, he couldn't bear to abandon his biological daughter and take her into his household; on the other hand, he couldn't bear to part with Jiang Chuchu, whom he had raised for over a decade. So, he decided to keep both of them, only telling the outside world that he had adopted a daughter—a hypocritical act indeed.
Qin Congyu's thoughts began to race, and he vaguely made a guess.
A look of shock flashed in her eyes. She looked at Jiang Qingyue again, hesitated for a moment, and tentatively asked, "Child, where were you before you came to this Prime Minister's residence?"
In just a short while, Jiang Qingyue's surroundings were soaked. She whispered, "Before, I was a wanderer in the countryside, not worthy of being called respectable. Later, after going through all sorts of hardships to find me and bring me back, I am already extremely grateful that my father doesn't find me uncouth. I dare not ask for anything more."
If a blow to the back of the head were delivered, Qin Congyu's face would turn ashen, and his anger would linger for a long time.
Now that things have come to this, how could she not know the whole story!
Seeing that Jiang Qingyue looked a little scared, *** was about to say something when he noticed the marks on her body.
She pulled Jiang Qingyue's clothes over her shoulder and saw the crisscrossing wounds on her body, a mixture of old and new, a truly gruesome sight.
Well done, Jiang An!
Not only did he lose his own daughter, but now that he's found her, he's not treating her well! Instead, he's spoiling the imposter rotten! She's truly suffered terribly and been mistreated, yet he still has the nerve to celebrate her birthday in a grand and lavish manner!
Qin Congyu grabbed Jiang Qingyue's hand, "Child, go and change out of these wet clothes first. Don't worry, I will definitely get justice for you!"
……
Inside the room, Jiang Qingyue looked at herself in the mirror, and her anxiety finally eased somewhat. She took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and was about to go to the pavilion by the pond to find Qin Congyu when she heard a commotion nearby.
"The flowers in this yard are blooming beautifully; I'm sure you'll like them."
It's Jiang Chuchu.
She walked at the front in her gorgeous clothes, talking and looking around.
Long before the banquet, she had found out that *** would be attending. She racked her brains to climb up this tree, even enduring the pain of having a birthmark identical to that slut Jiang Qingyue's etched on her shoulder, all for this moment!
However, instead of seeing ***, she bumped into someone familiar.
"You... how did you get here?" Jiang Chuchu couldn't help but shout out. Seeing the puzzled looks on everyone's faces, she quickly composed herself.
No, shouldn't Jiang Qingyue already be... by now?
However, she didn't show it on her face, and quickly stepped forward, saying, "Sister, so you're here too?"
She eagerly tried to grab Jiang Qingyue's hand, but Jiang Qingyue avoided her, leaving her awkwardly holding her hand up, unsure of what to do.
Jiang Chuchu didn't mind. "Sister, I heard from Mother that you weren't feeling well, and I thought you wouldn't come. I didn't expect you to actually come. That's wonderful!"
Jiang Chuchu stepped forward with a smile, looking every bit like a good friend.
Hearing her words, the noble ladies who had come with her all turned their gazes to Jiang Qingyue. Seeing her disheveled appearance, worse off than a servant, they all sneered.
"I've heard that the Prime Minister's residence adopted a daughter; it must be this one, right?"
"How rude of her! She's just an adopted daughter, yet she acts more arrogantly than the legitimate lady!"
"Everyone is celebrating Miss Jiang's birthday, but she's here slacking off and enjoying herself. The Prime Minister is too lenient!"
……
The crowd chattered amongst themselves, their voices neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for everyone present to hear.
I heard that some time ago, the Prime Minister adopted a daughter from outside the palace. His original intention was to have her accompany his biological daughter in her studies. However, this adopted daughter was greedy and framed the legitimate daughter in an attempt to take her place. As a result, the Prime Minister drove her out of the Prime Minister's mansion and sent her to the countryside.
Seeing Jiang Qingyue dressed like this now, one can naturally assume that she is the legendary adopted daughter.
Jiang Chuchu did not deny it, but instead gave a polite smile.
Jiang Qingyue, Jiang Qingyue, even if you are the real one, so what? Father and Mother are not on your side, and now everyone thinks I am the real one. You will never be able to replace me!
"Sister, since you're here too, let's go to the birthday banquet together. Today is your birthday too, we can celebrate together!"
Since Jiang Qingyue has come to her doorstep, she naturally wants to involve Jiang Qingyue as well, and then gradually drag her into an abyss of no return.
In her past life, Jiang Qingyue was completely manipulated by Jiang Chuchu, ultimately leading to a tragic end.
This time, Jiang Qingyue coldly avoided Jiang Chuchu's hand, saying, "No need."
Jiang Chuchu's face stiffened. She hadn't expected Jiang Qingyue to suddenly avoid her. This wasn't Jiang Qingyue's personality; she should have been flattered.
However, this was exactly what she wanted.
Sure enough, some people spoke up for her.
"How dare a mere adopted daughter give the legitimate young lady such attitude? Isn't that a bit too arrogant?"
"Exactly, what's the point of keeping someone like that around? Chuchu, you're too kind. If it were me, I would have had him kicked out long ago."
Jiang Qingyue raised her eyes slightly, a cold glint flashing in her pupils. Just as she was about to say something, she caught sight of a bright yellow figure behind a peach tree in the distance, and then fell silent again.
Just as everyone was condemning Jiang Qingyue's behavior, a clear and penetrating voice rang out: "I didn't know the Prime Minister's family was so ill-mannered. How dare a mere adopted daughter act so arrogantly? What gives her the nerve?"
Qin Congyu had come looking for Jiang Qingyue, but overheard their argument, and his expression grew even more somber and cold.
The prime minister's daughter, who should have been raised in luxury, was bullied like this by a group of sycophantic and despicable people! How could she swallow this insult!
"Greetings, Your Highness..." Everyone immediately fell silent and bowed respectfully.
Qin Congyu's words were blunt, clearly showing his support for the daughter of the Prime Minister, which was obvious to anyone with eyes to see.
The courtyard was filled with people kneeling, eyes downcast, but their ears seemed to be perched on their heads, all eager to see the spectacle and surprised by the ***'s protection of the Prime Minister's daughter.
Thinking back to the rumors between the Prime Minister's residence and the Empress Dowager in the past, he knew exactly what was going on and was planning how to please Jiang Chuchu so that he could also catch the Empress Dowager's eye.
Jiang Chuchu's face lit up with joy, thinking that her mother was backing her up. She quickly stepped forward affectionately, "Your Highness, why are you still here at this hour? The banquet is about to begin. Chuchu has prepared your favorite food for you..."
Before she could finish speaking, Qin Congyu walked past Jiang Chuchu without hesitation and headed towards Jiang Qingyue, who was standing to the side.
Jiang Chuchu's hand froze awkwardly in place, a vague unease creeping into her heart.
"Moon, come here." Qin Congyu took Jiang Qingyue's hand and his gaze softened. "I've been looking for you everywhere. So you're here."
Qin Congyu smoothed Jiang Qingyue's slightly messy and wet hair, his expression a mixture of reproach and pity.
Over the years, she had ultimately neglected this. Now that she was here, she was determined to seek justice for Yue'er.
Qin Congyu's behavior puzzled everyone present, who looked at Jiang Chuchu with confusion.
Jiang Chuchu, who was being scrutinized, froze on the spot, unsure how to react. Her legs seemed rooted to the spot, and cold sweat poured down her face.
What's going on here?! Why do this slut and that *** seem so familiar with each other?! Did she say something she shouldn't have to that ***?!
The gazes around her were almost tangible, as if they wanted to tear off all her clothes. Jiang Chuchu's face turned pale, and she bit her lower lip tightly.
However, Qin Congyu ignored what others thought, snorted coldly and continued, "Rest assured, with me here, I will not let you suffer the slightest grievance."