Transmigrated Little Farm Girl Bringing Great Fortune

Chapter 438 The Mask of Hypocrisy

"A little higher..."

"Grandfather, a little higher..."

Miaomiao is flying a kite with her grandfather.

Because my maternal grandfather had difficulty walking, he could no longer engage in the sports he enjoyed, such as horseback riding, archery, hunting, and his daily morning boxing exercises.

Just imagine.

A seasoned general, brave and invincible, who, even at his advanced age, still walks with a commanding presence.

Now I can only sit all day.

Eat, sleep, drink alcohol and tea, or simply stand on a high platform and stare blankly at the distant sky.

This looks so worrying.

I'm worried that my grandfather is depressed.

So her second brother instructed her to keep her maternal grandfather company and make him happy.

Then Miaomiao became her grandfather's little shadow.

She would drag him to fly kites one minute, and to play chess the next. In short, she used all her nagging skills on her grandfather.

"Grandfather, would you like some snacks?"

"Want some tea?"

"Want to go for a walk..." Miao Miao suddenly stopped talking when she mentioned going out.

How could you tell someone with mobility issues to leave?

She misspoke.

Seeing her grandfather sitting there with his chin in his hand, lost in thought, Miao Miao changed the subject: "Grandpa, would you like to hear me recite some poems for you?"

"No, please don't! Your grandfather dislikes listening to those flowery poems and essays the most. I want to see you write calligraphy right now," General Lu waved his hands repeatedly.

Jiang Miaomiao: ……

Okay, she wrote it so her grandfather would be happier.

General Lu looked at the little girl who had been jumping around like a monkey in front of him, and now she had finally calmed down and was sitting obediently at the table writing.

I breathed a huge sigh of relief.

The little girl has so much energy, she's never still for a moment.

He accompanied her to fly kites, helped her tend to the flowers and plants, watched her practice martial arts, and even urged her to read and practice calligraphy.

Taking care of a child is more tiring than fighting a war.

Spending a few days with the little guy has exhausted this old man.

When I have free time, all I want to do is space out and doze off.

But then he heard the emperor's own granddaughter sweetly calling him "grandfather" and even serving him tea and massaging his shoulders.

He immediately felt relieved.

Even if that person is an emperor who can control the life and death of others, he is still a lonely figure.

They will probably never experience such family bliss.

Miao Miao handed him two poems she had written: "Grandfather, how is my handwriting?"

“Good…it’s even better than what your mother wrote.” General Lu held it in his hand and pondered it carefully.

Indeed, the student has surpassed the teacher.

Jiang Miaomiao rested her chin on her hands and looked at her grandfather with a smile: "Can I stop writing then?"

"No."

General Lu put on a serious face and laid out a sheet of white paper in front of his granddaughter.

The main reason was that his eldest grandson, Yan Ge'er, instructed him to keep an eye on the little girl's reading and writing.

Otherwise, that brat Yan Cheng'an would definitely have run off with her.

That kid was also a lawless child, always skipping school, good for nothing, and liked to loiter around his house.

So General Lu now has a task: to keep an eye on the little girl.

We can't let that Yan family brat corrupt his precious granddaughter.

Jiang Miaomiao: ……

My maternal grandfather was indeed a great general.

They are absolute and leave no room for negotiation.

Miao Miao decided to light a burner of agarwood for her maternal grandfather, as agarwood can calm the nerves and help him sleep.

Then she continued to copy the Analects, reciting it as she wrote...

With her mother away, and the princess seemingly busy with something, she took Xiao Yu'er back to the palace.

Father was even busier, and he could never see him when he went to the Cui residence.

The imperial examinations will be held in a month, and Miaomiao doesn't want to bother her second brother.

My two older cousins, one is about to get married, and the other is learning etiquette and manners, catching up on the poetry and manners she missed during her exile.

Everyone was busy with their own things, but she was the one with the most free time.

Suddenly, I felt completely at ease.

Miao Miao secretly glanced at her maternal grandfather.

She was dozing off in her recliner.

Hehe! Finally fell asleep.

I found a blanket to cover him, tiptoed out, and gently closed the door.

Turning to Xi'er, he asked, "Hasn't Princess Mother returned yet?"

"No, they're still in the palace."

When Xi'er saw that her young master had coaxed the old general to sleep, she had a bad feeling.

With Third Sister away from home, the girl grew bolder and began visiting neighbors everywhere.

The Cui family, the Mu family, the Prince Jing's mansion, and even the Sun family went there.

He also often wandered around teahouses and taverns, listening to people chat, sometimes for an entire afternoon.

"Where would you like to go today, young lady?" Xi'er asked, then realized she should change her address.

Now you should call her Princess.

In case she needs to give a gift or something, she can prepare in advance.

Miao Miao stopped and tilted her head to think for a moment: "Let's go to the Sun residence. Sister Qiao has just arrived in the capital. I'm afraid she won't adapt to the new environment, and I'm also afraid that Sister-in-law Sun will bully her. I have to go and support her."

Sun Ersao is sick, seriously sick.

I experienced this firsthand on the way back to Beijing.

Now that Sister Qiao has come to the capital, she is heavily pregnant. Since her mother is not here, she, as a member of her maternal family, needs to visit her often.

These wealthy families have many servants who fawn over their masters.

Even though Sun's brother-in-law couldn't always be by her side, there were still things he couldn't attend to.

She has to go and take a look.

So that the Sun family would know that Qiao'er was not some country girl, but the older sister of Princess Mingzhu.

Think about it now.

The title of princess is quite useful.

It's possible to use someone else's power to intimidate others.

Just as I stepped out of the side gate, I encountered Liuyun walking hurriedly towards me.

"Princess, a servant just reported that Miss Jiang went to the manor to look for you and the Second Young Master, and happened to run into Jiang Yunze. Then Miss Jiang was taken away by Vice Minister Jiang."

What does "take away..." mean?

Miao Miao was startled: "Were they kidnapped?"

Liu Yun: "No, it's not that. Minister Jiang came to your residence looking for you. He said that Old Madam Jiang was ill and wanted you to go back to see her. You happened to run into Miss Jiang. After all, she is his niece, so you couldn't refuse her hospitality and went."

"Sick? What does being sick have to do with me? My second brother and I aren't doctors." Miao Miao felt completely baffled.

They acted like a real family.

"Did Sister Qiao go alone? Did her husband accompany her?"

Thinking that her brother-in-law might have locked himself in his room to prepare for the exam, Qiao's sister came out on her own.

She couldn't help but feel a little worried.

Liu Yun: "There were only two maids and two old women with us, and a coachman. I didn't see any other men."

"We shouldn't delay, let's go to the Jiang residence to rescue Sister Qiao, she's pregnant." Miao Miao called over Qiu Qiu and asked it to go and check first.

"Should we tell Young Master Yan first?" Xi'er felt uneasy.

Don't be fooled by the fact that the young master speaks like an adult; he's still just a child.

I'm afraid she won't be able to handle it.

Minister Jiang is a cunning old fox.

They haven't interacted for a long time, and now they're suddenly being asked to come over, including the young princess and Young Master Yan.

They probably have ulterior motives.

In terms of martial prowess, no one in the Jiang family could indeed harm their young master.

What I fear most is that they might resort to underhanded tactics.

Miao Miao shook her head: "No, we can't tell Second Brother. He's about to take the imperial examination. We can't disturb him or distract him. Let's go by ourselves."

Grandma Jiang doesn't care about her children and grandchildren at all. Even if she gets sick and dies, she might not have a change of heart.

It's even less likely that he personally picked them up because he missed his second brother.

There must be some kind of conspiracy.

My second brother is about to take the imperial examination, and I don't want anything to bother him.

Especially the Jiang family's affairs.

She is now a princess, with Liuyun and Xier by her side, as well as a group of highly skilled guards.

Even if the Jiang family is a den of dragons and tigers, no one can touch her.

Miao Miao tilted her head back, put her hands behind her back, and strode forward with her head held high.

He seemed very arrogant.

Xi'er and Liuyun exchanged a glance, one quickly chased after them, while the other went to arrange the carriage.

……

Jiang Mansion.

Jiang Qiao'er met with Empress Dowager Jiang.

A little restless.

It was obvious that her aunt-in-law didn't like her at all.

My second uncle, Jiang Yunze, is a two-faced scoundrel.

I originally wanted to stay as far away as possible, but I didn't expect to run into him at the entrance of Lu Garden.

It's not surprising that she recognized her second uncle, because he and her father looked quite alike.

Strangely, her second uncle actually recognized her.

When her second uncle left Jiangzhou for the capital to take the imperial examination, she was at most two or three years old. The difference between a two- or three-year-old child and her now is like heaven and earth.

But her second uncle recognized her name at a glance.

It was as if they were waiting for her on purpose.

She accepted the invitation to meet the mother and son because of her husband, who was about to take the imperial examination.

I heard that my second uncle is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

Besides the Minister of Rites, the second uncle held the highest official position in the Ministry of Rites.

And this imperial examination was overseen by the Ministry of Rites.

Therefore, she was somewhat worried that her second uncle might cause trouble for her husband.

I don't want to antagonize them at this time.

She didn't want her husband to be criticized for his wife's disrespect and lack of respect for elders.

She has learned a great deal during the years she has spent with her parents-in-law.

I learned to assess the situation and to be patient for the time being.

But as it was her first time in Beijing, she felt somewhat uneasy.

Even though Miaomiao had described the prosperity of the capital to her in her letter.

Seeing it with my own eyes, I was still deeply shocked.

Then, upon arriving at the Jiang residence, one sees pavilions, towers, bridges, flowing water, and carved railings.

What a beautiful and elegant house!

Thinking back to their old, dilapidated house, the hardships their family endured, and their father's leg that had been crippled by a beating, he recalled the past.

She could not hide the bitterness and indignation in her heart.

What right do my second uncle and aunt have?

Why do you have to humiliate your father like that? Why do you owe money and not pay it back?

They, mother and son, are living such a good life, with fine clothes and sumptuous food, and such a nice mansion to live in.

But he wouldn't even pay back a hundred taels, and even had his father beaten.

hateful!

Too much deceit.

Jiang Qiao'er clenched her hands tightly in her sleeves, her palms almost bleeding from the effort.

Considering her current weakness and lack of support, she held back and did not explode on the spot.

She lowered her eyes to hide her emotions, and it took her a long time to calm down.

But he couldn't help but ask, "Lord Jiang, this house is really nice. You've lived here for over ten years, haven't you?"

"Yes! It's been many years."

Jiang Yunze still felt somewhat guilty towards his cousin's family.

After all, it's a friendship that's lasted since childhood.

His mother and aunt had always been at odds, but unexpectedly, his mother had withheld the money meant for his brother without any explanation.

Even if his mother was wrong, she was still his own mother.

He couldn't utter a single word of reproach.

I can only feel sorry for my brother's family.

Even if the money is returned, the grudges and estrangement that have arisen over the years cannot be erased.

Now I see my niece.

I felt guilty, and surprised...

Of course, they also wanted to use her to bring back Yan Ge'er and Miao Miao.

The best outcome would be to use this opportunity to ease tensions within the family.

He looked his niece up and down.

They specially commissioned someone to paint portraits of the couple.

I was somewhat surprised by her demeanor.

She didn't look like a girl from the countryside at all; she was no different from a young lady from a prominent family in the capital.

Calm and composed, poised and elegant.

It's likely that the two elders of the Sun family disciplined him.

Grandma Jiang's focus differed from her son's; she was more interested in Jiang Qiao'er's clothes and accessories.

The clothes are all the most fashionable styles in Beijing at the moment, and the materials and fabrics are all of the highest quality.

The jewelry also looks quite valuable.

Is the Sun family really that wealthy?

It's clear that the Sun family treats her, their daughter-in-law, very generously.

It's like a sparrow turning into a phoenix!

But this girl sat in front of her for a long time without ever thinking of showing her any filial piety.

They really don't know the rules.

Then she remembered that she was the granddaughter of her sister-in-law, Tian.

I'm still really angry.

She remembered clearly how Tian had mocked her back then.

That hundred taels of silver was what Tian owed her.

Grandma Jiang looked at Jiang Qiao'er with some disgust: "How is your grandmother's health? Is she still unable to walk?"

Jiang Qiao'er replied irrelevantly: "Since Aunt Lu returned to Jiangzhou, my family's life has improved a lot. Father's leg has been cured, and Grandmother's illness has also improved a lot. Our whole family remembers Aunt Lu's kindness, but at the same time, we will not forget the hatred of Father's broken leg. My grandmother is doing very well, so you don't need to worry about her."

Unlike the unease she felt when she first stepped into the Jiang family home.

At this moment, all she felt was heartache for her parents and resentment towards the mother and son.

If she had the ability, she would also like to let her second uncle experience what it's like to be lame.

Grandma Jiang's face turned green.

She hadn't expected the servants to be so rough.

She glanced at her son, feeling somewhat guilty.

Then she looked at Jiang Qiao'er and said, "How can you talk like that? No matter what, I am your aunt. Didn't your parents teach you manners? From the moment you entered the house until now, you've been calling me 'Madam Jiang' and 'Old Madam Jiang' repeatedly. You can't even greet people properly anymore?"

Old Mrs. Jiang already looked down on Jiang Qiao'er, and now she saw her remove her own fig leaf.

They became even more unhappy.

Jiang Qiao'er spoke calmly, letting out a soft hum: "Of course they taught me. They taught me not to be ungrateful, to have a conscience, to keep my promises, and to repay debts..."

Every word and phrase ruthlessly tore away Jiang Yunze's mask of hypocrisy.

Jiang Yunze's face was as black as the bottom of a pot.

He interrupted Jiang Qiao'er and shouted, "Enough! These are all old stories. The money you owed your father has long been paid back. Why do you, a young lady, have to speak so harshly and be so unforgiving?"

Jiang Qiao'er was startled by him, but quickly calmed down.

The people do not fight with the officials.

Don't stay here for long.

She stood up, bowed, and prepared to leave: "Second Uncle is right. I broke my promise just now. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. My husband is still waiting for me at home."

Jiang Yunze glanced at the old woman at the door.

Several servants and old women immediately blocked their way.

"What is Second Uncle doing?" Jiang Qiao'er's heart tightened, and she gripped the maid's hand tightly.

What exactly does my second uncle want to do?

Is it not enough that crippling her father's leg, they also have to humiliate her?

The maids and servants behind her were bewildered, but they immediately stood in front of their mistress to protect her.

In broad daylight, how could I possibly encounter danger while visiting relatives?

Jiang Yunze picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said gently, "Qiao'er, there's no need to panic. The Jiang family is, after all, your maternal home. Since you've come all this way, stay for a while before going back. It just so happens that Miaomiao and Yan'er will be back soon. You two should catch up. You must miss them very much, right?"

“I will send someone to inform your husband, so there is no need to worry.”

……