She was just about to step forward and call out "Second Brother," when the servant who had been struck previously beat her to it, crying out, "I beg the Second Young Lady to stand up for us! We were only talking here, and the Eldest Young Lady came out and started hitting people without rhyme or reason."
Jiang Lingyuan frowned, "If you said things your Eldest Sister didn't want to hear and she decided to discipline you, what can I do? You should just take it."
Jiang Xun let out a mocking laugh and looked at Jiang Lingzhi with a sneer, "What is it? You've done such things, and yet you're afraid to let people talk about it?"
He looked down at Jiang Lingzhi from his height, his eyes cold. "Since you had your sights set on General Xiao, why didn't you say so earlier? Why did you have to snatch the marriage intended for Lingyuan?"
Jiang Lingzhi felt as if a basin of ice water had been poured over her head. The secret, lingering hope she held for her own family was extinguished without a sound.
How could she have been so foolish?
She had always believed her older brother and second brother didn't come home because one was guarding the frontier and the other was buried in his studies. How had she never realized that they simply did not welcome her, their own sister?
Fortunately, Jiang Lingzhi had long grown accustomed to her disappointment in the Jiang family. She quickly reined in her emotions and looked at Jiang Xun with indifference. "Have you studied yourself into a stupor?"
Jiang Xun was stunned. "What?"
Jiang Lingzhi said earnestly, "It was your precious younger sister who, on my wedding day, was openly whoring with Xiao Yan in my bridal chamber. I was forced to be a substitute bride and marry the Fourth Master so that Old Madame Xiao could suppress the scandal. Otherwise, it would be your precious sister who was being spat upon by the world today."
Jiang Lingyuan’s face turned deathly pale. She looked at Jiang Xun with a pitiful, heart-wrenching expression, and tears began to stream down her face. "Second Brother, I didn't... I didn't..."
She was fully confident that Jiang Xun would believe her.
True enough, seeing her weep like that, Jiang Xun immediately felt that Jiang Lingzhi was slandering her. He couldn't help but raise his hand as if to strike her. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
Jiang Lingzhi sneered and provocatively leaned her face toward him. "I am the Fourth Madam of the State Duke’s Estate now. What, do you really dare to hit me?"
Jiang Xun was so angry that the muscles in his face trembled, but in the end, he dropped his hand helplessly.
Admittedly, he had to consider the reputation of the State Duke’s Estate. But more than that, he found he could not bring himself to strike a face that bore a five-part resemblance to his mother’s.
"Second Brother, please, don't be like this," Jiang Lingyuan said, feeling quite triumphant as she saw Jiang Xun defending her.
So what if Jiang Lingzhi told the truth? In this Jiang family, no one would ever believe her!
She looked at Jiang Xun with aggrieved sorrow. "Sister has always disliked me, which is why she... but it doesn't matter. When it comes down to it, she is your own flesh and blood, Second Brother. You don't need to take my side like this..."
Jiang Xun felt even more irritated. He had grown up with Lingyuan, and in his heart, he considered only her to be his sister. Yet now, she was being bullied to the point of having to swallow her pride!
Before he could say anything more, Jiang Lingzhi stood up, intending to leave.
Jiang Lingyuan immediately put on an apologetic face, "Sister, where are you going? You’ve just returned and haven't even seen Father yet... *Sigh*, everyone at home is so heartbroken knowing how poorly you’ve been treated at the State Duke’s Estate..."
Jiang Xun’s head was buzzing with anger. Subconsciously, he reached out to grab Jiang Lingzhi, "Lingyuan is talking to you! How can you be so ill-mannered?!"
It was thanks to Lingyuan’s thoughtfulness that she was even trying to look out for her, yet Jiang Lingzhi stood there looking so impatient. It was truly a case of returning good with evil!
Jiang Lingzhi, having been subjected to such sarcasm for so long, was in no mood to be polite. "If a child is not taught, the father is at fault. So please, Second Young Master Jiang, go ask your father why he raised me to be this way."
Jiang Xun was even more furious. "What 'Second Young Master Jiang'? Can’t you even bring yourself to call me Second Brother?"
He was her own brother—how could she speak to him like that?
Jiang Lingzhi said expressionlessly, "You are Jiang Lingyuan's second brother, not mine. My second brother back in the countryside taught me how to slaughter pigs. Can you do that?"
"You!" Jiang Xun was a scholar; how could he possibly know how to slaughter a pig?
He was incensed and demanded, "You don't recognize me as your brother? Is it because you’ve latched onto Xiao Jingyi, and now that you look down on the Jiang family, you want to cut ties with us?"
He knew his words were harsh. To him, no woman would swap places at a funeral just to get married on her wedding day. It was clearly a sign that she was restless and greedy for power!
Combined with the fact that Lady Chu and Jiang Lingyuan had shed tears in front of him that morning, saying how they pitied Lingzhi and wanted him to persuade her to divorce and come back to the Jiang family, he was already on edge. When Jiang Lingzhi returned today and acted so wildly—beating servants and slandering Lingyuan—his irritation boiled over.
He spoke without thinking, "Mother should never have given birth to a disaster like you!"
Jiang Lingyuan finally realized something was wrong. Jiang Xun was actually this angry because Jiang Lingzhi refused to call him "Second Brother." This made her uneasy, because anger meant he still cared.
"Sister," she quickly pretended to persuade Jiang Lingzhi, "don't be angry. Second Brother is just worried about you. He was only speaking out of desperation..."
Before she could finish, Jiang Lingzhi turned back, picked up the cup of cold tea, and dumped it right over Jiang Xun’s head. "Then take a moment to cool off!"
Jiang Xun was stunned for a moment. Never in his life had anyone dared to do such a thing to him!
Dripping with tea leaves, he became even more hysterical, "Jiang Lingzhi! Have you lost your mind?"
Jiang Lingyuan smiled calmly. *Yes, that’s it.* Let her be provoked, so Jiang Xun would firmly believe that Jiang Lingzhi was an unreasonable lunatic!
She loathed Jiang Lingzhi. She was clearly the most beautiful and talented daughter of the Jiang family, yet the State Duke’s Estate had insisted on having that bumpkin, Jiang Lingzhi. How could she tolerate that?
She would not only take Xiao Yan back, but she would also firmly grasp her father's concern and her brothers' affection in the palm of her hand!
She tugged at Jiang Xun, saying softly, "Second Brother, don't say that. Sister is so pitiful; she must have suffered terrible grievances at the State Duke’s Estate to be acting like this. You should try to persuade her..."
Jiang Lingzhi didn't want to stay for another second. She headed straight out of the main hall.
"Stop right there!" Jiang Xun, flustered and ignoring the tea stains on his face, followed her in long strides and grabbed her wrist.
Jiang Lingzhi frowned, "What do you want now?"
Jiang Xun looked at her face, pursed his lips to suppress his anger, and hesitated before his threatening tone softened slightly:
"Jiang Lingzhi, this marriage swap is absurd. Go back and divorce General Xiao. Don't let the Jiang family lose face because of you."
Jiang Lingzhi tried to pull away. When she couldn't, she frowned at him, "You’re hurting me."
Jiang Xun subconsciously let go. He saw the red and purple marks on her delicate wrist where he had gripped her, and he frowned. He hadn't even used much force!
"That's right, Sister," Jiang Lingyuan hurried out, feigning concern. "Listen to Second Brother and divorce the State Duke’s Estate. Bring your dowry and move back home. From now on, the Jiang family will surely protect you."
Jiang Lingzhi let out a cold laugh. Jiang Lingyuan’s intentions were so blatant they were practically hitting her in the face! She was even specifically reminding her to bring her dowry—what, so she could facilitate Jiang Lingyuan’s grand marriage into the State Duke’s Estate?
She wasn't a saint!
Besides, even though Xiao Jingyi didn't have much time left, the State Duke’s Estate provided her with food and clothing, and even petitioned for a title for her, allowing her to live a dignified life. She would have to be insane to get a divorce.
Jiang Lingzhi shook her head firmly. "Don't even think about it. I will not divorce him!"
Jiang Xun had finally managed to offer a begrudging bit of concern, only to have it thrown back in his face. Enraged, he cursed, "Why are you so stubborn and thick-headed?"
Jiang Lingzhi ignored him and walked toward the backyard. Jiang Xun followed, still cursing.
Jiang Lingyuan felt a moment of panic. *Why does Second Brother seem to be caring about Jiang Lingzhi?* No, she had to quickly go get Mother; she couldn't let Second Brother keep trying to persuade her.
Jiang Lingzhi entered the Jiang family ancestral hall, familiar with the path. Her eyes immediately landed on the spirit tablet of her mother, Wei Lan.
Her mother’s tablet was cleaner than the others. Jiang Lingzhi knew it was because her father often came back to wipe and touch it. She didn't even know what her mother looked like, but looking at the tablet alone, she felt a sense of warmth.
She reached out to touch it, her eyes aching, and whispered, "Mother."
If only Mother were still here. There would be someone in this world who loved her, believed her, and wouldn't let her be wronged.
She silently offered incense and kowtowed, with the utmost sincerity.
After today, she likely would never return to this Jiang family again.
Jiang Xun stood at the doorway, watching her lonely, stubborn silhouette as she knelt and kowtowed. For some reason, his chest felt tight and heavy.
When Jiang Lingzhi stood up, she realized Jiang Xun was looking at her with a complex expression.
She said expressionlessly, "Move."
Jiang Xun paused. He glared at her, and with a strange, stubborn insistence, he said, "I'm telling you to divorce him for your own good. Xiao Jingyi won't live for more than three months. How will you live your life then?"
Jiang Lingzhi looked at him as if he were a joke.
*Ha.* If he had been honest and said he wanted to take the dowry for Jiang Lingyuan, she might have respected his honesty.
Jiang Xun hopped with rage. "What is that expression on your face!"Just at this moment, Jiang Lingyuan hurried over and advised, "Second Brother, please don't be like this. The Madam's memorial tablet is still inside. You know as well as anyone that she gave her life to bring Elder Sister into this world..."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xun’s expression turned cold once more. Although he was only three years old at the time, he remembered it clearly. Their mother was already frail, and this pregnancy had been difficult; his younger sister, Jiang Lingzhi, had essentially survived by drinking their mother’s blood and consuming her flesh.
Jiang Lingyuan was quite satisfied with the look on Jiang Xun’s face and turned toward Jiang Lingzhi. "Sister, Old Madam Jiang knows you’ve returned and is waiting for you in the front hall. You should go pay your respects."
Jiang Lingzhi was taken aback. In her memories, Old Madam Jiang was always stern and sharp-tongued, constantly looking down on her with disdain, deeming her behavior crude and vulgar. The woman had even assigned two governesses to keep her confined and force her to learn the rules. In hindsight, while that period was bitter, it was precisely because of that training that she was now able to navigate the State Duke Xiao's Estate without feeling entirely lost. She harbored complex, indescribable emotions toward the old woman, but fear outweighed everything else, making her deeply reluctant to go.
Before she could react, Jiang Xun grabbed her by the collar and dragged her toward the hall.
In the front hall, Lady Chu was sitting with Old Madam Jiang. The old woman wore an olive-green outfit that appeared quite understated, but having studied embroidery in the countryside, Jiang Lingzhi could see at a glance that the lotus patterns subtly stitched into the fabric were extraordinary.
Old Madam Jiang’s hair was white, and she sat upright in the seat of honor with a look of severity and solemnity that verged on heartlessness. Even when speaking to Lady Chu, she never once looked her in the eye. It was only when Jiang Xun and Jiang Lingyuan entered that a trace of a smile appeared on her face. She offered them a few words of concern and had the servants bring out their favorite sweet soups and snacks.
As for Jiang Lingzhi, no one even brought her a cup of tea. It was as if she were a beggar who had wandered into the wrong house; nobody bothered to acknowledge her presence.
Jiang Lingyuan nestled into Old Madam Jiang’s arms and acted spoiled, then turned to beckon to Jiang Lingzhi, "Sister, come and pay your respects to the Old Madam."
Only then did Old Madam Jiang seem to notice her. She inspected her with a look of disdain and sneered, "Someone, hold her down! Bring out the family discipline!"
Caught off guard, Jiang Lingzhi was pinned to the floor by several robust governesses.
"Grandmother, what is this for? She..." Jiang Xun was momentarily bewildered, but he instinctively stepped forward to help her up. "What did she do wrong?"
Old Madam Jiang let out a cold laugh, her tone arrogant. "What did she do wrong? The gift list she sent for her return visit listed a fox-fur cloak, but when the butler went to put it in the storeroom, it was a gray squirrel-fur robe. Tell me, how did our Jiang family raise such an unpresentable thing?"
Upon hearing this, a flash of disappointment crossed Jiang Xun’s eyes. Not knowing what to say, he sat back down. Lady Chu and Jiang Lingyuan certainly weren't going to intercede; they were eager to see Jiang Lingzhi punished.
Soon, the instrument of discipline was brought out—a thorny vine rod with sharp barbs. Old Madam Jiang took it herself and said coldly, "Today, I will give you twenty lashes."
Jiang Lingzhi paused, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. Her return gifts had been handled by Lady Lu, and she had heard that Old Madame Xiao had added some items later; there was no way such a mistake could have occurred. It didn't take much to realize that the substitution of the fox-fur cloak for a gray squirrel one was undoubtedly the work of Lady Lu.
Jiang Lingzhi found the irony bitter. Lady Lu and Xiao Yan were truly mother and son; they lacked the courage to fight for what they wanted and instead resorted to sneaky, underhanded tactics. And yet, she was the one being punished by the Jiang family's code.
Xueying and Yunrou turned deathly pale. The thorny rod looked terrifying; if twenty lashes were delivered, would anyone survive? They hurriedly pleaded, "Old Madam Jiang, our Fourth Madam is now a member of the Xiao family. You... you cannot punish her like this..."
"A member of your Xiao family? Hah! Not for much longer!"
Old Madam Jiang pulled a sheet of paper covered in writing from her sleeve. "This is a deed of severance. Once the punishment is carried out, Jiang Lingzhi will press her thumbprint to it, and from then on, she will have nothing more to do with your Xiao family."
Xueying and Yunrou were completely stunned.
In Dayong, there were three ways for a husband and wife to end their marriage. The first was a mutual divorce, involving a signed agreement. The second was a repudiation, where a husband could cast off a wife for committing one of the seven offenses. The third was a formal severance—a unilateral act by the wife to disown the husband. However, as "a wife abandoning a husband" was considered an act of disrespect, the woman had to go to the magistrate’s office and crawl across a three-zhang-long board of iron nails in public.
Pinned to the floor, her face against the cold tiles, Jiang Lingzhi’s heart felt numb. This family only had eyes for Jiang Lingyuan’s happiness. Twenty lashes, followed by crawling on nails—it was clear they wanted her dead.
Jiang Lingyuan looked down at Jiang Lingzhi with feigned sympathy. "Sister, one day you will understand that our family only wants what is best for you."
"Then you might as well beat me to death."
Jiang Lingzhi’s expression was cold and detached. Facing Old Madam Jiang’s malicious, venomous eyes, she suddenly lost all fear. She laughed mockingly, "That day at the funeral hall, Old Madame Xiao already told me that since the marriage was swapped, the State Duke's Estate will never allow me to leave under any circumstances. It is precisely because of this that the Emperor bestowed upon me the title of a First-Rank Lady. If I sever my ties with Xiao Jingyi today, I am defying the imperial will. If you beat me to death, you are openly showing contempt for the Emperor's grace. Go ahead and do it, Grandmother. But know this: the entire Jiang clan will be buried with me. I would welcome it!"
Old Madam Jiang’s expression shifted instantly. "What did you say?"
Her resolve wavered, and the rod slipped from her hands, clattering to the floor. Lady Chu and Jiang Lingyuan’s faces changed as well. What? Jiang Lingzhi could not leave the State Duke Xiao's Estate no matter what? Then how were they supposed to get her dowry back?
Jiang Lingzhi held her head high and struggled; the governesses, seeing the situation turn, loosened their grip. Xueying and Yunrou rushed forward to help her up. Jiang Lingzhi lifted her chin and said with haughty pride to Old Madam Jiang, "As for that gray squirrel-fur robe, if you are dissatisfied, go and file a complaint with Old Madame Xiao!"
Old Madam Jiang frowned. Jiang Lingzhi had always been timid and cowering before; how had she suddenly become so overbearing just by relying on the Xiao family's influence?
Jiang Xun’s expression turned sour, seemingly finding Jiang Lingzhi’s conduct deeply embarrassing. He stood up and made a gesture to shoo her away, saying coldly, "I'll see you out."
Jiang Lingzhi didn't say a word as she rose and walked out. Once outside, she climbed into the carriage with the help of her maids. Before she could even settle down, Jiang Xun jumped onto the driver’s seat and snatched the reins from the coachman. "Giddyap!"
Caught off guard, Jiang Lingzhi nearly hit her head on the carriage frame. She angrily lifted the curtain and glared at Jiang Xun’s back. "What are you doing?"
Jiang Xun didn't look back as he drove, his tone reprimanding. "Have you never seen money before? To embezzle even the return gifts—your conduct is so short-sighted and vulgar! You have none of the grace of a noble daughter!"
Jiang Lingzhi paused. "Your Jiang family never raised me as a noble daughter to begin with."
Jiang Xun was struck speechless. That was true; what noble daughter was raised in the countryside and knew how to slaughter pigs? But the thought of his mother dying in a hemorrhage giving birth to her hardened his heart again. "That was your fate."
Jiang Lingzhi remained silent. A bitterness spread through her, and her heart felt as if it were being squeezed. If she had been given a choice, she would have preferred never to have been born at all.
Outside the carriage, Jiang Xun spoke again, his tone filled with disgust and a hint of a threat. "Jiang Lingzhi, you can debase yourself and refuse to divorce if you wish. But I am telling you, the Xiao family sent word yesterday that they intend to marry Lingyuan into their family soon. Once you are both at the State Duke's Estate, you are not allowed to bully her."
He paused, his voice tinged with a hint of warning. "Besides, our eldest brother will be returning from Nanjiang soon. If he finds out you have mistreated Lingyuan, you will suffer a miserable death."
When their mother died, their eldest brother was already seven. Upon hearing that his mother was gone, he had nearly drowned this newborn sister in a water vat.
Amidst Jiang Xun’s threatening warnings, she listlessly pushed open the carriage window. She saw a peddler by the roadside carrying candied haws. The bright red hawthorns coated in syrup glinted in the sunlight—a taste she had never known.
Jiang Xun was still prattling on, his deep, threatening voice echoing in her ears, becoming truly tiresome. Jiang Lingzhi suddenly interrupted him, "Could you buy me a stick of candied haws?"
Jiang Xun: "?"
He instantly flared up. He was talking about serious matters, and she wanted candied haws! She was seventeen, not a child! What noble daughter of her age would even look at such a thing?
Seeing the carriage about to turn a corner, Jiang Lingzhi urged, "Just buy one!"
"What is so good about those?" Jiang Xun interrupted her gruffly, impatient. "Did you even hear a word I said?"