Chapter 21: The Jiang family

Jiang Yan arrived at the entrance of the Jiang Residence after completing her invigorating morning jog. She had made it a habit to wake up early ever since she was reborn, spending every day training secretly to become mentally and physically strong enough to face her enemy in the future.

Upon entering the house, she immediately noticed that there were guests present - her grandfather, Old Master Jiang, and her grandmother, Old Madam Jiang. Jiang Yan's heart sank as she caught a glimpse of her grandmother's icy glare fixed on her. She knew all too well that the old woman despised her presence and never hesitated to express her disdain.

With a deep breath, Jiang Yan steeled herself to be respectful despite her grandmother's hostility.

"Grandfather, Grandmother," she said, bowing deeply. "It's good to see both of you."

Old Master Jiang smiled warmly at her. "Yan Yan, my dear, come over to Grandpa. How have you been?"

"I've been well, thank you, Grandfather," Jiang Yan replied, grateful for the old man's kindness.

However, Old Madam Jiang remained silent, her lips pursed disapprovingly. Jiang Yan did her best to ignore her grandmother's disdainful gaze and focused on being polite.

"You look like you've been exercising," Old Master Jiang said, eyeing her with interest. "Is there a particular reason for that?"

Jiang Yan hesitated for a moment before replying, "I just want to stay healthy and strong, Grandfather."

Old Madam Jiang continued to remain silent, but Jiang Yan was undeterred by her grandmother's behavior. She knew that the old woman's opinion of her would not change, no matter what she did. Instead, she concentrated on being courteous and respectful toward her grandfather, who had always treated her kindly.

"Great, great! I'm glad to hear that, Yan Yan," Old Master Jiang said with a smile. "It's good that you're taking care of yourself well."

Jiang Yan felt grateful toward her grandfather and smiled back at him. "Thank you, Grandfather."

Old Madam Jiang remained silent throughout the conversation; her disapproval of Jiang Yan was evident in her cold demeanour. Jiang Yan knew that she could not change her grandmother's opinion of her, but she remained polite and respectful nonetheless. She had learned to be strong and resilient in the face of adversity, and she would not let anyone bring her down.

Old Madam Jiang's disapproval of Jiang Yan was evident in her every glance and word. "What kind of granddaughter are you?" she sneered. "Born due to the scheme of your shameless mother."

Jiang Yan remained silent, despite being furious, knowing that any response would only fuel her grandmother's anger.

Old Madam Jiang continued to taunt her granddaughter, making barbed remarks about her birth and her lack of filial piety. Jiang Zhihao, Old Madam Jiang's youngest but favourite son, had achieved great things at a young age, making both his parent feel so proud. However, the birth of Jiang Yan stained his otherwise flawless career and reputation, causing Old Madam Jiang to become even more hostile towards this granddaughter.

Jiang Yan had grown up feeling like an outsider in her own family, constantly reminded of her "illegitimate" birth and made to feel unwelcome in their home. Despite this, she had done everything in her power to earn their care and love, only to be met with scheming and hostility.

In her previous life, Jiang Yan had been forced out of the house and exiled from the country for five years before finally returning, only to find the doors of the Jiang Residence permanently closed to her. Old Madam Jiang had never forgiven her for her supposed transgressions, and had made it clear that Jiang Yan was not welcome in their home, no matter what she did.

It was a painful reality for Jiang Yan, but one that she had come to accept over time. She had learned to rely on herself and had worked hard to build a life outside of her family, finding success and happiness on her own terms. But the wounds of her past still lingered, and the pain of being rejected by her own kin was a constant ache in her heart. However, this time she had no expectations for anyone, nor is she going to seek anyone's approval.

Madam Tian, who was present in the room, watched the scene with delight. She had always hated Jiang Yan and enjoyed seeing her suffer. To fuel her own temper, Madam Tian acted pitifully and started serving Old Madam Jiang.

"Oh, mother, please forgive me for my lack of hospitality," Madam Tian said, bowing low. "I am not as capable as Jiang Yan. Please let me serve you instead."

Old Madam Jiang's anger turned towards Jiang Yan as she spoke, "You see, Jiang Yan, your step-mother is more filial and respectful towards her elders than you are. You should learn from her and serve your elders properly."

Jiang Yan was indifferent to her grandmother's words. She had always tried her best to be respectful and filial, but it seemed that nothing she did was ever enough. She remained silent, however, knowing that any response would only make the situation worse.

Madam Tian continued to serve Old Madam Jiang with exaggerated deference, making sure to show off her own supposed filial piety. Old Madam Jiang lapped it up, her anger towards Jiang Yan only growing.

"I don't know what your father was thinking, having a child with a maid," Old Madam Jiang said, turning her attention back to Jiang Yan. "You have brought shame upon our family. If it were up to me, I would have sent you away a long time ago."

Madam Tian looked at Jiang Yan smugly, enjoying the sight of her suffering. She knew that her plan to fuel Old Madam Jiang's anger towards Jiang Yan was working perfectly.

Old Madam Jiang's taunts continued to sting, but Jiang Yan remained composed, with her head held high. Suddenly, Old Master Jiang intervened, putting a stop to the insults.

"Enough!" Old Master Jiang said, his voice firm. "Jiang Yan is my granddaughter, and I will not tolerate anyone disrespecting her. And you, you or anyone cannot call her illegitimate anymore. She is still a part of the Jiang family and our flesh and blood."

Old Madam Jiang remained silent, clearly upset that her husband was taking Jiang Yan's side. She had already fought with Old Master Jiang over this matter, but it seemed that he was adamant.

Turning to his youngest son, Jiang Zhihao, Old Master Jiang said, "Today I came here for an important matter. Zhihao, arrange a banquet for Jiang Yan. I want everyone to know that she is my, Jiang Zhihan's granddaughter and your youngest daughter. I want people to know that she is welcome in this family."

Jiang Zhihao was not happy with this request, his expression clouding over with disapproval. He had always harboured resentment towards Jiang Yan for ruining his reputation and had never accepted her as his daughter.

Madam Tian's expression turned ugly as well. She had not expected this. She always hated Jiang Yan and resented the fact that her husband had a child with a maid. She knew that this banquet would only serve to elevate Jiang Yan's status in the family and make her own position even more unstable.

Old Madam Jiang remained silent, her face a mask of fury and disappointment. She knew that she had already argued over this matter with her husband, before coming here. And she had lost this battle, and it was clear that she was not happy about it.

Jiang Yan watched the exchange silently, feeling a mix of emotions. She was grateful that her grandfather was finally acknowledging her as his granddaughter, but she was also wary of the banquet. She wasn't planning to stay at the Jiang residence for long. This banquet will be meaningless.

Jiang Yan calmly tells Old Master Jiang, "Grandfather, I appreciate your kindness, but I do not want any banquet. I have to prepare for university and I do not want to waste any more time."

Old Master Jiang was taken aback, however, he tried to convince Jiang Yan, "But this is an important occasion. We need to let everyone know that you are a member of the Jiang family."

Jiang Yan insists, "I do not need a banquet to prove my identity. Please, let me focus on my studies."

Old Master Jiang nods reluctantly and says, "All right. If that is what you wish then, we will postpone the banquet for the near future."

After that, Old Master Jiang and Old Madam Jiang left the Jiang residence.

Madam Tian quickly turned around to scold Jiang Yan, as soon as her in-laws left, "Do not think that I will accept you as part of this family. You will never be welcomed here."

Jiang Yan looks at her calmly without saying a word.

Madam Tian turns to her husband, Jiang Zhihao, and declares, "I will not allow you to acknowledge this illegitimate child in public. Do you hear me?"

Jiang Zhihao remain silent and stared at Madan Tian. He knew saying anything would be meaningless right now. He excused himself saying he has a meeting at the office and walked out of the room.

Meanwhile, seeing her husband leave Madam Tian went back to her bedroom in anger.

Feeling the tension rising, Jiang Yan quietly retreated to her room to get ready for the day. She has a lot of work to do to set up her new company. After getting ready, she quickly leaves the house to set off to start her new work early.

***