Lady Jiang 2

Lady Jiang was a woman in her mid-forties. Though married to the general, she was a woman feared for her own achievements.

Her father was once a monarch who helped the current emperor rise to power, thus making her family one of the most important in the Chuan Empire.

She married the general not out of love but for beneficial purposes, yet that didn't stop her from showing her discord to anyone who tried to come after her position as his wife.

Even Jiang Wei's mother reaped the consequences.

One thing that stained Lady Jiang's so-called perfect life was the fact that she was without a male child. She only had one daughter, even after being married to the general for almost 25 years.

In order to keep her stance, she had no other choice than to bring her own sister into her household to bear her husband a male child.

Having her sister under control meant her position as wife was unshaken, so whichever concubine dared step into her house wouldn't dare wish to compete with her.

"We have arrived, Young Mistress!" Mailing announced as Su Lanyi took a deep breath before stepping down from the carriage.

Before her was the Jiang Residence, the main house where the wife and concubines belonging to the general stayed.

She hadn't been here in a long time. She never liked his family one bit. Yes, Su Lanyi was a horrible wife, yet she never tried to curry favor from his family. She saw them as a disgusting set of people not befitting her kindness.

Stepping in, she wasn't even greeted or welcomed; it was as though all the maids didn't recognize her. But they did—they just chose to ignore her.

If it were the old Su Lanyi, she would have caused havoc already. She was someone who always wanted to be respected wherever she went, but now she had realized that respect is earned, not forced.

She walked past them as she headed straight to the Lotus Palace, where Lady Jiang dwelled.

There were many palaces in the huge mansion, but the Lotus Palace was one of the biggest, belonging to the main wife of the general.

"Fifth Young Mistress arrives!" her arrival was announced as she made her way in. Her green hanfu was bright and radiant, showcasing her class and nobility in every manner.

Upon entering, Su Lanyi bowed upon seeing Jiang Ru seated in front of her courtyard, her face adorned with a solemn smile.

But she wasn't alone, as beside her was her daughter, Jiang Mei, and at her other side was her sister, who was one of the general's concubines, Hui Li. Seated near Hui Li was her daughter, Jiang Shi.

Bowing, Su Lanyi said, "I humbly greet Mother. I hope Mother has been well."

Seeing her, Jiang Ru smiled as she took hold of her white fan. "You may rise," she said, as she ordered some maids to get Su Lanyi a chair to sit on.

Taking her seat, Su Lanyi's expression was firm enough to let them know she wasn't here for any pleasantries.

"Have you been well, Mother?" she asked, showing concern as per courtesy.

"Mmn... I have been well, Daughter. It's nice to see that you remembered your manners and remembered to pay me a visit."

Su Lanyi stood up, bowing again. "Su Lanyi would like to apologize to Mother for not visiting. It's just that I haven't fully gotten used to staying here at the East, since I've lived my whole life in the North."

Jiang Ru nodded. "It's alright. I wasn't upset. Since you are here now, you are already forgiven. Since you are here, why don't you have a cup of tea and chat with us? After all, it's not every day we get to have such a small women's gathering."

She laughed slightly as the rest laughed along with her, but Su Lanyi wasn't here for any tea party—she was here for business.

"I would have loved to, Mother, but I have to head back to the Pond Residence because my husband would be worried if I stayed out for too long."

She turned them down, and her words made them exchange looks.

They knew well that Su Lanyi was someone who never acknowledged that Jiang Wei was her husband, so what was with the sudden change?

"You seem to have something to discuss with me? Come on, out with it," Jiang Ru demanded, growing impatient as she took a sip of her tea.

"I would like to report Lady Hui to you, Mother!" Her words took everyone by surprise.

"Report? For what?" Jiang Ru asked.

Taking a deep breath, Su Lanyi continued, "For the embezzlement of the Pond Residence's stipend for the past five years!"

"What!?" Hui Li stood up, obviously taken back by Su Lanyi's words.

"Y-you how dare you frame me, who the hell do you think you are?" Hui Li flared up turning to Jiang Ru, "sister you possibly can't believe her.. she's lying. W-why will I ever try to embezzle from this household.. never!"

"Yes Aunt my mother would never do such, you have to seek justice for her," Jiang Shi pleaded along side her mother as Jiang Ru flashed a now more serious look at Su Lanyi.

"Su Lanyi, you truly have the mind to say such words about your Aunt! Do you have any proof to justify your claim?"

A faint smile appeared on Su Lanyi's face, "As a matter of fact I do."