Chapter Nineteen: Just Make Sure She Does Not Starve to Death; No One in the Household Cares Anyway

Before Jiang Lingyao could speak, Pei Xingzhi frowned and said in a low, firm voice, "I happened to run into Mingzhu, and, not wanting her to be out alone, I decided to escort her back."

Jiang Xiuyuan’s anger came to an abrupt halt. He instinctively looked at Jiang Lingyao, but was met only with the cold indifference in her eyes, which made him feel uneasy again.

What did that look mean? If she weren't constantly bullying Lian'er, why would he ever be suspicious?

With a dark expression, Jiang Xiuyuan turned to coax the other girl, feigning a gentle tone: "Lian'er, aren't you tired? Let’s head back first, shall we?"

Jiang Lingyao withdrew her gaze, a sense of weariness washing over her. She turned to leave, but suddenly felt a tug at her sleeve. She looked up to see Pei Xingzhi, who had taken a wooden box from a maid, holding it out to her. "You forgot this."

She did not take it, her brows furrowed. What was Pei Xingzhi’s intention? Was this some sort of compensation for what had just happened?

Pei Xingzhi said nothing more, thrusting the object into her hands before turning away decisively, leaving her no opportunity to pursue the matter.

A complex feeling stirred within her. She stared at the wooden box in her hands, her eyes darkening.

"What did Brother Pei give you?" Song Lian'er asked, feigning curiosity as she stepped forward, though her eyes were filled with resentment. "Could I take a look?"

Jiang Lingyao acted as if she hadn't heard, but Jiang Xiuyuan had been watching her closely. Seeing her ignore Song Lian'er, he flared up again and stepped in front of her. "Jiang Lingyao, it was a misunderstanding earlier, but what about now? I saw with my own eyes that you ignored Lian'er!"

His eyes were filled with fury and accusation, as if ignoring Song Lian'er were a grave sin, and he viewed his own sister as an unforgivable villain.

Jiang Lingyao looked at him calmly, the fatigue in her heart deepening. "I am tired, too. The old wounds from a few days ago have yet to heal, and I would like to return and rest early."

"Wounds?"

Jiang Xiuyuan’s brows locked together. A moment later, he said coldly, "Nonsense. I sent you so much medicine; just how badly were you injured that it hasn't healed after all this time?"

He sent medicine?

Jiang Lingyao paused. Behind Jiang Xiuyuan, Song Lian'er cast a glance toward her, her eyes glimmering with unconcealed malice as the corners of her lips curled upward.

"Don't make excuses. If Lian'er wants to see it, why not just show it to her?"

Jiang Lingyao took a deep breath and handed the wooden box to him, her palms clenching unconsciously. He was always like this—whatever caught Song Lian'er’s fancy, she was expected to yield. If she let her look at it now, she would surely demand the jewelry set shortly after.

As expected, after a single glance, Song Lian'er sighed softly, "How beautiful. A Southern pearl and kingfisher feather headpiece—it’s my first time seeing one. Only Sister is worthy of such a thing." She added with a sigh, "I wonder if I shall ever possess such a set in this lifetime?"

The moment the words left her lips, Jiang Xiuyuan chimed in without hesitation, "It’s nothing so rare. Just tell Jiang Lingyao to give it to you."

He turned his gaze toward Jiang Lingyao. "You owe Lian'er so much. It’s just a headpiece; give it to her."

Hearing these words, which had become all too familiar, Jiang Lingyao felt a momentary daze.

"It’s just a dress, give it to Lian'er."
"It’s just an opportunity to be a companion to the Princess, give it to Lian'er."
"It’s just..."

She had lost count of how many times the members of the Duke’s household had said similar things to her. A wave of profound sorrow surged within her—not for their favoritism, but for her past self, who had once thrown herself at them like a moth to a flame, desperate to please them.

"Take it," she said, casting a dismissive glance before turning to leave. "I am tired."

For some reason, watching Jiang Lingyao walk away so decisively, a prickling, restless irritation welled up in Jiang Xiuyuan, leaving him deeply agitated. How had she become like this? Full of lies, cold and rude to her own family—what was the meaning of this? He blamed himself for having spoiled her too much in the past, causing her to lose all sense of right and wrong, unable to endure the slightest grievance without lashing out at her kin.

"Big Brother," Song Lian'er looked at him with feigned concern. "Are you worried that Sister is angry?"

"Why would I care if she's angry!" Jiang Xiuyuan replied too quickly, as if trying to mask something. He softened his tone and changed the subject. "I have matters to attend to. I’ll have a maid escort you back."

"Yes, take care, Big Brother. I can find my own way back."

"If only Jiang Lingyao were as sensible as you," Jiang Xiuyuan muttered, standing in place and grinding his teeth. "She is simply selfish and never thinks of her family! Everyone in the house dotes on her; for the year she spent at the temple, Father and Mother never showed a smile—who wasn't thinking of her?" He sighed, "Never mind, I shouldn't have said these things and upset you as well. Lian'er, you suffered a grievance today; I’ll have someone send you some fresh tea later as a token of my apology."

Song Lian'er accepted with a smile, though her eyes were filled with contempt for Jiang Xiuyuan. She followed the maid through the gates of the Duke’s mansion, her steps slow, the smile on her face widening.

This was her fifth year since transmigrating here. She had become the apple of everyone’s eye in the Duke’s household, while Jiang Lingyao, who had been high and mighty when they first met, had been dragged into the mud and turned into someone despised by all.

The more she thought about it, the more she could not suppress her smile. She looked around. The Duke’s mansion was incredibly luxurious, with a new scene at every turn. Passing through the long corridors to see the evergreen pines, she could feel the power and wealth radiating toward her, filling her with pride.

So what if they were the nobility? They were still dancing in the palm of her hand. One day soon, she would drive Jiang Lingyao out of this place entirely and enjoy the glory and riches all to herself!

Thinking of this, Song Lian'er let out a soft laugh and said to the maid, "Tell the steward to withhold Jiang Lingyao’s monthly stipend. Just give her enough food to survive."

"Miss, that is absolutely not allowed! What if someone finds out?"

"They won't. I blocked her medicine last time, didn't I, and no one found out?" Song Lian'er raised an eyebrow. "Just make sure she doesn't starve to death, that is all."