Chapter 19.1: Mdd Part1

"Yes, what interesting things have been happening in Yanjing in recent years? I heard the old madam of Rong Xin Ling passed away three years ago. I remember when I was small, she gave me a double-sided embroidery of the Goddess of Mercy. Also, I heard Yu Xiang jiejie mention Yanjing's first beauty. Her husband was also the latest top scorer in the palace examination. I heard she died of illness a few days ago, is that true?"

Without any head nor tail, why suddenly bring up these insignificant things? Xiang Qiao was already confused since earlier. Now, seeing Jiang Li still earnestly looking at her, it dawned on her, Jiang second miss had probably stayed in the mountain for too long. Although she was now 15, in the end, she was still a child and liked to listen to these fresh and entertaining stories.

Xiang Qiao, this person, even though she was greedy, yet after she took the money, she would handle matters satisfactorily. Especially at this time, she only needed to move her mouth, a simple errand. So, soon afterward, the usual gossip was all spilled out to the young lady.

She spoke: "It's true. Three years ago, when Rong Xin Ling's old madam passed away, our old madam went there to offer condolences. The husband of Yanjing's first beauty that you mentioned is last year's top scorer in the palace examination and now a newly-appointed official. He should now be an official in the Ministry of Rites, Shen Yurong, Lord Shen."

Hearing this name, Jiang Li's heart contracted tightly. However, there was a smile on her face when she said: "It's really this person."

"Lord Shen is awesome. I heard the master once mentioned it to madam, among the newly-selected officials in the imperial court, Lord Shen had the fastest promotion. Really someone with talent. His wife was really beautiful, however ......." Reaching here, Xiang Qiao stopped talking and disdain flashed across her eyes. Then she tensely looked at Jiang Li and continued by mumbling.

"Was she the madam who had an affair?" asked Jiang Li.

Xiang Qiao was surprised: "You also know this thing?" She smiled apologetically and continued: "I was originally afraid to talk about it and dirty your ears. I didn't expect that you knew it already. That's right, the matter of Madam Shen having a corrupted woman's virtue is known by everyone. Think about it, which part of Lord Shen is not good. Young and promising, handsome, but this Madam Shen still had an affair outside. Really don't know what she was thinking." Her voice was tinged with deep loathing.

"Corrupted woman virtue? Known by everyone?"

Xiang Qiao felt Jiang Li's facial expression was somewhat strange and the atmosphere was suddenly stagnant. She paused and hesitantly opened her mouth: "Second miss?"

Jiang Li smiled: "Nothing, continue talking."

Xiang Qiao paused and seemed to recall some matters before talking: "This Madam Shen had done such a disappointing and disgraceful thing to Lord Shen yet Lord Shen was infatuated with her and not only did he not blame her, he still treated her like in the past. Perhaps the heavens were unable to stand idly by, ever since Madam Shen's affair was found out, she fell ill. A few days later, at the beginning of the first month, she left this world. To say, it must be retribution." Xiang Qiao shook her head and sighed: "After he knew that his wife was gone, he was broken-hearted and stayed at home without eating and drinking for three days and three nights, nearly following after his wife. His Majesty reproached him for being such an infatuated husband and instructed him to take a few days off from attending court. But recalling his emphasis on feelings and relationship, the master said that Lord Shen probably will once again be promoted."

After saying all these words, Xiang Qiao didn't hear Jiang Li say anything and lifted her head to see. A stiff smile was at the corner of Jiang Li's mouth but in a short moment, Jiang Li raised the cup in her hands and drank a mouthful before talking: "This Lord Shen is truly someone who has deep affections."

Apologies for the delay... I was busy on Sat so couldn't edit and yesterday I went hiking (it was awesome!) but stayed out the whole day, and my eyes hurt when I reached home so... had to sneakily edit this today while at work >.<