Taking Jiang Yi’s hand, Jiang Si walked inside together.
The manor’s servants hurried to announce their arrival, and soon Second Uncle Su and his wife, along with others, came out to welcome them.
“Why trouble Second Uncle and Second Aunt to come to greet us…”
Second Uncle Su smiled, “It’s only proper when the Princess Consort visits.”
His niece was only a Princess Consort now – if she were to become someone of higher rank in the palace, even his parents would have to come out to welcome her.
Second Uncle Su then looked at Jiang Zhan with a warm smile: “Zhan’er isn’t on duty today?”
“I was worried about Grandmother’s health, so I took leave to visit her.”
“Zhan’er has truly made something of himself.” Second Uncle Su nodded, then said to Jiang Yi, “Yi’er looks well.”
Jiang Yi smiled, “All thanks to Uncle and Aunt’s care.”
After exchanging pleasantries, they all proceeded to the Old Madam’s quarters.
The Old Marquis was squatting in the corridor, puffing on his pipe. Hearing the commotion, he barely lifted his eyelids.
“You’re here.”
The three siblings quickly paid their respects to the Old Marquis.
The Old Marquis waved his hand listlessly, “Go in and see your grandmother.”
Jiang Si felt a pang in her heart.
In her memory, her grandfather and grandmother had always been deeply in love. Now that grandmother was gravely ill, if anything were to happen, grandfather would be left all alone.
Jiang Yi’s eyes had already reddened.
The Old Marquis frowned, “Go in now, and don’t cry in front of your grandmother.”
“Don’t worry, Grandfather, we understand.” Jiang Yi quickly wiped her eyes and pulled Jiang Si inside.
A faint medicinal smell permeated the room.
Elder Aunt Yu was feeding medicine to the Old Madam.
Hearing movement, she quickly stood to greet Jiang Si.
Jiang Si marveled inwardly.
After that last confrontation at the manor had ended so awkwardly, with Elder Aunt Yu nearly breaking all pretense of civility with her, she could now act as if nothing had happened.
Truly, those who abandon shame are invincible.
Jiang Si would never forget how Elder Aunt Yu had schemed to marry her to her foolish son.
Noticing Jiang Si’s coldness, Elder Aunt Yu maintained her composure outwardly while seething inside.
How did this girl manage to rise so high?
Now circumstances favored the girl, and despite being the elder, she had to bow her head.
“*cough* *cough* *cough* Yi’er and the others are here?” A weak, aged voice called out.
The three siblings immediately circled Elder Aunt Yu at the bedside.
The Old Madam’s appearance shocked them all.
The elderly lady who had been quite spirited at the beginning of the year was now so thin her cheeks were sunken, her face completely devoid of color, and even breathing seemed to require great effort.
“Grandmother, how are you feeling?” Jiang Yi grabbed one of the Old Madam’s hands, holding back her distress.
Jiang Si silently held the Old Madam’s other hand.
“I’m fine—” The Old Madam had to rest after speaking just these few words.
Fine? Jiang Si happened to notice the Old Madam’s fingers and her pupils suddenly contracted.