Chapter 63 – Madame Jiang (2/2)
The imaginary weighing scale in her mind was rather undecided!
Once she had returned to the Ji manor, she tossed the thought of reapplying her medicine aside as she ordered Luan’er to fetch her some pottery clay. She was busy with the molding of the clay models until night had long fallen.
Luan’er carried a bowl of piping-hot porridge in and placed it beside Ji Yunshu. Unable to continue watching her master neglecting herself like this, Luan’er spoke, “Miss, eat some porridge first. Ever since you came back, you’ve been so busy that you have not eaten dinner. I’m worried you’ll harm your body like this. Also, it’s time to change the bandages. Please lie down and let me change them.”
Once she started working, Ji Yunshu always lost the sense of time, so much so that she often forgot to eat!
Stretching her neck, she was feeling a bit tired so she put down the clay model that was pretty much complete and she washed her hands before beginning to eat the porridge.
Luan’er continued speaking, “Oh right. Miss, I’ve already crushed the medicine that Prince Rong brought. I’ll apply it on your back in a bit. I think your back should be fine in no time.”
Hearing Jing Rong being mentioned, Ji Yunshu’s expression shifted a bit. “Luan’er, I remember you said that Prince Rong had burnt father’s whip?”
“Yes!”
“And made him ascend to Qing An temple, kowtowing at every step?”
“That’s right. The Master has already left for Qing An temple. Right now, he should still be at the foot of the mountain.” Luan’er’s expression was gleeful as she thought, ‘Serves him right!’
Her eyes lowered slightly as she muttered lightly to herself, “How coincidental that he sent medicine meant for treating whip wounds and also burnt father’s whip as well as teaching him a lesson? Could it be that he knows who I really am?”
Seeing that her Young Miss appeared to be mouthing some words, she got closer and asked, “Young Miss, what did you say?”
“Nothing!”
Placing the bowl down, she straightened out her thoughts as she entered the inner chamber to let Luan’er change her medicine. Her clothes had just fallen off when something fell out from inside them. Luan’er picked it up and opened it before exclaiming in surprise, “Young Miss, where did this jade pendant come from? It looks really lovely.”
Ji Yunshu stretched out her hand to pluck it out of Luan’er’s grasp and chucked it beneath her pillow. “It’s nothing. Get on with changing my bandages.”
“Oh!”
Luan’er didn’t question any further as she helped Ji Yunshu change her bandages.
After the medicine was applied and the dressing changes, Ji Yunshu went back to molding the clay. Due to the tight schedule, she stayed inside for the next two days until she managed to draw out the portrait of the deceased. Only then did she leave to deliver it to the yamen.
That same day, it was confirmed that the man in the painting was indeed Master Jiang!
Ji Yunshu had originally thought that the old man would definitely come to the yamen to testify. However, he did not come. Instead, a noblewoman in her forties arrived.
She brought with her two serving maids, as well as a slightly younger looking man. The four strutted into the yamen’s courtroom, and a hint of disdain could be seen from their gazes!
‘I’m the bloody magistrate and I’m not complaining about being in the yamen for decades, so what are you guys silently complaining about!’ Naturally, the magistrate recognised this middle-aged noblewoman. He stepped forward, “Perhaps, are you Madame Jiang? I was just about to send people over to the capital to inform you. Why have you come over all of a sudden?”
Madame Jiang swept a glance at the magistrate. “I just so happened to be returning to my hometown to honour my ancestors. Upon entering the city, I heard that my husband’s corpse had been discovered. Lord Liu, I am here to bring my husband’s body for burial, please grant me this request.” She went straight to the point.