Chapter 83.2 - Brother and Sister (Part II) (2/2)
**** Violence ends****
Zhao Yuan Feng chuckled as well, “Certainly, that is too ruthless, however, this is all for the sake of conducting affairs for the people. For the Great Jin Dynasty’s safety, who allowed these people to harbour such evil intentions. Ah, General Guan, you certainly have to interrogate them carefully”
This pair of uncle and niece were both echoing one another and those on the ground were close to passing out in aggrievance. Jiang Xin Zhi was somewhat astonished. The Jiang Ruan in his memories was kind-hearted and pure. If it was only an ant, she too would be unable to bear squishing it. Yet at present, these words of hers- if he did not hear the underlying hints in them, then he had lived these few years in vain. Only, as he gazed upon Jiang Ruan’s ruthlessness before him, he did not feel the slightest shred of unhappiness. Instead, what was present was a deep distress on her behalf; to make such a young girl who had been ill-versed in worldly affairs and was wholly innocent reach this point, Jiang Ruan had most definitely suffered much pain.
As Guan Liang Han listened to Jaing Ruan’s words he thoughtfully looked at Jiang Xin Zhi. Then, he glanced at Xiao Shao as he questioned, “You are……” Those few words that Mo Cong had referred to her as, ‘that malicious woman,’ were stuck in his throat. Guan Liang Han lightly coughed, “Xin Zhi’s younger sister?”
Jiang Ruan nodded her head.
Zhao Yi patted Jiang Xin Zhi’s shoulder, “Biaodi[1] Xin Zhi, I’m your biaoge[2].” He pointed to Zhao Yuan Feng, “He is my third uncle, your maternal uncle.”
[1] Biǎodì (表弟 ) – younger male cousin via female line
[2] Biǎogē (表哥 ) – older male cousin via female line.
Although Jiang Xin Zhi was astonished, seeing as these people had just saved his life and upon seeing how they had seemed to have interacted with Jiang Ruan with no malicious intentions, he then smiled, “Biaoge, Third Maternal Uncle.”
Zhao Yuan Feng replied, “Ah Ruan, now that Xin Zhi has returned, both of you siblings should just stay in the General fu then.”
Jiang Ruan shook her head, “No, that’s fine. Dage, let’s return to the Jiang fu.” With Jiang Xin Zhi returning in the flush of his success, how would it be okay if they didn’t add some blockades for that mother – daughter pair? One would fear that just at the sight of Jiang Xin Zhi’s healthy and intact state, they would also puke up blood. If they had instead returned to the General fu, then, how would one still be able to stir up the dramatic play awaiting them?
Jiang Xin Zhi had always willingly and obediently gone along with Jiang Ruan’s requests, so naturally, he agreed. Zhao Yuan Feng frowned but then felt relieved so he acceded to her wants, “Fine. With your elder brother by your side, it is unlikely that you would get bullied by others there. If there truly is anything amiss, the General fu will always be your perch to rely on for support.”
Over the last few years, the General fu and the Jiang fu had lost any and all connection to each other. Thus, in this moment, with the appearance of having good relations between this sibling pair from the Jiang family, this held another layer of meaning in the eyes of Xiao Shao and Guan Liang Han.
Jiang Ruan walked before Xiao Shao. As Xiao Shao lowered his head to look down at her, Jiang Ruan smiled lightly, “Usually, these people would be handed over to Biaoge and Third Maternal Uncle to investigate clearly, however, since General Guan and Xiao Wangye have interfered in matters, then we too will just have to do you a favor at little cost and hand these men to these two daren. If something truly comes out of this, then it would certainly be of great merit and service, and His Majesty would bestow something to General and Wangye. When such a matter arises, please do not forget the efforts that the Zhao family has expended in this matter.”
Xiao lifted his eyebrows as his beautiful eyes fixed on her. Today, a chance encounter inevitably helped out the Zhao family. Yet according to Jiang Ruan’s account, the situation was changed and they were the ones who ought to be offering their thanks to the Zhao family? She was definitely not one who was going to suffer a loss under any circumstances, so much so that even verbally she was a master at gaining the upper hand. However, as Xiao Shao looked upon those who were lying on the ground, he had to admit that what Jiag Ruan had done was not without its uses. Take for example, these men. They would most definitely be of good use.
On the other hand, Zhao Yuan Feng and Zhao Yi were somewhat surprised. Until this moment, Jiang Ruan had not forgotten to speak up for the Zhao family. Rather, if they were to go with what she had once said, she would not harm the Zhao family. Moreover, at least, for this matter, perhaps the Zhao family would still receive a lot of benefit.
Jiang Xin Zhi gently gazed at Jiang Ruan. Now, it seemed that Jiang Ruan would handle matters suitable for the occasion as she clearly had her own definite opinions. With every manner, every move she made, nowhere was there any remaining semblance of the bearing of a little girl anymore. As he noted this, he was doubly sad yet gratified. What the cost was behind such a lightning-quick growth in maturity, the youth that he was – who had once left home, no one was more clearer than he of what this sacrifice meant. Inwardly, Jiang Xin Zhi had decided, now that he had returned to the capital, he would definitely protect Jiang Ruan and not allow her to be taken advantage of by anyone in the Jiang family. His meimei would naturally be cusped in his both hands, just like any other young lady of an influential family, to have her fill of doting and pampering.
Jiang Ruan seemed to have some insight into what he was thinking and lightly patted his hands, “Dage, over the past few years I have lived well and being able to see you again has made it all the more better. With you back in the capital now, and knowing that you’ve attained meritorious military commendations, if you do not ride on your horse and be paraded through the capital, then that would simply fail to live up to all of your numerous efforts on the battlefield. I want everyone from the Great Jin’s capital to see your heroic appearance and I want you to become the capital’s youngest hero.”
She wanted everyone who had ever looked down, everyone who had trampled all over them in the dust to see and be absolutely sure that even though this had been how it had been in the past; they had crossed paths once more. And how the tables have turned! For those who had once thought that they would see a mockery of these siblings once more, they would now find themselves brought beneath their very soles by this pair of siblings; a pair of brother and sister who would rise above them all!