Volume One, Chapter 18: Assassination

Jiang Jinshu wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes.

“Grandmother, please don’t worry. After going through certain experiences and realizing how unpredictable people’s hearts can be, I won’t let myself be bullied anymore.”

Old Madam Zhou, hearing her words, held her hand tenderly, filled with concern.

“Tell grandmother exactly what the Shen family did to you. I will have your uncle settle accounts with them. My Jinshu is not a child without support.”

Jiang Jinshu looked at Old Madam Zhou.

“Grandmother, the Shen family has indeed been outrageous. The entire family depends on me to support them, yet they stooped so low as to have siblings entangled with each other, even having children—such despicable acts. They even dared to expect me to take the blame for Su Yunyan at the banquet. But it’s alright, grandmother, I fought back. They are not good people, and I didn’t let them get away with anything.”

Seeing the grandmother and granddaughter reconciled, Zhou Liushi’s face brightened with a smile.

“Mother, Jinshu is back; this is truly a joyous occasion. Daughter-in-law, please instruct the kitchen to prepare more of Jinshu’s favorite dishes.”

“Later, let the two younger brothers and sisters also meet Jinshu. By the way, it won’t be long before Jinshu’s uncle returns from court. Let’s have lunch together today.”

Meanwhile, at the Shen residence.

Madam Shen looked at Shen Nanxing, who was still half-reclined on the bed.

“Xing’er, Jiang Jinshu has gone to the Zhou family. This is the best chance to act—don’t miss it.”

A flicker of struggle passed through Shen Nanxing’s eyes, quickly replaced by ruthless resolve.

“Mother, rest assured, I understand.”

He then gave an order.

“Shen Yi.”

A man dressed all in black appeared silently.

“General.”

Shen Nanxing spoke in a low voice.

“Take a few experts and deal with the young mistress.”

Shen Yi glanced at Shen Nanxing, then respectfully cupped his fists.

“Yes, sir.”

Back at the Zhou residence.

Jiang Jinshu had finished delivering the gifts she brought.

The Zhou ladies looked at the presents in their hands, their eyes shining with smiles.

“Jinshu, you’re so thoughtful. This bracelet is truly beautiful.”

“Yes, and this hairpin is a new design from Jing Bao Studio. I can’t believe you brought it to give to us.”

Zhou Liushi smiled warmly as she held the hairpin. It was clear Jinshu had carefully selected each item. But seeing Old Madam Zhou clutching the prayer beads with such affection, she chuckled softly.

“Jinshu’s taste is naturally excellent; everything she chose is wonderful. But if you ask me, grandmother’s prayer beads are the most precious. These beads carved from warm jade are incredibly rare.”

Old Madam Zhou cradled the prayer beads, feeling the warmth radiate through them, her face full of joy.

“Indeed, Jinshu’s filial heart is the most precious gift.”

Jiang Jinshu’s eldest uncle, Zhou Yan, also smiled.

“Jinshu hasn’t been unkind to me either. This calligraphy and painting has been in my possession for a long time. I never expected Jinshu to find it.”

Even ten-year-old Zhou Wenli held a inkstone and spoke.

“Lier loves the inkstone Auntie gave. I will practice my writing and study hard so I can protect Auntie when I grow up.”

Jiang Jinshu smiled, gently patting Zhou Wenli’s head.

“Good. Auntie believes in you, Lier.”

Cai Ping reminded softly from the side.

“Miss, it’s getting late.”

Jiang Jinshu finally looked at Old Madam Zhou.

“Grandmother, Jinshu will leave today and come back another day to keep you company.”

Old Madam Zhou hurriedly said.

“What’s the rush to leave? Stay at the Zhou family tonight. Tomorrow, your aunt will accompany you back. I want to see just how capable the Shen family really is, daring to mistreat my granddaughter.”

Jiang Jinshu smiled.

“Grandmother, don’t worry. Jinshu won’t suffer any losses. There’s no need to trouble Aunt for now. When Jinshu needs help, we’ll send word to you.”

Zhou Liushi quickly exchanged glances with the maid nearby, then stepped forward.

“Jinshu, your grandmother is right. Stay here tonight, and tomorrow your eldest aunt will accompany you back.”

The second madam of the Zhou family, Zhou Yangshi, smiled warmly.

“Yes, Jinshu, stay here. You’ve returned after so long, how could your grandmother bear to see you leave? You’re such a sensible child—we can’t bear to part with you either. Stay here for now; tomorrow, your eldest aunt and I will see you off.”

The third madam of the Zhou family also smiled.

“I will accompany you back too. Conveniently, my clothing business just received a batch of new fabrics. I’ll take you to the shop to pick out materials for new clothes, which will be sent directly to the Shen family.”

Feeling the warmth and care from her grandmother and aunts, Jiang Jinshu’s heart swelled with emotion, but she still spoke firmly.

“Grandmother, eldest aunt, second aunt, third aunt, thank you all for loving me. But I can handle myself for now. After I finish the affairs at the residence in a couple of days, I will come to keep you company, grandmother, uncle, and aunts. Besides, grandmother, uncle, aunts, I have to grow up, don’t I?”

Seeing her determined stance, Old Madam Zhou reluctantly agreed.

“Very well, if you insist on facing things alone first, then let this be your trial. Remember, if anything happens, send someone home to tell us. You must not suffer in silence.”

Jiang Jinshu stepped close and hugged Old Madam Zhou.

“Grandmother, rest assured, I won’t let myself be wronged.”

At that moment, Zhou Liushi took a box from the maid and handed it over.

“Jinshu, your aunt has a bracelet made of rubies. You’re young—this will look beautiful on you.”

Seeing the opened box, Jiang Jinshu recalled that it was the dowry her eldest aunt received from her parents when she married. The Liu family was in the jewelry business, and this bracelet was said to be one of a kind. She hurriedly tried to decline.

“Eldest aunt, I remember this bracelet. It’s too precious. I can’t accept it…”

Zhou Liushi forcefully placed the bracelet into Jiang Jinshu’s hand, speaking lovingly.

“When a senior gives a gift, it cannot be refused. Take this bracelet, and remember to come home often, okay?”

Zhou Yangshi and Zhou Qianshi also stepped forward with their own gifts.

“Jinshu, second aunt has a beautiful hairpin just for you.”

“Jinshu, this is a brand from the imperial city’s clothing line from your third aunt. From now on, your new clothes will all be taken care of by her.”

Holding the three heavy gifts, Jiang Jinshu’s eyes shimmered with tears as an indescribable wave of gratitude surged within her. She thanked the three aunts one by one, her voice choked but resolute.

“Thank you, eldest aunt, second aunt, third aunt. I will come home often to see you all and take good care of myself so you won’t worry.”

Old Madam Zhou took the box from the maid.

“Look at you all, as if you’re the only ones who care for Jinshu.”

Then she pressed the box into Jinshu’s hands.

“Jinshu, with these jewelry and clothes from your aunts, grandmother will give you something practical. Although you don’t want to talk about the Shen family affairs, at my age, I can guess quite a bit.”

“You’re managing the Shen family alone, so you must need money. I’ve prepared some silver notes for you. If you run out, come back home—grandmother will have more for you.”

Jiang Jinshu hurriedly tried to refuse.

“Grandmother, this…”

Old Madam Zhou pressed the box tighter against her chest.

“Enough, enough. I won’t keep you any longer; it’s getting late. Since you insist on going back, then hurry home.”

Zhou Liushi also spoke.

“Jinshu, since grandmother gave it to you, then keep it. You’re one of the Zhou family. What’s wrong with spending a little family money?”

Jiang Jinshu felt her eyes sting with emotion, tears spilling out uncontrollably. She nodded.

“Thank you, grandmother, thank you, aunts, for your love.”

Reluctantly bidding farewell to the Zhou family, Jiang Jinshu finally took her carriage and left.

Old Madam Zhou watched the carriage fade into the distance, full of reluctance. Zhou Liushi supported her and said gently:

“Mother, don’t watch anymore. They’re already far away. If you miss Jinshu, we’ll send someone to call her back.”

Too much time had been spent at the Zhou residence.

Before Jiang Jinshu entered the imperial city, dusk had already fallen.

Inside the carriage.

Cai Ping smiled, looking at the pile of gifts.

“Miss, see? I told you, the old madam was very happy to see you.”

Jiang Jinshu hugged the box given by Old Madam Zhou, a trace of happiness shining on her face.

“With grandmother, uncle, and the aunts, I am truly…"

Suddenly, a sharp arrow whistled through the air...