Chapter 10: The Wife Becomes the Fox Spirit
“Oh, General Jiang is protective of his son, I see.”
The Crown Princess sneered, gesturing to A-er, who released Jiang Yingnan. Jiang Yingnan remained kneeling.
“General Jiang, your son has repeatedly spent the night with my husband. He’s an illegitimate son; if I had such a son, I would have executed him. Why keep such a disgrace alive?”
Jiang Yingnan was filled with shame and anger, clenching his thighs. He already felt inferior as an illegitimate son; now he was branded a home-wrecker. He wondered if he should kill himself.
“Crown Princess, that’s incorrect!” Jiang Zhenxiong countered firmly. “The Crown Prince is wise and discerning, not easily swayed. He and Nan’er are in love; you failed to keep your husband’s heart, so you’re making a scene at someone else’s house?”
“…What did you say?!” The Crown Princess was furious. “Jiang Zhenxiong! How dare you speak to me like that!”
Jiang Zhenxiong sneered. “Your father is the Grand Minister, equal in rank to me. Even he would respect me; your higher status is only due to being the Crown Princess. Would the Crown Prince condone your behavior in my house? Are you acting like a princess?”
“You…you…!” The Crown Princess was so angry she could barely breathe, yet she couldn’t retort. “Fine! We’ll see!”
The Crown Princess stormed off with A-da and A-er.
“Nan’er,” Jiang Zhenxiong’s tone softened. He helped Jiang Yingnan up. “Are you hurt? Did that shrew hit you?”
“Father, I’m fine, thank you!” Jiang Yingnan felt relieved; his father supported him.
Although illegitimate, his intelligence and talent had earned his father’s affection. Jiang Zhenxiong was more gentle with him than with Jiang Chengjin. This gave Jiang Yingnan hope of inheriting the title.
Jiang Yingnan’s mother, Ruan Shi, approached. “Nan’er, I want to talk to you.”
“…I understand, Mother.” Jiang Yingnan knew he couldn’t avoid it.
Ruan Shi was gentle and sensible. Jiang Zhenxiong’s only concubine, she was deeply loved, but she was stricter with Jiang Yingnan than Jiang Zhenxiong. She often played the disciplinarian.
Jiang Zhenxiong returned to his room to rest; Ruan Shi closed the door to talk to her son.
“Nan’er, I won’t beat around the bush,” Ruan Shi said directly. “Your relationship with the Crown Prince is undeniable, but why hasn’t he given you a title? You’re becoming a home-wrecker! Do you understand the damage to our family’s reputation?”
Jiang Yingnan remained silent.
He had discussed this with Chu Ziqian. He had to stay in the Jiang residence to compete for the heir’s position and couldn’t become the Crown Prince’s concubine. Chu Ziqian promised that he could become head of the Jiang family and his consort after ascending the throne, a dubious promise.
He couldn’t leave the Jiang residence.
“Nan’er, kneel.” Ruan Shi’s expression turned serious.
“Yes.” Jiang Yingnan, always obedient to his parents, knelt.
Ruan Shi opened a drawer, taking out a ruler. “Tell me the truth, do you still want to be the heir?”
“…No.”
“Liar!” Ruan Shi struck his back with the ruler.
Years ago, Jiang Yingnan had tested his mother’s stance; she had beaten him severely, telling him to abandon the idea.
“I told you! You’re an illegitimate son! Your father’s kindness is fortunate, but you have no right to desire what isn’t yours!”
Ruan Shi struck him repeatedly, scolding him. “This will ruin our family, and you, me, and your brother will suffer! Don’t think your father is gentle; if he knew your ambition, he’d punish you more severely!”
Jiang Yingnan felt a deep sadness.
Because he was illegitimate, he was inherently inferior? He couldn’t inherit the title or openly marry the man he loved?
He and Chu Ziqian were together first, yet Chu Ziqian married the Grand Minister’s daughter for political reasons, leaving him a secret lover!
He had once confronted Chu Ziqian about the marriage; Chu Ziqian had said, “Father is pushing me; I have to marry for appearances. Don’t worry; I won’t touch her.”
Jiang Yingnan had accepted it.
But Chu Ziqian’s actions angered the Crown Princess, who repeatedly harassed Jiang Yingnan.
“Mother, I don’t want the heir’s position!” Jiang Yingnan cried, “I’m being harassed here; what would it be like in the Prince’s palace? I have no choice!”
“If the man can’t protect you, why love him?! Think clearly!” Ruan Shi threw down the ruler and left.
Jiang Yingnan felt wronged; he wanted to cry to Chu Ziqian, pouring out his grievances.
But he couldn’t contact Chu Ziqian.
He wrote a letter detailing the events and sent it to the Prince’s palace.
He waited for Chu Ziqian.
In the evening, he received a reply.
Jiang Yingnan’s letter was filled with grievances, saying he could forgo the heir’s position; he just wanted to be with Chu Ziqian openly.
Chu Ziqian’s reply was brief:
“Anan, I’m sorry. That woman is always so arrogant; bear with it. Isn’t becoming the heir your ambition? Don’t say such things impulsively. She just created a scene; I can’t visit you now. I miss you.”
Jiang Yingnan’s hope plummeted.
Was his ambition his own or Chu Ziqian’s? Chu Ziqian likely said this for his own purposes.
Yet, because of the last four words, Jiang Yingnan couldn’t break up with Chu Ziqian.
He felt pitiful and pathetic.
Author’s Note:
The next update will be on 11.24, with daily updates afterward. Wait for me~