In the eleventh year of Yongcheng, Shen Cong, heir to a ducal estate, was sent south by imperial decree to reform the administration of Jiangnan.
Jiang Ying was presented to Shen Cong's tent as a gift from the local officials.
The young master was refined and scholarly, with a status beyond compare. Knowing her place, Jiang Ying served at his side and never overstepped.
Time flowed like water. In the blink of an eye, Shen Cong was about to return to the capital.
On the eve of his departure, he asked her casually, "Would you like to come with me?"
Faced with the choice between being passed on to someone else and staying with him, Jiang Ying chose the latter.
**
After they returned to the capital, Jiang Ying was settled in the rear courtyard of the ducal estate. Shen Cong was busy outside all day, and they often went months without seeing each other. When he happened to visit, he never stayed long.
For the first time, Jiang Ying, usually gentle and compliant, sought him out on her own. "I have seen the splendor of the capital. I long for home and would like to return to my hometown."
The jade pen in Shen Cong's hand paused. He looked toward the woman standing before his desk, her head bowed and expression composed.
She was still just as she had always been, calm and indifferent.
Countless people had gone out of their way to court Shen Cong in his life. Given his status, why would he force a lowborn woman to stay against her will?
He smiled faintly. "Go to the accounts office and collect some banknotes. You may leave whenever you wish."
Several months later, at a banquet, Shen Cong passed by a lotus pond and spotted a familiar figure seated nearby. In a soft, delicate voice, she was singing a tune called "The Jade Beauty's Home."
Shen Cong felt an inexplicable discomfort.
**
In aristocratic families, talking about "love" is childish and laughable.
As for Shen Cong, he would never waste even a little thought on the inner courtyard.
He had never imagined that one day he would go mad over a "gift."
Theme: Love and respect yourself
