Chapter 411: The Growth of Jiang Sheng

Chapter 411

An ancient saying goes, what you see at three determines who you become at seven.

If you look closely, you can see that experiences in childhood influence choices and habits for a lifetime.

Jiang Sheng was unfortunate that during the years she should have grown confident, she competed with dogs for food. But she was also fortunate to meet her brother before her personality was set, finding her closest kin.

When she realized begging compromised her dignity, she learned to be self-reliant.

When she discovered earning money could help more people, she was willing to cast off laziness.

When her brother needed help, she bravely learned unfamiliar things.

A noble house, etiquette, grace, tranquility.

Even when facing the formerly arrogant legitimate daughter of a noble house, she dared to step forward and protect her stunned cousin.

Even if her heart shook a little, even if her palms sweated a bit.

Lady Tan's lingering advice echoed again, "Girl remember, apart from the imperial family, the Jiang family isn't afraid of any noble house in Fengjing, be they the Three Dukes, Three Solitaries, or Six Ministries. As long as you're reasonable, there's nothing to fear. The General is your backbone."

That's right, she had someone to rely on now.

Jiang Sheng steadied her emotions again, glaring over like her strict grandmother, "Hurry up and go, or do you want me to call over the ladies to judge you, or tell the people of Fengjing what you did!"

Zhu Wanwan was frightened, unsure who this person was, but afraid to make a scene.

Bickering between young ladies was one thing, but forcing someone to their death was another.

She didn't dare linger, hurriedly pulling her companion away.

The willow tree was quiet again.

Jiang Sheng turned around, gazing steadily at the still stunned Jiang Chengyu, asking softly, "Who was the Zhu family girl talking about?"

Yao Siqing wanted to stop her, but seeing the girl's determination, slowly lowered her hand.

Some things, you'd find out eventually.

Jiang Chengyu lowered her head, stammering, "It was Jiang Chenghua."

That fake heiress, whose formerly proud manner was still vivid, as startled as a deer, always with unease in her eyes.

While Mrs. Liao may not have been an ideal general's wife, she was certainly a good mother.

She just failed to love her own child at the right time, loving and hating the wrong people.

Mistaken to an absurd degree, without even a chance to repent.

"I don't hate her." Jiang Sheng shook her head, enunciating each word. "Jiang Chenghua's death wasn't for you to decide, nor was us two being swapped for her to decide. The missed fine clothes and jade food were certainly a pity, but hating her is useless."

No one dictated the true and false heiresses must oppose and scheme against each other without principle.

She now realized the more pampered a flower grew, the weaker it was against storms, while adversity brought resilience.

"Hate would only immerse me in anger and blame, torment me with resentment." Jiang Sheng's bright eyes were pure and penetrating. "Life has already come to this point. Living well is most important."

It was for her.

It was for Jiang Chengyu.

It should have been for Jiang Chenghua too.

The bitterness eaten, falls stumbled through, should all transform into nimbleness for the road ahead.

Use accumulated experience to avoid future risks.

Wasn't that life?

Jiang Chengyu watched blankly, suddenly realizing she was far less enlightened than her cousin, formerly careless with hurtful words, now mired in guilt and bullied by others.

Both extremes were unsuitable.

She should watch her mouth, bravely counter when oppressed by enemies, yet stay kind in peace.

From somewhere drifted melodious bells, calling the gathered wives and daughters to return to Baohe Hall.

"The banquet is starting." Yao Siqing reminded Jiang Sheng. "Should we go back now?"

Oh no, too focused on being a sister, her responsibilities weren't fulfilled yet.

Jiang Sheng stuck out her tongue, remembering this was the imperial palace and quickly pulled it back in.

"Little Yu," she said solemnly, "I need to quickly take care of some business. Tell Second Aunt first so she doesn't worry for us, okay?"