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Tenderness
墨書 Inktalez
Jiang Rou stepped into the the Gu Family for the first time, feeling quite awkward, her footsteps hesitant.
Old Lady Gu leaned on her cane and slammed it heavily against the ground, blocking her at the entrance. In a stern tone, she declared, "I will not allow a woman like this to enter our the Gu Family!"
According to Jiang Rou's usual temperament, she would have flung her sleeves and turned away decisively. But at this moment, because of Gu Shaoji, she paused, biting her lip and choosing to stay.
Gu Shaoji rushed forward to shield Jiang Rou, anxiously saying, "Mother, Rou'er is not what you think!"
Old Lady Gu was furious, stamping her foot repeatedly on the ground, her face flushed with anger as she began to list all of Jiang Rou's transgressions.
"At eight years old, she was ruthless enough to cause the death of her Half-Brother and infuriate her Stepmother. At ten, she set fire to the house, leading to her father's death. By thirteen, she was involved with someone else, knocking out a boatman to steal a boat and escape from Mei Town. At sixteen, she returned as a discarded wife. For the past two years, she has lived by selling perfumes and cosmetics but still has a poor reputation. Now at eighteen, she has attached herself to the wealthy son of the the Gu Family, Gu Shaoji."
Jiang Rou stood quietly listening, her eyes subtly observing Gu Shaoji's expression. She noticed him frowning slightly before he tightened his grip on her hand, his strength increasing as if conveying an unwavering determination.
Finally, he said, "Rou'er is already carrying my child."
With the protection of their child, Jiang Rou entered the the Gu Family in a grand procession, welcomed with great fanfare.
On their wedding night, Jiang Rou sat on the edge of the bed, reflecting on her tumultuous life thus far. Tears welled up in her eyes as she felt overwhelmed.
At that moment, Gu Shaoji approached her with the scent of alcohol on him, his steps slightly unsteady. He reached out to hold her cold hand gently and whispered softly, "Rou'er, I have finally brought you home."
The the Gu Family was a prestigious merchant family with high expectations. They treated their daughter-in-law harshly; there were over three hundred family rules in place. An Old Woman was even assigned to watch over Jiang Rou constantly with a vigilant gaze to prevent any misconduct on her part.
More than a month after their marriage, Gu Shaoji was sent away on business. As he left, he turned back to look at Jiang Rou, his eyes filled with reluctance. The journey would take him two long months.
No sooner had Gu Shaoji departed than Old Lady Gu arrived at the villa with a group of people. She wasted no time on pleasantries and stated coldly, "Once the new lady enters the household, you will be nothing more than a concubine. Don't think that having a child will earn you my leniency!"
Jiang Rou remained silent, sitting quietly as she gently picked up the portraits sent by the Matchmaker. One by one, she examined them; each woman depicted was from a respectable background, beautiful and innocent, which stirred something within her—if it were Gu Shaoji, whom would he choose?
Old Lady Gu sent a letter to Gu Shaoji, claiming that Jiang Rou had pondered deeply and, being pregnant, could not serve her husband. Therefore, she had arranged another marriage for him.
Jiang Rou buried her bitterness deep inside, her brow furrowed as she sat by the window every day, waiting for news from Gu Shaoji.
Half a month later, devastating news arrived: Gu Shaoji had been ambushed on the road, and his fate was uncertain.
Upon hearing this news, Jiang Rou felt a sudden ringing in her ears; darkness enveloped her as she fainted, her body collapsing to the side.
When she regained consciousness, the room was filled with wailing. Slowly opening her eyes, she found herself in a daze.
Jiang Rou leaned on an elderly woman for support and walked slowly and heavily to Old Lady Gu. Trembling, she fell to her knees with a thud, her voice choked with tears. "Mother, Shao Ji... he..."
"You disaster!"
A sharp slap came down as Old Lady Gu scolded fiercely, her arm swinging forcefully. "Why is your life so resilient? Why did you have to bring about my son's death?"
"Shao Ji is not dead!"
Jiang Rou clenched her fists, her fingertips digging into her flesh with such force that she felt no pain. Her eyes widened, filled with determination. "He must be alive!" The future he promised her had yet to be realized; how could he die? Even if he were dead, he should crawl back to her and say one word of apology!
Old Lady Gu was taken aback by the resoluteness in her gaze, momentarily stunned before regaining her composure. Her tone remained harsh. "If something were to happen to Shao Ji, don’t expect to have any good days ahead!"
From that day on, Jiang Rou never left her bedroom. Each day, she sat quietly by the bed, staring blankly at the door as if her gaze had lost its focus.
Day after day, she awaited news, but each time returned with disappointment. The expression on her face grew increasingly desolate, and the light in her eyes gradually dimmed.
Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud bang. It was the Old Woman beside Old Lady Gu, striding in with an imposing presence. She spoke harshly, "The old lady has no time for you. From now on, get out of the the Gu Family and don’t set foot here again!"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Rou's heart trembled violently, and her body involuntarily shook slightly. She lifted her head, urgency and fear flickering in her eyes as she hurriedly asked, "Is there news about Shao Ji?"
The Old Woman shot her a disdainful glance, filled with contempt. With a cold snort from her nose, she replied, "Blame your own misfortune; you have no one else to blame!"
Jiang Rou refused to leave easily. She struggled desperately, waving her arms vigorously in an attempt to break free from those trying to drag her away. But ultimately, she was overpowered and forcefully pulled out, tossed aside like a broken object at the door.
She lay awkwardly on the ground, her hair disheveled.
Passersby witnessed this scene and began to point and whisper among themselves.
Recalling the splendor of her wedding day and contrasting it with her current state only provided them with more fodder for gossip, their words dripping with mockery.
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