Jiang Yating stood anxiously at the edge of the station, waiting according to the timetable her father had given her; her mother was about to arrive. She bit her lip, having been extremely afraid of her mother since childhood, not only because her mother was particularly strict with her, but also because her mother's grace and aura left her nowhere to escape.
Her eyes brightened slightly as a woman dressed in a golden Qipao elegantly stepped off the train. The woman's fingers tightened around the mink shawl draped over her neck, and as her gaze shifted, there was a captivating charm about her. Her long black hair was styled into a trendy cloud bun adorned with exquisite accessories, and the heels of her shoes made no sound as they touched the ground. Her thick, long eyelashes blinked slowly and tenderly.
Such a woman, who was of a certain age yet full of allure, naturally attracted countless gazes.
Snapping back to reality, she approached and called out, "Mom."
Mrs. Jiang calmly showcased her beauty to the passing pedestrians. Meeting her daughter's somewhat timid gaze, she smiled slightly; the curve of her lips held a hint of youthful innocence, while her eyes revealed an understanding of worldly matters.
Jiang Yating linked her arm with hers, secretly glancing at her mother. It seemed that Mrs. Jiang had gained even more charm than before; no wonder her father always obeyed her. Mrs. Jiang's gaze fell on her, and she laughed warmly, "Yating, it's been a long time. How have you been?"
"Naturally," she replied sullenly, feeling that their conversation felt less like that of a mother and daughter and more like polite strangers.
Mrs. Jiang wore a faint smile at the corners of her mouth, but there was a sharpness in her eyes. "Yating, do you remember the stories I told you when you were little?"
Jiang Yating paused for a moment, trying to maintain a calm and serene demeanor. After pondering for a while, she replied, "Of course I remember. Anyone in the world can be your husband, but you can only have one father."
"Very good." Mrs. Jiang retracted her sharp gaze and smiled sweetly. "Yating, everything you have is given by your father; do not forget your own responsibilities just because you are marrying Shangguan Lin."
"Your daughter understands," Jiang Yating said with lowered brows, following behind her mother like a mechanical puppet.
Mrs. Jiang did not speak further; the purpose of this trip was very clear. She directly called for a car to drive into Shangguan Residence without even making a phone call beforehand, which naturally led to them being stopped by the guards. She smiled gently and was not angry; she simply waited quietly for them to report in while watching the sky gradually darken without changing her mood.
"Young Commander, please go in."
She nodded and glanced sideways at Jiang Yating behind her. Jiang Yating shivered and hurriedly followed, usually sharp-tongued and unyielding, but next to her mother, she seemed to shrink several heads, only able to act as her mother's sidekick to avoid being killed by her mother's unpredictable gaze.
Shangguan Shaoyi rose from the soft sofa to greet their arrival. Madam Jiang smiled elegantly, her well-practiced gaze releasing just the right amount of allure that could captivate any man. However, Shangguan Shaoyi remained indifferent, returning her a faint smile and gesturing for her to sit.
If this had happened over a decade ago, she would have felt resentment at someone not appreciating her beauty. But time had passed, and she was no longer the intoxicated girl of yesteryears. Seeing that Shangguan Shaoyi did not reciprocate her charm, she withdrew her interest and adopted a businesslike demeanor.
"I believe Mr. Shangguan is already aware of my visit. I am here on behalf of my husband to discuss my daughter's marriage with you."
Shangguan Shaoyi nodded and instructed Xiao Jing to serve tea. She smiled in thanks and slightly raised her head; her perfect profile caught the soft light, captivating everyone’s attention. Xiao Jing presented exquisite pastries to the group, and she looked up at Xiao Jing, smiling faintly, lost in a void.
"This must be Madam Shen. Shen Deputy Officer is fortunate; your wife is so beautiful and capable."
"Madam Jiang, you flatter me." Even a girl like Xiao Jing dared not meet Madam Jiang's eyes, fearing she might drown in those depths. She secretly observed Shangguan Shaoyi, astonished at how he remained unaffected by such an enchanting woman before him.
Madam Jiang shot a sidelong glance at Jiang Yating, who then dared to lift her teacup for a sip. Xiao Jing was taken aback; she hadn’t expected Jiang Yating to be so intimidated by her mother. But upon reflection, having such a stunning mother must have brought high expectations since childhood for Jiang Yating. Unfortunately, no matter how hard she tried, she could never replicate even half of her mother's elegance.
Madam Jiang gently sipped from her Magnolia-patterned porcelain teacup, smiling languidly like a lazy cat in the afternoon sun, reminiscent of the late Yun Yun. However, unlike Yun Yun, every gesture of hers exuded grace and nobility, while Yun Yun’s every smile was filled with tantalizing allure.
"This matter can be handled by you, Madam Jiang. Just inform me once it’s arranged." Shangguan Shaoyi's gaze fell among the fragrant Magnolia hues, his expression distant.
"Oh?" She sensed Shangguan Shaoyi's distraction and had long understood that he would not care about her daughter at all. Yet his reaction still surprised her; indeed, as rumored, he seemed completely indifferent to any woman other than Cheng Mosu.
Since that's the case, she felt relieved. In that case, Jiang Yating would not risk everything for him.
"Alright, Mr. Shangguan is truly a decisive person. Don't worry, after you marry Yating, we will be one family. At that time, whatever military supplies you need and wherever you want to attack, it will all be up to you," she smiled slightly at him. "However, on the contrary, we also have conditions..."
"Please go ahead, Madam."
She darkened her gaze, not looking at Jiang Yating's changing expression, and said, "It's very simple. Since we have become one family, several warlords in the Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and South China still need to be eliminated. I just hope that after you reclaim Feng Province, you can do your utmost to eliminate them."
"Regarding this matter, Madam can rest assured. You have helped me, and I will naturally repay you." A glint of sharpness flashed in Shangguan Shaoyi's ink-black eyes.
Madam Jiang raised the corner of her mouth, her eyes revealing a hint of perplexing doubt. "Oh? Is that so? Then what if Mr. Shangguan does not fulfill his promise after reclaiming Northeast?"
"I am not like some people who are untrustworthy; as long as I say it, I will do it." His cold voice echoed in the empty Hall. Madam Jiang silently smiled; a trace of ruthlessness flickered in her eyes. She was well aware that this "some people" referred to the Jiang Family and felt secretly displeased.
But she was after all a refined lady; she quickly concealed her emotions and smiled slightly. "Then it's settled. The wedding will be held this Sunday. Does that work for you?"
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