We get another glimpse of JR’s sufferings at the hands of despicable Zhang Lan family. Honestly, I can’t wait for JR to turn the tables.

Enjoy the chapter!

Ely : I am so happy that Jiang Ruan has such loyal maids. They’re basically her fierce sister crew!

Chapter 4 : Meeting Enemies on a Narrow Path (Part II)

Bai Zhi chortled, "What do we need a bracelet to invite good omens for? Is it so that we can pray for our lady to rake in fortune in this upcoming year?"

"What is wrong with raking fortune in?" Lian Qiao went on to say, "If you have money, you can make the devil push the millstone for you. What is wrong with being wealthy? If we have money, I bet these people would never dare to bully our lady."

Bai Zhi quickly flashed a disapproving face towards Lian Qiao, warning her to stop speaking in Jiang Ruan"s presence. Lian Qiao knew that she had said words that should not be spoken, and immediately held her tongue. She glanced at Jiang Ruan cautiously.

Yet, Jiang Ruan shook her head, lifting her sheets slowly before stepping down from the bed. Lian Qiao hurriedly a.s.sisted her by the arm. Jiang Ruan walked to the table and sat down. After taking a look at the bracelet on the table, she held her hand out and wore it on her wrist. She showed it off and said, "I should invite a good omen."

Lian Qiao"s heart ached. In her heart, she thought, was there any daughter from an influential manor that does not have a collection of jewelry and accessories made for the New Year? But her own lady only possesses a bronze coin bracelet that merely costs ten taels. It was not something that was worth mentioning even in an ordinary commoner"s household. Turning her head to the side to conceal the pain in her eyes, Lian Qiao smiled, "Miss, you should eat another spring pancake."

Jiang Ruan shook her head, "I don"t feel like eating. You can eat." She paused, and spoke again, "I do not have any money to reward you. By following me to this residence, you have suffered greatly these past four years. Fortunately, with the start of this new year, we will not need to suffer anymore."

"Yes, yes, yes." Bai Zhi spoke quickly, "This year, Miss will absolutely have a good fortune for the entire year. Everything will go smoothly!"

Jiang Ruan knew that she had misunderstood her meaning. She did not explain further, however, and just peered outside the window. "The weather outside is excellent, let"s go out for a walk."

Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao looked at each other in pleasant surprise. Normally, unless she had ch.o.r.es to perform, Jiang Ruan would be unwilling to take a walk outside on her own accord. Whenever the servants in the residence saw them, they always seemed to have a knack for ridiculing them. Lian Qiao"s bold personality barely managed to subdue some of them, but it did not suppress everyone. Gradually, Jiang Ruan became unwilling to meet people, and always stayed in her own residence.

"Okay, okay, okay." Lian Qiao rummaged through the trunk with a smile, "Which clothes does Miss plan to wear?"

Jiang Ruan could not help but laugh, in spite of herself. In reality, it didn"t matter which clothes she wore. When she initially arrived at the residence, she brought numerous sets of clothes and accessories with her. But it was not long after, they were either tricked or s.n.a.t.c.hed away by Zhang Lan and Chen Fang. In the end, they did not spare even a single clothing of hers, subst.i.tuting them with crude, tattered and worn clothes. Appearance and clothing materials aside, the cotton padding for the jackets meant for the winter were so spa.r.s.e that they failed to provide a basic protection against the cold.

"You pick," Jiang Ruan spoke.

Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi took a long time making a choice, and settled on an old cotton-padded jacket with a dark green buckle. Underneath, was a loose, light yellow thick dress that Bai Zhi had altered. For the outermost layer, she wore a long, brown cape. Afraid that an exquisite hairstyle would clash with the outfit, Bai Zhi helped her to style a simple dumpling hair bun that suited her young age. This ensemble could not be counted as festive, but with Jiang Ruan"s fair complexion, she did not appear uncouth. Additionally, with a calm and apathetic aura, it was obvious that if someone was to differentiate her from her usual self, they would consider them two different people.

After packing up properly, the trio walked out of the residence. Lian Qiao suggested a walk along the streets. Just as they emerged from the main residence, they b.u.mped directly into a few people. A pleasantly surprised voice could be heard, "Younger Sister Ruan!"

Lian Qiao creased her brow. Without a sound, Bai Zhi protectively positioned Jiang Ruan behind her. Jiang Ruan raised her head, the other person"s shadow clearly reflected in both her eyes.

It was the young son of the Zhang Lan family, Chen Zhao.

Translated by: togekiss

Edited by: Anks & Ely