She accidentally flirted with the villain and was fiercely criticized as the regent for forcibly mar

Chu Jin nodded: "I've seen him. The physician said it's nothing serious, he's probably just tired."

Jiang Ruining gave a faint "Oh".

Since it's not a big deal, what's there to say?

With her husband away and her relationship with her daughter strained, Madam Jiang is treating Chu Jin like her "husband," confiding all her troubles to her. Isn't this tantamount to kidnapping Chu Jin?

Furthermore, to prevent the incident of the forced marriage from being exposed in the future, she could use it to shut Chu Jin up: "To make up for it, I've taken everything from my own daughter and given it to you. What more do you want?"

Jiang Ruining was not very familiar with this kind of person or this kind of thinking.

"Since you're alright, I'll visit you again once you've lost consciousness."

The more indifferent Chu Jin felt, the more bitter she felt inside.

To what extent must one be disappointed to become so indifferent to their own mother?

"Ningning, it was indeed intentional that Aunt didn't show up earlier, but her considerations weren't wrong. Although it was impolite for Princess Cui to suddenly arrive with this group of people, people would only assume it was a minor squabble between you young girls. As an elder, her intervention would inevitably offend the Cui family."

"The Cui family is petty and will definitely retaliate. Now that my uncle has not returned to the capital, no one can protect us. Later, when the bandits tried to force their way into the mansion, my aunt was supposed to step in to take charge, but the Regent and the Duke of Shao appeared at the same time, and she was worried that the two of them would try to win her over."

"I was afraid of causing trouble for my uncle and cousin, so I had to avoid seeing them."

Jiang Ruining did not accept such a clumsy excuse: "Do you really think this explanation is tenable?"

Chu Jin pursed her lips.

Attitude speaks for itself.

Jiang Ruining spoke in a flat tone, as if he were talking about someone else's affairs: "Aside from being stern with me, my mother has always been adept at navigating the complexities of high-ranking officials and nobles over the years. How could she possibly be unable to appease even a few juniors?"

"The Regent and the Duke of Shao's approach was indeed primarily aimed at winning over my father and brothers, but would they really discuss matters of support or opposition with a woman and two young girls who haven't even reached adulthood?"

"She always belittles me as stupid and incompetent. Isn't she afraid that I'll offend them with my nonsense? Or is she hoping I'll cause trouble so that when my father and brothers return, she can take the opportunity to badmouth me, leaving me without even my last support?"

Chu Jin couldn't refute it.

Jiang Ruining slowly took a sip of tea: "You don't need to worry about her. I've seen clearly what she's thinking over the past seven years. She herself has long since buried the mother-daughter relationship in the mud. It's filthy and there's no point in trying to salvage it."

Chu Jin's lips moved as if she wanted to offer some advice.

But when it comes to matters of the heart, only the people involved truly know the joys and sorrows.

As an outsider, especially someone who benefits from the status quo, sometimes saying too much can backfire.

So in the end, nothing was said.

Jiang Ruining called her softly, in a gentle and tolerant tone: "Chu Jin."

Chu Jin looked at her and nodded gently: "What do you need me to do? Just tell me, and I'll do my best."

Jiang Ruining said gently, "In the end, this matter is her fault, the fault of the Northern Liao people who slaughtered your entire family back then, not yours. I've told you before, this is a life lesson between her and me, it has nothing to do with you."

"Don't blame yourself, don't overthink it. If you can get it, hold on tight and think more about your future."

Seeing the tranquility and kindness in her eyes, Chu Jin felt a lump in her throat, making her voice hoarse: "Okay, I... understand."

It's good that Ningning is willing to let go and find liberation.

But that cannot erase the pain that her existence brought to Ningning over the years.

She wants to make it up to Ningning and protect Ningning's future!

I sat for a while.

Chu Jin got up and left.

Jiang Ruining called her softly, "Chu Jin."

Chu Jin stopped and looked at her: "Hmm?"

Jiang Ruining's voice was clear and calm: "My relationship with my mother in this life is over. If you feel uncomfortable, you can stay away from me. It's okay."

Chu Jin took her hand and held it firmly in her palm: "As you said, everyone has their own life lessons. My relationship with you and my relationship with my aunt are two separate relationships that should not be mixed up."

"How to appease your aunt is my business, you don't need to worry about it. Since we are destined to be sisters, we should cherish it and get along well."

"Ningning, I will never let you feel lonely again, believe me."

After these few days, Jiang Ruining believed that Chu Jin had come to understand the original owner's past madness and suffering. Although she was not a saintly heroine, anyone with a heart would want to make amends once they felt guilty and compassionate.

Therefore, Jiang Ruining believed Chu Jin's words.

"I know, I believe you."

The two looked at each other and saw trust and gentleness in each other's eyes.

The relationship grew closer without anyone noticing.

……

Yunmi went out quietly in the afternoon.

When he returned, he brought back more than 800 taels of silver notes.

"After I left, I circled the crowded market several times, then went into the inn to change my clothes before sneaking out through the back door. I then went to a pawnshop to pawn the jewelry; no one will notice!"

Jiang Ruining clutched the silver note, feeling utterly disappointed!

My cheap father is about to return to the capital. The people sent by Grand Tutor Cui to intercept him are all experts. If we want to rescue him safely and escort him back to the capital, we will need to hire at least five or six top experts.

Even if she used all the copper coins she could find, she still wouldn't have enough to make a thousand taels.

That's definitely not enough!

Why am I so poor?

Xiao Che emerged slowly from behind the screen, his steps refined, his voice languid: "Need money?"

Jiang Ruining lay on her back on the couch, turning her head to look over.

The navy blue color looked stunning on him; it didn't appear dull at all, but rather softened his overly handsome face, highlighting his noble air. Even a simple jade pendant at his waist was worth more than the entire lifetime's worth of a noble family's fortune!

They're really rich!

rich?

Jiang Ruining's eyes lit up, and she immediately perked up.

Yup!

This guy is incredibly rich!

She sat up abruptly, got off the bed, and eagerly helped him sit down, smiling obsequiously as she pounded and pinched his shoulders: "Your Highness, could you lend me some silver? I'll pay you back as soon as my father returns!"

Xiao Che enjoyed her service.

It feels quite nice to squeeze with those little paws!

"Our relationship isn't even close enough for someone to lend you money!"

"Why hasn't it arrived yet!" Jiang Ruining blurted out, "Even a day as husband and wife is worth a hundred days of kindness. We've only been together for a few days; the expiration date hasn't passed yet!"

Realized what he had said.

Her face instantly turned bright red!

Terrible!

What insane things is she spouting?

That incident was so hard to get over!

"And I... I stitched up your wounds, bathed you, and even shared my bed and food with you!"

Xiao Che took the teacup handed to him by the maid, but the tea he sipped got stuck in his throat because of her bold words, and he coughed until his face turned a little red.

Jiang Ruining felt awkward and quickly changed the subject to the Hundred Days' Grace.

I don't know how the interest is calculated here, but I gritted my teeth and held up one finger.

"At worst, I'll pay you back an extra ten percent!"

Xiao Che gently wiped the corner of his mouth, his gaze towards her unfathomable.

He didn't respond to her.