Chapter 2: Scapegoating

At the Minister's Residence, Xiang Xiang Junzheng, who always wore a gray-blue long gown, was tall with thick eyebrows and large eyes; he appeared gentle and refined, and anyone who saw him would likely think in their heart, "What a scholarly man."

Today being a rest day, he arrived early at the bedside of the Old Lady Jun to keep her company and chat about daily matters.

In the sixth year of Emperor Tianqi, border wars broke out; Jun Xiang Zhongxian, Xiang Xiang Junzheng's father, led troops to quell the rebellion and achieved a great victory.

Jun Xiang Zhongxian was trusted by the young Emperor, stationed at the border with troops year after year, unable to return home for a year and a half, enduring wind and dew without complaint or regret.

A ballad once circulated in Emperor Tianqi: "With Jun Xiang Zhongxian in Emperor Tianqi, the borders are not in danger or chaos."

The Old Lady Jun raised her young son alone in Jingcheng, but during a battle in the fifteenth year of Emperor Tianqi, Jun Xiang Zhongxian was betrayed by rebels, fought fiercely in blood for a day and a night, unyielding and unretreating, and ultimately sacrificed his life for the country.

That year, the Old Lady Jun was twenty-six, and her only son Xiang Xiang Junzheng was seven; the Emperor, moved by General Jun's loyalty and duty, and seeing that the Old Lady Jun had become a widow at such a young age, specially conferred upon her the title of First-Rank Honored Lady.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng was the only son; from then on, he entered the path of civil officials, and the Jun family managed to preserve its only bloodline.

The Old Lady Jun was resilient throughout her life, possessed noble character, and was respected by all, yet she seemed to have failed somewhat in raising her son.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng had no major faults and was considered a filial son, but he was soft-eared and a muddled fool regarding the chaotic affairs of the inner courtyard.

"Zhengming, the second daughter has been at the manor for six years; I do not know if she has grown accustomed to it, which truly breaks my heart. The journey is long, and I, an old woman long bedridden, can only send someone to deliver some food, clothing, and supplies."

The Old Lady Jun trembled as she extended her wrinkled hand to grasp her son Xiang Xiang Junzheng's broad palm; her cloudy eyes glistened with tears, and her somewhat aged voice spoke with difficulty.

"Back then, that troublemaker caused such a great disaster; Wu Wu Xiuqin is kind and did not hold it against her. With Aunt Liu caring for her at the manor, I imagine she has not suffered much hardship, so Mother need not worry." Xiang Xiang Junzheng sounded somewhat impatient.

"So many years have passed; whatever wrongs there were should be forgotten by now."

The Old Lady paused, then added:

"The second daughter is now fourteen; next year she will reach the age of adulthood. The rules of the household should be learned, so I was thinking you should send someone to bring her back; do not let the child's heart grow cold."

In that era, a Miss reached the age of fifteen to tie up her hair and wear the hairpin.

The significance of wearing the hairpin was extremely solemn; it not only carried a family's responsibility and regard for a Miss but also carried the Miss's responsibility for her life and her role in society, making it the most important matter in a Miss's life.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng heard the Old Lady Jun mention the second daughter again, yet the face of this daughter seemed extremely blurred in his heart.

He had not been without affection for this daughter, but he did not know how she had degenerated into such a state after her mother died.

She was timid and cowardly, unlearned and useless, and at such a young age had a vicious mind, even able to deal a ruthless blow to her own legitimate elder sister.

He became increasingly disappointed in this daughter and increasingly disliked her.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng frowned, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes.

Memories surfaced in his mind; this troublemaker had pushed her elder sister Jun Jun Yiyi into the lake back then.

Mother Wu Wu Xiuqin went to mediate, yet she even beat her mother; fortunately, the First Lady, pitying her for having no mother, had taken care of her greatly in daily life.

Fortunately, Jun Jun Yiyi was discovered and rescued in time; her life was saved, but Jun Jun Yiyi spoke nonsense day and night, showing she had been severely frightened.

Jun Jun Zijin denied it to the death, kneeling in the Fotang for a day and a night, yet still showed no sign of repentance.

He was utterly disappointed and sent this troublemaker to a remote manor to live or die on her own.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng fell silent for a while, withdrew the hand still held by the Old Lady, and said lightly:

"If she is willing to repent, then let her return for now."

The light of expectation in the Old Lady Jun's eyes dimmed slightly; her lips parted slightly, but in the end, she spoke no words.

Her son was usually filial, but whenever the second daughter was mentioned, his expression turned unpleasant.

The Old Lady Jun understood that her son's dislike and even aversion toward the second daughter could not be separated from Wu's influence.

In the Old Lady Jun's heart, the second daughter had always been well-behaved; unfortunately, her mother died early, and her stepmother was skilled in schemes, appearing kind on the surface but actually poisonous; she saw this clearly, yet her son placed great trust in this stepmother.

However, she could not interfere too much in her son's inner courtyard affairs and could only try to look after the second daughter more in daily life so she would not be tripped up by the scheming stepmother.

Deep in the Old Lady Jun's heart, she never believed the second daughter was as they said, beating her mother and committing violence.

But when this incident occurred back then, she was bedridden and useless, and she could only watch helplessly as the second daughter was sent to such a remote manor.

Both had their own thoughts, and neither noticed that one of the maids outside the door was missing.

"Mother, please rest more; your son still has official duties to attend to."

Xiang Xiang Junzheng rose, adjusted his gown, dropped a sentence, and left.