Chapter 117: 0117 Many people bring bad vibes_1
Wen Jiang received an imperial medal from the Empire at the Jimo Family estate early in the morning.
It was once a symbol worn by Jimo Xiao.
The one who returned the medal was also an acquaintance: Yan Moling.
When Yan Moling realized the heir of the Jimo Family was actually Wen Jiang, he couldn’t hide his shock.
"It’s actually you?"
"Yes, it’s me. Surprised?" Wen Jiang asked, a corner of her mouth lifting. "I appreciate your effort this early in the morning."
"It’s no trouble. It’s our duty. General Jimo Xiao still having an heir is a comforting matter for the Empire as well," Yan Moling said subconsciously, then calmed himself and handed over a fine velvet box.
"This is your Jimo Family’s nobility medal."
Wen Jiang took it and opened it. Inside was a diamond-shaped breastpin badge, adorned in black and gold, with the impression of a... butterfly outline?
This butterfly was somewhat abstract, and Wen Jiang thought of the Butterfly Card that had appeared.
No wonder it hadn’t been found before.
Moreover, for some reason, the Jimo Family’s Heritage Card hadn’t been used, so the public had no recollection of it.
Just by looking at the medal, it was hard to make the connection.
There were some bloodstains on the bottom of the wings, and it was evident that it had been passed down for hundreds of years, the edges bearing a sense of solemnity left by time.
Seeing Wen Jiang caress the medal, even Yan Moling couldn’t help but express his regret, "If only General Jimo Xiao could have held on a little longer..."
Wen Jiang did not respond.
Hua Zhuo silently observed the medal from the side as Yan Moling inquired with concern, "Madam, how have you been feeling lately?"
Hua Zhuo smiled warmly at Yan Moling. "Quite well, thank you for asking."
Yan Moling nodded. "I visited Li Huijun not long ago. She also misses and worries about you."
Hua Zhuo’s smile became somewhat forced. Then she said, "I will find time to visit her."
After Yan Moling left, Hua Zhuo looked at Wen Jiang. "The person from the Empire who contacted you before, was it Yan Moling?"
One could tell from their manner of speaking that they were already acquainted.
Wen Jiang nodded, and Hua Zhuo did not press further. At this time, the butler came to report that Xie Lingyan had arrived with members of the Xie Family to pay a visit.
Xie Lingyan’s niece had returned only the night before; it would have been out of character for him not to bring people to visit this morning.
"It’s just in time for breakfast. It’s good for you to meet your relatives," Hua Zhuo said.
After all, she was a part of the Jimo Family. Now, with no other direct Jimo relatives left, perhaps if Wen Jiang could get along with relatives from her mother’s side, she could experience some warmth.
But Hua Zhuo glanced at Wen Jiang’s tranquil face and considered the rumors about the Xie Family. Suddenly, she questioned whether this meeting was a good idea.
But they were family after all, right?
The Jimo Family line was dwindling, but the Xie Family was certainly flourishing.
Of the Xie Family elders, only Old Lady Xie remained. This biased old woman had once infuriated Xie Lingbing by trying to marry her off to a profligate son from a collateral branch of a noble family, all to secure better standing for the Xie Family. Angered, Xie Lingbing had joined the army and hadn’t returned for a long time. It wasn’t until she encountered the Jimo Family that Old Lady Xie’s dream of associating with a powerful family was unexpectedly fulfilled.
Old Lady Xie had one son and three daughters. Her favorite youngest son, Xie Lingyan, stayed by her side. Her other children were in different parts of the Empire and, upon hearing about the heir situation, were all hurrying back. It seemed Wen Jiang wouldn’t have any peace for the next few days.
When Jimo Xiao was alive, he had been able to keep this large family in check, and they hadn’t dared to act rashly. But since Jimo Xiao’s death, people’s loyalty had begun to waver.
Xie Lingyan had married and later had a set of fraternal twins—a boy and a girl. Unfortunately, his family line hadn’t inherited strong genes; apart from Xie Lingbing, there wasn’t a single Spirit Card Master in the entire Xie family.
Today, Xie Lingyan brought Old Lady Xie, his wife, and his children to visit.
In the living room, a long table was set. Wen Jiang sat in the seat of honor, with Hua Zhuo to her left. According to nobility customs, this signified that even though Hua Zhuo was currently managing affairs, Wen Jiang, upon her return, was the sole representative of the Jimo Family.
Wen Jiang couldn’t be bothered with these matters. When the Xie Family arrived, she didn’t even stand up to welcome them.
To be honest, just looking at this crowd gives me a headache. There are too many of them, and they’re annoying.
Old Lady Xie was dressed in extravagant and luxurious clothes. Clearly, years of comfortable living had transformed this once ordinary housewife into a figure of affluence. Xie Lingyan strongly resembled her.
"My granddaughter!"
Upon seeing Wen Jiang at the head of the table, Old Lady Xie needed no introduction. Her tears, as convincing as Xie Lingyan’s acting, welled up instantly.
She trembled as she approached, seemingly intending to give Wen Jiang a big hug.
Wen Jiang’s voice cut through abruptly, "Cut the act. I haven’t seen any of you in twenty years. There’s no affection between us, nor do I wish to cultivate any."
Everyone: "..."
Even Hua Zhuo looked at Wen Jiang with a hint of surprise. Their relationship might not be harmonious, but to assert dominance so bluntly right from the start?
Old Lady Xie nearly lost her composure upon hearing this. Her tears, which had been welling up, froze in her eyes, and her bewildered expression was somewhat comical. "Ah?"
Xie Lingyan’s eyelids twitched.
Wen Jiang noticed the three people standing behind him: his wife and his two children.
They looked presentable, especially his wife, who stood there quietly. She didn’t show even a flicker of basic curiosity at the sight of Wen Jiang. Her eyes, reflecting a numb peace that had seen through all vanity, seemed to carry the weariness of a life that had ground her down too much, despite her exquisite and pretty face.
Perhaps because Wen Jiang was so brutally honest, the atmosphere immediately became awkward. Hua Zhuo finally spoke up, "Come, sit down and have a meal first. She just returned and had no one by her side before, so she has little concept of family."
Her tone was gentle, yet it was hard to discern any deeper sentiment beyond that.
Only then did Old Lady Xie and the others recover. As Xie Lingyan helped her over, tears finally streamed down her face, yet she seemed to cling to a sliver of hope. "Ah Jiang, I am your grandmother."
They had learned Wen Jiang’s name that morning.
Wen Jiang thought, Crowds are such a bother. If I had known, I wouldn’t have acknowledged any relatives. What bad luck.
Zero Egg communicated, ...It seems you truly dislike having people around.
After all, Wen Jiang hadn’t seen her relatives for many years. According to Zero Egg’s understanding, someone who grew up without parents would surely long for family ties.
It forgot that its host was an anomaly.
The host lacked emotions.
In contrast to Old Lady Xie’s excitement, Wen Jiang merely nodded coldly. "I know. You don’t need to repeat yourself."
With a single sentence, she choked off any attempt by Old Lady Xie to play the familial warmth card.
The two young members of the Xie Family seemed not to understand. As they sat down silently beside their mother, the boy muttered under his breath with some discontent, "That’s our grandmother, your elder. How impolite."
They had learned that before her return, Wen Jiang had lived in the slums and had even been expelled from Noble University—a background that would be utterly scandalous for any heir of the nobility.
His words were tinged with a hint of disdain.
Suddenly, the air tightened. Hua Zhuo realized, Oh no, this is going to be trouble.