Originally, Jiang Wan also wanted to follow her parents and elder siblings, leaving a line in everything and being a happy ordinary person.
But today's events made her understand one thing: the Jiang family needed someone ruthless to ensure their future peace.
Her parents were definitely not suitable. Her elder brothers were all young. Her eldest brother was about to become a father, her second brother was about to get engaged, and her youngest brother wanted to pursue a scholarly career.
They would all have bright and happy futures. She couldn't bear to let their hands be stained with filth and blood.
Therefore, she would do it!
Her family had given her warmth and love, so she would repay them with lasting peace.
Jiang Wan's eyes became more determined.
If Lord Wan only punished Zheng Cui'er and did not disturb their family, then she would not take any further action.
But now that he had murderous intent towards the Jiang family, she would strike first.
Anyone or anything that could threaten her family's safety, she would eradicate completely!
Jiang Wan entered the house holding the wildflowers she had picked, smiling. She insisted that Chen Yuezhi pick a vase from the gifts received yesterday to arrange the flowers.
Past noon, the matchmaker who had gone to the Zhang family happily arrived.
"Madam Jiang, great news."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yuezhi immediately beamed. "Matchmaker Li, please come in quickly. Has the Zhang family agreed?"
Matchmaker Li smiled so widely her eyes disappeared. "They've agreed. When I said your family was proposing, the Zhang couple were both astonished. It took them a while to come to their senses. At first, they were a bit hesitant, feeling it was too high a match. In the end, it was the Zhang girl herself who agreed."
Jiang Wan, pulling Erlang, listened to this outside the door and kept winking at Erlang.
Erlang was so shy that his dark face turned red. Unable to bear Jiang Wan's teasing, he quickly found an excuse and ran off.
Inside, Chen Yuezhi was also overjoyed. Although she knew this marriage would surely happen, she could only be at ease after receiving a definite answer.
"Since the Zhang family has agreed, let's present the betrothal gifts first."
Matchmaker Li nodded with a smile. "That's right. Both families are eager to get married, so it's best to finalize the arrangements as soon as possible."
Chen Yuezhi nodded. "Then I'll trouble you to run another errand and inform the Zhang family. I will choose an auspicious day and prepare ample gifts before visiting to finalize the engagement."
"Certainly." Matchmaker Li was overjoyed. After so many years of matchmaking, such a smooth engagement was truly a first.
After seeing Matchmaker Li off, Chen Yuezhi put aside other matters and began preparing the betrothal gifts.
Because Erlang's engagement was a significant matter, it had to be settled as quickly as possible.
While she was busy, a carriage arrived outside. A maid from Madam Cheng's retinue jumped down from the carriage.
"Miss Jiang, Madam has sent me to invite your whole family to visit our manor."
Jiang Wan felt a warmth in her heart, knowing that Madam Cheng, after learning of the situation, had sent a carriage to pick them up to the Cheng manor, fearing that Lord Wan might make a move against the Jiang family.
The Cheng manor was an official's residence. No matter how influential Lord Wan was, he wouldn't dare to act rashly.
Jiang Wan didn't want to go, but thinking of her family's safety, she agreed.
Chen Yuezhi and Su Shi and the others had no idea what had happened. After tidying themselves up, they boarded the Cheng family's carriage.
The family happily entered the Cheng manor. Madam Cheng, with a worried expression, came out to greet them. However, seeing the joyful expressions on the Jiang family's faces, she guessed they might not know yet and quickly changed her demeanor.
When Madam Cheng found an opportunity, Jiang Wan pulled her aside. "Auntie, please don't tell my mother and the others about the private school. My mother is timid, and my sister-in-law is pregnant. It's not suitable for them to be frightened."
Madam Cheng was somewhat surprised. "You know about this?"
Jiang Wan coughed. "I was the one who hit them, so how could I not know?"
Madam Cheng slapped her forehead in realization. "I thought as much. Sanlang is such a smart and clever child, how could he have fought with Tutor Zhong? It's not surprising if it was you."
Jiang Wan twitched her lips. Why did that sound strange? Wasn't she also smart and clever?
Madam Cheng knew this girl was always protective. She pinched Jiang Wan's chubby little face. "You girl are too impulsive. There are many ways to deal with people without professional ethics. Why did you use the most foolish method?"
Jiang Wan didn't regret it at all. "The method may be foolish, but it's the most satisfying and effective. Auntie, if you were there, you probably couldn't have held back either. They forced my younger brother and prepared to torture him into a confession! My younger brother is only ten years old, how could they dare to lay hands on a child! Therefore, they deserve to die!"
If it weren't for Sanlang holding her back at the time, and if she hadn't maintained her reason, she would have made Tutor Zhong and his group perish on the spot!
Madam Cheng also felt incredibly angry upon hearing this.
"This beast named Zhong! How can he be worthy of being a teacher?!"
She then stroked Jiang Wan's hair. "We will find a way to resolve this matter. Don't be afraid. They were in the wrong first."
Jiang Wan felt a warmth in her heart. "Auntie, I've caused you trouble."
Madam Cheng waved her hand. "It's nothing. It's just that, Wan Wan, if you encounter similar situations in the future, don't be so impulsive. There are many ways to deal with enemies. While head-on confrontation is satisfying, when your own strength is insufficient, it's foolish. Do you understand?"
Jiang Wan looked at Madam Cheng with bright eyes. Was she teaching her how to act ruthlessly?
This idea was indeed not bad.
Auntie Cheng was truly a person of character, acting without regard for trivialities. She liked her more and more!
"I understand."
Madam Cheng didn't care about Jiang Wan's gaze. When living in this world, there was no need to live too openly. When it was time to use some methods, why not?
After all, it was the other party who had lost their face first.
Madam Cheng sent someone to the yamen to give Jiang Pan and the others a hint about the Jiang family not knowing the situation yet. Therefore, when Jiang Pan and Sanlang returned to the manor with Magistrate Cheng in the evening, they tried their best to appear as if nothing had happened.
When everyone had returned, Jiang Wan suddenly suggested, "Auntie, Uncle Cheng, we haven't eaten at a restaurant since we came to Jiangnan. I want to take a pleasure boat to tour the river. I heard the river is very lively at night, and I want to see it."
Jiang Pan was troubled by Tutor Zhong's matter. Hearing Jiang Wan's abrupt request, he feared causing further trouble for the Cheng family and tried to stop her. "Wan Wan, don't be silly!"
Jiang Wan nestled into Madam Cheng's embrace with a wronged expression. "Auntie, I really want to go."
Madam Cheng couldn't bear to see her like this. "Wan Wan's suggestion is indeed to my liking. Your family has been in Yao County for almost a month, and you've been busy settling into your new home, so you haven't had time to explore the county. A'luo is due to give birth in just over two months. It's a great opportunity to go out and see the beautiful scenery of Yao County while she's still relatively light."
With Madam Cheng speaking, Jiang Pan couldn't object further.
Thus, the two families took three carriages out of the manor and headed towards the pier.
It was the time when riverside businesses were opening, and pleasure boats were starting to board passengers.
Magistrate Cheng and his party of more than ten people attracted considerable attention. Many people ran over to greet Magistrate Cheng upon seeing him.
Some of Magistrate Cheng's colleagues even enthusiastically invited them to join them for a tour.
Magistrate Cheng smiled and politely declined, then led his group onto a pleasure boat that had no romantic connotations.