Chapter 20: Ling Heng's Visit

Page 1/3

After bidding farewell to Shen Guanzhi, Jiang Zhuo returned to the Jiang residence, where a carriage bearing the mark of the Marquis of Wuwei was parked at the gate.

It was Ling Heng.

Jiang Zhuo paused briefly but then went inside.

This was her home after all; she couldn’t simply avoid Ling Heng by not returning.

Biting her lip, she strode into the main hall and indeed found Ling Heng sitting leisurely in the guest seat, sipping tea as if he were the host rather than herself.

“Earlier, Miss Jiang’s attire from my concubine’s wardrobe was quite charming and alluring. Yet now, in this simple white dress, Miss Jiang appears especially pure and delicate,” Ling Heng said, setting down his teacup and appraising her from head to toe. “Truly, a beauty’s charm lies not in her clothes, but in her appearance.”

“Marquis Ling has come specially today to visit. Surely not just to praise me,” Jiang Zhuo said, taking a sip of the tea brought by her maid, her tone laced with cold irony. “There’s no need to be so eager; after all, I still have three years of mourning to observe. The Marquis will have plenty of opportunities to appreciate me later.”

The scene of Ling Heng deceiving her into the dark room during the birthday banquet was still vivid in her mind.

But since Ling Heng didn’t bring it up, Jiang Zhuo wouldn’t mention it either.

“Three years is but a short wait; I am not one to wait patiently,” Ling Heng said, opening a golden bamboo folding fan, his narrow phoenix eyes fixed intently on Jiang Zhuo, as if staring at his prey. “But today, I’ve come to discuss business with Miss Jiang.”

“I wasn’t aware I had any business to discuss with the Marquis,” Jiang Zhuo lowered her gaze deliberately avoiding his eyes.

She disliked being looked at as if she were a possession.

Such fervor seemed passionate in the moment, but once her beauty faded with time, she feared she would be discarded like worn-out shoes.

“I can manage the shops and estates under your control, Miss Jiang, taking only thirty percent of the surplus profits. How does that sound?”

Jiang Zhuo naturally understood Ling Heng’s intentions: to seize control of her assets. If she married him, he could legitimately swallow her holdings. Even if she didn’t, if he falsified accounts, she might never detect it.

“I can give all the surplus profits to the Marquis,” Jiang Zhuo met his gaze, forcing a naive smile. “On the condition that I am involved in the management, learning how to run the shops and estates. If you agree, we can start with a one-year contract.”

Ling Heng was momentarily stunned, then suddenly laughed.

“I never knew Miss Jiang was so ambitious.”

Page 2/3

Ling Heng’s laughter was as if he had just discovered the rabbit he kept in his courtyard was studying the classics to prepare for the imperial exams.

Jiang Zhuo quietly maintained her smile, waiting for his reply.

“Since Miss Jiang is eager to learn, how could I refuse?” Ling Heng stood and approached her teasingly. “But business is complicated. I fear you won’t master it within a year.”

“If I don’t, then Marquis, you can extend the contract a few more years,” Jiang Zhuo lifted her head, smiling gently at him. “Don’t blame me for being slow if you grow weary of teaching.”

In her previous life, knowing Zhao Mingjing favored talented ladies skilled in music, Jiang Zhuo had practiced the pipa for three years; Ling Heng was a notorious rake who frequented brothels, so she had learned the famous Hu dance; Su Yanqing was elegant and refined, so she had studied poetry and literature to speak with him. As for Xie Guanlan, she realized she knew little of him—partly because he was naturally quiet and aloof, partly because she had been ill upon arriving at his residence.

For Jiang Zhuo, learning was a way to prove her worth, and she was confident in her ability to learn.

But unlike before, when she studied just to gain the favor of a particular man, this time she intended to live for herself and to survive better.

Ling Heng was taken aback but soon closed his fan, a determined smile crossing his lips.

“Since Miss Jiang says so, I cannot refuse.”

“The day is growing late; it may be too late to formalize the contract today,” Jiang Zhuo smiled and then ordered the list of her holdings brought forward. “Here is the inventory of all my assets in the capital. Marquis, you may start auditing them. We can discuss further upon my return.”

“Return? Where are you going?” Ling Heng frowned.

“To Pucheng. I leave tomorrow,” Jiang Zhuo said seriously. “It’s where my father’s remains are buried. As a daughter, I must visit. I hope the Marquis can understand this filial duty.”

“That’s not certain. If you were to meet with misfortune on the way, like Vice Prime Minister Jiang,” Ling Heng scrutinized her face, raising an eyebrow. “I’d have helped you for nothing. I don’t do business at a loss.”

… If I truly died en route, with no heir to my assets, you’d be the happiest of all.

Gritting her teeth at Ling Heng’s shameless attitude, Jiang Zhuo remained silent.

“Here’s an idea.” Ling Heng used his fan to lift Jiang Zhuo’s chin, bringing his face close. “Or perhaps Miss Jiang could give me a kiss as a deposit for managing your assets. How about that?”

Jiang Zhuo was stunned.

In her past life, whenever she teased Ling Heng for something, he would say exactly this.

“To get that hairpin you wanted, I ran to three shops across the capital. For my hard work, wouldn’t you give me a kiss in return?”

Page 3/3

Jiang Zhuo’s lowly status was ingrained to her bones. Having been given a second chance at life, she cared little for dignity or decorum.

But this was only the beginning of Ling Heng’s attempt to push their relationship further. Jiang Zhuo understood that once she used her body as a bargaining chip, they could no longer be equal trading partners.

“Marquis, you really do know how to joke,” Jiang Zhuo averted her gaze, rejecting coldly.

“A wooden beauty indeed,” Ling Heng said with a chuckle, not offended.

He straightened and clapped his hands.

A shadow silently dropped to the floor.

Jiang Zhuo was startled.

The warm tea in her fingers slightly splashed.

From the moment she entered, she hadn’t noticed someone lurking on the beam of the ceiling!

“This is Shadow Guard Black Hawk. From now on, he’s yours,” Ling Heng said, then turned to leave with a flick of his sleeve.

“I had a very pleasant conversation today with the Lady of Zhaoning County. I hope that when we next meet, the Lady will be just as safe and sound as today.”

“Thank you, Marquis Ling,” Jiang Zhuo replied.

The Marquis of Wuwei wielded immense power through commerce and finance. Jiang Zhuo knew this smooth deal was because Ling Heng had been lenient.

She bowed toward his departing figure.

“Farewell.”

Ling Heng waved his hand and strode out of the main hall without looking back.