Chapter 222: Real
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Zhenzhen responded firmly, “In fact, the knowledge I gained from Grandma isn’t rooted in the Jiang Family’s teachings, but rather in her personal guidance. Grandma and I have formed our own distinct path.”
Jiang Yu’s expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and amus.e.m.e.nt.
“Zhenzhen, you must be joking. How could that be true?”
“Why doubt it?”
Qin Zhenzhen’s tone grew grave, her eyes smoldering with resentment.
“Listen closely, before my marriage, I had already developed a unique set of culinary and medical skills through my own efforts. However, circ.u.mstances prevented her from showcasing her talents.”
“Truth be told, when you exiled Grandma to the countryside, you effectively severed her ties with the Jiang Family. Your indifference towards her over the years is proof of that.”
“Grandma understood very well who was responsible for her misfortune. Yet, constrained by her lower status, she chose to suppress her fury.”
“But even in her blindness, Grandma vowed never to employ the culinary and medical expertise she acquired from the Jiang Family’s teachings. She refused to wield these skills to cook or heal.”
“Throughout these years, Grandma painstakingly carved her own path. What she imparted to me, what I absorbed, all originated from her ingenuity. None of it can be attributed to your Jiang Family.”
“Hence, you lack the authority to impose the Jiang Family’s regulations on me!”
Grandma Qin later disclosed to Qin Zhenzhen that the Jiang Family’s regulations were primarily aimed at guiding the disciples of married women. This system confined these disciples to tending to their own offspring.
Ordinary married women possessed limited capabilities, resulting in their pupils being average at best.
The truly capable women not only entered the palace but also secured their sons-in-law through strategic marriages.
However, life is unpredictable. There were instances of disciples being married into other families, and these disciples often stood out remarkably.
The Jiang Family held a rather disdainful view of disciples hailing from external families. However, if these disciples showcased remarkable prowess and gained prominence, or relied on the resources of the Jiang Family for their livelihood, a significant portion of their earnings would be requisitioned.
Furthermore, any newly-developed skills had to be surrendered to the Jiang Family without compensation. Such individuals were also obligated to return to the Jiang Family’s service whenever required.
Jiang Yu had arrived with the intention of employing the Jiang Family’s regulations to demand that Qin Zhenzhen surrender her seasoning concoctions.
In the eleventh hour, both Qin Zhenzhen and her grandmother made a crucial decision. They recognized that as long as they refrained from acknowledging any influence from the Jiang Family, the Family’s authority over them would remain limited.
And indeed, they possessed two robust pillars of support.
The first, and most significant, pillar was the Marquis Mansion.
Surprisingly, Su Bin hadn’t completely alienated the Old Marquis. He had cleverly created an illusion that implied if the Old Marquis appropriately punished those deserving, Su Bin and his cohorts would return to the Marquis Mansion, thus bestowing honor upon their forebears.
The second towering support was Su Bin’s maternal lineage.
Su Bin’s grandfather held the esteemed position of Minister of Revenue, and even his younger grandfather occupied a notable post within the capital. Lin Nan’s demeanor suggested that the Lin Family was not inclined to overlook any affronts toward Su Bin and his family.
As Qin Zhenzhen’s words reached Jiang Yu’s ears, his anger intensified. The notion that they had established their own faction seemed utterly ludicrous. Yet, his ire remained bridled due to Qin Zhenzhen’s familial background.
Turning his attention to Grandma Qin, Jiang Yu inquired, “Aunt Qin, as for
Zhenzhen…”
However, Grandma Qin interjected firmly, “Zhenzhen is speaking the truth!”
“I’ve never imparted any culinary or medical skills to the Jiang Family. If my words hold no weight, I’m willing to swear upon my life!”
Jiang Yu swiftly intervened, his tone urgent. “Please refrain from doing that, Third Aunt!”
Despite the situation, a hint of a sneer escaped her lips..