Time passed day by day. Since that day she’d encountered Haitang, nine days had already passed.

During these nine days, Haitang had indeed, as Situ Jiuyue said, allowed Situ Jiuyue to use the poison spider to treat the scars on Haitang’s face. Haitang didn’t speak in detail about the difficulty of the process, but when Zhao Ke came to report the news and mentioned this matter, his face still carried an expression of reluctance to bear watching.

Clearly it was truly very painful.

Haitang had still endured. The first seven days of the poison spider treatment were the most difficult to bear. During these seven days, Haitang hadn’t scratched the wounds with her hands, so she’d safely passed through. As long as nothing unexpected occurred from now on, in not much longer she could return to her original appearance.

That suffering eaten hadn’t been wasted but had yielded excellent results—naturally a joyful matter. Amid this brief joy, Second Miss Jiang welcomed her first New Year in Yanjing City after an eight-year interval.

Early in the morning, Jiang Li put on the brand-new clothes the tailor had made—a blue satin cutwork flower matching jacket and an azure cloud-pattern smoke-water skirt. She usually preferred plain, light colors, so the fabric colors weren’t bright either, but the materials were all superior and the workmanship extremely exquisite. Over the past half year, she’d grown a bit taller than before—graceful and slender, strikingly beautiful, a rare sight in Yanjing City.

Tong’er inserted a sandalwood lotus silver hairpin into Jiang Li’s coiffure. Looking in the mirror, she herself felt quite satisfied and said, “Done. Please have a look, Miss.”

Jiang Li looked at the young lady in the mirror—still unfamiliar. But now she no longer rejected the identity of Second Miss Jiang. She seemed to have accepted this fact from the bottom of her heart and had become familiar with this new identity through more than half a year of coexistence.

She said, “Let’s go—to Wanfeng Hall to pay respects to Old Madam.”

At the start of the New Year, one had to pay respects to Old Madam.

In Wanfeng Hall, the Jiang family had all gathered together. Because it was New Year, everyone’s faces bore smiles. Aside from Jiang Youyao, Jiang Bingji was young and still ignorant, while Jiang Youyao couldn’t be happy no matter what. She didn’t understand—her mother had died, so why could the Jiang family still smile? During these years at the Jiang family, even if Ji Shuran hadn’t achieved great merit, she’d at least worked hard. After more than ten years of affection, how could it all vanish in a single morning? The Jiang family was truly too heartless!

She habitually always blamed all problems on others, never thinking about what Ji Shuran had actually done. Never mind feeling sad and grieved for Ji Shuran—even with Ji Shuran dead, others would say her death was for the best. Jiang Youyao displayed all her unhappiness on her face, which only made Old Madam Jiang more disappointed. This granddaughter was stubborn and ungrateful. It seemed she’d been raised crooked by Ji Shuran many years ago, yet sadly they hadn’t discovered it then, leading to her current temperament.

Old Madam Jiang planned to give Jiang Youyao the cold shoulder and spoke with Lu Shi and several others, not paying attention to Jiang Youyao. Jiang Yuanbai was also discussing recent days’ matters with Jiang Yuanping. Jiang Youyao only felt that she’d been isolated by the entire Jiang family, with no one treating her well. Anger made her whole body tremble.

Just then, Jiang Li entered.

As soon as Jiang Li came in, she paid respects in turn to Old Madam Jiang’s group. Old Madam Jiang happily accepted them, receiving from a maid’s hands a pouch containing silver and tucking it into Jiang Li’s hands. Lu Shi also presented a pouch. Jiang Youyao’s sharp eyes noticed that the pouch Lu Shi gave Jiang Li was much larger than the one she’d received.

Truly birds of a feather, colluding together, Jiang Youyao thought hatefully. If Jiang Li hadn’t gotten her mother killed, Lu Shi wouldn’t have taken over the household management power. Maybe Lu Shi had colluded with Jiang Li long ago just to harm Ji Shuran!

Jiang Yuanping also spoke a few words with Jiang Li with a smile. He was a man who usually presented a smiling, amiable appearance but was actually a smiling tiger. However, toward his niece, he did hold some measure of an elder’s affection. Especially since Jiang Li had shown exceptional intelligence, making Jiang Yuanping even more satisfied. Having a clever niece would bring more benefits to the family than having a stupid one—at least she wouldn’t cause trouble everywhere.

Third branch’s Yang Shi also gave Jiang Li a pouch. Jiang Li had thought that the third branch didn’t have much silver and wouldn’t give much. But this pouch was actually quite heavy. Unconsciously, Jiang Li looked at Yang Shi, discovering with surprise that Yang Shi’s attire was much more expensive than before.

The third branch was the most financially strained branch in the Jiang family. Old Madam Jiang didn’t care about them, Yang Shi’s dowry wasn’t generous, and they relied entirely on Jiang Yuanxing’s salary alone. That bit of salary barely sufficed for the family’s expenses. Precisely because of this, back then Jiang Yu’e had ingratiated herself with Ji Shuran and her daughter, hoping to receive some “gifts.”

But now… Jiang Li noticed Jiang Yuyan. Jiang Yuyan’s clothes had also been made at Old Madam Jiang’s order together with the others—the fabric was brand new. But the gold-plated cloud-shaped agate hairpin on her head hadn’t been given by Old Madam Jiang. This single hairpin probably cost about a hundred taels of silver—quite a considerable expense for the third branch.

Seeing Jiang Li staring at her in a daze, Jiang Yuyan timidly asked, “Second Sister, is something wrong?”

“Nothing.” Jiang Li smiled. “I just think the hairpin on Fourth Sister’s head looks very nice.”

Yang Shi’s eyes darted about before she laughed first. “What are you saying, Ah Li? What fine jewelry haven’t you seen? Yuyan’s hairpin—you probably don’t even regard it highly.”

Old Madam Jiang frowned slightly. Yang Shi’s words were clearly directed at her. Among the Jiang family’s several daughters, the third branch’s daughter had the poorest attire. But so what? She simply didn’t like Jiang Yuanxing. Back then, if not for Jiang Yuanxing’s mother interfering, how would she and Old Master Jiang have developed a rift? If the third branch had ability, naturally they could climb upward—she absolutely wouldn’t stop them. But without ability, she wouldn’t support them either.

Jiang Li smiled. “Though the hairpin can’t be called an absolutely excellent hairpin, it suits Fourth Sister extremely well, which is why I stared foolishly.”

Jiang Yuyan blushed and lowered her head. Among the Jiang family’s several daughters, her appearance truly couldn’t be considered outstanding, but dressed up, she could be called delicate. Jiang Li’s praise left her at a loss.

Yang Shi was about to say something when Old Madam Jiang already looked at Jiang Li. “Girl Li, when are Third Master Ye and Shijie coming?”

Jiang Li smiled. “They should be here soon.”

“The Ye family?” Jiang Youyao’s voice changed. “Why would they come?”

“This year both Cousin Ye and Third Uncle are spending New Year in Yanjing City. Father said since we’re family, we might as well celebrate together,” Jiang Li said gently.

Jiang Youyao laughed coldly. “What kind of family is this!”

“Youyao!” Jiang Yuanbai said sternly. His tone was too severe—Jiang Youyao immediately stopped speaking. But inwardly she felt very indignant. The Ye and Jiang families hadn’t associated for many years. What now? Now that her mother was dead, were they rushing to curry favor with the Jiang family again? Even if Ji Shuran was dead, the one with marital ties to the Jiang family now was the Ji family, not the Ye family! If the Ye family could come, why couldn’t the Ji family come?

This was clearly the tea cooling when the person left!

Jiang Youyao’s heart suddenly felt desolate, feeling she’d become isolated at the Jiang family with no one treating her well. The more proud Jiang Li became, the more she hated her extremely. If not for being at the mansion, once she got a chance, she would certainly take revenge on Jiang Li!

Seeing her gritting her teeth, Jiang Li knew what Jiang Youyao was thinking and shook her head inwardly. However, that Jiang Yuanbai had her invite Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu to the Jiang mansion surprised Jiang Li as well. For Ye Shijie, this was a good thing. With Jiang Yuanbai’s support, Ye Shijie’s official career would proceed more smoothly. The officialdom was already impure—only by standing at sufficient height could one protect the people one wanted to protect. Ye Shijie still had to protect the Ye family. As long as it didn’t violate his conscience, taking some shortcuts was acceptable.

Though both Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu simultaneously expressed unwillingness to come, Jiang Li coaxed and persuaded until she finally convinced them both.

Just as they were speaking, a young servant came to report that Master Ye and Young Master Ye had arrived.

Not only did Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie come themselves, they also brought Xue Huaiyuan. Suddenly seeing Xue Huaiyuan, the Jiang family members all froze slightly. Ye Shijie said matter-of-factly, “Old Master Xue was alone at the Ye mansion—I wasn’t at ease. Might as well bring him along. Old Master Xue has recovered considerably now. Hey, Lord Jiang is also an official. Speaking of which, Old Master Xue was also a good official back then. You can chat more—perhaps Lord Jiang can even gain some insights.”

At the sight of Jiang Yuanbai, Ye Mingyu wanted to needle him with a few sentences. Jiang Yuanbai also knew that reasoning with this person was absolutely futile. Therefore he only snorted coldly without paying him any attention.

As for Xue Huaiyuan, since he’d come, so be it. Moreover, truly as Ye Mingyu said, he looked much better—standing quietly to one side, just not speaking.

Thus this New Year reunion meal, though the Jiang family had several people fewer, they also had several more.

At the dining table, Old Madam Jiang caringly inquired about Ye Shijie’s recent situation. Though Ye Shijie inwardly held no particular fondness for the Jiang family, he was ultimately more proper in etiquette than Ye Mingyu. Whatever Old Madam Jiang asked, he answered each one appropriately. A talented young man with unlimited prospects who understood propriety and restraint—satisfied expressions appeared simultaneously on both Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping’s faces.

Jiang Li noticed that Jiang Yuyan, who usually didn’t raise her head much to speak, today frequently looked toward Ye Shijie. Though she looked very discreetly, Jiang Li ultimately captured it.

Jiang Li pondered thoughtfully and couldn’t help looking toward Ye Shijie.

Ye Shijie was originally handsome and spirited, and his current age was the best age. Though now only Vice Minister of Revenue, it was an absolutely lucrative position. Moreover, she’d heard His Majesty also liked him very much—there would be many opportunities to advance in the future.

Such a young man—plenty of girls liked him. Only… if Jiang Yuyan truly came to like Ye Shijie, it was also impossible. First, the Ye family would absolutely not have marital relations with the Jiang family again. Having already lost one daughter at the Jiang family, they couldn’t possibly sacrifice a grandson as well. Second, Old Madam Jiang wouldn’t agree either—Jiang Yuyan was only a concubine-born daughter. Third and most importantly, Jiang Li didn’t see even a bit of romantic feeling in Ye Shijie’s eyes.

Ye Shijie had no interest in Jiang Yuyan, so this matter could never come to fruition no matter what.

Perhaps her gaze watching Ye Shijie was too focused—Ye Shijie also sensed it and raised his eyes to look. He happened to collide with Jiang Li’s gaze and couldn’t help but freeze. Jiang Li smiled and lowered her head to continue eating. But this bit of eye contact between them fell into others’ eyes.

Jiang Yuanbai frowned slightly. Ye Mingyu felt pleased, while Jiang Yuyan’s expression instantly dimmed.

Jiang Youyao said, “Second Sister and Cousin Ye seem very close—truly enviable. Meeting every few days—clearly shows deep affection.”

“Third Girl,” Old Madam Jiang said calmly, “if you’re feeling unwell, the maids can help you back.”

Jiang Youyao stared at Old Madam Jiang in disbelief. On ordinary days was one thing, but in front of outsiders, Old Madam Jiang still showed such lack of consideration! She just couldn’t stand Jiang Li. Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam fawned over Ye Shijie so much—those who didn’t know might truly think Ye Shijie was some remarkable personage. He was merely someone from a merchant background with no official rank who’d luckily become a minor official through good fortune—nothing so impressive.

Extremely angry, she threw down her chopsticks. The grievances accumulated over recent days all erupted together. She said, “Youyao is indeed unwell and won’t accompany everyone. I’ll go back first!” She petulantly had maids escort her back to her room.

The atmosphere instantly became awkward.

Jiang Yuanbai sighed. “I’ve spoiled this daughter of mine. I’ve made everyone laugh.”

“Not laughable—quite good,” Ye Mingyu said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “This spoiling should just be applied equally. Our Ah Li’s temperament—one look shows she wasn’t spoiled, so sensible it’s heartbreaking. That’s what’s laughable.”

Jiang Yuanbai was again rendered speechless by Ye Mingyu’s blockade, but regarding Jiang Li, he knew himself to be in the wrong and didn’t say anything more.

The meal was at least superficially satisfactory. In the afternoon, Old Madam Jiang continued chatting idly with Uncle and Nephew Ye. Lu Shi and the Jiang Yuanbai brothers also accompanied them. After everyone set off firecrackers in the evening, it was time to return to their respective mansions.

Before returning to the mansion, Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie first came to Jiang Li’s courtyard to talk for a while.

Ye Mingyu asked Jiang Li, “Why do I feel Old Madam Jiang and your father are treating you much better this time? Did they do something excessive that they’re compensating you for?”

Though Ye Mingyu appeared careless and bold, he was actually someone attentive to details despite his rough exterior. This time, he’d naturally noticed Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai’s enthusiasm toward Jiang Li. He didn’t know the inside story of Ye Zhenzhen’s death and simply thought the Jiang family felt guilty for wrongly accusing Jiang Li of pushing Ji Shuran into miscarriage back then, but he also felt they seemed to be overdoing it.

If feeling guilty only for this, just treating Jiang Li well alone would suffice. But their attitude toward their former precious pearl Jiang Youyao was also like this—quite thought-provoking. Could Jiang Youyao truly be the Jiang family’s illegitimate child, which was why they acted thus? Thinking to this point, Ye Mingyu said to Jiang Li, “Ah Li, let me ask you something—is Jiang Youyao your father’s daughter?”

Jiang Li: “……”

She said helplessly, “Where has your mind gone, Uncle?”

“Well, they’re acting so strangely—one can’t help overthinking,” Ye Mingyu muttered.

Ye Shijie also felt somewhat strange but didn’t ask further. Regarding this cousin, Ye Shijie was very clear—Jiang Li had her own opinions. Matters she didn’t want to discuss, no one could force her to speak about.

“Cousin Ye.” Just as Ye Shijie was lost in thought, Jiang Li suddenly called his name. Ye Shijie turned around. “What is it?”

Jiang Li hesitated, thinking of Jiang Yuyan’s expression looking at Ye Shijie earlier at the dining table, wondering whether to remind Ye Shijie. Who knew that seeing her bashful manner, Ye Mingyu became delighted and said, “You two chat—I’ll go out first.” He even pulled Xue Huaiyuan out with him.

Only Jiang Li and Ye Shijie remained in the courtyard. Ye Shijie felt inexplicably uncomfortable. Seeing Ye Mingyu leave, Jiang Li felt she had no choice but to speak. She said, “Cousin Ye, you should be wary of Fourth Sister.”

“Jiang Four?” Ye Shijie was startled. “What do you mean?”

“I think… Fourth Sister seems to like you very much.” When Jiang Li spoke these words, she still felt somewhat embarrassed, but thinking one should prevent problems before they occurred, she simply said everything at once. “Actually Fourth Sister is usually quite nice, just a bit timid. But I’m uneasy—the Jiang family’s third branch has been somewhat strange lately. Previously at the palace banquet, Jiang Yu’e schemed against you and me. I’m always afraid of repeating past mistakes with them using old tricks again. Though saying this is somewhat measuring a gentleman’s heart with a petty person’s yardstick, being careful about everything is never bad. You don’t want to be entangled in troublesome matters either, right?”

Jiang Li stopped at the appropriate point without saying more, but she believed with Ye Shijie’s mind, he also understood what she meant. The third branch had one Jiang Yu’e. Though Jiang Yuyan had never done bad things so far, she might inevitably be misled, either emulating Jiang Yu’e or having Yang Shi advise her with schemes.

For Jiang Yuyan, truly climbing up to Ye Shijie would absolutely be an excellent match. Setting aside that Ye Shijie now already had official position and would flourish even more in the future, even the Ye family’s wealth was enough to make eyes red with envy. Though people always looked down on merchants’ money stink, living as merchants with sufficient food and clothing was also something many people sought but couldn’t obtain.

After hearing Jiang Li’s words, Ye Shijie said, “I understand. I’ll be wary of Jiang Four.”

Jiang Li nodded, only to hear Ye Shijie ask again, “I heard from Third Uncle that you’ve been associating very closely with the Duke of Su lately?”

Jiang Li froze. Ye Shijie was usually too busy—every time Jiang Li went to the Ye family, Ye Shijie wasn’t there. Situ Jiuyue was the same. Therefore, the times Ye Shijie directly encountered Ji Heng weren’t many. But this didn’t mean he didn’t know.

“The Duke has helped me,” Jiang Li answered with a smile.

Ye Shijie said, “You must be careful. Ji Heng is deeply scheming. If he wants to use you to control the Jiang family, I fear it won’t be good.” Last time at court deliberations, when Prince Cheng threatened Jiang Li, it was Ji Heng who resolved the situation for Jiang Li. Ye Shijie still remembered—even then he’d felt strange about why Ji Heng would stand up for Jiang Li. Later, hearing Ye Mingyu mention it several times, Ye Shijie developed a peculiar feeling, always sensing that Jiang Li and Ji Heng’s relationship wasn’t as simple as it appeared on the surface.

Jiang Li said, “I know.”

She only said “I know” but didn’t say she agreed to heed Ye Shijie’s words and be careful of Ji Heng. Somehow, an uncomfortable feeling arose in Ye Shijie’s heart. He detested this feeling of his and said, “Since that’s the case, I have nothing else to say. I’ll return to the mansion with Third Uncle now.” After a pause, he ultimately added another sentence. “If you have any trouble, you can come to the Ye mansion and tell us. Though I don’t have the Duke of Su’s power and position, I won’t harm you either.”

Jiang Li curved her eyes. “Thank you, Cousin Ye.”

Her smile in Ye Shijie’s eyes somehow felt somewhat piercing. Not knowing whether avoiding it or what, Ye Shijie immediately turned his head, said no more, and went out together with Ye Mingyu.

The Ye family members all returned, also taking Xue Huaiyuan with them. After setting off firecrackers, they spoke in Wanfeng Hall for a while. Old Madam Jiang was advanced in years—before long she tired and said she wanted to go back to sleep. Only several younger generation remained in the main hall. Jiang Jingrui clamored about staying up to see the New Year in, while Jiang Jingyou refused, wanting to go back to rest—tomorrow morning he still had to get up early to review books. Jiang Li also didn’t particularly want to stay up for the New Year. There really wasn’t anything to say. Better to return to the courtyard and sort through how to deal with Xiao Deyin.

After persisting a while longer, even Jiang Jingrui who’d originally clamored about staying up for the New Year was nodding off drowsily. Lu Shi couldn’t bear to watch and had servants take him back to sleep. Jiang Li stood up and said to Lu Shi, “Second Aunt, I also really feel tired. I won’t accompany you today and would like to rest first.”

“If you won’t stay up, then don’t,” Lu Shi also felt somewhat bored. She didn’t know if it was because several people were missing or what, but somehow this year’s New Year felt somewhat off. Even the formerly detested Ji Shuran now seemed endearing in retrospect—one more person made things livelier. Now it couldn’t be made lively no matter what.

Lu Shi smiled. “I’ll also go rest. We’ll talk again early tomorrow morning.”

Wanfeng Hall instantly became empty and desolate. There was still another hour before the old year ended and the new spring began. Jiang Li walked toward Fangfei Courtyard together with Tong’er and the others. Tong’er murmured, “I originally thought that coming to Yanjing City and returning to the mansion for New Year would be much livelier. How is it that looking now, it’s actually not as good as before?”

With so many incidents happening one after another these past days, who could truly be carefree and happy? During the day one could still hold up, but at night, sadness was inevitable. Might as well avoid what the eyes don’t see—each hiding in their own rooms, falling asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Sleeping until dawn would make it a new year.

Jiang Li smiled. “What does it matter? Aren’t you all still by my side? Moreover, what has liveliness to do with us? At least now we eat better and dress warmer than at the temple, right? People must know contentment.”

“Indeed,” Bai Xue smiled. “People must know contentment. When we servants were at the estate, it was lively, but the whole family could only eat one bowl of radish for a whole evening—sometimes we even had to go hungry. Happiness—first one must fill the stomach before discussing it. A family separated but living well is always better than a family together starving to death.”

Jiang Li smiled. Though the words were crude, the principle was sound. That was precisely it—as long as people were alive, there was hope for everything.

Upon returning to Fangfei Courtyard, Qingfeng and Mingyue were holding red cakes the kitchen had made for the maids, eating. Supposedly eating one whole cake meant everything would go smoothly in the new year with no more troubles.

Mingyue said to Jiang Li, “Miss, the biggest one is on the table in your room. Remember to eat it—after eating it, everything will go smoothly next year.”

Hearing the maids laughing and chatting outside, Jiang Li couldn’t help smiling too. But when she walked into the room and saw the red cake on the table, she couldn’t laugh anymore.

That red cake took up almost half the table. Jiang Li couldn’t possibly finish it no matter what. If truly eating this whole thing was required to obtain next year’s peace and success, then she’d better not eat it. If she finished eating it, before next year arrived, this year itself wouldn’t be peaceful.

She pushed the red cake aside, walked to sit at her desk, and inadvertently thought of the pastries Ji Heng had made before. She wondered whether the Duke’s mansion would make red cakes tonight, and if so, whether Ji Heng would cook. If Ji Heng made the red cake, it would certainly be much more exquisite and lovely than the one before her, and the taste would definitely be much better too. If eating it whole could bring peace and success, then eating one red cake made by Ji Heng would be acceptable.

Jiang Li froze, suddenly realizing she was lost in idle thoughts again. She couldn’t help smiling and shaking her head. Probably from spending too long with Ye Mingyu, even her thought patterns had become quite similar. How had she inexplicably thought of this? If Ji Heng knew what she was thinking about now, he probably wouldn’t help her anymore.

Suddenly, Jiang Li’s gaze caught sight of someone seemingly standing behind her. She jumped in fright, immediately turning to look, and saw Zhao Ke standing behind her, looking at her with an innocent expression.

“How did you come?” Jiang Li asked with surprise. Ordinarily when she had matters to ask Zhao Ke, she’d blow the whistle—Zhao Ke wouldn’t come uninvited. And even when coming, he’d stand outside the window and would never enter the room.

Zhao Ke said, “The Duke sent this subordinate to fetch you.”

“Fetch me?” Jiang Li froze. “Go where?”

“Go to the Duke’s mansion.” Zhao Ke’s answer was matter-of-fact.

“Now?”

“Now.”

Perfectly fine, late at night, and on New Year’s Eve at that—why would he suddenly have her go to the Duke’s mansion? Could it be… Jiang Li’s heart jumped in alarm. Could something have happened to Haitang? She immediately looked at Zhao Ke nervously. “What happened? Did Haitang’s scars have some change? She’s alright, isn’t she?”

Zhao Ke looked at her with bewilderment. “Miss Haitang? Miss Haitang is fine.”

Hearing this, Jiang Li finally breathed a great sigh of relief. Then she asked with confusion, “If nothing’s wrong, why do you want me to go to the Duke’s mansion now? Does the Duke have some urgent matter to discuss with me?”

“Urgent matter?” Zhao Ke tilted his head and thought for a moment. “I suppose so. Some time ago when Second Miss Jiang came to the mansion, you promised to come roast venison. Today the Old General has already prepared all the food materials and crops—just waiting for Second Miss Jiang to go.”

Jiang Li: “…”

She couldn’t speak for a long while. After a moment she said, “Now? You want me to go to the Duke’s mansion to roast venison?” Ji Heng couldn’t possibly be an idiot, could he!

“What’s the problem with that?” Zhao Ke’s tone was as confident and unarguable as his master’s, even making one doubt whether they themselves had done something wrong. Zhao Ke said, “The Old General has been waiting for this for a long time and finally gathered everything together. Ordinarily everyone is very busy. Today is New Year’s Eve—everyone has arrived, so they’re willing to start roasting.”

“Everyone?” Jiang Li seized on the key point in Zhao Ke’s words.

“Young Master Wenren, Miss Situ, Lord Lu, Lord Kong, the Old General…” Zhao Ke said, “You met them all last time.”

Indeed, she’d met them all last time. Last time it was also this group of people who’d arbitrarily decided she’d agreed to help them roast venison, and now they’d turned this arbitrary decision into reality.

“The Duke said if Second Miss Jiang wants to repay him, now is the opportunity,” Zhao Ke said his final sentence.

Jiang Li: “…I’ll go.”

Escaping from the Jiang mansion without Ji Heng beside her wasn’t an easy matter.

Though Zhao Ke had already arranged everything, when Jiang Li went out the back door, she still felt somewhat anxious. Fortunately, Ji Heng’s black sedan chair had already stopped outside. Seeing no one around, Jiang Li got in. Only after sitting down did she feel somewhat improper. This was Ji Heng’s sedan chair—ordinarily only Ji Heng sat in it alone. At this moment, with her sitting in it, inexplicably it felt somewhat suggestive.

If others saw this, even jumping into the Yellow River couldn’t wash it clean.

But since she’d already come out, no need to be constrained by this. After all, no one knew—once tonight passed, no one would know. Since Ji Heng had sent the sedan chair over, clearly he didn’t take it to heart either.

Thinking thus, Jiang Li became composed and magnanimous again.

Only… she still felt somewhat speechless. On such a New Year’s Eve, to actually be fetched from the mansion by someone’s sedan chair to go roast venison at another’s mansion—truly shocking to the world. Though she wasn’t truly the Prime Minister’s daughter and didn’t possess the arrogance of aristocratic women, even for ordinary families’ daughters, this wasn’t normal.

Why was this? Or rather, those people around Ji Heng—whether Wenren Yao, Lu Ji, or Old General Ji and Situ Jiuyue—were all as willful and unrestrained as Ji Heng. Whatever they wanted to do, they absolutely had to accomplish. After all, birds of a feather flock together. She should have understood this point long ago.

Since neither Tong’er nor Bai Xue were with her, Jiang Li could only sit alone in the sedan chair lost in thought. The sedan chair thoughtfully prepared hot tea and snacks, exactly the same as when Ji Heng was present. Only at this moment, Jiang Li truly had no mind to use even the slightest bit.

Carrying this confused state of mind, the sedan chair finally arrived outside the Duke’s mansion gates.

Because today was New Year’s Eve, the streets were mostly empty. Like tired birds returning to their nests—this once-a-year reunion day, people always hoped to stay together with family, welcoming the arrival of the new year.

The Duke’s mansion was the same. The red lanterns on the eaves had unknowingly doubled in number. When she’d come to look last time, there probably hadn’t been this many. And because Ji Heng loved luxury, those lanterns were made of the finest silk gauze dyed red. The candlelight inside swayed, and the lanterns also flickered with tiny glints of light. The tassels hanging under the lamplight were made of yellow crystal stone. On this snowy night, the row of lanterns below the main gate was so magnificent one couldn’t help but pause.

Zhao Ke said, “Second Miss Jiang, please.”

Only then did Jiang Li withdraw her gaze and step through the Duke’s mansion’s main gate.

The Duke’s mansion’s servants were probably quite strange. Unlike the Jiang mansion, where servants could be seen everywhere, each person seemingly very polite and working in an orderly, rule-abiding manner, in the Duke’s mansion, the young servants were each busy with their own matters. Upon seeing people, they also didn’t bow. However, Jiang Li guessed this was because the Duke’s mansion’s masters were Ji Heng and Old General Ji, so the servants would only bow to these two grandfather and grandson. As for others, in these servants’ eyes, they weren’t worth much mental energy.

Servants as arrogant as their master, Jiang Li thought.

The vast Duke’s mansion also seemed much warmer than outside—she didn’t know if it was due to underfloor heating. Or perhaps it was because the riot of colors made spring arise in one’s eyes and warmth arise in one’s heart. Zhao Ke led Jiang Li past the front hall, through a long corridor, to the rear courtyard, stopping at the courtyard gate. He said, “We’ve arrived.”

Jiang Li raised her eyes to look.

All along the way, aside from the hanging lanterns, the rooms inside the Duke’s mansion had no lamplight decorating them. Aside from the faint lanterns, it was extremely quiet, as if everyone had gone to sleep. However, arriving at this courtyard was like suddenly walking into a new world—before her eyes suddenly brightened greatly.

In the snowy ground, a single cleared space had been swept out. On the cleared space was piled firewood, the flames burning vigorously, reflecting the entire courtyard’s snowy ground into red. Some sparks burst out, like stars fallen to the ground—vanishing in an instant, yet leaving warmth behind.

Human voices mingled within, making everything lively. In an instant, the originally magnificent and exquisite mansion suddenly generated infinite everyday warmth. Every person within was vividly alive.

Jiang Li walked forward several steps and saw Situ Jiuyue standing before the fire pile, frowning as if pondering something. Only then did Jiang Li see clearly that beside the fire pile, there truly was also a pile of bamboo skewers sharpened to points. They’d truly, as they’d said themselves, prepared everything that needed preparing.

Jiang Li didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Wenren Yao moved close to Situ Jiuyue, seemingly asking her some question. But clearly Situ Jiuyue’s spirits weren’t high. Kong Liu and Old General Ji, wearing thin single-layer clothing, were gesturing with fists and feet as if about to spar. Lu Ji stood far to one side—he was a refined person, probably still quite resistant to matters like roasting venison. He stayed far away from the fresh venison placed to the side, as if avoiding it like the plague. Haitang was quite quiet though. She now dwelt at the Duke’s mansion and had ties with Jiang Li. Perhaps for this reason, tonight she was also here. Only she sat to one side, wearing her veil, not knowing what she was thinking.

Jiang Li felt somewhat novel. This Duke’s mansion was completely different from what she’d imagined. Actually, when she’d come last time, Jiang Li had already sensed this. It was hard to imagine that Ji Heng, who was quite deep in scheming, temperamental, and lived so clear-headedly, would live in such an atmosphere. She’d thought Ji Heng’s environment would be full of slaughter, scheming, never seeing daylight—that kind.

But perhaps not necessarily. Not everyone was as they appeared on the surface. What she saw before her now—who knew if it was also just the surface? She hadn’t truly entered yet. In the end, she also didn’t truly understand Ji Heng.

Just as she was thinking this, Zhao Ke suddenly said, “My lord has arrived.”

Jiang Li followed Zhao Ke’s gaze and turned to look.

In the snowy night, his red robes were especially conspicuous. Jiang Li always found it strange—men throughout the world didn’t wear red robes, always feeling red was probably a color women favored. Yet Ji Heng always loved wearing it, and not only wore it but wore it extremely well. Without a trace of powder and rouge air, though he was extremely beautiful, it was a heartless beauty. Just like that folding fan of his painted full of gorgeous peonies—no matter how beautiful, it was still a killing weapon.

He slowly walked before Jiang Li.

Jiang Li looked at him and smiled. “Duke.”

“If you don’t want to smile, don’t smile,” he said. “I know you weren’t willing to come.”

Jiang Li: “…No such thing.”

“Speaking of saying one thing while meaning another, no one does it better than women.” His beautiful eyes under the night were like some kind of gemstone, making one unable to resist wanting to keep staring. “Though you’re not yet a woman… but what you do makes you outstanding among them.”

“If this counts as the Duke’s praise, then I’ll accept it,” Jiang Li said frankly. “However tonight, it wasn’t actually the Duke who invited me here, was it? I think it was Old General Ji’s idea, and the Duke couldn’t resist, so you had Zhao Ke bring me over?”

Ji Heng said, “Since you know, you shouldn’t blame me.”

“I’m not complaining about the Duke.” Jiang Li laughed with a “puchi.” She already knew what temperament Old General Ji had. That the temperamental Ji Heng had no way to deal with Old General Ji—thinking about it was also an interesting matter.

“Don’t think it’s interesting,” Ji Heng looked at her with a smile. “You’ll understand shortly.”

Jiang Li’s smile came to an abrupt halt. Just as she was about to say something, Wenren Yao glanced this way and suddenly discovered the two of them had already arrived. He called out, “Second Miss Jiang, Ah Heng, how come you’re here without making a sound? Hurry over—we’re just waiting for you two!”

Ji Heng’s smile instantly became sharp. The gaze he directed at Wenren Yao—even Jiang Li couldn’t help feeling a bit cold. She couldn’t help wondering what gave Wenren Yao such great courage that he could disregard any of Ji Heng’s looks?

Tsk, this was probably the brilliant aspect of their “Jixian Gate”!

Jiang Li and Ji Heng walked toward them. The bonfire was somewhat more vigorous than before. Drawing near, one could hear the sparks making “crackling” sounds, seeming especially lively in the night.

“Girl Jiang!” Old General Ji said with full vigor. “Everything’s prepared for you! Didn’t you know how to roast venison? Come on!”

This old fellow had the same manner as Ji Heng, as if naturally others should obey what he said. Perhaps this was generals’ common ailment? Issuing orders—subordinates only needed to obey. Jiang Li resignedly walked over, first glancing at the venison. The deer should have been freshly hunted—the hide and fur had already been cleanly stripped, but it hadn’t been divided very carefully. One large chunk sat in a silver basin.

Jiang Li asked, “This was freshly hunted?”

“Of course.” Old General Ji proudly raised his head. “This old man hunted it personally—crouched for a full hour before finding this one!”

Jiang Li: “…The Old General is truly robust despite his years.”

The venison was there, bamboo skewers were there, seasonings were all there. Old General Ji had even truly found a string of birds from somewhere, wanting Jiang Li to make beggar’s birds. Of course, with so many people, they shouldn’t eat only roasted venison. In the snowy ground, bamboo mats had already been laid out. Below the bamboo mats were also ground cushions, and atop the bamboo mats were warm furs.

On the bamboo mats sat long tables. The tables were already filled with exquisite pastries and small foods, as well as fine wine—two types. There were blue-green porcelain wine pots and also large wine jars, probably just dug from underground not long ago, with even the mud not yet wiped clean.

This was their New Year’s Eve dinner. This thought arose in Jiang Li’s mind.

She’d thought the Duke’s mansion’s New Year’s Eve dinner would either be the two grandfather and grandson facing a large table of delicacies, eating alone and lonely—after all, there were no other people in the mansion. Or it would be like the Jiang mansion, entertaining guests, yet each harboring their own thoughts. Though lively, it wasn’t warm.

But this Duke’s mansion—there were no toasts exchanging, no people harboring hidden agendas raising cups. All were acquaintances. Cold people had smiles, those with heavy hearts cast off their restraints. Without other entanglements, just like the most ordinary common people’s homes.

Her original unwillingness and displeasure seemed to suddenly, unknowingly, vanish into thin air.