After returning from the Ye family to the Jiang mansion, Jiang Li was smiling the entire time.
Tong’er and Bai Xue were puzzled, not knowing why Jiang Li was in such a good mood today. They thought it might be because she hadn’t seen Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie for a long time—Jiang Li’s relationship with this uncle had always been very good.
After returning to the Jiang family and seeing Old Madam Jiang, Jiang Li finally returned to Fangfei Courtyard. Once she went back, she closed the door and sat alone at her desk.
On the wall in front of the desk hung the painting Xue Huaiyuan had sent her for her birthday before. At that time, Xue Huaiyuan still didn’t know she was A Li. But looking at this painting now was like Father watching over her, making her feel especially at ease. Speaking of which, during her last birthday, everyone else had sent gifts, but Ji Heng alone hadn’t. Thinking about it now, Jiang Li supposed Ji Heng also knew that wasn’t her real birthday, which was why he hadn’t sent anything.
She was unconsciously making excuses for Ji Heng, and she quickly caught herself doing it. Jiang Li shook her head. She was truly very happy today—Father and A Zhao were both by her side, and they had acknowledged each other. This was a blessing amid misfortune. Since learning that Xue Zhao was still alive, Jiang Li had pinched herself more than once, afraid all this was just a beautiful dream. Now it seemed Heaven had treated her fairly well after all.
A Zhao’s words had also freed her from all worries. The Jiang family hoped she could marry Yin Zhili but considered Ji Heng not a good choice. When it seemed the whole world denied Ji Heng, at least A Zhao still stood on her side. A Zhao encouraged and agreed with her, and seemed to have no negative views of Ji Heng either. Jiang Li’s heart was finally at ease.
Encouragement from family was always most precious.
She seemed to have shed all her previous worries, as if what awaited was only good times she’d long anticipated. Even when sleeping, she wore a smile.
Just like this, more than ten days passed.
In Yanjing City, another incident occurred. Right Minister Li Zhongnan’s Li family was discovered to have colluded with Prince Cheng in treason. Li Zhongnan fled overnight with his two sons but was caught by the city garrison. He died by the sword while resisting stubbornly. Emperor Hongxiao issued a death order to thoroughly investigate and severely punish everyone related to the Li family. As for the several hundred members of the Li family, they were all dragged out and beheaded.
Thus, the Right Minister who had once been so prominent and could almost rival the Jiang family disappeared from Northern Yan’s history. As Prince Cheng’s right-hand man, this ending for the Li family was expected. What was unexpected was the decisiveness and coldness displayed by Emperor Hongxiao, making people realize that the seemingly unremarkable young emperor of years past had now become a truly unfathomable monarch.
When Jiang Li learned this news, she was reading in the mansion. She had nothing much to do these days. Aside from occasionally visiting the Ye family to see her relatives, she just read and practiced calligraphy in the Jiang mansion. Reading and writing now were different from before—her state of mind had truly become leisurely.
When the Li family members were beheaded, Tong’er had gone with the Jiang family servants to join the excitement and watch. Upon returning, she said to Jiang Li, “Oh my, those people’s blood stained the ground completely red. It was truly terrifying.”
Hearing this, Bai Xue said dismissively, “Who told them to harbor evil intentions? They brought this upon themselves.”
Jiang Li smiled. This time, Jiang Yuanbai had eliminated a major threat. However, he couldn’t rest easy just yet. Originally, the situation was divided three ways between the Jiang family, Prince Cheng, and Emperor Hongxiao. Now that Prince Cheng’s faction had completely collapsed, the balance of power was broken. Who knew if Emperor Hongxiao would turn to deal with the Jiang family? Although in Prince Cheng’s affair, Emperor Hongxiao could probably see that Jiang Yuanbai had the heart but not the courage to rebel, the emperor’s mind was unpredictable. What if he insisted on suspecting Jiang Yuanbai?
Moreover, Jiang Yuanbai was still planning to form a marriage alliance with the Yin family.
Thinking of the Yin family, Jiang Li’s hand paused in turning the page, and she couldn’t help but sigh. Regarding the Right Minister’s matter, Jiang Li couldn’t believe the Yin family hadn’t fanned the flames. First, Yin Zhan had wanted to deal with Prince Cheng’s faction anyway. Second, by eliminating the Right Minister, the Jiang family could become closer to the Yin family, adding another layer of security to the marriage alliance between them.
But Jiang Li wasn’t too worried about this marriage, because that day Ji Heng had said to just stay well in the mansion and leave the rest to him. Jiang Li believed he could indeed handle this matter—at least he wouldn’t let her and Yin Zhili actually marry.
At the height of summer, it was unbearably hot. Aside from evenings, people hardly dared go out during the day. The sun seemed intent on taking lives, dazzling the eyes. Bai Xue said that after another ten days or so of heat, it would be the Beginning of Autumn, and the weather would gradually cool. This year’s summer would then truly be over.
That evening, Old Madam Jiang suddenly sent Zhenzhu to Fangfei Courtyard, summoning Jiang Li to Wanfeng Hall. Jiang Li went with her maids to Wanfeng Hall. As soon as she entered the room, she saw everyone had arrived.
“Second girl,” Old Madam Jiang pointed to a seat beside her. “Come, sit.”
Jiang Li complied and sat down beside Old Madam Jiang.
Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping sat to Jiang Li’s right. Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li as if wanting to say something, but in the end said nothing. Since the last time they parted on bad terms over the Yin family matter, Jiang Li hadn’t spent much time with Jiang Yuanbai. Usually they only exchanged a few words when meeting. Jiang Li thought Jiang Yuanbai could probably sense her distance.
“Second girl,” Old Madam Jiang spoke. “Tomorrow evening we’ll enter the palace. His Majesty is celebrating General Zhaode’s achievements. The mansion received an invitation. Your third sister cannot go now, so among the Jiang family’s young ladies, only you will attend.”
“That’s right,” Lu Shi also said warmly. “Dress up nicely for the occasion.”
Having said this much, Jiang Li understood—especially when Jiang Jingrui secretly winked at her. Jiang Li recalled the conversation between Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang that Tong’er had overheard at Wanfeng Hall before—when Emperor Hongxiao rewarded achievements, Yin Zhan would propose the marriage bestowal.
Jiang Li had long known that day would eventually come. The peace of these days was only temporary. Tonight’s conversation meant this peace was ending.
“Alright,” Jiang Li answered simply and concisely.
Seeing her so agreeable, the Jiang family members were instead somewhat hesitant. Jiang Yuanbai stared at Jiang Li especially. He knew Jiang Li was somewhat unwilling about this matter, but in his view, Yin Zhili was a good choice. Jiang Yuanbai had previously worried that Jiang Li seemed to be getting rather close to Ji Heng, but after secretly sending people to investigate, he discovered Jiang Li and Ji Heng had no relationship.
Jiang Yuanbai didn’t understand what young ladies were thinking. Jiang Li was very opinionated—his thoughts couldn’t sway her at all. But at present, only a marriage alliance with the Yin family was the better choice for both Jiang Li and the Jiang family.
“Xiao Li,” Lu Shi said, “have you seen the Prince Commandery Heir these days?”
Jiang Li smiled. “Second Aunt is joking. I’ve been staying in the mansion these days—how would I see the Prince Commandery Heir?”
When she spoke, everyone in the room felt Jiang Li’s change. Previously, Jiang Li had also acted with a smile. Even if she had opinions, she was always gentle and docile, or at least pretended to be gentle and docile. Whether when she first returned from Qingcheng Mountain to the Jiang mansion, or later when her status in the mansion rose steadily, she was like this.
However, the current Jiang Li, though also smiling, no longer had that gentleness and docility. There was more of a stubbornness now, as if she no longer needed to compromise or endure anything, and also as if she had backing, making even her speech more direct and confident.
Why was this?
Jiang Li took in everyone’s varied expressions in the room and smiled inwardly. Naturally, it was because now she had A Zhao and Father backing her, so she didn’t need to be as careful and cautious, treading carefully at every step, as before.
The atmosphere in the room inexplicably became awkward and stiff. Lu Shi quickly changed the subject, talking about other matters, though those listening all had their own thoughts and little interest.
Jiang Li kept them company until late at night before returning.
As she was about to leave, Jiang Yuanbai suddenly called out to Jiang Li. They walked behind the others, and Jiang Yuanbai walked very slowly. He said, “A Li, do you… resent me?”
When he asked this, he sounded very hesitant. Jiang Li turned to look at him. Jiang Li still remembered when she first arrived at the Jiang family—Jiang Yuanbai’s spirited and accomplished manner, elegant and refined. But later, after Ji Shuran’s, Ye Zhenzhen’s, and Jiang Youyao’s affairs passed one by one, Jiang Li discovered this man’s eyes held only deep fatigue. Even a few wrinkles had appeared on his face.
Jiang Li said, “I don’t resent Father.”
But she didn’t love him either.
Yet Jiang Yuanbai seemed moved by these words. He breathed a sigh of relief. “I won’t harm you, Xiao Li.”
Jiang Li smiled, walked forward, and didn’t answer Jiang Yuanbai’s words again.
Human emotions were very complex. Even Jiang Li couldn’t judge the sincerity of Jiang Yuanbai at this moment. She thought that perhaps Jiang Yuanbai truly had father-daughter feelings for Second Miss Jiang, but he could also arrange this marriage without hesitation despite Second Miss Jiang’s resistance. If the real Second Miss Jiang were here, could she understand Jiang Yuanbai’s painstaking efforts?
Jiang Li was grateful she wasn’t Second Miss Jiang, because if Xue Huaiyuan treated her this way, she would be very sad.
Tong’er walked beside Jiang Li as Jiang Yuanbai’s shadow grew more and more distant. After returning to Fangfei Courtyard, Tong’er watched Bai Xue light the lamps and close the door, then looked at Jiang Li with hesitation, her eyes full of worry.
“What’s wrong, Tong’er?” Seeing her expression, Jiang Li asked curiously.
“Miss, Old Madam is having you enter the palace tomorrow, probably about that marriage bestowal. What should we do?” Tong’er said. She was the one who had overheard Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai’s plans and told Jiang Li.
“Didn’t Miss say the Duke would handle it?” Bai Xue asked.
“This servant thought the Duke would make the Yin family change their minds, but now it seems the celebration banquet is proceeding as usual. Maybe the Duke couldn’t persuade the Yin family. It’s too late to leave now. What should Miss do?” Tong’er paced anxiously.
Bai Xue also began to worry.
Jiang Li looked at the two maids and, for some reason, shook her head and smiled. Others all said Yin Zhili was good, but the two maids and A Zhao didn’t think so. At least this meant she wasn’t standing against the whole world.
“It’s alright,” Jiang Li comforted them. “Tomorrow will be fine.”
“Tomorrow?” The two maids looked at each other, not understanding Jiang Li’s meaning.
“In any case, don’t worry,” Jiang Li smiled. “When tomorrow comes, there will naturally be a solution.”
She spoke with such certainty that Tong’er and Bai Xue gradually calmed down. They believed in Jiang Li, so they didn’t continue the discussion. When Jiang Li went to bed at night, thinking about tomorrow’s events, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat nervous.
She was pretending to be calm, but if tomorrow Ji Heng truly requested the marriage bestowal before all the officials… what would happen? This move was extremely risky, but perhaps deep down she enjoyed taking risks somewhat—she surprisingly felt no resistance at all.
Jiang Li looked out the window again. Outside the window was quiet, with only deep tree shadows. She hadn’t seen Ji Heng for a long time. To be precise, it should be since that day she saw A Zhao. Jiang Li knew Ji Heng had been very busy these days, so she didn’t think much of it. But tomorrow… at tomorrow’s palace banquet, she would probably see him.
Tomorrow’s matters could be dealt with tomorrow. Jiang Li covered herself with the quilt and closed her eyes.
On a summer night in Yanjing City, one could hear cicadas chirping. All was quiet as someone emerged from the end of the street.
The young man wore a red robe, walking at an unhurried pace. Traveling in brocade at night, if anyone saw him at this moment, they would surely suspect they’d seen a legendary demon, amazed by his stunningly beautiful appearance.
This person walked straight to the Duke’s mansion.
In the Duke’s mansion courtyard, someone had lit lanterns. When Ji Heng’s footsteps approached, two people simultaneously stood up. One was a scholarly gentleman in blue, the other a refined young master—precisely Lu Ji and Wenren Yao.
Wenren Yao said, “A Heng, you’ve finally returned.”
Lu Ji said, “My lord, let’s talk inside.”
The three entered the study.
Old General Ji had already gone to sleep. Situ Jiuyue hadn’t slept but was busy in the medicine preparation room. Since Xue Zhao went to the Ye family, Situ Jiuyue no longer needed to administer needles to him and found herself with unexpected free time. She had been somewhat strange these past few days, always distracted. After Wenren Yao questioned her several times until she was annoyed, she buried herself in the alchemy room every day, going out early and returning late, seeing no one, devoted only to concocting poisons.
Naturally, Wenren Yao didn’t dare provoke her. If he offended Situ Jiuyue and she poisoned him, though their friendship of many years wouldn’t cost him his life, making him suffer greatly was still within her capability. Wenren Yao learned from Little Red to stay far away from Situ Jiuyue—if he couldn’t afford to offend, he could at least avoid.
In the study, Ji Heng sat down in a chair. He leaned back and pressed his brow.
“My lord… did you go see His Majesty?” Lu Ji asked.
“That’s right.”
“What did His Majesty say?”
“He agreed, of course.” Ji Heng smiled slightly.
Lu Ji couldn’t smile. He said, “My lord, making this decision now will likely attract Prince Xia’s suspicion… drawing his attention to you too early.”
“Even if I don’t do this, he’ll keep watching me,” Ji Heng said unconcernedly. “To get what he wants, I’m the obstacle. He’ll kill me sooner or later—either he dies or I perish. I can’t hand over what’s mine for a moment’s peace.”
Lu Ji was speechless. He had followed Ji Heng for so long—he couldn’t say he understood him, but he understood one thing: no one could snatch things from Ji Heng’s hands.
Ji Heng’s feelings for Second Miss Jiang were noticed by all of them, including the simple-minded Kong Liu. For Yin Zhili to want a marriage bestowal at this time was undoubtedly seeking death. But Lu Ji still believed that this chess game had reached its endgame, the most exciting moment. One must not lose the big picture for small gains or throw oneself into disorder.
Ji Heng didn’t like playing chess—not because he wasn’t good at it. Lu Ji had once played a game with Ji Heng. Ji Heng’s chess skills were truly exquisite. The reason he was unwilling to play against others was that observing people through chess would inevitably reveal some of the player’s thoughts, and Ji Heng didn’t like being speculated about.
“Then, my lord, we should consider our countermeasures if the Yin family moves against us now,” Lu Ji said, knowing he couldn’t persuade Ji Heng, so he changed the subject.
“Yin Zhan has no ability—he can only stockpile troops,” Ji Heng said, contempt flashing in his eyes. “There are no other countermeasures. In the end, all roads lead to the same destination.”
Wenren Yao had been silent all along, just listening to the discussion between Ji Heng and Lu Ji. He suddenly interjected, “A Heng, I suddenly feel that Second Miss Jiang is probably the woman from that divination slip.”
Ji Heng’s movements paused. He glanced at him but didn’t respond.
Lu Ji talked with Ji Heng for a while longer before leaving the study with Wenren Yao. After going out, he didn’t return to his own room with Wenren Yao but stood in front of the room. Lu Ji asked Wenren Yao, “You keep saying Second Miss Jiang is the woman from the divination slip. What do you mean?”
Wenren Yao said, “Our Jixian Sect performs divination for only one person in a lifetime. You should know that when divining for A Heng, it’s always been very smooth—except for one time.”
Lu Ji frowned. “When?”
“When A Heng was fourteen, I performed divination for him. That divination slip was very different.”
Inexplicably, Lu Ji felt somewhat nervous, probably because the joking expression on Wenren Yao’s face had also disappeared, and could even be called grave.
Wenren Yao also recalled that year.
At that time, Ji Heng was still a beautiful youth. He sat across from him, incense smoke curling from the burner. He wore red robes, his features so gorgeous they were unbelievable, as if he weren’t a person of the mortal world. Wenren Yao said, “A Heng, your appearance truly makes one fear the words ‘beauty’s fate is thin.'”
Little Ji Heng ignored him.
Then, gradually, a divination pattern appeared on the turtle shell.
Ji Heng asked impatiently, “What is it?”
Lu Ji before him also asked, “What is it?”
Two questions, separated by ten years, overlapped, making Wenren Yao feel as if he had returned to that year. Through the swirling smoke, he looked at the red-robed youth and interpreted the divination word by word:
“Born in the winter month, destined for nobility as a prince or marquis. After ten years, a woman will bring calamity. Corpse exposed in the wilderness, pecked by eagles and hounds.”
The next day, Old Madam Jiang predictably sent another box of jewelry, telling Jiang Li to choose some pieces carefully and dress up well in a few days.
The previous boxes of jewelry had been stored away by Tong’er at Jiang Li’s instruction, and she hadn’t used them much. When this box of jewelry was delivered, Tong’er was at a loss. “Miss, the chests are all full. Which ones will you actually wear?”
Jiang Li had to pick a few pieces that looked less ostentatious. “These will do.”
Tong’er put the remaining boxes in the chest while saying, “Old Madam is truly generous to Miss.”
Jiang Li smiled. Now that Jiang Youyao had become like this, even if she were given a chest of jewels and treasures, she probably wouldn’t know how to be happy. The Jiang family had no other young ladies, and Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou hadn’t yet taken wives. If not given to Jiang Li, Old Madam Jiang truly didn’t know whom else to give them to.
However, since it was the old lady’s kind intention, Jiang Li naturally accepted. After tidying up and dressing a bit, Jiang Li saw the hour was getting late. Estimating the time should be about right, she had Tong’er and Bai Xue set out together.
When they arrived at the courtyard outside Wanfeng Hall, Old Madam Jiang was indeed already waiting for Jiang Li. Lu Shi smiled. “We were just about to have Zhenzhu go call you, but you’ve arrived at just the right time.”
Old Madam Jiang looked Jiang Li over, her eyes showing satisfaction.
Jiang Li was becoming more and more beautiful. Her appearance resembled Jiang Yuanbai’s, but her temperament was nothing like his. She had a bit of Ye Zhenzhen’s romantic gentleness, but was more lively and clever than Ye Zhenzhen. Standing together with the Jiang family, she didn’t seem like part of the family at all.
Jiang Yuanbai was startled by this sudden thought in his mind and quickly banished the absurd idea from his head, only saying, “Since everyone’s here, let’s go.”
Jiang Li rode in a carriage with the two brothers Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou. Jiang Jingyou said nothing, but Jiang Jingrui kept looking at Jiang Li.
Jiang Li found this odd. “Why are you looking at me?”
“Do you know what Grandmother is having you go to the palace for today?” Jiang Jingrui asked.
Jiang Li’s heart paused. Lu Shi didn’t know, but somehow even Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou knew about the Yin family’s plan. She smiled lightly and said indifferently, “A celebration banquet—what else could it be for?”
“How are you not curious at all?”
Jiang Li countered, “What’s there to be curious about? Do you know something?”
Jiang Jingyou tugged at Jiang Jingrui, clearly reminding him not to speak carelessly. Before this matter was settled, if others found out, it would harm Jiang Li’s reputation for nothing. Jiang Jingrui also understood the stakes, so he didn’t continue, though he still seemed somewhat reluctant, probably because Jiang Li herself didn’t take this matter to heart.
“Now that Prince Cheng and the Right Minister have both fallen, I wonder how Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister are doing,” Jiang Li suddenly said.
She just mentioned it casually, having heard no news of the third branch these days. Jiang Jingrui said, “They’re fine. Why bring up that family? You should know that when you were abducted to Huangzhou, it was the third branch who struck so ruthlessly.”
“It’s not sympathy, just somewhat curious,” Jiang Li said.
“I’ve heard a bit about the third branch’s news,” Jiang Jingyou spoke, coughing lightly. “Third Aunt… I heard she accidentally fell into the water and died. Third Uncle entrusted Fourth Sister to relatives of the Yang family—no one knows where they are now. As for Fifth Sister’s news, I’m not very clear, but the Marquis Ningyuan mansion has recently been discussing a marriage with the Gao family in the city. I hear Miss Gao will be marrying into the Marquis Ningyuan mansion.”
Hearing this, Jiang Li wasn’t too surprised. When the third branch sided with Prince Cheng years ago, betting on a future, they naturally had to be prepared to lose the bet. Yang Shi’s drowning and Jiang Yuanxing’s disappearance were probably both deliberately arranged by someone with intentions. There was nothing to pity about Jiang Yu’e either. The Marquis Ningyuan household was never easy to get along with. When she yearned so much to marry into it and suppressed Shen Ruyun after her incident, she should naturally have thought that she herself might one day meet Shen Ruyun’s fate. What was unfortunate was Jiang Yuyan. Being born into the third branch wasn’t something she could control. She herself hadn’t actually done anything unconscionable—she was just somewhat weak in character. Yet she had to pay the price for things she didn’t do. Perhaps the evil fruits of the third branch’s greed were now being borne by Jiang Yuyan.
“That family had ill intentions to begin with. They deserved to die,” Jiang Jingrui said with disgust.
Jiang Jingyou shook his head and said nothing. Jiang Li also fell silent.
Regardless, with the last of Prince Cheng’s lackeys, the Right Minister, eliminated, Prince Cheng’s affair seemed to have completely ended. Those officials connected to Prince Cheng openly or secretly had all ended with this war. Everything seemed to have calmed down.
But Jiang Li vaguely felt uneasy.
Like this summer weather—clearly the sun was still bright and the air warm and breezes gentle—Jiang Li always felt that before long, dark clouds would gather and storms would come.
She could only act according to circumstances.
The carriage stopped at the palace gate. Jiang Li and Jiang Jingrui got off the carriage. Standing outside the palace and looking in, Jiang Li felt myriad emotions.
She had entered the palace several times now—at the awards ceremony after the school examination, at palace banquets, at court deliberations… one matter after another, turning back and forth to accomplish many things. Coming here again now, those who had once been at odds with her—Ji Shuran was dead, Jiang Youyao had gone mad. Those she had been determined to take revenge on—Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun—had long ago paid the price for the crimes they committed.
Rising and falling, circling around—in total, it had only been about a year. Yet in this short year, she had almost accomplished all the dreams since her rebirth. Everything went so smoothly, as if Heaven specially wanted to compensate her for the suffering in her previous life, or like the Heavens maliciously dug a trap, and now she was merely tasting the honey spread on top of the trap.
Some colleagues had already arrived and were warmly greeting Jiang Yuanbai. Now that the Right Minister had completely collapsed and everyone in the Right Minister’s faction had all fallen on hard times, the position of head of civil officials naturally returned to Jiang Yuanbai. Even those following Jiang Yuanping’s faction shared in the glory. It seemed that the Chief Minister’s position was still very secure. In official circles, those who bent with the wind were most numerous, and those busy coming to flatter were not few.
Many official wives whose families still had unmarried sons of the right age cast their gazes toward Jiang Li.
It could be said that Jiang Li was now the Jiang family’s true treasured pearl. Whoever married Jiang Li could use the Jiang family’s momentum to prosper.
Moreover, Jiang Li herself was quite attractive. Previously at the Six Arts examination, she was talented and brilliant, with lovely and charming features—not so striking as to attract calamity. She seemed gentle in temperament too. Although the incident of leading Tong Township’s citizens to beat the stone lion and sound the grievance drum was somewhat excessive, it was precisely because of this that she had a good reputation among the common people, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. In short, her merits outweighed her flaws. Among the noble ladies in Yanjing City, she could be counted among the top few.
Jiang Li noticed the gazes of those official wives scrutinizing her—warm gazes, as if examining a commodity. She frowned slightly and stood behind Jiang Jingrui, blocking out those gazes.