“Why would there be tuoluo on this Guxiang silk?”
At these words, everyone around looked at each other in confusion.
Ye Jia’er asked, “Lord Tang, what is tuoluo?”
“Tuoluo is a plant from the Western Regions,” before Tang Fan could speak, Jiang Li answered. “It blooms around swamps and has a fragrant smell. However, tuoluo petals contain poison. Some have ground tuoluo petals into powder to make poison, mixing it into food or clothing where no one discovers it. Over time, people become poisoned.”
Tang Fan looked at Jiang Li in surprise, then after a long moment said, “How does Second Miss know this so clearly?”
“I saw it in my father’s study in the Records of Western Region Mysteries. I happened to see such a record.” Jiang Li smiled.
As the current Chief Minister, Jiang Yuanbai’s residence contained numerous books. Having such rare editions was reasonable. Tang Fan said, “I see. Second Miss truly has an excellent memory and extensive knowledge.”
Ye Rufeng and Ye Jia’er exchanged glances. Jiang Li was younger than both of them, yet seemed to know more than they did.
“Does Lord Tang mean that all the Guxiang silk here has tuoluo on it?” Ye Mingyu asked.
“Correct,” Tang Fan said. “It’s definitely tuoluo.”
“Tuoluo petals contain fragrance, and Guxiang silk naturally carries its own scent. Grinding tuoluo petals into powder and mixing them into Guxiang silk wouldn’t be easily discovered. Looking at it this way, the reason Guxiang silk caused rashes on people’s bodies and even death was all because of the tuoluo flowers.” Jiang Li said.
“Second Miss is correct,” Tang Fan looked at Ye Jia’er. “How did tuoluo get into the Ye family’s Guxiang silk?”
Ye Jia’er shook her head. “My lord, this is absolutely impossible. Why would the Ye family destroy its own reputation for no reason? Guxiang silk has been problem-free for so many years. For something to suddenly go wrong, there must be a reason. But it absolutely wasn’t done by our Ye family itself.”
Tang Fan stared at her. “Perhaps the Ye family accidentally mixed tuoluo flowers in during weaving?”
“This…” Ye Jia’er hesitated for an instant, then firmly shook her head. “My lord, the Ye family’s weaving workshop is personally inspected bolt by bolt by my father and second uncle. There can’t be problems. If it were an internal problem within the Ye family, it would have been discovered before leaving the workshop. There’s no way we would let problematic fabric flow out.”
As Tang Fan was about to say something, he heard Jiang Li speak. “Lord Tang.”
Even with considerable audacity, Tang Fan wouldn’t fail to give face to the Chief Minister’s daughter, so he assumed an attitude of listening carefully.
Jiang Li said, “As far as I know, tuoluo flowers grow on swamps in the southern part of the Western Regions. The Western Regions are extremely far from Xiangyang. After all, Xiangyang can’t compare to the capital—there isn’t as much traffic of people. The weavers at the Ye family workshop stay in Xiangyang year-round and shouldn’t be able to obtain tuoluo. The same logic applies to other Xiangyang people. Why not investigate merchants entering and leaving Xiangyang each year to see if any came from the Western Regions? If there are any, the tuoluo most likely came from their hands. Whether intentionally targeting the Ye family or unintentionally mixing into the workshop, this kind of exotic dangerous plant isn’t something commonly seen.”
Hearing this, Ye Mingyu also said, “That’s right. This thing called tuoluo flower should be a rare item. I’ve traveled far and wide for years, but this is the first time I’ve heard of such a thing. Ah Li, this thing isn’t cheap, is it?”
“Lesser quality tuoluo flowers cost a hundred taels of silver. Better quality tuoluo flowers can cost a thousand taels. The more brilliant the tuoluo flower’s color, the stronger its fragrance and greater its toxicity—and the more expensive it is. Like the problematic Guxiang silk that could poison people to death, it must have cost over a thousand taels.” Jiang Li looked at Tang Fan. “Lord Tang, forgive my boldness, but a bolt of high-quality Guxiang silk only costs five hundred taels. To ‘unintentionally’ mix tuoluo flowers worth a thousand taels into Guxiang silk worth a hundred taels—ordinary people would find it very difficult to do such a thing. I believe it’s not unreasonable to suspect someone deliberately framed the Ye family and manufactured this conspiracy.”
Though she spoke with a pleasant smile, her words carried considerable weight. As Tang Fan listened, his brow furrowed and his heart grew heavier. What Jiang Li said was indeed possible. But if it truly was a conspiracy, the matter was serious. Merchants competing for profit and secretly sabotaging each other wasn’t impossible. But the Ye family belonged to Northern Yan’s Chief Minister. The Ye family’s shops were throughout all of Northern Yan. Anyone daring to move against the Ye family must have considerable nerve. Very likely some important people were involved. But on the other hand, the Jiang family was backing the Ye family. Not investigating this matter thoroughly was impossible. Especially Second Miss Jiang—though she appeared gentle and pleasant, her mind was extremely clear. Trying to fool her was impossible. She obviously had long seen through this matter clearly, just waiting for someone to be her pawn and resolve things cleanly.
Realizing he had been drawn into serious trouble, Tang Fan felt quite stifled. After much thought, he felt he couldn’t possibly protect himself wisely in this situation. Either way he would offend people—better to just do Second Miss Jiang a favor. After all, the Jiang family’s position in court had remained solid for so many years. Chief Minister Jiang Yuanbai was also a good man. If he helped the Ye family this time, Jiang Yuanbai would owe him this favor and would surely speak well of him in the future.
Thinking this, Tang Fan immediately said, “Second Miss speaks reasonably. This matter is indeed serious. Although investigating cases doesn’t fall under the Weaving Bureau’s jurisdiction, Lord of the Weaving Bureau sent us to Xiangyang to thoroughly investigate this matter. The Ye family is also Northern Yan’s premier weaving family. We’ll discuss with Prefect Tong and starting tomorrow, thoroughly investigate everyone traveling between Xiangyang and the Western Regions.”
“Will Prefect Tong agree?” Jiang Li frowned lightly, looking somewhat troubled.
“Please rest assured, Second Miss Jiang,” Tang Fan said. “This matter concerns the Xiangyang citizens. Tuoluo flowers flowing out is also dangerous. Prefect Tong will definitely agree.” Tong Zhiyang was merely a prefect of Xiangyang, while he was from the capital. Tong Zhiyang was accustomed to dominating locally and didn’t know how formidable Second Miss Jiang was, but he understood very clearly. When the Jiang family was at its peak, half the court consisted of Jiang Yuanbai’s students. Though the Jiang family was more cautious now, it didn’t mean they had declined. They couldn’t be offended.
“In that case, I must trouble Lord Tang.” Jiang Li smiled. “I’ll write a letter to tell my father about this matter and inform him everything went smoothly.”
Hearing this, Tang Fan’s spirits lifted. His previous hesitation about getting involved in trouble instantly vanished. Jiang Li’s words practically guaranteed she would speak well of him before Jiang Yuanbai. Perhaps before long, his path to promotion would become smoother.
Worth it.
Jiang Li saw the flash of joy in Tang Fan’s eyes and smiled inwardly. Officials in the capital were all accustomed to climbing up by connections. Even a minor dispatched official under the Weaving Bureau was no exception. Having power indeed made things much more convenient. She was also fortunate that this identity allowed her to wield power with ease.
Tang Fan’s group left with the problematic Guxiang silk. As evidence, some of this silk would be brought back to the capital. Next would be investigating where the tuoluo in Xiangyang City came from. Jiang Li wasn’t very worried they couldn’t trace the source. The Ye family indeed had no reason to destroy itself. Clearing their grievance was only a matter of time. Moreover, Tang Fan now leaned toward Jiang Li’s side, and they held Tong Zhiyang’s mistress in their hands, so there wasn’t much to worry about. However, the Ye family’s reputation had already been damaged by eighty or ninety percent. Even after clearing their grievance, the Ye family couldn’t possibly return to its former glory.
Once bitten by a snake, one fears ropes for ten years. The common people would probably shrink from Guxiang silk in the future.
Returning to the Ye residence with the Ye family, after Guan Shi and Zhuo Shi heard the entire process, they were all astonished. No one had expected tuoluo flowers to suddenly emerge.
“Who would harm our family?” Zhuo Shi was puzzled. “The Ye family has always been kind to others. During natural and man-made disasters, we even send people to distribute porridge. We’ve never made enemies with anyone. Who would use such vicious methods to ruin the Ye family’s reputation?”
“Perhaps other fabric merchants.” Guan Shi said, “Guxiang silk’s business dominates the market. It inevitably provokes envy.”
“If they were truly envious, they needn’t choose this time.” Jiang Li said. “Two years ago, the Ye family’s business was even more prosperous. These years, they’ve set aside other businesses to focus on weaving. If someone wanted to deal with the Ye family, they would have started two years ago. Yet they chose precisely when Cousin Shijie just entered office…”
At these words, everyone was shocked. Ye Mingyu looked at Jiang Li. “Ah Li, do you mean someone wants to harm Shijie?”
Ye Shijie was the Ye family’s only man in office, the Ye family’s future support. Concerning Ye Shijie, everyone became serious.
“It’s not necessarily harming Cousin Shijie,” Jiang Li patiently explained. “Cousin Shijie just entered office and gained His Majesty’s regard. His position is very important. Perhaps someone wants to win him over, perhaps someone wants to suppress him. If Cousin Shijie were alone, it would be hard to influence his thinking. But the Ye family is different. If someone wants to use Cousin Shijie, moving against the Ye family is the most reliable and advantageous method.”
After much thought, she decided to tell the Ye family these things. Having the enemy in the light while they remained in the dark wasn’t good for the Ye family. Better to lay it out openly, let the Ye family be on guard, lest they think in the wrong direction later.
Ye Mingyu slammed the table and stood. “What kind of thing is this? Someone deliberately did this? Just to make our family constrain Shijie?”
“Uncle Mingyu, this is only my speculation,” Jiang Li shook her head. “I’m not very clear on the specifics. After all, we’re now in Xiangyang. But there’s no need to worry. Since the person behind this wants to frame the Ye family, now that the Ye family has escaped the trap and they didn’t succeed, they’ll naturally reveal flaws. When that time comes, following the clues, we’ll always be able to discern something.”
“Cousin, does Cousin Shijie know about this?” Ye Jia’er asked.
“He knows.” Jiang Li said. “In my letter, besides having him write to the Weaving Bureau, I also told him my speculation. But Cousin Shijie is now in the capital. Even if someone wants to make moves, for Father’s sake, they wouldn’t dare be blatant. Cousin Shijie is very intelligent. He’ll weigh everything properly.”
“Thank you.” Ye Rufeng stiffly expressed his thanks, then said, “But having people use Chief Minister Jiang’s name—when Chief Minister Jiang learns of this, truly won’t there be problems?” He refused to call Jiang Yuanbai “uncle,” distantly using the title Chief Minister Jiang. His feelings were also very complex. He greatly disliked Jiang Yuanbai, but in fairness, if not for using Jiang Yuanbai’s name to intimidate, matters definitely wouldn’t have been this simple. Tong Zhiyang wouldn’t have had scruples, and Tang Fan wouldn’t have worked so diligently.
“Don’t worry.” Jiang Li smiled gently. “He is my father after all. He’s already such a high official—not using such a reputation would be a waste, wouldn’t it?”
Moreover, this was just a small preview. After this matter, the Jiang family and Prince Cheng would ultimately face off.
She was merely making this confrontation arrive earlier.
…
The arrival of the Weaving Bureau dispatch official gave the Ye family members some comfort. The appearance of tuoluo also gave the case a clear direction.
Three days later, Ye Mingxuan and Ye Minghui were released.
The people Tang Fan brought thoroughly investigated the entire Ye family weaving workshop and found no traces of tuoluo flowers. Each of the workshop’s weavers was examined, with no suspicious points. Who knew how Tang Fan negotiated with Tong Zhiyang—Ye Mingxuan and Ye Minghui were temporarily returned to the Ye residence.
With the family’s pillars back, the Ye family was very happy. Knowing all this resulted from Jiang Li’s mediation, even the always cautious Ye Minghui finally opened his heart to Jiang Li.
Ye Minghui sighed. “Ah Li, this time the Ye family faced difficulty thanks to you. I originally had many considerations about you. Now it seems I judged a gentleman’s heart with a petty person’s mind. My apologies.” He actually gave Jiang Li a deep bow, as an apology.
Jiang Li quickly moved aside, indicating she didn’t dare accept it, and smiled. “If Uncle Minghui says this, you’ll frighten Ah Li. We’re family to begin with. If my mother were alive and knew the Ye family faced difficulty, she wouldn’t stand idly by either. Back then I was young and misled by others, hurting Grandmother and my uncles. Thinking of it now, I’m also extremely ashamed. That my uncles are willing to give me a chance to make amends—I’m already very grateful.”
She didn’t take credit, and subtly mentioned Ye Zhenzhen, then tactfully explained the events of years past. After these words, how could the Ye family still have any barriers with her?
Ye Mingxuan said, “The matter back then can’t be blamed on you. You were young and didn’t understand. We uncles aren’t children, yet we foolishly lived all those years and were swayed by villains’ schemes. Making you maneuver within the Jiang family at such a young age, and being treated by that woman…” He suddenly stopped, afraid of touching Jiang Li’s painful spot. The Ye family also thought simply. After spending these days with Jiang Li, she was gentle and lovely—she clearly wasn’t someone who could commit matricide and fratricide. She must have been framed by Ji Shuran.
“Ahem,” Ye Mingyu waved his hand, worried Jiang Li would be sad, and changed the subject. “Regardless, Big Brother and Second Brother have safely returned—that’s a good thing. We should celebrate properly. By the way, now that you’re back, when will you arrange for Ah Li to meet Mother? We’ve delayed so long. Are we going to take care of proper business or not?”
“Right,” Ye Jia’er also remembered. “Cousin should go see Grandmother.”
Before Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan were taken away by the magistrate’s people, Jiang Li should have met with Old Madam Ye. But because of Tong Zhiyang’s actions, not daring to let Old Madam Ye discover the Ye family’s changes, they temporarily postponed the matter. Back and forth, so much time had passed. Jiang Li had been back in Xiangyang for almost a month without seeing Old Madam Ye’s face. First was the Ye family’s deliberate obstruction, later there were reasons, but thinking about it now, they felt terribly guilty toward Jiang Li.
Jiang Li hesitated. “Right now… can Grandmother’s health withstand it?”
Just as she finished speaking, a kind voice came from behind the hall. “Who says this old body can’t withstand it? Dear child, let Grandmother see you.”
Everyone turned in surprise. Jiang Li looked back and saw the hall curtain lifted by someone. Two maids supported an old woman with white hair, tottering toward them.
“Grandmother!” Ye Rufeng called out. “Why did you come out?”
Jiang Li was stunned. This was Old Madam Ye.
Compared to Old Madam Jiang’s severity and vitality, Old Madam Ye appeared much more kind and benevolent, and much more aged. She had a full head of silver hair, wearing a pine-green gemstone headband. She stopped a few steps from Jiang Li, smiling as she looked at Jiang Li and called out, “Dear child.”
But Jiang Li saw the tears in her eyes and her trembling hands, moved with excitement.
Instinctively, Jiang Li responded, calling “Grandmother” and walking before Old Madam Ye.
Seeing Jiang Li, Old Madam Ye’s gaze became momentarily distant. She extended her wrinkled hand and grasped Jiang Li’s hand, staring at Jiang Li carefully, as if wanting to examine Jiang Li thoroughly and clearly. She said, “In this lifetime, that Ah Li can still come see me—I’m truly overjoyed…”
Compared to Ye Minghui’s wariness and Ye Mingxuan’s caution, Old Madam Ye was like Ye Mingyu—seemingly without any of those barriers, even more ardent than Ye Mingyu. Jiang Li believed that in this moment, Old Madam Ye was truly happy to see this long-absent granddaughter.
“Grandmother, don’t you blame me for what I did wrong back then?” Jiang Li asked softly.
Old Madam Ye smiled until tears nearly came out. She said, “How could I? You’re our Ye family’s granddaughter.”
You’re our Ye family’s granddaughter.
In this moment, a full, sour, and bitter feeling surged in Jiang Li’s heart. She could barely hold back the tears in her eyes, followed by a satisfaction from deep within. She didn’t know if this came from the true Second Miss Jiang’s blood connection with Old Madam Ye, but in this moment, what she saw in this old person’s eyes was pure, without any disguise.
Second Miss Jiang wasn’t unloved. Besides her deceased birth mother Ye Zhenzhen, there was still a relative in this world who thought of her. At least she wasn’t lonely.
“Mother, why did you get up?” Ye Mingxuan quickly stepped forward, looking at Jiang Li, then at Old Madam Ye, hesitating before saying, “How did you know Ah Li came…”
Seeing Jiang Li, though Old Madam Ye was happy, she wasn’t shocked as if meeting Jiang Li for the first time. Moreover, she came directly to the front hall, as if she had long known Jiang Li would be here.
Old Madam Ye glanced at him. “I’ve known all along. From the first day Ah Li came to the Ye family.”
Everyone froze.
A maid beside Old Madam Ye spoke softly. “When the young miss first arrived in Xiangyang and returned to the residence, Old Madam already knew. Fearing to disturb the young miss, she had us servants not tell others about Second Miss returning to the residence. She thought they could meet in a few days, but unexpectedly the Ye family’s Guxiang silk had problems.”
This was unexpected.
But thinking about it, it made sense. When Old Madam Ye was young, she and Old Master Ye managed the Ye family business. She couldn’t truly know nothing just because she was old. Whatever movement there was in the Ye family, Old Madam Ye would naturally be the first to know. Only to avoid making Jiang Li uncomfortable, she forcefully held back, waiting for Jiang Li to prepare to come meet her, never expecting Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan to suddenly be taken away.
“This old body originally wanted to ask friends to help rescue the eldest and second son. But Ah Li voluntarily stepped forward.” Old Madam Ye patted Jiang Li’s hand. “I didn’t expect Ah Li to have such great capability. You’re even more capable and intelligent than your mother. If your mother’s spirit in heaven knows how wise you are now, she’ll be extremely comforted.”
Jiang Li nodded. She hadn’t expected that everything she did after arriving at the Ye family had long been seen by Old Madam Ye.
Ye Mingyu scratched his head. “Mother, we were all thinking about how to arrange for Ah Li to meet you. But you’re good—you knew everything yet said nothing, making us children mentally exhausted.”
“If I didn’t play deaf and dumb, how would I see how useless you all are?” Old Madam Ye sighed. “I told you long ago—tall trees attract wind. The Ye family is so prosperous, it will always attract trouble. You must be vigilant. Who would have thought someone still found an opening?”
Jiang Li comforted, “Grandmother, this truly can’t be blamed on Uncle Mingyu and Uncle Mingxuan. They’ve already done very well. Open attacks are easy to dodge but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. This matter isn’t that simple. This incident also serves as a warning. Having learned this lesson, we’ll know what to do in the future.”
Old Madam Ye looked at Jiang Li, half gratified and half heartbroken. “Dear child, at such a young age you can think of this much. Clearly life in the Jiang family has been very difficult. It’s we Ye family members who wronged you. If I had been more firm back then and brought you back to Xiangyang, how could you have suffered so many grievances?”
Jiang Li’s intelligence was evident to all. But years ago, Jiang Li’s arrogance and willfulness was also well known. To transform from a spoiled young miss into someone with skill and strategy—life must have forced it. Jiang Li still had a stepmother and stepsister, and now Jiang Bingji—her days definitely wouldn’t be easy. Intelligence also required paying a price.
Jiang Li smiled and gripped Old Madam Ye’s hand. “I haven’t suffered grievances. Life in the Jiang family was quite good.”
Old Madam Ye just held her hand, wanting to speak but stopping. In the end she only said, “No matter what, it’s good that you’ve returned.”
She was wholeheartedly happy about Jiang Li’s return. Probably in Old Madam Ye’s eyes, Jiang Li was just a child throwing a tantrum. She had never truly been angry at Jiang Li. No matter when Jiang Li returned, she would welcome her with a smile, just as she was doing now.
This was family.
Jiang Li’s eyes couldn’t help but moisten, not knowing if she was moved by Old Madam Ye’s tolerance or thinking of herself.
If Xue Huaiyuan were still here, Xue Fangfei, who made the mistake of misjudging people, would probably also be forgiven.
Unfortunately, Xue Fangfei’s family members, the people in this world who could forgive Xue Fangfei, were all gone. And she couldn’t find a reason to forgive herself. She could only walk on alone, punishing her enemies and also punishing herself.
“Yes,” Jiang Li hid the trace of tears in her eyes, instantly changing to a gentle smile. “I’ve returned.”
…
The Ye family’s reconciliation after so many years, the whole family harmonious together—this ultimately couldn’t be hidden from the neighbors.
In the black and white mansion not far from the Ye family, guards crouched on the eaves, watching as servants in the courtyard energetically dug soil and planted flower seedlings one by one.
Duke Ji Heng loved exotic flowers most. Even in Xiangyang, even though it was just a temporary residence, the servants absolutely wouldn’t slack off. Xiangyang City didn’t have resources as abundant as the capital, but the purchasing attendants still left early and returned late, searching everywhere for particularly unusual and beautiful flowers to plant in the courtyard.
Sure enough, having seen the Duke’s residence full of blooming flowers, arriving at this empty mansion, the guards all felt something was wrong. Now with the flowers and plants planted, they immediately felt much more comfortable, as if a stifled breath in their chests had been exhaled freely.
“Old Madam Ye and Second Miss Jiang have already met,” Wen Ji said. “Nothing special occurred.”
Nothing special occurring meant everything went smoothly.
Beside Ji Heng, Lu Ji asked, “Did they get along harmoniously?”
“Very harmoniously,” Wen Ji said. “Just like family.”
Lu Ji sighed. “Second Miss Jiang truly isn’t simple. In such a short time, she made the Ye family treat her without any barriers.”
The past friction between Jiang Li and the Ye family seemed simple, but truly overcoming it wasn’t very easy. Especially after more than ten years, misunderstandings wouldn’t dissipate with the passage of time. Especially those without resolution back then—they would instead grow like snowballs, until finally becoming unshakable bedrock. Forget shattering them—even shaking them would be very difficult.
But Jiang Li had done it.
“People who can share hardships in critical moments naturally easily move others.” At the window, Ji Heng smiled indifferently. Though these were words of praise, coming from his mouth, they seemed tinged with mockery.
“Yes, this is Second Miss Jiang’s cleverness.” Lu Ji nodded. “Originally the knot between the Ye family and her was difficult to untangle. But the Ye family happened to encounter difficulty, fortunately she was there to resolve the urgent crisis. Stepping forward at such a crucial time, with that feeling of being in the same boat—how could the Ye family give her cold looks? Moreover, Second Miss Jiang is skilled at handling people. She seems sincere. The Ye family has probably long been won over by her, won over completely.”
He finished with a sigh. “That she ran into such an opportunity is also luck.”
“What luck?” Ji Heng waved his fan. “She knew long ago there would be such a situation and waited early for the play to begin. These days, there are too many people who move themselves.”
Lu Ji was silent for a moment before saying, “My lord, people from the Weaving Bureau have arrived. Regarding matters in Xiangyang, should we intervene? Currently it seems Tong Zhiyang isn’t someone who can handle things. His mistress is also controlled by Ye Mingyu. The Ye family is safe. The situation may change.”
“No need.” Ji Heng said.
On this overcast day, even the peony on the folding fan seemed affected by the gloomy weather, appearing somewhat dim. Only his red robes became a splash of bright color between heaven and earth, standing firm and vivid.
“The Li family boy is incapable of great things.” Ji Heng spoke slowly. “He’s not even as capable as a young girl. Li Lian can’t interfere in the Ye family matter. As for whether he’ll stumble—let him seek his own fortune.” A strange color flashed through his eyes. “As for the Jiang family’s young lady… if only she didn’t have the surname Jiang, that would be good.”