After Jiang Li left Jiang Yuanbai’s study, Jiang Yuanbai didn’t seek her out again.

For now, things had calmed down.

Ye Mingyu also stayed in the guest courtyard, not far from Jiang Li’s courtyard. Though Xue Huaiyuan was now an old man, in the Jiang household, Jiang Li couldn’t possibly live in the same place as Xue Huaiyuan. She could only have Ye Mingyu stay with Xue Huaiyuan. Fortunately, they were close by, so she could visit him at any time.

Jiang Jingrui rushed over for a visit. Upon meeting, he immediately said eagerly: “Jiang Li, I heard all about what you did at Chang’an Gate. If I’d known, I would’ve joined the excitement too! So many people—Father was furious before, but now with just a few words you’ve persuaded him. Impressive! In the past, I really underestimated you. You’re becoming more and more capable.”

Having not seen Jiang Jingrui for many days, he was still the same as before, showing no improvement whatsoever. Jiang Li inquired about some recent Jiang family matters. Discovering that aside from Jiang Yu’e entering Marquis Ningyuan’s mansion, there was nothing particularly special, she relaxed and sent him away.

Tong’er walked into the courtyard from outside. Upon entering the room, she said indignantly: “Miss, just now at the courtyard gate, I saw several people sneaking furtive glances inside. Mingyue and Qingfeng also said that from afternoon to evening, many inexplicable people appeared outside our courtyard. Ji Shi is looking for trouble again. She really won’t let things rest. We just returned to the mansion—what does she want?”

This inexplicable surveillance—in the entire Jiang mansion, only Ji Shuran could do such things. Jiang Li smiled: “Let her be. I don’t have time to deal with her right now. Besides, if she wants to find out something, whatever can be discovered is already spreading outside. What can’t be discovered, she won’t be able to find out from me either. Don’t worry about it. Better to rest early. We’ve been exhausted from traveling these days.”

She climbed onto the bed, and soon the lights in the room were extinguished.

Fangfei Courtyard’s lights went out early. Jiang Li rested quickly, but in the Jiang mansion, some couldn’t sleep.

Ji Shuran pounded Jiang Yuanbai’s back while saying with worry: “Master, what’s gotten into Li’er this time? Before, no matter what she did, at least she caused trouble within the mansion. Now she’s causing trouble outside. Others will inevitably lay the blame at Master’s feet.”

Jiang Yuanbai frowned. He’d heard Jiang Li’s words today. If there was anything that could truly persuade him, it was that this matter implicated the Li family. The Li family had made their move so early. If the Li family was truly interfering, then Jiang Li’s approach was currently the best choice. Moreover, having Jiang Li come forward made things look better on the surface no matter what.

Thinking of this, he waved his hand: “Don’t worry about these matters. I have my own judgment.”

Ji Shuran’s hands pounding his shoulders tightened slightly. She heard it in Jiang Yuanbai’s tone—his attitude had clearly softened. What exactly had Jiang Li said to him to make him change his view so quickly? Mind you, earlier in Wanfeng Hall, Jiang Yuanbai had been furious about this matter.

But she never pursued matters Jiang Yuanbai was unwilling to discuss—this was her cleverness. Therefore, Ji Shuran didn’t continue this topic, but changed the subject: “Master, actually this concubine doesn’t mind other things. This time Li’er brought that insane county magistrate back to the mansion—that’s one thing, but today this concubine heard some gossip. I heard that Li’er treats that insane county magistrate like family, caring for him meticulously, personally serving him water and food. Some say—say she’s even more attentive than to Master.”

“Nonsense!” Hearing the last sentence, Jiang Yuanbai slammed the table and stood up. “Complete nonsense!”

Ji Shuran hurriedly said: “Master, please calm your anger. This concubine only heard others say this. Li’er has always been gentle and kind. Seeing that county magistrate is pitiful, naturally she should care about him. Only this concubine doesn’t understand—these things maids can also do. Why does Li’er, as Miss Jiang, have to personally do these things? Does this insane county magistrate know Li’er from before? For Li’er to become involved in this Tongxiang case for no good reason—could there be some other hidden circumstances?”

Jiang Yuanbai’s chest heaved violently. After a long while, he finally calmed down, his expression uncertain, as if deep in thought.

Seeing this, Ji Shuran didn’t continue speaking, a trace of satisfaction flashing through her heart.

When she first learned of this matter, she herself had felt suspicious. Though Jiang Li always appeared gentle, magnanimous, honest and kind, having lived this long, she could see Jiang Li’s inner coldness and distance. Even toward the Jiang family, the reason she could always let things go so easily, seeming not to care, was because she always treated the Jiang family with the identity of a “guest.” So regarding all the unfair treatment the Jiang family gave her, Jiang Li never had too many complaints.

Jiang Li’s nature was polite and distant, someone who wouldn’t invite trouble for herself. Toward her birth father Jiang Yuanbai, she only maintained surface respect, let alone toward a stranger. But the information gathered showed that Jiang Li seemed to have infinite patience with Xue Huaiyuan, handling his daily needs herself, never delegating to others, attending to every detail meticulously—even more affectionate than to her birth father.

This was truly too suspicious. Unfortunately, no matter how much Ji Shuran investigated, she couldn’t find even the slightest reason for anything else. But there was no rush. Just this one point alone was enough for her to make a big fuss about. For instance, she’d told Jiang Yuanbai about this matter—look, hadn’t Jiang Yuanbai become suspicious?

Moreover, recently Jiang Li was preoccupied with the Tongxiang case and definitely had no time to deal with her. Being so affectionate with Xue Huaiyuan—there must be some hidden circumstances. She would definitely find out.

When that time came, it would be Jiang Li’s death.

…

Early the next morning, Jiang Li rose very early.

After eating breakfast, she wanted to go to Ye Mingyu’s courtyard to check on Xue Huaiyuan. Before she could leave, Bai Xue came in: “Miss, someone outside came to report that Young Master Ye has come to see you.”

Ye Shijie? Jiang Li hadn’t had time to seek him out first, yet he’d come to the Jiang mansion first. Jiang Li said: “Good. I’ll go meet him.”

Arriving at Wanfeng Hall, only Old Madam Jiang was there speaking with Ye Shijie. Jiang Yuanbai and Ji Shuran weren’t present. Seeing her, Ye Shijie called: “Cousin.”

Jiang Li returned the greeting: “Cousin Ye.”

Old Madam Jiang said knowingly: “Second Girl, your cousin came to the mansion because he has some words for you. You cousins should go talk first. This old body is also tired and will return to my room.”

Perhaps because of the Xue family case, Old Madam Jiang had developed some resentment toward Jiang Li after all. Her attitude toward Jiang Li was neither cold nor warm. Ye Shijie saw this but said nothing.

Jiang Li didn’t mind. After Old Madam Jiang left, Jiang Li said: “Cousin, Uncle Mingyu is also at the mansion. I was just about to go over. Since you’ve come, let’s go see him together.”

“Alright,” Ye Shijie said.

The two walked together toward Ye Mingyu’s courtyard.

“I’ve heard about everything that happened in Xiangyang. Thank you for your help with the Guxiang silk matter,” Ye Shijie said as they walked.

“It’s nothing,” Jiang Li smiled. “Though my surname is Jiang, my mother’s surname is Ye. Helping the Ye family is proper. Besides, if you hadn’t gone to find the Bureau of Weaving Director in the capital, things wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. You shouldn’t thank me—thank yourself.”

Ye Shijie shook his head: “Without Minister Jiang’s name, the Bureau of Weaving Director wouldn’t have moved so quickly.”

“Then you still shouldn’t thank me,” Jiang Li said. “At most I was just using borrowed power.”

Ye Shijie turned to look at her. Having not seen her for many days, she seemed to have grown a bit taller, more like a young lady. How many years ago, he would never have imagined that one day he would speak so calmly with Jiang Li, as if all past estrangements and misunderstandings had completely vanished.

Of course, now the estrangements and misunderstandings between her and the Ye family had truly disappeared. The Ye family had completely accepted her—he just didn’t know if she had completely accepted the Ye family.

“Cousin Ye, will you also be present at the trial in two days?” Jiang Li asked.

Ye Shijie nodded: “Yes.” After a pause, he added: “I don’t know what the scene will be like.”

Jiang Li looked at him with a smile: “How has being an official been these days? Can you manage it?”

Ye Shijie smiled bitterly.

Being an official was like being a merchant—it required understanding of human nature and worldly affairs, but being an official was more difficult than being a merchant. Never mind that many truly good officials never got promoted—in the official world, to climb upward, you had to flatter and curry favor, maintaining good relationships with superiors. When others did certain things, you had to follow along. If you didn’t, you’d be firmly excluded from their camp.

Over time, Ye Shijie had become someone without a camp. Because he refused to go along with corruption, he could only see no prospects for his entire life. Would he be a Director of the Board of Revenue forever? But to advance further, he’d have to act against his conscience.

Ye Shijie felt very troubled.

Jiang Li patted his shoulder, as if able to hear his thoughts, and said: “Cousin needn’t be troubled. If you’re unwilling to betray your principles to gain certain things, then hold fast to what is yours. One day someone will see you, just as you took first place at the Imperial Academy examination. What you need is just an opportunity. If you don’t have an opportunity, we can create one.”

Ye Shijie was startled and couldn’t help looking toward Jiang Li. The smile at Jiang Li’s lips remained, but Ye Shijie felt it was different from before. After returning from Xiangyang, Jiang Li seemed to have let something go, or gained confidence. The mask from before had been gently torn away one layer, and her reservations had lessened.

She was becoming less and less like the previous “Second Miss Jiang,” and even unlike the gentle, magnanimous Jiang Li from later. She was beginning to show some aggressive, sharp edges.

What had changed her?

Just as he was thinking this, Jiang Li pointed ahead: “We’ve arrived.”

Tong’er and Bai Xue went ahead to announce them.

Soon, Ye Mingyu’s booming voice rang out from inside: “A-Li, Shijie, you came quite early!”

Jiang Li and Ye Shijie entered Ye Mingyu’s courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, they saw Ye Mingyu wiping Xue Huaiyuan’s mouth. Two guards were holding Xue Huaiyuan down. Xue Huaiyuan struggled fiercely, making Ye Mingyu flustered as well.

Jiang Li stepped forward: “Let me.” She took the handkerchief, had the two guards release him, and slowly soothed Xue Huaiyuan.

Xue Huaiyuan looked at her and gradually stopped, sitting obediently. Jiang Li carefully wiped his mouth with the handkerchief.

Ye Mingyu breathed a great sigh of relief: “Only you have a way, A-Li. That really exhausted me.”

Ye Shijie watched in a daze and asked: “This is…”

“This is the original county magistrate of Tongxiang, Xue Huaiyuan. He’s now insane. A-Li feared someone would silence him outside, so she brought him back to the mansion.”

Ye Shijie turned to look at Jiang Li again, slightly stunned.

Jiang Li liked to smile. The corners of her lips always carried a gentle smile, but whether that smile came from her heart, others couldn’t clearly discern. Sometimes Ye Shijie felt he couldn’t understand Jiang Li. Everything she did had its own logic, but looking at it all together, it just didn’t make sense.

But the smile Jiang Li now showed before Xue Huaiyuan—Ye Shijie could be certain it was genuine. Having seen the genuine Jiang Li, he could understand how false Jiang Li’s past smiles had been. When she carefully wiped Xue Huaiyuan’s mouth corner with the handkerchief, winter sunlight climbed onto her profile, making her display an unprecedented purity and beauty.

“Young man,” Ye Mingyu’s voice suddenly rang in his ear, startling Ye Shijie greatly. Ye Mingyu spoke conspiratorially in whispers: “How about it? Does your little cousin look good? Are you staring in a daze? Do you want to marry her as your wife?”

“Third Uncle!” Ye Shijie’s face flushed bright red as he said sternly. He’d long known this third uncle spoke carelessly and was utterly unreliable, but he never expected he’d dare make even this kind of joke.

“Alright, alright, I won’t say anymore,” Ye Mingyu said, though his face carried a knowing smile that made Ye Shijie even more embarrassed and annoyed.

Having finished caring for Xue Huaiyuan, Jiang Li had Tong’er and Bai Xue stay with him to play, then walked over: “What are you talking about?”

“Nothing,” Ye Shijie said hurriedly.

“I was saying I haven’t seen my nephew Shijie in so long, and look how tall he’s grown.” Ye Mingyu stroked his chin, speaking seriously. “Look at him now—a fine figure of a man. Young and having become a capital official through his own abilities—you’d have to search with a lantern to find such a good match. It’s time to find him a good wife. I wonder which family’s young lady will be so blessed to find my nephew Shijie? Don’t you think so, A-Li?”

Ye Shijie said in embarrassment: “Third Uncle!”

“Indeed,” Jiang Li also smiled. “If I encounter any suitable noble young ladies, I’ll certainly help Cousin Ye keep an eye out.”

Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu both froze. Ye Mingyu glanced at Ye Shijie, suddenly laughed loudly, scratched his head and said: “Well, there’s no rush. First establish your career, then start a family. No rush, no rush. Take it slow, take it slow.”

Ye Shijie said nothing.

“Uncle Mingyu, was there any problem at the inn last night?” Jiang Li asked. What she worried about was someone attacking the Tongxiang villagers. Though ordinary people certainly wouldn’t cause trouble at such a critical juncture—that would be as good as proclaiming guilt—Princess Yongning was different from ordinary people. Domineering and recklessly bold, always thinking that with Imperial Concubine Liu and Prince Cheng protecting her she was infallible, who knew what she might do.

“Nothing happened. The messenger this morning said there was some commotion outside last night, but when they went to look, there was nothing. I think you’re worrying too much, A-Li. This is at the foot of the Son of Heaven. Who would dare kill people here? So many people too—what a huge commotion that would be. Wouldn’t they be tired of living?”

Jiang Li said: “That’s good then.” But she pondered in her heart. Probably Ji Heng’s people were outside helping to deal with things, which caused the commotion. She felt at ease with Ji Heng’s people. Though dealing with Ji Heng was like seeking skin from a tiger, being able to use borrowed power was ultimately getting a bargain.

Ye Shijie said: “His Majesty has already ordered the Ministry of Justice to conduct a trial. Honestly, that sounding the grievance drum could achieve this, making His Majesty personally supervise—it truly exceeded my expectations.”

“What’s so special about that?” Ye Mingyu said carelessly. “Shijie, you didn’t see it. Those Tongxiang villagers were so pitiful. That Feng Yutang really isn’t a damn thing. His Majesty must uphold justice for the people! We all risked fifty lashes to sound the grievance drum. When the Emperor heard, of course he had to come out and stand up for the common people, right?”

“Third Uncle, you’re thinking too simply,” Ye Shijie said heavily. “Many matters can’t be done just because you’re in the right. This case, if not careful, will be handled so poorly that even His Majesty loses popular support. It’s very thorny. I think it’s not because of the case itself, but because of the person involved in the case. Right?” He looked toward Jiang Li.

Jiang Li smiled slightly. Ye Shijie was growing quickly. From the beginning, she’d felt this youth was no ordinary person. Now, though his time as an official was still short, he’d already grasped some rules of officialdom.

She said: “Yes.”

“What exactly did that memorial contain?” Ye Shijie asked. “You said behind the Xue family case there’s a mastermind. This person… must be the key reason His Majesty is personally supervising the case. Who exactly is this person?”

The memorial written to the Emperor wasn’t written by Ye Shijie, but written by Jiang Li and presented through Ye Shijie’s help. Ye Shijie hadn’t read the memorial and didn’t know what other people the Xue family case on the memorial implicated. But he could sense the key to this matter lay with this person.

“Right, A-Li,” hearing Ye Shijie say this, Ye Mingyu also remembered. “Before, didn’t you tell me that behind the Xue family case there was a powerful person, and this person was the mastermind behind it all? You said once we reached the capital I’d naturally know. Now can you tell me who this person is? I want to see which shameless powerful person has such deep hatred with the Xue family that they’d torment them like this!”

Jiang Li looked at the two of them and sighed softly, uttering a name.

“Princess Yongning.”

…

At the Princess’s mansion, Princess Yongning smashed the cup in her hand with a “crack.”

She was probably quite angry. The shards from the cup cut her hand. Seeing this, the servants nearby were immediately terrified. If something happened to Princess Yongning, these servants would be the unlucky ones.

Shen Yurun beckoned: “Go get bandaging medicine.”

Only then did the servants breathe a sigh of relief and gratefully went to find medicine. Princess Yongning had a terrible temperament—no one could control her. Only this Secretariat Drafter, Junior Minister Shen, when facing him, Princess Yongning would restrain herself considerably, and their days as servants were much better. Junior Minister Shen treated people warmly, was kind-hearted, never made things difficult for servants, and occasionally when servants made mistakes, he even helped persuade Princess Yongning not to make things difficult for them. The servants of the Princess’s mansion all felt that if Princess Yongning’s future Prince Consort was truly this Junior Minister Shen, for the people of the Princess’s mansion, it would be a joyous matter.

The medicine was quickly found. Shen Yurun gestured for the servants to all withdraw, then pulled Princess Yongning’s hand onto his lap and carefully applied medicine to her wound.

Princess Yongning was moved by his gentleness. He was always like this—sometimes cold, sometimes considerate—making it hard for her to see clearly. But in her heart she still held a chest full of fury. She said with hatred: “Jiang Li!”

Now the entire capital was spreading news that Second Miss Jiang of the Jiang family had brought a group of Tongxiang county folk to overturn the case of the former Xue Huaiyuan. Yongning didn’t know before—she’d been focused on having Imperial Concubine Liu arrange her marriage with Shen Yurun. Imperial Concubine Liu didn’t particularly like Shen Yurun. After all, Shen Yurun had already had a wife, and though Shen Yurun was currently on the rise, he had no family support. Imperial Concubine Liu still hoped Princess Yongning could marry into a great aristocratic family, a match of equal status.

Fortunately, Prince Cheng also helped speak for Shen Yurun, and Imperial Concubine Liu finally agreed with difficulty. She was thinking of mentioning this matter to Emperor Hongxiao in a few more days. Though Emperor Hongxiao detested the Prince Cheng mother and son, on the surface he wouldn’t tear off the facade no matter what. Plus, Emperor Hongxiao had long known of Princess Yongning’s willful and reckless behavior. As long as they insisted Princess Yongning had her heart set on Shen Yurun and would have no one but him, Emperor Hongxiao wouldn’t be able to arbitrarily obstruct.

She’d thought this matter was already foolproof. Princess Yongning had been happily preparing her wedding clothes, so she hadn’t had time to inquire about Tongxiang matters. Not until Jiang Li returned to the capital yesterday and struck the stone lions before Chang’an Gate to sound the grievance drum, and the Ministry of Justice’s decision to conduct a trial came down and reached the Princess’s mansion, did Princess Yongning learn of this matter.

Princess Yongning flew into a rage. She’d thought Jiang Li had long since died in Tongxiang. When Feng Yutang previously said that Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter had come to Tongxiang investigating the Xue family case with the intention of overturning it, she’d ordered Feng Yutang to kill Jiang Li.

What was Jiang Li’s status? Even though she was Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter, she wasn’t afraid in the slightest. First, the Jiang family wasn’t what it used to be. Second, Jiang Li wasn’t particularly favored in the Jiang family. Tongxiang was so far away—who knew what happened? Even if Feng Yutang was caught, she’d send people to silence him, and others still couldn’t catch her.

But Princess Yongning never imagined Feng Yutang would be so useless—not only failing to kill Jiang Li but being caught by her. She never expected Jiang Li would be so outrageous as to bring Tongxiang county folk to the capital to sound the grievance drum.

Originally, upon learning the news, Princess Yongning immediately sent people to Chang’an Gate, wanting to assassinate Feng Yutang to silence him. But Jiang Li’s forces were so formidable that the assassins she sent failed to succeed.

Then at night, Princess Yongning sent people again. Outside the inn where the Tongxiang county folk stayed, it was watertight—again they failed. Princess Yongning wasn’t a fool. How did Jiang Li find such capable people? Her big uncle was at most just someone who roamed the jianghu and couldn’t possibly fight off her people. This time, Princess Yongning vaguely sensed that behind Jiang Li, someone might also be helping her.

But thinking it over, she still had no clue. However, the repeated setbacks had already made Princess Yongning very angry. She wasn’t afraid of Feng Yutang revealing her name—Feng Yutang didn’t have the guts, nor did he have any evidence to implicate her. But what angered her was that Jiang Li had actually rescued Xue Huaiyuan.

That was Xue Huaiyuan, Xue Fangfei’s father! She wanted to utterly destroy the Xue family. Any member of the Xue family escaping would displease her!

Princess Yongning had disliked Jiang Li to begin with. Xue Fangfei played the zither beautifully—Jiang Li also played beautifully. Xue Fangfei was exceptionally talented and learned—Jiang Li won first place in the Mingyi Hall examination. There were too many similarities between Jiang Li and Xue Fangfei. Every time she saw Jiang Li, it made Princess Yongning detest her.

Now, Jiang Li had even ruined her plans and rescued Xue Huaiyuan! Truly detestable!

“Yongning, let this matter go,” Shen Yurun said.

Princess Yongning raised her head and looked at him: “Shen Lang, what do you mean by this?”

“Don’t interfere anymore with Xue Huaiyuan’s case. Even if Jiang Li brings Tongxiang county folk to appeal to the Emperor, it won’t implicate you. If you cause more trouble, that won’t necessarily be true.”

Yongning’s heart gave a “thump” as she looked at Shen Yurun without speaking.

She hadn’t told Shen Yurun about the Xue family matter. Instructing Feng Yutang to imprison Xue Huaiyuan—she hadn’t told Shen Yurun. Whether Shen Yurun knew privately, Yongning wasn’t very clear. However, Yongning guessed Shen Yurun didn’t know, because given his temperament, if he’d known, he probably wouldn’t have stood by idly. He still had lingering feelings for Xue Fangfei—how could he watch Xue Fangfei’s father suffer?

When Jiang Li brought Xue Huaiyuan to the capital, Yongning’s eagerness to have people silence him wasn’t just to avoid being implicated—more so, she didn’t want Shen Yurun to know. Of course this was impossible. With the matter blown up this large, Shen Yurun would know no matter what.

But the way he so calmly, so gently stated this matter—somehow, Princess Yongning’s entire body broke out in goosebumps.

He’d known all along. He even knew about what she’d secretly instructed Feng Yutang to do to Xue Huaiyuan, but for some unknown purpose, he hadn’t obstructed, just quietly watched her do everything.

Princess Yongning suddenly felt confused. Did this man truly love Xue Fangfei? If he loved her, could he be so heartless? Did he love her? Would he be this cold to her too?

“Yongning,” his voice carried a kind of rational tenderness, “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

He rarely spoke such pleasant words. Though Princess Yongning knew he was learned and full of knowledge, capable of writing good essays, saying a sentence or two of pleasant words shouldn’t be difficult. But he was always stingy about it—never mind love words, even warm, caring words weren’t heard daily.

But today he said it, looking at Yongning, speaking earnestly.

So the confusion and unease in Yongning’s heart were immediately swept away, and she fell into his affectionate gaze again.

“I just feel strange in my heart,” Princess Yongning said. “This is just a small local case. Even if Jiang Li brings people to sound the grievance drum at Chang’an Gate, it shouldn’t immediately result in the Ministry of Justice conducting a trial. Even with a trial, Imperial Brother shouldn’t personally supervise. Every day in the capital there are countless matters large and small. He can’t possibly inquire into everything. Yet His Majesty not only inquired—from the looks of it, he’s taking it very seriously.”

“Shen Lang, you’re clever. Can you figure out why His Majesty would do this?”

Shen Yurun shook his head.

He truly didn’t know, because His Majesty’s actions were indeed abnormal. He couldn’t help thinking that if only Xue Fangfei were still here. She was ice-snow clever—consulting with her a few sentences might yield the truth.

Unfortunately, there was only one Xue Fangfei, and that one had already died.

He’d watched her die with his own eyes.