“I think she is possessed. Otherwise Mother, why would she seem like a different person after returning from Mount Qingcheng? Could Mount Qingcheng turn fools into geniuses? Are those nuns and monks immortals? Perhaps some fox spirit possessed her body, coming to our household to bring disaster.”
Jiang Youyao’s careless words actually set Ji Shuran thinking deeply.
In fact, her suspicions about Jiang Li weren’t new—they’d existed for quite some time. When Ji Shuran first entered the household, she could tell Jiang Li was foolish. Ye Zhenzhen died early with no one to teach her anything. After Ji Shuran married in, she manipulated Jiang Li into complete obedience.
Jiang Li was impulsive, never thinking before acting. Having such a person in the household originally wasn’t problematic. But later, Ji Shuran set her sights on the Zhou Yanbang engagement, wanting to clear the path for Jiang Youyao. Even then, Ji Shuran was merely thinking of ways to sabotage Jiang Li’s prospects.
Who knew Jiang Li might have learned that secret, which made Ji Shuran deeply uneasy? She didn’t hesitate to use the child in her belly just to make Jiang Yuanbai dislike Jiang Li and refuse to believe her words.
Jiang Yuanbai indeed complied—he sent Jiang Li to Mount Qingcheng. For eight years, the entire Jiang household ignored Jiang Li, leaving her to fend for herself on Mount Qingcheng. Ji Shuran was amazed by Jiang Li’s tenacious survival—she actually lived through such circumstances. But as Jiang Youyao’s engagement to Zhou Yanbang approached, she feared Jiang Yuanbai would remember this daughter, so she secretly had someone tamper with things.
The person who reported back said Jiang Li had thrown herself into the lake. Others couldn’t detect the tampering, and she was barely breathing—she wouldn’t survive the summer. Only then did Ji Shuran feel at ease. But this peace didn’t last long. Jiang Li walked back from death’s door and actually returned alive. Not only that—the scandalous affair between Helin Temple’s Liaowu and Abbess Jing’an was exposed, Madam Liu of Chengde Duke’s household suddenly intervened, Emperor Hongxiao personally admonished Jiang Yuanbai… One matter after another came unexpectedly, disrupting all her plans, and Jiang Li just safely entered the capital.
From that moment, everything began spiraling out of control. At the examination grounds she stole Jiang Youyao’s thunder, Zhou Yanbang suddenly took up with Jiang Yu’e, that Ye family young master inexplicably became an official, now the entire capital of Yan praised her endlessly… Jiang Li seemed like a completely different person. Before this fifteen-year-old girl, Ji Shuran gained no advantage, repeatedly suffering losses.
This wasn’t because she’d become stupid, but because Jiang Li had become intelligent. She became cunning and calculating, yet still appeared gentle on the surface. Whenever she saw those eyes, Ji Shuran felt chilled to the bone.
How could there be such a girl skilled at pretense?
Besides feeling indignant for Jiang Youyao, Ji Shuran had her own considerations. After Jiang Li returned to the capital of Yan, she never mentioned that matter. Ji Shuran thought perhaps Jiang Li simply hadn’t heard what she said back then. But… she couldn’t take that risk. That secret threatened her constantly—she couldn’t take any chances. Jiang Li was becoming increasingly difficult to deal with. If she didn’t eliminate her quickly, future attempts would be even harder.
Jiang Youyao’s words reminded Ji Shuran.
After returning from Mount Qingcheng, Jiang Li’s temperament changed drastically, suddenly excelling at everything. Her meticulous care for that Tong County Deputy Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan—there must be something between them. Even if she couldn’t investigate it, as long as she pointed out the suspicious aspects, Jiang Li wouldn’t remain safe.
But how to point them out, how to achieve the best result—that required careful planning.
“I must enter the palace,” Ji Shuran stood up.
“Enter the palace for what?” Jiang Youyao asked.
Ji Shuran smiled: “Naturally to see your aunt, Noble Consort Li.”
Regarding killing without bloodshed, Noble Consort Li had always been exemplary. For scheming, she needed Noble Consort Li’s help.
…
In the palace, Noble Consort Li sat in her hall watching someone play the qin.
Sitting across from her was none other than the female instructor from Mingyi Hall, currently the capital of Yan’s foremost female qin master, Xiao Deyin.
Though Xiao Deyin refused to enter the palace permanently, she was friendly with Noble Consort Li and occasionally entered the palace to chat idly with her. Precisely because of this, though Xiao Deyin wasn’t a palace qin master, palace residents showed her great respect.
After finishing the piece, Noble Consort Li applauded, then smiled and said: “You have leisure to come here today—why not visit Princess Yongning?”
Princess Yongning also loved Xiao Deyin’s qin music and often invited Xiao Deyin to perform at her residence.
“The Princess has been in low spirits these past days—best not to disturb her,” Xiao Deyin smiled.
Hearing this, Noble Consort Li asked: “Is it because of the Xue family case?”
Xiao Deyin nodded: “Precisely.”
Noble Consort Li sighed: “Yongning suffered undeserved calamity. Out of nowhere, the Xue family case implicated her. Now with all sorts of rumors outside, she must expend considerable effort.”
Xiao Deyin said: “Indeed, this time Second Miss Jiang went too far. The Xue family case was already complex with no evidence, yet she dragged Princess Yongning into this muddy water. For Second Miss Jiang it was merely a few words, but for Princess Yongning, she cannot clear her name even with a mouth.”
“Yes,” Noble Consort Li sighed. “I heard at the court deliberation, Second Miss Jiang even mentioned Xue Huaiyuan’s relatives. When Xue Fangfei was mentioned, Assistant to the Secretariat Minister Shen was also present—quite awkward apparently.”
When the three words “Xue Fangfei” were spoken, Xiao Deyin’s expression became momentarily unnatural.
Fortunately, Noble Consort Li didn’t continue that thread, but said: “That Second Miss Jiang is quite formidable. Not just this deliberation—even at the previous examination, she was spectacular. You also heard her qin music—quite excellent.”
Now Xiao Deyin’s expression grew even more unpleasant. After that examination, many people compared Jiang Li’s “Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute” to hers. If not for her and Jiang Li not competing directly, many would have said Jiang Li surpassed her. And even without saying so explicitly, others predicted the capital’s future foremost qin master would undoubtedly be Jiang Li.
Xiao Deyin was quite unconvinced, yet had to admit Jiang Li’s qin mastery probably exceeded what she could currently match. So she feared that if Jiang Li performed again at any venue, her title as foremost qin master couldn’t last much longer.
Whether Noble Consort Li noticed Xiao Deyin’s expression or not, she lifted her teacup and took a sip. Just then, a palace servant entered: “Your Highness, Madam Jiang has arrived.”
Xiao Deyin quickly stood: “Then I won’t disturb Noble Consort Li further. Deyin takes her leave.”
Noble Consort Li didn’t try to keep her: “Since that’s so, let’s chat another day. Hongzhu, see Teacher Xiao out.”
Hongzhu escorted Xiao Deyin away. Lüwu asked: “Why did Your Highness mention Second Miss Jiang’s performance at the examination? This servant noticed Teacher Xiao’s expression was quite poor.”
“I wanted her to feel uncomfortable,” Noble Consort Li’s smile gradually faded. “Xiao Deyin is extremely competitive, valuing reputation above all else. Jiang Li is so troublesome—having one more Xiao Deyin to deal with her makes things easier for my sister. However,” she sighed, “Shuran must be at her wit’s end to come seeking my help. I wonder what trouble she’s encountered.”
Ji Shuran entered.
She came in and first respectfully bowed. From her seat, Noble Consort Li had palace maids help her rise.
“Third Sister,” Noble Consort Li said, “how did you come?”
Ji Shuran looked at her older sister. Compared to herself, Noble Consort Li actually appeared younger. Not that Ji Shuran lacked beauty, but though older than her, Noble Consort Li’s expression always carried a girl’s innocent charm. This made her appear no different from other young palace women, even more alluring.
Among the three Ji sisters, Noble Consort Li was most beautiful, Lady Chen Ji was strongest in temperament, while she, as the youngest, was most beloved. Ji Shuran was closer to Lady Chen Ji, but she most admired this eldest sister. Setting aside other matters, at their age, Noble Consort Li could still monopolize Emperor Hongxiao’s favor.
Since childhood, Ji Yanlin decided to send this eldest daughter into the palace, so the household’s best food and items always went to Noble Consort Li first. When Ji Shuran was young and ignorant, she always complained about Ji Yanlin’s favoritism. Only after growing up, when Noble Consort Li became the Ji family’s palace support, did she gradually understand.
Especially now, needing help everywhere, she found even Lady Chen Ji couldn’t fully assist—she had to seek this seven-chambered-heart eldest sister’s aid.
“Elder Sister,” Ji Shuran didn’t call her “Your Highness” but addressed her as ordinary sisters would. “You’ve also seen the current situation in my household. That girl Jiang Li is increasingly uncontrollable. I must find a way to eliminate her.”
Hearing this, Noble Consort Li shook her head: “At the last palace banquet I saw her and immediately felt Jiang Li was difficult to deal with. Little Sister, you’ve been immersed in the inner household so many years—how could you let her grow to this extent? If it were me, I wouldn’t have waited until now to act. Now that girl’s wings have grown—eliminating her isn’t as easy as before.”
“I did think of eliminating her, but the incident happened suddenly back then,” Ji Shuran said. “The master sent her to Mount Qingcheng. I thought she was just a little girl who couldn’t accomplish much. When older, find someone to marry her off to clear the path for Bingji. Who knew after returning, Jiang Li’s temperament changed drastically—extremely cunning, even I find her difficult to handle.”
Noble Consort Li looked at her: “You’ve come seeking me now simply wanting me to help eliminate her. Setting aside that I’m in the palace with eyes watching everywhere—if I act to help you, I’d invite trouble for myself. Moreover, the Xue family case just concluded. If something happens to Jiang Li immediately after, His Majesty will definitely have officials thoroughly investigate. Your desire to act is unwise.”
“Elder Sister misunderstands me,” Ji Shuran said. “Naturally I know Jiang Li cannot suffer life-threatening danger at this time. But if it’s a family matter, outsiders surely cannot interfere.”
Noble Consort Li asked: “What do you intend?”
“Elder Sister, in the palace you surely know many experts. I think since this girl Jiang Li returned to the capital, everything about her is suspicious. Mount Qingcheng had no teachers—how did she acquire such skills? And sometimes I feel… I feel she seems like a different person, bearing no trace of her past self. You also heard about the Tong County case. Previously Jiang Li brought Xue Huaiyuan to the Jiang residence, attending to every detail. Even now, she visits the Ye residence daily to see Xue Huaiyuan. That manner is more like father and daughter than with our master. Household servants rumor that Jiang Li is bewitched—Mount Qingcheng is mountainous where fox spirits abound. Perhaps she was possessed by something, becoming so strange… I want Elder Sister to help me find someone, preferably a famous expert, to come to our residence to exorcise evil…”
Both were intelligent people with tacit understanding—no need for explicit detail, especially between sisters who understood with just a hint.
Noble Consort Li already understood. She smiled slightly: “This is also a method, but if not done well, it may not convince people.”
“Indeed,” Ji Shuran said. “So this expert is crucial.” What this “expert” said must be persuasive—preferably someone prestigious.
“I understand,” Noble Consort Li said. “I’ll arrange this. But Little Sister, if you do this, you must succeed. Currently in the palace, many covet my position. If you fail and implicate me…”
“I won’t,” Ji Shuran’s heart trembled. If she truly implicated Noble Consort Li, forget Noble Consort Li’s reaction—Ji Yanlin alone wouldn’t forgive her. Thinking this, she looked toward Noble Consort Li’s lower abdomen: “Actually… as long as Elder Sister conceives a dragon son, what does a mere Jiang Li matter? Even if the master wants to protect her, he cannot. And Youyao needn’t struggle so over marriage prospects.”
“Don’t I wish for that?” Noble Consort Li sighed deeply. “I’ve tried every method but cannot conceive—this must be fate.”
Fearing to touch Noble Consort Li’s sore point, Ji Shuran dared not continue. However, having gained Noble Consort Li’s promise, she was quite pleased. After discussing some family matters with Noble Consort Li, she took her leave.
After Ji Shuran left, Noble Consort Li said to her personal maid Hongzhu: “Fetch my card and invite Daoist Master Chongxu here.”
Hongzhu went to comply. Lüwu said: “Your Highness will truly invite Daoist Master Chongxu?”
“Of course,” Noble Consort Li sighed. “Though my sister is confused, one thing matches my feeling.” Her gaze darkened: “Jiang Li cannot remain.”
…
At the Jiang residence, Jiang Li had just returned from visiting Xue Huaiyuan at the Ye household.
As soon as she entered the courtyard, Qingfeng and Mingyue eagerly approached. Once inside, Qingfeng said: “Miss, after you left, Ji Shuran entered the palace shortly after.”
“Entered the palace?” Jiang Li sat down, asking curiously: “What did she enter the palace for?”
“This servant secretly bribed a maid from Shuxiu Garden. I heard she went to see Noble Consort Li.”
Hearing this, Tong’er was greatly alarmed, looking at Jiang Li: “Miss, Ji Shuran suddenly visiting Noble Consort Li—could it be about you?”
“Exactly, exactly,” Mingyue nodded alongside. “This servant thinks so too. Since you returned to the residence, Ji Shuran has been quiet. Who knows what conspiracy she’s plotting? Now seeing Noble Consort Li—perhaps having Noble Consort Li preside, thinking up some crooked scheme.”
Qingfeng and Mingyue, two perfectly good maids, having spent so long with Tong’er, were nearly led astray by her—they spoke quite bluntly in private. Jiang Li smiled: “It’s fine. After all, they cannot harm me.”
“Just fear they’ll use underhanded tactics,” Tong’er said seriously.
“No matter.” Jiang Li thought of the delicate porcelain whistle in her sleeve. She now had another bargaining chip. Ji Heng said when something happened, she could blow the whistle and his person placed in the Jiang residence would appear. This person was temporarily lent by Ji Heng—how to use them should be entirely up to her, right?
Perhaps because she realized she had an extra person to freely use, perhaps because she’d just seen Xue Huaiyuan and felt happy—Jiang Li couldn’t suppress her smile.
Tong’er looked at Jiang Li strangely, unable to understand why, knowing Ji Shuran was secretly plotting, Jiang Li showed no vigilance and could still be so happy.
“Oh right, the Marquis Ningyuan’s residence also sent a card.” Mingyue pulled out a card from her sleeve and handed it to Jiang Li.
“Marquis Ningyuan’s residence?” Bai Xue asked in surprise. “The Marquis Ningyuan heir already has an engagement—why send Miss a card?”
“Not the Zhou heir,” Qingfeng said. “Fifth Miss sent the card.”
“Jiang Yu’e?” Jiang Li’s hand paused opening the card. Looking down, it truly was from Jiang Yu’e. It merely said she hadn’t seen Jiang Li for a long time and invited her to a small gathering at the Zhou household.
Jiang Li glanced at it once and tossed the card aside.
“Miss?” Tong’er didn’t understand.
“Who knows what she’s plotting? I truly have no mood to deal with her,” Jiang Li said. This card from Jiang Yu’e practically screamed “ill intentions.” In the Jiang residence, she and Jiang Yu’e had never gotten along—Jiang Yu’e sided with Jiang Youyao. Later, due to the palace banquet incident, Jiang Yu’e quarreled with Jiang Youyao and was disfigured. Even so, that didn’t mean Jiang Yu’e reconciled with Jiang Li.
Moreover, Jiang Li believed a person’s temperament wouldn’t undergo drastic change in short time. The wording in this card was extremely gentle, as if written by a different person. If not produced by Qingfeng and Mingyue, Jiang Li would certainly suspect this card wasn’t written by Jiang Yu’e at all.
For Jiang Yu’e to be so humble, just to have her attend a small Zhou household gathering—Jiang Li didn’t believe it. That Zhou Yanbang later realized she’d schemed against him at the palace banquet. He might not accept this readily, perhaps wanting to create some incident through Jiang Yu’e. She had no time to play along with their drama.
“Just leave it?” Tong’er asked. “Should this servant burn it or keep it? Miss should send a card declining.”
Jiang Li thought, then said: “Don’t throw it away. Find a way to drop it where Jiang Youyao’s maids pass, and let Jiang Youyao see it.”
“Why?” Bai Xue didn’t understand. “Won’t Third Miss be even angrier seeing it?”
“Yes, she’s not bright. When angry, she acts inappropriately. I think with her making a fuss, Ji Shuran will be busy dealing with her, having no time to deal with me—a few days’ peace. Even if not dealing with me, letting me figure out what they’re planning is good. Don’t fight unprepared battles. Fighting this battle with preparation—won’t that be more interesting?”
The several maids conferred and felt this plan workable, discussing how to naturally bring the card before Jiang Youyao.
Jiang Li sent them out, saying she wanted to read. But upon sitting at her desk, she felt the silver whistle in her sleeve.
The silver whistle was icy cold. Hard to believe the residence actually hid Ji Heng’s people. Jiang Li thought briefly, then put it back.
Not quite safe now—when evening came, she must test it once first.
…
By nightfall, the entire Jiang residence had fallen into silence.
Jiang Li sent Tong’er and Bai Xue to sleep, claiming she wanted to read a while longer. After the two maids left, Jiang Li stood by the window, pulled out the whistle from her sleeve, and softly blew it.
She didn’t know if Ji Heng’s person would hear, or in what guise they would appear. She must test first. Jiang Li stood quietly, patiently waiting.
After a moment, beneath the tree by the window, a figure suddenly flashed—someone seemed to be standing below the window.
Jiang Li said softly: “Come in.”
The next moment, the person silently leaped through the window, stopping before Jiang Li.
Jiang Li closed the window and turned to look. Upon seeing the person’s face clearly, she couldn’t help but pause in surprise. This person was none other than the Jiang household’s gardener, who daily helped manage the garden. Jiang Li couldn’t recall his name but knew of such a person. Supposedly, this person was hired at great expense by Ji Shuran for his excellent skill at tending flowers and plants.
He was not even very old, appearing only sixteen or seventeen, with a young, handsome face. His flower-tending skills were supposedly quite rare—even Ji Shuran’s favorite orchid, nearly dead, was saved by this person.
Jiang Li initially found it incredible, not expecting this person to infiltrate the Jiang household in such an identity. But upon reflection, it seemed quite natural. After all, Ji Heng most loved admiring flowers—his residence collected rare flowers from around the world. Every servant in his household could grow flowers and was handsome. This person both grew flowers and was handsome—he was indeed from Ji Heng’s residence. No one simply expected Ji Heng’s people to be so bold as to openly serve as gardener at the Jiang residence.
“What’s your name?” Jiang Li asked.
“This subordinate is Zhao Ke,” the gardener said.
“Zhao Ke,” Jiang Li pondered. “How long have you been at the Jiang residence?”
Zhao Ke hadn’t expected Jiang Li to ask this question. He glanced at Jiang Li without answering. Jiang Li said: “Since your master told me of your existence, temporarily you and I should not be adversaries. I think Ji Heng also knows I’ll ask you this question. Since he didn’t object, he tacitly approved. Just speak—I guarantee he won’t punish you for it.”
Zhao Ke had also followed Ji Heng since childhood. Jiang Li repeatedly calling “Ji Heng,” directly using Ji Heng’s name, left Zhao Ke extremely astonished. He didn’t know if Jiang Li was too bold or if the relationship between Jiang Li and Ji Heng was closer than he imagined. In any case, after hesitating, Zhao Ke still said: “Seven years ago.”
Seven years ago—by then Jiang Li had already left the Jiang household. At that time, Ji Heng was merely a fourteen-year-old youth, yet already had someone infiltrating the Jiang household. But after so many years, the Jiang household hadn’t fallen—apparently his placing people in the Jiang household wasn’t to destroy it.
“What do you normally do?” Jiang Li asked.
“Serve as gardener at the Jiang residence. If major events occur, report to the lord. If nothing major, tend flowers and plants,” Zhao Ke answered.
He was quite frank, but Jiang Li knew that was the limit. Deeper matters Zhao Ke wouldn’t reveal—perhaps he simply didn’t know.
Jiang Li nodded: “You know Ji Shuran entered the palace today to see Noble Consort Li?”
Zhao Ke nodded.
“What did she see Noble Consort Li for? After returning to the residence, what moves did she make?” Jiang Li asked.
Zhao Ke said: “This subordinate didn’t follow into the palace, so I don’t know what Ji Shuran and Noble Consort Li plotted. But today, hearing from Shuxiu Garden maids, Jiang Youyao suspects you…” He hesitated, seemingly finding this difficult to voice. After pausing, he continued: “Were possessed by mountain spirits and wild demons, which is why your temperament changed drastically after returning from Mount Qingcheng. Ji Shuran heard these words and suddenly decided to go to the palace.”
Jiang Li glanced at him: “You hear Shuxiu Garden matters quite clearly. Could it be that everything in my courtyard also cannot escape your eyes?”
Zhao Ke remained silent.
“I don’t mean to blame you,” Jiang Li said. “I know this is your master’s order, nothing to do with you. No matter—watch if you will. Ji Shuran’s purpose in entering the palace, I’ve roughly guessed.”
Zhao Ke looked at Jiang Li. She guessed so quickly? Moreover, Jiang Li’s attitude was certain, without a trace of hesitation. As Wenji said, this Second Miss Jiang was quite opinionated and quite bold.
Jiang Li lowered her eyes. Ji Shuran’s methods weren’t unfamiliar. When she first married Shen Yurun and arrived in the capital, during Shen Yurun’s proud days, as Madam Shen attending social functions, she heard many elite household secrets. Whenever legitimate wives wanted to frame favored concubines, seeking Daoist masters for help was quite common.
Of course, Jiang Li wasn’t an ordinary favored concubine—she was Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter. For Ji Shuran to frame her wasn’t so easy. An ordinary Daoist master probably couldn’t convince others. So Ji Shuran thought of Noble Consort Li. In the palace, Noble Consort Li had extensive connections. The expert Noble Consort Li found for Ji Shuran would definitely be famous—only such a person’s words could have absolute effect.
“Daoist Master Chongxu,” Jiang Li said.
Zhao Ke raised his head, looking at Jiang Li in surprise.
“Three years ago, in the palace, Noble Consort Li was framed by a favored consort using witchcraft and was near death. Fortunately, Daoist Master Chongxu appeared and saved Noble Consort Li’s life, and she gradually recovered. Noble Consort Li wanted to reward this Daoist master with riches, but he took not a penny and went wandering again, disappearing without trace ever since.”
Zhao Ke wondered inwardly—though these matters weren’t exactly palace secrets, not everyone could know them. Moreover, three years ago Jiang Li was still at Mount Qingcheng—how could she know these things? Back then, the Empress Dowager considered such palace incidents scandalous and not to be publicized, so palace residents were ordered to silence.
Yet Jiang Li still knew.
Jiang Li smiled slightly. She could see Zhao Ke’s confusion, but she truly did know this matter. Later, Shen Yurun told her about it—she didn’t know where Shen Yurun heard it. But by then he was already an official, naturally able to access such secrets.
“Ji Shuran sought Noble Consort Li simply to borrow her hand to find an expert. No expert is more suitable than this Daoist Master Chongxu. I see,” her gaze cooled slightly, “this elusive Daoist Master Chongxu will soon appear again.”