The rumors about Ji Shuran spread throughout the streets and alleys with great fanfare. However, the people Jiang Yuanbai sent out ultimately couldn’t discover who had leaked the information. This matter seemed to become an unsolved case, yet the outcome was very real—the Jiang family’s reputation was severely impacted. At least in the imperial court, memorials impeaching Jiang Yuanbai for lax household management were countless.

The Right Chancellor’s faction took the opportunity to spread various unfavorable rumors about Jiang Yuanbai. At such a time, the more one tried to clarify, the deeper one sank into the center of the rumors. Jiang Yuanbai simply claimed illness and stopped attending court, keeping silent. Jiang Yuanping was also implicated considerably. The atmosphere in the Jiang Manor was not very good.

In such complicated circumstances, the winter solstice of Yanjing City’s winter arrived quietly.

On the winter solstice day, the snow fell extremely heavily. Tong’er stood at the courtyard gate and said: “We’ve never seen such heavy snow in Mount Qingcheng. It’s truly beautiful.”

What was a common sight to northerners appeared quite novel in Tong’er’s eyes. After all, the two of them had lived in the temple for many years and rarely saw such a scene of silver-clad landscapes. Tong’er asked Jiang Li: “Miss, will you still go to the Ye Manor today?”

“Yes.” Jiang Li smiled. “But before that, let’s go somewhere else first.”

“Somewhere else?” Tong’er didn’t understand.

Jiang Li smiled but didn’t answer.

Outside, the snow fell heavily. Even the vendors who usually set up stalls didn’t come out today. The streets were empty, with very few pedestrians. In the thick snow, only the passing carriages left two deep wheel ruts and scattered hoof prints.

When Jiang Li left the manor, the gatehouse servant moved his lips but ultimately didn’t dare to dissuade her. Everyone knew that in the main branch now, Second Miss had the final say. Old Madam even allowed Second Miss to come and go freely without reporting. How could these servants dare to stop her?

Leaving the manor went very smoothly. Jiang Li went to the Misty Rain Pavilion at White Egret Bay—the place where Xue Zhao rested eternally.

Tong’er and Bai Xue still had an impression of this place. Before returning to Tongxiang last time, Jiang Li had come once. It was said that the Misty Rain Pavilion was best for viewing misty rain, and it had indeed been raining last time. But it wasn’t raining now—could it be that the Misty Rain Pavilion’s snow scenery was exceptional? So today Jiang Li came on a whim?

Jiang Li had the maids wait outside the courtyard while she entered the back courtyard of the Misty Rain Pavilion. Under the peach tree, Xue Zhao’s grave mound still lay quietly. It was nearly covered by white snow. If not for the half-exposed epitaph, it would have been impossible to find.

Since Jiang Li returned to Tongxiang, no one had come to pay respects at this place. Jiang Li watched with her own eyes, and her heart couldn’t help but ache. Leaving Xue Zhao alone here made her feel terrible.

She bent down, found an old broom nearby, and swept away the accumulated snow before the grave, clearing out a small space. She took a cloth from her basket and carefully wiped the stone tablet clean, then took out incense, candles, and offerings to place on the cleared ground.

Even though she could now freely leave the manor, she still couldn’t come to the Misty Rain Pavilion at will. The Ye family was her maternal family at least, but Xue Zhao had no connection whatsoever to Second Miss Jiang. If someone saw her, connecting it with the recent lawsuit for Xue Huaiyuan, it wouldn’t be good if it caused trouble.

But on the winter solstice, in the past, it was always Xue Zhao, herself, and Xue Huaiyuan spending the day together indoors. Xue Zhao would roast venison hunted from the mountains, and Xue Huaiyuan would allow them to drink wine that day. The clear plum wine would simmer on the brazier while Xue Zhao enthusiastically talked about his dreams of wandering the jianghu. She would chime in with a few comments, and Xue Huaiyuan would smile indulgently from the side.

Things had changed, people had scattered. It was still winter, but people were dead, scattered, or mad. Jiang Li still couldn’t bring Xue Huaiyuan before Xue Zhao’s grave yet. She could only come alone.

She sat before the grave, placed the oil-paper-wrapped venison, and poured a cup of plum wine for Xue Zhao, just as in those past years.

After sitting for a while longer, she stood up, patted the snow particles from her clothing, turned, and left.

Tong’er and Bai Xue outside had been waiting until they were frozen through. When they finally saw Jiang Li emerge, they didn’t ask where the bamboo basket Jiang Li had brought went. They only said: “Are we going back now?”

Jiang Li nodded.

“Then let’s go. This weather really isn’t suitable for staying outside long.” Tong’er stuffed the hand warmer into Jiang Li’s hands and helped her onto the carriage.

Next, Jiang Li went to the Ye Manor.

In the Ye Manor, Ye Mingyu was eating large chunks of meat and drinking wine heartily with his jianghu brothers. When the gatekeeper reported that Jiang Li had arrived, Ye Mingyu panicked for a moment. The room was a complete mess—how could he receive guests? It was Ye Shijie who, seeing the situation, shook his head and went to see Jiang Li himself first.

When Jiang Li didn’t see Ye Mingyu in the room and Ye Shijie came alone, she asked: “Why isn’t Uncle here?”

“He drank wine and is changing clothes now that he knows you’re here.” Ye Shijie was somewhat exasperated. Hearing the sounds of drinking games coming from the room, then seeing Ye Shijie’s helpless expression, Jiang Li understood. Ye Mingyu was naturally rough and forthright, while Ye Shijie was extremely restrained. Now that Ye Mingyu had brought the entire jianghu into the manor, it naturally wasn’t something that made Ye Shijie happy.

Jiang Li glanced behind and smiled: “Uncle is naturally open-minded. Please be more tolerant of him.”

“I know.” Ye Shijie answered. “Third Uncle has always been like this.” He looked at Jiang Li: “Why did you come so early?”

“Today is the winter solstice, so I came to see you all.” Jiang Li had Bai Xue take out pastries she had prepared in advance. “And to bring you some cakes.”

Ye Shijie took them, a strange feeling welling up in his heart. Jiang Li’s expression was very gentle, her attitude completely natural, as if treating family. When the words “family” appeared in his mind, Ye Shijie felt a jolt, as if struck by something.

Just as he was somewhat dazed, Ye Mingyu came out after changing clothes. It seemed he had been at the height of his drinking with his brothers earlier. Though he had changed clothes, he still smelled of wine. Fortunately, he was still fairly sober. Seeing Jiang Li, he said: “A-Li, you’re here! Come in and sit?”

“Uncle still has guests, so I won’t stay long.” Jiang Li also smiled. She was a young lady, and the place was full of burly men. She didn’t mind, but these men might feel uncomfortable.

“I brought some things for you all, and I want to check on County Magistrate Xue.” Jiang Li smiled. “I’ll leave after visiting him.”

“How about…” Ye Mingyu was about to urge her to stay when Ye Shijie interrupted. Ye Shijie said: “Alright, today is indeed not convenient for you to stay. Come again another day when there are no outsiders in the manor.”

He emphasized the words “no outsiders” heavily, glancing at Ye Mingyu.

Ye Mingyu, knowing he was in the wrong, touched his nose and laughed awkwardly: “Well then, let’s go see County Magistrate Xue quickly? Miss Situ has come to give him acupuncture several times these past few days. The old master’s health is much better. He can eat a full bowl of rice every day and is in good spirits!”

While speaking, he led Jiang Li to Xue Huaiyuan’s courtyard.

Xue Huaiyuan was concentrating intently on watching a shadow puppet show. It was probably a little trinket Ye Mingyu had specially found for him. He watched with great interest, laughing happily from time to time. Seeing this, Jiang Li couldn’t help but feel somewhat disappointed.

There were no signs of his consciousness returning.

Ye Shijie seemed to perceive her thoughts and said: “You needn’t be too anxious. Miss Situ said County Magistrate Xue’s illness isn’t easy to treat and must be approached gradually. Moreover, as Third Uncle said, County Magistrate Xue’s health has improved greatly these past few days. When he first came to Yanjing from Tongxiang, he was still extremely weak. Now he’s almost completely recovered.”

Only then did Jiang Li slowly calm down, shaking her head: “I’m too impatient.”

“I understand.” Ye Mingyu scratched his head. “You regard Old Xue more highly than your own father, so naturally you’re concerned about him. How about after Old Xue recovers, you acknowledge him as your adoptive father? You’ve done so much for him—he won’t refuse. As for your father, don’t worry. I’ll talk to him!” He then said resentfully: “I still haven’t settled accounts with him over Ji Shuran’s matter. Back then, everything was based solely on Ji Shuran’s word. Where did that leave the Ye family?”

Speaking of this matter, Ye Mingyu ground his teeth again.

After news of Ji Shuran’s past deeds spread, Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie naturally learned of it immediately. Without question, they thoroughly cursed Jiang Yuanbai. If Ji Shuran hadn’t already died, they would have gone to the Ji family to demand an explanation. In the end, it was Jiang Li who intervened to placate Ye Mingyu.

However, knowing that Jiang Li had suffered so much injustice, Ye Mingyu became even more disdainful of the Jiang family. He even conceived the idea of having Jiang Li leave the Jiang family and return to the Ye family, but was ultimately stopped by the more rational Ye Shijie.

“Adoptive father?” Jiang Li’s heart stirred. She had never thought of this before, but Ye Mingyu traveled the jianghu where swearing brotherhood and acknowledging godparents was commonplace, so he was already accustomed to it. The speaker was casual, but the listener took it to heart. Though Ye Mingyu said it offhandedly, Jiang Li secretly noted it down. She cared too much about Xue Huaiyuan, which would inevitably invite gossip in the future. But if she said he was her adoptive father, everything seemed resolvable.

However, before this could happen, unless Xue Huaiyuan’s consciousness was restored first, even if the Jiang family felt guilty toward her, they wouldn’t allow Jiang Li to acknowledge a person without consciousness as her adoptive father.

Thinking of this, a new direction seemed to open up ahead. Jiang Li’s mood lightened considerably. When she spoke with Ye Mingyu and the others again, her smile became more genuine.

Ye Shijie vaguely noticed the change in Jiang Li’s attitude but didn’t know why. Seeing Jiang Li’s bright smile and rare relaxed appearance without scheming, he paused, then swallowed the question on his lips.

Until leaving the Ye Manor, Jiang Li’s mood remained quite good.

Bai Xue asked: “Miss, shall we return to the manor now?”

“Let’s go back.” Jiang Li looked at the sky. Actually, it was still early. She should have stayed at the Ye Manor longer, but because of Ye Mingyu’s brothers and guests, it was inconvenient for Jiang Li, so she left first. The snow still hadn’t stopped, and staying outside was truly too cold. Since there was nothing else, she might as well return first.

Tong’er happily agreed, thinking about returning to Fangfei Courtyard to huddle around the warm brazier, which was much better than freezing outside. Just as they were about to board the carriage, they suddenly heard an enthusiastic voice from behind: “Second Miss Jiang?”

Jiang Li turned around and saw it was Wenren Yao and Situ Jiuyue, whom she had met not long ago. The one who called out to Jiang Li was Wenren Yao.

Upon seeing Jiang Li, Wenren Yao hurried over with a beaming smile: “Is Second Miss Jiang just leaving the Ye Manor?”

Jiang Li nodded and said to Situ Jiuyue: “Is Miss Situ going to the Ye Manor to treat County Magistrate Xue?”

“No.” Situ Jiuyue answered. “No acupuncture is needed for three days.”

Jiang Li smiled: “I was mistaken then. Where are you two going?” Meeting Situ Jiuyue in front of the Ye Manor, Jiang Li really thought Situ Jiuyue had come to treat Xue Huaiyuan, but unexpectedly not.

She only asked casually, not really wanting to know the answer. After all, Situ Jiuyue and Wenren Yao had close relations with Ji Heng. Whatever they were going to do, Jiang Li neither cared nor could afford to care.

Who knew Wenren Yao would immediately answer: “We’re going to the Duke’s Manor.”

Situ Jiuyue shot Wenren Yao a look, probably finding his thoughtless attitude truly difficult to appreciate. Jiang Li was also surprised for a moment, then said: “In that case, I won’t delay you.” She stepped aside, wanting to let Situ Jiuyue and Wenren Yao pass first.

Who knew that on Wenren Yao’s handsome face, his smile was exceptionally enthusiastic. He said: “No delay, no delay. We’re only going to the Duke’s Manor to visit. Today is the winter solstice, after all—we’re just going to mooch a meal. Second Miss Jiang, you’re heading back? It’s still so early. Why not come to the Duke’s Manor for a meal together?”

Jiang Li: “…”

She was puzzled. How exactly did Wenren Yao’s brain work? Did the relationship between her and Ji Heng look like they were familiar enough to casually visit each other’s manors? Of course, Ji Heng could come to the Jiang family freely, but that was because Ji Heng was willful, not because of their private friendship.

Jiang Li politely declined: “That won’t be necessary.”

“Why be so polite?” Wenren Yao continued smiling. “Come on, come on. There’s no better day than today. Since we’ve met on the road, it’s fate. We’re all friends—eating together is nothing major. I can see Second Miss Jiang is a straightforward person who doesn’t need to stick to these formalities.”

Jiang Li: “…I think you may have misunderstood my relationship with the Duke. We are not friends.”

She thought this statement clearly expressed her attitude, but Wenren Yao seemed used to it and said: “I understand. With his temperament, no one in the world would want to be his friend. But even if you’re not his friend, you can be mine, right? Please don’t be polite or feel embarrassed about going just because Ji Heng didn’t invite you. Ji Heng didn’t invite me either! But don’t I still go?”

Jiang Li: “…”

Regarding this Young Master Wenren, she truly had nothing to say.

Situ Jiuyue on the side really couldn’t stand it anymore. She glared at Wenren Yao, then looked at Jiang Li, thought for a moment, and said: “If you have nothing else, you might as well go to the Duke’s Manor. I’ve heard about what happened at your manor these past few days. Ji Heng participated in this matter privately. Perhaps you two can discuss it.”

Situ Jiuyue’s words reminded Jiang Li of something—why Consort Li was safe and sound, where Daoist Priest Chongxu actually was now, and whether Emperor Hongxiao knew that Daoist Priest Chongxu was a fraud. She had originally planned to ask Zhao Ke about this. Now, thinking about it, asking Ji Heng might be more convenient. After all, Zhao Ke was guarding the Jiang Manor day and night, while Ji Heng could know news from the palace.

With Wenren Yao’s invitation now, she could take advantage of it to make a trip to the Duke’s Manor. It was just that… coming uninvited, she really couldn’t be as nonchalant about it as Wenren Yao.

“It’s fine. You can say Wenren Yao kidnapped you.” Situ Jiuyue seemed to perceive her thoughts and said indifferently.

Wenren Yao perked up. Not only did he not object to this, he smiled and said: “Happy to oblige.”

So the matter was inexplicably decided. Jiang Li had just left the Ye Manor only to be abducted onto the road toward the Duke’s Manor.

To avoid attracting attention, Jiang Li didn’t ride in the Jiang Manor’s carriage but traveled with Situ Jiuyue and Wenren Yao. Along the way, Wenren Yao was extremely talkative, finding various ways to chat with Jiang Li. In comparison, Jiang Li appeared much more silent. Though the journey wasn’t particularly long, Jiang Li still felt mentally exhausted. Even the most garrulous person in the Jiang Manor, Jiang Jingrui, seemed positively “demure” compared to Wenren Yao. She really couldn’t understand how this seemingly refined and jade-like young master had such an enthusiastic personality. Jiang Li swore that as long as Wenren Yao kept his mouth tightly shut and said nothing while standing on the street, he would attract far more attention than he did by seeking out conversation with young ladies.

The carriage arrived at the Duke’s Manor gates. Wenren Yao jumped down. Tong’er and Bai Xue helped Jiang Li down from the carriage, and saw that Wenren Yao had already familiarly told the gatekeeper to hurry and open the main gate.

As unceremonious as if it were his own home.

The Duke’s Manor’s main gate opened.

In both her past and present lives, this was Jiang Li’s first time entering the Duke’s Manor. The rumors about the Duke’s Manor were either gloomy and terrifying or scandalous and dissolute. A perfectly good manor was described like both a celestial realm and the depths of hell, with countless unspeakable tales. When Jiang Li walked in, she had only one feeling—it was very beautiful.

Different from the Ye family’s extravagant wealth and different from the Jiang family’s refined elegance, the Duke’s Manor, like its master, was gorgeously colorful. In the cold winter season, the manor’s garden was still a riot of colors. White snow covered the branches, though someone had carefully swept away the lingering snow that would have bent the petals. The more snow-white and silver-clad everything was, the more the vibrant spring colors stood out. Was it early spring or deep winter? It was difficult to distinguish. Like its master—was he passionate or heartless? Always confusing.

Wenren Yao was long accustomed to this. Seeing Jiang Li carefully staring at the flowers along the way, he said: “The flowers throughout this manor are all the Duke’s precious babies. You must be careful not to step on or touch them. Oh, it’s absolutely not because they’re too precious or because Ji Heng spent a fortune transplanting them and will turn you into fertilizer if you step on them. It’s because most of these flowers are poisonous—if you accidentally get them on your hands, you might face mortal danger.”

“Poisonous?” Jiang Li turned around in surprise.

“Yes.” It was Situ Jiuyue who answered. “The more gorgeous something is, the more poisonous. Flowers are the same.”

Jiang Li fell silent. Thinking about it, this seemed very much in line with Ji Heng’s character. Ji Heng wasn’t the type to spend a fortune nurturing things just for beauty. Moreover, he had said himself that he only wanted valuable things. Toxicity was the additional value these flowers carried.

Passing through corridors, flowerbeds, and winding around most of the walkways, Jiang Li even saw a martial arts training ground. Opening up such a large training ground in the Duke’s Manor could be considered quite rare. Nearby, weapons and archery targets were scattered sparsely. Wenren Yao, looking every bit the host, introduced: “This is Old General’s territory. Ji Heng was afraid Old General would injure his precious flowers while practicing with swords at home, so he specially set aside this space for him.”

Jiang Li: “…Fortunate that the Duke’s Manor is large enough.”

There seemed to be no female family members in the manor. However, as rumored outside, all the servants coming and going were bright and handsome, quite pleasing to the eye. But these servants must have all undergone rigorous training. Seeing Wenren Yao bringing people, they all kept their eyes straight ahead, each doing their own work without extra glances.

Finally, they reached the main hall.

This manor was quite large indeed. Just as they arrived at the main hall, they heard a burst of hearty laughter from inside, the sound resonating like a bell, invigorating to hear.

“Old Master—” Wenren Yao called out warmly.

Jiang Li stepped through the door and saw an elderly man in armor sitting in the center, holding a long spear with a red tassel, twirling it skillfully. Hearing Wenren Yao speak, the old master turned around, and the spear shaft, being too long, nearly poked Wenren Yao in the face.

“Young Yao, when did you return to Yanjing?” The elder widened his eyes, then looked at Situ Jiuyue and said: “Oh, Jiuyue’s here too!”

Wenren Yao whispered to Jiang Li: “This is Old General, Ji Heng’s grandfather.”

Jiang Li understood. Regarding Old General, she had only heard his name without seeing him. What she knew were stories of Old General’s brave battles in his youth. Seeing him now, the rumors were true. At least at such an advanced age, he could still be so vigorous—he must truly be a tough man.

However… Old General also seemed quite familiar with Wenren Yao and Situ Jiuyue. Jiang Li gained a different understanding of these two’s relationship with the Ji family.

But this action of Wenren Yao whispering with Jiang Li fell completely into Old General’s grasp. Only then did he notice there was someone beside Wenren Yao. He walked a few steps closer, sized up Jiang Li, and suddenly said: “Young Yao, haven’t seen you in a few years, and you already have a wife? Which family’s girl is this? She looks quite clever. How did she take a fancy to you?”

Wenren Yao: “…”

Jiang Li: “…”

This old master really didn’t mince words.

Wenren Yao said: “Old Master, what are you saying! What do you mean ‘how did she take a fancy to me’? What’s wrong with me? Don’t look at me like that. Countless girls in Northern Yan want to marry me. How come in your mouth I’m completely worthless?”

“Come off it.” Old General mercilessly exposed Wenren Yao’s lie. “Just you? Never mind anything else, my grandson is better than you in every way. He doesn’t even have a wife, yet you have one? If that’s not the girl being blind, what is it?”

Seeing the conversation getting more and more off track without anyone explaining her identity, Jiang Li had to step forward herself and say helplessly: “Old General, I am not Young Master Wenren’s wife.”

The room fell silent for a moment. Suddenly, Old General Ji burst into loud laughter, the sound so booming that even people in the courtyard could hear it. He said: “I knew it!”

Wenren Yao’s face turned red.

“Girl, who are you? How did you come to the manor with Young Yao? Are you Jiuyue’s friend?” Old General Ji asked.

“Not my friend.” Situ Jiuyue’s denial was very straightforward. “Someone Ji Heng knows.”

“Someone Ji Heng knows…” Old General Ji’s eyes lit up. He looked at Jiang Li as if a poor person seeing a pile of gold. He took a few more steps closer and asked: “Girl, what’s your relationship with that brat Ji Heng?”

“Grandfather.” Just as Jiang Li was bewildered by Old General Ji’s enthusiastic attitude, a cold voice came from outside the door. Turning to look, she saw Ji Heng walking in expressionlessly.

Usually, he either wore an ambiguous smile or an alluring light smile. Even if fake, he had never displayed such a cold demeanor. However, within this attitude was also a relaxed ease of letting down one’s guard that only those close would have.

“Oh, why is Second Miss Jiang here too?” A voice emerged from behind Ji Heng. Jiang Li recognized this person—it was Kong Liu. He held a plate of pastries, with Lu Ji following closely behind him.

Why were all these people here? Jiang Li only felt a headache coming on. Had she failed to consult the almanac before going out today? If she truly wanted to speak with Ji Heng, it would be in private, not hoping for others to know. But what was this? Was the Duke’s Manor hosting a family feast, so now everyone knew she had come uninvited to see Ji Heng?

“Girl, what do you want with our A-Heng?” Old General Ji pressed on.

Ji Heng tossed the plate in his hand onto the table and said coldly: “I asked her to come.” Before Old General Ji could say more, he said with a cold face: “Ask more questions, and there’s nothing to eat.”

Old General Ji immediately fell silent.

Jiang Li glanced at Ji Heng, feeling he was very strange today. He seemed to be in a bad mood. Kong Liu, seeing Jiang Li staring at Ji Heng in a daze, sidled up to her and said: “What’s wrong with Second Miss Jiang?”

“Nothing,” Jiang Li said. “I just feel that the Duke seems very unhappy today. Is it… because I came?”

“No.” Kong Liu clearly knew the reason well and enthusiastically explained to Jiang Li: “He’s always in a bad mood when cooking.”

“He cooks?” Jiang Li was shocked.

“Yes.” Kong Liu spoke as if it were perfectly natural, as if this were the most obvious thing in the world. He pointed at the table: “He made all of it. Old Master specifically requested it—even if he doesn’t want to, he has to do it.”

Only then did Jiang Li notice that the long table in the center of the main hall was covered with various dishes that looked, smelled, and appeared delicious. It was probably almost mealtime. Kong Liu then gestured to the plate in his hand: “Pastries made by the Duke himself. Want to try one?”

Jiang Li involuntarily looked at the plate following Kong Liu’s gesture and saw that the pastries inside were exquisitely made, with lovely colors and an enticing fragrance. They were even more beautiful than those made by Yanjing City’s most popular pastry shop.

She felt all of this was absurd, even having the illusion that none of it was real.

She looked at Ji Heng again. Ji Heng sensed her gaze and glanced at Jiang Li indifferently.

That glance lacked his usual pretended smile and could even be called casual and detached, yet it sent a chill through Jiang Li’s heart.

Uh, she seemed to have discovered yet another of Ji Heng’s secrets. Would she be silenced?