Jiang Youyao running away—this was a fact no one had anticipated. Just yesterday during the day Jiang Youyao had still been there, yet early this morning when they went to check she was gone. Clearly Jiang Youyao could only have left the manor last night when no one was around.
Old Madam Jiang was so angry she nearly fainted. She immediately had Zhenzhu bring up the two maids from Yaoguang Residence for questioning. When Jinhua and Yinhua were brought to Wanfeng Hall, both were pale with fright, obviously aware that something major had happened. Old Madam Jiang looked at them and said coldly, “Speak.”
Jinhua hesitated somewhat. For some reason she was stubbornly loyal to Jiang Youyao—even at this point, she still didn’t want to betray Jiang Youyao, perhaps fearing that Jiang Youyao would settle accounts with her afterward.
Old Madam Jiang sneered coldly. “Someone come—drag these two maids out and sell them.”
“Sell” meant selling them to brothels. Jinhua was immediately scared out of her wits. They were originally personal maids to an official’s young lady. Such maids would either follow their mistress when she married and become concubines after the son-in-law gave them their faces, or marry out to become stewards’ wives. Either way was better than being sold to a brothel.
Before Jinhua could speak, Yinhua had already kowtowed to Old Madam Jiang on her own and said, “Old Madam, this servant knows where Third Miss went. Third Miss went to the Ji family!”
Jinhua was startled. How could Yinhua just blurt it out like that? Little did she know that Yinhua had long harbored resentment toward Jiang Youyao. Jiang Youyao had always been willful, beating and scolding the maids around her at the slightest displeasure. When Ji Shuran had been there to control her, she had restrained herself somewhat. Now that Ji Shuran was dead, perhaps Jiang Youyao’s temperament had grown even more volatile—she often didn’t treat Yinhua and Jinhua as human beings. Pitifully, as Jiang Youyao’s personal maids, not only could they not speak ill of their mistress, they had to endure this inhuman abuse.
Now that something had happened to Jiang Youyao, Yinhua was unwilling to let herself pay for Jiang Youyao’s mistakes for the rest of her life. Therefore, unlike Jinhua who was conflicted, she said, “Old Madam, last night Miss had this servant and Jinhua pack up gold, silver, and valuables for her. She also lured away the gatekeepers. We put laxatives in their tea, and while they were rushing to the privy, Third Miss escaped from the manor.”
Lu Shi said with surprise, “Escaped? Why would she need to escape from the manor? If she wanted to go to the Ji family, she could have gone herself, couldn’t she?”
Yinhua mumbled a bit before saying, “Third Miss thought that since the manor has confined her to quarters, she would never be allowed to leave the manor again in her lifetime, much less return to the Ji family. Third Miss said she must return to the Ji family. We servants didn’t dare anger our mistress—our indenture contracts are still in her hands… Moreover, this servant thought that first thing this morning we would report this matter to the Old Madam. That way, even if Third Miss went to the Ji family, the Old Madam could send people to find her.”
Old Madam Jiang’s expression was extremely ugly. The implication in Yinhua’s words was that Jiang Youyao clearly harbored resentment toward the Jiang family, which was why she wanted to seek comfort at the Ji family. Such a young lady was simply… foolish!
Lu Shi also chimed in, “Youyao is really too spoiled. How could she think the manor would confine her for a lifetime? It’s just that recently things are at a critical juncture—if she went out, it would actually be bad. Better to stay well in the manor and let the controversy blow over. How could she take good intentions for ill will and be so unable to judge people’s hearts?”
“Enough! Say less!” Old Madam Jiang said angrily. Lu Shi immediately fell silent. Old Madam Jiang continued, “Find the eldest for me. With something like this happening, he must go to the Ji family immediately to retrieve her! What would it look like if word got out that the Jiang family’s young lady was living at the Ji family!”
The Jiang family was already the subject of common gossip in Yanjing City because of Ji Shuran’s affair. If Jiang Youyao went to the Ji family now, what would others think? Although Old Madam Jiang kept saying Jiang Youyao was foolish, after all she had grown up before her eyes—the grandmother-granddaughter bond wasn’t false. If Jiang Youyao acted this way, in outsiders’ eyes it would only make them believe those rumors were true, that Jiang Youyao really was the illegitimate child of Ji Shuran and an outside man. Jiang Youyao would truly be ruined!
Seeing Old Madam Jiang’s agitation, Jiang Li sighed slightly in her heart. Even after Jiang Youyao had made so many mistakes, Old Madam Jiang still hadn’t completely given up on her. Originally having the best status, yet this foolish woman had brought things to an irredeemable state. This showed that ultimately, how one’s path turns out still depends on how one walks it oneself.
Jiang Jingrui said casually, “Why bother sending anyone? If she wants to return to the Ji family, let her return! Our manor will have one less mouth to feed—how wonderful.”
Lu Shi quickly pulled at Jiang Jingrui. Although she thought the same in her heart, seeing Old Madam Jiang’s expression, she clearly didn’t intend to let Jiang Youyao stay at the Ji family permanently. The Old Madam was already very angry—Jiang Jingrui adding fuel to the fire at this moment was not a good thing.
Jiang Yuanbai received the news as soon as he left court and hurried over. Hearing of this matter, his face turned ashen. Without another word, he took people to the Ji family to retrieve her.
After leaving Wanfeng Hall, Jiang Jingrui whispered to Jiang Li, “Do you think Jiang Youyao will come back with Uncle?”
“Of course.”
“Why?” Jiang Jingrui seemed quite disappointed instead. “Won’t the Ji family keep her? She’s still the Ji family’s granddaughter after all.”
Jiang Li said, “You know yourself she’s only a granddaughter. In Ji Shuran’s matter, the Ji family is already in the wrong—they won’t say much to the Jiang family. Moreover, Jiang Youyao staying at the Ji family isn’t good for her. Only by having her return to the Jiang family is the best outcome for both sides. As for Jiang Youyao’s own wishes, do they matter?”
Jiang Jingrui scratched his head and finally said, “You’re right. Her wishes aren’t very smart anyway.”
Jiang Li walked toward Fangfei Garden. On the first day of the new year, she hadn’t expected Jiang Youyao to give the entire Jiang family such a big surprise—this was also something Jiang Li hadn’t anticipated. Perhaps last night when Zhao Ke was leading her away from the Jiang family through the “back door,” Jiang Youyao was also secretly slipping out through the front gate.
Only… the trouble Jiang Youyao would face when she returned to the manor would be endless. At the very least, regarding her sudden loss of her mother, whatever little guilt Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang had would surely dissipate now.
Jiang Youyao would have nothing left to rely on.
In the afternoon, Jiang Yuanbai returned with his men. Jiang Li was in Fangfei Garden by herself, originally expecting to see an exasperated Jiang Youyao, but unexpectedly Tong’er came rushing in from outside. As soon as she entered, she shut the door and said to the bewildered Baixue and Jiang Li, “Something major has happened!”
“What?” Jiang Li asked. This manor had “something major” happening every few days—ultimately none of it was really that major. As for Jiang Youyao, Jiang Li didn’t think she could still stir up much trouble now.
“The master took people to the Ji family at noon to find Third Miss, but he came back empty-handed. This servant originally thought Third Miss insisted on staying at the Ji family, but later outside Wanfeng Hall I heard the Old Madam lose her temper terribly, and Second Master was still advising Master that the urgent matter was to quickly find her.” She paused before saying, “Third Miss didn’t go to the Ji family—she’s disappeared!”
“Didn’t go to the Ji family?” This time, Jiang Li’s gaze sharpened. Speaking of how clever Jiang Youyao was, she probably couldn’t even compare to Jiang Yu’e. If she didn’t go to the Ji family, where else in Yanjing City could she go… Could it be she went to find Jiang Yu’e, or rather Zhou Yanbang? After all, following Jiang Youyao’s temperament, in all the world, the people most worthy of her trust aside from the Ji family would only be Zhou Yanbang, the heir of Marquis Ningyuan, right?
Baixue also thought along the same lines as Jiang Li and asked, “Could Third Miss have gone to the Marquis Ningyuan’s Manor?”
“It’s possible, but if she really went to the Marquis Ningyuan’s Manor, they should quickly send someone to inform us.”
“Why?” Tong’er asked. “Are they in such a hurry to protect themselves?”
“Shen Ruyun is about to marry into the Marquis Ningyuan’s Manor,” Jiang Li smiled carelessly. “Shen Ruyun’s brother Shen Yurun is very protective of his own—he must have given the Zhou family fair warning beforehand. How would the Zhou family dare to be negligent? What does Jiang Youyao’s appearance matter? Moreover, with Jiang Youyao’s reputation being poor now, the Zhou family fears Zhou Yanbang being associated with Jiang Youyao—they’d avoid her if they could.”
“So you’re saying, as long as Third Miss went to the Marquis Ningyuan’s Manor, our manor will know about it very soon?” Tong’er asked.
Jiang Li nodded. “So there’s no need to worry too much. Although Yanjing City is large, Father hasn’t officially reported it to the authorities on the surface. As long as Jiang Youyao doesn’t encounter bad people, or even if she does encounter bad people, her whereabouts can be quickly discovered.” She turned around and said lightly, “We just need to observe and wait.”
This was Jiang Li’s thinking—she was certain Jiang Youyao couldn’t have gone far. Setting aside other conditions, just considering Jiang Youyao herself, she wasn’t the type to endure hardship. Outside, she would probably feel regretful after only half a day.
But unexpectedly, this thought of Jiang Li’s turned out to be wrong.
By nighttime, there was still no news of Jiang Youyao. Tong’er secretly went to familiar maids to inquire and heard that Jiang Yuanbai had also gone to the Marquis Ningyuan’s Manor to look for her, but still came up empty-handed. The people sent out to track down Jiang Youyao’s whereabouts also hadn’t discovered any trace of her. A perfectly good person had seemingly vanished into thin air. Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai were already discussing whether to report it to the authorities, but once reported, it would truly damage Jiang Youyao’s reputation.
After arguing for a long time, Lu Shi and Jiang Yuanping also joined in. Finally they decided that first thing tomorrow morning they would report it to the authorities. Reputation was certainly important, but life came first.
After chattering a bit, Tong’er and Baixue went out. Jiang Li got into bed, blew out the lamp, but couldn’t sleep. Thinking about Jiang Youyao’s matter, she felt it was strange.
How could such a big person disappear without reason? If she walked on the street, she would naturally be easily discovered. No acquaintances from official families would dare hide her. Jiang Yuanbai had even sent people to teahouses and brothels to see if she had been caught by human traffickers, but there were no results. There was no record of Jiang Youyao at the city gate checkpoints. Could it be… someone was hiding her?
Jiang Li pondered hard but ultimately couldn’t figure it out. So she turned over and closed her eyes. Tomorrow’s matters could wait for tomorrow—let Jiang Yuanbai report it to the authorities and have more people search. If they couldn’t find her… if they couldn’t find her, she’d ask Zhao Ke.
Perhaps he would know.
…
Early the next morning, when Jiang Li left Fangfei Garden to pay respects to Old Madam Jiang, as expected she didn’t see Jiang Yuanbai’s shadow—he must have taken people to report to the authorities. Lu Shi was also there, but without her usual shrewdness and capability, sitting dully to one side. She even shook her head at Jiang Li, as if warning her not to anger the Old Madam, to just observe and wait.
Old Madam Jiang was probably truly enraged. Ji Shuran’s matter hadn’t been resolved yet, and now Jiang Youyao had created another wave of trouble. The Jiang family would truly become the laughingstock of Yanjing City now.
The atmosphere in Wanfeng Hall was very somber. Just then, Feicui suddenly walked in, holding an invitation in her hand. She delivered it to Old Madam Jiang’s side while saying, “Old Madam, the mother of the Palace Drafter has sent an invitation.”
Palace Drafter? Jiang Li’s heart stirred. The Shen family? She involuntarily raised her head to look at the invitation in Old Madam Jiang’s hands.
Old Madam Jiang quickly finished reading the invitation and seemed somewhat weary, saying, “Decline it. These days we should avoid going out. We have no real dealings with the Shen family anyway. And there’s Fifth Girl’s matter—going would actually be awkward.” With a glance, she saw Jiang Li staring fixedly at the invitation in her hand.
Since coming to the Jiang Manor, Jiang Li had always seemed detached and aloof about everything. Whether jewels or silks and satins, when given to her she would only smile slightly without appearing overly pleased. This desire-free appearance was both comforting and somewhat unsettling, especially for the old woman and Jiang Yuanbai who wanted to compensate Jiang Li for past grievances. Now, Old Madam Jiang suddenly saw Jiang Li rarely show an expression of interest. After thinking it over, she said, “Second Girl, do you want to go?”
Jiang Li was startled. Lu Shi also looked her way. Jiang Li smiled slightly. “I’m just somewhat curious.” Though she said this, her gaze still lingered on the invitation.
Old Madam Jiang immediately understood. After considering for a moment, she said, “In that case, we’ll accept the invitation. Since they’ve invited us, not going would make it seem like the Jiang family lacks confidence. Originally there’s nothing wrong, yet who knows what they might say behind our backs. In two days, Second Girl, you should also dress up nicely and accompany me to the banquet.”
Lu Shi asked with curiosity, “Why is the Shen family hosting a banquet?”
Old Madam Jiang glanced at her. “The Shen family’s young lady is getting married. In ten days she’ll enter the gates of the Marquis Ningyuan’s Manor. Before marrying, they’re hosting a banquet.”
The Shen family had few members. Madam Shen only had one son and one daughter. Shen Yurun hadn’t remarried yet, and Shen Ruyun was getting married—for the Shen family, this was probably a major event.
Lu Shi nodded and said, “Then our Ah Li should certainly dress up nicely that day. Now…” She smiled, leaving the rest unsaid, but Jiang Li knew what she wanted to say. Now she had reached marriageable age—setting aside marriage matters, at the very least they should start selecting families.
But right now the timing really wasn’t very good, after all the Jiang family had just experienced so many incidents. But for Jiang Li, this was exactly what she desired. She didn’t want to marry—she only wanted revenge. Trapped in the inner quarters, how could she do what she wanted to do?
She couldn’t wait to remain unmarried.
But the Old Madam began seriously considering Lu Shi’s words. Previously deceived by Ji Shuran, Jiang Li’s marriage prospects had been delayed. Later they were also muddled by Jiang Yu’e. Although looking at it now, the Marquis Ningyuan’s Manor wasn’t such a great match, and Zhou Yanbang was absolutely not a good match either. But ultimately Jiang Li had suffered grievances.
Among the eligible young talents in Yanjing City, it was time to take a look. This banquet at the Shen Manor should also provide opportunities to meet quite a few—if she saw any who seemed suitable, she could have someone make inquiries, Old Madam Jiang pondered.
She didn’t notice that Jiang Li’s smiling lips had long since unconsciously turned downward.
…
During the two days before attending the banquet at the Shen family, the authorities still hadn’t found any trace of Jiang Youyao’s whereabouts. Because Jiang Yuanbai had given instructions to the people at the yamen, they didn’t spread Jiang Youyao’s full name—her reputation was preserved. At least for now, aside from those at the yamen, no one knew the fact that Jiang Youyao had disappeared.
Jiang Yuanbai’s expression grew uglier day by day. Jiang Li knew Jiang Yuanbai was actually worried—after all, she was his biological daughter. No matter how angry or disappointed, when it came to such a critical moment, he couldn’t help but worry. But for Jiang Li, this wouldn’t change anything.
On the day of attending the banquet at the Shen Manor, early in the morning Old Madam Jiang had Zhenzhu send over jewelry.
Several new outfits had been made during the New Year period but hadn’t been worn yet—now they could finally be worn. The jewelry Old Madam Jiang sent was also truly generous, a dazzling array. Tong’er selected jewelry to match the clothing and put it on Jiang Li, then carefully arranged Jiang Li’s hair and applied light makeup. Everything turned out extraordinarily well.
“Miss hasn’t attended a banquet in such a long time. This is just the right opportunity to let others be amazed.” Tong’er seemed never to know how to write the word “modest,” saying proudly, “Outshine all the other young ladies and make them so stunned their jaws drop!”
Jiang Li smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying. This time going to the Shen family, she wanted to search for more evidence. Although the evidence that could still be found was truly too slim—the Shen family must have cleaned up all traces after Xue Fangfei’s death. Shen Yurun had always been cautious and careful—he wouldn’t leave any evidence behind.
But she still wanted to take a look.
After leaving the courtyard, Old Madam Jiang’s party was already assembled. Lu Shi hadn’t brought Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou. Jiang Jingyou needed to study, and Jiang Jingrui was too mischievous—Lu Shi feared he would cause trouble at the banquet. Today there would also be some young ladies from prominent families. If anything went wrong, that wouldn’t be good. Lu Shi was also attending the banquet with the mindset of selecting a daughter-in-law for herself. As for the third branch, Old Madam Jiang had also sent someone to ask. Yang Shi said her health hadn’t been good lately and politely declined. Old Madam Jiang felt she had already done everything she could—if Yang Shi herself didn’t appreciate it, she need not urge further.
This way, only Old Madam Jiang, Lu Shi, and Jiang Li would attend the banquet.
Fortunately, Lu Shi and Jiang Li got along quite well. Along the way she chose topics to discuss with Jiang Li, so the atmosphere was harmonious. Only Jiang Li had matters weighing on her mind, so she was inevitably somewhat distracted. Lu Shi thought she hadn’t rested well last night, so she let her lean against the carriage to rest for a while, saying she’d call her when they arrived.
Jiang Li leaned against the carriage and closed her eyes, but how could she sleep? Her thoughts were chaotic beyond measure, her mind filled with all sorts of things from the past at the Shen family. Now returning to this old place—the place that had taken her life, the place that had deceived, hurt, and murdered her, the place where her once-conceived child was buried—she ultimately still had to make this journey again.
Before long, the carriage stopped. Lu Shi shook Jiang Li. “Ah Li, we’ve arrived.”
Jiang Li opened her eyes and followed Lu Shi in jumping down from the carriage.
The entrance to the Shen Manor remained unchanged from the past. The golden plaque inscribed with the four characters “Top Scholar of the Imperial Examination” was still bright and new, as if carefully wiped clean daily, showing not a speck of dust. Even the young servants at the gate looked familiar to Jiang Li, only the clothing they wore was far more luxurious than before.
Jiang Li supported Old Madam Jiang’s hand and presented their invitation to the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper respectfully stepped aside and ushered them in, never discovering that the young lady before him was the madam who had lived in the manor for three years.
Who could have imagined it? No one could imagine it.
Upon entering, refinement and elegance filled the view. Lu Shi said, “It seems Scholar Shen is also a refined person—the manor has a strong literary scholar’s charm.”
The Jiang family was also a family of civil officials. Scholars appreciated scholars—there was always a trace of mutual admiration. Jiang Li’s gaze turned cold. The Shen family did indeed appear refined, learned and courteous, but the wolfish ambitions beneath this gentlemanly appearance were unknown to anyone.
Upon reaching the courtyard, they discovered quite a few madams and young ladies had already arrived. There were also some young masters, though fewer young masters from official families attended. Jiang Li spotted Liu Xu. Liu Xu and Madam Liu had also come to attend the banquet. Seeing Jiang Li, Liu Xu excitedly ran over at a light jog. “I’ve finally seen you!”
Speaking of which, ever since Jiang Li returned to Yanjing City from Tongxiang, she had rarely seen Liu Xu. She no longer went to Guangwen Hall, and the Jiang family had experienced one incident after another. Aside from occasionally visiting the Ye family to see Xue Huaiyuan, she no longer moved about much. Liu Xu pulled her hand and sat down beside Madam Liu. Seeing her chatting with a familiar young lady friend, Old Madam Jiang also let her be.
Liu Xu said, “Are you doing alright? How long has it been since I’ve seen you? Two months or three months? Originally I wanted to send an invitation to visit your manor before, but hearing that things haven’t been peaceful at the Jiang family lately, it wouldn’t be good to rashly visit. I wanted to call you out to find me, but feared it wouldn’t be convenient for you to go out. I didn’t expect to see you here today.”
Jiang Li smiled slightly. “Recently many things have happened, but they’ve all passed.”
Liu Xu examined Jiang Li carefully. Seeing her expression didn’t seem false and she hadn’t grown haggard or thin, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. “As long as it’s passed, seeing you like this, I’m finally at ease. Why did only you come today? Where’s Jiang Youyao?”
Outsiders didn’t yet know about Jiang Youyao’s disappearance. Jiang Li smiled and said, “She’s at the manor, confined to quarters.”
Liu Xu said, “With that temperament of hers, she must have caused trouble again for no reason. It’s better she didn’t come. If she came, I’d really fear she’d make trouble for you.”
“Thank you.” Jiang Li also smiled, looking at Liu Xu. “Have you had anything going on recently?”
Liu Xu said, “Nothing much.” Speaking of this, she seemed to have some difficulty putting it into words, hemming and hawing. Seeing this, Jiang Li asked softly, “Is something wrong?”
Liu Xu glanced at her and sighed helplessly. “My father says it’s time to look for a marriage match for me. Coming to the banquet today, my mother is also here to see if there are any suitable candidates. Heaven knows I don’t want to marry at all. What’s good about marrying?” As she spoke, she looked toward Jiang Li, her eyes brightening. “Speaking of which, you must also be attending the banquet for this reason, right? You’re about my age—the Jiang family should have long since been looking for a match for you!”
“Perhaps.” Jiang Li smiled.
“Why do you look like you don’t care at all?” Liu Xu looked at her suspiciously. “Neither shy nor afraid, as if talking about someone else’s affairs.”
“Me?” Jiang Li came back to herself and smiled. “I’m also like you, originally unwilling to marry. But this kind of matter isn’t up to me to decide. Rather than worry needlessly, better to be at ease.”
Hearing this, Liu Xu also sighed. “Who told us to be born as women? Yet we suffer far more than men.”
Jiang Li raised her eyes to look elsewhere. Among those who came today were also Ji family members. Chen-Ji Shi was also present, only after greeting Old Madam Jiang, she sat far away on the other side. Because of Ji Shuran’s matter, the relationship between the Ji and Jiang families was also very awkward. There wasn’t much that could be said.
Besides this, Jiang Li also saw people from Right Chancellor Li’s family. Li Xian and Li Lian had actually also come, but thinking about it, this made sense. Since Shen Yurun had thrown in with Prince Cheng’s faction, and the Right Chancellor had long since colluded with Prince Cheng, Shen Yurun and the Right Chancellor were on the same side. Jiang Li noticed that many of the seated young ladies’ gazes kept turning toward the Li brothers.
Li Xian and Li Lian were both remarkably talented and handsome. Especially Li Xian—young yet exceptionally talented, he also held an official position. Although Li Lian looked like a dandy, his attractive appearance combined with his status still moved many young ladies’ hearts. These two brothers remained unmarried to this day, making them highly sought after among Yanjing’s noble ladies. However, regarding marriage selection, either the family was exceptionally open-minded and left the decision entirely to the children’s preferences, or the higher the status, the more important matching family backgrounds became. Others might fancy the Li family, but the Li family also had to approve.
Old Madam Jiang also noticed this and couldn’t help glancing toward Jiang Li. Seeing that Jiang Li only spoke with Liu Xu without casting a single glance at the Li brothers, she finally felt relieved. Although the Li brothers were fine, the Li and Jiang families were mortal enemies. If Jiang Li also admired the Li brothers, it definitely couldn’t happen. Fortunately, Jiang Li seemed to show no favor toward these two.
The young ladies coming and going today all kept their distance from Jiang Li. Although the charges of matricide and fratricide no longer stood, too many messy things had happened at the Jiang family recently. Everyone wished to stay far from trouble and didn’t want entanglements with the Jiang family. Jiang Li was also happy for the peace and quiet.
While talking with Liu Xu, Liu Xu suddenly said, “Oh, I didn’t expect Teacher Xiao to come too.”
Jiang Li raised her eyes to look. Xiao Deyin wore a loose purple dress, her sleeves flowing gracefully as she arrived. She always appeared gentle and elegant, and now was no different. Among a crowd of young ladies younger than herself, not only was she not outshone, but she possessed a unique beauty.
Many of the noble ladies here were also female students at Mingyi Hall, and immediately warmly greeted Xiao Deyin. Xiao Deyin accepted with a smile. When she walked to Jiang Li and Liu Xu’s side, Jiang Li and Liu Xu also stood up to pay respects to her.
Xiao Deyin seemed quite surprised Jiang Li was here, smiling and saying, “I didn’t expect you to come too. I haven’t seen you at Mingyi Hall these days. I heard you caught a chill—are you better now?”
She didn’t mention any of the Jiang family’s matters at all, as if considering Jiang Li’s situation very thoughtfully. Jiang Li also thanked Xiao Deyin for her concern. After Xiao Deyin walked away, Liu Xu sighed, “Among Mingyi Hall’s teachers, only Teacher Xiao is the gentlest.”
Jiang Li smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying. She too had once thought Xiao Deyin was the gentlest one. After all, someone who could produce such moving qin melodies must be a spiritually transparent person. Only the truth was ugly—the truth was chilling.
After sitting a while longer, the host family finally came out. Madam Shen and Shen Ruyun came out first, with Shen Yurun following. Madam Shen pulled Shen Ruyun along to greet the various madams and young ladies. Shen Ruyun wore rose-purple brocade robes with peony patterns and a long feizi skirt—quite magnificent indeed. She had also been carefully made up today. Perhaps because she would soon marry into the Marquis Ningyuan’s Manor and achieve her wish, she appeared especially radiant.
When Shen Yurun emerged, many noble ladies’ gazes that had been fixed on the Li brothers immediately shifted to Shen Yurun. Such an accomplished young talent with unlimited prospects—even just being a widower, he was still someone others scrambled to compete for. Moreover, this gentleman was also deeply devoted. Even after his wife committed such shameful acts, he remained steadfast—every woman in the world hoped her husband would be deeply affectionate. Someone like Shen Yurun, aside from having a somewhat thin family background, truly had no faults.
Madam Shen’s face couldn’t help but show a trace of pride. She loved this feeling of being surrounded like stars around the moon. Any one of the people who came to the manor today—a few years ago, their family would have had to look up to them with reverence. Yet now these people praised her children and fawned over her, making her feel that all past suffering had been worthwhile. Even if just for this moment of vanity.
Jiang Li took in Madam Shen’s expression completely. Having been mother and daughter-in-law with this woman for three years, she long knew what Madam Shen was thinking. She couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. Even if Shen Yurun rose in official rank and wealth, even if she became the mother of an upper-class person, the vanity and philistinism in her bones remained unchanged from before—in fact, she displayed it even more nakedly than before.
The Shen Manor’s family banquet was about to begin. Everyone took their seats. Maids brought up plate after plate of exquisite dishes. It had been so long—the Shen Manor now had many more servants, and even the taste of the food had changed, Jiang Li thought in a daze.
Back when she married into the Shen family, the Shen family had no foundation to speak of, living entirely on what Shen Yurun earned from calligraphy and Xue Fangfei’s dowry. She had budgeted carefully—daily meals couldn’t be too simple, yet even so, she was always criticized by Shen Ruyun and Madam Shen for not knowing how to manage a household.
Now the Shen family seemed not to lack silver. Every meal had abundant meat and fish, and they even hosted grand banquets. Who knew how much of the silver here had been gifted by Princess Yongning?
Just as Jiang Li thought of this, she heard a Shen Manor servant announce—Princess Yongning had arrived.
Everyone at the banquet was surprised. Why would Princess Yongning suddenly come?
The corner of Jiang Li’s mouth twitched. Princess Yongning would of course come. Wherever Shen Yurun was, she would follow without hesitation. Before it had been one thing, but the enthusiasm from the Tongxiang case hadn’t completely subsided yet, and the rumors about the person behind Feng Yutang hadn’t been cleared either. Princess Yongning should be keeping her distance from the Shen family—coming now, Shen Yurun probably wouldn’t be very pleased.
She inconspicuously glanced toward Shen Yurun seated at another table.
Shen Yurun’s lips held a smile as he turned his head to listen to what a colleague beside him was saying, casually glancing once toward the garden entrance. In that glance, Jiang Li clearly saw irritation and displeasure.
He and Princess Yongning had indeed developed differences.
Yongning was willful and clung to Shen Yurun tightly, not wanting to be apart for even a moment. However, in Shen Yurun’s heart, being with Yongning clearly wasn’t the top priority. At this time, given Shen Yurun’s temperament, he would only try every means to avoid suspicion. Yongning eagerly attaching herself to him like this would only make Shen Yurun annoyed.
Jiang Li raised the teacup before her and took a shallow sip, her smile gentle and soft.
“I didn’t expect the Princess would suddenly come,” Liu Xu sat beside Jiang Li, secretly talking with her.
At this moment, Princess Yongning also entered following the servant who was guiding her.
Today was a banquet Madam Shen was hosting for Shen Ruyun, yet Princess Yongning dressed even more magnificently than Shen Ruyun—a crimson red pearl-embroidered bodice, a flying bird embroidered long skirt, her hair arranged in a golden silk Eight Treasures pearl-studded coiffure. She was truly quite dazzling. Her lips were rosy red, her smile charming as she said, “Passing by coincidentally, this palace heard it was lively and only then learned there was a banquet inside. Coming in to take a look—Madam Shen won’t mind, will she?”
“Not at all!” Madam Shen smiled. “That Your Highness the Princess deigns to come brings radiance to our humble manor.”
Princess Yongning said delicately again, “Madam Shen is too courteous. Everyone needn’t mind this palace—continue as before.” She naturally sat down beside Shen Ruyun.
Shen Ruyun appeared as if she had received tremendous honor, sitting even more upright, her head held even higher.
Watching this made Jiang Li feel nauseated.
“The Shen family’s behavior is almost like rushing to curry favor,” Liu Xu said in a low voice. “Scholar Shen looks like an aloof person too—how is this family…”
“You can know a person’s face but not their heart.” Jiang Li only said one sentence. After all, whether Shen Yurun was truly aloof, she knew better than anyone.
Princess Yongning casually glanced toward Shen Yurun. Shen Yurun didn’t notice her. A trace of disappointment flashed in her eyes, then quickly disappeared as she began chatting and laughing naturally with the madams at the table.
There were truly many people currying favor with Princess Yongning. Yet Old Madam Jiang and Lu Shi sat without moving, not even actively greeting Princess Yongning. Princess Yongning was Prince Cheng’s sister. Prince Cheng colluded with the Right Chancellor, and the Right Chancellor was the Jiang family’s adversary—naturally there was nothing to say.
This banquet appeared harmonious between host and guests. The madams busily engaged in warm chatter—those evaluating prospects evaluated, those currying favor curried. After the meal, they went to view snow in the small garden pavilion.
Although no snow fell today, the refined Shen Manor had specially renovated a snow-viewing pavilion. The long pavilion corridor was also a fine sight. Liu Xu was somewhat lacking in interest. While other young ladies followed Shen Ruyun strolling about the courtyard, Liu Xu didn’t enjoy joining that commotion. She pulled Jiang Li along, the two of them strolling the garden alone.
After walking a while, Liu Xu needed to use the privy. Jiang Li waited outside for her, also walking about casually. Walking along, she suddenly saw in an open room a qin placed on a table.
This ancient qin appeared very precious at first glance, and should be used by a woman—very slender and delicate, with flowers and birds carved beneath the qin’s surface. When she had been Xue Fangfei, she had originally brought a qin—it was a gift from Xue Zhao, ultimately destroyed along with her death. Shen Yurun played qin but would never use this kind of maiden’s instrument. From the first glance at this qin, Jiang Li knew this was a gift from Princess Yongning.
Princess Yongning also played qin. Although perhaps her qin skill wasn’t exquisite, the world didn’t lack people who flattered her and praised her. Jiang Li entered the room and walked to this qin, reaching out to stroke the qin’s surface. A precious qin—touching it naturally wouldn’t feel rough, but rather distinctly refined. She could imagine that perhaps in the past, Shen Yurun had sat right here watching Princess Yongning play the qin, perhaps accompanying her, perhaps just smiling and watching. Thinking about it made Jiang Li feel nauseated.
Yet she sat down.
Without burning incense or washing her hands, she tested it, then directly began playing.
She played “Guan Shan Yue.”
The qin melody flowed leisurely, gradually carrying far away. The Shen Manor wasn’t as large as the Duke’s Manor, so naturally this qin melody wouldn’t fade away midway. Gradually it reached the pavilion corridor.
At first no one noticed, thinking it was some qin master playing. Gradually, listeners were also drawn in. Someone said, “Which qin master is this? Even a qin melody like ‘Guan Shan Yue’ can be played so superbly and divinely—who… who is playing this?”
“Right, right, right! Oh, Teacher Xiao, don’t you know the qin? This qin melody can already be called extremely fine, can’t it?” someone asked.
Someone unexpectedly asked Xiao Deyin. Xiao Deyin was currently lost in thought and didn’t respond for a moment. She only felt someone gently tug at her sleeve. “Teacher Xiao, what’s wrong with you?”
Only then did Xiao Deyin come to her senses. She forced a smile and answered, “Mm, played extremely well.” No one noticed that at this moment, her palms were completely covered in sweat.
Others could only hear the qin melody but couldn’t hear the qin’s heart. Yet she clearly felt the person playing was so familiar—as if it were that person, that person who shouldn’t exist… Xue Fangfei?
How could this be possible!
Xue Fangfei was already dead. The person playing must be someone whose qin melody resembled Xue Fangfei’s—she herself had made a mistake. Thinking this way, Xiao Deyin impatiently asked Madam Shen, “May I ask, Madam, who in the manor is playing? Could they be invited here for a chat?”
Madam Shen was also utterly confused. “Qin master? We haven’t invited any qin master to our manor.”
“Haven’t invited a qin master? Then who is playing the qin?” Everyone was surprised. “Could it be one of the young lady guests?”
Shen Ruyun happened to be present. She thought for a moment and said, “The manor only has one qin—it’s my elder brother’s, placed in the Western Garden’s tea room. If someone is playing qin in our manor, they can only play that qin. We just need to send someone to look and we’ll know who it is. Everyone needn’t be anxious. I’ll have someone go look right now—see who is playing the qin, then invite them over.” Having said this, she instructed a maid to go.
“Guan Shan Yue” still hadn’t stopped. The more it reached the stirring passages, the more flavor it had. Someone couldn’t help saying, “This qin melody is not far off from Teacher Xiao’s.”
Hearing this, Xiao Deyin felt a wave of anger in her heart. Once upon a time, all of Yanjing City honored her as the First Qin Master, especially after the Startling Swan Immortal Lady married. She had no more rivals. Yet in just half a year, first was Jiang Li, now this inexplicable person—this First Qin Master of hers, it seemed anyone could do it!
Besides anger, in the depths of Xiao Deyin’s heart was also deep fear.
It was truly too similar.
She still remembered the first time she heard Xue Fangfei play “Guan Shan Yue”—she had been so shocked she couldn’t believe anyone in the world could reach such a realm. At that time, she had also painfully discovered that her qin skill truly couldn’t match Xue Fangfei’s.
Fortunately, Xue Fangfei was dead.
But who was this person?
The maid Shen Ruyun had instructed to find the qin player arrived at the Western Garden room. The qin melody had stopped at some unknown time. The little maid entered the room and saw that precious flower-and-bird qin placed properly on the table, as if no one had ever been there.
Only a faint fragrance remained in the air.