Jiang Li arrived at Wanfeng Hall. Sure enough, Yin Zhili was there again. This time, Yin Zhiqing was also present. The congratulatory gifts they gave Jiang Li were packed in boxes, so Jiang Li had Tong’er carefully put them away. Old Madam Jiang was very happy and asked Yin Zhili some questions about Yin Zhan. After all, Yin Zhan currently had the people’s support in Yanjing.
And Yin Zhan seemed to have some friction with the Right Minister. Now the Right Minister had become like a grasshopper after autumn—he couldn’t hop around much longer. With Yin Zhan holding the fort, the Jiang family probably didn’t need to worry about anything.
The Jiang family hoped Jiang Li could spend more time with Yin Zhili, so they had Jiang Li accompany the siblings for a walk in the courtyard. Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou remained in Wanfeng Hall to look after Jiang Bingji.
Clearly understanding this was the Jiang family’s arrangement, Jiang Li didn’t object. She always appeared to docilely accept things on the surface. Yin Zhili walked ahead while Yin Zhiqing and Jiang Li fell behind.
The courtyard in the morning wasn’t very hot. Under the tree shade it was still quite cool. When the summer wind blew, green waves rippled, and seeing this put one’s heart at peace. As they walked, Yin Zhiqing suddenly tugged at Jiang Li’s sleeve and said softly, “Second Miss Jiang, have you ever been to the Duke’s Manor?”
Jiang Li was surprised and looked at Yin Zhiqing.
Today Yin Zhiqing also wore a bright red thin gauze dress. Such clothing, if worn poorly, would be frivolous, yet when she wore it, it perfectly complemented her brightness. Seeing Jiang Li looking at her, Yin Zhiqing said, “Previously I saw the Duke of Su in the palace.”
Hearing this, Jiang Li couldn’t help but stop walking.
“That Duke of Su should have just come out from the palace. We encountered him in the Imperial Garden. I thought we’d met once before, so I took the initiative to greet him. He returned the greeting. I originally wanted to talk with him more, but he seemed very busy and quickly left.”
“I see.” Jiang Li’s heart felt somewhat strange.
“I heard the Duke’s Manor has collected all kinds of rare flowers from the world and is the most scenic place in Yanjing City. Unfortunately, I’ve never been to see it. Since Second Miss Jiang knows the Duke of Su, have you been to the Duke’s Manor?” She stared at Jiang Li with a smile, yet her tone held a trace of imperceptible probing.
Jiang Li immediately detected it—probably because matters concerning Ji Heng made her especially sensitive, or perhaps it was because Jiang Li was already guarding against the Yin family. She almost didn’t hesitate before shaking her head. “No, I’ve never been to the Duke’s Manor. I don’t know what it’s like inside.”
“You also haven’t been to the Duke’s Manor.” Yin Zhiqing’s tone held some disappointment, but her expression clearly relaxed.
“The Princess seems very interested in matters concerning the Duke of Su?” Jiang Li asked in return.
“I suppose so. I’ve heard many rumors about him in Yanjing City, but haven’t seen him many times. I always feel this person is very mysterious.” Yin Zhiqing smiled. “But in the future there should be opportunities to meet. There’s no rush for the moment.”
What she said could be described as very straightforward and frank. Perhaps women from Yunzhong were naturally like this. But hearing it, Jiang Li felt somewhat uncomfortable.
“Ah, we’ve fallen so far behind Brother. Let’s catch up.” Yin Zhiqing pulled Jiang Li to Yin Zhili’s side. Yin Zhili had already noticed they’d fallen behind and was standing under a grape arbor waiting for them. Yin Zhiqing pushed Jiang Li toward Yin Zhili and smiled. “I suddenly feel a bit thirsty. Brother, Second Miss Jiang, you two chat here. I’ll take the maids to the tea room for some tea. Northern Yan’s summer is so much hotter than Yunzhong’s.” Having said this, without waiting for Jiang Li to respond, Yin Zhiqing left with the maidservants.
Jiang Li watched their retreating figures, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
“I apologize.” Yin Zhili was also somewhat embarrassed and apologized to Jiang Li. “My younger sister has no ill intentions. She’s very simple and doesn’t think things through carefully when doing things.”
Jiang Li said, “It’s fine. Young Master Yin needn’t explain to me. I can see the Princess and Young Master Yin have deep sibling affection. The Princess and Young Master Yin seem to be half-siblings from the same father?”
Actually, Jiang Li usually spoke gently and tactfully, rarely being so direct. But Yin Zhili was different—because he was always gentle and magnanimous, one couldn’t help wanting to see where his limits were, when he would become angry. So Jiang Li asked such a pointed question. If Jiang Yuanbai were here, he would probably say she lacked propriety.
But Yin Zhili only paused slightly, then smiled. “Yes, my birth mother passed away very early. Since I can remember, she was almost never there. Later… Mother treated me very well, as if I were her own. Zhiqing and I haven’t been distant since childhood.”
Jiang Li carefully observed Yin Zhili’s eyes as he spoke. From his appearance, he didn’t seem to be lying, which meant at least Lady Yin truly hadn’t mistreated Yin Zhili, which was why their mother-son relationship could be so harmonious.
Jiang Li said, “How enviable.”
Yin Zhili smiled. “Second Miss Jiang also has siblings.”
Jiang Li only smiled without speaking. If speaking of Xue Fangfei, she naturally had a deeply affectionate younger brother, and they were willing to give their lives for each other. If speaking of Jiang Li, she had no full siblings. There were only sisters like Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yu’e, but they were full of schemes everywhere, wishing for her death—how could that be called deep affection?
Yin Zhili probably also knew the Jiang family’s situation. Realizing he’d said the wrong thing, his face reddened somewhat. Just as he was about to change the subject, he inadvertently noticed the fan in Jiang Li’s hand. That fan was the one Yin Zhiqing had given Jiang Li. Because it had been hot recently, Jiang Li had started using it. The fan’s handle felt cool in her hand, and the wind it created also carried coolness—it was comfortable to use.
“Second Miss Jiang is already using this fan?” Yin Zhili smiled. “I thought Second Miss Jiang wouldn’t use it.”
“This fan is very good and comfortable to use. I must thank the Princess again.” Jiang Li answered. She said “the Princess”—regardless of whether this fan was actually selected by Yin Zhili, since it was given in Yin Zhiqing’s name, Jiang Li used it without any burden and there would be no impropriety regarding reputation.
She was also reminding Yin Zhili.
Whether Yin Zhili simply didn’t understand or understood but pretended not to, he smiled and said, “As long as Second Miss Jiang likes it. In the future, if Second Miss Jiang needs anything, you can also find me or Zhiqing. If we can help, we won’t refuse.”
Jiang Li looked at him with amusement. “Young Master Yin is truly too polite. Others would criticize this.”
“They shouldn’t.” Yin Zhili said, “Because Second Miss Jiang is mine and Zhiqing’s friend.”
He spoke with a smile, gentle in temperament. His gaze looking at Jiang Li was focused, carrying warmth, very clear and limpid. Jiang Li felt uncomfortable being looked at by him like this and could only turn her head away. She remained silent, not picking up Yin Zhili’s words because she truly didn’t know how to respond. But in her heart she suddenly grew tense. In the few times Yin Zhili had met with her, each time he had observed propriety. Although Jiang Li knew both the Yin and Jiang families viewed this marriage favorably, from Yin Zhili himself, she had never been able to discern his attitude.
He was good to Jiang Li, but not excessively so—just like with a friend, maintaining a very comfortable distance. That was why Jiang Li was willing to speak with him. Moreover, from his chess playing, Yin Zhili was a clever person. The previous few times, Jiang Li had shown her resistance to this marriage both overtly and covertly—surely Yin Zhili had noticed. If Yin Zhili were a proud person, he shouldn’t continue to draw closer.
But today, Jiang Li could feel that his attitude was more obvious than the previous times. Not only had he not retreated, he had actually taken a step forward.
Why was this?
Could it be the Yin family already had other plans and were about to start scheming? But they had barely met a few times—it wouldn’t be this fast, would it? Speaking of which, today was Second Miss Jiang’s sixteenth birthday. After turning sixteen, most noble young ladies in Yanjing City married at around this age. That Jiang Li still had no betrothal arranged was already considered quite late.
She barely maintained a gentle smile until evening, when the Yin siblings left the Jiang family.
This time, Old Madam Jiang finally didn’t have Jiang Li come to Wanfeng Hall to talk after seeing off the siblings. She probably also knew that Jiang Li simply wouldn’t listen to their persuasion, so she simply didn’t call for her.
Jiang Li returned to Fangfei Court.
Baixue brought over the two boxes the Yin siblings had sent today and asked Jiang Li, “Miss, these are things sent by Princess Pingyang and the Commandery Prince’s Heir Apparent. Should we open them?”
Jiang Li said, “Open them.”
Baixue did as told. What Yin Zhiqing sent was a set of jeweled hair ornaments—at a glance, clearly worth a fortune. Jiang Li guessed it might be something from among the rewards the late Emperor had given General Zhaode in the past. Such hair ornaments couldn’t be bought in shops—Yin Zhiqing had been very generous.
What Yin Zhili sent was a book. It looked ordinary, but when Jiang Li opened it to look, it was a hand-copied rare edition left by a great scholar of the previous dynasty—priceless even if one had money. This book was actually more expensive than Yin Zhiqing’s gift.
After glancing at it, Jiang Li said, “Put them in the chest.” She had no intention of opening this book or wearing these hair ornaments. Baixue did as told and put the things away. Not seeing Tong’er’s figure anywhere, Jiang Li asked, “Where did Tong’er go?”
“She said she was going to the kitchen to get some cold food for Miss, but she’s been gone for a while now. I don’t know why she hasn’t returned yet. Miss, should this servant go look?”
“It’s fine.” Jiang Li shook her head. “Perhaps something delayed her. I don’t have any urgent matters—I’m just asking.”
Jiang Li sat at the table and casually picked up a book to flip through. Somehow, her heart kept beating rapidly. She always felt as if something was about to happen. She couldn’t read even one page of the book before her eyes—her heart was terribly restless. She pressed her forehead and was about to rub it when suddenly someone knocked on the door outside. Baixue asked who it was, and Tong’er’s voice came from outside.
Baixue opened the door. Tong’er came in. Seeing her empty hands, Baixue said curiously, “Didn’t you go get cold food for Miss? Why don’t you have anything?”
Tong’er mumbled a few words. Seeing her like this, Jiang Li said, “If you have something to say, just say it directly. We’re all our own people—no need to worry.”
“It’s not… not worrying about that…” Tong’er hesitated for a while, looking at Jiang Li. Jiang Li nodded at her, and only then did Tong’er seem to gain courage and speak what was in her mouth. She said, “Miss, the Master wants to marry you to Young Master Yin!”
Even though Tong’er kept her voice very, very low when saying this, Jiang Li and Baixue were still startled by her. Baixue said, “What are you talking about? Why suddenly bring this up?”
“Tong’er, did you hear something? Don’t be afraid. Tell me and I’ll think of a solution.” Jiang Li comforted her.
Her voice was gentle. After the initial shock, she immediately regained her composure. As if influenced by Jiang Li’s calm, Tong’er gradually steadied herself. She said, “This servant originally wanted to go to the kitchen tonight to get cold food for Miss. It was hot, so this servant thought to take a shortcut through the rooms behind Wanfeng Hall—the route is shorter there. Who knew that when walking under the window, I happened to hear Old Madam and the Master talking.”
Tong’er was different from the manor’s little maidservants. The manor’s maids deeply understood the rules and usually handled things properly. But Tong’er had stayed with Jiang Li on Qingcheng Mountain for eight years—her thinking was very unconventional. Moreover, Jiang Li usually indulged her, so Tong’er frequently took such shortcuts.
“This servant heard the Master tell Old Madam… that General Yin won this great victory, so His Majesty will definitely reward achievements. When His Majesty rewards achievements, he will request that His Majesty issue an imperial decree arranging Miss’s marriage to the Commandery Prince’s Heir Apparent.”
Both Jiang Li and Baixue were stunned. Trading military achievements for a marriage? For young ladies from other families, this might be an honor, showing how precious they were and how valued by the husband’s family. But hearing this, Jiang Li felt as if in the blazing summer heat, a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her head, freezing her from head to toe into a block of ice.
Yin Zhan truly didn’t leave people any way out. If Emperor Hongxiao issued a marriage decree, this marriage would have no room for negotiation. Just like how the arrogant Princess Yongning back then—didn’t an imperial decree force her to obediently marry into the Li family?
The Yin family was willing to sacrifice military achievements to have her marry into their family—it seemed they were determined to become in-laws with the Jiang family.
Tong’er said, “This servant heard from Old Madam’s tone that she seemed very happy. She said Miss marrying into the Yin family would be fortunate—in the future she could rest easy without worrying about anything. The only concern was whether the Yin family would return to Yunzhong later. But General Yin accomplished great merit annihilating Prince Cheng this time, so His Majesty probably won’t make him return to the Northwest again. Moreover, having become in-laws with our manor, the Master and Second Master will also persuade His Majesty and find ways to make the Yin family stay.”
Jiang Li couldn’t help but laugh coldly. “The Yin family has truly calculated well.”
Tong’er was startled by Jiang Li’s expression. Her Miss was always amiable and gentle. Even when angry, she was angry without showing traces. Not like now—clearly angered severely, her whole complexion darkening, looking frightening.
But the words she’d heard still had to be continued. Tong’er continued, “The Master also said that now Miss has passed her sixteenth birthday. Once His Majesty issues the marriage decree, they can marry this winter. This servant wanted to hear more, but then there were footsteps coming from that direction, so I had to flee. Thinking of coming back to tell you this matter, I forgot about going to the small kitchen for cold food.”
At a time like this, who cared about a bowl of cold food? Baixue tugged at Tong’er’s sleeve, but Tong’er stared at Jiang Li with a face full of worry.
Both maidservants could see that Jiang Li clearly favored the Duke of Su. How could the Jiang family randomly matchmake and have Jiang Li marry Young Master Yin? Baixue thought about it and said, “Miss, should you go find the Master and speak plainly? Since Miss thinks the Yin family is inappropriate, state your reasons. After all, the Master is your father. As long as Miss speaks reasonably, he’ll listen.”
“Talking to him is useless,” Jiang Li said. “Father must also consider the Jiang family. Moreover, the Yin family comes with ill intentions and their methods are brilliant. Even if I speak to Father, he won’t believe me.”
“Then… should we go ask the Duke for help?” Tong’er asked carefully.
Baixue glanced at Tong’er. Tong’er looked back innocently. In Tong’er’s mind, whenever her Miss had trouble, it could be solved by going to the Duke’s Manor. If that didn’t work, have the Duke of Su negotiate with the Yin family. The Duke of Su was so capable—surely he could make the Yin family retreat without fighting.
Jiang Li’s hand pressed on the table, involuntarily clenching into a fist. The Yin family moved quickly and used such underhanded methods that she couldn’t find any opportunity to refuse. Because a daughter’s marriage couldn’t be decided by herself at all. The Yin family grasped the initiative, placing Jiang Li in an extremely passive position.
No wonder—no wonder Yin Zhili’s attitude toward her today was different. Clearly Yin Zhili already knew in advance that at the merit celebration banquet, Yin Zhan would request a marriage decree from Emperor Hongxiao. They regarded her as a turtle in a jar, just waiting to be slaughtered at will. In an instant, Jiang Li’s violent energy surged. Having died once, what she hated most was being controlled by others, that feeling of accepting adversity submissively.
If they wanted her, she simply wouldn’t let them have her!
Since she couldn’t refuse openly, she had plenty of methods in secret. She had originally wanted to properly see this Jiang family play through to a good ending, but she didn’t want to be treated as a shadow puppet, becoming a marionette in others’ hands. She wouldn’t watch this play anymore, wouldn’t play this game of chess anymore. She would jump out of the chessboard and from now on not be anyone else’s chess piece.
Jiang Li stood up, put on her outer robe, and said, “When it’s deep into the night, we’ll leave.”
Baixue asked, “Where is Miss going?”
“The Duke’s Manor.” Jiang Li removed the porcelain whistle from her waist. She hadn’t blown this whistle in a long time. Although Zhao Ke didn’t seem to be at the Jiang Manor anymore, Jiang Li decided to gamble once. When deep night came, she would blow this whistle and see what the result would be. If no one came, she would go by herself and find a way to make the trip to the Duke’s Manor.
Tong’er’s eyes brightened. “Is Miss going to see the Duke of Su… Would that be too risky?” She was half joyful, half worried—joyful that Jiang Li was going to find her beloved to solve the problem, worried because didn’t everyone say elopements had no good endings? Those stories of wealthy young ladies eloping with poor young men—in the end, they were all tragic conclusions of poor couples grieving over everything, with the wealthy young lady being abandoned.
However… her Miss wasn’t short of silver for now, and the Duke of Su certainly wasn’t poor. In that case, it shouldn’t be a problem, right?
Before she could finish thinking about whether this was a good thing, Jiang Li’s voice came. She said, “No. I’m going to see him to say farewell.”
Farewell? Baixue and Tong’er looked at Jiang Li, too shocked to speak.
In Jiang Li’s heart, however, what had started as hesitation slowly became resolute. It seemed she had no way to change this matter. The only thing she could do was leave the Jiang family. When Jiang Yuanbai discovered she was missing, he would naturally find a way to refuse this marriage. Only before leaving, Jiang Li still needed to bring Xue Huaiyuan with her. She planned to go to the Ye family tomorrow to honestly reveal her identity to Xue Huaiyuan and also properly bid farewell to Ye Mingyu. After all, having formed this friendship, Jiang Li had no uncle, yet she had long regarded Ye Mingyu as her own uncle.
She was going to see Ji Heng at night, aside from saying farewell to him—not wasting their acquaintance—she also wanted to beseech Ji Heng that if possible, he could help a little on the road when she and Xue Huaiyuan left Yanjing City. Avoiding Jiang Yuanbai might not be difficult, but if the Yin family also came searching for her whereabouts, Jiang Li wasn’t confident she could completely escape. If she were truly caught then, she would probably even implicate Xue Huaiyuan. They would also be curious why, having no familial ties, Jiang Li would single out Xue Huaiyuan to bring along.
She had no choice but to leave.
Night gradually enveloped everything. The courtyard grew quieter and quieter. Baixue and Tong’er watched from the courtyard entrance for a while and confirmed that almost everyone in the manor was asleep. Jiang Li stood before the window, opened her palm—in her palm lay that whistle. She placed the whistle to her lips and gently blew.
The clear whistle sound in the night was still distinctly clear. Even though Jiang Li was already using her hand to block and muffle some of the sound, in the courtyard where no one was speaking, it could still be heard clearly. Tong’er and Baixue stood behind Jiang Li, also nervously watching outside the window.
Jiang Li waited for a long while without anyone coming. Somewhat disappointed, she turned to Baixue and said, “We’ll figure out a way to get out ourselves.”
Just as the words fell, a voice came from the tree in front of her. “Where does Second Miss want to go?”
Jiang Li suddenly raised her head and saw that on the tree branch before the window, a person was crouching—who knew how long he’d been there? Seeing Jiang Li look up at him, he jumped down from the tree. It was Zhao Ke.
“When did you arrive?” Jiang Li was surprised. “I thought you weren’t at the manor.”
“I’ve been here all along. I arrived a while ago. Seeing Second Miss had no other instructions, I took a nap in the tree.” Zhao Ke said, “I heard Second Miss blow the whistle. Does Second Miss need something?”
He still had an appearance of knowing nothing. Jiang Li didn’t know whether he’d heard what Tong’er said earlier. But whether Zhao Ke heard or not wasn’t important, because Jiang Li would personally explain the reason to Ji Heng. She said, “I want to make a trip to the Duke’s Manor. I have something to say to Ji Heng. Is he at the manor now?”
Zhao Ke noticed that today Jiang Li said “Ji Heng” rather than “Your Grace”—it seemed like an equal form of address. He felt today’s Jiang Li was somewhat strange, but couldn’t say exactly what was strange. He only said, “The master is at the manor. Does Second Miss want to see the master now?”
Jiang Li said, “Yes.”
“Then Second Miss, please follow me.”
Jiang Li said to Tong’er and Baixue, “You two stay at the manor. After I see Ji Heng, I’ll return on my own.”
Tong’er and Baixue nodded. They couldn’t control Jiang Li anyway. They might as well go along with it—as long as Jiang Li was happy, that was good enough.
Jiang Li left with Zhao Ke. The lights in Fangfei Court also went out. Everything returned to silence.