Jiang Youyao hadn’t expected Jiang Li’s last sentence to turn toward her. She naturally caught the implied meaning and nearly jumped in anger, but could only desperately restrain herself.
Jiang Yu’e didn’t have Jiang Youyao’s composure. She already harbored resentment toward Jiang Li, and not noticing Old Madam Jiang’s approving expression toward Jiang Li’s words, she simply said: “We are young ladies who should normally be cautious in our words and actions. Second Sister may have acted righteously, but for a woman to publicly intervene in men’s affairs is still unseemly and damages one’s virtue.”
Ji Shuran inwardly thought this was bad. Sure enough, as soon as Jiang Yu’e spoke these words, Old Madam Jiang’s face showed displeasure. Staring at Jiang Yu’e, she said: “Oh? So standing by without helping and being cold-hearted is virtuous conduct? I see your family teachings have all gone elsewhere!”
Jiang Yu’e was stunned, not expecting Old Madam Jiang to suddenly attack her. In her heart she felt both ashamed and wronged, but didn’t dare argue with Old Madam Jiang. She could only lower her head and not make a sound, while in her heart she came to hate Jiang Li all over again.
Ji Shuran was also annoyed in her heart. Although Old Madam Jiang’s words about standing by without helping and being cold-hearted were directed at Jiang Yu’e, she had rebuked Jiang Youyao along with her. Though displeased in her heart, she still had to console: “Mother, don’t be angry. The children are young—it’s normal for them to be at a loss when suddenly encountering such matters. After all, Yu’e and Youyao have never experienced such things. It’s Li’er who has both courage and resourcefulness.” She smiled toward Jiang Li: “Daring to step forward.”
Jiang Li smiled and said: “I merely followed my heart.”
What fine words—”merely followed my heart”—yet they imperceptibly stepped on everyone else, making herself seem so noble. Ji Shuran’s smile became somewhat unnatural.
Old Madam Jiang continued: “Since we’re relatives, I didn’t know the Ye family child had arrived in Yanjing City. Do you know where he’s staying? Another day we could invite him to visit the estate.”
Ji Shuran was somewhat surprised, then even more annoyed in her heart. Regardless of everything, Ye Zhenzhen had been dead for many years, and the Jiang family and Ye family had long stopped associating. Now, because of this coincidence with Jiang Li, Old Madam Jiang suddenly wanted to reconcile with the Ye family—what did this mean? But if the Ye family and Jiang family reconciled, where would that leave the Ji family’s dignity?
“Things were hurried at the time. After this matter was resolved, I left and didn’t exchange a single additional word with Cousin Ye, so I’m not clear about it either.” Jiang Li said.
Hearing this, Old Madam Jiang felt some regret, while Ji Shuran breathed a sigh of relief. Then her brow furrowed tightly again. If the Jiang family truly wanted to find someone in Yanjing City, what difficulty would there be? If Old Madam had made up her mind to see Ye Shijie, even if Jiang Li didn’t know Ye Shijie’s situation, finding him would only be a matter of time.
Just then, Jiang Bingji, playing on the couch, drawled: “Mother, I’m hungry.”
Only then did Old Madam Jiang return to her senses. Glancing at Jiang Bingji, she said to Ji Shuran: “Take Brother Ji to have dinner.” Then to Jiang Li and the others: “You all haven’t eaten since leaving school—go back. This matter is considered settled. Don’t mention it again in the future.” Having finished speaking, she closed her eyes, as if weary and needing rest.
Feicui and Zhenzhu hurriedly saw the guests out.
Leaving Wanfeng Hall together, Ji Shuran departed with Jiang Bingji and the unwilling Jiang Youyao. Jiang Li was just preparing to walk toward Fangfei Courtyard when she saw Jiang Yu’e staring at her with a cold laugh, saying: “Second Sister truly has skill—with just a few words you coaxed Grandmother into confusion, not mentioning anything.”
Jiang Li’s smile didn’t diminish: “Thank you for the praise, Fourth Sister.” Her words were utterly sincere and her smile quite amiable, as if she hadn’t heard Jiang Yu’e’s sarcasm at all, which instead angered Jiang Yu’e considerably.
Seeing Jiang Yu’e choked speechless, only then did Jiang Li leisurely leave with Bai Xue. Behind her, Jiang Yuyan timidly tugged at Jiang Yu’e’s sleeve, saying softly: “Don’t always make trouble for Second Sister.”
“Go away!” Jiang Yu’e flung her sleeve, shaking off Jiang Yuyan’s hand, a trace of contempt flashing through her eyes: “How could I have such a timid sister like you—truly pathetic!” She walked away indignantly.
Jiang Yuyan lowered her head, standing silently in place, not knowing what she was thinking.
…
When Jiang Li and Bai Xue returned to Fangfei Courtyard, Tong’er saw that neither of them bore even a finger mark and finally relaxed. After thoroughly cursing the gossiping, arrogant, and shameless Jiang Youyao and the others in the courtyard, she plopped down in a chair and said: “Miss, why did Old Madam suddenly bring up the Young Master Ye? Is she going to reconcile with the Ye family?”
Tong’er hadn’t been with Jiang Li since birth. Before Jiang Li went to the family temple, Tong’er couldn’t even be considered a second-rank maid, so she didn’t know much about the Ye family matters. She didn’t even know why relations between the Ye family and Jiang family had cooled, or why Jiang Li didn’t associate with the Ye family.
“I don’t know either.” Jiang Li shook her head. “However, I think Old Madam probably only mentioned it in passing. If she were truly serious, she should have someone inquire further, but in the end, Old Madam clearly had no such intention.”
Tong’er thought for a while, then sighed: “If only Old Madam would truly reconcile with the Ye family—at least Miss would have protection from her maternal family. That Ji Shi should restrain herself somewhat in daily matters.”
Ji Shuran’s position in the main branch was as solid as a mountain. Besides bearing a son and daughter, wasn’t it also because the Ji family backed her? Never mind Ji Shuran’s father Ji Yanlin—even Ji Shuran’s full sister, the current Consort Li, was Emperor Hongxiao’s most favored beloved.
And Jiang Li only had a deceased birth mother and a maternal family with whom contact had long ceased. In the Jiang family, apart from blocking knives and fighting battles with her own strength, she had no other means to draw upon. This meant she would have a very hard time.
The difference between having backing and not having it lay precisely here.
“If only we had asked where the Young Master Ye is currently staying.” Tong’er was still unwilling: “Perhaps through Cousin Ye we could establish good relations with Xiangyang.”
“It’s fine.” Jiang Li said: “There’s still an opportunity now.”
Bai Xue asked in her muffled voice: “Didn’t Miss not ask about Cousin Ye’s situation?”
“No need for me to ask,” Jiang Li smiled and shook her head. “He’ll come to our door himself.”
Tong’er and Bai Xue looked at each other, seemingly not quite believing Jiang Li’s words. But no one expected that on the very next day, Jiang Li’s words would prove true.
That cousin from the Ye family of Xiangyang, Jiang Li’s eldest cousin in name, Ye Shijie, had come calling of his own accord.