The examinations at Mingyi Hall for both the Upper Three Gates and Lower Three Gates had finally concluded.

This examination arrived with great fanfare and ended with equal grandeur. Yet one name became known to everyone through this examination—Second Miss Jiang, Jiang Li.

She claimed first place in all six subjects: calligraphy, arithmetic, rites, music, equestrian arts, and archery. This was the first time in Mingyi Hall’s history. If this Second Miss Jiang had been a prodigy renowned since childhood, that would be one thing. But this Second Miss Jiang had been sent away right after beginning her studies and spent eight years alone in a nunnery. This was far more shocking than any child prodigy.

The gambling houses throughout the streets and alleys of the capital actually made a fortune. Because of the wager with Meng Hongjin, most people had bet on Meng Hongjin to win. Very few bet on Jiang Li to win, and even those who did only wagered small amounts. As a result, the house profited. The proprietors of the gambling houses became very fond of Jiang Li, and whenever they met someone, they would always say good things about her—having gained profits because of someone else, one ought to return the favor somewhat. As a result, Second Miss Jiang’s reputation actually improved considerably because of this examination.

Similarly, there were gains and losses. Second Miss Jiang had indeed stolen the show at the examination grounds, especially in music and equestrian archery. So many eyes witnessed Second Miss Jiang’s true abilities, making all the other young ladies at the venue pale in comparison. Therefore, this year’s examination was Second Miss Jiang’s solo performance, lacking the usual scene of competing beauties.

People remembered Jiang Li, while previously impressive figures like Jiang Youyao had long been cast to the back of everyone’s minds. Even when people remembered Meng Hongjin, it was only because she had injured Princess Yongning with an arrow at the archery range and made that ridiculous wager with Jiang Li—it had nothing to do with her own accomplishments.

Some remembered that Third Miss Jiang was sweet and lovely, charming and adorable, while others remembered that Second Miss Jiang was ethereally beautiful, graceful and intelligent. In this world of three thousand rivers, everyone has their preferred cup to drink from, but whether one could obtain their desired cup depended entirely on fate.

At the Marquis Ningyuan’s residence, Zhou Yanbang sat lost in thought. The pages of the book before him fluttered open in the wind, but Zhou Yanbang paid no attention.

Before his eyes appeared the image from the horse racing grounds—the young lady in green robes, free and flowing like the wind itself.

Zhou Yanbang had become somewhat obsessed. In all his past years, he had never been so attentive to any woman. Even with his formerly satisfactory fiancée Jiang Youyao, in Zhou Yanbang’s heart, women were not the most important thing. Marrying a young lady, clothing her in silk and jade, giving her the estate to manage—that was what a wife meant.

But now, Zhou Yanbang understood that the wife he desired was only Jiang Li.

That young lady was like a mystery. The more she disdained him, the more obsessed Zhou Yanbang became. Especially since Jiang Li had once been his fiancée—she should have been his person. If the Jiang family hadn’t encountered troubles midway, how could things be so troublesome now? Today at the horse racing grounds, besides himself, there were many others watching Jiang Li. Zhou Yanbang disliked seeing the gazes of those around him looking at Jiang Li.

She was his person—how could she be casually looked at by others?

Previously, Jiang Li’s reputation was poor, and it would have been difficult for her to find a good husband in the future. But after this examination, Jiang Li’s talents were known throughout the capital. She was so beautiful, the legitimate daughter of Jiang Yuanbai, and Jiang Li had already reached the age of hairpin ceremony. Probably before long, there would be people coming to propose marriage… With Jiang Li’s conditions, there would likely be no shortage of suitors.

Zhou Yanbang felt uncomfortable and somewhat restless. Just thinking about Jiang Li marrying someone else felt as if his own wife was being taken away—he was both extremely angry and regretful.

While he was worrying, a servant entered the room and said, “Young Master, the Madam has arrived.”

The Marchioness of Ningyuan walked in.

Zhou Yanbang quickly stood up. “Mother.”

The Marchioness smiled. “I had the kitchen make you some plum blossom cakes. The weather has been hot these days—eating some will refresh you.” Seeing the somewhat messy books on Zhou Yanbang’s desk, the Marchioness paused, looked at Zhou Yanbang inquiringly, and asked, “Yanbang, have you been troubled by something lately?”

Recently Zhou Yanbang often seemed distracted when doing things, and when she spoke to him about matters, he was frequently absent-minded. The Marchioness wondered if it was because the Imperial Academy had announced results and Zhou Yanbang was upset about placing third, so she consoled him: “Are you upset about the Imperial Academy matter? Yanbang, your father already said this isn’t your fault. We had never heard of this Ye Shijie before. But if he could surpass Young Master Li Jing of the Li family, he must have real ability. You needn’t worry too much. Your third place is also quite good.”

This year when the Imperial Academy announced results, Zhou Yanbang originally thought he would be second. In the entire Imperial Academy, only Li Jing, the eldest son of the Right Chancellor’s household, surpassed him. But this time Li Jing became second, he became third, and first place went to someone whose name they had never heard before—Ye Shijie—who apparently wasn’t from an official family in the capital.

“Mother, it’s not because of that…” Zhou Yanbang found it somewhat difficult to speak. He was the only son in the Marquis Ningyuan’s household. Both the Marchioness and the Marquis doted on him greatly. But to make such a request now, even Zhou Yanbang himself felt it was somewhat absurd.

“Then what is it?” The Marchioness asked curiously.

“I…” Zhou Yanbang gritted his teeth and said, “I don’t want to marry Third Miss Jiang from the Yuanfu Mansion. The one your son admires is Second Miss Jiang!”

The dessert plate in the Marchioness’s hand crashed to the floor with a “clang.”

“The Master has sent silver.”

In Fangfei Courtyard, Tong’er joyfully carried a small wooden box and placed it on the table.

Jiang Li opened the lid to see neatly arranged ingots of silver. She had heard that when Jiang Youyao performed well in examinations in the past, Jiang Yuanbai would reward her with silver. She didn’t know if this was to be even-handed, but he had also sent her silver.

However, Jiang Li understood that if it had been Jiang Youyao who claimed first place in all subjects this time, at least besides the silver, Jiang Yuanbai would have warmly congratulated her, rather than just saying a few simple words of praise before leaving.

Jiang Li wasn’t surprised. Between Jiang Yuanbai and a daughter who had been away from home for eight years, apart from guilt, it was really difficult to have particularly deep feelings. Of course he loved Jiang Youyao, who had been raised by his side, more. Now that Jiang Youyao was disappointed, naturally Jiang Yuanbai wouldn’t make a big fuss celebrating for Jiang Li.

Closeness and distance were evident at a glance.

She said, “Put the silver away. It will be useful in the future.”

Tong’er did as told and put away the silver. Mingyue knocked on the door from outside.

Jiang Li said, “Come in.”

After Mingyue entered, she closed the door, came forward, and said in a low voice, “Miss, this servant has inquired. That Miss Meng still hasn’t returned to her residence. Madam Meng is still waiting at the residence, and Lord Meng has gone to mediate. It seems this time Princess Yongning refuses to let the matter rest.”

Jiang Li nodded. “I understand.” This was something she had anticipated. Meng Hongjin probably wouldn’t fare well. Jiang Li had witnessed Princess Yongning’s methods of tormenting people. This time Meng Hongjin might cause Princess Yongning to be permanently scarred—how could Meng Hongjin have it easy?

If her predictions were correct, Meng Hongjin would be released tomorrow. But what Meng Hongjin suffered during this time, that was unknowable. Perhaps she received a tremendous fright, or perhaps Princess Yongning also left a few scars on Meng Hongjin’s body.

The Meng family was like a mute eating bitter herbs—suffering with no way to speak of it.

Hearing this, Baixue asked Jiang Li, “Then will the wager between Miss and Miss Meng still count?”

“I’d like it to count, but unfortunately it can’t anymore. Tomorrow Meng Hongjin definitely won’t come out. At that time, you should find a few people to declare at the Imperial Academy gates that I sympathize with Miss Meng’s fright. That wager was just a joke anyway—let it pass and never mention it again in the future.”

Tong’er was somewhat disappointed. “What a bargain for her.”

Jiang Li smiled. “Even if I don’t say anything, Meng Youde will find an excuse to nullify this wager, or have her apologize to me. In any case, he won’t let Meng Hongjin truly lose face. Just as if I had lost, Father would have found ways to evade the wager. The outcome was destined from the start. By saying this now, I can actually gain a good reputation—why not? “

Outsiders would see it and only say she was kind-hearted and magnanimous. Not only talented but also virtuous. Being aggressive always seemed too petty. Saying a few words didn’t matter and didn’t affect the outcome—why not?

In her previous life, she had been too indifferent to reputation, which allowed others to use her reputation as a blade against her. Now she wanted to have a virtuous reputation throughout the world. Wearing a mask to do things was always much simpler.

“Miss, you won first place this time. I heard that those who win first place enter the palace, and His Majesty personally bestows gifts.” Tong’er thought of something. “Won’t Miss soon be able to enter the palace for an imperial audience? This is a reward bestowed by His Majesty—the highest honor. No one will dare bully Miss anymore.”

Jiang Li laughed softly. Thinking back, the last time she saw Emperor Hongxiao was after Shen Yurun won the top scholar position. There was a palace banquet that night, and she attended as Shen Yurun’s family member. Countless people envied her as the new top scholar’s wife, after all Shen Yurun was romantic and debonair, with unlimited prospects. At that time, Princess Yongning even drank a cup of wine with her.

Her gaze dimmed slightly. Perhaps at that time, Princess Yongning had already set her sights on Shen Yurun and begun plotting against him. She herself was treated as an obstacle but remained foolishly unaware.

Now entering the palace again, she would surely see Princess Yongning. If it was a palace banquet, perhaps Shen Yurun would be there too. Only this time, she was no longer the Shen family’s wife but the Jiang family’s daughter.

Who could do anything to whom now?

She had taken another step closer to those two people.

In a residence not far from the Imperial Academy, lights were lit in the room at night.

Ye Shijie sat at his desk writing a letter.

He had placed first in the Imperial Academy examination. In a few days he would enter the palace to receive gifts from His Majesty, and before long he could take up an official position. He had to tell his relatives at the Ye family in Xiangyang this good news.

A few short lines had already conveyed the matter. For what remained, Ye Shijie held his brush hesitantly.

Jiang Li had also won first place in the Mingyi Hall examination.

Ye Shijie didn’t know whether he should write about Jiang Li. All these years, no one in the Ye family had ever mentioned Jiang Li’s name. Many years ago, that statement by Second Miss Jiang thoroughly broke the Ye family’s hearts and even caused Old Madam Ye to fall gravely ill. Since then, the Ye family treated it as if this young cousin didn’t exist, and even Ye Zhenzhen no one dared mention.

Under these circumstances, suddenly bringing up Jiang Li’s recent situation would seem very abrupt. Ye Shijie truly intended not to write it. But every time he was about to set down his brush, he would recall what Jiang Li had said to him.

“I was young at the time, and my maternal grandmother was far away in Xiangyang. My mother died early, and Father was busy with government affairs, mostly overseen by my stepmother. What I said may not have been something no one taught me to say, or someone threatened me to say.”

Those words Jiang Li spoke about the Ye family being merchants and wanting to sever relations with the Ye family—could it really have been someone manipulating things behind the scenes? All to make Jiang Li and the Ye family separate and never have contact again?

Ye Shijie discovered that he had already unconsciously begun to believe Jiang Li. Actually, he and Jiang Li hadn’t met many times, and they had only truly conversed twice. After meeting just twice, did he already trust her this much?

Ye Shijie found it somewhat incredible.

But he also found Jiang Li incredible. Under circumstances where the Jiang family so neglected her, she forcefully made everyone in the capital remember her name. And this name wasn’t a symbol of evil—when people mentioned it, they only felt Second Miss Jiang was quite talented.

She was a woman who claimed first place in all six subjects at Mingyi Hall.

Picking up the brush then setting it down, setting it down then picking it up again—after repeating this many times, just when Ye Shijie was becoming impatient with himself, his personal servant Yuanbao entered.

Yuanbao pulled out a letter from his chest, saying excitedly, “Young Master, a letter has arrived from Xiangyang.”

“A letter arrived?” Ye Shijie was startled. “But it’s not time for a letter yet.” He corresponded with the Ye family once every half month, and the round trip took a month. This timing shouldn’t be right.

“It must be that Madam and the others were worried about Young Master’s examination,” Yuanbao said proudly. “When Old Madam learns that Young Master placed first, she’ll surely hold banquets in Xiangyang for three days and three nights.”

Ye Shijie ignored him and opened the letter himself to read it quickly.

Seeing Ye Shijie’s face show surprise, Yuanbao asked, “Young Master, what is it?”

“Father and Second Uncle are coming to the capital to deliver goods.” Ye Shijie said, “They’re already on the road. They’ll arrive in about seven days.”

“Ah?” Yuanbao was stunned, then asked foolishly, “Then should we still write back?”

“Write it.” Ye Shijie said. But he would only write about himself. He thought, since Father and Second Uncle Ye were both coming to the capital, there would be family members to consult with. Regarding his doubts about Jiang Li, he could naturally let them discuss it then, which would be much better than giving himself a headache here alone.

Thinking of this, Ye Shijie immediately felt relaxed. In just a few moments, he folded up the previous letter, sealed it in an envelope, and handed it to Yuanbao, saying, “Send it back.”

Yuanbao cheerfully received it. “Right away!”

After the examination ended, Mingyi Hall temporarily didn’t require attendance. Students all rested at home for a few days.

On the second day, Jiang Li’s people declared at the Imperial Academy gates as Jiang Li had instructed that the wager with Meng Hongjin was void and need not be dwelled upon.

Once these words came out, the people of the capital raised their opinion of Jiang Li another notch. She had given her all in the wager, but after winning didn’t cling to it—she was magnanimous, kindhearted, and loving. Quite rare indeed.

This made Meng Hongjin seem like a joke in comparison.

Not only that, because Jiang Li appeared so gentle, some people even began to doubt whether there was some hidden truth behind the original incident of Jiang Li killing her mother and younger brother. Because such a gentle and lovely young lady didn’t seem like someone who could do such cruel things.

And Ji Shuran was a stepmother—this relationship was delicate, and speculations became diverse.

When these words reached Ji Shuran’s ears, she was quite angry. But because of this, she treated Jiang Li even more virtuously and lovingly, making even Jiang Li feel very uncomfortable.

In Shuxiu Garden, the maids inside and outside the courtyard were all working diligently. Everyone knew that Ji Shuran’s mood hadn’t been very good these past few days. The maids all feared being made an example of, so they worked even more carefully than usual.

Two maids guarded the entrance. Inside the room, even the ice in the copper brazier couldn’t dispel the summer heat. Summer had reached its tail end but was even more stifling, making people’s moods irritable and restless.

Ji Shuran was talking with her elder sister, Ji Chen Shi.

Ji Chen Shi had come to find Ji Shuran early that morning. Jiang Yuanbai wasn’t at the residence. Ji Chen Shi said, “What have you been doing these past few days? Do you know what people are saying about you outside? Even I have heard those idle gossip, saying that the matter of Jiang Li killing her mother and younger brother back then may not have been a play you staged.”

It was fine not to mention this matter, but once it was brought up, Ji Shuran was also full of anger. She said, “Elder Sister, why are you blaming me? These words are being spread by outsiders. Everyone up and down in my courtyard wouldn’t dare mention this matter.”

“No matter who brought it up, the more the rumors spread, the worse it is for you.” Ji Chen Shi said, “It’s all stirred up by that girl. How can you not even handle a little girl?”

Ji Chen Shi and Ji Shuran had a very good relationship before they married. Compared to Ji Shuran who always acted gentle and compliant, Ji Chen Shi was much more forceful.

Ji Shuran said irritably, “That girl is slippery as an eel with countless schemes. Never mind me—even if you faced her, you’d have difficulty. Did you see clearly with the Meng family this time? Meng Hongjin clearly lost her wife and lost her soldiers too. I originally thought that since Meng Hongjin wanted to deal with her, I could reap the benefits. Who knew Meng Hongjin was incompetent? Not only did she fail, but she got herself trapped too.”

“What happened?” Ji Chen Shi was startled. “The Meng Hongjin matter is also related to her?”

Ji Shuran then explained the matter between Meng Hongjin and Jiang Li to Ji Chen Shi in detail. Only at the end did she say, “Since Jiang Li returned to the capital, she hasn’t suffered a single loss. She’s about the same age as Youyao, but look how many more schemes she has than Youyao. If we let her stay in the residence in the future, how could Youyao be her match?”

“From what you’re saying,” Ji Chen Shi pondered, “Jiang Li can’t be kept. I’m afraid in a few more days she’ll become even more formidable. It’s best to send her away early.”

“You mean… arrange a marriage for her?” Ji Shuran said, “That’s not impossible, but the Master will surely inquire.”

“That’s simple,” Ji Chen Shi sneered. “There are countless young gentlemen who are gilded on the outside but rotten within. Just find someone who sounds good but actually isn’t, marry her off, and in two or three years she’ll be gone. Outsiders won’t notice anything—isn’t that very simple?”

“Elder Sister, please keep an eye out for me.” Ji Shuran said, “If there’s such a person, I’ll find a way to tell the Master and have him arrange the marriage.”

Ji Chen Shi nodded. The two were talking when they suddenly saw Jiang Youyao run in from outside. She ran so urgently she didn’t even see Ji Chen Shi. She only called out “Mother” once before her voice choked with sobs.

Ji Shuran was startled and quickly stepped forward to grasp Jiang Youyao’s hands. Seeing Jiang Youyao’s face covered in tear stains, she asked urgently, “Youyao, what happened to you?” She then angrily rebuked Jiang Youyao’s maids Jinhua and Yinhua, “How are you taking care of your mistress—”

“Mother,” before Ji Shuran could continue speaking, Jiang Youyao threw herself into her embrace, sobbing, “Young Master Zhou, Young Master Zhou wants to break off the engagement with me…”

“What?” Ji Chen Shi at the side slammed the table and stood up. “Youyao, what are you saying?”

Only then did Jiang Youyao notice Ji Chen Shi was also there. She called out “Aunt” once, then continued crying uncontrollably.

Ji Shuran had the maids close the door and asked Jiang Youyao, “Youyao, what nonsense are you talking about? How could Zhou Yanbang break off the engagement with you? You must have heard some rumor from somewhere…”

“It’s true! Jinhua’s older sister serves at the Marquis Ningyuan’s residence. Last night the Marchioness of Ningyuan and the Young Master quarreled. That maid bribed a servant in the Young Master’s courtyard and learned that the Young Master said—the Young Master said he wants to break off the engagement with me and marry Jiang Li instead!”

“Jinhua!” Ji Shuran said, “Is what Youyao saying true?”

Jinhua immediately knelt down and said, “This servant’s words are completely true. This matter is real.” Jinhua’s heart was also in great turmoil. Everyone in the capital knew that the marriage between Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang was already set in stone, something that even Jiang Li’s return couldn’t change. But at this critical juncture, Young Master Zhou actually proposed marrying Jiang Li instead—this was like flooding the Dragon King’s temple, their own people attacking their own people.

“This is absolutely outrageous!” Ji Shuran was furious. “What does Zhou Yanbang take our Jiang family for? Coming and going as he pleases?”

Jiang Youyao’s makeup was already ruined from crying. She grabbed Ji Shuran’s sleeve tightly. “Mother, what should I do? Young Master Zhou doesn’t want me anymore. He wants to marry Jiang Li instead… I’ll become the laughingstock of the capital. Mother, I don’t want this…”

Seeing her cry so pitifully and so heartbroken, Ji Shuran felt great distress. She only held Jiang Youyao’s hand and said, “Don’t worry, Mother will get an explanation for you. That Zhou Yanbang is so fickle, but our Jiang family is not to be selected at will. Breaking off an engagement won’t be that simple. Whoever wants to make you the laughingstock of the capital, Mother will make sure he regrets it for the rest of his life!”

With that last sentence, Ji Shuran almost ground her teeth to powder.

“Youyao, don’t worry yet,” Ji Chen Shi was calmer than Ji Shuran. She only said, “Since Zhou Yanbang and the Marchioness argued last night, it means the Marchioness doesn’t approve of Zhou Yanbang’s actions. Moreover, Zhou Yanbang has already broken off an engagement once before. How could he break off a second one? First the elder sister becomes the younger sister, then the younger sister becomes the elder sister—this would be the first time such a thing has been heard of in Northern Yan. If Zhou Yanbang still wants to be promoted and ennobled in the future, he won’t do such an absurd thing. Marquis Ningyuan won’t let him do it, and your father won’t agree either.”

Hearing this, Jiang Youyao felt somewhat reassured and asked, “Young Master Zhou won’t break off the engagement with me?”

“Of course not.” Ji Chen Shi smiled. “You’re the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family. Your father is the current Grand Chancellor. Who would dare treat you this way?”

“But Jiang Li is also a Miss of the Jiang family,” Jiang Youyao said unwillingly. “If only she weren’t part of the Jiang family. If she were just an ordinary person, it certainly wouldn’t be this troublesome.” If Jiang Li were just an ordinary person, with Ji Shuran’s family background, she could naturally make the other party retreat in the face of difficulties, or make her “disappear” without a sound.

“Even if she is part of the Jiang family, it’s not that troublesome.” Ji Chen Shi patted Jiang Youyao’s shoulder. “Youyao, you go down first. Your mother and I still have matters to discuss.”

Jiang Youyao originally wanted Ji Shuran to take charge for her, but seeing Ji Chen Shi’s expression, she knew Ji Chen Shi and Ji Shuran had important matters to discuss. She didn’t say much more and returned to Yaoguang Pavilion with Jinhua and Yinhua, tear stains still on her face.

After Jiang Youyao left, Ji Shuran said coldly, “Elder Sister, now you see how capable that little slut Jiang Li is. She’s only been back in the capital for how long, and she’s already hooked up with Zhou Yanbang. She truly has no shame!”

“Zhou Yanbang is young. Men are all the same,” Ji Chen Shi said. “A wife is not as good as a concubine, a concubine not as good as a stolen affair, and a stolen affair not as good as what one can’t steal. Back when the engagement between Jiang Li and Zhou Yanbang was still in place, when did Zhou Yanbang ever ask about her? Now that Jiang Li has returned, he suddenly remembers this marriage. It’s nothing more than three words: ‘can’t obtain.’ If he got Jiang Li, he’d start thinking about Youyao’s good points again.”

This speech of Ji Chen Shi’s analyzed the inferior nature of men to its extreme. Ji Shuran said, “Even so, just thinking that my daughter’s husband has his heart set on Jiang Li makes me feel sick.”

“That’s why we need to think of a solution.” Ji Chen Shi said, “I originally thought to make an issue of Jiang Li’s marriage. But now I think about it—if Jiang Li marries someone else, it would only leave Zhou Yanbang with a lingering affliction, making him feel even more ‘unable to obtain what he seeks,’ deepening his obsession with Jiang Li. He’d inevitably blame Youyao. I watched Youyao grow up. I treat Youyao like my own daughter. How could I bear to see her suffer such grievances?”

Ji Shuran said, “I think the same way. Elder Sister, but it’s not easy to make a move in the capital…”

“Make a move for what?” Ji Chen Shi shook her head. “We of the Ji family never act directly. Besides, what good is taking her life?”

Ji Shuran looked puzzled. “Elder Sister, what do you mean?”

“Isn’t it said that the top scholar from the Mingyi Hall examination will attend a palace banquet in a few days to have an imperial audience, with His Majesty personally bestowing gifts? At the palace banquet, quite a few people will come—all the great families of the capital. If something happens at the palace banquet, her reputation would truly be ruined.”

“You mean to make her…” Ji Shuran suddenly understood.

“Do you still remember Madam Shen, the wife of Lord Shen, the Secretariat Drafter? Such a beautiful woman—if we talk about looks and talent, she was good enough to enter the palace. But in the end, wasn’t she spurned by ten thousand people? Look, when she died, there wasn’t even a single person to speak well of her. Wasn’t it because she did something disgraceful in front of distinguished people? This Jiang Li is the same. Jiang Li doesn’t even match that one in looks and talent, and she has the reputation of killing her mother and younger brother. If anything goes wrong at the palace banquet, there will truly be no way for her to turn things around.” Ji Chen Shi spoke slowly and deliberately.

She spoke casually, but it made Ji Shuran understand instantly. Before her eyes, she could almost see the scene of Jiang Li being pointed at and gossiped about, filling her with excitement and satisfaction.

“I’ll arrange this matter. At the palace banquet, I’ll arrange a nice ‘lover’ for her.”

Ji Chen Shi glanced at Ji Shuran and said, “Fool, isn’t there one right before our eyes?”

Ji Shuran didn’t understand.

“I heard that this year’s top scholar at the Imperial Academy is Ye Shijie—that’s Ye Zhenzhen’s natal family. Jiang Li and that Ye Shijie are cousins at least. Cousins and such are most likely to develop something between them. Didn’t Jiang Li help Ye Shijie out of a predicament on the street before? I bet they might really have something going on.”

Ji Shuran’s face darkened. “You mean Ye Shijie? Why should she get such a bargain?” In Ji Shuran’s view, Ye Shijie could barely be considered a talented young man, and now he was even the top scholar at the Imperial Academy. For Jiang Li to marry Ye Shijie would really be too good for Ye Shijie. It would be better to have Jiang Li marry someone with nothing, someone everyone looked down on—an ugly, lazy lout. That would be satisfying.

“My dear sister, you must think more long-term. Is it really good for Jiang Li to marry Ye Shijie?” Ji Chen Shi said unhurriedly. “Ye Shijie has now won top honors and will soon become an official. Although the Ji family doesn’t take him seriously, he’s still an eyesore. If the Ye family rises through Ye Shijie, Jiang Li will have her maternal family to rely on. At that time, if you want to move against Jiang Li, it will be even harder.”

“At the palace banquet, if Ye Shijie and Jiang Li have an affair that becomes known to everyone, His Majesty will be furious and will surely blame Ye Shijie. Ye Shijie will have no hope of promotion and will be criticized by everyone. Jiang Li’s reputation will be ruined, and these two will have no choice but to marry. But after marriage, will they really treat each other with respect?” Ji Chen Shi explained methodically. “Ye Shijie will have ruined his future because of Jiang Li and will surely resent her. The Ye family will also blame Jiang Li for this. If the husband and wife develop a rift…” Ji Chen Shi smiled. “Wanting to live well will be as difficult as ascending to heaven. At that time, you can find a few beautiful maids from outside, or bribe people around Jiang Li to constantly sow discord. Then we won’t worry about Ye Shijie and Jiang Li not becoming enemies.”

“And in a marriage between enemies, women always have it harder than men.” Ji Chen Shi continued, “When Jiang Li is in Xiangyang, if you want to deal with her, it will be much easier than now.”

Ji Shuran suddenly saw the light.

Making Jiang Li and Ye Shijie “have an affair” could not only ruin Ye Shijie’s future and destroy the Ye family’s hopes, preventing the Ye family from ever rising, but also marry Jiang Li into a household that resented her, where nothing would go smoothly.

As long as she married to Xiangyang, Ji Shuran believed she had ten thousand ways to make Jiang Li’s life a living death.

“Thank you for your guidance, Elder Sister.” This time Ji Shuran was thoroughly convinced by Ji Chen Shi. “Elder Sister’s methods are much more thorough than mine.”

“Compared to Imperial Concubine Li in the palace, we two are still far behind.” Ji Chen Shi said, “You should quickly go comfort Youyao now. She’s been pampered since childhood. Zhou Yanbang humiliating her like this—she must be extremely upset. Don’t let her do something foolish in her impulsiveness and ruin your plan.”

Ji Shuran’s heart tightened. “I understand. I’ll go right now.”

Ji Chen Shi nodded with satisfaction.

On the other side, Tong’er told Jiang Li the news she had gathered.

“They say Third Miss is in a very bad mood. The servants at Yaoguang Pavilion have all been punished once. But someone saw that Third Miss was also crying…”

Jiang Li put down the book in her hands and said curiously, “Crying?” What could make Jiang Youyao angry was mostly herself, but Jiang Li didn’t think she could make Jiang Youyao cry. Since the examination ended, she had been staying at the residence without going anywhere, and hadn’t crossed paths with Jiang Youyao at all.

“Yes, no one knows what it was about. Later I heard that Lady Ji comforted her for quite a while before she got better, but then the Master got angry.”

Jiang Li was even more confused. But she had only been at the Jiang residence for a short time and had no way to place her own people there. Apart from Fangfei Courtyard, she could only rely on Tong’er to help gather information about matters in other courtyards. News gathered this way was always incomplete.

She had just said this when she heard someone outside the door calling her name: “Jiang Li! Jiang Li!”

It was Jiang Jingrui’s voice.

“Second Young Master is here again.” Tong’er curled her lips. Jiang Jingrui came too frequently—the tea in Fangfei Courtyard was almost all drunk up, and new tea wouldn’t arrive until next month.

Seeing Tong’er’s expression, Jiang Jingrui shouted, “Jiang Li, you should properly manage your maid. I’m the Second Young Master of the Jiang household. Others beg me to come and I don’t come. My coming here brings glory to this place. What kind of expression is that?”

Jiang Li was too lazy to correct his nonsensical words. She only said, “Why have you come again?”

She was originally a person of great patience and treated people quite amiably. But Jiang Jingrui was really too much of a troublemaker, and the things he said were rather unpleasant. Therefore, Jiang Li didn’t really welcome him.

Jiang Jingrui dramatically looked around in all directions, then pulled Jiang Li into the room and closed the door. Jiang Li felt helpless. If there were a traitor in Fangfei Courtyard, one look at Jiang Jingrui’s manner would make it obvious they were discussing secrets, as if afraid others wouldn’t know he had something to say.

After Jiang Li waited for him to close the door, she sat down at the wooden table. She watched as Jiang Jingrui familiarly had Baixue pour him tea.

Jiang Li said, “If you don’t speak soon, I’m leaving.”

“Ah, wait wait wait! This time I’ve brought you a huge secret.” Jiang Jingrui winked at her.

“Speak.”

“Ahem.” Jiang Jingrui cleared his throat, then deliberately lowered his voice. “Do you know? Young Master Zhou Yanbang of the Marquis Ningyuan wants to break off his engagement with Jiang Youyao!”

“What?” Even though Jiang Li was mentally prepared, she was still quite shocked by Jiang Jingrui’s words. If she remembered correctly, Zhou Yanbang had already broken off an engagement once before—with Second Miss Jiang—and it later became Third Miss Jiang instead. Now he was using the same trick again, breaking off the engagement with Jiang Youyao. What was he playing at?

“I knew you definitely didn’t know.” Jiang Jingrui seemed extremely pleased with himself for knowing a secret that even Jiang Li didn’t know. He said, “Guess why Zhou Yanbang wants to break off the engagement with Jiang Youyao?” He smiled mischievously at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li vaguely guessed some of the reason, but also felt it was absurdly unbelievable. No matter how much Zhou Yanbang fooled around, he surely wouldn’t go this far. She said, “I can’t guess.”

“It’s because of you!” Jiang Jingrui laughed heartily. “Zhou Yanbang regrets it now. He probably saw you shine at the Mingyi Hall examination and felt you were much better than Jiang Youyao. That’s why he decided to break off the engagement again and marry you instead!”

“How ridiculous!” The one speaking was Tong’er. Tong’er angrily set down the teapot in her hand on the table. “My Miss isn’t the Zhou family’s maid to be treated however they want! Previously breaking off the engagement was decided by the Zhou family. Now wanting to marry Miss again—did they ask Miss’s opinion? The Marquis Ningyuan’s household is simply bullying people too much!”

Even Tong’er was indignant on Jiang Li’s behalf.

Jiang Jingrui said curiously, “What’s there to be angry about? Although Zhou Yanbang isn’t much, he’s at least considered a talented young man in the capital, well-matched with the Jiang family. He’s also quite good-looking, and many young ladies admire him. Marrying your Miss wouldn’t be a loss. Besides, Jiang Li,” he looked at Jiang Li, “if you got together with Zhou Yanbang, Jiang Youyao would definitely be furious. It would be proof that you surpassed Jiang Youyao—that she’s not as good as you.”

Jiang Li was almost amused by Jiang Jingrui’s reasoning. She finally understood—Jiang Jingrui clearly had no brain. She said, “I’ve already surpassed her. Why would I need more proof, and prove it to whom? To make Jiang Youyao angry, I’d have to sacrifice myself? Am I crazy? Moreover,” she sneered, “no matter how good Zhou Yanbang is, I, Jiang Li, have no desire to pick up something others have used.” She wasn’t Princess Yongning, who specialized in picking up other people’s castoffs.

Jiang Jingrui stared at Jiang Li dumbfounded. The way Jiang Li spoke made Zhou Yanbang sound like some broken thing thrown on the street. And looking at Jiang Li’s expression, she truly disdained Zhou Yanbang—it wasn’t an act.

What Jiang Youyao treasured, Jiang Li discarded like worn-out shoes.

Jiang Jingrui said, “Why are you venting your anger at me? Zhou Yanbang was the one who brought this up.”

“What happened next?” Tong’er eagerly asked, “Did the Master agree to this?”

“How could that be possible?” Jiang Jingrui said disdainfully. “Previously, Zhou Yanbang broke off the engagement with your Miss because… ahem, something happened, and your Miss went to the nunnery. Now Zhou Yanbang proposes breaking off the engagement, but Jiang Youyao hasn’t done anything wrong. How could Uncle tolerate it? He’s already being merciful by not going to the Zhou household to demand an explanation.”

Jiang Li caught the key point in Jiang Jingrui’s words. “What? The Zhou family hasn’t sent anyone?”

“Tch, how would the Zhou family dare? Zhou Yanbang is crazy, but his parents aren’t. These were Zhou Yanbang’s own words. However, Marquis Ningyuan and the Marchioness didn’t agree. A servant in Zhou Yanbang’s household overheard them arguing and secretly told the servants in our household, and those servants then told Aunt. I heard Jiang Youyao cried quite hard. Aunt was still comforting her, and Uncle was very angry—he almost went to the Marquis Ningyuan’s residence himself.”

Jiang Li suddenly understood. No wonder Tong’er had heard that Jiang Youyao was crying—it was because of this matter.

“How did you find out?” Jiang Li asked.

“I overheard my mother talking with the wet nurse.” Jiang Jingrui said carelessly, “My mother is concerned about the First Branch’s affairs all day long. At the slightest disturbance, she knows about it much faster than you do.”

Jiang Li was speechless.

“That Zhou Yanbang,” Jiang Jingrui continued, “actually said he wanted to break off the engagement at this time. Clearly he’s truly infatuated with you. He wants to marry you as his wife. Jiang Youyao likes Zhou Yanbang so much—she’s probably furious. But this is also her own doing. When you were sent to the nunnery, Aunt started planning not long after to have Jiang Youyao take your place in marrying into the Marquis Ningyuan’s household. This shows that some things can’t be stolen. Even if you try.”

The way Jiang Jingrui said this, it seemed he was even somewhat proud on Jiang Li’s behalf.

Jiang Li didn’t share Jiang Jingrui’s good mood. She understood clearly that Zhou Yanbang proposing to break off the engagement and marry her was definitely not good news for her. At least in the hearts of Ji Shuran and her daughter, they must hate her a hundred times more than before—even a thousand times more.

Given the narrow-minded, ruthless nature of this mother and daughter, Jiang Li believed Jiang Youyao would definitely not let her off easily. To eliminate Zhou Yanbang’s thoughts completely, they might even cut the grass and pull out the roots.

Thinking it over, the palace banquet coming soon would be an excellent opportunity.

Jiang Li lowered her eyes. The crisis was gradually approaching.