“Li girl, tomorrow you’ll enter the palace with us.” Old Madam Jiang said, “If you’re lacking anything or need anything, tell your mother. Your mother will prepare it for you.”

Jiang Li nodded in assent.

“This is your first time entering the palace since returning to the capital. Don’t break any rules. If you don’t understand something, just ask. If you don’t know what to do at the time, just follow what Youyao girl does.” Old Madam Jiang instructed carefully. “Clothing and jewelry have all been prepared for you. Tomorrow you represent the Jiang family’s face. I believe you can do very well.”

For Old Madam Jiang to praise her so unexpectedly, Jiang Li smiled and nodded, not showing a particularly excited appearance.

This fell into Jiang Yu’e’s heart on the side and made her very uncomfortable. Jiang Yu’e had watched as Jiang Li’s status rose bit by bit after returning to the residence. People always hate others having more and laugh at others having less. Seeing Jiang Li doing well was extremely grating to Jiang Yu’e’s eyes. She wished Jiang Li would fall into hell overnight and live even more miserably than herself—that would be satisfying.

“Li girl is truly impressive. This time His Majesty will personally bestow gifts. Among the younger generation in our residence, only Li girl has achieved this.” Lu Shi said with a smile. “I heard this year’s top scholar at the Imperial Academy is Ye Shijie. Ye Shijie is from the Ye family of Xiangyang. Speaking of it, he has some kinship connection with our Jiang family. He’s even Jiang Li’s cousin.”

Ye Zhenzhen had been dead for many years, and the Jiang family had no contact with Ye Zhenzhen’s natal family. For Lu Shi to mention Ye Shijie at this time was naturally to block Ji Shuran’s heart. After all, Ji Shuran’s nephew from her natal family hadn’t even made the honor roll at the Imperial Academy, let alone top scholar.

Hearing Lu Shi mention Ye Shijie, Jiang Li sighed slightly in her heart. She didn’t want to drag the Ye family into the muddy waters of the Jiang family. The Ye family was in Xiangyang. In the future, when she went to Xiangyang to pay respects to Xue Huaiyuan, she would still need to rely on the Ye family. Connecting the Ye family with the Jiang family might not be a good thing for the Ye family.

She wanted the Ye family to remain clean.

Ji Shuran smiled at Jiang Li. “Yes, I also think Li’er should interact more with Young Master Ye. Although Sister Zhenzhen has passed away, the two families are related by marriage after all. If Young Master Ye enters officialdom, our family’s Master can also help him out in the future. They’re all family—helping family is always better than helping outsiders.”

Hearing this, Jiang Li’s gaze shifted slightly.

Ji Shuran’s words could be said to be extremely sincere. But would Ji Shuran really be this kind-hearted, even having Jiang Yuanbai help Ye Shijie? This was absolutely impossible. Ji Shuran would only have people secretly suppress Ye Shijie. It wasn’t that Jiang Li deliberately thought of people’s hearts as dark. Rather, having stayed at the Jiang residence for so many days, she knew very well what kind of person Ji Shuran was.

Moreover, Zhou Yanbang had even proposed breaking off his engagement with Jiang Youyao to be with her. With all these various matters, it would be strange if Ji Shuran and her daughter didn’t hate her to death.

However, up until now, Ji Shuran and her daughter had been very quiet, not causing any trouble.

Thinking of this, Jiang Li looked toward Ji Shuran.

Ji Shuran smiled virtuously, as if she were truly a loving mother. But Jiang Li felt her gaze was more like that of a venomous python coiled on a branch, eyes narrowed, methodically sizing up its prey, emitting a sinister laugh, fangs still dripping with poison.

She was plotting something.

Jiang Li’s gaze then fell on Jiang Youyao.

Jiang Youyao was still young after all, not as seamlessly composed as Ji Shuran in her expression. She too tried hard to display a smile that ignored others, but ultimately couldn’t conceal the hatred in her eyes toward Jiang Li, along with a trace of excitement arising from some unknown source.

That gaze was sticky and cloying, making Jiang Li feel a sense of déjà vu. But in this fleeting moment, Jiang Li couldn’t recall when she had seen it before. The only thing she could confirm was that this gaze made her very uncomfortable, sending chills down her spine and instantly putting her on alert.

Yang Shi didn’t have much weight in her words in the Jiang family. Only her shrewd eyes kept rolling around, looking at Jiang Li one moment and Ji Shuran the next.

Old Madam Jiang didn’t say much more, only spoke to Jiang Li about some matters regarding entering the palace. Actually, Jiang Li already knew all of this. Back then, she had entered the palace as Shen Yurun’s family member. And as the Jiang family were court officials, the rules were actually much more relaxed.

After Old Madam Jiang finished giving all her instructions, quite a long time had passed. Thinking they still needed to go back and prepare, everyone dispersed from Wanfeng Hall.

Jiang Li left the entrance of Wanfeng Hall and walked toward her own courtyard. Fangfei Courtyard was in a corner of the Jiang residence, in a different direction from Jiang Youyao and the others’ courtyards, so naturally they didn’t need to travel together.

But unexpectedly, after walking only a short distance, someone called her from behind: “Second Sister.”

Turning around, it was the sisters Jiang Yu’e and Jiang Yuyan.

As for these two, Jiang Yuyan was one who didn’t speak, while Jiang Yu’e never had a pleasant expression toward Jiang Li. Just seeing Jiang Yu’e, Jiang Li knew the other party was plotting something again.

“Second Sister, you walk so fast, I could barely catch up.” Jiang Yu’e said warmly.

Jiang Li stood in place, unwilling even to engage in false pleasantries. She only said politely, “What does Fifth Sister want?”

Jiang Yu’e hadn’t expected Jiang Li wouldn’t even bother to put on a show. Her face showed some embarrassment, but after a moment, she quickly adjusted and smiled. “Today at Wanfeng Hall, before Second Sister arrived, I heard about something.” At this point, Jiang Yu’e deliberately paused before saying, “It’s about Third Sister’s marriage. Aunt said that Third Sister and Young Master Zhou’s marriage has been set, for late winter next year at the start of spring. I thought Second Sister might not know about this, so I came especially to tell Second Sister.”

Just for this?

Tong’er was somewhat angry. Jiang Li smiled slightly and said, “Thank you for telling me, Fifth Sister. I know now.”

Seemingly dissatisfied with Jiang Li’s bland tone, Jiang Yu’e carefully scrutinized Jiang Li’s expression. Seeing that Jiang Li showed no signs of pain or disappointment, she said, “Actually, the original engagement between Second Sister and Young Master Zhou was also a very good match. If Second Sister hadn’t encountered trouble, the one marrying into the Marquis Ningyuan’s residence now would be Second Sister. Young Master Zhou is one of the best matches in all the capital. Now Third Sister can marry into the Zhou family without lifting a finger. Second Sister is older than Third Sister, yet your marriage hasn’t been settled. From the bottom of my heart, I feel indignant for Second Sister.”

Jiang Yuyan looked at Jiang Li somewhat fearfully, wanting to stop Jiang Yu’e’s words. In the end, she only reached out to tug at Jiang Yu’e’s sleeve, not saying anything.

Jiang Li didn’t rush to answer Jiang Yu’e’s words. She only stared at Jiang Yu’e carefully, a smile on her lips. Her smile was gentle and clear, containing no emotion within, yet it inexplicably made Jiang Yu’e feel somewhat panicked.

To break through this sense of oppression, Jiang Yu’e asked Jiang Li, “Why is Second Sister staring at me?”

“It’s nothing.” Jiang Li said lightly. “I just feel somewhat moved that Fifth Sister worries so much for me. However…” she said indifferently, “I wonder if Mother and Third Sister know about Fifth Sister’s concern?”

Jiang Yu’e’s complexion changed at once.

In her eagerness to stab at Jiang Li’s heart, she hadn’t thought about how those words “feeling indignant for Second Sister” would sound in the ears of Ji Shuran and her daughter.

Jiang Yu’e forced a smile. “This is just intimate conversation between you and me…”

Jiang Li looked at Jiang Yu’e and smiled. “Actually, Fifth Sister need not worry too much about my marriage. My father is the current Grand Chancellor. No matter what, I can find an official family in the capital to marry into. Even if Mother doesn’t worry for me, there’s still Father and Old Madam. I’m the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family’s First Branch. I certainly won’t marry beneath my station, will I?” She looked meaningfully at Jiang Yu’e. “Although Fifth Sister hasn’t had her hairpin ceremony yet, you’d do better to worry more about yourself. Third Uncle’s current career prospects aren’t looking bright. Given Third Uncle and Third Aunt’s position, what kind of family Fifth Sister will marry into in the future is still uncertain.”

Seeing Jiang Yu’e’s face instantly turn ashen, Jiang Li’s mood improved considerably. She continued unhurriedly, “In this world, you must understand—although talent, appearance, temperament, and virtue are all important, without family background, they mean nothing. If not, just look at those young ladies at the Yihong Tower in the capital. Which one isn’t one in ten thousand, beautiful as a celestial being, with an orchid heart? Yet they can only be courtesans for life.”

After saying this, she didn’t wait for Jiang Yu’e to answer. She simply took Tong’er and drifted away.

Naturally, she didn’t see what expression Jiang Yu’e wore behind her.

On the way back, Tong’er laughed so hard she nearly stumbled. After returning to Fangfei Courtyard, she recounted the matter word for word to Baixue and the others. After finishing, she laughed heartily. “You didn’t see Fifth Miss’s expression at the time. Oh my, our Miss is truly capable! Comparing Fifth Miss to the young ladies of Yihong Tower in the capital—Fifth Miss must have been furious. Serves her right for having bad intentions and deliberately provoking!”

“Why does Fifth Miss always go against our Miss?” Mingyue was young and asked curiously. “If it were Third Miss going against Miss, that would be because Third Miss and Miss are both legitimate daughters of the First Branch. Third Miss is jealous. But Fifth Miss is from the Third Branch. Miss hasn’t gotten in her way at all.”

“She just can’t stand seeing others do well.” Tong’er blurted out. “She wants everyone to be as bitter and resentful as she is. Why should they? Miss is of noble birth. Why does she constantly compare herself to Miss? That Miss is better than her—isn’t that completely natural?”

Jiang Li listened to her maids’ discussion and smiled, shaking her head.

What was Jiang Yu’e after? Nothing more than unwillingness. Jiang Yu’e hoped to see her living miserably and despondently, heartbroken and sorrowful. That would make her feel superior. Jiang Yu’e even hoped to provoke her with Zhou Yanbang. But what Jiang Yu’e didn’t understand was that Jiang Li truly had no interest whatsoever in Zhou Yanbang.

To her, Zhou Yanbang was a stranger—and a rather annoying stranger at that.

Jiang Li said, “There are such people—born into poor circumstances yet restless, thinking all day about leaping onto higher branches, believing the whole world is unjust, unwilling in their hearts. Such people are capable of doing anything.”

The maids nodded as if half-understanding.

Jiang Li thought that from this perspective, Jiang Yu’e and Shen Yurun were actually the same type of person. The more humble one’s status, once one tasted the flavor of high places, the more one yearned for those heights. Once an obsession formed, one would use any means necessary to climb up. It was just that Jiang Yu’e didn’t know how to conceal her unwillingness, while Shen Yurun was too good at concealing his unwillingness.

So good at concealing that even his first wife never noticed, still thinking he was full of passionate ideals and ambitions.

How ridiculous.

Jiang Li’s smile slowly subsided. She thought again of that look Jiang Youyao gave her in Wanfeng Hall—that sense of déjà vu made her uncomfortable even now.

She had to be on guard.

After thinking for a moment, Jiang Li said, “Tong’er, bring me my box.”

The disturbance from the previous day didn’t affect everyone’s joy in entering the palace the next day.

When Jiang Yu’e saw Jiang Li again, she didn’t glare coldly at Jiang Li because of yesterday’s incident. She still wore a smile as before, even praising that Jiang Li’s skirt looked extremely beautiful.

Jiang Li replied, “Fifth Sister also looks very nice.”

Jiang Yu’e was nearly at the age of her hairpin ceremony. Although she was even younger than Jiang Youyao and was the youngest daughter in the Jiang family, Jiang Yu’e was tall—only slightly shorter than Jiang Li—and didn’t look childish at all. She wore a honey-colored brocade skirt embroidered with chrysanthemums on the hem, her long hair arranged in a cloud-hanging style, adorned with a jade butterfly-patterned hairpin with dangling ornaments and jade.

Actually, this wealthy attire instead buried Jiang Yu’e’s naturally gentle charm. But Jiang Yu’e herself was very happy. Probably because the clothing and jewelry for entering the palace were all prepared by Old Madam summoning tailors, Jiang Yu’e rarely had such valuable clothes and jewelry ordinarily. Therefore, she didn’t think it was bad at all and was very satisfied.

Ji Shuran was clearly pleased to see this scene. Jiang Yuyan had ordinary looks, and Jiang Yu’e was overdressed. Naturally, this would make Jiang Youyao stand out alone.

Jiang Youyao had indeed put in effort. Not to mention anything else, that rose-red gold-embroidered double-layered long-tailed phoenix robe was enough to attract people’s attention. Golden sparrow hairpin, eight-treasure bracelet, cherry-red ornamental cord at her waist, plus specially applied makeup. Ordinarily, Jiang Youyao rarely wore heavy makeup. For this palace visit, she had unusually drawn her eyebrows, applied powder, and dotted rouge. Her features were exquisite and charming, able to carry such heavy makeup. Standing beneath the flower bushes, she appeared more beautiful than the flowers, radiating brilliance.

If she entered the palace like this, she would indeed attract the attention of noble young men. However, Jiang Li was quite puzzled—since Jiang Youyao was already engaged to Zhou Yanbang, why would she dress up so elaborately?

After all, Jiang Youyao looked down on everyone else and would never actively attract others’ attention.

While Jiang Li was sizing up Jiang Youyao, Ji Shuran was also sizing up Jiang Li. Lu Shi was even more exaggerated, covering her mouth and laughing. “If I didn’t know these two maids, I truly wouldn’t recognize Li girl.”

Jiang Li habitually didn’t like elaborate dress. Perhaps Old Madam Jiang had also noticed her preferences. This time when she had the tailor make clothes, she didn’t choose bright red colors either. But because she had to have an imperial audience, it couldn’t be too plain—some color was still needed. Jiang Li wore a magnolia-blue double-embroidered satin garment with a jade-green cloud brocade skirt underneath—light and elegant shades of green. A gourd-shaped bun made her look especially fresh and spirited. She had no hairpins adorning her head, only two white jade earrings dangling, making her ears look delicate and exquisite, making her face appear white as jade.

She hadn’t applied heavy makeup like Jiang Youyao, only lightly drawing her eyebrows. Her eyebrows were like spiral black, her eyes like lacquer, her lip color pale, yet she had an unworldly air.

Together with Jiang Youyao, she was like green bamboo to red flowers, a secluded valley to fireworks. The latter was naturally lovable, but the former was easily imprinted in one’s mind.

Ji Shuran turned around and gently pressed Jiang Youyao’s shoulder. Only then did Jiang Youyao withdraw her resentful gaze.

On the other hand, Old Madam Jiang couldn’t help but look at Jiang Li a few more times. Among the Jiang family’s daughters, the Third Branch were born of a concubine—she looked down on them. The Second Branch had no daughters. The two daughters of the First Branch—she had originally thought Jiang Youyao was the treasured daughter who attracted affection. Now it seemed that Jiang Li, raised outside, was like uncut jade left on the shore, possessing her own spiritual elegance.

Which was better or worse—it was truly difficult to distinguish now.

Seeing both daughters standing gracefully, Jiang Yuanbai felt a sense of satisfaction at this moment and said, “We can set out now.”

Each branch rode in separate carriages. In the carriage Jiang Li rode, Jiang Youyao kept acting coquettish toward Jiang Yuanbai, perhaps to provoke Jiang Li.

Jiang Li only smiled as she watched everything before her, unmoved, which made Jiang Yuanbai somewhat uncomfortable. Jiang Li could tell that Jiang Youyao often acted coquettish toward Jiang Yuanbai. Jiang Yuanbai’s discomfort at this moment was perhaps guilt toward this daughter of his.

But she showed no signs of sadness. Seeing this scene, Jiang Youyao felt as if she had punched cotton—it was stifling. Even the habitually virtuous Ji Shuran didn’t stop Jiang Youyao’s provocative behavior. That made sense though—her own daughter acting coquettish and playful with her father was completely normal. Why would she need to stop it?

Seeing Jiang Li unmoved, Jiang Yuanbai actually felt slightly disappointed in his heart. This daughter had now blossomed into beauty and excellence. As her father, he wasn’t without pride. Jiang Li seemed to have no complaints about what he did back then, never grumbling. Perhaps this was Jiang Li being magnanimous, but Jiang Yuanbai felt more that it was because Jiang Li didn’t care.

Jiang Li was like someone observing strangers.

At this moment, Jiang Li sat in the carriage thinking of previous times entering the palace.

Back then, she had been truly and deeply joyful, proud of Shen Yurun’s achievements, feeling fortunate to be his wife. She feared making even the slightest mistake that would embarrass Shen Yurun, so she nervously practiced at the residence. She rarely had such nervous moments. At that time, Shen Yurun had even laughed at her, saying, “Don’t be afraid. If Ali makes a mistake and angers His Majesty, at worst I just won’t be an official anymore. I’ll go back to Tong Village with Ali to farm.”

She had pretended anger and moved to hit Shen Yurun, causing him to laugh heartily. Thinking of it now, it truly felt like a lifetime ago. In reality, she hadn’t embarrassed herself at the palace banquet. Instead, she performed very well, and the Empress even praised her intelligence. And Shen Yurun absolutely wouldn’t give up his official position and title for her. Instead, he would kill her to gain higher rank and title.

What she thought was real wasn’t real. What she thought were lies weren’t lies. Truth and falsehood—this time, walking the path she had walked before, she wouldn’t be blinded again.

She would also slowly walk to where she wanted to go, accomplishing bit by bit what she intended to accomplish.

Avenging her father and Xue Zhao, seeking justice for her own wrongful death.

The carriage traveled on. Toward the end, Jiang Youyao also stopped speaking and became silent. This family each harbored their own thoughts, only feeling that time passed quickly.

After about half a shichen, the carriage stopped.

The coachman outside said, “Madam, Master, we’ve arrived.”

Jiang Yuanbai got out of the carriage first. The maids and servants below came to help Ji Shuran and the others. As soon as Jiang Li stepped down from the carriage onto the ground separated from the palace gate by only a wall, looking at the deep palace walls, her emotions became complex for a moment.

It was this palace that nurtured someone as vicious and domineering as Princess Yongning, who used power to oppress the people. And it was for a place in the resplendent golden palace that Shen Yurun unhesitatingly sacrificed her.

This palace looked magnificent and splendid. Yet how many of those living inside were walking corpses? They wore gold and silver, seeming to have everything, but actually had nothing. Jiang Li pitied them, looked down on them, and was even more unwilling to associate with them.

“Second Sister, this is the palace gate.” Jiang Yu’e, who had gotten off the carriage behind them, said.

Jiang Li smiled. Jiang Jingrui uncomfortably twisted his neck. Today he too had to dress properly and couldn’t be as unrestrained as at the residence. For Jiang Jingrui, this was simply killing him. Jiang Jingyou beside him was as always very amiable—he and his father Jiang Yuanping were simply cut from the same mold.

Outside the palace gate, carriages from other official families were also arriving one after another. Those of lower rank even came over to curry favor and greet Jiang Yuanbai. However, the Jiang family had arrived somewhat late. Jiang Yuanbai still needed to see Emperor Hongxiao first, so they didn’t linger long outside the palace gate. Led by guides, they went directly inside.

Jiang Youyao had expected that Jiang Li, entering the palace for the first time, would surely be at a loss and overly nervous. If she could see Jiang Li make a fool of herself, that would be even better. But when she turned around, she saw Jiang Li slightly lifting her skirt hem, walking extremely leisurely.

As if the palace were her own back garden.

Jiang Youyao couldn’t help feeling stifled with anger. Even though it was her first time entering the palace, she was trembling with fear of doing something wrong. Yet Jiang Li didn’t seem the least bit intimidated. Jiang Youyao wanted to find fault with Jiang Li, but right up until they nearly reached their destination, Jiang Li performed flawlessly without a single mistake.

Old Madam Jiang was very satisfied. After all, among the younger generation who came today, only Jiang Li was most unfamiliar with the palace. She had feared Jiang Li would make mistakes. From what she could see now, Jiang Li did quite well and shouldn’t have any problems.

At this moment, in the grand hall of Yuming Palace, many official family members had already arrived. These madams and noble daughters were all family members of officials ranked third grade and above in the capital—of noble status. Since the night banquet hadn’t yet begun, most were chatting with acquaintances. At palace banquets like this, young ladies all tried hard to dress themselves up. Among these women, some had already had their hairpin ceremonies, others hadn’t yet, but all wished to leave a good impression at the palace banquet. Because among those entering the palace today, there were also many sons of official families and talented young men. Northern Yan’s customs were relatively more open than the previous dynasty. As long as young men and women didn’t do anything transgressive, if they had mutual affection, they could form marriage alliances through formal proposals.

And at places like palace banquets, most of those who came were well-matched in status, which was a great convenience.

Sitting in the eastern direction was a mother and daughter. The young woman was about sixteen or seventeen years old, wearing an emerald scattered-flower crepe skirt, a jade butterfly-patterned swaying hairpin on her head. She was quite beautiful. The woman beside her was also luxuriously dressed, but compared to the surrounding madams, her bearing wasn’t as natural, carrying a bit of a provincial air.

This mother and daughter were Shen Yurun’s mother and younger sister, Shen Ruyun.

Now that Shen Yurun was a Secretariat Drafter, Shen Ruyun and Madam Shen could naturally attend the palace banquet. Although Shen Yurun was widowed, everyone in the capital knew it was because Shen Yurun’s wife Xue Fangfei had an affair—such a wife dying was heaven opening its eyes. Shen Yurun himself was young and capable with unlimited prospects, and he was handsome beyond compare, refined and cultured. Many families set their sights on Shen Yurun, inwardly considering sending their daughters to the Shen family.

After all, the Shen household was simple, with only Shen Ruyun and Madam Shen. Once Shen Ruyun married out in the future, whichever family’s daughter married in could manage the household without dealing with a sister-in-law. She only needed to get along well with her mother-in-law. For many pampered young ladies, this was already quite good.

It was precisely because of these calculations that, considering Shen Yurun’s position, many noble madams came to curry favor with Madam Shen. They didn’t disdain that Madam Shen came from a small household originally. They enthusiastically flattered Madam Shen, and by extension lavishly praised Shen Ruyun, making even Shen Ruyun feel somewhat elated.

Nie Xiaoshuang and Zhu Xin’er—two young ladies from Mingyi Hall who had been in the same group as Jiang Li during the equestrian archery examination—were also clustered around Shen Ruyun talking.

Liu Xu on the side snorted lightly and whispered in Madam Liu’s ear, “This is the first time I’ve seen people scrambling to be someone’s second wife.”

Madam Liu tapped Liu Xu’s forehead and said in a low voice, “You talk too much!”

“But it’s true.” Liu Xu muttered. She really looked down on these classmates’ behavior. They were supposedly among the top noble daughters in the capital! That Scholar Shen had just lost his wife. Setting aside what kind of person Xue Fangfei was, Scholar Shen at least displayed deep devotion to his deceased wife. Those young ladies should think carefully—if he’s so devoted to his deceased wife, how could he remarry so quickly? If he remarries this quickly, then Scholar Shen isn’t as devoted as he appears. He’s someone whose words don’t match his actions.

Just as she was speaking, she heard someone nearby say, “I heard the marriage between Young Master of Marquis Ningyuan’s residence and Third Miss Jiang of the Grand Chancellor’s household has also been set for late next winter.”

At these words, Shen Ruyun’s expression immediately changed. She said, “Is it true?”

“It’s true.” Nie Xiaoshuang said, “I also heard my mother mention it a few days ago. The marriage between Youyao and Young Master Zhou was decided long ago. Now they’ve just decided on the date. It’s only natural.”

Shen Ruyun couldn’t help the resentment in her heart and said sarcastically, “I remember Young Master Zhou’s marriage was originally set with Second Miss Jiang.”

The people around looked at each other.

Shen Ruyun’s words weren’t pleasant to hear. No one dared respond. To respond would be to offend the Jiang family. Jiang Yuanbai was the current Grand Chancellor—who dared speak half a word of criticism about his daughter? But the younger sister of a Secretariat Drafter also couldn’t be easily offended, so they could only remain silent.

Yet in this silence, they couldn’t help but think of what Shen Ruyun said. Indeed, the one originally engaged to Zhou Yanbang was Jiang Li. For the younger sister to take the elder sister’s marriage—speaking of it, it wasn’t very glorious. Everyone looked at the Marchioness of Ningyuan’s expression.

The Marchioness of Ningyuan seemed to turn a deaf ear to all this, chatting and laughing with议郎大夫夫人, Ji Chen Shi—Ji Shuran’s blood elder sister—as if she hadn’t heard the surrounding discussion.

Whether she heard it or not, only she herself knew.

Liu Xu wanted to speak up for Jiang Li but didn’t know what to say. She could only frequently look toward the entrance, wondering why Jiang Li hadn’t arrived yet.

Just then, an announcing palace maid announced that the Jiang family’s female members had arrived.

Everyone looked toward the entrance. They saw Old Madam Jiang at the front, Ji Shuran ahead, Lu Shi following closely behind, then Yang Shi, and the Jiang family’s young ladies gracefully walking in.