Ji Heng arrived very late.
Even so, Emperor Hongxiao showed not the slightest displeasure, as if he were accustomed to it. Not only that, but including Prince Cheng, not a single person dared comment.
Jiang Li observed this. Although many people feared the Duke of Su because of his sinister, ruthless, and unpredictable temperament, Jiang Li believed that in the court, for the Duke of Su to dare act so freely, he must rely on something else. There were many arrogant and unruly people, but whenever they offended someone of higher status, naturally that person could teach them a lesson and make them suffer bitterly.
But it seemed no one who could teach the Duke of Su a lesson had appeared yet. Even the people from Dowager Consort Liu’s faction, though arrogant and domineering, probably hadn’t spoken disrespectfully to the Duke of Su. Even Princess Yongning, upon seeing the Duke of Su, said nothing more.
People in this world—those of low status feared those of high status, and those of high status feared those of even higher status. Although Emperor Hongxiao was noble as the Son of Heaven, his life probably wasn’t much easier than the Duke of Su’s.
Jiang Li thought that being a person to the extent of the Duke of Su could be considered satisfying. At least no one dared bully him, no one dared humiliate him.
Thinking of this, she found her own thoughts rather amusing and shook her head to dismiss these inexplicable notions.
After Ji Heng paid respects to Emperor Hongxiao, he found a seat. At the palace banquet, his seat was very close to Prince Cheng’s—almost on equal footing.
Jiang Li noticed that many young ladies at the banquet shifted their gazes from Prince Cheng or Shen Yurun toward Ji Heng.
After all, in terms of appearance, all the men in this hall combined couldn’t compare to Ji Heng. Handsome features like those of Shen Yurun and Ye Shijie seemed covered in dust when compared to Ji Heng.
Such a person was naturally born to be the center of attention, overshadowing everyone else.
However, the current Jiang Li had no joy whatsoever in physical appearance. Back then, Xue Fangfei was still the first beauty of the capital, yet in the end she still couldn’t prevail against glory and wealth. This showed that beauty alone wasn’t enough.
“The Duke of Su is quite valued by His Majesty.” Liu Xu quietly said to Jiang Li.
“His Majesty has no trusted aides,” Jiang Li smiled. “He can only rely on the Duke of Su.” Now Emperor Hongxiao’s throne was unstable, and Prince Cheng’s faction eyed it covetously. Previously Prince Cheng still had to restrain himself somewhat, but now the Right Chancellor and Prince Cheng supported each other, and Prince Cheng’s faction grew increasingly solid. On the other side, Jiang Li’s father Jiang Yuanbai, as the foremost among civil officials, had extensive power in the court. Perhaps the Jiang family had no treasonous intentions, but for a weakened emperor, the Jiang family’s strength was a threat.
On one side was the Grand Chancellor’s faction, on the other was Prince Cheng’s faction, plus Emperor Hongxiao himself. The current Northern Yan was like a tripod standing on three legs. Jiang Yuanbai’s power was extensive. If Jiang Yuanbai weren’t there, many matters in the court would probably be unable to function. On one hand, Emperor Hongxiao had to rely on Jiang Yuanbai to maintain stability in the court; on the other hand, he had to guard against Prince Cheng stabbing him in the back. Among the three factions, Emperor Hongxiao had instead become the weakest faction. Jiang Li felt exhausted for Emperor Hongxiao.
Most court officials were divided into two factions—one faction supported Jiang Yuanbai, these were the conservatives; one faction supported Prince Cheng, these harbored wolfish ambitions. There were very few people Emperor Hongxiao could use. Even after ascending the throne for seven years, Emperor Hongxiao had probably established some of his own trusted aides, but seven years was far from enough time to nurture ministers who could contend with the other two factions on equal footing. In this situation, Duke of Su Ji Heng was an excellent choice.
First, there was the old subordinate power of Ji Heng’s father, General of the Guards Ji Minghan, with troops under his command—his power was not weak. Second, Ji Heng’s grandfather, the old general, had grown up on horseback from childhood, firmly believing in loyalty to the sovereign and serving the country. His character was beyond question. Emperor Hongxiao used him with peace of mind. Third, this person Ji Heng was unpredictable and ruthless—such a person was harder to bribe. Combined with his usually mysterious movements, not befriending the Jiang family’s faction nor entangling with Prince Cheng’s faction—clean and pure, clear and white.
This being the case, for Emperor Hongxiao to value Ji Heng and regard him as a confidant was very natural.
However, would Ji Heng truly be content to be Emperor Hongxiao’s confidant? Jiang Li couldn’t help glancing at the young man in red. She always felt that Ji Heng wasn’t the unpredictable personality others described. The reason he was difficult to fathom wasn’t because he left no traces, but because he concealed himself too deeply.
Jiang Li also vaguely sensed something strange, but couldn’t say exactly what was strange. In any case, in the relationship between Emperor Hongxiao, Prince Cheng, and Ji Heng, Jiang Li detected something different—it wasn’t simply as it appeared on the surface.
Before she could think it through clearly, Liu Xu had already gently tugged at Jiang Li’s sleeve. “The palace banquet is about to begin.”
The palace banquet was about to begin, and everyone had to take their seats.
Jiang Li had to sit with the Jiang family’s female members, so she separated from Liu Xu. When taking her seat, Jiang Li sat between Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yu’e. The smile Jiang Youyao forced out toward her was full of malice. Jiang Li simply couldn’t bear to look.
If you don’t want to smile, then don’t smile. Why make yourself suffer in front of everyone?
Emperor Hongxiao hadn’t yet taken his seat. The Empress stood beside him, and Imperial Concubine Li stood slightly behind, but ultimately also stood beside Emperor Hongxiao. Jiang Li’s gaze flickered. Emperor Hongxiao’s favor toward Imperial Concubine Li was even more than she had imagined.
Emperor Hongxiao said, “I’ve heard that this year’s official academy honor roll has been announced, and both the top scholar of the Imperial Academy and the top scholar of Mingyi Hall are in this hall. Which ones are they? Come out and let me see what fine young men and young ladies you are.”
Jiang Li and Ye Shijie stood up at the same time.
Jiang Youyao’s hand under the table secretly twisted her handkerchief tight. Jiang Yu’e watched Jiang Li stand up with eyes wide, almost unable to conceal the jealousy in her heart.
Ye Shijie rose and walked toward the center of the hall. Jiang Li followed closely.
Probably because it was his first imperial audience, Ye Shijie tried hard to maintain composure but still couldn’t help revealing a trace of nervousness. His steps were slightly stiff. However, no one would criticize his nervousness here. Anyone who could claim top honors in the Imperial Academy examination deserved admiration regardless.
What surprised people was Jiang Li. With Ye Shijie as contrast, she appeared even more composed and calm, as if facing not the Nine-Five Supreme but ordinary family members.
A trace of interest appeared in Emperor Hongxiao’s gaze.
Senior Colonel Kong Liu had also come today. He sat beside Ji Heng, wearing his familiar armor, and said in a low voice to Ji Heng, “The little girl shows no timidity. Quite spirited.”
Ji Heng glanced at him and smiled faintly. “Nonsense.”
Jiang Li and Ye Shijie performed their salutations, and Emperor Hongxiao commanded them both to rise. First he looked at Ye Shijie and asked, “You are Ye Shijie?”
“Replying to Your Majesty, this commoner is indeed.” Ye Shijie said respectfully.
“I’ve heard you come from a merchant family, yet possess such learning and could dominate the Imperial Academy examination. Very good.” Emperor Hongxiao smiled. “I greatly value your ambition and must reward you well. The Ministry of Revenue recently has vacant positions. I’ll make you a Bureau Director of the Ministry of Revenue. Take up your post after the palace banquet!”
Hearing this, Ye Shijie was both shocked and delighted. He quickly kowtowed in thanks. “This subject receives the decree and thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!”
Jiang Li was also very surprised. She never expected Emperor Hongxiao would directly appoint Ye Shijie as Bureau Director of the Ministry of Revenue. Although this position seemed unremarkable, in the capital countless people wanted to squeeze into it. First, this was a capital official position. Many young people from the Imperial Academy had to be sent to local posts their first year, but Ye Shijie could remain in the capital. Second, this official rank was junior fifth grade. Jiang Yuanxing of the Jiang family’s Third Branch, relying on the Jiang family’s reputation and having mixed in officialdom for many years, was only a junior seventh grade collator.
Ye Shijie, just entering officialdom, had already walked ahead of many people!
Li Lian’s hand holding his cup trembled slightly. He had long valued that Ye Shijie would have achievements in officialdom and wanted to win him over. Everything had been proceeding smoothly, but midway, for some unknown reason, Ye Shijie suddenly distanced himself. Now Ye Shijie indeed performed as he predicted, with such excellent results upon entering service, but his relationship with Ye Shijie was far from what he originally envisioned. This was difficult.
At the men’s table, Jiang Yuanxing’s mouth turned bitter. A youth just entering service had a higher official rank than himself. After returning to the residence, Yang Shi would surely make a huge scene with him.
Jiang Yuanping and Jiang Yuanbai exchanged glances, both understanding the meaning in each other’s eyes. Speaking of it, Ye Shijie could also be considered a relative of the First Branch. People who had reached a certain position in officialdom always liked to employ their relatives. If Ye Shijie was material worth cultivating, supporting him more might bring returns in the future.
Ji Shuran frowned slightly. That Ye Shijie could become Bureau Director of the Ministry of Revenue at one stroke was beyond her expectations. She naturally couldn’t let the Ye family prosper. It would be best if the Ye family remained in decline. That way no one would remember Ye Zhenzhen, and she would be the only Grand Chancellor’s wife. However, thinking of what would happen tonight, Ji Shuran’s brow smoothed again. Never mind what happened with Ye Shijie or Jiang Li—after tonight, Ye Shijie wouldn’t have the fortune to enjoy this lucrative position of Bureau Director of the Ministry of Revenue. Two people with ruined reputations might not even survive this summer. Why care about current discomfort?
After Ye Shijie gave thanks, Emperor Hongxiao smiled and looked at Jiang Li. “I’ve long known the Grand Tutor’s household has a legitimate daughter but have never met her. Are you Second Miss Jiang?”
Jiang Li raised her head and smiled. “This subject’s daughter has met Your Majesty.”
Compared to Ye Shijie’s constraint, she was truly much more calm, much more composed, and much more tranquil.
She didn’t even have a trace of excitement from meeting the Emperor’s countenance.
Jiang Yuanbai, who had been somewhat nervous Jiang Li would make a mistake, breathed a sigh of relief at this scene.
Jiang Yuanping said, “Elder Brother, Li girl’s temperament is remarkably steady.”
Jiang Yuanbai was also somewhat dazed.
Emperor Hongxiao looked at the young lady before him. There was no fear of the imperial family in her gaze, yet it wouldn’t make one feel offended by disrespect. Rather it was very peaceful. Jiang Li’s eyes were very pure and clear, more like the gaze only young children had. Emperor Hongxiao wasn’t angry either. Noticing the prayer beads on her wrist and recalling that Jiang Li had lived in a nunnery for eight years, he asked, “Do you usually read Buddhist scriptures? Which ones do you read?”
“Replying to Your Majesty, when this subject’s daughter has free time, she enjoys copying Buddhist scriptures. Usually I read the Prajna Sutra, Avatamsaka, Golden Light, and Lotus Sutra.” She explained methodically.
Emperor Hongxiao smiled. “No wonder I see your temperament is so calm. Your nature would harmonize with the Empress Dowager.”
The current Empress Dowager loved worshipping Buddha. This statement from Emperor Hongxiao could be considered very complimentary to Jiang Li.
Jiang Li smiled in response, also sizing up Emperor Hongxiao. Emperor Hongxiao was now only twenty-seven, but looked older than his peers, appearing especially mature. Probably because as emperor he had many matters to worry about. Moreover, the current Northern Yan wasn’t as peaceful and prosperous as it appeared on the surface. Jiang Li could understand Emperor Hongxiao somewhat.
Emperor Hongxiao was also quite surprised in his heart. He had heard many rumors about Jiang Li early on, including killing her mother and younger brother. But probably because Jiang Li lost her mother in childhood, which made Emperor Hongxiao feel sympathy for a fellow sufferer. Toward Jiang Li, Emperor Hongxiao didn’t have much dislike. Now Jiang Li had also become the top scholar of Mingyi Hall. Combined with seeing her in person, Jiang Li was gentle and pure, unlike the evil person in the rumors. He developed some appreciation for Jiang Li.
Emperor Hongxiao said, “Minister Jiang, you’ve raised a fine daughter. She truly deserves to be called a treasured daughter. Since she’s the top scholar of Mingyi Hall, I also have rewards.” He waved his hand casually, and a eunuch-like person came forward holding silk, reciting a long list of names.
Nothing more than jewelry and treasures. Jiang Li listened with a headache. After all, Emperor Hongxiao couldn’t grant her an official position, and to bestow something like a county princess title now would be too abrupt. Jiang Li had no love for treasures and jewelry, so she listened very calmly. But Jiang Yu’e at the banquet, after listening, was almost overflowing with jealous acidity.
Kong Liu said, “See that? Second Miss Jiang is completely unmoved. Definitely a good woman who doesn’t eat the food of mortals and isn’t moved by glory and wealth.”
The corner of Ji Heng’s lips curved up, his smile slightly mocking. “What she plots in her heart isn’t limited to these, so of course she’s unmoved.” He glanced at Kong Liu. “Not everyone is as short-sighted as you.”
“I’m short-sighted?” Kong Liu said, “I can fucking shoot a willow leaf at a hundred paces!”
Ji Heng couldn’t be bothered with him.
After Jiang Li gave thanks, she returned to her seat amid everyone’s envy. Ji Shuran smiled and praised her. “Li’er has truly brought honor to our residence.”
“Second Sister is much better than me.” Jiang Youyao also complimented.
Ji Shuran behaving this way was one thing—Jiang Li knew Ji Shuran habitually loved making such gestures. But even Jiang Youyao had to suppress her displeasure to keep up appearances, which made Jiang Li somewhat surprised.
Jiang Youyao should be like Jiang Yu’e, staying silent and hating her to death in her heart.
She looked at Jiang Youyao carefully again and discovered that in Jiang Youyao’s gaze, there was also hidden anticipation and excitement. She couldn’t help becoming alert.
Regardless, the palace banquet still had to begin.
The dishes were sumptuous, but Jiang Li had no heart to taste them. Jiang Yu’e somewhat showily explained various dishes to Jiang Li, as if proving she had seen far more of the world than Jiang Li. Or she deliberately didn’t remind Jiang Li how certain dishes should be eaten, waiting to see Jiang Li embarrass herself. But Jiang Li either passed through safely or simply didn’t pick up that dish at all, causing Jiang Yu’e’s schemes to fail.
Later, Jiang Yu’e paid no attention to Jiang Li anymore. She only displayed her best side, intentionally or unintentionally turning her body toward the men’s table, probably “attracting attention.”
Jiang Li only found Jiang Yu’e’s behavior ridiculous. She didn’t know what Yang Shi was thinking, but if everyone in the Third Branch was like Jiang Yu’e, Jiang Li could understand why after so many years, Jiang Yuanxing was still only a collator.
Becoming a laughingstock without knowing it—naturally very stupid.
At the men’s table, Zhou Yanbang kept looking in Jiang Li’s direction.
Because Jiang Li sat with Jiang Youyao, when others saw this, they only thought Zhou Yanbang was looking at his fiancée Jiang Youyao. People around him even teased him. Zhou Yanbang smiled in response, but his thoughts were entirely elsewhere.
Breaking off the engagement with Jiang Youyao and making Jiang Li his wife again had now become Zhou Yanbang’s obsession. Unfortunately, the Marchioness of Ningyuan didn’t agree, and Marquis Ningyuan was even more furious when he heard. Zhou Yanbang also knew his idea was quite absurd. After all, the Jiang family wasn’t a small household. How could they break marriage agreements three times?
But Jiang Li was truly different.
Every time Zhou Yanbang saw Jiang Li, he could appreciate more of Jiang Li’s beauty. She looked different from all the noble daughters in the capital. The more distant she was toward him, the more unwilling Zhou Yanbang became. Zhou Yanbang knew that since the examination, Second Miss Jiang’s reputation had improved. Many noble families would begin turning their attention to Jiang Li. And recently during Emperor Hongxiao’s gift-bestowing, Zhou Yanbang could also clearly feel that many of these surrounding young gentlemen also watched Jiang Li without blinking.
Talented, gentle in temperament, pure and beautiful, the Grand Chancellor’s daughter with a respectable family background, and favored by His Majesty—among the noble daughters’ circle in the capital, she was one of the very best young ladies.
Zhou Yanbang’s heart clawed with anxiety, afraid he would let Jiang Li slip away like this. But his own marriage to Jiang Youyao was already set for late next winter. If nothing unexpected happened, he could only pass by Jiang Li.
Zhou Yanbang was very unwilling.
While he frequently looked toward Jiang Li, naturally he didn’t notice that his actions had already fallen into another’s eyes—this person was Shen Ruyun.
Shen Ruyun watched as her beloved could finally meet her face to face, and naturally felt joyful in her heart. But the joy was quickly dispersed. Although she was in the same place as Zhou Yanbang, Zhou Yanbang’s gaze never looked toward her but always toward Jiang Youyao’s direction.
Shen Ruyun was very sad. In her heart she admired Zhou Yanbang, but previously her status didn’t match his. Now she was already the younger sister of the top scholar, and her elder brother was also a court official. She could stand together with Zhou Yanbang, but Zhou Yanbang already had a marriage agreement.
If it were just a marriage agreement, that would be one thing. But Shen Ruyun could also clearly see that Zhou Yanbang’s gaze toward Jiang Youyao was full of tender affection, representing that Zhou Yanbang also had Jiang Youyao in his heart.
Shen Ruyun’s heart instantly plummeted. Beyond sadness, unwillingness and jealousy arose. She only wished some twists and turns would appear in Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang’s marriage, preventing this marriage from becoming reality.
Jiang Li, enjoying the dishes, also found them tasteless. Just seeing Shen Yurun and Princess Yongning made her too disgusted to eat. However, the palace banquet had to continue, so she could only suppress her discomfort and reluctantly carry on.
This palace banquet lasted quite long. The officials exchanged toasts and talked official talk. The madams engaged in idle gossip, exchanging trivial anecdotes from their residences. The young ladies and young gentlemen, separated by the long curtain between men’s and women’s tables, secretly glanced at each other from time to time. Those who accidentally met eyes quickly looked away as if nothing happened, actually secretly memorizing the other’s appearance and movements, planning to inquire after returning home.
Each had their own form—a different scene showing all living beings.
Between Prince Cheng and Emperor Hongxiao, there was brotherly affection on the surface, but the underlying turbulent undercurrents were unknown to others. The Empress Dowager was calm as always. Dowager Consort Liu spoke with the Empress. Imperial Concubine Li sat gently to one side, occasionally pouring wine for the Emperor—doing something that shouldn’t be her duty very naturally and intimately.
In the white jade porcelain bottles on the table was apricot blossom wine. Because the female family members couldn’t hold their liquor well, the wine prepared at the palace night banquet was also sweet fruit wine that wasn’t intoxicating. Before Jiang Li was placed only a cup of tea, but she hadn’t touched the wine cup at all. Ever since the incident at Madam Shen’s birthday banquet, whenever Jiang Li thought of it, she felt that if she hadn’t drunk that cup of wine back then, now would probably be a completely different scene.
Drinking led to mistakes. She would never touch a drop of alcohol again. The more it was a major occasion like a palace banquet, the less she would make even the slightest error.
Jiang Yu’e didn’t know these things. She seemed to especially love the sweet taste of fruit wine, drinking until her eyes were slightly flushed and her cheeks climbed with rosy color, showing some charm she didn’t usually have.
Just then, she heard Ji Shuran ask with a smile, “Li’er, why don’t you try this apricot blossom wine?”
Jiang Li looked up to see Ji Shuran naturally pick up the wine cup before Jiang Li and fill it to the brim. She smiled as she placed it before Jiang Li. “The apricot blossom wine in the palace is different from what’s brewed in our residence. The taste is sweeter and not intoxicating. For you young ladies, drinking more also has benefits.”
Jiang Li glanced at Ji Shuran. Ji Shuran smiled gently, but for some reason, Jiang Li suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if a voice in her heart was warning her—absolutely do not drink this cup of wine.
Jiang Li trusted her instincts. She said, “Thank you, Mother, but I cannot hold my liquor.”
“How is this alcohol? It’s really just sweet sugar water.” Ji Shuran smiled. “I noticed Li’er, you didn’t eat much tonight. In summer it’s easy to feel lethargic. Drink some apricot blossom wine to relieve the heat.”
Jiang Li’s heart jumped. Her gaze happened to glimpse not far away, Shen Ruyun talking with Madam Shen. Her heart startled. In an instant, some images flashed through her mind. Jiang Li suddenly knew where she had seen Ji Shuran’s expression before, why Ji Shuran’s gaze felt so familiar.
Ji Shuran’s expression—that kind of suppressing anticipation while pretending nonchalance, like a venomous snake lying in wait—wasn’t that exactly Madam Shen’s gaze at Madam Shen’s birthday banquet, and Xiao Deyin’s smile when urging her to drink!
In that instant, Jiang Li almost changed expression.
Although the suspicion came inexplicably, Jiang Li could almost certainly determine that Ji Shuran and her daughter’s scheme was just like those people at Madam Shen’s birthday banquet—they wanted her reputation utterly ruined!
From a minor official’s daughter to the Grand Chancellor’s daughter, reborn as a person, she had actually encountered the same scenario again.
In Jiang Li’s heart, she couldn’t say whether there was more anger or more absurdity. In the end, she only wanted to laugh coldly.
In her previous life, she suffered a tragic life because of this matter. Now a different group of people wanted to use the same old trick. Since it was so, she would deliberately not fulfill these people’s wishes!
Jiang Li looked at Jiang Youyao and smiled. “Third Sister hasn’t drunk this wine either.”
“Youyao cannot touch anything made with apricot blossoms,” Ji Shuran said. “Whenever she touches it, her whole body breaks out in red rashes. Though you see her not touching it at all, she’s probably quite envious in her heart.”
Jiang Youyao pursed her lips without speaking.
But Jiang Li knew clearly—Ji Shuran was truly foolproof. She probably feared some unexpected change midway would cause Jiang Youyao to mistakenly drink the wine and create trouble. She could even fabricate such a reason.
However, did Ji Shuran think that as long as Jiang Youyao didn’t drink, everything would be fine and go according to her wishes?
Then she was greatly mistaken.
Jiang Li smiled slightly and said indifferently, “Is that so? This is the first time hearing Third Sister cannot touch apricot blossoms. In that case, thank you, Mother.” She took the wine cup, using her sleeve to cover her face as she took a sip, then put it down.
More than half a cup remained.
Seeing this, Ji Shuran didn’t urge Jiang Li to drink the remaining half cup. She served Jiang Li more food, truly a gentle loving mother without a single fault to pick.
Jiang Li’s heart turned cold. She looked up toward the men’s table and happened to see Ye Shijie also being urged to drink. After all, Ye Shijie had just been appointed to a capital position today. Many people came to toast him. Ye Shijie had to drink some. This was originally unremarkable, but Jiang Li noticed that the wine-pouring eunuch was too attentive.
There were so many young gentlemen, yet that eunuch only hovered around Ye Shijie. Clearly Li Lian and Li Jing were also nearby, Zhou Yanbang was also nearby, Shen Yurun was also nearby. The eunuch should at least attend to the people around him somewhat, but he only focused on Ye Shijie.
Actually, at palace banquets for so many years, with toasting and drinking at the tables, no one would pay attention to a minor eunuch’s behavior. But Jiang Li happened to notice. In her childhood following Xue Huaiyuan, when Xue Huaiyuan handled official business, he occasionally taught her—the more complex the situation, the more one must pay attention to details.
This insignificant detail, seen by Jiang Li at this moment, finally made everything clear to her.
So that’s how it was. The “illicit lover” Ji Shuran and her daughter arranged for her was Ye Shijie.
Both emotionally and rationally, it seemed very appropriate. Ye Shijie and she were cousins, so they already had a relationship. When she helped Ye Shijie out of a predicament on the street, it could be transformed into a symbol of private affection. Of course, young men and women admiring each other wasn’t a major matter. But doing something disgraceful at a palace banquet and being caught—that was a great offense.
As a woman, her reputation would surely be completely ruined, and all efforts at the Mingyi Hall examination would go down the drain. And Ye Shijie, having just been appointed a capital official and then behaving so basely, who knew how the furious Emperor Hongxiao would punish him. At the very least, Ye Shijie’s official career would end here.
The Ye family and she would deepen their resentment. Married would be resentment, not married would also be resentment. In short, she and Ye Shijie—this lifetime would be ruined.
What thorough calculations indeed!
Jiang Li’s gaze turned sharp. But she immediately lowered her head. When she raised it again, her smile was still as pure and uncontentious as at the beginning.
Jiang Youyao turned her head and suddenly saw the wine cup before Jiang Li was now empty. She froze for a moment and said unconsciously, “When did you drink it all?”
“Mm,” Jiang Li answered. “It was sweet and delicious, so I drank it all. However, one mustn’t drink too much. One cup is enough.” She smiled.
Ji Shuran’s heart settled down.
On the other side, Jiang Yu’e had just put down her wine cup.